Title: I need to sue my former company for at least $1.5 million.

Question:
It's a big aerospace company, so they've got it.

Happened 12 years ago, but the damage is still ongoing.

They put something into my background check so that I'd never get hired as a full time employee ever again.

No company will tell me what the bad thing is in my background check, they just make up an excuse not to hire me.  Since it's every company I interview with, it is a conspiracy by definition.

I've had my own background check done and it comes up clean.

There was one manager I interviewed with who tipped me off early on.  He said it was my background check and I might need to change my name.

$1.5 million is just my break even point for lost wages and benefits.  Probably sue for more, and maybe multiple companies.

This happened in Florida, but I now live in Alabama.

I've gone through the EEOC but dropped the case when my lawyer fucked up.   But, technically, it wouldn't be an EEOC matter, but I might be wrong.

I was working at the Kennedy Space Center as a software engineer.  Got an assignment to do a vulnerability study on a new computer system at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS.)  I found it vulnerable to hacking and put it in my report (TAR - Technical Analysis Report.)  When I tried to submit my report, my company buried my report, then they buried me. I was fired on false charges.  I have recently notified the Air Force of this and they are now conducting an investigation, although they say I won't be informed of the results.  I assume I can get the results under the FOIA.

I need a good, aggressive lawyer.  I just don't know how to find one, although I've contacted several.  How do I find one?

&#x200B;

Answer:
 Go to the Florida Bar website to find an attorney.

Also, consider talking to a therapist.


Title: Illegal or legal?

Question:
If i ordered an illegal substance off the deep web straight to a person and never held the product and was paid for the transaction + a fee I would charge. Am I criminally involved?
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer: Yes, as the transction is tied to you.


Title: [Ontario, Canada] My sisters employer is withholding pay because she changed jobs.

Question:
My sister recently informed me that she changed jobs and that her old boss is withholding 2 weeks of pay.

As she tells me, she gave verbal notice for a while, as well as a written two week notice. The final two weeks were filled with her employer trying to convince her not to leave. They were a very small place, and she received less than she deserved for just the role she had, let alone the fact that she wore many additional responsibilities.

On her last day, she told her boss and the owner of the establishment that it was her last day and that she would not be coming in. She also had the receptionist pack up a few of her things in a small box while she did her final shift.

Cut to now, about a week later and she recently received an email from her boss stating

>You were absent from work Monday, unnannounced. You are in violation of your employment contract, which clearly states a written 4 week notice is required prior to termination.

I believe there were also details about some things she left at the office and that she should "not communicate with any staff members" when she returns to get them.

Her boss is notorious for underpaying her, paying her late (regularly), understaffing, etc. so this behaviour didn't surprise her.

What's the situation here? I haven't read her contract, but if it really does say she required a 4 week written notice, is she out for the money she's owed?

Answer:
 She has to be paid for all hours worked. He is not allowed to make any deductions from her paycheque without her consent (other than those required by law, like EI, CPP, etc).

If her employer wants to pursue damages for not giving sufficient notice then he has to sue her for it. Whether he would win is another matter.

She can contact the ministry of labour for assistance.


Title: [TX] Retrieving personal property from unresponsive party

Question:
Nasty situation - a relative has decided to cut off all communication with the rest of my family, but still has has several items of personal property of both mine and my mom's: house keys (both mine and mom's), some old college textbooks (mom's), a few tools (mom's), and a set of equipment for making a specific type of flatbread (mom's).  This relative told my mother 3 months ago  "I never want to hear from you again," and my mother has complied with this demand.

While I recieved no such demand to cease contact, it was obvious that they were attempting to avoid me - while trying to get to the bottom of the sudden anger from this person, I discovered that they have blocked my phone number and possibly email as well (they all went unanswered, perhaps diverted to spam.  Seeing the futility of trying to reconcile, I asked for my keys back, as well as my mom's things, since this relative has stated they do not want to hear from my mom.  Surprisingly, I got a response back denying that they had my housekeys - which is untrue because they watched our house and cats while we were on vacation over the summer - but that if it is such a concern then I need to change my locks.  I also have text messages where, before we left on vacation, I asked if they had a key and received a "Yes" response.  They also stated that if my mom wants her stuff back, then she needs to ask for it back directly, despite telling her that they never wanted to hear from her again, which my mom has complied with.  To top it all off, this person lied and stated that I had been told "numerous times" to stop all contact and any further contact would be considered harassment and the "necessary steps to make it stop will be taken."

I certainly don't want to cross the line into harassment, but I do want to recover these items.  The stuff that belongs to my mom is irreplacable - the flatbread equipment belonged to her grandmother, and the books (at least those particular versions/printings) are difficult to come by.

If one were to send a certified letter, there's always the chance of it being refused.  The next step would be small claims court, I'm guessing.  Are there any other options available?

Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 You're correct.  Send a certified letter demanding the return of your property.  If they refuse, then you can sue them in small claims court for the value of the items, plus court costs.  Small claims courts don't usually have the power to order "specific performance", like a court order to return the specific flatbread equipment that your relative possesses; they generally just order monetary damages to be paid.

If you're hardcore about this, you could go to superior court and sue them and get a court order for the return of those particular items, but you'd need an attorney.

Edit: Change your locks. The relative may have sold copies to all the methheads in town.


Title: Client cancelled contract 3 months in to a 6 month contract 'with immediate effect' - help please

Question:
[UK]  My client had cancelled our contract 3 months into a 6 month contract 'with immediate effect'.

I am a limited company (just me at the company!).

I held up everything on my end of the contract in terms of deliverables. There are no other terms which allow them to cancel.

At a meeting I had with them last week, they told me they had fired their marketing department, whom I was liasing with, saying that they would get back to me as to who I should be in contact with from there on.

I can see why they have cancelled, they do not have the resources to continue receiving my services - however I can still deliver without speaking with their department.

Their CEO was the one who signed the 6 month contract, he is also the one that has emailed me to tell me they are cancelling.

I have been unable to speak with him on the phone,  but said I will try again tomorrow - letting them know their contract ends next year and that I'd like to speak to hear their reasons for cancelling and to come to an arrangement.

All could work itself out - I am happy to put it on hold if we both agree, but cancelling would out me in a bad position so would like to be prepared if it went sour.

Any help would be much appreciated.
Topic:
Contracts

Answer:
 You can treat their statement that they _have_ cancelled the contract as a request _to_ cancel the contract. Absent termination clauses in the contract itself or a specific overriding law, there are only a few reasons they'd be able to unilaterally terminate it:

* The contract is _literally impossible_ to fulfil. I'm going to assume the contract is a fairly straightforward exchange of work for money, here; performance on their part will be paying you the agreed amount, which they're presumably still able to do.

* You and the other party share a common mistake in the contract (for example, if you both agreed to work on a specific building, and later realize the contract should have been for work on a different building).

* You commit fraud or misrepresentation.

* You have breached the terms of the contract.

_Based on what you've posted_, I don't think any of the above apply. You and your client can, obviously, come to a mutual agreement to terminate the contract early, but they can't simply exit it. If you're still able to provide the deliverables set out in the contract, they should still be on the hook for whatever consideration the contract sets out (eg. your paycheque), even if those deliverables are no longer of any use to them.

Get a lawyer. If they're already avoiding talking to you, assume you'll end up having to sue them to enforce the contract.


Title: Witness testimony question

Question: Suppose a possible offense commited by person A is relevant information in prosecuting a separate offense commited against person A by person B.  If person A,  while acting as a witness, admits to the offense in court during the trial of person B,  can the admission made in this context be used later in a separate legal proceeding against person A?

Answer:
 > If person A, while acting as a witness, admits to the offense in court during the trial of person B, can the admission made in this context be used later in a separate legal proceeding against person A?

In the US: Yes, with a very large "but" attached to it.

Broadly, person A could withhold that testimony. Under the fifth amendment, no person can be required to admit to a crime, even in an unrelated proceeding. If the case against person B relies on person A's testimony, and person A pleads the fifth, the prosecution would generally offer person A an immunity deal. With immunity, person A can be _compelled_ to testify… but their testimony is no longer admissible against them. Even if the prosecution goes back on the immunity deal, person A can have their testimony struck in proceedings related to the crime they confessed to.

However, if person A unwisely admits to the whole thing, without an immunity deal in place, their testimony is admissible in other cases.


Title: Hating Helicopters?

Question:
Hi, so to start out with, we live in a very touristy spot. Right now, there is a motorcycle Rally going on that rhymes with PURGES and so, this brings up my subject. A friend of mine purchased a beautiful ranch many years back and a few years ago, a helicopter touring company opened up and started buzzing their place to get to this tourist destination. They have complained to the County, but the County told them "tough".

&#x200B;

Here's my absolutely weird question: If they were to put up reflective yard decorations (like, those mirrored gazing balls, shiney things, etc) to deter these helicopters, would that be legal? One of my other friends has a garden full of those ball-things and that was my first thought...

&#x200B;

Picture of my favorite Rally visitor ever...

Answer:
 You can't purposely interfere with an aircraft. On the other hand, shiny decorations probably won't have the effect you think they will. So you wouldn't be breaking any laws or deterring any flyovers.

I suggest a giant unmistakable penis. Maybe a few F-bombs. Fairly quickly the tour companies will find a new flight path.Answer #2: are you asking if it's legal to put something in their yard that would potentially cause a helicopter pilot to crash, likely killing himself and his occupants?

or are you asking if helicopter pilots are like birds?Answer #3: Your friend doesn't own the airspace over his ranch so helicopters are free to pass over it. Putting up objects that create hazardous flight conditions are a great way to get a visit from a government organization that really enjoys "fuck around and find out."

Putting up rude signs would be perfectly legal.


