Title: [IN] Friend gave up physical possession of a vehicle during an angry breakup. How does she fix the situation and protect herself?

Question:
Asking on behalf of a friend. Also posting on her behalf to reduce including drama around the breakup.

Background: My friend "Lily" and her now ex-bf "Gump" recently ended a 5 year relationship. They have been cohabitating since late 2011. Lily's father passed in 2012 and Lily used life insurance money to pay off student debt and purchase a Ford SUV. She was advised to finance the vehicle and pay off the loan in total to build her credit. Lily needed a cosigner for the finance application, she put down Gump as cosigner, then paid off the vehicle in full 6 mo later. She has the title and she believes that both their names are on it but is not sure (important later).

Last December, Gump wanted a Ford Pickup of his own but could not get any financing. Lily offered to apply for the loan and get the truck in her name if he would pay it off. She received financing for a $23,000 loan on a 5 year repayment plan and Gump has made timely payments of $600/mo since December. He currently has stable employment, but his bad credit has not recovered.

After Lily found evidence of Gump's infidelity she left to stay at a friends place. A few weeks have passed and she now has a place of her own to stay. She wants to make one stop at his house to collect her things and move on with her life. Gump is intentionally making things difficult for her.

Problems: Gump threatened to lock her out of the house and keep her dogs if she didn't return "his" truck. Gump and his brother convinced lily that the law was on their side and he threatened to take half of their SUV if she refused to cooperate. He threatened to sue and pressured her into cooperating with his demands.

She told me that she wants to get her stuff and leave everything with the vehicles and titling "as is" to help ease the departure. I think that is a colossally bad idea.

Ideal outcome: She wants to release the title of the truck to him AND gain sole ownership of the SUV. She wants to minimize contact with him, ideally she wants the furniture removal day to be the last contact she has with him.

What can she do to achieve these 2 things?

Extra: She has bank records to show all payments for the SUV came from her account. She is emotionally attached to the SUV for unknown reasons and he is using the fear of loss to leverage compliance from her. She has backup copies of the threatening texts he sent her. I have not read the text message so I can't say for certain if any of the threats would constitute a legal threat. Please help convince her that leaving a truck titled to her in this douchebag's possession is a dumb idea.

Answer:
 >  She has the title and she believes that both their names are on it but is not sure (important later).

That's pretty darn important. In fact it's the most important thing and necessary to give proper advice.

> She received financing for a $23,000 loan on a 5 year repayment plan and Gump has made timely payments of $600/mo

That's about 19% interest.


Title: I bought Yeezy shoes on a website thinking they where real, they're not. Paypal wont refund me and I cant return them.

Question: I am mad that I bought fakes thinking they were real. The website said that they where 100% real and I payed a little bit less than they where going for right now. Paypal wont refund me and I cant return the item to the seller for a refund. Can I take legal action and what can I do ?

Answer: Sue the seller. Simple as that


Title: (Illinois) Academic Dishonesty

Question:
I'm to go to an academic dishonesty hearing for my university because my homework for a computer science course is similar to another student's. I can account for that because I've been working with this student since the beginning of the semester and we developed similar coding styles. I did ask the other student for hints regarding this assignment. The actual code is not exactly identical, but only has subtle differences including some variable changes and some spacing. Can I get some advice on what to say/how to gather my evidence/how to respond to questions? Thank you.
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer:
 Keep in mind above all: This is a University hearing, *NOT* a court of law.

They make the rules and procedures, and you have to follow them. They may or may not even allow you to present evidence.


Title: My mail was misdelivered to my neighbor. The post office knows exactly which house it went to. They wont give the parcel up

Question:
I took the tracking number to my local post office after not receiving my package for about 8 days. They searched it up and said it was accidentally delivered to my neighbor. Out mail lady is constantly misdelivering mail, but we just put it back in the mail box so she can sort it out the next day. Well, it's been this long and my neighbor hasnt giving up the package. The post master said they would leave a note for my mail lady to ask my neighbor about it. That was two days ago, and still nothing. I've been thinking about confronting them myself, but I'm not sure.

What can I do if I know someone has my mail, and wont give it back?

Answer: Leave a note on the neighbors mailbox: "Hey Neighbor, the post office is telling me they goofed up and delivered my package to your house by mistake? Please let me know if they did, and I will grab it from you. (Thanks for keeping it safe). My next step is to file with the postal police, so I just wanted to check with you first before going this route. Thanks! Your Neighbor"Answer #2: Make a complaint to the postal inspectors.Answer #3: Ahh what's in the box?


Title: Refusal to Sell Even With Multiple Forms of ID

Question: So a little background. Just moved from Texas to Michigan. In Texas you don't have to renew your license between 18 and 24 so I'm still using the same *vertical* license from when I was 18 since I'm 23. Ever since I moved up here my license has, understandably drawn suspicion. Unfortunately one of the places is the closest place to buy alcohol that has by far the best variety of local beer. The first time I walked in, the cashier refused to sell to me, called the manager over and the manager simply said "Sorry man, I don't know what a Texas ID looks like so unless you have another form of photo ID I can't serve you." Fine. I was a little embarrassed but I walked out. I came back the next week (this is literally the most convenient place by a landslide or else I wouldn't have bothered), but I brought my passport as well. The guy looks at my ID, hesitates so I pull out my passport. He reluctantly agrees and I buy the beer. Just tonight I go back and they refuse to sell to me again, even with the passport. I pull out my credit cards, old student ID, even my current work photo ID, but no dice. They refuse to sell to me. I guess my question is, is there anything I can do about this? I know the establishment has a right to refuse to sell to those who cannot provide proof of age, but I feel like I went the extra mile in this case. Is this still legal?

Answer:
 They can refuse for any non-discriminatory reason. Having a different license is not a protected class. You need to get a new license or go else where with your business.

Also, after establishing residency in Michigan, by law you must surrender your Texas license and get a Michigan one. Answer #2: The store can refuse service to anyone they want, for almost any reason they want, so long as they're not discriminating against a protected class. Having vertical ID isn't a protected class.

Nothing to do here but get ID they'll accept, or find another shop.


Title: [NY] Under what circumstances can a high school legally withhold a diploma or transcripts?

Question:
I'd like to start with this disclaimer: I have not done, nor am I planning to do, anything illegal in this situation. Any advice you give me will not encourage me to do anything against the law or harm others. My intention here is to support the people around me, not upset the ones I don't like.

To make a long story short, I am planning on going off-script for a graduation speech. I will probably say some things that the people in power don't like, regardless of the how politely I am going to say them (no curse words or personal callouts, I promise) and how correct the information is. However, I am planning on attending my dream school this fall and I am concerned about my school withholding my transcripts or diploma or doing something else to get back at me for what I will say. Under what circumstances can they do this? If they try to, what can I do to ensure that I can still attend college?

Thank you all.

Edit: public high school.

Answer:
 Your college can rescind your admission if they find out you misconducted yourself during your graduation ceremony.

You'll also potentially be ruining an otherwise nice event for the hundreds of other kids, and pissing off everyone.

You'll also 100% be on video and be put on YouTube, so your stupid decision will be immortalized on the internet.

Don't do this.  There are no positive outcomes.Answer #2: > If they try to, what can I do to ensure that I can still attend college?

You can act like a responsible adult and not an edgelord, maybe?Answer #3: They likely, absent you doing something really, really stupid, can't withhold your diploma or transcript for this absolutely moronic idea.

What they can do, however, is send the video to your college. Your dream college. That college, on the other hand, can cancel scholarships and rescind your admission. They can kick you out, all before you start school there.

And given that you'll be past the deposit deadline at your backup and safety schools, you'll do a semester at a community college, trying to figure out why you did something so mind-blowingly moronic.

Then, of course, you'll graduate. From somewhere. And you'll apply for a job. And your employers will Google you. And they'll think to themselves, "Hmmm, what if he feels the same way about us that he does about his school?"

And then you won't get a job. I mean, sure, fast food and big box retail won't care. But real jobs, careers, they care. They care deeply. Answer #4: Your school probably has a handbook that indicates when the school can withhold a diploma. The ones I've seen generally relate to things like unreturned school issued equipment or fines.

But see [this](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjdmpjXrcDaAhXBrVkKHc9yDA8QFggrMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fschools.nyc.gov%2FNR%2Frdonlyres%2F27BF8558-B895-407A-8F3F-78B1B69F030A%2F0%2FAcpolicyHighSchoolAcademicPolicyReferenceGuide.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1jBjSmu8A8-Ar6O5wrIUeL) (assuming its a public school)


Title: [MA] Am I Allowed Not To Speak To The Police If They Show Up At My Door?

Question:
I'm a college student and I live with three roommates. They are all hearing, I'm hard-of-hearing; I read lips fairly well however I still prefer to use ASL. Two of them tend to throw parties, complete with music, weed, and occasionally candy of the nostril variety.

Whenever people come to the door (Missionaries, those scammers looking for a copy of our electric bill even though we're all 21 and pay this shit online, neighbours, etc.) it's basically my responsibility to answer the door since I'm on the lease. Today, the cops were called on my downstairs neighbours for some yelling/screaming/loud music. When they arrived, everything was quiet, so they came up to our door to ask if we had heard anything. When I opened the door, they asked if we had, and I asked them in ASL if they could repeat their question, as I wasn't sure I had read the right words. They rolled their eyes, and asked if they could have a look around. I signed no, and asked them via sign if they had a warrant, or just needed a drink of water or something. One of them said to the other that it was illegal for me to not to use English if I knew it, and then they turned around and left.

