sjhipple
Regular Member
imported post
I just posted on a thread about a person wanting to file a document request and complaint and I tried to help him find the information he'll need to do that. I think this information will be helpful to ALL people who OC so here is the link to that thread. It includes a link to a page with copies of documents relating to a FOIA Request and complaint that had a positive outcome. (Here's a direct link to that page)
In addition, here is a listof webpages sorted by state for people wanting to file document requests. I think every state has a sunshine law, but each state is different so this page should be invaluable.
Putting these two resources together (the example of the Virginia OCer and the link to the list of state sunshine laws), any person in any state should have everything they need to handle a FOIA and complaint without an attorney. Just use the text of the Virginia FOIA with the reference to the state law you find in the list and you'll be set.
If you ever getdetained** for open carryingby a police officer for OCing, you should use the information contained in these links to file a FOIA request (aka "sunshine request") and formal complaint stating that the officer illegaly detained you. People in Virginia have had very positive outcomes from taking this route and we are mostly left unmolested by the polce now. We've taught them well
**Detention is when you are not free toleave and is temporary and usually lasts less than an hour(whereas an arrest lasts longer, leaves a record and is custodial). So it's always a good idea to ask "am I free to leave?" If the officer says yes, you are not being detained and no complaint letter is necessary. A positive (ie, legal) encounter with an officer where you are not detained or arrested for OC calls for a complimentary letter in my opinion, complimenting the officer for his knowledge of the law.
I just posted on a thread about a person wanting to file a document request and complaint and I tried to help him find the information he'll need to do that. I think this information will be helpful to ALL people who OC so here is the link to that thread. It includes a link to a page with copies of documents relating to a FOIA Request and complaint that had a positive outcome. (Here's a direct link to that page)
In addition, here is a listof webpages sorted by state for people wanting to file document requests. I think every state has a sunshine law, but each state is different so this page should be invaluable.
Putting these two resources together (the example of the Virginia OCer and the link to the list of state sunshine laws), any person in any state should have everything they need to handle a FOIA and complaint without an attorney. Just use the text of the Virginia FOIA with the reference to the state law you find in the list and you'll be set.
If you ever getdetained** for open carryingby a police officer for OCing, you should use the information contained in these links to file a FOIA request (aka "sunshine request") and formal complaint stating that the officer illegaly detained you. People in Virginia have had very positive outcomes from taking this route and we are mostly left unmolested by the polce now. We've taught them well
**Detention is when you are not free toleave and is temporary and usually lasts less than an hour(whereas an arrest lasts longer, leaves a record and is custodial). So it's always a good idea to ask "am I free to leave?" If the officer says yes, you are not being detained and no complaint letter is necessary. A positive (ie, legal) encounter with an officer where you are not detained or arrested for OC calls for a complimentary letter in my opinion, complimenting the officer for his knowledge of the law.