Title: Girlfriends mother is going to accuse me of statutory rape if my girlfriend doesn’t move with them.

Question: Sorry about the bad title and incorrect flair usage. I’m just not sure how to go about this situation. So basically my(M18) girlfriend(17) and I have had casual sex occasionally under the permission of her parents and recently my gf learned that her family would be moving out of state. Gf has a scholarship and everything to a college here and wishes to stay, her mother does not approve of this and threatens to accuse me of statutory rape if she does not go with them. She will be 18 before they move, I live in Utah. What should I do?

Answer:
 It's an empty threat - while Utah's age of consent is 18, a minor over the age of 16 can consent if their partner is no more than 10 years older than her and not in a position of authority. You have not committed a crime, and a police report alleging statutory rape would go nowhere.

Threatening to report crimes - fictitiously or not - in order to coerce people is a crime in its own right, and you could make a police report about it. I'm skeptical it'll go anywhere, given that your girlfriend's parents have control over where she goes anyways until she turns 18, but it's up to you.

Personally, I'd block mom, tell the girlfriend you're here for her, and wait it out. She'll be able to move out and cut her mother off shortly.


Title: [VT] parents holding my money, need to pay speeding ticket

Question:
I'm 17 years old, I have my driver's license and a job. recently my parents decided to start taking my paychecks to save. I got a speeding ticket and they won't give me the money to pay it off. what do I do?

Edit: my parents are good people they aren't trying to screw me over here, they're just worried I'm taking the money to spend on weed or something. They just really can't be convinced that I actually got a ticket, they won't even look at the 2 carbon copies I have or the letter from the local police department intended to notify them.

I wound up asking my employer for a paper check like you guys suggested, they said yes they would be able to give me a physical check tomorrow which I will cash and buy a money order with and mail to the state. Thanks guys.

Answer: You might want to get a credit report as well, to see if they have applied for credit cards in your name. Sorry to say this might just be a sign of worse things.


Title: [Florida] getting sued by my gym!

Question: well as the title states, the gym I used to go to is suing me. I have no clue what to expect or what I can do! I have mediation coming up at the end of the month. According what I've read in the paperwork I owe $1124.00 and I believe they are trying to collect attorney fees as well. Last year I signed up for a gym and set up reoccurring payments on my credit card. My accounts where later hacked and my bank closed all of my accounts including my credit card, theyre still closed as well. I also moved two hours away during last year. I haven't worked since May of last year. I am currently not working however, may be getting a part time job this week. Some basic questions are what should I expect during mediation? If I come with a check for say $500 and say this is literally all I have can I settle it right then and there if they agree? I am a single mom and on Medicaid, can this be affected? If I get this part job will they garnish my wages? What if I don't end up working? Thank you

Answer: You can offer a settlement, we can't tell you if they will accept it. This will not effect your Medicaid. They potentially could garnish. If you never work, and they are successful in getting a judgment, they have other methods of collecting. Settlement is the best option given you realize you owe.


Title: I've learn some shady things about my job, now I fear for my career. (TN)

Question:
Hello. I am a hairstylist of a barely known failing franchise. I've started my stylist career in October. I am the third youngest graduate in my beauty school, and I am the youngest employee in all stores my owner owns. I am feeling singled out because of my young age, and that I am new to this career and still learning.

My previous manager was caught stealing a large sum of money from our store. I have since cut complete ties to her. After this came to light, a new manager and overseer was appointed. The overseer is constantly making passive aggressive comments to me. I asked how my client was doing, they said "tired" and I laughed and said "me too." I was given a verbal lashing for admitting I was tired, as this was making the "company look bad." I apologized. Things like that repeatedly occur, and I am constantly told I don't care about my career, and spoken to like a child.
My overseer demanded we installed an app on our phone so we may always be connected. We are suppose to say good morning, and good night and send each other emojis all day. Even on our days off. I am a believer in that my time off is my time off. And I don't think I should be forced to socialize off the clock. I was told that clearly I don't care about succeeding as a team. Recently the drawer was short money, and being as I thought the app was for commiuncation, I posted that there was nothing to worry about, that something was just forgotten to be put in, and that it wasn't actually short.

My manager sent be several petty texts throughout the night. "Lmao you think you can show me out in front of everyone?" "You think you're real cute with this shady shit lmao we'll see who the company chooses."

I called her. She chewed me out. Apparently the overseers saw this as me trying to undermine my new manager, and me trying to make her look bad in front of the crew. I explained this was not the case, and I apologized for the way it was taken. My manager told me the overseer was planning to fire or force out every person that worked under the previous manager. That the overseer wanted a fresh start with a brand new crew. Apparently from now on if I'm asking too many questions to my manager, if I make a mistake on a client, even if I immediately ask for someone, or if I'm demanding too much attention, I am to be written up each time. 20 minutes later the manager called me back and apologized for screaming at me like she did and promised she wouldn't write me up, and only mentioned the overseers wish to write me up because she was mad at me.

Now today is my day off. My hours have been cut from 30 per week to 14. My manager called me to let me know I'm on thin ice according to the overseer. I've never had an important complaint, and I've never had a client ask for a refund. Other people at my salon has, and nothing gets said to them. Meanwhile I'm on thin ice, because the overseer thinks I am too young for this career, and she claims I'm not improving my skills any. And as always, I don't care about my career. This is untrue according to my previous manager, current, and coworkers. The overseer comes for like 3 hours once a month. Spends 8 minutes with me, and assumes this. According to my manager, I am likely to be fired, and due to my poor skills the overseer wants to ensure I don't have any other job to go to, and that I end my stylist career.

We do have an HR rep. The problem is my company has proven many times to be untrustworthy. I worry if I am to file a complaint with my HR or even the owners, my complaint and my name will be given to the overseer, and I would be fired.

How do I go about reporting that this woman is trying to pull nefarious tactics to have me lose my job, and telling others that she's planning to rid me based on a previous manager. If I report to my HR, how can I be sure to remain anonymous? Is HR allowed to out me for filing a complaint? Is this even something I'm reasonably allowed to file about? What can I do to insure I don't lose my job for reasons I don't deserve losing my job for?

Thank you.

Answer:
 HR is not there to protect you, they are there to protect the company. All of your fears may be founded that they would inform her and they could do so legally as nothing you are talking about is protected. You really can't ensure you won't lose your job. There really isn't much recourse since Tennessee is an at will state. They can let you go for any and all of those reasons including not liking you as long as that isn't based on your membership in a protected class or not liking that you worked with a previous manager.

 The one bright spot is that with your hours being cut, you can file for unemployment as that is a form of dismissal recognized by unemployment. Your best bet is to file for unemployment and find another job. If the overseer starts blackballing you using from the industry using untrue statements, you can see about filing a lawsuit about defamation.


Title: My former employer is trying to sue my over workman comp.

Question:
Okay backstory time:
I was at work about a year ago and was pregnant at the time. A nine year old autistic kid fell on my stomach and I was worried so I called my OBGYN from work and asked if I should come in. The nurse told me to go to the hospital immediately and have them check me out. I told my boss I was leaving to go to the hospital and she said (when she thought I couldn't hear her) that I was, "Being a baby." I then went to the hospital and because it happened at work the registration nurse told me to file it under workman's comp. So I did.
Fast forward to today when my ex roommate calls me and told me a lawyer showed up and told her I was being sued by my ex employer over the hospital bill. Apparently there was a hearing I didn't know about and now we are going to court. All the mail for this is sitting three hours away at my old apartment with my ex roommate. I didn't know anything about it until today. What are my options here?

(Also I live in The United States, she is in Missouri I live in Illinois.)

Answer: This is why updating your forwarding address is very important.


Title: My father is American, so am I eligible for American citizenship? (jus sanguinis)

Question:
Hey reddit,

so first of all I hope it’s not the wrong flair, I don’t know, feel free to correct me.

So... it’s a difficult situation. My overall question is, am I eligible to apply for American citizenship?

I am under 18 years old, born out of wedlock to an American father and a German mother. I am currently in Germany, have lived there all my life.

My father and me haven’t spoken in almost 2 years because we don’t get along, never have. I am currently under legal guardianship and live in a social security group home (my family is a mess). He said he never wants to hear from me again, even if it’s an emergency, so... I don’t know how cooperative he’d be if the American Consulate were to approach him about my birthright claim. (If I even have a claim.)

From what I know, my father has American citizenship as he has American heritage and was born and raised in America. About 30-20 years ago, he left the US for Germany, where he had my half bother, my other brother and me. He signed my birth certificate and has acknowledged me as his daughter on paper. I’ve seen it, so I know.

I don’t know whether he’s been to the US in recent years, to be honest. I’ve tried to read up on jus sanguinis and American birthright citizenship, but it was all very confusing.

No, he currently isn’t paying child support (to social services, it’s common here in Germany for parents to pay for their children’s group home if cps decide so) . Even when I lived with my mother, he didn’t pay child support because mother + child (me)  = father + child (my brother). He also doesn’t have legal guardianship, if that wasn’t clear.

So what are my chances? Do I have a claim?

Thanks in advance.
Topic:
Treaties and International Law

Answer:
 Yes, you have a very good claim. Do you know if he signed only a German birth certificate, or if he and your mother filed a Consular Report of Birth Abroad at the US embassy/consulate?

If a CRBA already exists, you are already a US citizen, and getting a US passport is an easy process. If he's only on the German birth certificate, you have a more difficult road, so that's the first order of business.


Title: My friend crashed a party bus in my name. Need Help! NH/ME

Question:
Throwaway for good measure.