While nothing happened today, it made me curious - what are my rights in using my preferred language? I know not using English isn't illegal - at what point am I allowed to close the door and go back to bed, or grab a whiteboard to communicate further? I prefer ASL since lip reading isn't a science, but do I have to verbally communicate in English with the police, since I'm fluent? If they forced me to speak, could I not use Latin/Spanish/Elvish/French, since I'm fluent in those as well? If they were to get a warrant, it would be just for my room and the common rooms, correct? My roommates are subletting from me, from a legal standpoint.

Thank you!

Answer:
 >Elvish

You. I like you.

In actuality, though, no. Don't need to even answer the door.

Answer #2: Do you want to end this encounter or prolong it?  Whiteboarding in Latin has at least a decent percent chance of pissing them off, potentially leading to increased scrutiny.  Your roommates commit felonies from time to time.  Do they support your plan for a greater police presence?

You don't have to allow them in w/o a warrant.  You don't have to answer questions.  You may terminate the encounter politely.  Ending it rudely, or on a wiseass note, may bring consequences. Answer #3: I'm sorry to go off topic but I would pay money for a legit video of you talking to the police in Elvish, focus on the total confusion on their faces 😂😂


Title: [NYC] Friend Forging Signature On Rent Receipts?

Question:
My friend called me freaking out that his parents are forcing him to sign their landlord's rent receipts because he, their landlord, cannot physically be around for some time. Out of country, I believe.

They're trying to apply for public assistance (food stamps, etc) and they need the receipts to prove how much they're paying I suppose.

He's saying that his parents gave him the extreme ultimatum of signing the receipts or getting kicked out of the house. Apparently it's a serious matter of food and money, they're struggling, etc.

He really has no place to go and as much as I love him, he can't stay with me.

He is saying, however, that his landlord gave verbal permission/assurance that it's okay that he's signing the receipts.

I have no clue what to really tell him, he doesn't have internet so he can't make this post so here I am.

He's wanting to basically know if it's okay with the landlord's situation and permission for him to be signing those documents and if there is any consequences, regardless of the permission/inability for the landlord to produce said receipts.

I'm pretty sure their landlord is just letting them slide on rent currently. He said his parents are paying all of the bills and the rent but I know the both of them and, honestly, they don't make enough to keep up with bills AND rent. It's usually one or the other as of late.

Anyways - let me know. As of right now he hasn't signed them, he's basically waiting on your kind replies.

Update! They're getting the landlord to mail them stuff - thank you for the help, all of you!
---
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: Then he moves out. Or he can stay and risk going to jail. His parents are assholes. If they want to break the law then they can forge the forms and lie to the government.


Title: Is it possible to get out of jail after only 2 months with 2 felony charges against you?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You say that like it's a bad thing?


Title: I've been told that it's illegal for the police/government in the US to ever lift fingerprints from US money. Unless maybe it's counterfeit to begin with, then they may be able to do it. Is this true? Is it illegal nationwide to do this? or just in certain states? Or is it completely a myth? I......

Question: tried googling it but couldnt find an answer. -Thanks. (USA)

Answer: Complete myth.  It is not illegal but is is very hard to do because of the cloth material used as paper for U.S. currency.  Counterfeit bills, because of the different non-cloth paper most counterfeiters use, is generally ever so much easier to get usable prints from.


Title: Do these conditions void a contract?

Question:
Hello LegalAdvice,

I'm a senior student in high school taking an AP government class in which we've recently begun holding mock debates over supreme court cases.

The case my group is debating is Morse VS Frederick. This case was about weather the school had the authority to suspend a student over free speech.

My group's side to defend is Frederick, the student who was suspended and subsequently lost the case. I have a couple questions though. I know it will be very hard to actually argue we are in the right about this case, but we had some questions regarding contracts.

Basically this: If you are in the public school system you are usually forced to sign a Code of Conduct which says that you agree to follow all of the schools rules. This requires both you, the students, signature and your parents.

The point we wanted to argue would be that if you were a minor when you signed this code of conduct, in tandem with your parents signature, and then turned 18, a legal adult, would that make your former signature invalid?

Our reasoning is this:

1) You were a minor when you signed the document, and a minors signature has no legal standing

2) Your parents signed the document to give it legal authority in your absence, but since your now 18 they have no legal authority over you

3) We also thought about arguing that even if the signature was valid that it was signed under duress because if it wasn't signed you would not be able to attend school, a legal requirement.

So, our question is would any of this help us in this debate or is all of this false assumptions? Also, any other pointers on what to argue would be very much appreciated.

Answer: It is a false assumption. By signing you are not agreeing to the code of conduct, you are acknowledging receipt of it. Also, if you don't sign, the school can discipline you how it pleases.


Title: [FL] Private high school refuses to send my transcript to new university, claiming I have a balance to pay.

Question:
To preface, I moved from FL to OR four months ago and have transferred to ASU online via the Starbucks college achievement plan.

I attended a private Presbyterian high school and graduated in 2009. My family, during my time there, faced financial hardship, and a faculty member stepped up and paid my tuition in full for my senior year. I graduated, and attended a public, in state university for five years. I never heard anything about finances from the school.

The staff and faculty have completely changed with few exceptions, and the school is in its worst financial hardship of all time. I requested my transcript and was emailed, told to have my parents call the school. They have completely refused, and claim that I owe them tuition money. Why would they wait six years after I have graduated and not attempt to contact me about funds and why would I have been able to receive a diploma, and attend college right after? Something does not add up. I fear they are using this as a way to collect easy money.

I am still unsure of whether my parents had owed them money, as my father had lost his job in Sept 2007 (my junior year) and found another in Jan 2008. My tuition for my upcoming senior year was paid in May of 2008. The school also offered to work with my family during that difficult time.

What are my options?

Answer: Ask them to document why they say you owe money. If you do, pay it.


Title: Accused of sex crimes

Question:
I male 28 yo am being accused of sex crimes by my girlfriend of 6 years neice age 14
She has changee her story multiple times since the accusation first came starting as sexual assault while we slept then rape then numerous counts of rape over time since she has been a lose friend to us since she was 8

Originally i was angry that she would say such things but after i got a call from a local detective i got worried and looked into it and supposedly in my state these cases can and usually are won with testimoney only
This scares me the most

Im ready to take this to court if need be but my main issues here are
1. I have little money or assets to hire a lawyer
2 .if i do get arrested i have no money for the massive bail that cases like these get in my state 50,000-250,000 ans ive been advises that a trail like this can take several years to reach a verdict so  even if i win with the odds stacked against me i will have to sit in the awful county for who know how many months/years since i cant afford. Bond
3.if a warrant does go out for my arrest i dont want to be at work when it happens as this would most likely end my career as a masonry contractor since your reputation earns your business in my semi small town

The oroginal accusation came on june 3rd 2018 and i have since declined questioning over the phone multiple times and a detective even came to my house a few weeks ago and banged on my door and loooked in all my windows for about 45mins but i refused to answer

Overall im hoping someone can give me some advice on what i should be doing while i wait for an i indictment to go out
I feel like im just wading through each day and at any moment ill be arrested and locked away forever

Answer: Continue to refuse to speak to them. Hire an attorney if you can gets the funds together, if not request a public defender when you go to court if arrested


Title: what are some possible negative results from joining a class action lawsuit against 24hr fitness? (CA)

Question:
10 years ago I joined 24 hr fitness and my contract was $700 upfront for 3yrs of no fees and then $49 a year for life. 2 years ago I got my yearly bill and it was $99, I went to the gym to complain and actually another guy was there complaining also and they pretty much told us tough shit. I wasnt happy but what can i do, besides $99 a year isnt too bad. Today I received a letter asking me to join a class action lawsuit against them for this exact reason and normally id shred it but this one has me thinking its the right thing to do. im just worried they might terminate my contract and even though im pissed they raised their rates Id rather pay $99 a year than $40 a month. I have the original contract and it actually doesn’t state “for life” on it but I know that is what the guy told me. should i join the lawsuit?
Topic:
Contracts

Answer: Class actions are not something you “join” they are something you opt out of.  You can talk to an attorney about the advantages of opting out, but the default status of a class action is that you are in the class unless you say otherwise.


Title: NH, USA How do you get a release of easement on a property? (Details below)

Question:
.
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer: I wouldn't touch this with a 10 ft pole as a buyer if the seller won't get the necessary release. For all you know, they need that easement to access their property and are entitled to an easement by necessity. At least with a signed release, you might have some protection there. Consult a local real estate attorney. The NH Bar has a referral phone number and I think they're open for another hour.Answer #2: Do NOT buy it until the seller takes care of this.  There is no guarantee that you will be able to do so, regardless of how much you spend.


Title: Comcast says I agreed to a verbal contract, but can not produce the recording or any paperwork

Question:
I moved services in February to a new apartment (I had a 2 year contract at my old place that was due to expire in may).

They told me that in Feb I signed up for a new 2 year contract, and am locked in until 2019. They said I agreed to it on Feb 25th, which is they day I transfered service to my new apartment. In their systems they say I agreed to a verbal contract. When asked to hear the call where I said that, they told me they do not have that call on file, they never recorded it.

I know I would not agree to a 2 year contract since this lease is 6 months and I am moving out of the state. And what makes me suspicious is there is no proof of this call ever happening.

What can I do to avoid paying the large early termination fee? How do I get out of the contract since there is absolutely zero proof of me agreeing to this?

