Title: A drunk driver leaving my neighbor's home a few nights ago destroyed a piece of my property. Unsure of how to proceed

Question:
So my boyfriend and own and live in a duplex with a shared driveway. Not only do we share the driveway with our tenants, who are in the other half of the duplex, but the driveway is also shared with our neighbors, who are in the house next door. Our living room has windows facing our neighbors' home, and we can see most of the driveway from the living room.

So, last Wednesday, I came home from work to see my neighbors had company. Like 7 cars were filling up their half of the driveway. No problem, I didn't think much of it. So my boyfriend and I are watching television at like 9:30pm, and we hear a loud BANG that sounds like it is coming from the back of our home. I look out the window and see a small pickup truck pulling out of our shared driveway, lurching as if the driver was drunk. The truck peels out of our driveway and starts to drive recklessly down the road. The truck is followed by a small red car, driving fine. I say to my boyfriend, "they must have hit our trash can", but it's late so we go upstairs and go to sleep.

The next morning, I get a text from my boyfriend, who leaves for work about an hour before I do. He says "holy shit, someone destroyed our hand rail going up to the back steps." So I go to check it out... sure enough, our iron handrail is fucking *demolished*. Knocked out of the concrete and everything. [Here is a photo.](http://www.imgur.com/PXmd2k5)

So, I approached my neighbor. He was very kind about the whole thing, and apologized on behalf of his friend who was leaving. He didn't say anything about him being drunk but did say he would call the guy and find out if it was him. He texted me a few days later and told me that he knew who it was, and gave me the guy's name and phone number.

I'm posting this because I don't exactly know what to say to the guy, or if I should file a police report first. I don't think the guy is going to give me a problem when I call him, but do I ask for money? A new rail? I'm not even sure how much the one we had costs, because it came with the house when we bought it. I'm in CT, USA if that changes anything. I would hate for this to become my neighbor's problem since it wasn't technically their fault. ANy help is appreciated, thank you!

Answer: File and police report and notify your insurance company if you have not already.


Title: Law student selected as my secret santa. What can I get him that would be beneficial to him?

Question:
Hi Legal Advice. Since I'm sure most of you were law students at one point, what was something you needed while you were in school that would have been beneficial to you? Gift value limit (set by company) is $50.

Thanks

Answer: There's a game called "Passing the Bar" that I gave to a co-worker when he was studying for the bar.  He said it was fun and passed it along to others once he passed.  I just went to look for it for you and a quick search showed it being sold at a stupid high price which leads me to believe it may be out of print.  I don't think I paid more than $25 for it about at the time (4 or 5 years ago).  You may want to see if you can find it on ebay for a reasonable price.  If I were you I'd get that and something fun/silly.Answer #2: I really really like cheese. Last year my reddit secret Santa sent me a box of Wisconsin cheese. It was incredible.


Title: [AZ] Father-in-law filed a temporary restraining order against his third wife... in a polygamist marriage. What do?

Question:
Boy, have I got a cool new post for you all. I'd like to pretend this is fake, but ha, no it isn't. Because I married a girl from a cult and my in-laws are crazy.

For my own curiosity, I want to know what direction I can point the third wife in, legally speaking.

My FIL has four wives. Concurrently. Yep, they're *those* kind of Mormons. They all hate each other, and he's a real peach about it.

So wife #3 is the oldest. She objected to him obtaining wife #4, who was 19 (he's in his mid-50s). So she encouraged prospective wife #4 to think about her choices by giving her an insider's look at what his household is like. Long story short, it's dysfunctional and abusive and she didn't paint a rosy picture.

Wife #4 went through with it anyway, as you do when you're raised in a cult. But the fallout was fairly nasty, and my FIL forbid all his children from wife #1 and #2 from interacting with wife #3 because she's a "toxic influence" on the family.

Wife #3 rents a house near his and doesn't live with him (the result of another fallout when she did something he didn't like). He pays for a portion of her rent. Not pleased with his "I'm gonna marry you but you can't talk to my kids, lol" shenanigans, wife #3 recently forbid my FIL from coming over to fuck whenever he likes.

So FIL filed a TOR on wife #3 so she can't go to church anymore (because he goes there). It's all kosher because they're not *legally* married, they're just bound in the eyes of the Priesthood in eternal marriage or some culty garbage.

Is there some way to get the restraining order lifted?

Answer:
 Why does wife 3 want it lifted? Seems like a perfect time for her to leave the cult and GTFO of this nonsense. Answer #2: A TOR is temporary and typically followed by a hearing with a judge to determine whether the order should stay in place or not.  Wife #4 should comply with the TOR until the hearing - violating the terms is a great way to make the judge unhappy and make it more likely that he'll uphold the restraining order.

If there is no legitimate grounds for the order, the wife can explain why FIL is doing this as retaliation, and the judge is not friendly/a member of the church, then there's a decent chance the judge will drop the order.

Note that as another redditer said, I'd the church /cult leader is siding with FIL because he doesn't like disobedient wives, he may bar Wife from church anyway, since he controls the private property. But at least she wouldn't have the RO on her record. Answer #3: I guess you could tell her that her marriage is about as real as Joseph Smith's gold plates, and she is free to leave any time?


Title: [Virginia] Child support court date coming up, was behind but paid it off, child is being adopted by step-father. Do I need a lawyer for the court date? How likely are they to actually throw me in jail?

Question:
Posting for a friend.
Child support was behind for about three months. The court took money out of his savings account, and he assumed that that would be payment, since they took the money that was owed. Then, in April, he got a show cause summons stating that he owed $937, which is the amount that was taken from his savings account. When he called he was told that the money was "frozen" and was told that frozen money was not considered payment.
He paid the $937 again in May, and has kept up with payments since. The summons says he will "be imprisoned until the Respondend complies with the court's order or fined" but he complied with the court's order back in May.
Also important to include is that the child is being adopted by the step-father, and the court date for that to happen is this week.
So, what is likely to happen here? I don't assume that he would get thrown in jail for this, considering it was a misunderstanding and paid off quickly.
The other, most important question is does he really need to get a lawyer? Or is this something that's just a routine court date, and all the court really cares about is that he has everything paid off and has been consistently paying child support since?

Thank you so much for reading.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 I don't think you have all the facts here, which means we have even fewer.

I don't know about you, but when I receive something saying I'm going to be imprisoned, then it's time to get a lawyer.


Title: Mom got scammed out of over 400k, advice please

Question:
Originally posted on r/advice and was advised to post here:

Hey guys. So my mom recently found herself in a position where she now owes a number of people about 400k total. Shes a first generation here, in the U.S. and is pretty naiive when it comes to things like this.

What happened: about a month ago, she was befriended on social media by a dude claiming to be a U.N. ambassador (or something, he sent her a fake I.D. badge) and he told her that he was a soldier in Iraq who was planning to move back to the U.s (bear with me, this entire situation doesn't add up, but what's happened, happened). He needed help and some money to return to America to start his life here, or something like that.

After building up a friendship with her he told her that he only trusted her to receive a package of his belongings that he will send to her. He needed up front money of multiple transactions that totaled 400k. My mother borrowed money here and there, from friends and family, because the dude promised that once he gets his 3 million from the government, he will compensate her of the money she put in and another 400k on top of that.

His information: the money all went to a Turkish bank under about 3 different names, almost 10 transactions total. We have his account number, the tracking number, basically all the information needed for a wire transfer.

Being that most of the money was all sent, I understand that it will be about impossible to recover all this money. I would like some advice on some next steps. I already reported and entered all the information for the transactions on the ic3.gov site. I know our family members will be able to wait, but her friends will expect their money back asap. She promised them that she would give it all back within 2 weeks, back when she thought this was legitimate. Now, is in a state of panick and depression, not sure of what to do. Before doing anything stupid, like selling the cars and house, I wanted to see what the best options are for someone in this situation, as I know this happens frequently, everywhere. Again, I know it sounds like the most absurd situation, but advice would be great. Thank you for reading.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 There's not much to do. She needs to figure out how to pay her loans back. None of that money is going to be recovered. There's no magic way out of this. Your mom screwed up royally, and is now going to have to deal with it.Answer #2: Call the FBI immediately. This is their jurisdiction and for that amount they will be very interested. They also have methods of reversing wire transfers above and beyond what banks can do. Nothing specatular, but if a bank can reverse it for 48 hours, FBI can sometimes get an extra day or two.

Recovering the money might be slim, but please report it, you can help stop these people from doing this to other people. You also never know, hopefully they got sloppy and used some real information.
Answer #3: That's a harsh way to learn a lesson. Your mom has to figure out how to pay back those loans, or find out if filing for bankruptcy is a better option. Unless someone on here is a certified bankruptcy lawyer or wealth manager, I think this is really beyond internet advice.Answer #4: This unfortunately is a very common scam. She can report it but there is very little chance of getting her money back.Answer #5: Not much you can do here.  Your mother fell for one of the oldest tricks in the book.  Hopefully she’s learned a very important lesson.

Reporting the crime is pretty much all you can do at this point.

Since your mother has loans to pay off, I would suggest she contact a bankruptcy attorney.


