Government Agency Appeals & Disputes
Government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels make decisions every day that directly affect people's lives, businesses, and property. These agencies issue licenses and permits, administer benefits programs, enforce regulations, and establish rules that govern entire industries. When an agency makes a decision that is wrong, unfair, or not supported by the law, the people and businesses affected by that decision have the right to challenge it.
At Justly Prudent, we help individuals and organizations navigate the often confusing world of government agencies and administrative proceedings. Whether you need to appeal a denied benefit, defend a professional license, challenge an agency's enforcement action, or participate in a regulatory proceeding, our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to guide you through the process. We understand that dealing with government agencies can be frustrating and intimidating, and we work to make the process as clear and manageable as possible for our clients. We handle administrative law matters across Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, Florida, and Massachusetts.
Contact us to discuss your specific situation with a knowledgeable civil litigation attorney.
Gov't Agency Appeals & Disputes Practice Areas
Administrative Procedures Act Challenges
The federal Administrative Procedure Act (APA) governs how federal agencies create rules and make decisions, and it gives individuals and organizations the right to challenge agency actions that are unlawful, arbitrary, or not supported by the evidence. When a federal agency issues a regulation that exceeds its authority, makes a decision without following required procedures, or takes action that is not based on sound reasoning, the APA provides a way to ask a federal court to review and overturn that decision. Many states have their own versions of the APA that apply to state agency actions. Our legal professionals help clients challenge improper agency actions through the administrative and judicial review processes provided by law. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and legal needs.
Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement Defense
Businesses and individuals who are subject to government regulations sometimes face enforcement actions when an agency believes they have violated applicable rules. These enforcement actions may include fines, penalties, cease-and-desist orders, or license revocations, and they can have serious financial and operational consequences. Our firm represents businesses and individuals who are facing regulatory enforcement actions and works to negotiate favorable resolutions, contest unjustified penalties, and ensure that the agency follows the proper legal procedures throughout the enforcement process. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and legal needs.
Administrative Hearings & Adjudications
Many government agencies resolve disputes and make decisions through administrative hearings, which are formal or informal proceedings conducted by administrative law judges or hearing officers. These hearings can determine issues such as eligibility for benefits, compliance with regulatory requirements, and the imposition of penalties. Administrative hearings have their own rules and procedures that are different from courtroom trials, and having an attorney who understands these procedures can make a significant difference in the outcome. Our firm represents clients in administrative hearings before federal and state agencies and works to achieve the most favorable result possible. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and legal needs.
Federal and State Public Record Requests
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and similar state open records laws give individuals the right to request access to records held by government agencies. These laws are a powerful tool for obtaining information about government operations, agency decisions, and the handling of specific cases. When an agency fails to respond to a FOIA request in a timely manner, improperly withholds documents, or charges excessive fees, the requesting individual may have the right to challenge the agency's response. Our firm helps individuals and organizations submit effective FOIA requests and, when necessary, challenges agency decisions to withhold records through administrative appeals and litigation. Contact us to speak with a knowledgeable legal representative about your public record request.
Administrative Appeals
When a government agency makes a decision that you disagree with (whether it is a denied benefit, a licensing action, a regulatory penalty, or any other adverse determination), you typically have the right to appeal that decision through an administrative appeals process before the agency itself, and in many cases, through the courts. Administrative appeals have strict deadlines and procedural requirements that must be followed, and missing a deadline can result in the loss of your right to appeal. We help clients understand their appeal rights, meet all applicable deadlines, and present the strongest possible case on appeal. Contact us today to discuss your specific administrative matter.
Regulatory Takings & Just Compensation
The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution prohibits the government from taking private property for public use without paying just compensation. A regulatory taking occurs when a government regulation restricts the use of private property to such an extent that it effectively amounts to a taking of the property, even though the government has not physically seized it. Examples include zoning regulations that eliminate virtually all economic use of a property, environmental regulations that prevent development, and other government actions that impose an unfair burden on property owners. Our firm represents individuals and businesses who believe their property has been taken or significantly devalued by government regulation and works to secure the just compensation they are entitled to receive. Contact us today to discuss your specific regulatory takings issue.