Offer to discuss your request with agency officials to avoid delays. Follow any denial with oral negotiations. Ask a records custodian if you can narrow a request to satisfy the custodian s concerns or reduce fees. Try to negotiate lower fees if necessary. Appeal an Adverse Decision Determine if an administrative appeal is available.
Some states allow, or even require, review by another public official before an appeal to a court.
Explain in detail why your request is, or ought to be, covered by the state open records law and why a denial is unlawful or unreasonable. Pursue a judicial appeal if necessary. If your request is important enough to you, it may warrant an appeal to a court. Seeking legal representation is best, but if you cannot afford an attorney, you may be able to pursue your own appeal. All evidence you have gathered will be important at this stage.