Ok, ready for a good story? I'll try to keep this short. Our friends and I rented a party bus to a show. The show was about 2.5 hours away, and on the way there we had told the driver there was minors (as well as 21+), he said ok.. no alcohol, didn't ID anyone, didn't check backpacks, and let us on the bus. On the way their one of our friends girlfriends got sick. When we got to the show we convinced the driver to let our friends stay on the bus (against the contract rules). In the meantime when everyone was enjoying their time in the show, our friend had managed to climb into the drivers seat and move the bus up (allegedly) hitting a pole, the driver was not with the bus. The bus driver kicked off the couple, filed a report, and dipped out of town WITH the bus, leaving thirty kids, 19-22 in a cold city, with no wallets, backpacks, phones, meds, etc. (all on the bus.) Stranded. They also refused to let us pick up our stuff until we pick an option to pay for the damages.

OPTION 1: Go through their insurance (expensive)
OPTION 2: Cash (or card) so they can repair in house (no charges filed)
OPTION 3: Go to court to seek compensation.

It has been three days (four tomorrow) that the company has had the bus and the bus was never taken as evidence or impounded, it just left. We have been in contact with a manager of the company who told us to pick an option and we can go about getting the stuff off the bus. We were planning on going tomorrow. Our friends grandfather has told us that this is questionable business practices, and that since the bus was never held and it has been so long, all the stuff could have been placed there. He also called the owner (not manager) and the owner said he didn't know about it, but he has no plans on letting us on the property. Can anyone help me see what my options are?

*edit- there is still alcohol on the bus
Topic:
Alcohol Related Other than DUI

Answer:
 Everyone involved should go to the police station and file reports on their personal stolen items.
Its likely to weigh in your favor.


Title: Virginia Traffic Ticket, Indecent Exposure (public urination)

Question:
Driving down the highway yesterday I had to pee very bad and was stuck in a traffic jam. I pulled over and peed on the side of the highway. The cop saw me and pulled me over. He gave a traffic ticket to appear in traffic court. The charge was listed as"Indecent Exposure (Public Urination)"

I've been googling and I can't really find anything on this type of ticket. Is this a real indecent exposure ticket ? Or something else ?  It says indecent exposure which I know is a pretty significant charge in DC, but if that's the case why am I going to traffic court?

Any help or a legal reference would be appreciated. Law section listed is 18.2-387. Prince William county.

Answer:
 You're looking at a misdemeanor (a criminal charge). It'd be a good idea to consult an attorney.Answer #2: I'd consult an attorney, who may be able to plead down the charge. I know it's charged often as indecent exposure, but the text of the statute really seems like a stretch to charge public urination (if presumably you were trying to be discreet), which requires "an obscene display or exposure of his person, or the private parts thereof", with "obscene" further being defined as "has as its dominant theme or purpose an appeal to the prurient interest in sex". So your attorney might be able to argue that down.

Regarding "traffic" vs "criminal" court, Virginia doesn't have a "traffic" court, there is just a General District Court where all of those criminal and traffic offenses are heard. Some busier counties may separate the dockets by day/time but it's the same court.


Title: [NC] Married the love of my life, now the state is trying to tear us apart.

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 You're getting real bad at trolling dude, but the amount of time you spend creating these posts is really amazing. You must actually have no life at all, no friends, no girlfriend, no family, etc.

Next time though, try to switch up your style a bit more so it's not so obvious it's the same person posting.


Title: What to do if child's father tries to sue to get back child support he has paid?

Question:
Original: [https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/ah2c4v/can\_you\_sue\_to\_get\_back\_paid\_child\_support\_after/](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/ah2c4v/can_you_sue_to_get_back_paid_child_support_after/)

NC, US

The original and this update are the cliche "asking for a friend". Had to re-post because of the update to the story but the update posts aren't allowed comments.

My friend's ex has claimed he has found out he is not the bio father of her son. She has been served twice. One to stop the child support. The other to sue her for child support he has paid over the past.

She has contacted one family lawyer and was told the retainer fee is an amount she can not afford. What do people do in this situation?

I read in the wiki that "Links to non-for-profit or governmental organizations are acceptable". Do those exist for these situations?

Shopping around seems to charge for time so what would one do for this?

Answer:
 > What do people do in this situation?

Attorney's fees vary pretty considerably, so she should keep asking around. Many will work on payment plans

Depending on her situation, she may qualify for free/low-cost services and may want to look into [legal aid](http://www.legalaidnc.org/)Answer #2: The more she had reason to suspect this was not his kid, the more dicey her situation is. If there was reason to believe it likely wasn't and she hid that information, then her actions to seek support without determining paternity can be portrayed as fraudulent, though I don't know how successful such an attempt would be. She needs legal aid. She also needs to identify the actual father and start getting support and arranging custody.


Title: I'm an artist that needs a standard legal agreement to send to the owner of a company that wants to license my artwork but I have no idea where to find one!

Question:
Location: Colorado, U.S.A

This is an amazing chance for me, so I really don't want to fuck it up.

I'm a digital artist that's selling her work over at one company, which is doing much better than I could ever have hoped /humblebrag, but then the other day I found this other company I became an instant fan of, so I reached out about licensing my artwork with them and the CEO himself said yes in less than 24 hours!

We've already agreed on terms, but then the CEO of the company asked for me to send him a standard agreement. I've filled a similar one out before for the other company, but that was one they sent to me, specifically for their company.

What standard agreement should I, an artist that will be letting a company stick her art on their products, get? Should it say anything in specific?

I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to ask. I just don't know who else to ask and one of my dreams is literally coming true before my eyes so I'm super excited but I want to be sure I do this right.

Note: I don't have a laywer or a business, but I'd like to eventually set up my own business or something like it in the near future. I'll most likely be back to bother you all about that too. =)
Topic:
Intellectual Property

Answer:
 First of all: you will want a local lawyer who specializes in small business contracts and/or licensing.

If you want to get this done quickly, which I do not suggest, you can use the former agreement as a base and retype everything into a new document and change the pertinent information.

Your best bet is to find a local lawyer. Start [here] (http://www.cobar.org/directory/). Good luck and congratulations!


Title: Nuremberg trials and the defense of “just following orders”

Question: So with the recent insurrection of the U.S. capital I’ve seen a lot of news outlets interviewing protesters after turning themselves in saying things like, “I love this country, I’m a patriot” “I did nothing wrong I was just following the crowd of my fellow patriots” or my favorite “trump told me to do it”. My question is how well does the defense of “I was just following orders” works in 2021. And before I get dog piled with hate, I don’t mean for this to be a political post in where people think I’m equating Trump supporters to early Nazis or whatever but where is the line? Maybe some supporters got caught up in hype, there is a huge possibility that a lot of them were misinformed or simply ignorant to the world around them. I don’t know, but what I would like to know is just saying “I’m sorry” or using the “I was just doing what I was told” or “I was just following the crowd” defense works in all these cases?

Answer:
 A major element of the argument by high-ranking Nazi functionaries was that they didn't have a choice because they had an obligation under German's leadership structure to follow those orders, and/or felt unsafe refusing the orders. The international courts found that that did not justify genocide and that the people involved were individually responsible for their choices.

ICC decisions do not establish precedent in national or state courts,  but the reasoning used by the ICC is compelling.

None of the people arrested for insurrection in the capitol have that defence. The public are not obligated to do what the president asks, nor were they in any meaningful danger from the government if they refused or ignored it. Everyone who heard Trump's speech and decided to invade the capitol is, individually, responsible for their own decision to do so and for the acts they undertook following that decision.

The "I was just doing what I was told" defence won't fly. Nor will following the crowd.


Title: What's going on during the jury duty selection?

Question: I've been waiting in the jury assembly room since 8:15.  No one has been called.  What's going on behind the scenes?

Answer: The ritual human sacrifice probably went long. Just be patient, they can’t proceed until Azathoth has been placated.


Title: 3rd ticket since I purchased new car. Should I Plea Nolo? HELP

Question:
First off let me start with saying this, I’m a 29 year old male had a spotless driving record until about 6 months ago when I purchased a 2009 C6 Z06. Since I’ve had this car I’ve come across a few issues, Almost all of them relating back to excessive SPEED and POLICE. While in Marshell, NC I revived a ticket for 95 in a 65. State trooper also charged me wreck-less driving. I hired a local NC attorney, paid only 500 bucks, she got the whole case thrown out. Zero points on my license. I was amazed. (They probably should have been harsher *did not learn lesson here) let’s not forget this is a Z06 vette we’re talking about. It has the 7.0 Ls7 engine and does 91 MPH in 6th gear crusing at 1900 RPM (almost an idle) A few days after this ticket I was visiting some family in Walton county GA. it’s pretty Raul area for the most part I’m driving back country roads and run across a police checkpoint. Once I approach and roll to a stop the cop checks ID and seatbelt, Before he proceeds to let me drive away another cop with his car facing the direction I was coming from steps out of his car and approached officer checking my ID and I hear him say “kid was hauling ass coming around corner before the checkpoint” officer comes back and informs me I was doing 78 in a 45. Talking about they will suspend my license for this, etc etc. only go on to write a ticket for 75 in a 45. Once again an attorney is hired, little more expensive then last but case was almost immediately thrown out. So now, this last week I was stopped in Henry county for a lousy 2o over on the interstate. 90 in a 70. I called a couple lawyers looking for representation or advice and had such a hard time getting a straight answer. So..

I currently have 0 points on my license, been stopped and ticketed 2x for speeding last 3 months. Pretty sure only the NC ticket is on the record and is documented as 9 over. The Walton incident was tossed completely out. Now In Henry county it looks like there isn’t a thing I can do to get this ticket dropped to no points on my driving record. So do I burn my Nolo on this ticket for 20 over or do I save it and wait for possibly a 30-40 over ticket that is nonexistent. Can I use a Nolo for a ticket that much over limit?  Thanks for the help!

