Question 1

What is administrative law and when does it affect me?

Accepted Answer

Administrative law governs how Puerto Rico government agencies adopt regulations, issue licenses and permits, conduct investigations, and adjudicate disputes under the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act (Law 38-2017). It affects you whenever an agency denies a license, imposes a fine, or issues a decision touching your rights or business.

Question 2

How do I appeal a government agency decision in Puerto Rico?

Accepted Answer

A final agency order can typically be challenged by requesting reconsideration before the agency within 20 days and seeking judicial review before the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals within 30 days of notice of the final decision. These deadlines are strict and missing them usually ends the case, so engage counsel as soon as the decision issues.

Question 3

Do I need a lawyer for an administrative hearing?

Accepted Answer

Administrative hearings are less formal than court trials, but they create the evidentiary record that judicial review will later be limited to — testimony or documents you fail to present may be lost for good. An attorney can develop that record, cross-examine agency witnesses, and preserve legal objections for appeal.

Administrative Law Lawyers in Puerto Rico

José M. Sarró Pérez-Moris

Frequently Asked Questions — Administrative Law

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