In June of 2015, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that an employee who takes an employer's confidential documents can face criminal prosecution. In the case, State v. Saavedra, a school board employee allegedly took confidential student files – some of which were the only copy – along with other documents that contained personal information about other individuals.
This ruling has clarified that it illegal for an employee to take:
This ruling has created a chilling effect on employees who believe their employer has violated anti-discrimination and whistleblower laws.
Many employers now resort to intimidation and scare tactics at the advice of their legal teams. When you are already facing unfair or illegal treatment at work, scare tactics might prevent you from blowing the whistle. Do not let that happen. You have several rights and protections. The employment lawyers at Green Savits are here to help see that those remain in place while we fight tirelessly to ensure that justice is served.
Document copies that the employee was entitled to see during their course of employment can be legally taken by employees. These include:
Documents lying around copiers, in garbage pails or in plain view on other employee's desks should not be taken.
If you are aware of a document that cannot legally be obtained by you, but may prove illegal conduct by your employer, please catalog it with the following information:
With this information, our employment lawyers can request the document during the discovery phase. If the document disappears, it infers the employer is hiding or destroying evidence.
If you need help with a whistleblower or any other type of employment case, the attorneys at Green Savits, LLC are here to listen to your story and provide you honest information about your options. We have extensive experience representing whistleblowers along with victims of discrimination in federal and state trial and appellate courts. Call (973) 695-7777 to schedule your complimentary consultation today.
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*No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. For Super Lawyers methodology, see www.superlawyers.com.