Chicago, IL

Answer: Ooh, exciting... A legit statute of frauds issue. Contracts that cannot be performed in less than one year (for example a two year contract!) must be in writing to be enforceable. If you decide to go to small claims over this, there's your winning card.


Title: Boss yelled at employee causing a panic attack at work

Question:
Hello,
I am seeking some advice for my brother. He has been working for a fortune 500 company for almost two years as a consultant in NYC. Never had a bad review so far and usually good relationship with managers. He is currently on assignment in another state. Today one of his manager berated him and screamed at him causing a panic attack. It is rare for him to have a panic attack, this is the first one in the past few years. The manager was upset about the pace of the work being done but issues with lack of resources had been escalated before today. Looking at it from a third party, I see this as a possible hostile work environment case but wanted to get advice from a legal point of view. Currently I advised him to escalate to HR and discuss what happened that caused the panic attack and emergency room visit. I do not want him to quit with out escalating this but not sure if this can be used to terminate him.

Answer:
 Hostile Work Environment is a legal term of art and contrary to popular belief, it does not mean that the workplace was hostile in the colloquial sense. Rather, it refers to a pattern of discrimination or harassment as a result of an employee's membership in a protected class. Please see [this link from the EEOC](http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/harassment.cfm) to better understand the advice you may receive. The majority of situations that many consider a hostile work environment do not meet that definition legally.

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Title: Wrote a nasty letter to a teacher telling her off for recommending I get checked for special needs, if she shows my dad he'll probably abuse me. If I point this out, is she legally allowed to show him?

Question:
I don't do lots of school work, not because I'm incapable I just don't give a shit. I wrote a long email to here about why special needs courses are disrespectful. Effectively I concluded that it lowers the quality of the workforce by making people who aren't qualified for a job appear qualified in the paper, and moreover, it cheapens their value as a person because they aren't treated based on performance but because of a label, this is beside the point.

I went off on her for recommending I placed in special needs, she even said "it's denying my success to keep me in normal classes", she's failed to believe me when I tell her that I wouldn't perform well in special needs classes either, and how it'll just subject me to bullying by being in special needs classes with literal retards.

All of these points were mentioned in my email, and I fear that if she shows my father he'll try to abuse me. If I pointed out that he may abuse me, is she legally allowed to show him?

Answer:
 Your views on special needs are absurd and offensive, you should take a long look at where you got such prejudiced ideas but that’s somewhat besides the point.

She has a duty to communicate with your legal guardians about your performance and behavior.  At the same time if there was a compelling case to be made that you were being abused it would be necessary for her to report that to authorities who could intervene.  However, you simply saying that you think sharing it would result in abuse probably isn’t going to be very credible unless there is more going on.  That just sounds like you trying to avoid getting in trouble at home.

Things that are abuse: hitting you, refusing to provide food, failing to provide basic sanitary living conditions.

Things that are not abuse: taking away cars or electronics, refusing to let you hang out with friends, grounding you, refusing to let you have a job.

Should you actually fear abuse, please go talk to another teacher or administrator at the school, not the one that you are having this issue with, and see if they can help.Answer #2: If you point out that abuse is an issue in your house, she is legally obligated to make a report to law enforcement or CPS.


Title: [TX] Neighbor cut down my tree and killed my bird

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 >  if possible, get a new Red Tailed Falcon.

Nope, sorry.  You've all been trolled.

No 'falconer' with ten years of experience would call their bird by the proper name at the beginning of the post, and then suddenly switch to incorrect nomenclature.

Good one OP, you ALMOST had me with this trifecta of LA candy.Answer #2: Do what most everyone’s said and contact an arborist and an attorney, be careful. This guy sounds like he could be dangerous, if provoked (even if it’s well within your right). I could be wrong, but those “sovereign citizen” people always come off as unhinged. Consider installing some security cameras on your property. Answer #3: I replied in a spin-off, but thought this warranted higher visibility:

Everyone is talking about your payday -- I am seriously worried about your safety and your family's.  IANAL, but would be looking for ways to force this guy to move, and/or lock him up.  He's dangerous, and losing a lawsuit will likely only exacerbate this situation with a clearly volatile human, capable of willful mayhem -- at least -- and has some screws loose.  Answer #4: A red tailed falcon isn’t a bird and he should know this. I think this is a made up story made to get attention on BOLA


Title: Local gas station charges cops 70 cents per gallon of gas after 7pm in my town, is that legal? Having an argument with my brother about this on why it’s not legal.

Answer:
 why would it not be legal? private businesses can charge what they want and give discounts whenever they choose.

there may be some department policy saying the officers can't accept discounts, but no law in any state I know of.


Title: Emotionally manipulative and angry teacher, what can be done?

Question:
Sorry if I miss out on information, please just ask for clarification if needed.
I am a high school senior, many students, parents, and teachers have stood up against a teacher being emotionally abusive and manipulative. She has continuously yelled at students, told them they don’t matter, and made them stay until 10 PM to work on the upcoming show (it’s theater). We have tried being heard by the school but admins will not take action. Many of us have already quit the show and asked for an apology or something, and nothing is being done. We have not had a formal meeting with admin and teachers and were even denied parents at an after school meeting. We are upset and want action to be taken. What can be done? Should I go to the district to try and get it resolved? Has she broken laws? She has students on snap and text and requires us to add her to stay in leadership. We would like her fired but of course know it is barely possible, but just want something done. I will answer any questions you have and I’m sorry if it isn’t anything legal related.
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer: Okay, she is making people stay up till 10 for the show. Unfortunately, that kinda normal, at my school we didnt get home from tech week until 930 every day. And no my question is, what happens if kids dont accept her follow requests for everything?


Title: can family member call police on my house guest?

Question: hi, throwaway account here. just some backstory, me and my bro are both above 18 and sometime I like to invite my friends over but we got in a fight because I guess I was making too much noise and I lost my temper and attacked him. now whenever I try to have guests over he does whatever he can to get them out of the house. well my mom is going on vacation for 2 weeks and she says that when shes gone, I'm not allowed to have guests over and even gave my brother a signed letter saying that any guests will be treated as tresspassers and if they don't leave after one warning and he calls the police they should be punished as tresspassers. is this legal? I just wanna hang out with my friend

Answer:
 I assume you live with your mother and pay no rent, correct me if I'm wrong.

Being above 18, you are considered a month-to-month tenant of your mother, and have the right to give guests access to your home, therefore they aren't criminally trespassing, and your mother can't have them removed.

That being said, your mother also has no legal obligation to take care of you either. If your mother came here asking us what to do about her son constantly inviting over people she didn't like, I'd advise her to kick you out after 30 days, as she has the legal right to do so.

My point is that you need to pick your battles. You have a relationship problem, not a legal one.


Title: Rent increase

Question:
WE had our lease expire in August, and have been asking about our new lease since then. The landlord said he was working on it. Today,  we received a new lease. I went over it and where it says price he raised the rent. Is this proper notice of raised rent? I just want to make sure. He dated the lease for March 1st, too. We can't afford this, so we are moving. I have to give him notice within ten days of the end of this month... if i am reading the law correct, right?

COLORADO

Answer:
 Yes, this is legal. If you do not or can not afford to pay the new rent, you must move or negotiate a lower rent. ~~You need to give notice by TODAY assuming you do not have a weird clause. Notice must be given 30 days before the end of the lease, unless Colorado is weird like Washington or California.~~

EDIT: Wow, Colorado only requires 7 days. That is by far the lowest notice requirement for month to month tenants I've seen. Unless your original lease says otherwise, you need to give notice on or before Feb. 22.


Title: Contents of a house problem??? [MO]

Question: My mom was left the entire contents of her deceased parents house. The executor is being a real stickler on selling the house and gave us 2 weeks to get everything out. We have 2 days left and arnt near done. The executor says he is going to ship everything (including donate able items and trash) to our personal home and send my mom a bill for it. Can he do that? Can't we make the executor clean out the home himself? Please help we don't have the money or room for all that stuff,

Answer: Not a layer but I'm pretty sure the money to pay for all of that comes from the estate


Title: Roommate smoking lots of pot in apartment and it is hurting my lungs and against the lease. (Denver)

Question:
My roommate smokes a ton of pot in his room every day, often with a handful of people, who are often minors. He refuses to smoke elsewhere because he cant legally smoke it in public. The trouble is, it is hurting my lungs, but I do not want to go to management about it because I have been harassed and threatened by management before and I fear eviction with having to pay out the rest of my lease as it is against the leases (We each have our own lease), but the lease says that they reserve the right to evict based on: multiple infringements of the building-wide smoking ban, the distribution/use of marijuana in the apartment, the presence of mass drug use paraphernalia (including bongs), and that they will charge anyone within the residence whether or not they can establish possession/ownership. Any suggestions on what to do about this that wont put me in further risk of harassment etc by management?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: What could we possibly tell you if you refuse to talk to management? The only advice we can give you is if you see the law being broken you should call the police.


Title: Can any action be taken against Kickstarter

Question: The Znaps campaign has turned out to be a total nightmare and looks a lot like a scam now. The creators have made over 3million dollars and have delivered nothing. Many backers have requested a refund but kickstarter isn't helping. Znaps is claiming that they have shipped out units, but no one is coming forward with any examples except for one, that one is only half complete. Znaps is shipping empty envelopes and claiming that customs has tampered with the envelopes and removed the samples, that is not true because we can see from the shipping weight that there was no sample in the package. To me that seems like mail fraud. Anyway since kickstarter isn't doing anything and essentially supporting this and profiting from this, is there anything that can be done to get our money back or hold kickstarter responsible?

