How to File a Complaint Against a Government Agency in California

This page is designed for regular people. You do not need to be a lawyer. You do not need to know legal language. You just need to know what happened and where to go.

If you believe a government agency or official has violated your rights around public meetings, public records, or free speech, the steps below will help you take action in a clear and effective way.

Step 1: Identify the Issue

Start by figuring out what type of problem you are dealing with. Most complaints fall into one of these categories:

Public Records
You requested public records and were ignored, delayed, overcharged, or denied without a valid reason.

Public Meetings (Brown Act)
A meeting was not properly noticed, held behind closed doors, limited public comment, or decisions were made without transparency.

Free Speech or Censorship
You were removed from a meeting, blocked from commenting, had posts deleted, or were restricted from expressing your views in a public forum.

Knowing the category helps you go to the right place for help.

Step 2: Gather Your Information

Before contacting anyone, collect the basics. You do not need a formal case. Just be organized.

Try to gather:

  • Dates and times

  • Location or meeting name

  • Names and titles of officials involved

  • Emails or written responses

  • Screenshots or documents

  • A short description of what happened

Write it out in plain language. Imagine explaining it to a neighbor.

Proofread thoroughly and have someone you trust, or who might be involved in your complaint, proofread it for you. Check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, line spacing, is the font uniform throughout the document?, etc. You only get one opportunity to make a first impression. Recommendation: Run your written work through Grammarly - https://www.grammarly.com/ 

Step 3: Contact the First Amendment Coalition (FAC)

The First Amendment Coalition is one of the best resources in California for government transparency and free speech issues.

They do not usually represent people in court, but they do provide free guidance, explain your rights, and help you understand your options.

Best Place to Start: The Legal Hotline

If your issue involves public records, meetings, or access to government information, start with the FAC Legal Hotline.

https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/legal-hotline/

You can:

  • Ask questions

  • Get help meeting deadlines

  • Learn whether your rights may have been violated

  • Understand next steps

The hotline is especially helpful if something is time sensitive.

Step 4: Filing a Brown Act Complaint (Public Meetings)

If your issue involves a violation of the Brown Act, here is the general process:

  1. Document the violation clearly

  2. Send a written demand to the agency asking them to cure or correct the violation

  3. If the agency does not respond or refuses, the next step may involve court action

FAC provides clear, step by step guidance on this process and explains when legal action may be appropriate.

You can read their full explainer here: How to file a Brown Act complaint https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/asked-and-answered/how-to-file-a-brown-act-complaint/

Step 5: Other Types of Civil Rights Complaints

If your issue involves discrimination in areas like employment or housing, this is handled through a different agency.

In California, those complaints are typically filed with the California Civil Rights Department. Complaints can usually be submitted online or by mail.

FAC can help you understand whether your issue fits this category, but they do not handle these cases directly.

Key Resources

First Amendment Coalition Website
https://firstamendmentcoalition.org

First Amendment Coalition Email
FAC@firstamendmentcoalition.org

First Amendment Coalition Explainers and Guides
https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/resources/explainers/

Mailing Address
534 Fourth Street, Suite B
San Rafael, CA 94901

Important Things to Know

  • First Amendment Coalition provides guidance and education, not guaranteed legal representation

  • Some complaints have strict deadlines

  • For serious or complex situations, you may need to consult an independent attorney

  • Being calm, organized, and factual greatly improves your chances of being taken seriously

Final Thought

Holding government accountable is not about being loud. It is about being clear, informed, and persistent.

This process exists so regular people can participate in democracy. You have the right to ask questions, attend meetings, and expect transparency.

If something feels wrong, it is worth checking.