Answer:
 Sell the Corvette. buy a Kia Rio, and hire a lawyer. You're not responsible enough to own that car. Answer #2: It is actually possible to drive any car while obeying the speed limits. You should do that. Or keep racking up tickets until you go broke.

Here is what good drivers do:  as soon as you enter a road look for a speed limit sign. Take note of the speed limit. Frequently compare that number to your indicated speed on your speedometer. Your speedometer should read equal to or less than the speed limit. You might have to use your brakes to adjust your speed downward. For a car like yours it will often seem like you are going stupidly slow. That is too bad. Answer #3: You should sell that car to hire a lawyer.


Title: This is a short one. How is it not assault, if you blair an airhorn within inches of someone's face? like at a protest and the such. Maybe it is, but I never see police do anything about it.

Question: I'm in Oregon

Answer:
 Criminal statutes aren't as open to interpretation as civil causes of action.

You didn't list a jurisdiction, so we can't compare the air horn scenario to the elements and jury instructions, but in many jurisdictions, assault requires touching or contact. If touching or contact is an essential element of the offense, there's no "well this is just as bad" or "well it's kinda sorta like touching" or "the horn moved air and the air touched them," it just doesn't work that way. There may be other offenses they may have committed, but charges based on facts that fail to involve an essential element will just be dismissed on motion.


Title: [TX] Found out as an adult non-custodial father was video taping entire house including my bedroom as a child and had lied about it in court during custody case.

Question:
I’m currently 26 years old, married, female, and a resident of California. I have just recently found out my father (Texas resident, issues to be discussed all occurred in Texas) has finally admitted to my twin brother that he has had video cameras (At this point in time assuming video only, I do not know if they have audio but might) in all rooms of his house, including children’s’ (aka my and my siblings) and guests’ bedrooms.

This raises three issues for me:
1) He did not disclose this growing up, even after I asked him about it because I had suspicions as a kid. This means he recorded me completely nude, masturbating, etc as a child and teenager from the ages of approximately 8-17 years old on weekends and Summers when he had visitation rights (my mom had full custody, she and I also lived in Texas at this time). I do not know if he keeps recordings, but based on how many hard drives he has and his general behaviors I would assume yes. Any other visits I have made as an adult would also have been recorded.
2) He was asked about cameras being in the house during a custody case he brought against my mother in around 2009-2010 and lied to the court that he did not have cameras;
3) I have had significant mental distress over the past years about being watched and fear of recordings combined with distrust of my own interpretation of reality because I had strongly believed there were cameras in the house (I had seen CCV images of his bedroom at least on his computer) but was told as a child I was imagining things and it wasn’t true by my father (now known to be a lie).

I’m more extremely frustrated, hurt, and concerned about the existence of videos of myself as a child and as an adult. I am wondering if there is any legal recourse or anything that can be done or said to address these past/current violations of my and others’ privacy and trust (current as cameras are still in use and he has his teenage son who is a minor living there along with guests who stay and do not know they are being recorded).

I feel he has committed perjury, is violating reasonable expectations to privacy, and if he has kept recordings of me or my brother(s), is in possession and has made child pornography. That said, I know the law is very lenient for cameras in your own home.

I would like to know 1) are there any laws he has or has potentially violated; 2) how do/can I legally  establish the burden of proof if I can address this in some way and 3) is there a way I can take legal actions to make him delete any and all recordings he has made of me.

Answer:
 If true, he violated a lot of laws. Even if the statute of limitations expired on some, if he still possesses the recordings that's child porn.

You really should call the cops where he lives. This is a criminal matter more than a civil one.


Title: (AR) Can I appeal a DUI conviction if I can prove that, instead of being impaired by pills, I was impaired by a previously unknown medical reason?

Question:
I know this is probably way too late but I just want to know my chances or if it's even possible.

Around two years ago I got pulled over for swerving and driving erratically. I passed my breathalyzer but failed my heel to toe so they took me to the station and impounded the car. They urine drug tested me and I had Klonopin in my system. However they did not blood test me so there is no way to prove when I took the Klonopin and how much of it was in my system at the time of arrest.

I ended up taking a plea because I saw the video from the cops camera of me driving and I figured I had no chance to fight it because I was driving extremely erratically and it did seem like I was under the influence of something.

I am just now finding out that the reason that I was driving like that and feeling the way that I was and couldn't pass my heel to toe, it's because I have multiple sclerosis and at that moment when I was driving, I was having a Ms attack.

I did find out shortly after I pled out that I had Ms but this weekend I had a Ms attack, went to the ER for it and they definitely confirmed that is what was happening to me this weekend. Then I realized that all of what I was experiencing is exactly how I was feeling that day when I was driving erratically like that.

With this new information that I have a lot of medical proof of, do I have any chance at all of appealing this DUI conviction?
Topic:
DUI

Answer:
 Do you have proof that this is definately the reason you were swerving and pulled over?

And how long did the MS attack last?Answer #2: Accepting a plea deal almost always requires that you waive your right to appeal.  The courts do not want to be bogged down with 'buyers remorse' cases where people take a deal and then change their mind later (often after they believe key witnesses or evidence may no longer be available.)

There is really *no way* you're going to successfully get it reconsidered without the help of a lawyer, so that's your first step.  I wouldn't be optimistic.

It's also of note, though I haven't read through the Arkansas statutes, that in many states - the DUI statute doesn't require that they prove you were on something, it's sufficient to prove that you were impaired in a way that keeps you from safely operating a vehicle, and it sounds like that may well have been the case, so you actually may still check off the elements for a DUI conviction, depending on the wording.


Title: I've been living with my GF for almost 4 years now. She's been a student for most of that time. She refuses to work any type of part-time job that can substantially contribute to the rent + utilities. What are my legal rights in this matter?

Question:
* We are both on the lease. The lease only includes rent, trash pickup and water (paid quarterly).

* She claims since there was never a verbal or written agreement between the two of us, that she doesn't owe me anything for rent and utilities.

* She is a full-time student, 4.0 GPA, in a degree program that I know she will have an extremely difficult time making any decent money in. So she works less than 20 hours a week, usually far less at about 11-12. She gives me "75%" of what she makes. She blatently tells me she has no interest in getting more work to help me out with, since it's "not my [her] problem".

* Things are getting tight right now and she's claiming that even if I  suggested to her that she should get more work to help me out, that she "doesn't give a shit" and "Shouldn't" since we never verbally or contractually agreed.

* My argument is that we are both on the lease and we both owe that minimum of rent and water, split in two. Her arguement is that I "brought" her to another city to live, and that because of that, she owes me nothing.

* We live in New York State.

On a personal note, I make $40,000 a year, lot's of student loans and credit and I'm on a very aggressive debt payoff plan, I am freelancing 3 gigs on the side in web design and online marketing, and I am also trying to start a business. A lot of what makes me ask this question for advice is that I feel I have the right to ask, whom is technically a roomate that shares the lease with me to pull their weight to help me out. In me doing so, it's caused massive stress, anxiety and turmoil.

Has anyone encountered a situation like this?
What are my options? (In so far as, what direction should I go in terms of settling this issue)

Who is 'right' and who is 'wrong'? (I understand this is just an advice forum, and I am not seeking legal counsel, but I am just trying to get a gauge here.)

I hope this doesn't turn into a woman-bashing fest in the comments thread.

Answer:
 Honestly, this is probably more of an issue for /r/relationships

Good luck. Answer #2: She doesn't owe you anything, the lease makes you both liable to the landlord. You both owe the landlord the funds due.

>Who is 'right' and who is 'wrong'? (I understand this is just an advice forum, and I am not seeking legal counsel, but I am just trying to get a gauge here.)

This is a relationship issue.

Do you realize how absolutely insane it is that you are dating someone with whom you have such poor communication you need her to legally be obligated to help support the household?

Even if you could, why would you ever be with someone who you needed to force to pitch in?

I mean damn dude. This is the craziest thing I have seen here in months. How you even considered posting here without breaking up with her is beyond me.


Title: I traded a car on Facebook and the trader wants his car back (SC)

Question:
I traded a 1991 Miata on Facebook marketplace for a 2004 Volvo S60 2.5t yesterday afternoon. I listed some of the very few issues wrong with the car. No ac, exhaust leak. I literally copied and pasted the description from the guy I bought it from but I changed a few things to make it nicer. This morning I wake up to about 30 missed calls and messages from the guy wanting his car back.  Here’s the issue.

In my car description I posted it had a minor exhaust leak. However he sent me picture of the exhaust being disconnected at one of the points. I never knew because the car wasn’t extremely loud and didn’t really affect the overall performance of the car. He’s saying it’s illegal for me to do that and he wants his car back now, but we’ve already signed titles and I’ve put this new car on insurance already. I even told him I would pay pal him $20 for them to re weld that pipe to go get it fixed because I was honestly unaware of that. Do I have any legal obligation here to trade back?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: You're fine. It was an honest error. It's up to you to trade back but I'd suggest offering 50% of the cost. If the hole is that big it's going to be more than a $20 fix.Answer #2: IANAL but I don’t think so. It’s the guys own fault for not checking under the hood/test driving before y’all completed all the paperwork


Title: Etsy Seller giving me the run-around for a month.

Question:
Posted this on r/Etsy, reposting here for additional advice, if there is any.