Title: (AL) City has declared my running, registered, insured vehicle "Abandoned/Inoperable" and demanded that it be removed from my property

Question: I have an old 70's model pickup truck.  It isn't pretty, but it does run, it is insured, and it is registered with current plates, although I don't drive it often.  A busybody neighbor called the city inspector on me, who has issued a "notice of violation" which declared my truck "Abandoned or inoperable vehicle (car,truck, trailer, boats, or any other towable vehicle).  Said vehicle must be removed immediately."  The inspector also put a sticker on my truck which disintegrated because of rain (and I may have helped it out of anger) which ominously sounded like they were planning to come tow away my truck.  What are my remedies?  I am thinking in the meantime that I will move the truck so that it would be difficult for a tow truck driver to get at it and put up "NO TRESSPASSING" signs but city bureaucrats tend to think they are above the law.

Answer:
 I had a similar issue -- it was also with a vintage pickup truck.  After I contested the initial notice to remove the "inoperable" vehicle one of my neighbors decided to make it (temporarily) inoperable by slashing the tires.  Mysteriously, code enforcement was called again so soon after that that I didn't even realize the tires were slashed when code enforcement knocked on my door.

I reported the vandalism and then found another place to store my dad's truck.  If you've got a neighbor that is this fixated on your truck, you're better off cutting your losses and letting them preserve their precious image of their neighborhood.


Title: (CA) Legal to film confession of squatter on my property?

Question:
Location: Fremont, CA

tl;dr: Is it legal to film a conversation that happens in your front yard / driveway (\~5 yards from the street, in full sight) without the other person knowing?

My fiance and I purchased and closed on a house on 6/22. On 6/23 I replaced all of the door locks and reset the garage door codes. At this point, the house was completely empty. Due to busy schedules, we were not planning on fully moving in until 7/21.  Last night, 7/1, we went to the house to drop off a piece of furniture. Upon entering the garage, we noticed some personal items and clothing in the washer and dryer. We also heard some people take off through the side gate and my fiancee got a quick glimpse at them, 2 guys and a girl.

We called the cops while we checked out the rest of the house. They had begun moving in quite a few personal items, including some electronics, wall decorations, clothes, food, kids toys, etc. Most weirdly they had started painting the master bedroom and raked the leaves in the backyard.  As we waited for the cops, we spoke with the neighbors and determined that this was likely the \~30yo daughter of a neighbor a few doors down who had been kicked out of the house, has a police record, was losing custody of her kid, etc...

It turns out they were right and she ended up coming back and started apologizing to us and telling her sob story. I decided to film this conversation on my phone. I was trying to be discrete so she would keep talking. She left before the police came. I informed the cops that I had filmed this encounter and they provided an email address for me to send the video.

However, now I am wondering if discretely filming this conversation was illegal due to CA being a one-party consent state. At the time, I thought it was legal as this was on my private property and in full view of the public street. This conversation happened on my driveway, about 5 yards from the street. There's no fence or anything obstructing public view or that would create the expectation of privacy.

Questions:

* I've already admitted to the cops that I took this video, but have not yet sent it to them. Would I create additional issues for me if I actually sent it to them?
* Anything else I should be worried about with respect to this whole situation?

We have since replaced all of the locks again. She says she got in through an open kitchen window, and we have gone through and verified everything is locked now. The cops knew all about her and will be talking to her. They took the high value items and we put the rest of the stuff on the driveway and it was gone today as we hoped. She seems mentally ill but not dangerous as it seems she was trying to prove she could provide for her kid to gain custody back.

Answer:
 One party consent means only one party to the conversation needs to consent. If you were part of the conversation and you were recording, you were the one providing consent.

However, CA appears to be a two party consent state. Maybe a typo from you?

Hopefully a local lawyer can advise on your specific circumstances, as this was privately property, but a front lawn, and as you pointed out, no expectation of privacy.

This [link](http://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/california-recording-law) may help. It refers to reasonable expectation of privacy etc.

Tagging you u/beyondratio as you’ve responded while I’m editing.

**ETA** I wouldn’t send that recording in without independent legal advice. Answer #2: Changing the locks and putting their stuff outside? You're lucky that you can establish that the place was empty on the 21st, so that there is no way they could have been there for the period (usually 28 to 30 days depending on jurisdiction) to establish residence - otherwise you would be on the hook for an illegal eviction.


Title: WA - Fell due to slippery grass at apartments (crappy ms paint included)

Question: [deleted]

Answer: I'm really not sure that anyone is required to prevent or mitigate slippery *grass.* Especially considering that there is a paved walkway. It's not like you fell into a hidden tiger trap you'd have zero reason to expect to be there.


Title: California Small Claims - Defendant Dodging All Attempts To Be Served Notice

Question: As I understand it, my obligation is to provide personal service to the defendant, which in this case is a business with a single owner. Although the defendant has an office, the hours are inconsistent and attempts to set up appointments have so far been unsuccessful. What is my best course of action?

Answer: If it's important enough to you, you need to hire a process server, rather than relying on a friend or the sheriff.  They will get the papers served.Answer #2: If they have an office, it shouldn't be that hard. Someone has to be at the office sometimes. Has your process server tried posing as a potential client when setting up these appointments? You can also try serving the guy at home.


Title: Found sensitive information on employer share drive, what steps should I take to report this?

Question:
I recently started at a smaller company of about 900 people. In searching for benefits information, I came across a listing for current leaves of absence including names, dates, and reasons (pregnancy, serious illness etc).  I also found a list with names, years of service, DOB and home addresses.
Is this considered a HIPPA violation? Also, how should I report this so the company fixes?
Could I get in trouble for stumbling across this?  My apologies if this isn’t the right subreddit and if I think this is a bigger deal than it really is.
They do have an anonymous ethics hotline I could call.  I like the culture here and the company and truly believe it was an honest mistake.

Location is Florida

Answer:
 It isn't a HIPAA issue

Report it to HR or the anon line


Title: Concrete poured all over car.

Question:
Hello,

I live in Florida and live in an Urban area. A high rise is being constructed next to my building and got concrete all over my car. They had their workers wash it off, but there is still lime all over the car and some spots were missed. There are some small scratches on the paint. They offered to detail the car. I am worried about the detailing place scratching it. Would they be able to claim the detailing place scratched it? Would this be easy to get their insurance to cover if i ended up needed paint/body work done? I have pictures of my car covered with concrete and pictures of their workers cleaning my car.

Answer:
 1. Take lots of pictures of the damage

2. Talk to **your** insurance and tell them what you know along with the pictures. Answer #2: I had this happen twice, both was paint overspray though.

Get the General Contractor's insurance information, get a few quotes from your own detailers, get it cleaned by the middle priced quote, and submit the receipt with the pictures and multiple quotes showing. It's a pain but they'll get it taken care of, its why they have insurance.


Title: [LA] My company is saying they have been overpaying me for the past 6 months and want the money back. What do I do?

Question:
I just got an email stating that they did a payroll audit and that I have been over paid for the last 6 months under my bonus portion of my pay check. This amounts to over $9,000. As far as I was aware was that this was compensation for the absurd hours and travel I have been working.

They are giving me the option of repaying them all at once or have my next paycheck reduced 10% of the amount and any future bonus payments will be used to offset the owed amount.
The problem is that I cant afford to drop $9,000+ nor was I planning on staying at this company much longer.

Any suggestions? Do I have any protection, etc, that I should be aware of or am I in the wrong?

Edit: So, I talked to some coworkers and apparently we got all the same thing from HR.
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 Look at your contact and your pay stubs carefully. If you were indeed overpaid (which is likely since you suggest you knew you were overpaid, you just thought it was for a reason) then yes, you'll have to pay them back. You don't necessarily have to do it all at once however, you can likely set up a payment plan.Answer #2: I'd check in with a lawyer on this one. It's awfully difficult to tell if someone overpaid a "bonus," especially if it's typical at your firm to just find it tacked onto the check. The answers I see here so far strike me as more driven by ethical concerns than legal ones.

Edit: some states also have protections regarding deducting from paychecks as a means of recovery vs. them actually having to prove the debt in court. The lawyer you should chat with will know how that applies (or not).


Title: Can I be charged something I didn't agree upon?

Question: I recently bought an item through an auction site and needed to have it shipped. I set it up through this particular shipping company (spelled opposite of downs) to be shipped freight. I was given a quote through their system after giving exact dimensions, weight and item being shipped to what they found to be class 85. I prepaid for this item so all the seller had to do was fill out the bill of lading and put it on the truck. When the seller filled out the bill of lading he did not specify the class 85 but regardless they took the package, when it got to the hub they reclassified it as a class 250 without telling either myself or the seller and shipped it to me. I received the package and now two weeks later I received the call telling me they had reclassified it and they were upping my bill from the original 250 to over 1000 dollars. Now the confusion comes now when I called they thought I was the one who shipped it and said the cannot do anything for me as they were sending the bill to the seller to handle. I know technically I am probably in the clear since I didn't sign anything through the shipping company or an agreement with the seller to handle the shipping but based on principles alone and the fact I agreed to pay for shipping I feel I need to find a solution. Can the shipping company do this? I would have immediately declined shipping it through this if i would have been notified of this change. Location: Battle Creek mi

Answer:
 > Now the confusion comes now when I called they thought I was the one who shipped it and said the cannot do anything for me as they were sending the bill to the seller to handle.