Answer:
 To hold Kickstarter liable you would have to show that they knew it was a fraud.

Anyway, I don't get the point of this thing.  What is the benefit of making my iphone charger suddenly magnetic?


Title: (UT) Wife never filled out tax forms for nannying, got a letter from the IRS that wages were reported. Also, insurance and wage fraud.

Question:
A few years ago my wife (W) (we were dating at the time) started working as a overnight-nanny for a disabled elderly woman (P).  The patient's daughter (D) managed affairs and had W fill out some information about her CNA certificate and some background/contact stuff for P's insurance company, but never any IRS forms (I-9, W-4, etc).  She was paid $X dollars a night with personal checks from D every few weeks, which W hand-deposited into her own checking account.  It was a decent "babysitting" type arrangement for some easy money during nursing school.  There was no paystub or earnings summary.

W quit working to focus on her finals and certificate exams.  The two of us moved away and started getting messages from D.  Long and short of it, D was suddenly interested in getting everything documented "properly" and wanted W to fill out tax forms.  We find out that for insurance D was reporting compensation was actually about $2X, but "everything should be fine, in fact you should get more tax back".  We didn't return these calls, having quit several months prior and wanting nothing to do with D's little fraud scheme.

We get a letter a few weeks ago from the IRS.  Wages (at $2X) were reported to the IRS but didn't appear on W's submitted tax return, and we owed the IRS [four figures].  But again, W never filled out tax forms, never signed anything, and only received half the wages reported on this IRS letter.  It's obvious that D forged W's signature, somehow social-engineered her SSN from somewhere, and falsified tax documents (including deductions).   Is this a matter for the IRS?  A CPA?  The cops?  Personal legal counsel?  Thanks for reading.

Answer: Well W did claim her pay right? So she needs to call and explain she got paid X, claimed X on her taxes and has the checks as proof. Answer #2: Low level IRS worker here: did she get a CP 2000 from the IRS? Call the number on the letter! You do NOT need to contact a lawyer or CPA at this time (seriously. Save your money). If it's what I think it is, "proposed amount due" letter, contact the phone number listed on the letter (or our general line at 1-800-829-1040 M-F 7a-7p) and explain the situation and ask what to do. If D has paperwork to back up that she paid the wages, will be harder on W to prove otherwise without good records. As a reminder if this is not an MFJ (married filing joint) return for the year in question, you are not authorized to receive information on it. However, if you file a joint return, any refund could used to offset either individual's prior balances.


Title: UPDATE: Is it legal to change the locks on a rented building without the landlord's consent?

Question:
Original post can be found here: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/92qh8r/is_it_legal_to_change_the_locks_on_a_rented/?utm_source=reddit-android

So last I left off we found out from you guys that it is illegal to change the locks here so we decided to barracade the door during the nights.

Eventually we heard back from the landlord who said not to change the locks because the ex roommate still technically lived there for a few more days. He told us that he was supposed to be meeting this roommate in person to get the new keys sometime this week.

Fast forward to this morning and my boyfriend got home from work at 6 am and I was sleeping. My boyfriend was playing some video games and didn't hear anyone come in. During the hour my boyfriend has his headphones on the old roommate came in, took a few more of our things and left his old keys. It was for sure after 6 am but was before 8 am when my boyfriend got up to make food.

The items he stole were obviously things he didn't need but did to piss us off (for example he stole the power cable to our internet modem) but the total vue of all these items is still under $1000.

We contacted the landlord and told him about everything but of course there was nothing he could do at this point so he told us we should go to the police. We decided to set up a video doorbell for now.

Are the police going to be able to do anything since the value is so low and he is technically still a tenant here until tomorrow?

Topic:
Canada

Answer:
 > Are the police going to be able to do anything

They can, if they choose, pursue the theft aspect.  That presumes that you have evidence that he took the items and that you can prove the items were yours(as opposed to, say, a communal item).

There's no issue with him entering the place, as he is a tenant.


Title: [Texas] Female classmate shoves keys in my face as a joke. Should I file a police report?

Question:
I’d just like a get a little perspective on this.  I’m a 29 year old male going to a community college in Texas.  While waiting outside one of my classes a girl that sometimes hangs out around me was talking about how she found her keys in a puddle of cat urine this morning and apparently she has been trying to get people to smell them.  She tried to get me to do so by shoving the keys inches in front of my face.  I reacted by grabbing the keys and pulling them to the right and away from me.  She held on and kind of came along with the keys and smacked and scratched me a few times.  After that she went a few feet away and sat down.
Keys are often used as a defensive weapon and really can put someone’s eyes out.

I wouldn’t normally make a very big deal of this but other things she’s said (i.e., she spread a rumor that an ex had a small dick) tell me she’s pretty vindictive and really don’t want to be in a position where she tries to spin this around and then I have to defend myself.  Especially considering she’s a younger girl and I’m an older guy and bias is a thing.

Is it worth it?

Answer: If you got to ask, no.


Title: Unmarked wet paint, sprayed by the city. What do I do?

Question: I got wet yellow paint on my 2014 Jeep Polaris edition. I called and complained to the city and they said nothing can be done. I also got it on another car that was driven by someone else. I went through the car wash 2 times and it didn't come off. What do I do?

Answer: How did paint get on your car? I feel like the city doesn’t go around just spray painting cars...


Title: Unauthorized access to my email address?

Question:
Hi guys,
Dealing with something of an issue here and I could use some advice.
My girlfriend and I recently broke up and she's taking it badly, and by taking it badly I mean her and her mother are attempting to make my life, but more importantly my family's life, miserable.
Her mother has been threatening bodily harm to myself, my sister and my father (I have it saved on voicemail) the daughter, my ex, has logged into my email and has been scouring it and sending emails to other members of my extended family, attempting to drive a rift between us.
That's just the big stuff, aside from the insane amount of phone calls at all hours, the threatening, and the verbal abuse.
Do I have any kind of recourse here?
I'm going to the cops tonight to request a restraining order or to at least open a case.
Will it hold water and can I do more?
Honest to god, I'm terrified that my little sister is going to be harmed, and I believe that this woman will make good on it.
What can I do?

Thanks, guys.

EDIT: My location is NJ.

Answer:
 > Her mother has been threatening bodily harm to myself, my sister and my father (I have it saved on voicemail) ...

Take these voicemails and the other evidence to the police station and ask to file a report.Answer #2: Also, change your email logon, security questions to get back in, and setup 2 factor authentication if possible. Let the police know that she has been gaining unauthorized access to your email and has been sending email impersonating you. You should be able to pull logs from your email service that will show what IP addresses have been logging in and when.

Shoot, you could even file a complaint with the FBI for the unauthorized access. They probably won't care but it is technically a violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. You can do that at https://ic3.gov

You may want to change the login of any other services you have that she may be able to access (like if you reuse the same passwords for everything). Maybe look into using a password manager like keepass to store all your new unique creds.


Title: (FL/USA) Towing company damaged my car

Question: Had guests over my house so my parking space was full so i parked the car behind the other cars blocking only a little of the street. Woke up and car was towed. Went to the company and payed $140 to release it. (I got a audi a5 all wheel drive car) I started the car and all this messages show up that says systems are malfunctioned. Told the towing company what happened they told me to call the police so i did. The police came and told me its a civil matter not a criminal matter. My car is currently at a Audi dealership waiting to be inspected. As far as i know my insurance wont cover mechanical damage only body damage and the warranty for my car also expired. I dont know what i should do they told me they will give me damage estimate on Monday.

Answer: I am fully guessing it was towed without a flatbed.  Which will destroy AWD cars.


Title: In massachusetts is it legal for someone in a job interview to ask me if I plan on getting married or having kids anytime soon?

Answer: Legal to ask? Technically yes. But it is not legal to take that information into account when hiring.


Title: Portable oxygen concentrator on plane

Question: My relative has late stage lung cancer. She is currently undergoing treatment, cell therapy (meaning two pills a day) this is possibly relevant because she is mostly functional and going to work. About a month ago, we bought her a business class ticket to go to Europe with her son for two weeks. She leaves tomorrow. About a week ago the doctor decided she requires a portable oxygen concentrator to fly. We quickly scrambled and rented one for her trip. We got the device delivered last night and submitted all the paperwork to swiss airlines this morning, some 36 hours before the flight. The airline is refusing to confirm that the paperwork has been approved because they have a policy that they need three days in advance. This was literally not possible because we found out and did not have the details about the machine they required until last night. They claim they need to put her in a special seat where the machine will be safe. The machine is a small purse size device. Normally a passenger with this shouldn't sit in an exit row. She is in business class so this shouldn't be a real issue. They are refusing to let me speak to anyone in the medical department or disability assistance besides reservations desk people who say she will not be allowed to board or she can cancel her ticket. I also have been controlling my tone with them and really trying to be reasonable since I think this is an issue they can resolve manually but are choosing not to.  What can we do? Thank you! We spent $10k on tickets it it makes any difference.

Answer: Dont quote me on this but I believe the "special seat" is in between classes. Like where stewardess sits. Not that bad if it's best y'all end up with


Title: [Ohio] My mom is in the hospital for something physical, but we’re afraid that she’s not mentally stable. How to a get guardianship/custody of my minor brother?