So back in June, I made a large order of clothing ($200+) to a reputable seller on Etsy. Had plenty of reviews, etc. It was stated many times on the buyer’s page that items could potentially take up to 8 weeks to ship since everything is handmade. Totally fine, as I didn’t need the clothing until late September. Well, late September came. So did October and now November. More reviews were slowly trickling in, so I assumed people were receiving their items, albeit very slowly.
This seller also has an Instagram page which I follow, and she posted a very long and emotional story about how she has fallen on really hard times with her health, her father passed away, she was hospitalized, etc. She said that all of her orders will be sent out within the next week and thank you for everyone’s patience. Of course, ever the sympathizer, I felt bad, and shot her a message telling her I hope things start looking up, and if she hasn’t yet made my item, I will gladly accept a refund seeing as how I can’t even wear the clothes anymore because it’s winter here. She said that not only does she not offer refunds, but my creation was already made and she would send it out the following day. Great.
I got a shipping notification a day later with absolutely no tracking information, which, for a seller (and as a seller myself), is a bit irresponsible. Two weeks pass, no package, no updates. She lives 5 states away from me in the US, so this is pretty out of the ordinary. I shot her another message on Instagram, asking her if she has any way to track the package, because I have not yet received it. I told her I would be going to Florida for two weeks and I really hope the package is here when I return. No response. No package upon my return from Florida which was yesterday. I sent her one final message explaining how I spent a lot of money on her creations, and if the package truly got lost by the Postal Service, she can open a case with them, but according to the Etsy forums, it is the seller’s responsibility if a package does not reach the customer. They are then expected to either issue a refund, locate the package, or send out another item. I haven’t yet gotten a response because it’s still early, but what should I do from here on out? Her Etsy shop has been closed, which she announced on her Instagram (probably to avoid negative reviews). I’m going to assume that my package was never sent out in the first place and she just needed more time to make it. I have never lost an Etsy package in the mail whatsoever, but how do I respond if she claims it was lost and there is nothing she can do? Again, this was a lot of money that I spent and I know that Etsy itself is not responsible for any of this, so I’m not sure how to proceed.

Answer: If it’s through PayPal I’d open a dispute with them. Most places won’t refund PayPal because they have their own process for chargebacks and refunds.


Title: I created the name Nagazai over 9 years ago with my friends. Now a model company is using it.

Question:
I made sure to google every now and then this name, Nagazai, to see if someone had copied it. I use it for my facebook, twitter, games, youtube (which is called thenagazai because my email was thenagazai, and 1 year later someone created an account named nagazai, but only posted 1 video so I didn't care much).

The account here on reddit is also called Thenagazai because I forgot I had one created with an old email named Nagazai.

I can prove that I created the name, and I wanted to use it to name a company or a group, as a game dev, since at least on my local community, I'm very known. People Know me by Nagazai more than my real name.

[http://www.nagazai.com/](http://www.nagazai.com/) this is the website of the model company.

Is there anything I can do? I really wanted to use that name..
Topic:
Intellectual Property

Answer: OP- You don't have exclusive right to use the name. As long as someone isn't impersonating you by using it, they're likely free to do so without needing your consent.


Title: My roommate is being sketchy

Question:
I live in California and I don’t know what else I can do at this point. One of my roommates is a teacher who works with at risk youth. On the weekends he’ll bring these obviously underage (like 14 or 15 years old) boys over and drink and smoke weed with them. Sometimes one of them will stay over and they sleep in his room, I don’t know the whole situation just doesn’t sit right with me. I called CPS but they just blew me off saying they investigate children not adults. So unless I’m a parent of one of these kids or if my roommate had kids I could file a complaint but otherwise my only recourse is to call the police when they’re partying. I’m wary of doing that because these kids already have records and who knows what they’ll do if the police show up. I’m afraid they might do something impulsive like try to run from the police and make things worse. I can’t reach out to my landlord either as he’s aware of the situation and thinks it’s great that my roommate spends time with these kids outside of school.  Is there anything else I can do besides calling the police? Are there any other legal avenues I’m not privy to? Please any advice is appreciated.

TLDR; My roommate’s a teacher who likes to party with his students on the weekend. I called CPS and they told me to call the police. Is that the only option I have?

Answer:
 I would call the police the next time it happens if I were in your shoes.

He's providing booze and drugs to children in your home, and possibly doing worse.  This isn't going to be so much a problem for the kids as a very big problem for the guy--and rightly so.Answer #2: Contact the school he works for. Answer #3: This behavior isn't "sketchy," it's abusive. Providing controlled substances alone merits reporting. The potential sexual exploitation mandates it. Everyone has a moral responsibility to protect children. Don't stand by while someone harms them in your home.

I'm appalled the phone call didn't result in anything. Try faxing, as well as contacting police.


Title: My dad passed away yesterday and my cousin emptied the house without telling me. What can I do?

Question:
(I posted this differently a few moments ago if this seems familiar I apologize.)

I called my dad's landlord to notify her my dad passed away. She told me she knew and that my dad's POA, my cousin, already had his apartment emptied.

My cousin has my number blocked and told the landlord "she already told you this", when it was discussed I was going to handle this. I still have the texts to prove it.

There were family photos and valuables that were supposed to be distributed to the family. There is no will, but my dad told me all of this before he died.

Is there anything I can do? My cousin will not cooperate with me and I don't know what to do.

Answer: POA ends with death, your cousin no longer had authority over your fathers affairs. Did your father leave any accounts or property that may need to be probated? You may need to have yourself appointed executor in order to claim his personal possessions from your cousin, however it could be hard to prove what was taken. In the minimum, you should let the landlord know that the cousin should not be removing anything further.Answer #2: Without a will, the estate will pass intestate, including all belongings, furniture, etc. owned by the deceased. As a lineal descendant you would take per stirpes (true per stirpes in FL I believe) with any other brothers/ sisters after a share is given to the surviving spouse (potentially your mother if they were still married and she survives him).  Do you have more information relating to the power of attorney granted to your cousin? Think the type and the powers granted therein would be beneficial here to go further.


Title: NYC Pocket Knife Arrest Advice?

Question: Hi, my boyfriend was arrested for having a pocket knife on him in the subway in NYC. Trying to figure out if this is serious or not--does anyone have any experience with this type of arrest? Any recommendations for finding an attorney to help without spending way too much money?

Answer: Unfortunately NYC has interpreted "Gravity Knife" to include almost all folding knifes. It is very likely the officers who arrested him deemed the knife to be a gravity and he has likely been charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. An arrest is already on this record and if he pleads guilty he will have a criminal record. You need to hire an attorney. Tell your boyfriend to stop talking to the police or anyone about the incident.


Title: Drugged by “Friend”

Question:
On Canada day (June 1st) my friends and I were having a little get together, I had a few coolers and so did my friends. Minutes later my friend hands me some chocolate and tells me they’re special Belgium chocolates that his parents got him. He said they’re amazing and told me to eat them, my friend wanted some and my other friend said no. Minutes later after I eat them he starts laughing and says I’m going to start feeling really good. I’m like what do you mean, but he just ignored me. I ask him again and he tells me he just gave me 300mg of weed straight to the dome. I told him I didn’t like weed and this isn’t good but he told me to shut up. An hour passed I’m super high and the air is hostile. He told me it’s for revenge for texted a girl that my friend payed the blame on me for. He starts filming and me and I tell him to stop and he tells me I look fucked. He’s filming me and tells me let’s get cocaine and I say no. I had a feeling he wanted me to say yes on film or something because he kept persisting. I left and had my parents pick me up because my other friend starts beating on me. I feel like if I say anything friend A will take legal action for defamation or something
Reddit please help me

Answer: Someone poisoned you. Go to the police for the assault as well. Answer #2: Police Report. Also new friends.Answer #3: You can file a police report for (battery/assault).


Title: old landlord is trying to charge me for smoking, I never smoked

Question: i recently bought a house and moved from an apartment complex that i lived in for 6 years (i'm located in Pennsylvania, US). I got a bill in the mail from them the other day stating i owe them well over 3k due to excessive smoke damage that required them to paint the interior walls of the place. problem is, i never smoked. what should i do?

Answer:
 Are they taking your security deposit? If so you may have to sue them. Otherwise you can send them a letter (keep a copy) that you never smoked, will not pay, and to leave you alone. If they sue you, go to court and make your case and make them prove it.

Unless this was a massive apartment, 3k to paint the walls is too high anyway.


Title: [Canada, Ontario]Can a Collections Agency Seize my (Paid Off) Vehicle Because of Another Major Debt?

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Credit Debt Bankruptcy

Answer:
 No.

In Ontario all that means is that the creditor cannot pursue you in court for the unsecured debt. There's nothing stopping them from trying other methods.

They can't just waltz in and take your truck however. That would have required some form of actual court settlement that allowed them to recover assets totaling the value of the unsecured debt.

The other issue at play is the two year time limit is erased if you make a payment. What this means is if you make a payment or put anything in writing about knowing you have that debt still, the creditor can approach you for the money.

Your truck should be safe, it is a scare tactic. They can still contact you and bother you but they can't sue you in court. Answer #2: http://www.ontario.ca/page/collection-agency-your-rights

You can send them a letter to tell them to stop contacting you.


Title: [AZ] I (19F) live with my over 21 partner. Can he give me alcohol in our home?

Question: I know it's okay if your parents give you alcohol at home but can my partner?.

Answer:
 Legally, no.

Practically, this is a "If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it...." situation.  So long as you don't attract attention to it (domestic violence, running around the neighborhood drunk, driving drunk, being loud and obnoxious, alcohol poisoning, etc.), who's going to know to complain?Answer #2: NAL

Not legally.

However, realistically, as long as you're not partying and making a lot of noise (or other noticeably illegal things), it's unlikely anyone in a position to do something about it will find out.Answer #3: No.


Title: [CALIFORNIA] Bought a promotion package from a hotel (buy 2 nights, get 3rd free). Promotion booking dates expired, but hotel saying they owe me nothing?

