LEGAL

Privacy Policy

How we collect, use, protect, and manage your information

Last updated: December 4, 2024

Introduction

Welcome to LawCite ("we," "our," or "us"). We provide legal research tools specifically designed for law enforcement professionals. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services at lawcite.app.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your research activities.

By using LawCite, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

01 — Information We Collect

Account Information

Email address
Display name (optional)
Password (encrypted by Auth0)
Agency name, state, rank/title (optional)

Research Data

Search scenarios you submit
Legal cases you view
Research results and analyses
Jurisdiction preferences
Saved searches and search history

Automatic Information

IP address
Browser type and version
Device type and operating system
Pages visited and features used
Login timestamps

02 — How We Use Your Information

Provide Services: Process searches, save history, manage your account
Improve Services: Analyze usage to develop new features
Communicate: Send service updates, respond to support requests
Security: Prevent fraud, enforce terms, protect against abuse
Legal Compliance: Comply with laws and legal processes

03 — How We Share Your Information

✓ We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

Service Providers

We share data with trusted service providers:

Auth0

Authentication and user management

Stripe

Payment processing (PCI compliant)

Anthropic

AI analysis (data not retained after processing)

Railway & Vercel

Secure hosting infrastructure

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, court order, subpoena, or legal process. We will notify you unless prohibited by law.

04 — Data Security

Technical Safeguards

Encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
Encryption at rest for sensitive data
Secure password hashing (bcrypt via Auth0)
Strict access controls
Regular automated backups

Important: No system is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

05 — Data Retention

Active Accounts

Account information: Retained indefinitely
Search history: Retained indefinitely (you can delete anytime)
Usage logs: Retained for 2 years

Deactivated Accounts

If you deactivate your account:

All data is retained
You can reactivate anytime with identity verification

Deleted Accounts

If you permanently delete your account:

Your account and all personal data are deleted immediately
All search history is permanently erased
Stripe subscription is cancelled

This action cannot be undone.

Exception: Some financial transaction records may be retained by Stripe for up to 7 years as required by tax and financial regulations.

06 — Your Rights and Choices

Access Your Data

View your account information and search history anytime through Settings. Request a data export by contacting privacy@lawcite.app.

Correct Your Data

Update your profile and preferences through Settings. Contact privacy@lawcite.app to correct any inaccuracies.

Delete Your Data

You have two options:

Deactivate: Reversible, all data retained (Settings → Security → Deactivate Account)
Permanently Delete: Irreversible, all data erased (Settings → Security → Permanently Delete Account)

Opt-Out of Marketing

Manage email preferences in Settings or use unsubscribe links in emails. Note: You cannot opt out of essential service emails.

07 — California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights:

Right to Know

Request what personal information we collect, how we use it, and who we share it with.

Right to Delete

Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal exceptions).

Right to Opt-Out of Sale

We do not sell your personal information.

Right to Non-Discrimination

You will not be discriminated against for exercising your CCPA rights.

To exercise these rights, email privacy@lawcite.app with "CCPA Request" in the subject line. We will respond within 45 days.

08 — European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area, UK, or Switzerland, you have rights under GDPR:

Right to Access: Obtain confirmation of what data we process
Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
Right to Erasure: Request deletion ("right to be forgotten")
Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in portable format
Right to Object: Object to processing for legitimate interests
Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time
Right to Lodge a Complaint: File complaint with data protection authority

To exercise these rights, email privacy@lawcite.app with "GDPR Request" in the subject line. We will respond within 30 days.

09 — Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to provide and improve our Services. For detailed information, see our Cookie Policy.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential: Session authentication, security (required)
Functional: Theme preference, jurisdiction settings (optional)
Analytics: Usage analytics, performance monitoring (optional)

Manage cookies through your browser settings or our Cookie Policy page.

10 — Children's Privacy

LawCite is designed for law enforcement professionals and is not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe a child has provided information to us, contact privacy@lawcite.app immediately.

11 — Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:

Email notification (at least 30 days before changes take effect)
Prominent in-app notice when you log in
Updated "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy

Your continued use after changes take effect means you accept the updated policy.

12 — Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy:

General Privacy Inquiries:

privacy@lawcite.app

Security Concerns:

security@lawcite.app

General Support:

support@lawcite.app

Response Time:

Privacy requests: Within 30 days (GDPR) or 45 days (CCPA)
Security concerns: Within 24 hours
General inquiries: Within 2-3 business days

Document Version: 1.0
Last Reviewed: December 4, 2024
Effective Date: December 4, 2024

This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other data protection regulations.