Question: I had posted in another subreddit a few days ago that you can find by clicking my username (sorry I don’t know how to edit the post so you guys can see it) but now I need legal advise. My mom is in the hospital and my family is afraid that she is mentally unstable. She was admitted in the hospital on Friday and asked me to be her Power or Attorney that same day. However, out of the blue on Sunday, she shredded the papers and told everyone to not contact her anymore. We’ve tried to visit her but she would throw things at us and try to call security. I have a brother who is a minor and I’m afraid that he cannot be in the home when she is discharged. What should I do? I am not his legal guardian, and the hospital social worker is helping me.

Answer:
 Basically you'd have to go to court and have her deemed unfit.  There's a chance (depending on the age of the brother)  that they'd grant you temporary custody or pull him out until they make a decision, but it's at least as likely that she'd retain custody until the end of the process.

You'll probably need to find a lawyer to give a more specific chain of events and advice.


Title: I am being told I am responsible for rent in an apartment, that I never moved into and never signed a lease for. True?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You're most likely out of the $200 application fee, and the check you wrote for the 2 week sublease; however, the [statute of frauds](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleV/Chapter259/Section1) will prevent the rental company from being able to collect any money owed under the lease because you didn't sign it, meaning you don't have to pay it.

Now that's not to say that they won't try to go after you for the money, but the rental company or land lord has no grounds for an action against you if you didn't sign the lease.

Also, as a Florida attorney, though I don't know about MA, if an attorney brings an action against which they know is not supported by the facts and cannot be made in good faith, then you can actually go after the other party for any attorney's fees which you incur.  Again, that's FL though, and I don't know about MA.

Edit: Words.

Answer #2: MA law only allows a landlord to charge 1st months rent, last months rent, security deposit (equal to no more than 1st month's rent) and cost for new lock and key (only if they were replaced)

The $200 application fee is illegal. You can take the management company to housing court, don't go to small claims. They might be liable for triple damages.

Housing court is not the same as small claims. It only deals with housing. [housing court by county](http://www.mass.gov/courts/court-info/trial-court/hc/hc-by-county-gen.html) There is usually a lawyer of the day or housing advocates there to help people with the forms and cases.

I'm not sure if every area has housing advocate groups you didn't list your county or I'd have checked for you. The housing groups have offices and can answer questions outside of housing court hours


Title: Took a picture of two friends at a party and upload to facebook without their permission. One of their parents is now angry. Sydney, Australia.

Question:
My two friends were drunk and I took a picture of them "hooking up" and uploaded it to facebook without their permission. Now one of the person's parents are angry and threatening to "report" me. I took it down as soon as they contacted me but they are still making threats. The party this picture was taken at was at a friend's house.

What are the possible legal implications of me doing this? I'm unaware of facebook's laws on this.

Any advice is appreciated.

Edit: By "hooking up" i mean kissing. There was no nudity.

Edit: [This](http://imgur.com/a/FQwTf) is how I was contacted by her mum. They don't have the same surname and I don't know her parents so I was unaware of who I was talking to until I was told by a friend after the conversation.
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer: Facebook TOS say that you can't upload photos of kids without their parents' permission. But the only thing Facebook would do is take down the photo, which you've already done. There's nothing more they can sue you for. (Probably, in North America. For all I know, in Australia posting any photos to Facebook is punishable by koala-slapping or something.)Answer #2: We need someone who knows Australian law, not a whole bunch of *shrug, I'm American, and here's American law.*Answer #3: "Hooking up" meaning what? Were they kissing? Lookin into each others' eyes? Were they partially or completely nude? Did you have the permission of the person who was hosting to take pictures? Answer #4: Seems like they were just embarrassed someone took a picture of them at a party, and want to shift the blame of any mistakes onto someone else (you). Answer #5: Are either one under the age of 18?


Title: [MO][Labor] Employer seeking refund of health insurance benefits while on Maternity Leave because I had to quit the job one week after rejoining.

Question:
I took a 12 week Maternity leave with the absolute intention of rejoining. I had to quit to care for my child a week after I rejoined. Employer sent me a Certified letter stating that they believe I have broken the deal to continue working for the company and therefore, it is unfair on my part to expect the employer to pay health insurance during my Maternity Leave. The employer send a dollar amount (<$2000) and stated that they will explore legal options if this cannot resolved amicably.

&#x200B;

I still haven't received pay for the last few days I worked as the pay day in end if this week.

&#x200B;

Question 1 : Can the employer legally ask for a refund on the health insurance benefits?

Question 2:  If yes, should I hire an attorney to respond to this letter along with the payment?

Question 3:  I want to wait till the end of the week to see if I get paid before deciding to hire an attorney or not but, I am afraid that the employer may escalate matters. I do not want that to happen if legally the employer is in the right and I am liable to pay.

Thank you.

Answer:
 Yes, usually you must work 30 days or more after returning from leave to avoid the pay back.

&#x200B;

See the Department of Labor's site:  [https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/whd/fmla/8d4.aspx](https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/whd/fmla/8d4.aspx)Answer #2: Even if you were eligible for FMLA you would have to return to work for 30 days or they could request reimbursement.  They probably use that guideline for their policy.


Title: My younger sister (aged 20) wants me to get a new ID card so that she can use the old one to get into bars this summer.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Besides "hell no, it's illegal" and "don't break the law" let's step aside from criminal issues to civil ones. Imagine for a moment that your sister does something, accidentally even, drunk or sober, and your drivers license gets associated with that activity or event. Happens ALL the time with fake/borrowed IDs.

So now YOU are in trouble for something you didn't even do, AND for things you did do. And to get out of the things you didn't do, you have to admit to your crimes and throw your sister under the bus. So, bad idea.

> probably continue to use it in CA until she turns 21

Why on earth would she want to do that?!? You want to have your car insurance go up and have to pay tickets in her name? Why use someone else's ID except to try to get out of responsibility?


Title: [CA] What are the risks of importing and selling (likely) unlicensed products?

Question:
I make soap as a hobby. I'd like to make some Fight Club soap, but molds are hard to come by.

I found silicone molds on Alibaba.com, but I'd have to order at least 50, which would run me probably $300. I highly doubt the Chinese manufacturer has the proper licensing agreement to make and sell these molds. If I were to try to resell the extra molds on Ebay or Etsy, would there be any legal liabilities?

Answer: It is highly unlikely that you have the right to sell those molds either.


Title: Board of Directors told me to take down my Bernie For President sign, citing this bylaw. Can I legally put it in my window instead?

Question:
5.5 No signs of any kind shall be displayed to public view on a lot or the common area without the prior written consent of the Association, through its Board of Directors except customary name and address signs and lawn signs of not more than five (5) square feet in size advertising a property for sale or rent.

Edit:  #delaware

Answer:
 > 5.5 No signs of any kind shall be displayed to public view on a lot...

Unless the HOAs define "lot" otherwise, the house is on the lot.  Since the sign in the window is displayed to public view and there isn't prior written HOA consent, it's a violation.Answer #2: >5.5 No signs of any kind shall be displayed to public view on a lot

Most likely your property will be considered as [a lot] which makes the Bernie For President sign against the bylaws no matter how you try to put it.

If other properties on the neighborhood have political or just signs in public view on their property then you are okay to put your Bernie sign. A HOA cannot unfairly punish violators; this means if everyone else is doing it then you can do it. Answer #3: http://delcode.delaware.gov/title25/c081/sc03/index.shtml#81-320

“Unless the declaration otherwise provides, no rule may prohibit the display . . . [of] signs regarding candidates for public office or ballot questions, but the association may adopt rules governing the time, place, size, number or manner of those displays.”

Answer #4: I'm wondering if OP could circumvent this "sign" rule by projecting the image onto their house or painting their message (although I wouldn't be surprised if the HOA had some sort of rules about what you could and couldn't paint on your house)Answer #5: write "this sign for sale!" on it and you meet the exemption.


Title: At company for a decade, laid off shortly after filing sexual harassment claim. Possible retaliation?

Question:
I'm in Nevada so I'm guessing my options are limited.

I was at my former company for a little over a decade.

I had no write ups in that time. The only negative on my record I suppose would be not wearing a collared shirt one time which I wasn't written up for. (Dress code policy)

According to my termination document I was laid off due to budgetary cuts. I was the only person in the company who was laid off. The next day they offered my job responsibilities to someone else for more money. That person refused the job, and they just recently hired someone else for more money than I was making. So budget cuts doesn't make sense to me.

On top of that, two weeks prior to being laid off I filed a sexual harassment claim with HR due to someone in upper management groping one of our female employees. I have a dated copy of this.

Do I have a case here to pursue legal action? The timing just seems suspicious to me, and the reasoning for being laid off doesn't seem to line up.

Appreciate any advice

Answer:
 I would definitely suggest you shop employment lawyers in your area.  It's not easy to build these cases so don't get ahead of yourself yet, but the information you've provided has a higher-than-average factor of retaliation.

Edit: check out https://www.nvbar.org/lawyerreferral/lawyer-referral-information-service/


Title: Too late?

Question: Long story short, I would like to press charges against my moms husband. He raped and molested me between the ages of 11-13. I'm 28 now. This happened in Cleveland, OH and I'm wondering if I should just call the sheriff's department and go from there. I just dont know where to begin. Please let me know if I'm posting in the wrong place.

Answer: You do not appear to be too late. For child sexual abuse, the statute of limitations in Ohio is 20 years from the victim’s 18th birthday. So you’re good. Incidentally, if you want to also sue him for money damages, the statute of limitations for that is 12 years from your 18th birthday, which leaves you 2 years to file a lawsuit. If you want to go to the police, you can do that. If you want to file a lawsuit, I would contact an attorney immediately to avoid running over the SOL.