Question: I bought a promotion for a 5* hotel resort last year and simply couldn't get around to booking 3 days off it in time due to work constraints. I full understand the promotion is over but they state that they owe me nothing, not even the $600 I paid for the two nights I haven't even used (that's all I want or a refund). Here in Cali, gift cards never expire and contrary to popular (mis)belief, Groupons and Gilt promotions are still worth whatever you paid for them or a refund even if it's not offered any longer. (essentially, Cali does not allow money for nothing based simply on expiration) . What is the situation with a promotion at a hotel? Is the law on my side? Do I need to get heavy with them and send them a legal letter?

Answer: Was the hotel also in California?


Title: I got caught with a small amount of weed on a greyhound bus. The trip was from Denver CO to Syracuse NY, but I was stopped in Kansas City MO. What can I do to avoid a criminal record?

Question:
I’m a 20 year old Hispanic male and I just got stopped on a greyhound bus. I had 7 small joints hidden in a pack of cigarettes in my jacket pocket. The cop came on board and asked to search my bag, and then he searched my person and found the drugs. He said there’d be a $25 fee and a mandatory court date.

I’m mostly just freaking out because a criminal record would make me lose my scholarship in college. The only sketchy things are that no dogs sniffed me and I had no luggage that could’ve been sniffed by the dog.

If I hire a good lawyer should I be worried? What’s going to happen? I’m pretty much just freaking out and I don’t know what’s going to happen to me. Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer:
 Hiring a lawyer is a good first step. Having a valid legal reason for having the drugs on you would be step two. The lawyer should be able to help you determine if you had a valid reason for breaking the law. You haven't outlined any valid reason here so far, so chances aren't looking good. The lawyer will also be able to advocate on your behalf for a punishment that doesn't involve a criminal record.

No one knows what punishment a court will decide. That's why people go to court.

Other than that, no one here has a magic book full of excuses for breaking the law. That's not really how it works.


Title: Im getting sued and need help with how to go through this

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 I assume you are a teacher, and that the school/district is being sued as well. Are you part of a union? I would expect some combination of the union and district to defend you. If you have talked to them and nobody is stepping up, you need your own attorney.

Whatever happens, don't speak with anyone who doesn't represent you.


Title: (PA) My husbands ex-wife is living in his house, but its time for her to go, what path do we take to do so?

Question:
My husband was awarded the house in the divorce, he allowed her to live there until the divorce was final. Since then, almost 6 months now, she has made no attempt to move out. He has asked her when she plans on doing so and all she says is I'm working on it, but she is not. She is an alcoholic who stays in bed all day.

At this point he wants to force her out. Is there a specific form he would need or just a notice to vacate to start?

Answer:
 She would have to be given 30 days written notice then he could go to court to evict. At no point can he self-help evict her.

http://tenant.net/Other_Areas/Penn/harris/pa-toc.html


Title: (Nevada) if I show up to court to contest a recent ticket for marijuana possession, what are the chances the police officer will not show up?

Question:
I am a CA resident who was recently caught with less than a gram of pot in Nevada. Yes, I was guilty, 100 percent. But a friend said that I can "contest" the ticket, (which is about $750), by appearing on the assigned court date I was given. That same friend said that in all likelihood the police officer would not show up to said court date, effectively clearing me of having to pay my ticket.

So my question is a) what are the chances that the officer will be a no-show, and b) if he does show up and says "yes, she's guilty!" Will my penalty be increased or will I just look like a huge dumbass?

Thanks guys, I'm just curious more than anything, chances are I will just pay the exorbitant ticket and get on with my life.

Answer:
 >  That same friend said that in all likelihood the police officer would not show up to said court date, effectively clearing me of having to pay my ticket.

Your friend is an idiot.

First, going to court is part of a policeman's job.  They're no less likely to show up than any other working person.  For many, it's overtime pay, so they're *more* likely to show up.

Second, even if they don't, that's not an automatic dismissal.  They can reschedule.

We can't answer what the court is likely to do in a given circumstance.  That's very dependent on the facts, the judge and the court system.Answer #2: The odds are low.

The officer will be subpoenaed to appear.  That's a court order.  In addition to legal trouble, he could also get in trouble at work for ignoring a court order.  Plus, court is often overtime, which officers usually like.

All that aside, the officer won't be there on the first court date anyway.  On your first court date you will plead guilty or not guilty. If a trial is scheduled, the officer will appear then.Answer #3: Unless you know what effects a conviction will have on your life (you probably do not), get a lawyer (in NV).

If you want to risk having the officer show up, you need to know what will happen to you. The $750 amount is probably meaningless compared to the actual effects of a conviction.


Title: (Minneapolis) Can a pregnant woman refuse a paternity test? Can she lose custody for having special needs and being crazy?

Question:
I'm asking on behalf of my brother, who is 28/m and does not speak English.

A woman he has regular protected sex with just told him that she is four months pregnant and that he is the father. She is screwed up in the head and didn't tell him until now because she was afraid he was going to tell her mom, who is deceased.

He said he was going to get a paternity test, and she refused because she doesn't believe in that. She thinks doctors will inject her with a mind control drug and enslave her baby if she goes for any kind of medical care, period.

She believes that people are trying to kill her and immediately starts making violent threats if someone makes her mad or starts saying certain things that push her buttons (like racist jokes)

I don't know if she is on drugs or what the deal is with her with the weird things she does.

She has some kind of special needs where she has trouble forming a complete sentence. She says things that make no sense and then starts playing charades to get her point across at times. This is not a language barrier. She is bilingual and does the same thing with any language.

I think an abortion would be best no matter who the father is because she is passing on the genes for this disability. Could a court ordered abortion be done on those grounds?

If she decides to keep the baby, could my brother get custody despite not knowing English (in Minnesota) due to the mother having special needs?

Answer:
 A court could order a paternity test after the baby was born and she would be in contempt for refusing. Legally until there is a baby there is no baby. She is a woman with the medical condition of pregnancy. If he is the father then he has several options to pursue. He will need to get a family law attorney.

> Could a court ordered abortion be done on those grounds?

Holy hell no WTFAnswer #2: No they can't force an abortion. No you can't force her to have a paternity test while the baby is still inside her. Once the baby is born he can petition the court for a paternity test and based on that results he can petition for custody. If he thinks she is a risk to the baby once born he can contact Child Protective Services to report her.

Also, why does he keep have sex with someone who is so mentally disabled? That is sketchy as fuck. Answer #3: No court will order an abortion. Eugenics is illegal here.

There is nothing to do but wait. Once the baby is born get a lawyer and file a paternity suit. You can hash out custody then.Answer #4: You might want to discuss with your brother the ethical AND legal issues inherent with having sex with a person so mentally disabled that her ability to give informed consent is questionable.Answer #5: I don't think you can get an abortion at 4 months nor do I think Minnesota has a law to allow such. Your brother should get an attorney, get on the putative father registry and seek custody when kiddo emerges.

Sub: Could brother bring an act to commit mom to make sure she gets proper medical care?


Title: [CA] Domestic Violence 273.5 Felony charge. Need desperate help

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > Any advice or help is greatly appreciated and feel free to ask any questions.

Get.

A.

Lawyer.

Monday morning.  0900 hours.  **Not** 0901.

Spend the weekend finding a list of lawyers to call.

Felony charges are nothing to play around with, and no one here can do better than tell you to get a lawyer at this point.


Title: Other car hit me- they are challenging the crash report and making up lies. What the heck?

Question:
I’m driving down a two-lane road at night. Speed limit 60. No one’s in front of me. A truck towing a flatbed pulls out in front of me, from a driveway on the right hand side. They have their left turn signal on and immediately go into the left lane (oncoming traffic lane). So I keep driving and while they are next to me they put their right turn signal on (which I didn’t see but a witness saw) and they turn right (a wide right) into me. Basically they go from one driveway to the on coming lane and then try to turn into the next driveway. I get out- shocked- and they won’t get out of the truck. I’m standing there like wth? Get out of your truck please. And they try to act like the man was driving- but it was the woman driving (witness said so too). Police comes and we each separately explain what happens. Police write a report that states the other driver was at fault for making a “wrong wide turn”. Okay fine. Two weeks later their insurance states IM at fault. And then I find out they want to challenge the crash report and they are stating that “I tried to pass them on the shoulder” WHAT?! And apparently it’s a commercial vehicle and they don’t want to pay- which is why they are challenging the crash report. (Usually I drive with a dash cam but it broke, I just bought a new one). Side note: car is totaled. But I’m gutted. Where’s the justice? The crash report lady said it was “he said/ she said” and they’ll look at the debris evidence to determine if I was passing in the shoulder- but the truck pushed me off the road and I ended up in the grass. So how can they even tell? I feel like I’m getting screwed over here and I’m just so stressed and sad. Does anyone have any advice or optimism they can lend my way?
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 Of course their insurance is trying to find you at fault...they don't want to pay out.

Let your insurance know. They will deal with it. That is what you pay them for.Answer #2: Do you have collision insurance? If so, file with them, let them sort it out.

If not, prepare the sue them in small claims court. The police report doesn't guarantee a win but it gives you a big advantage.


Title: Mom applied for Food Stamps for me without my permission (IL)

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 It was neither illegal nor incompetent for DHS personnel to disclose your participation in a publicly-funded subsidy program.   It's not private identity information, nor is it private health information.

In general, DHS presumes that people in the same household share food expenses, so they evaluate the income and eligibility of the whole household.   That's normal, and they're not going to referee your in-house estrangement.


Title: I moved out and my vindictive holds the mailbox key. What can I do?

Question:
I lived in an apartment unit in NYC with a few roommates, including my boyfriend who became my ex. Subsequently, I moved out, and made the mistake of giving him the mail key before making a copy of it. I didn't think it would be a problem, until I remembered how he tore up the mail from a previous roommate that he disliked - including jury summons letters!