 Did they explain why the cost was different than the calculator advised?Answer #2: Freight companies are allowed to change freight classifications and bill accordingly.

If you signed a BoL clear on receipt the freight company is owed their money.

Did you agree to pay all shipping when you bid or did you agree to pay a specific amount?


Title: [PA] United States Citizen living abroad denied voter registration. What are my options?

Question:
I am a 19 year old who has lived in Australia my whole life, but am a US citizen due to my parents who lived there before emigrating here.

I recently submitted my absentee voter registration to the state of Pennsylvania (my parents lived in Philadelphia before emigrating), but it was denied. The reason stated was that I had selected "US Citizen who has never resided in the United States", and that Pennsylvania is one of ~12 states that does not allow citizens with this classification to register to vote.

What are my options? Is refiling these documents with the classification "US Citizen residing outside the US and my return is uncertain" (which is also true technically), and/or filing in a different state going to classify me as an illegal voter?

I was always under the assumption that my ability to vote would be protected at the federal level, and that states would have no right to decide who they allow to vote, so I'm mostly just surprised.

I was told that I can maintain contact with the person who let me know my voter registration was denied if I had any questions, and intend to ask them similar questions, but wanted to hear other opinions about what my realistic options are.

Thanks.

Answer:
 The States do have the right to make some of the decisions on who can and cannot vote in their state.
For example, in some states being convicted of a felony means that you have lost your right to vote in all elections at every level in that state,  including Federal elections.

And yes some states do bar U.S. citizens who were born abroad and have never lived in the United States from voting.

Since US citizens who were born abroad and have never lived in the United States are required to register in the last state of their citizen parent/s' residence, you would be required to abide by the laws of the state of Pennsylvania and they do not permit you to vote in your situation.

https://www.fvap.gov/guide/chapter2/pennsylvania


Title: [FL] Landlord threw out my belongings while still under lease.

Question:
Typically I'm scatterbrained and what sounds right in my head, doesn't necessarily come out right on paper/computer. So please bare with me.

My wife and I recently moved from our apartment to a house after a loss in the family. We gave our 60 day notice to vacate, which was acknowledged by the apartment complex, and they gave us a paper confirming so.

Through the last month we were moving, cleaning, and dealing with legal matters in the loss of a family member. So, to be specific, we were due to be out by the 2nd of the following month. On the 29th, my wife and I were cleaning up, getting more items to the house, and preparing for the final clean up and walkt hrough to make sure we didn't miss anything, and made sure the place was as close to how it was when we moved in. After we left, early afternoon, we'd went to an event in our town, and went on as normal. The 30th, I take off of work early to do the final clean up, and get ready to turn in the keys. This is where it gets fun.

When I get to the apartment (on the 30th), I notice that there are metal shavings at the door, and as I open up, the apartment is being painted, and a bit of our belongings ($500+ in monetary value) were gone, and the only thing left were some items in cupboards and our Shop Vac.

I go to the office to talk to the manager, and find out what was happening, and at first, the story I got was that we already turned in our keys. Which I still had in my hand, along with my wife's key, mailbox key, and gate remotes from both of us. From there, I get my wife from work to get a list of things that we still had left over there (she is a lot more clear headed than me at this point, and she's more knowledgeable with what we still had over there) and to tell the complex.

From there, I call our police department after being informed that they wanted to forward the information to their head office. While waiting for the police officer, and finding out that this is a civil matter on his terms, I'm then told that they thought I'd abandoned the apartment. Though, I'd been there, and paid up to date, never late on any payment to them.

They take the monetary value and list of items, and say that they'll be back in touch with me. Roughly an hour later, they have my wife and I sign a form showing what was disposed of, and saying that they'll mail us a check. Which, to me is fine. But the fact that when we're there to sign the paper, they magically find one of the items that most upset my wife (a jacket bought for her from our recently deceased family member), so I don't think they  are that genuine at this time, and am told that it could take a few (2-3 weeks) to get the check.

I'm currently at over the 3 week mark, and trying to give it another week, but I'm getting to the point where I feel that I'm being used and they're not going to follow up on their word, and wondering what my next best recourse would be. I don't want to drop it, because I feel that my rights were completely violated as a tenant, and it was the apartment complex that did it, not a burglar or anything.

Answer:
 The State of Florida mandates that landlords hold property that belongs to tenants "left behind" in a move be stored for a period of time to prevent precisely this. Even if things happened exactly the way they claimed (that you had surrendered your keys) they were *still* in violation of the law. The fact that you hadn't moved out yet only makes that worse.

Sue in small claims, I believe that you are very likely to win. A judgment against them makes it way easier to compel them to pay you back.Answer #2: Sue them in small claims.


Title: University won't give me the minor I have earned

Question:
I graduated from university in December.   Before graduation you need to submit, to the registrars office, any major/minor you wish to confer.  I submitted my major and minor, only to find out later (after the degree was conferred) that I also qualified for an additional minor.  Thus far the school is refusing to add it on even though I've offered to pay for the mistake.  If I keep escalating this issue and nothing is done, are there any legal precedence in NYS that I should be aware of?  Has anything like this ever went through the courts?

New York State - SUNY school

Answer:
 Keep talking to the registrar, but you are unlikely to make this work. Degrees are conferred "as-certified", and, if you didn't even know you were eligible for a minor, and didn't apply to complete your degree with it, it's unlikely that they will fix this.

How did you not know that you earned a full minor?


Title: I am under investigation by UK police, though now live in USA and do freelance journalism. It's a strange story and I'd like to write about it.

Question: I've already had a long phone interview with the UK police and traded some emails. It's a rather broad investigation into a large scale financial fraud and I expect the investigation to be ongoing for some time. I don't believe the police need anything more from me, though my understanding is that I am technically still a suspect until the investigation is complete. To be clear, I am innocent. I would leave out any names but would I be breaking any laws or would it otherwise be unwise to write about this?

Answer: It would be very unwise. You are giving the police evidence of a crime, whether you think you are guilty or not.


Title: Time to stand up for myself.

Question:
The biological father of my child owes almost $35,000 in back child support.

Before I go on, let me give you this info first: He does not own property, he gets paid under the table, the state he lives in (Arizona) has already garnished any amount of taxable income, his name is not on any paperwork that can be found by the government, local, state, or tribal sources. I contact my local Child Support Division located in my state of residence, which is Virginia, on a regular basis to make sure everything that can be done is noted and kept up to speed. I have exhausted every route to take and now would like to know what else can be done from my end.

A few bits of information that some may find interesting as well: His father is the mayor of the town he currently lives in. His father pays his bills and has (in the past) been known to give him employment 'off the books' and possibly still does.

I do not have the funds to support lawyers or court fees. I do not wish to take loans from family, friends, or banks. I have always managed to support my child and myself, but it leaves very little for anything else. For years I have ignored this and focused on working hard, but it is time to stand up for myself. Now, I look to you all for advice on how to go about this. At this point it is not about the money anymore, I only seek justice from a system I put so much faith into.

Thank you for reading.

EDIT: OK, let me clear a few things up. He has money, he has loads of money, but he puts it in others names and only handles cash. He CHOOSES not to pay child support. He avoids the responsibility purposely. I am not going after a man with no means, here, I am not evil. I would just like to know if there is any other way to go about holding a person accountable for their own inability to own up. He doesn't file taxes, which is a big deal with the IRS. Every time the local government in his town tries to hold him accountable his father (the mayor) intervenes. This is NOT about getting money! This is about a person breaking the law.

Am I missing something? For example, should I contact the IRS for failure to file a return, for unreported income, and for failure to pay taxes? Or, should I get a lawyer to sue him for nonsupport? Is that the only choices I am left with here? This is what I am asking. I would also like advice from someone with an actual degree in law.

Answer: What exactly are you looking to achieve?  If the person has no assets, it is very tough to get blood from a stone.


Title: Customer wants to take me to court over a necklace his customer didn't pay for.

Question: The title might be confusing so I'll explain better here. I work for a UPS Store. I get paid minimum wage but I still work hard for my money. I recently had a customer come in shipping off necklaces to his customers who would pay upon delivery. He wanted to ship this particular item with insurance of $1000 and a COD (cash upon delivery) of $1000. I couldnt do both and told him so. I asked him what he wanted to do. He agreed upon just the insurance. I want to say that I had shipped off packages of his without COD before so I didn't question it too much.I asked him a few times during the transaction just in case. He signed the required paperwork. Now his customer got his merchandise but won't pay him or answer his calls. This guy is now looking to me to get the money he's owed. Saying I should pay for the "mistake" He's been harassing me at work, coming in when I'm working and asking when he was going to get his money, emailing the store. My boss and manager is of no help. My boss is the kind of person who thinks that a "mistake" should fall to the employee to pay. Today the customer came in and said he'd take me to court. I don't think I did anything wrong and shouldn't have to pay it when his customer won't pay him. I'm sorry this is so long, I'm just tired and stressed from this. Any advice would be much appreciated

Answer:
 "No, now leave me alone."