Title: Can I legally call someone my mother if they were declared an unfit parent in a court of law, and therefore prevented from adopting more children?

Question:
I.. Don't know the specifics. I just know they're dating my father, and because of circumstances involving their adopted son, they ended up being declared an unfit parent.

At.. Least to my knowledge. Can I legally call them my mother?

Answer:
 You can refer to anyone in the world, even complete strangers, with the word "mother."

If you're talking about something more than merely referring to someone by that word, you'll need to elaborate.


Title: Washington State Age of Consent/Child Molestation Advice (Really Most Concerned with Child Molestation Laws)

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Usually we recommend you abstain from sexual activity with a minor regardless of the laws.

The age of consent is 16 in Washington, so it's safer to stick to that law than to rely on a Romeo & Juliet-type clause.Answer #2: #DON'T DATE MINORS. DON'T DO SEX STUFF WITH MINORS.

You stick to that, you'll be fine and have nothing to worry about.

Edit: Also your interpretation is completely wrong. The actual section is this one:

http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9A.44.030


Title: Lost Fake ID

Question: I’m a college student in Ohio and have been keeping all of my cards in my pocket as my wallet broke, and my fake ID must have fallen out of my pocket sometime between my classes.. it has my real name and picture on it, but fake out of state address and birthday. How much trouble could I get in? I traced my steps and checked in my classes that I had this morning and didn’t find it, so the chances that someone picked it up are high. I’m just hoping no one turned it in to the university police department, as there are officers everywhere on campus. The plan is to just keep quiet about it for now and hope that nothing comes of it..

Answer:
 I’d let it go, because man, it’s gone, and it would be incredibly dumb to go inquire about it with your campus police department.

Using a fake ID in Ohio is a misdemeanor offense, and you’d need a criminal defense attorney if you are cited.


Title: [Texas] Would lining students up in the order of their grades be considered a violation of FERPA?

Question:
There is  a minor uproar over a professor that lined students up in the order of their grades before a test last week. Some students are saying that he broke the law (FERPA).

If he never gave the actual grade of each student, just lined them up in the order of their grades, would that still violate FERPA?

Answer: Class rank is a record so I'd say yes.Answer #2: Also, what the hell? Who thinks it's a good idea to treat adults like this? Or anyone, for that matter.


Title: [Update] Issues with new building managers ? (domestic violence)

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You are worrying too much and taking this way too personally.

First, it is extremely common for domestic violence participants to deny everything when the cops come - so nobody will think you made it up.

Your description makes it sound like they are mutual combatants, so it's probably best you stay out of it and make a noise complaint if it bothers you.  If you fear for the safety of one of them, call the cops again.  Not much else you can do.


Title: University health center may have breached my healthcare confidentiality.

Question:
So I see my doctor at my university health center and that is where I get my prescriptions from, and then I take them to be filled at another pharmacy that accepts my insurance. Today I received an email that was a survey for students taking the branch of prescription drugs that I am prescribed. This email only stated it was a study of students at my school, and did not state what group or organization that they were affiliated with. For all I know this could be some graduate student trying to do research.

My problem is that this person had access to my medical files to find this out, and it makes me wonder who has my information now. What should I do about this?

Answer:
 >What should I do about this?

Well, who sent the email, and how do you know that person has access to your files?  The email could have come from someone who properly has control of the files, sent out anonymously on the listserve, asking for anonymous responses back, right?


Title: Can my employer tell me who not to date?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Well, assuming you are in the US, they could fire you.


Title: "Technically free to leave the building" [USA - Gulf South]

Question:
Without getting too much into specifics here, I work for a company on a (state) government contract. We perform a public service in transportation, and are considered essential personnel during large storms (like hurricanes) due to our role in evacuations. We are a 24/7 service, but during storms, additional coverage is required. We have an emergency activation schedule, which lists who will be on which shifts if we are activated. All shifts during emergency activation are 12 hours on/12 off. They provide us with cots and tell us regularly we are expected to keep a few days worth of clothes and supplies packed in case of emergency activation. The problem arises when discussing pay for this time. We are told we will be paid only for the 12 hours we work during this time, despite being unable to actually leave the building. When I've brought up the fact that we should be paid around the clock for this, the argument used is that we are "technically free to leave the building anytime..." Except, of course, there's a hurricane outside and no one can actually leave.

Do I have a leg to stand on here? Can they claim I'm free to leave, even though they expect me to come in during a dangerous situation, knowing fully that I cannot leave? I'm afraid of retaliation and don't want to bring something like this to my superiors unless I've got all my ducks in a row.
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 Are you expected to perform work duties during this time?  Are you spending any of this time sleeping, resting, watching tv, etc?Answer #2: Speaking as someone who has worked some shitty jobs that sounds like one. I doubt you'd be able to get your employer to pay you 24/7 because of the weather.

Unless you like working long hours in hurricanes I suggest looking for a new job that allows actual time off that isn't just hanging out at work in a hurricane.


Title: Large unleashed dog attacked my 7mo old puppy [LA,CA]

Question:
Please keep in mind that I was not actually present during the attack since I was at work.

My mother was walking my 7mo old Pomeranian (3.6lbs) puppy on a leash around her friends neighborhood when an unleashed dog (estimated 80lb) rushed out of nowhere and attacked my puppy. The large dog flipped my puppy over and pinned her down. My dogs fur is completely coated in spit.

My mother told me the man ran out yelling at his dog while exclaiming that his did not bite my puppy. (I am not sure how he knew that his dog did not bite her) This was at around 4:30PM.

Unfortunately my mother did not request this man’s information under the impression that my puppy was just incredibly frightened and scared. My puppy was not bleeding and there were no signs of puncture wounds. However, her fur was covered in the older dog’s saliva as mentioned earlier. The man and the large dog left the scene. We presume that this man lives in the neighborhood.

I came home from work at 5:50PM and my mother told me what happened and mentioned that my puppy was acting strange. I did research and noticed my dog was exhibiting signs of shock such as: cold paws, she won’t stand, won’t eat or drink, labored breathing and pale gums/tongue by this time it was now around 6:30PM. I drove her to the nearest Emergency Animal Hospital at 6:53PM where she was admitted.

My heart dropped when I heard the news from the vet. They did some quick scans and mentioned she is has fluid in her chest cavity from blunt force trauma from the prior dog attack. The vet also informed me that she is in critical condition and that she would need to be kept for approximately 48hrs for testing and further care.

The total vet bill is expected to be $6143.15 in treatment.

Due to my puppy’s critical state they are not sure if she will even survive!

I am probably jumbling things up and not making much since because I’m in utter shock. I tried my best to write down what I know without attaching my own emotions in my post. I’m so unbelievably angry that my puppy may die due to a man who cannot supervise or control his dog.

My mom is driving back to the neighborhood (7:40PM)  to try to locate the man and his dog to tell him what happened, to get his information and to show him the vet bills.

I’m not sure on what to do and if the man will even offer to pay for vet bills due to the high costs. I don’t want to think about it but I do not know what to do if she were to pass away due to her injuries. I just got my puppy a few months ago and I saved $2400 to purchase her from a reputable breeder.

I need some advice on how to proceed with this matter. I assume I need to file a report to the city Animal Control, but do I also need to file a police report?

I’m very shaken and don’t know what to do. Please lend me some advice Reddit.

Answer:
 The veterinarian can absolutely prove that the cause of trauma was the attack. My records would read “history of dog attack” and “trauma consistent with attack” blah blah blah.

The dog’s owner says you can’t prove it, but with a veterinarian’s records it should be an easy one.Answer #2: Quit messing with the guy. Call the police at the vets office, make a report. He will have to pay restitution.Answer #3: I don't know about where u live but where I live we have a DOG WARDEN. I would call yours and explain what happened. Most towns and cities have strict leash laws. Our dog got off her leash and I got fined. Our neighbors dog got off there run and killed 4 chickens and our duck. Broke through our fence. Dog Warden and court were involved. They had to pay for everything.Answer #4: Dude, there are times I honestly feel that a lawsuit just simply won’t cut it. I would absolutely sue, but monetary damages would be the very last thing that motherfucker would need to be concerned with. I’m not so much impulsive, but I’m damn sure vindictive. If this is read it won’t be popular - don’t let him see you coming, but make goddamn sure he feels you.

I’m so sorry, I can’t even begin to imagine. Answer #5: I am so sorry for your loss. It can be a legal matter that the dog was not on a leash if a leash is legally required where you are.Answer #6: I’m so sorry about your puppy:(
Your neighbor sounds like a real asshole pretending he doesn’t know what happened. Answer #7: Always call the police. This guy isn't going to spend a penny that he doesn't want to. Dude is a lunatic.


Title: My little brother had his tooth broken by another kid at school, please help me.

Question:
[LOUISIANA/US]

Please hear me out, I posted here to see if there is any legal action my mother can take against the school and the parents of the child who did this to my brother. Here's the story for context behind why I want to make it a legal matter.

 *My brother is in 6th grade, he is 10 years old*

My brother came home today with a shattered tooth, and he was really genuinely upset. He asked to talk to me which he never does, and of course I was there to offer him all the help I could as his older brother. He said he was in English class and finished a test early so he was coloring with markers, and this other kid was also coloring, my brother was finished so he was walking to go put away his markers and the boy told him to put his away too. My brother didn't do it because he "didn't ask nicely", so he ignored him. Then this girl told the boy that my brother wanted to fight him, my brother heard her say it and he told the boy that it wasn't true and that he does not want to fight at all.. The boy said he didn't care but my brother ignored it.

