How to Write a FOIA Appeal Letter
What is a FOIA Appeal Letter?
A FOIA appeal letter is a letter sent to an agency of the United States government in order to request information that has been denied under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The letter is used to appeal a decision by the agency to withhold information or to request a fee waiver. It is important to remember that this letter needs to be written in a professional and polite manner in order to increase the chances of the appeal being successful.
Who Can Write a FOIA Appeal Letter?
Anyone who is seeking information from the government can write a FOIA appeal letter. This includes journalists, researchers, lawyers, and members of the public. It is important to note that the letter must be sent from a person or entity, not from an organization.
When Should a FOIA Appeal Letter Be Written?
A FOIA appeal letter should be written as soon as possible after the denial of the initial FOIA request. This is because the appeal process is time-sensitive, and the agency may need to respond to the appeal within a certain period of time. The letter should also be written in a timely manner to ensure that the agency has enough time to properly address the appeal.
What Should Be Included in a FOIA Appeal Letter?
When writing a FOIA appeal letter, it is important to include all relevant information so that the appeal can be addressed quickly and accurately. This includes the original request, the date of the denial, the reason for the denial, and any other evidence or information that may be relevant. It is also important to include contact information so that the agency can contact the sender if necessary.
How to Submit a FOIA Appeal Letter?
Once the FOIA appeal letter has been written, it should be sent to the agency that denied the request. The letter should be sent via certified mail so that the agency can confirm that it was received. It is important to keep a copy of the letter and all supporting documents in case the appeal needs to be reviewed by a higher authority.