If served respond. If he harasses you call the police. Answer #2: It isn't your responsibility to ensure that the customer pays them. It isn't your problem that the guy was too stupid to receive payment before sending the item. Answer #3: Respondeat superior, my dude. You're an employee and should have protection from liability so long as you were acting within the scope of your employment, which is how it sounds.  Oh, plus the little part where you never assumed any responsibility for payment, either explicitly or implicitly.

Tell this guy 1) you owe him nothing because his customer owes the debt, not you; 2) to get off the property and don't come back (assuming you're empowered to do this by your employer); and 3) if he contacts you again, you'll consider it harassment and contact law enforcement.Answer #4: You need to go above your manager and report this.


Title: [CA] How much can a creditor disclose to another adult family member?

Question:
Unfortunately I've fallen on some financial hardships as of late, and one of them was falling behind on credit card debt. My creditor, Citi, just called my dad from Florida.

They asked for me and he clarified that it was the father speaking. They then asked for my number, to which he declined and said he would rather speak to me first before disclosing this information.

The next part is what gets me though -- when he asked what this was about, they disclosed that I owed a debt a that if not paid soon it would be sent to a collection agency.

My father is now very distressed and upset at me for keeping my financial troubles private.

Sorry if this is dumb of me to ask, but was it okay for them to inform him of that at all? Thank you for your time.

Answer:
 If you're a minor, creditors can inform your parents that they're trying to collect on a debt.  If you're not, then they cannot.

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/can-debt-collectors-tell-other-people-like-family-friends-or-my-employer-about-my-debt-en-332/


Title: Are you legally responsible for what you do on drugs?

Question:
Say you hurt someone intentionally but you’re high.  Would you be charged for assault? (New York)

Edit: Why are people downvoting? I was curious so I asked.
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer: Generally yes, if you’re voluntarily intoxicated you can be held accountable for any criminal activity. Answer #2: That One Trick to get you out of any trouble.


Title: Would it even be a bad idea for a lawyer to defend him/herself?

Question: I know it’s generally accepted that it’s a terrible idea to defend yourself in court. You always lawyer-up. Especially if you’re not a legal expert. But is this true for lawyers, even if they’re defending themselves in their area of expertise? Say a phenomenal DUI lawyer gets a DUI. Or an equally talented divorce lawyer is undergoing a sticky divorce situation. Is it still thought that defending yourself is a poor choice? And if so, why?

Answer:
 Yes, because a lawyer is an impartial third party who can handle the case rationally. There's nothing wrong with a defendant being involved in their own defense, and a lawyer might have an advantage there, but going *pro se* for any type of criminal case is still a bad idea.

*A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client.*


Title: [Utah] Getting Hammered With Back Child Support Payments Despite Being Denied Access To My Child

Question:
So me and my ex finally entered mediation today after over a year and a half of me trying to obtain my visitation rights as my daughter's biological father.

We both have reached an agreement on everything else, EXCEPT..

I now apparently owe $4,000 of back child support payments which I'll have to start paying off $200 at a time.

I offered to start sending her money when she was pregnant, but she never contacted me back and completely cut off communication. Ended up filing a paternity action right before the child was born, and here we are.

Is there absolutely anything I can do about this? I'm already scheduled to pay $250 a month, and I can live with that to finally be a part of my daughter's life. But this extra $4k is just too fucking much.

I still don't even know her name or the exact date she was born, I've been completely shut out. It just doesn't seem fair that I owe money for all the time I had my rights taken away.

It doesn't seem like the other party is willing to let this go either "since that's the law", and I'm scared to fight this and throw out the rest of an otherwise great agreement over this and have to go to court.

I just don't know what to do, so here I am.

Any help would be appreciated.

Answer:
 You knew you had a child. You did not pay to support said child. Back support owed.

Visitation has nothing to do with supportAnswer #2: It's like you think child support should buy you the right to interact with your child. It doesn't. Child support is to make sure the human you made has the money to stay healthy, safe, and well-cared for. Answer #3: Did you get a paternity test done? On the daughter who's name you dont know?


Title: My nephew was expelled from school for being autistic

Question: We live in Canada so things may be a little different.  My 16 year old nephew is autistic.  He has some behaviours which are well outside the norm including auditory self stimulation ( making noises) and sometimes hitting or pinching himself when he is angry or frustrated.  His school recently got a new vice principle and on Thursday she sent an email to my sister at 9:00 at night to inform her that because this behaviour is disruptive he is expelled from school.  What should we do?

Answer:
 Hi there, Canadian teacher here.

A few checks:

Is it a public school?

Is there a behavioral component to his IEP/IPP?

Is he formally diagnosed with ASD and has he received therapy or treatment or accommodations in the past for his ASD?

Other than that you need more info in writing. Expulsion does not happen  like this and even if he was expelled the province has a duty to provide suitable/appropriate alternatives. Something here stinks.Answer #2: I'm pretty sure he does have IPPAnswer #3: To be clear, he didn't get expelled because he was autistic, he got expelled because of specific disruptive behaviors. You need to keep this perspective in mind as you proceed.Answer #4: There is a formal process to expel a student. They should call the school first thing Monday morning to discuss the situation.

Edit: please explain how your nephew is 16.Answer #5: Excellent, thanks.  I will let them know right away.  They are currently working with an advocacy group as well.


Title: Looking for help with legalities behind "pet only" contract in rattery.

Question:
Hello!

First: I'm in Illinois if that counts.

I'll be working with a highly-sought after color pattern in pet rats and many people have contacted me in attempts to get on the reservation list for future litters and have expressed interested in breeding future rats from the ones they buy from me. Because I want to keep my stock clean, clear, and I want to be able to monitor future babies I need to make a contract that explicitly states no breeding and any babies that ARE bred (Either by accident or intentional) must be given back to me.

Is it enough to have them sign a piece of paper that says they agree to this? Could it be done with an 'e signature' or recognition that they understand the rules?

what could be the consequences if they agreed to said rules, but then I find out they went back on the contract?

The rats are worth about 50 dollars a piece once faults are bred out (2-3 more generations, or about 2 more years). Currently they're worth about 25 a piece, and that doesn't include any babies they have.

Thank you ahead of time!
Topic:
Business Law

Answer:
 First: how is this even enforcable?

Second: If you truly want to make a binding contract you need consult with a lawyer that has experience in animal/breeding contracts.


Title: Wrongful Sex Conviction

Question:
Pled no contest to indecent behavior with a juvenile in Louisiana. Basically it was my word against a 16-year old's who claimed she gave me a blow job when cornered by her parents. What actually happened is that I met with her to discuss some severe problems she was having with other adults (including her parents) she was having in her life. DNA tests not only came back negative but established that she had been with a third party. The public defender assigned to me insisted I take a plea deal of one year flat with 15 year registration. Again, I Pled no contest. Now that I am out of jail and can get money for an attorney, is it possible to overturn the conviction?  Also, if the alleged victim recants her statement, would that be helpful? I should also mention that this public defender may have violated attorney client privilege by telling the judge that I hired another attorney to review my case because "I didn't think (the judge's) deal was good enough." I did not give her permission to explain that in court.
Basically registration sucks, and I am ready to do anything to get it overturned. I took the deal, again, because my public defender was adamant about it, and I was stuck in a Louisiana jail as well. Please help!!

Answer:
 >Again, I Pled no contest. Now that I am out of jail and can get money for an attorney, is it possible to overturn the conviction?

Maybe.  Generally you can only appeal for legal reasons (for example, improper jury instructions).  You do not get to appeal because you want another shot at a trial.  A part of the plea you agreed to may have stated that you cannot appeal.

You can contact a lawyer.  There is a puncher's chance you may be able to do something but I wouldn't count on it.  Good luck.Answer #2: To be clear, you did not engage in sexual activity with the minor?Answer #3: This is a major problem with the plea system.  Had you had / spent the money for a private attorney, they likely would have pushed for trial.  Even then, you can get people to plea to almost anything by making the deal appealing enough.

>Now that I am out of jail and can get money for an attorney, is it possible to overturn the conviction?

Probably not.  I'm surprised a judge would allow a no contest plea to this kind of a charge.

My advice on moving forward is to speak to local law schools. Most have post conviction relief clinics that *might* be able to help you.


Title: Being subpoenaed to court as a witness, despite not witnessing anything, and they don't know my name.

Question:
Posting for my husband. TX

I (wife) witnessed a crime a few years ago and was subpoenaed to court. Due to health reasons I couldn't go to court. They were going to come and interview me at my house but didn't, then took my name off the case despite me being the only witness and the person who actually reported it.

They began subpoenaing my husband (using his correct name) even though he didn't see anything at the time. The crime was on our street, I was watching it, but he didn't want to be involved and left me to it. He was a heavy drinker at the time and was drinking as it was happening, so he doesn't even remember that day, especially now that it was two whole years ago.

He works *a lot* of hours and also goes on trips to the other side of the state, so officers were having a hard time subpoenaing him and said they were going to take his name off the case, especially since I'd repeatedly said he doesn't have any information about what happened and hadn't given a statement (something they thought he had done).