My brother went to use the restroom and the bully followed him shortly after. After my brother finished using it, he was washing his hands and then as he was walking out he was confronted by the bully, who then pushed him into a wall which caused my brother to slip and hit his face on the floor, causing his tooth to crack in half. The kid then laughed, and my brother said "Why did you push me? I didn't do anything to you!" And the aggressor said, "You wanted to fight me." My brother responded, "No I didn't, I told you in class I didn't want to fight you!". He walked out and went back to class.

The teacher realized my brother's tooth was half missing and then asked what happened, after my brother explained the story. She got the assistant principal to come and sort out the problem, but this is where it gets really stupid.. they had the kids fill out forms describing the incident and what happened, but no disciplinary action was taken against the kid who fucked my brother's mouth up, and the school also neglected to contact my mother or ANYONE on my brother's emergency card to notify them that he had suffered an injury to the extent of having his tooth broken. Needless to say I'm extremely pissed.

So Reddit, I was wondering, is there legal action that can be taken for the damages the child caused my brother, and also is there legal action that can be taken against the administration of the school for neglecting to notify my mother or anyone about the injury my brother suffered? Please help me someone..

Answer: Contact a personal injury lawyer asap.  It is common for PI attorneys to work on contingency so their fee comes out of any judgment or settlement rather than having to pay up front.Answer #2: There is literally no way to answer this question if we don't know where it happened.


Title: 18/texas dumb teenager needs help

Question: Well to cut a long story short I got a speeding ticket today. It was on I10 and it was in a 2 lane that expands to 3 as a passing lane.  I was caravaning with another car from San Antonio and they were being complete dicks on the road and after an hour and and half (estimated) of them being jack asses (they were speeding up and slowing down, breaking randomly and generally being jack ass teenagers) I tried to pass them and they decided to speed up next to me so I would slow down and deal with it. Well finally after this happening like 3 or 4 times I just gave up and sped past them.  And thanks to my awesome luck there was a state trooper around the bend. So I got a 97 in a 75. I got a 2 tickets  like just under a year ago (which is why I wouldn't speed past them in the first place learned my lesson there I thought) so I can't do decisive driving. Do I have any hope or am I just gonna have to  suck it up or is there any chance I could try and talk to the judge or something?  It was just outside a small town where the court is located. I'm doing this on phone so sorry about the wall of text. Thank you all so much!

Answer:
 Make sure you go to court. It's not the judge you need to deal with, it's the prosecutor. Wear nice clothes, I mean slacks, belt, tucked in shirt, tie, and a sports coat if you have one. Ask to speak with the prosecutor and see if you can come to some kind of agreement.

Act very apologetic and take full responsibility. You can explain the circumstances but do not blame your actions on the other driver. Ask if there's something you can do to get the ticket reduced.

Admit to being a dumb teenager and go from there.


Title: How is This Considered “Banking Fraud”? - Virginia

Question:
My fiancé and I were asked to come visit my future MIL to “see something” early in the week. When pressed as to what it may be, her response was that she simply “didn’t want to ruin the surprise.” Upon showing up last night, the MIL shows my fiancé a copy of a form that had signed in October, and simply stated that he had committed bank fraud, and would be labeled a felon.

Some quick backstory: the MIL had set up a CD in both their names (she claims) back in 2007. It wasn’t until September when my fiancé started inquiring about what this account truly was at the bank, has he had been paying taxes (solely) on it for a decade. They provided information saying that the MIL opened the CD but that it was in fact in his name, and even allowed him to change the address for the statements and put a Passcode onto the account. In October he went in and inquired about closing the CD, to take the money out and move it into a personal IRA. The bank confirmed his identity, and asked if he had the original certificate. He responded that he didn’t but that his mother presumably did. At that point they gave him a form to sign (unfortunately we don’t know the specific name of that form, the MIL didn’t give us a copy), and stating that he did not have the original in hand at the time of transaction and that it was “lost” to him. A few minutes later he had a cashiers check out in his name and it was over, at no point was the MIL’s name included, written, or asked about

Flash-forward to yesterday, the statement is now that because he did this without speaking to her, and without the original copy that she does have, he has committed fraud. Yet, rather than this being brought up to the Bank’s internal Fraud department, she is setting up an appointment with the VP of the Bank to “discuss the options.” (For the record, she has worked with the VP at other banking institutions in the past and is friends with him).

So with that... is this considered fraud on his part, and would the Bank have done more at this point outside of setting up meetings, let alone with the VP? The MIL has apparently known about this for over a week, and it was a non-issue until she questioned the bank as to why she was no longer receiving the statements. When pressed about original documents from her, there was no reply, no mention if He should get a lawyer (which, if he is in such a difficult situation, a lawyer should at the very least be on retainer).

All in all, the amount is only for $4000, and not earning interest in the CD. Any info or advice would be appreciated, as we are trying to research on our own, but we are still reeling from all of this.

Answer:
 Fraud is going to depend on what the signed form says.

He should talk to the bank to make sure everything is ok


Title: Contracted Hep C through dialysis

Question: As the title says, I contracted hep c through blood dialysis. There is no other way I could've gotten it, I haven't had sex in about a year, I don't use IV drugs, don't share razors, etc etc. This has caused my kidney transplant to be pushed back a significant amount, very expensive pills to treat the hep c (~$700 a pill/84 pills), and just other general shittyness. Is there anything legally I can do? Can I sue my dialysis center for incompetence? The place does get slightly messy sometimes with blood stuff, I gave a few pictures of that. I don't know if I can prove it was the dialysis center or a hospital I was at. I'm only 19 and this shit sucks EDIT: New Jersey

Answer:
 Did you get tested and come up negative after your last sexual activity and then positive after the dialysis? That may help you, but really if you want to pursue med mal you need a lawyer.

Also, have a chat with your doctor, if you were not being regularly tested you could have contracted it well over a year ago and just not known.Answer #2: Do you have any tattoos? Most places (but not all) It shouldn't be an issue.


Title: Paid a guy to make a custom cooler. He has not made it and will not answer my calls/ texts.

Question:
I live in Houston, Tx and I paid a guy $300 to make a custom wooden icebox. I met him in person and paid him cash in advance (my first mistake). He asked if I wanted a receipt, and, like idiot who has faith in people I do not know, I said no (my second mistake).

 It's been a couple months and we did contact each other (via phone and text) for a while. He gave me false updates and promises that it would be ready soon. A few weeks ago he text me saying he was to recieve a check from his insurance and would return my money back. I've been waiting for him to give me my money back and have even tried calling and texting him again, but he refuses to answer. I have tried going to his house and no response. I did leave a note on his door and I do still have all our text messages that imply that I did in fact pay him in exchange for his service.

It seems like I have no other option that to file a lawsuit,but is it worth $300?
What lawyer fees should I expect to pay?

I've never done anything like this before so please forgive my ignorance. I'm not quite sure what questions I should ask, so please, any advice on anything I have failed to notice will be greatly appreciated.

Note: A friend of mine actually told me about this guy and (my friend) served as our messenger when he agreed to do it for $300.
Topic:
Contracts

Answer: Sounds like a perfect case for small claims court. No need for a lawyer for that so you don't need to worry about that. Some quick searching or a phone call to your local court house should provide the forms and process needed to make it happen.


Title: Belongs here:

Answer:
 Can't count how many times people I've interacted with in person have said something like this.

I can count (but need two hands) the amount of times I've been asked to co-sign on a luxury apartment or a luxury car lease and then been on the receiving end of some fury when I say no.Answer #2: Hey

I like thisAnswer #3: Could you tho, say in a car loan, have the car repossessed, if you had to start making payments? And like, keep the vehicle for yourself?Answer #4: this is funny as hell lmaooAnswer #5: LMAOOOOAnswer #6: $200,000 in payments made with a $1,000,000 more on the way


Title: Online store sold article of clothing using pictures of a different piece of clothing and will not give refund.

Question:
Hi /r/legaladvice!

I recently purchased jeans from an online store. When they arrived, they were clearly a different jean than was advertised via their pictures (much different color/wash). I immediately tried to get in contact multiple times, asking if they had sent the wrong pair. After no response, I returned the pair of pants asking for a refund (within 10 days of purchase date).

They have responded saying they will only issue a refund in store credit and have now changed their policy on their website to reflect that (at the time of order, the policy stated that refunds were issued on a case-by-case basis). What steps can I take to get a refund? Any help is very appreciated. Thanks!

Answer:
 Did you pay via credit card?  If so, contact your bank and ask for a reverse charge.

A vendor cannot advertise product A, sell you product B, and refuse to refund you.  That is a bait and switch tactic.

If the online store is through Ebay or Amazon, you may also want to contact them to let them know.Answer #2: Have you tried disputing the charges with your cc company?


Title: [MA] Tenant issues, estrangement from parent as an adult, finding someone else's attourney (Warning: tl;dr as fuck)

Question:
So a couple of days ago I asked a question about legally owned guns and moving in with a friend who made interesting decisions in their past.

Today I come back to ask for advice about the reason I have to move in with said convicted felon.

I'll try to be brief but I doubt I can.

I moved in to a property owned by my father 3 years ago after being discharged from the army due to successfully completing my contract. No lease was signed, never had to pay rent, life was good because I could try to move on with my life with a nice safety net and no risk of homelessness.

Problem was when I left, daddy-kins started dating a former real estate agent with various mental issues and a love of alcohol. He eventually married her. Said individual was less than happy that I had come back home at all and we did not get along. Many threats of harassment order filings were made due to many many many instances of my privacy being violated. There's a lot more awful that occurred over the years but nothing really insane that didn't go away immediately when the cops were called.