I filed a change of address with USPS but I'm still terrified that I'm going to get something important in the mail and will never know about it.

What can I do? Is there a way I can get a copy of the mail key?

What options do I have if I suspect he is throwing out my mail?

Answer:
 You don't live there any longer; you shouldn't have the mailbox key, and the people who still live there could rightfully complain over you having a copy.  Especially your ex, who would have more of a convincing argument that you might be destroying **his** mail.

File change-of-address notifications directly with all of your important contacts - credit cards, your workplace, etc.  Have you filed your taxes yet?  If not, that will help because the IRS will use your new address going forward, after you file.

If you really think he's throwing out your mail, you could complain to the USPS, but that's a hard case to prove.Answer #2: Honestly the USPS is pretty good about forwarding. Just also change everything directly as said and monitor anything that has been forwarded to keep updating the ones you missed.


Title: Delivery business that gives the product out for free (California)

Question:
Prop 64 passed in California, forcing those without medical cards to wait a year before they can purchase cannabis.

The other scenario is if a person is given cannabis, up to an Oz is legal.

So in theory, could we give away the cannabis for free, and only charge for delivery either through credit card, or virtual currency?

Just looking at what legal loopholes there might be. Thanks for any information

Answer:
 The court system is not stupid.  Just finish your burrito and hold tight.  I believe you can grow your own now, so why don't you do that?

We need a "Pot Schemes" sticky.


Title: What would the child support situation be for someone who made $50k/yr and fathered like 130 kids?

Question: Asking for a friend.

Answer: "Dire" is the word that springs most immediately to mind.Answer #2: [Something like this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrmPJtfEsTE).Answer #3: Depends on the state you live in. In MN the first child receives the most. I think it's like 30-40%? The next child gets significantly less and less and less. But with 130 kids you'd still be broke and probably in jail for owing back child support.


Title: Struck barricade - who is liable?

Question:
I was driving into work this morning, and my car glanced off one of these barricades. They're flexible, and this one appeared to be lopsided and was hanging into my lane, being blown by the wind. There was a car next to me, so I couldn't change lanes to avoid it. I tried my best to maneuver within the lane but still it whacked the car. I was going at the full regular speed of the road, because they haven't (and haven't ever for this project) set up a construction speed limit.

For reference, the construction is not on the road per-se. They're building a warehouse type facility on the lot next to this section of the road, and they put these barricades up for a few hundred feet to shut down the bike lane so they have access to work on the sidewalk as needed. So it's normal for the road to be the regular speed limit.

The questions I have is: Who is responsible for the damage to the car? It created a dollar bill sized scrape and dent in the front right quarter-panel. It's hot *horrible*, so I'd rather not pay for it out of my own pocket if I'm somehow responsible. It seems to me though that wouldn't they be responsible because the barricade was defective and hanging out into my lane, blowing around in the wind? I'll accept liability and leave it alone if it's my fault though.

I'm in AZ. If I have to, I can work on a shitty MS Paint drawing.

Answer: You are almost certainly fully responsible. The driver in control of the vehicle is expected to drive so as to avoid obstacles in the road, however they come to be there.Answer #2: You hit a stationary object, you are usually responsible in almost all cases.


Title: [DC] Caught in dispute between two apartment tenants

Question:
I visited an apartment last week as a potential applicant. Leading up to the visit, I was in communication with both the tenant I would be replacing (let's just call George) and the current tenant (let's call Elaine) who would have been a potential roommate. George is anxious to find a replacement for himself on the lease.

Had an unpleasant meeting with Elaine at the visit. I inquired about possibility of month-to-month. She responded by repeating multiple times her legal position and ability to press charges if I broke a lease, and that she knew all the different leasing agencies in the area. Although not stated directly, I believe the implication being that she could make it hard for me to lease anywhere else in the area.

George emails back a few days later saying he has received negative feedback already from multiple potential applicants and asked about my experience. States he believes Elaine is trying to sabotage his attempts to find a tenant replacement. Already sensing the potential mess I could be getting myself into, I nonetheless made the mistake of telling him too much. Used the word "blacklist" to describe Elaine's repeated insistence that she knew all the leasing agencies in the area, even though that word might have been a bit strong. I ask George to not pull me into this situation any further.

Fast forward a few days later, and I start receiving multiple emails and texts from Elaine stating that she has received court documents from George. Says that the documents indicate I received "threats" from her. It looks like George is pressing charges and has put down the names of all the potential applicants as references. Elaine asks me to clarify and indicates that she has legal counsel on her side.

I deeply regret picking a side at all in giving George information. Given that I am now in this situation, am I under any obligation to respond to Elaine? I would not like to be dragged into this but I fear it may be too late.

Answer:
 Don't answer her.  Only speak when required by subpoena.

IANAL.


Title: (VT) My cousin just got thrown out of her apartment overnight.

Question: I'll spare the drama. She has lived there for over a year and her roommate (also ex-boyfriend) exploded at her last night and threw her out without notice. I'm 99.9% sure this is illegal, but I live in Idaho and I don't know Vermont's tenancy laws. My cousin and I are looking to understand what the law says and what she should or should not be doing right now.

Answer: She can call the police and ask if they'd come help her get back in, but if they refuse to, her recourse is to sue him for unlawful eviction.


Title: [PA] Roommate broke into my locked room at 2:30AM and threatened me

Question:
As the title says - my roommate broke into my locked room this morning at 2:30AM, and threatened me saying "Text me again, bitch," in reference to me texting her about nonpayment of utilities. She then proceeded to damage our Internet router and left the apartment.

She also woke up my downstairs roommate who heard everything, and who herself has been screamed at by said crazy roommate (but not threatened, as I understand it).

Is this incident worth reporting to the police, even if this doesn't actually qualify as breaking the law at this point? This is in Pennsylvania.

Answer: She made a threat against you. You can be proactive about it or wait for her to assault you.


Title: How to keep kids off my property

Question:
I know what you're probably thinking, I sound like the grumpy old man type, sitting on my porch all day yelling expletives at passing kids all day, but you'd be wrong. I am a 21 year old university student in Knoxville, Tennessee and I've just recently bought a new house with my lovely girlfriend and our roommate. We used our own means to fund our move and we couldn't be happier with the place, except for one thing, we have neighbors from hell.

Most of the issues we can ignore, or are just too minute to get up in arms about. Knocking over our trashcans or mailbox while backing out of their driveway almost every Wednesday morning, parking on the road and usually blocking traffic when it is specifically posted not to do so, or most recently, ringing my doorbell at eleven in the night asking if I'd take one of them to Wal-Mart. None of those things really bother us too much, except that their kids walk around our property as if they own it. This normally wouldn't bother me as I spent most of my pre-teen and teen years as a sort of "free-range child", and roamed the local areas from dusk till dawn. However, I have reason to believe they aren't just using my driveway and the wooded area behind my house as a sort of highway between the street and the houses that reside behind my own.

My mother works for the local police department as a dispatching supervisor, so I get to know what types of disturbances there are with our neighbors. Our left-side neighbor is a single mother, crackhead, no job, 5 kids, the oldest child fights with her mother and runs away from home every two months or so. The neighbor behind us is an elderly couple, 2 grandchildren, they run away from home as well. Lastly, the neighbors across from us, older couple, 3 kids, father beats his wife and children, thus they are able to roam without anyone really caring where they are.

Between the three residents in my home, we have 4 vehicles. My truck and my car, my girlfriends car, and my roommates car. Last Wednesday (April, 29th) at around 8:00 PM, my car alarm went off while my girlfriend was the only one home napping. She claimed that as she looked out the patio window she could see a smaller figure running back through the shrubs, away from our home. When I got home I noticed dents and scratches on the paint below the drive side window, it looked like someone was trying to pry their way into my car, setting it off. We called the police to report the activity, but as it was six hours prior, they couldn't really come out for that reason, they told us to keep them posted.

I did some Googling on the matter and it seems the answer is always the same, post no trespassing signs, use motion activated water sprayers, sit on porch with shotgun, get mean dogs. Since I don't like dogs and I don't have a gun, I opted for the signs, as it would be the cheapest on my water bill. However, yesterday, as I pulled into the driveway, there they were, gathered around our parked vehicles as if nothing is the matter. As soon as I pulled up they dispersed in to the woods and back into the street, staring at me as if I was at fault for breaking up their party. As a last resort, I went to the parents and asked they watch their children more, two meet me with hostility, and one with ignorance, claiming it was the other neighbors children, not theirs.

It seems this is an issue a lot of different people run across, but have no idea how to handle, and when they ask the community they are met with jokes, calling them 'grumpy old men', or telling them to shoot guns wildly into the air to scare them off. For the most part, this is an issue for me with the possibility for damage to my personal property and the only evidence is hearsay. What can be done about this?

Answer:
 As tall a fence as your building codes will allow. Then some serious saving up to move to a better neighborhood- and *do* research the neighborhood before you buy.Answer #2: Even people who don't respect a property line will usually respect a fence.Answer #3: Cameras, and motion activated flood lights would be good.Answer #4: Do you live in the Fort? I lived in Knoxville for a brief time!

EDIT: After reading your post, my response is that this is why property in Knoxville is so affordable.


Title: [UK] A photograph my girlfriend took was on the front page of a huge regional newspaper and she wasn't credited or paid

Question:
My girlfriend is a fashion photographer and a photograph of a lady in a dress that she took while she was at University in a studio was used as the main image on the front page of the regional newspaper (this paper goes to millions of people). In the article (about a fashion show) it ackowledges the maker of the dress and the woman modelling the dress.

The University have taken the blame and have offered my girlfriend £50 in compensation, acknowledging that my girlfriend owns the rights to the image and that they did not get her consent before using it.