A week after they said they were taking his name off, they've started turning up at my door again (except it's a different pair of officers this time). Now, imagine my husband's name is Wilson Robert Jason Smith. They've been turning up every day this week asking for Robert Wilson, and telling me to "let Mr. Robert Wilson know" that they'll be "coming to his work and that he needs to call them".

 If they turned up at his work looking for "Robert Wilson" the desk wouldn't have a clue who they were talking about and would probably tell them there was no Robert Wilson there. He's tried calling multiple times but the officers don't pick up. I even tried correcting them on his name by saying "His name is Wilson" and they said "Yes, Mr. Wilson" and continued calling him Robert Wilson.

Can they subpoena someone if they don't even know their name? If they turn up at his work and can't get to him, would that get him in trouble, even if it's because they're using the wrong name? Also, he works in a lab facility and is often in cases in which he can't come out of due to protocol. Would he be in trouble for not being able to come and speak to an officer that turned up at his work if he was stuck in a case that he couldn't leave yet? Also, if another officer came to my house, could I technically say that nobody by the name Robert Wilson lives here (since they don't)?

TL;DR  husband was getting subpoenaed as a witness for a crime he didn't witness. Was taken off the case, but now officers are turning up looking for someone with his middle name as the first name and his first name as the last name, so they're going to struggle to serve him at work. Can he get in trouble for "making this difficult", even if it's their fault for having the wrong name? Can I say someone by that name doesn't live here if they turn up again?

Answer:
 It really sounds like somebody on the case screwed up.

My best advice would be to try to contact the prosecutor's office and explain what's been happening. They probably don't want the wrong witness to show up for their hearing.  If you don't get help over the phone, go there in person and ask for a supervisor.

Also, instead of telling them "His name is Wilson" tell them "his name is Wilson Robert Smith, not Robert Wilson, and your records are wrong.  Also, I'm the witness, not him.  Please tell your boss that I will cooperate, but they have to fix this name issue first."

If all else fails, have your husband go to the prosecutor's office and ask for whoever is working on that case.


Title: Found a ticket in my step-sons room he won't tell me what he did.

Question:
( Ticket of Trespass to property act 2(1)(a)(11) engage in prohibited activity on premises

I'm from Ontario if that matters
Please give me a list of things this could the result of

Answer:
 How old is he?Answer #2: It could be any number of things, most commonly is doing something like skateboarding in a park that has a no-skateboarding sign.

The offence just means he was doing something prohibited (either because they posted signs or told him verbally) on property he doesn't own or rent himself.


Title: [West Virginia] I work for U.S. Cellular and our back room was broken into, now I and other associates have to pay for what was stolen

Question:
My friend who does not use Reddit asked me to post this here for him for any advice you can give on the situation. Thank you. The following is his story:

"I work at a US Cellular agent location inside of a mall. Recently the back room of our store was broken into and 6 iPhones were stolen. We are unsure if the back room was securely locked at the time or not and the phones are not required to be in a safe. The company is holding the employees accountable for the stolen property and are asking for reimbursement of $4,000 + to cover the costs of the phones from the employees working the day it happened. For some reason, this doesn't sit right with me. I am told these payments will be taken out of my next two checks. Surely the company is insured or at least the phones are? This basically negates my ability to pay bills or take care of my wife and daughter. I'm not sure what to do. Help!"

Answer: Tell your friend that U.S. Cellular in no way can hold the employees liable for the stolen phones. They do have insurance on those phones and that is exactly what the insurance is for. They cannot take any money from your paychecks. If they do you should file a claim with the Department of Labor in WV.


Title: Long Post CPS has place my two young children in temporary custody of family I need advice

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You need to comply with everything that CPS is requiring you to do. You can also get a lawyer to help you navigate this process, which may take some time to get through.

But right now you need to find a counselor or mental health clinic and deal with any depression or suicidal thoughts that you are having.


Title: So I think my identity has been stolen....

Question:
So I live in Ga, and recently I was getting my credit score from credit karma and they told me that I had a mortgage, car loan, and another sort of loan. I don't know who to talk to to help fix this. Help?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: Were these items on your actual credit report with credit karma or just on the security questions?


Title: [CA] Police officer confiscated and ate my lunch and they're refusing to compensate me?

Question:
On 8/25, my wife and I were sitting in my car eating lunch. It's kind of an upscale drive-in restaurant type place. Together, including tax and tip, our meals cost $77.32.

A police office came up to my car and knocked on my window. He explained that a car matching mine's description was involved in a crime in this area. I explained that it wasn't me. I drive a Honda Civic, and there's a lot of honda civics on the road. He asked to search my vehicle and I said no.

The police officer called a K9 unit and made my wife and me get out of my car. The police officer claims the K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics, which gave them probable cause to search my vehicle. The office allowed the dog into my car in order to search it. While the dog was in the car, it ate my steak sandwich I had sitting on my dashboard.

There were no drugs found, and my wife and I were have not found to have committed any crimes. I requested compensation for the sandwich the dog ate, and was refused.

What possible recourse do I have here?

Answer:
 You could complain to the police department about it.

I suppose you could also attempt to sue them in small claims court if you really wanted, but I suspect that would mostly be a waste of time.Answer #2: *Kind of* upscale drive in? Are their burgers wrapped in gold leaf? Do they whisper sweet nothings to each individual fry before salting them?

You could sue for the cost of the meal theoretically, don't know how well that would pan out for you though. You could also contact the police department and see what they have to say about it. In a perfect world they stage a photoshoot of the dog giving you a gift card for the positive PR. Answer #3: Your title is confusing.  So did the human or the dog officer eat your sandwich?


Title: [TX] SUV rear-ended: their insurance is trying to shaft me

Question:
I need some advice, please.

I have a 2002 Toyota Sequoia SR5 that was rear-ended on Oct 13th while I waited at a stoplight. The driver of the tow truck that rear-ended me rightfully took full responsibility and asked that I allow them to pay for the repairs out of pocket. I (hesitantly) said yes, but wanted his insurance info and a video of him admitting fault and promising to pay for it. He obliged and I have that video where he promises to "completely fix my vehicle out of pocket, ASAP and will take care of the rental vehicle."

I had two shops estimate the repairs the same day - both approximately at $5k. They asked if I'd take it to their preferred shop so I did that the next day and they provided me a cheap-ass rental (Dodge Dart) that won't even seat my entire family of 7.

Fast forward 33 days, I've called and driven down there (body shop) and they haven't done ANYTHING. The owner of the tow company at some point in there decided to do it through insurance but nothing has happened. I don't have a claim number, no formal estimate (only guesses of $5-6k) for repairs, etc so I tell the tow company that if they don't get me an update that I'm going to come down and take back possession of my vehicle because this is BS. So I went down there and picked up my SUV after the body shop had it for 33 days. I had the sub-par rental for that duration.

The vehicle is really crushed in, all back glass is broken, etc. It's drivable but not road legal, not to mention the inspection went out of date while in the shop and won't pass now because of the damage. So completely not usable.

After getting the vehicle (on Nov 21st IIRC) I park it in my garage and go about chasing down the insurance company because I still don't even have a claim number. Unfortunately that was Thanksgiving week so no one will answer/call me back. The next week I call and get the insurance agent for the towing company and he says he'll send me over the claim number via email. I get that on Nov 29th. He says that NA Risk will call me about coming out and doing an inspection of the vehicle. By Dec 5th I hadn't been contacted by anyone so I contact a lawyer that week but since there wasn't significant personal injury, they couldn't help me, so on Dec 9th I lookup NA Risk and call them and after a few tries over a couple of days I get the right person. On Dec 13th they send out another company to do the vehicle inspection and on Dec 15th they send me a CCC One report.

They claim it is a total loss. Repairs are estimated at $5,200 which they say is 115% above the vehicle market value of $4,500, offering me $4800 (which includes tax + title). I look at the CCC One report and they reported my vehicle incorrectly - they left off things like leather seats, luggage rack, tow package, premium wheels, etc. plus their report incorrectly states the accident was on Nov 1st when it was on Oct 13th. They say the claim was reported on Dec 14th, when I have their claim number from Nov 29th. And other things like my last name is spelled incorrectly, etc.

So I email NA Risk back and point all these things out and tell them their total loss evaluation isn't even based on my vehicle and tell her that it doesn't even mention loss-of-use for 2 months at that point. Today, the 21st, I get an updated email back after calling/emailing almost daily with no reply, that bumps it up another ~$450 to $5270 but states that it is still a total loss and that "We do not owe for any additional loss of use since the insured/shop set up rental for 33 days while your vehicle was inoperable" (let alone that it wasn't a comparable replacement for those 33 days and for the past ~30 days I haven't had a rental or use of my vehicle).

How should I proceed? I haven't replied to her email from today.  I've got a video of the guy who hit me promising to fix it like new, it will be done ASAP, and they'll provide the rental. Now that the insurance is involved, they are trying to total it out and not cover me for loss-of-use. It's been 2+ months of BS and I'm sick of it. I'm getting screwed out of a paid off vehicle that has been nothing but awesome and it has created an emotional hardship as well as the physical hardship of not having the use of the vehicle. I use it for traveling to my clients (I'm a web developer) and haven't been able to do that. Let alone we have 5 kids and we couldn't even use the 5 seater Dodge Dart when driving as a family.

Sorry for the wall of text and defeatist tone, I'm exhausted by this. For anyone that reads this and is thoughtful enough even to respond, I am very thankful for your input and time!

Answer:
 Where is your insurance in all of this? They work for you, the other guy's insurance works for him (and very importantly not for you).

If he won't give you what you want, his insurance won't give you want you want, and your insurance isn't helping you because you only have liability, you're going to have to sue him, the other driver.

Also you might want to try /r/insurance but boil the post down to its essence, a TL;DR version.


Title: Can Visa seize income given through social assistance?

Question: Living in Ontario, Canada. For the past two months I have not been working because of relapse of an illness that I was hospitalized for 3 months earlier in the year for. After relapsing I filed for Ontario Works while waiting for Disability to be approved. Because I have not been working since August 12 2016, I haven't even been unable to pay my credit card minimum payments or an old internet bill that has been haunting me. I was also evicted from my apartment in September and am now renting a bedroom for $500.00/per month which is still due for the month of October. I received my first check on October 31st for $700.00 which was supposed to last me until the month and for a special diet that is required for my treatment. Visa immediately seized $596.00 as soon as it was deposited into my chequing account. I now have no money for rent and only have $100.00 after banking fees for my food requirements. If I don't meet my requirements I risk being hospitalized again. I did a bit of research online however it was difficult to find much information, I was wondering if a Creditor is allowed to take income that was given from Social Assistance?

Answer:
 Here to second u/Jellicle's answer; OW and ODSP cheques can not be garnished.

If your bank won't help you, Legal Aid Ontario runs free [community legal clinics](http://www.legalaid.on.ca/en/contact/contact.asp?type=cl).  They are very used to dealing with social assistance related issues.

Good luck, and get well soon.


Title: Some guy claiming to be my daughter father.

Question:
Last night at 1:09 a.m. received a phone call from some guy who told me he was my daughter's father. My daughter is 14 years old and when she was born I had a DNA test ran. He told me he got my number from my daughter. My ex cheated on me several times its why we weren't together.

I told him sorry you're mistaken, I'm her dad, I had a DNA test ran. He still insisted that he is her father.

When I asked him who he was he wouldn't tell me, although he told me I pulled a gun on him once. I remember the incident very well...... "When my daughter was a few months old, her mom called me to get rid of someguy. When I showed up she was holding my daughter, and this guy was in an almost physical altercation with my daughter's mom. Once I showed up this guy wanted to fight, so as he walked outside "to take it outside" I closed and locked the door behind them. A few seconds later he kicks in the front door, that's when I pulled a gun on him. After more arguing he finally left, we did call the police but I don't remember if they actually filed official report, I assume they did as serious as it got. " I did have my ky ccdw license at the time.

The guy texted me a few times last night wanting to see the DNA report, and so far called me once today. He done this from two separate phone numbers.

I live in Missouri now, my daughter has always lived in ky, this guy is calling from a ky number.

1. Should I send him a copy of the DNA report?
2. I don't want this guy contacting my daughter, restraining order? If so would the police be able to pull up his name from this 14 year old police report? If not could they do something with the two phone numbers he's called me from?
3. I set my phone up to record phone calls from now on, I think Missouri is a one-party state?

Answer:
 Just block this person. On your phone and your daughter's. Until his conduct crosses the line to threats or harassment, a restraining order isn't likely an option. Answer #2: Your first conversation needs to be with your daughter to find out if she's in contact with him, did she give him your number, etc.

Next, think about how confident you are the the DNA test was properly done 14 years ago, that the samples were properly collected and not tampered with, etc.


Title: What happens if I just dont show up to court and ignore a misdemeanor? [Missouri]

Question:
Got 2 charges for posession of marijuana and drug paraphenila in missouri. Both are class D misdeamneaors. Both are first offenses other than speeding tickets.

I was only living here temporarily for work and am scheduled to leave the state in 3 weeks anyways.

Realistically, what consewuences would I be facing if I just never show up to court and ignore the problem.

I know its a bad idea and ill probably get a lawyer...but hypothetically...

Answer:
 Warrant for you is issued. You are eventually captured and they tack on an evasion charge which probably is a felony.

Don't. 30 years ago, maybe this would be a feasible idea but nowadays you do shit in Alaska it shows up on a Miami Troopers screen when they are just telling you about a brake light. Answer #2: Well, how much do you enjoy 6x9 concrete walls and orange?


Title: [CA] I was fired today due to an "investigation" that was based on false allegations.

Question:
For the record, I am female.

Today I was fired. To make this short, I work in a facility that helps autistic adults as well as other mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and a few others. On each evening shift, there are four employees in the building at all times that do the same job as each other. We work with these adults directly. Besides these four, there are two security guards, and a doctor on staff. During the day, there is one supervisor and a GM but they are not on evening shift.

During my shift last week, a male employee had helped me take care of an injury that occurred during our shift. I was cleaning a room and accidentally slammed my finger in a drawer. I went to the sink, in our break room, to run it under cold water and wash off blood from my nail. The male employee opened the door, popped his head in, asked if I was okay. I said I was fine. He left and continued working. Let me be clear that he never even fully came in to the break room. Just his head.

I also continued my shift and when I went to clock out, a security guard came over with a cell phone and told me the supervisor needed to speak with me. I answered and she told me to meet her in her office the next morning. Yelling at me that I should have called her immediately. I didn't get what was going on but did as she asked.

The next day she told me that I must leave because there is an investigation going on. That I was assaulted. I had no idea what she was talking about. She told me one of the four employees (a female) reported that the male employee had assaulted me in the break room. I told her no, he didn't. To view the tapes. She said there is no security footage in the break room. I told her that the male employee didn't even come in all the way. She would see that on the tape. She ignored me. She said she will interview everyone and when the investigation is complete, she will call me.

I talked to the last employee (another male) who said he was interviewed and he told the truth. That he saw nothing and did not believe I was assaulted. Long story short, I was fired today.

Does an investigation have any bearing on unemployment? I don't want an assault on the male employees record. Nothing happened. The police were never called by anyone, that I know. I have no idea what investigation she is talking about. Should he and I report this? Is there anything to report?

Answer:
 I'm not clear on what you're asking, because it feels like there's a huge chunk of the story missing here:

- You injured yourself on the job
- An investigation was started because your employer thought you were assaulted
- Your employer fired you because they thought you were assaulted

Is this correct?Answer #2: Maybe they want to avoid paying workmen's comp.Answer #3: Wait, they fired you because they thought you were assaulted? Since you weren't assaulted you probably don't have a case, but I would report them to every regulatory agency that deals with at-risk adults possible. Answer #4: Was any reason given for why you were fired? Answer #5: So the coworker was fired too? Clearly they thought you two were assaulting each other in the break room.


Title: I need my daughters wedding photos, but I don’t think I should contact the photographer because we sued her.

Question: My daughter got married in 2014 and the photographer has not given us anything except a flash drive with 75 images. We paid her $$$  for a lot more plus albums and formal portraits. We sued her and we won by default. My lawyer says the next step is the asset hearing. Once the judge signs off on that and sets a court date, we will be invited to the hearing. We are not required to be there but I want to very badly. My question is: can I send the photographer an email begging her to send all the pictures? I don’t want her to think that is all we want, but I really want them.

Answer: nope, you need to wait for that hearing, any contact right now could go badly, talk to your lawyer, fyi, you should never talk to someone you are suing/sued your lawyer should be your only contact.


Title: Son Being Threatened With Cyberbulling Charge - Advice Requested

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Wow, they will be lucky if they don't end up facing child porn charges. Sure sounds like they have a case to me. Cyberbullying can be charged under the state cyberbullying law when someone uses an electronic device (such as a cell phone or a computer) to send a written, spoken, or visual communication to someone younger than 18 years old with the intent to abuse, scare, or intimidate that person. (14 La. Stat. Ann. § 40.7.)


Title: Reunification Therapy Controversy

Question:
We recently had an Reunification Therapist assigned to our custody/abuse case.

We have a standing custody order set 5 years ago with outlined visitation rules, but a year ago my little brother told us his dad (my ex step dad) was abusing him in a variety of ways during his visits. We filed a protection order, took out a loan for a lawyer, and my brother requested not to see him.  Now the judge has assigned a reuinifcation therapist, who seems biased toward the abusive parent. From research I've done, it seems like the goal of this is reuniting the child with the abusive party above all else, even when they have proved they will abuse at every opportunity.

We are trying to comply, but the therapist seems to have already decided we are alienating my ex step dad. Our lawyer says we basically have to go along with whatever she wants because arguing at all would be a further case for parental alienation. My brother is open to having supervised visitation but not unsupervised, but the therapist said she plans to go back to the original parenting plan after 10 supervised visits, which means alone time and out of town trips.