Do we have a claim? Thanks in advance.

Answer: Xpost in /r/legaladviceuk because they probably have a better understanding of y'alls copyright laws.


Title: What to do when a domain speculator owns mytrademark.com?

Question:
I just applied for a trademark. A domain squatter owns mytrademark.com, and acquired it prior to me registering the mark.

The page isn't a real website though, and basically is like "this domain is for sale". I would just buy it, but the asking price is exorbitant.

Is there any way to get the page without paying, since I own the trademark, or do I have no recourse since they bought the domain before I registered the trademark?

Answer:
 > Is there any way to get the page without paying, since I own the trademark

No. You cannot use a trademark to seize a domain that was registered prior to your trademark.

If you want the domain, pay up.


Title: (New Jersey, US) 17 year old male wondering when I am allowed to stop visiting my mother

Question:
My mom lives on the other side of the country and I have to visit every break (spring, winter, Thanksgiving) and one month during the summer. When am I allowed to choose not to go anymore? Would having a job help my case in staying here? If not what could I do to help my case/what do I do?

Things that might be important to note:

My mom said she spoke to her lawyer and he said I have the right to choose at this age. My dad said he went to court to ask the judge and they said I'm not allowed to choose.

A really big thank you to anyone who answers

Edit: Thanks to all of you taking the time to read and answer
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 The judge trumps the lawyer, every single time.

When you are a legal adult, it's all up to you. For now, you have to do what the adults say.


Title: Upon no less than sixty (30) days notice

Question: Florida. The language in the title is what appears in my lease agreement as part of the lease breakage clause. I plan to break my lease and want to know which value takes precedence. From my research it seems that the spelled out value takes precedence but that was information from another state and not with respect to lease agreements.

Answer: Thanks for the advice everyone. It's probably in my best interest to just go along with 60 days since it won't create too much hassle for me, but learning about how that ambiguity can be interperated was interesting for me!


Title: Texted a random number using Textnow App, the person called cops and they contacted me [Canada]

Question:
So i kind of fucked up.

I downloaded this app "TextNow" about 2 weeks ago.

TLDR version is that I started a random conversation with a random number that texted me (most likely the number was recycled). I pretended to be who the person they were looking for an made some lewd propositions as a joke. The person said they would call the cops on me and they did. Yesterday I got a call from a cop saying that someone was complaining about harassment from this number. I denied everything and kind of panicked and gave them a fake name and a DOB and told them i was in a different city. I did tell them that the number was from the textnow app and I just got it for selling things on craigslist and that it could have been a recycled number.

I was pretty stupid for doing this, but what are the chances that the cops or the person will try to get a sopena and track me down. I didn't use a real name when i signed up for the app, and the e-mail associated to the account is my secondary e-mail.

I looked up the FAQs for textnow and they apparently will provide chat logs and ip addresses if they are presented a sopenea.

I used the app on my phone and personal home network. I really don't want this situation to escalate any further. After the call with the cop I deleted the app. Should I call the cops back and confess, I don't want to get in trouble for this .

Answer:
 >Should I call the cops back and confess

Nope


Title: I have a civil judgement against me that I am trying to satisfy but the plaintiff will not communicate with me or take my money (TX)

Question:
Location is Texas

Long story short - Several years ago I had a dispute with a former employer about a bonus that they wanted me to pay back upon my leaving the company (around $1,000). I only recently discovered via my credit report that they had apparently filed a civil/small claims suit against me in 2013 which I was unaware of and was never served, resulting in a default judgement.

I don't disagree that I owe this debt and am prepared to pay it to get the situation fully behind me and cleared, however I have been trying to contact them and cannot get anyone to answer my calls, emails or letters regarding who and how I need to pay. None of the people that I worked directly with when I worked at the company are still employed there, and it appears that the company is under new ownership now. The local office of the company I worked for has closed, so I have tried contacting the corporate offices, corporate counsel, even the CEO and no one will return my communication.

This seems like a stupid problem -- how do I get these people to take my money and satisfy/release the judgement against me? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Answer:
 Go to the three major credit report groups and file a challenge on that debt.   If the company can't be bothered to talk to you, they may not answer the challenge.   If they do verify the debt, you'll have a contact point.

You can also send the company a certified letter to their contact address requesting payment instructions, and keep a copy for your records.

Or you can challenge the judgement on the grounds of improper service.   If they still no-show, see who gets the default judgement now.


Title: [TX] Head of the cheerleading team at my school texted "I hate" (expletive for African Americans) in a group chat. Other girl posted a screenshot on Twitter calling her out for it. Second girl was called into the office and forced to remove the tweet. Is this allowed?

Question: Title says it all. A lot of people saw the tweet and everyone's understandably upset about the situation. Is the school allowed to do this? As far as we know the first girl hasn't been punished at all.

Answer: Define forced - it might be allowed depending on what is meant by "forced".  Extra curricular activities (such as cheer) are allowed to remove people from the group if they are not promoting appropriate standards of the group.


Title: Can I sell access to a Google map?

Question: I live in New Jersey. I've created a custom Google map with thousands of manually placed pins showing locations that people in my profession would find extremely useful. I want these people to give me money in exchange for access to this map. Can I do this?

Answer:
 Not without permission.

> ...if you want to use Google Maps, Google Earth, or Street View for **commercial purposes**, please contact the
[Google Cloud Customer Team](https://enterprise.google.com/maps/?_ga=1.246966925.880615344.1474903599#contact-form).

> 'Commercial purposes' means 'use for sale or revenue-generating purposes'.

[Source](https://www.google.com/permissions/geoguidelines.html)


Title: USA OHIO poss. of marijuana/paraphernalia/traffic violation.. Need some advice.

Question:
Hey all.

Last night I was stopped for a traffic violation. "Right of way when Truning Left" got ticket for this.

Also they smelled marijuana.. 3 cops and a drug dog. Me and my girlfriend were in the car. They asked if I had anything, I said no, they searched the car and used the drug dog.

They found 2 small roaches an empty bag and rolling papers.

I thought I was for sure going to jail, as I have had 2 dui's in the past, and other traffic violations, I am 30 now, the first dui was more than 7 years ago and the 2nd DUI was within 7 years.

They wrote me a ticket for the traffic violation and I got a summons to go to court for the marijuana/paraphernalia.

I held firm that It was not mine.. again I thought I was going to jail for sure, What should I do here? how bad might this be for me?

When they let us go the cop said to me.. if its not your stuff.. clean your car out next time..

Is there a way for my girlfriend to say it was hers and her not get in trouble? or am I stuck because it was my car?

She got no tickets or anything from this.

Any help would be much appreciated.

thanks.
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer:
 >Is there a way for my girlfriend to say it was hers and her not get in trouble?

No. Admitting to criminal activity generally has consequences.

Your car. Your possession.

Hire an attorney. Stop breaking the law.


Title: (Canada) Locked out of property

Question: Every summer, our family takes a couple weekends off to camp on our land, this is on the end of the island and some people from Ontario own the point farther back, last year they put up a gate locking us out of our own land, (we had a dumping issue,) this was fine as long as we had a key. We were never able to contact them. Now the gate is gone, and they've taken boulders from the side of the road and plumped in the middle of the road. This lets nobody on our property, and the road is set to wash out. (Via erosion, nothing there to protect from ocean) Any help is appreciated!

Answer: You need a lawyer. ASAP. There's ways to get access via the driveway, but only if you act quick. The limitation period in Ontario is two years - starting from when they  first blocked your access.


Title: Previous employer is charging me $8,000 in relocation costs (X-post from AusLegal)

Question:
Location - Australia

Hi All,

I have recently finished up work at with an Australian employer.

They are asking me to repay my relocation costs of approx $8,000.

The wording on my contract of employment is as follows:

"The Company will assist you with reasonable removal expenses to relocate your effects from your point of hire, in accordance with the attached relocation policy. If you terminate you employment within 24 months of your commencement date then the company may require you to repay the cost of all travel and relocation expenses paid during your relocation in accordance with the Company's Policy."

I left my job after 18 months.

When I was considering leaving my job I assumed that I would only be liable to pay for the costs to relocate my actual possessions.

However the company is now charging me the costs it incurred when booking a hotel for me for the first month when I arrived. This cost is roughly $6,000.

I believe from reading the contract it seems like they should only be charging me for the costs to relocate my actual belongings, and not the cost of the hotel.

I also didn't even stay in the hotel for the final 2 weeks. And I don't believe I was ever given a copy of the relocation policy that they reference.

Appreciate your opinions on the wording of the contract and whether or not you think I really have to pay these relocation costs.

Answer: I would have to disagree with your reading of that wording. "All travel and relocation expenses paid" by the company is much more broad than "reasonable removal expenses".


Title: [PA] lady from PAWS took my cat without permission

Question:
So some backstory of why

I was pushing my limit on how far I could go in a house and it got condemned so that was the end of it. Township came and we made arrangements so I could get stuff. Well they found my cat outside and they called a PAWS lady to take her without asking anyone. On my property. Isn't that against our fourth amendment? Anyways. It fucked me up. I suffer from anxiety, depression, and I already was going through bad times. It turns out she was adopted already. Is there anything I can do legally still? I have mentally suffered so much because of my fucking corrupt township.

Let me just add this township breaks laws all the time and no one ever gives a shit

Answer:
 Definitely going to need more information to provide you with an answer.

1. Why was the house condemned?

2. How much time transpired between the house being condemned and your cat being seized?

3. What was the reason given for the seizure of your pet?

> I have mentally suffered so much because of my fucking corrupt township.

You seem to acknowledge that your house was rightfully condemned. Who is the corrupt person to blame here?