There was a case in Michigan where a judge tried to send the abused kids to juvenile detention for refusing too have lunch with their abusive father in accordance with reunification therapy. My family is so stressed and overwhelmed.

Has anyone had a similiar case? Is there any potential recourse against this?
Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer:
 If parental rights weren’t terminated, then reunification is usually in the cards at some point. That’s not a bias of the judge or the therapist but of the system itself. Our family courts are based on the idea that cutting off contact between a parent and child should only be done in extraordinary circumstances.

Along the same lines, supervised visitation is typically a bridge to unsupervised visitation unless the judge has identified specific reasons why it should be permanent.

I’m not familiar with the Michigan case you mentioned, but generally the only one who can face sanction for a child not complying with a custody order is the other parent. This is where your lawyer is coming from with their warning about parental alienation.

I don’t know the facts of your case or why the judge found the way that they did. The best person to listen to here is your attorney. If the child has been appointed a GAL, they may also be worth consulting. In the meantime, you need to uphold the judge’s order, even if you’re working to get it changed. Not doing so could hurt your chance to alter it.

That said, if you are concerned for your child’s safety, notify the police and/or CPS. Best of luck in what is a difficult situation all around.


Title: Can I be held liable for all these free pizzas?

Question:
Ok, so two weeks ago. I signed up for an account with a popular American pizza chain. Since signing up, I have been awarded 6+ free pizzas from their rewards program. I'm not really sure how that happened, but I'm not going to argue about a free pizza.

My question is. Is there any chance that they can come back and try to charge me for the four pizzas that I redeemed? If they do can I ignore them?

North Carolina.

Answer:
 If they do, just offer to return them in a bag at the front door.

&#x200B;

Nobody is going to sue you over a few pizzas.


Title: Continued: The renters who wont move out because the lease is up.

Question:
Previous post: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/8xq624/renters_are_refusing_to_pay_said_lease_is_null/

They are saying we never provided them with a copy of the lease in a timely manner. I'm reading over the Landlord/Tenant act and came across this:

E. If there is a written rental agreement, the landlord must tender and deliver a signed copy of the
rental agreement to the tenant and the tenant must sign and deliver to the landlord one fully
executed copy of such rental agreement within a reasonable time after the agreement is executed.
A written rental agreement shall have all blank spaces completed. Noncompliance with this
subsection shall be deemed a material noncompliance by the landlord or the tenant, as the case
may be, of the rental agreement.

Does that mean that the lease is void? As of right now it is a he said/she said scenario. I have hired an attorney, however we don't have our meeting until Monday.

Answer:
 The lease’s terms could be void, but I doubt that means they get to live there for free.Answer #2: They have a copy of the old lease, no?Answer #3: Is the lease you have signed by them and you? And are you sure you never sent them a copy of there signed lease? Its he said she said if you tell them you gave them a copy of the executed lease earlier. Send them a copy of the lease now if you already haven't because usually the landlord is required to show the renter a copy of the lease when asked. But don't admit you never gave them a copy in the first place. As long as they don't have any proof they asked you for the lease sooner and you never gave it to them you should be fine.

I was in a similar situation when I was tenant trying to get out of a lease using this loophole. Although in much different circumstances. The history of payments and them just now bringing up the lease delivery issue help your case. It seems like they now know they are in the wrong and are trying to find any loophole to get them out. If they really think the lease is void then they are squatters and move forward with evicting them.

Do you know what their end goal is? Just trying to get a few more days of free rent ?


Title: If I have a relationship with a married person and know they are married, would the other person in the marriage be able to successfully sue me for breaking up the marriage (if it ends in divorce)?

Question:
Edit: California

None of the posts on the front page had locations on them.  Was wondering if I missed a new rule.

Answer:
 Is today "not provide your location" day?Answer #2: Location is important.

Maybe. A couple of areas still recognize alienation of affection


Title: North Carolina - Boss fires people as a 'test'

Question:
So, I was at work the other day, and a manager from another location was visiting my location. My boss used to be her boss until he took over at my store. They were having a grand old time and laughing about how often he had fired her in the past. 5 or 6 times at least. (lol wut?) He told me that he "likes to fire people to see how dedicated they are to the business. I want people who will fight to work here. If they show up at the door the next morning, that means they're in it for the long haul".

Now, I don't plan on getting fired. I do plan on keeping my options open for different employment now though! IF I was fired as a "test" and filed for unemployment instead of crawling back for my job, could the unemployment be denied if he said I could just have my job back?

TLDR: If the employer that fires you tells the unemployment office you can have your job back, will you be denied from collecting UI? Do you have to return to your job?

Answer:
 If you're fired, you're fired. Just because you are "eligible for rehire" does not mean you are obligated to go back to that job. You will get UI. And I would suggest seeking a better job.Answer #2: > If the employer that fires you tells the unemployment office you can have your job back, will you be denied from collecting UI?

He'd need to be able to prove that he made a firm offer to re-hire you to have a prayer of having that accepted by UI.  It's technically possible, but exceedingly unlikely in a practical sense.  Unless there's a written offer of employment that he can show that pre-dates your application for benefits, there's 0 chance.Answer #3: Is your boss Michael Scott?Answer #4: So you said stores, unemployment costs them both in payout and their SUI Experence Rating with State.

Your bosses little experiments could be costing the company big bucks.Answer #5: This sounds like those people who yell "I'm leaving, don't try to stop me!" During a fight with their girlfriend/boyfriend and then get mad when their partner doesn't stop them. Playing games. Be careful, OP!


Title: NY State Trooper put down incorrect speed in the MPH Zone section

Question: I was driving through a small town on a county road with a speed limit that decreased from 55 to 35. Cop clocked me at 52 in the 35. Told me he'd reduce it to 49 so the ticket would essentially be a parking violation. However, he put 49 in a 30 zone on the ticket. There are no 30 zones in the nearby area. Could this be grounds for total dismissal on the ticket?

Answer: It's unlikely to result in a total dismissal, but if you contest it and bring proof of what the speed limit is there, it could reduce your penalty.


Title: Can a company make mandatory meetings for a woman on maternity leave?

Question:
My wife is a property manager in KS and on maternity leave until January. She was emailed/called yesterday and told she had to go to the corporate office an hour away for their mandatory 401k meeting. Corporate advised her come or she wouldn’t receive her 401k benefits until July, as opposed to January when she was originally supposed to start being matched, per their 1 year of employment before matching rule. She felt pushed into going and took our 3 week old with her today. Was this legal of the company to mandate a meeting while on maternity leave or threaten to withhold her 401k match for 6 months?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Was she taking FMLA protected leave?


Title: Gave long distance GF money to move in with me, haven't heard from her in awhile.

Question:
I asked a woman I was interested in seriously dating to move in with me, she lives in another state. At first she didn't want to but in the end agreed to move here. I paid for her a plane ticket and for movers to move her stuff plus other things, total I would say almost $3,800.

I'm not sure why but instead of paying for the things my self I gave her the money through paypal. Needless to say I have not heard from her in a few days. Before her disappearance she did provide tickets and confirmation numbers showing that she actually did set things up that we agreed on. If she is in fact dodging me to try and refund things to run off with the money, is there anything I can do legally to get my money back?

I am in Vermont she is in Oklahoma.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 > I am in Vermont she is in Oklahoma.

So she claims. I think you may have gotten scammed. Do you know her real name? Do you have a way of confirming this? Answer #2: It was a dude.

Setting aside the wisdom of sending money to someone you never met, why would you invite a person you know nothing about to move in with you? Answer #3: Did you ever meet this woman in person?


Title: [CA] Case for wrongful termination?

Question:
Several years ago I was fired from my job for poor job performance due to a “lack of fundamental engineering knowledge”.  Some background. I had left my previous stable well paying engineering job of 6 years to go to a more challenging contracting environment at a pay cut. I made it clear to the company that I would need time to learn and get up to speed on any new projects or fields that I would be working. I purposely made it a point not to oversell myself because I did not want to give the impression that I would come in and hit the ground running. The hiring director said that would not be a problem and that the company culture promotes leaning and teaching through collaboration. He said he would prefer to hire someone who is smart and hard working to someone who acts like they know a lot and doesn’t. Everything that I wanted to hear. I accepted the job at a 10k pay cut for the prospect of learning and growing in my desired field of engineering. I was immediately put on a project that I was strongly interested in but had little prior experience in. Engineering is very broad, and without experience in the same field its like learning a new subject. I was hired in at a senior level because of my years of work experience and my masters degree. It was immediately apparent to me that the project manager and lead expected me to perform at a very high level from the beginning without any training. Come in and hit the ground running. This was the most stressful environment I’ve ever had at work and was nothing like what was discussed during the interview. Every question I asked or every time I didn’t know something or didn’t know how to proceed I would be berated verbally by the lead engineer. This forced me to work 12-15 hours a day trying to get up to speed as fast as I could. During the next 2 months I would have meetings with my manager twice a week to talk about my job performance and how I could improve. This was not the collaborative, awesome work environment that was initially promised to me. In my 10 years of working I have never, never, been called out for poor job performance. In fact, my coworkers and grad professor know me to be someone who overworks and is overly dedicated to my work. After about 2 months on the project they decided to move me to another project that would be “easier”. I told them that it made absolutely no sense to move me during the middle of the project to another project that I had equally no prior experience in. They said that they wanted to see me excel in a support role on a simpler project. I knew that they already had it in their mind to fire me and they wanted to place me on the tail end of this other project so that the company could make money off of placing another person on the contract. There are people at the company who actually love it there. They are treated well and fit in well with the company culture. Looking back, they were trying to fit me in and force me to act and think and be like them without allowing me to grow and find my own place. I absolutely hated the management and hated working there. Now, every time I apply for a new job I have to say that I was previously fired due to poor job performance. I remember signing something in the beginning of my job stating the employment is “at will” and I could be fired for any reason at all. Even with at will employment, do I have a case for wrongful termination?

TL;dr I was fired from a past job due to poor job performance. Now for every new job I have to say that I’ve been fired for poor job performance but in reality it was due to poor management and horrible company culture.

Answer:
 You have no case whatsoever for wrongful termination.

>  Looking back, they were trying to fit me in and force me to act and think and be like them without allowing me to grow and find my own place.

Yea that's pretty much how it works. The employee adapts to the culture not the other way around, or else they work elsewhere.

> I absolutely hated the management and hated working there

Sounds like a win win to me.

> Now, every time I apply for a new job I have to say that I was previously fired due to poor job performance.

No you absolutely do not HAVE to say that. Nobody is forcing you to.


Title: Lease termination for residential apartment

Question:
It turns out the place we got is just not cut out to be all that. Are there any options to terminate our lease early without paying their a fee? Here is the agreement :

11. EARLY MOVE\-OUT. You'll be liable to us for a reletting charge of $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \(not to exceed 100&#37; of the highest monthly rent during the Lease Contract term\) if you:  \(1\) fail to give written move\-out notice as required in paragraphs 23 \(Military Transfer and Lease Termination\) or 37 \(Move\-Out Notice\); or  \(2\) move out without paying rent in full for the entire Lease Contract term or renewal period; or  \(3\) move out at our demand because of your default; or  \(4\) are judicially evicted.  The reletting charge is not a cancellation fee and does not release you from your obligations under this Lease Contract. Not a Release. The reletting charge is not a Lease Contract cancellation fee or buyout fee. It is an agreed\-to liquidated amount covering only part of our damages; that is, our time, effort, and expense in finding and processing a replacement resident. These damages are uncertain and difficult to ascertain—particularly those relating to inconvenience, paperwork, advertising, showing apartments, utilities for showing, checking prospects, office overhead, marketing costs, and locator\-service fees. You agree that the reletting charge is a reasonable estimate of such damages and that the charge is due whether or not our reletting attempts succeed. If no amount is stipulated, you must pay our actual reletting costs so far as they can be determined. The reletting charge does not release you from continued liability for: future or past\-due rent; charges for cleaning, repairing, repainting, or unreturned keys; or other sums due.

Answer: Why do you want to terminate the lease? It’s extremely unlikely you’ll be able to without a fee.


Title: Neighbor Salting the Earth

Question:
Our Neighbor dislikes a tree on our property and claims it has caused damage to her sewer and water pipes.  She has decided to dig a trench along our property line and fill it with salt.  We asked her not to proceed with this plan and instead we would work to install a physical root barrier along the property line.  Last night I discovered she has moved forward with her plan to burry salt.

We are concerned that this is going to injure / kill / damage our tree and landscaping.  I don't even know where to start with solving this problem.  Honestly who salts the earth???  Looking for advice on ways to solve this.  Hopefully without our tree dying.

&#x200B;

&#x200B;

Answer:
 Do a regular inspection of your tree, one common way people kill trees is by hammering copper nails into them. If she stops with the salt you might end up thinking she's stopped trying but she may have tried this method instead which is a lot easier to hide.Answer #2: Tell Cal EPA what’s going down.  They will stop her.  Excessive chlorides in soil will be frowned on.

https://calepa.ca.gov/contact-us/Answer #3: As this contamination can probably be assumed possible to remedy with little cost or effort on your neighbor's part (and considering that it's a deliberate -- even if only microscopically-relevant -- contamination, even under the vaguest ghosts of CERCLA's and CEQA's spirits) you might ask an attorney about Nuisance and possibly Trespass (as this trench is along the property line and contaminants don't really respect boundaries like they should). *McCoy v Gustafson* isn't really THAT on-point, but the Court of Appeals ruling has some interesting tidbits to extract and determine how (if at all) germane they are to your situation. It may very well be that you'd have to wait until provable damage to your property has occurred, unfortunately -- and that's kind of what you're anxious to avoid, I know.

CA isn't a state to take potential groundwater contamination lightly, not even at these admittedly trivial levels. Almost all of my lawyer acquaintances are Water Law, and some even for the State... I already know what their expressions would be if I showed them this post.


Title: I was punched in the face unprovoked at a bar 2 nights ago, originally said I did not want to press charges but nown changing my mind.

Question: As the title says, I was at a bar in Raleigh, NC with a couple friends and as I stood at the bar, a random guy slugged me in the side of the face. I was not prepared and did not see him coming. I was fairly drunk as this happened around 2 am, so the whole situation is a but hazy to me. But police were on the scene very fast and cuffed my assailant and began questioning me to find out if I had said or done anything to him (which I had not). They checked the security footage and saw that he did in fact come out of nowhere and clocked me in the head. They asked that night if I wanted to press charges and in my drunken/disoriented haze I said no. But the next day as I thought about it, I realized how serious the situation really was. I ended up walking away with nothing but a bruised cheek and busted lip, but easily could've ended up with a concussion or much worse. I am not from Raleigh, or when North Carolina, so I was wondering if I could still press charges a few days later? Thanks in advance!

Answer: Just call the cops already. You don't need permission from Reddit.


Title: [MA]Neighbor placing stakes on property line that have now damaged my car.

Question: The property line between my apartment and my neighbors apartment ends somewhere at the side of my driveway. Since it is an apartment I am not sure of the exact line.  When I pull in sometimes my truck rides slightly onto what may be his lawn, as again I am not one hundred percent sure where the line it.  This clearly annoyed him as he put metal stakes on what I initially believed was the line.  While this annoyed me I didn't want to cause a dispute and dealt with it.  Today when back out of my driveway my tire nicked one of them and it ended up putting a huge scratch on my truck.  Is he even actually allowed to put these here in the first place if the line was where my driveway ends and his lawn begins?  Where would this fall under jurisdiction, fencing laws?  Do I have any possibility at making him pay for the damage?

Answer: Find out where the property line is for one. If he put those on your property its a no no. If he basically put spikes as a booby trap thats still a no no. If they can honestly be argued as a fence or property boundary then you basically hit a stationary object and it'll be on you.


Title: UK (involves US company). Was I Discriminated Against? Grounds To Sue?

Question:
Hi,

I'd appreciate any advice regarding [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/88d60k/uk_also_involves_us_question_about_criminal/) situation.

tl;dr. UK citizen offered job from US tech company (working remotely from UK with some travel to the US). They made me a verbal offer which I accepted. This was done by video chat, and the only proof I have of the offer is an email to their HR confirming I accepted the offer, followed by a congratulatory reply saying welcome and you'll love working for us.

Separately. I have been denied entry to the US following a misunderstanding, and I made HR aware after the verbal offer. They immediately lawyered up on my behalf. I made them aware that I've been kicked off the visa waiver program and have since needed to apply for a visa to enter the US successfully.

I had to reveal to the lawyers and the company that I have an arrest and caution (UK) to my name. Or rather, I chose to, as they wanted me to travel to the US in April. The incident was an isolated altercation with my elderly parents- a brief and unstable moment in my life. I was open and honest to the company about the whole affair, stipulating that the incident was isolated and that I am now fully ok and have reconciled with my parents.

They said they'd "get back to me". They did, via video chat, to say that they could not pursue the job with me.

I asked to speak with HR. They cut all comms with me. I emailed the CEO to suggest that this had been discriminatory, but that since they had not confirmed the actual reason, I could not confirm this. The video chat said "the mix of your visa and legal issues" was the reason for their decision.

Facts:

They made me a verbal offer and were on board with me for my visa issue.

As soon as I revealed an arrest and caution, they withdrew the offer.

I know in the UK, it is against the law to deny someone a job because of a spent conviction or caution unless it directly affects the role. I have seen on the US govt website that there is a similar deal.

Do I have grounds to sue them/enough evidence? I don't have the funds for lawyering up, big time, but a no win no fee is possible.

Opinions would be hugely appreciated.

Will cross-post to UK legal. Thanks.

Answer:
 You were offered a job for which you could not fulfill the requirements, so the offer was withdrawn. There's nothing to sue over.

Answer #2: "Separately. I have been denied entry to the US following a misunderstanding,"

That's not separately. Any reasonable person is going to understand that the verbal offer was contingent on being able to actually take the job and enter the country where the job is.

Kinda curious what the misunderstanding that caused the whole issue is since you give zero details about it and it's pretty highly relevant. In this sub that usually means you're hiding something hugely important that you don't want to admit.