Recently, I received an email from my father's account saying I had sixty days to leave, it did not look at all like my father wrote it. I then received a 90-day notice to quit on my door from a constable a week later.

4 days ago, my father randomly shows up with the cops after lying to them and tries to forcibly evict me, but is thwarted when I give the signed eviction notice to them. They immediately inform me that my father is in the wrong and leave. They also tell me that if this, or anything like it, happens again to immediately begin the process of filing a restraining order.

2 things I should point out:

-my father (the landlord) does not live there

-I have zero intention to fight this, I fully intend to move out 15 days before the notice to quit says I must vacate the property, under cover of darkness, and hopefilly without any outside interference. The situation has become so toxic that even if I won the ability to stay in the residence I currently live in, it would be such a stressful and unsustainable situation that it would end in ways that probably shouldn't be discussed publicly.

Here's what I want help with:

-where can I find a basic template of a letter I can write to his attourney that politely says: "I am leaving your client's property at a time I choose before the deadline stated on the notice to quit, after which I request no further contact from your client or his wife or their friends or their family unless it is to inform me of their demise" ?

-what recourse do I have if the request of said letter is not followed, beyond just a restraining/harassment order?

-how can I find out who specifically is representing my father without directly contacting him?

-since no lease was ever signed, and there is no evidence of what condition the apartment was in when I began living in it, what, legally, can I get away with?

If no one wants to answer the last one, don't.

Answer:
 > where can I find a basic template of a letter...

You can simply write a polite letter stating such.  Emphasis on 'polite' - don't get cute.

> what recourse do I have if the request of said letter is not followed, beyond just a restraining/harassment order?

Likely none.

> how can I find out who specifically is representing my father without directly contacting him?

You can check filed court documents to see who's filing on his behalf.

> since no lease was ever signed, and there is no evidence of what condition the apartment was in when I began living in it, what, legally, can I get away with?

What do you mean "get away with"?


Title: My tenant got arrested for violation of probation and has left me with a lot of questions (California)

Question: Technically, it's my girlfriends tenant because she owns the house but we live together. So, one of our tenants is currently on probation for apparently stabbing his stepfather. His probation officer came by the house while my girlfriend I were gone and in plain view in our bedroom was my pistol. According to terms of his probation, he is not allowed to live in a home where there are firearms, so he was arrested. The probation officer took the gun with him, but left us no contact information or any instructions on how to get our weapon back. Second, since our tenant obviously can't live with us anymore, what do we do with his stuff? I don't believe that he has any family up here that he talks to, and he's got a lot of really nice stuff that I don't want to get damaged. When he originally rented from my girlfriend, he rented the master bedroom. now that my girlfriend and I moved back in, we had a verbal agreement that once the other tenant in the house moved out he would take over his room and my girlfriend I would take over the master bedroom. Would it be illegal for us to move his property into the separate bedroom and us take over the master bedroom? Finally, he has a snake. I don't like snakes. I don't know anything about caring for snakes. I am very concerned that the snake may die because of my ignorance about reptiles. Do I have to get permission from him to place the snake in a foster home so that it can be properly care for?

Answer:
 1) The probation officer took your pistol. If you can’t find the probation officer’s contact info, call the police and ask their advice and/or report it as a theft.
2) If your parolee tenant continues to pay the rent, you can’t do anything about his possessions or his room. When he fails to pay rent, you can [follow the process to first give notice, then evict](https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/evicting-a-residential-tenant-in-california.html).
3) Call Animal Control and tell them your tenant has abandoned a snake, and ask their advice or if they can take it and give appropriate notice to the tenant.Answer #2: You need to post him with a proper 30 day written notice to vacate.  Don't touch his belongings until he's properly out.  If he does not surrender possession, then you'll have to evict.  If you decide to evict, don't accept any rent past the 30 day notice.

whuile you can get him out thorough legal means, you have no cause to throw him out illeagally.


Title: Can a teacher, while not teaching, discuss religion if asked first by a student(during a break or after classes)?

Question:
I was reading up on the ACLU's page about religion in school and was wondering about the limits of what you can and cant do.

https://www.aclu.org/other/joint-statement-current-law-religion-public-schools

This made me wonder if a teacher would legally be able to speak with a child about God (or any other religion) if asked by a student at a time such as after classes or during class changes. Personally, I wouldn't consider curiosity and the following answers to be a violation. And looking at the website, I see that it seems like it might be okay. For instance, nobody is forced to listen.

When is a teacher acting in their capacity as a teacher? Is this at all times on school grounds (which it may be even though I find that silly AS LONG AS they aren't supposed to be teaching or working)? I've had many conversations with my teachers about non school related things after school is out or during lunch breaks.

Say I see a cross on my teacher's neck during my lunch break. If I asked what is that and why do you believe, what are the limits of what they could say?

For the record, I am not a teacher and am wondering simply to better understand the law.

Answer:
 > When is a teacher acting in their capacity as a teacher? Is this at all times on school grounds

Yes, absolutely.  Work rules apply(whatever they are) while you're at work or otherwise working.

Teachers should avoid proselytizing of any kind while on the clock, unless of course at a school where such a thing is expressly permitted.  Teachers at non-religous schools would be daft to have religous discussions - the line is simply too narrow and the chances of crossing it far too great.


Title: Nieces father withholding niece

Question:
https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/99o87y/nieces_father_withheld_niece_from_her_mother/?utm_source=reddit-android

So I have been informed about some new information in regards to this situation.

My nieces father has admitted to not allowing anyone from my wife's family, especially my MIL (nieces grandmother), because my MIL will not give him a copy of my SIL's (niece's deceased mother) death certificate. We are in the state of CA and I've read that my MIL has visitation rights. I haven't actually seen the law itself but read a description of it from a local court house's family law page on their website.

Do we have options to stop my niece's father from doing this? And why is he doing this for a death certificate. I'd ask myself but he is ignoring everyone's calls except for my wife's grandmother (source of this new information).

Answer:
 Why the heck are you getting into a pissing match with the father of these children?  That seems like the stupidest path.  Order the damn death certificates and behave like adults.

As to asking for visitation, California law contemplates this precise scenario:

[California Family Code 3102](http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=FAM&division=8.&title=&part=2.&chapter=5.&article=).

>3102.  (a) If either parent of an unemancipated minor child is deceased, the children, siblings, parents, and grandparents of the deceased parent may be granted reasonable visitation with the child during the child’s minority upon a finding that the visitation would be in the best interest of the minor child.

If you can't resolve it by being civilized adults (seriously try that first, it's faster, cheaper and easier on everyone) then go to court and request visitation.  But do it sooner rather than later because it's about the established relationship with the child.  So if you want 3 years the court is unlikely to find that the child will miss you and feel a severed relationship if you continue not visiting.Answer #2: Any visitation rights will come at the end of a court hearing regarding that.

If grandma wants visitation, she needs to get a family law attorney and sue him for it in court.


Title: Girl pulled through a stop sign in front of me. Her insurance only wants to pay me 70%.

Question:
Yesterday a 16 year old tried to cross an intersection in which she had a stop sign and I did not. There was no way for me to avoid her and after locking up my breaks I hit her passenger side door. Her side airbags deployed, mine did not.

The police report says I was going 30 in a 30 but they want to use this (airbags and me skidding) as a way to say I'm 30 percent responsible.

What can I do here?

Answer:
 You can accept the offer, or refuse to accept it and sue for the full amount you feel you are owed.

There really isn't a third option.Answer #2: Hopefully you have a police report, which helps establish the facts. It isn't fatal if you don't.

If you accept the 70% payment, you'll be made to sign a release stating that it's the final payment and they're not liable for any more.  If you want to be paid 100%, it sounds like you should tell them you're simply going to sue her for the full amount plus court costs, and then (unless they cave at the last minute and just pay) do so.
Answer #3: Do you only have liability coverage?

If you have full just let the insurance companies fight it out.


Title: [Colorado] Can I be fired for not being able to work under a doctors orders?

Question: I have been out of work for a little over a month now due to an injury to my knee (Not work-related) as I cannot stand on my legs for more than half an hour and cannot walk without significant pain. After dropping off my newest doctors note today to my manager she seemed very ticked off that I still was unable to work and I've been getting this feeling from her the entire time this has been going on. I really wouldn't put it past them to fire me over this whole thing and I was wondering if they can legally do that?

Answer:
 You may qualify for something called FMLA.

If your employer has at least 50 employees living within 75 miles of the office, and you've been there at least 1 year with 1250 hours worked in the last 12 months, you can get protected (unpaid) medical leave.

Talk to your doctor about getting the ball rolling if you qualify.

If you don't qualify for FMLA, or do but don't pursue it, then yes, they can fire you.

EDIT: FMLA can be applied retroactively to the first day you missed work due to the injury.Answer #2: Can you perform your job with reasonable accommodations, such as a stool?

If you're eligible for FMLA then you get 12 work weeks of protected leave. Go here to see if you're eligible: https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/benefits-leave/fmla


Title: Are teachers legally allowed to read a student’s phone notifications in front of an entire class as a punishment?

Question: Happened to me. What actions can/should be taken? I feel like this is a complete breach of privacy.

Answer:
 >What actions can/should be taken?

Don't have your phone out during class.

>I feel like this is a complete breach of privacy.

So...don't have your phone out during class.


Title: If one purchases food at a restaurant with a counter and indoor "take your own" seating are they entitled to sit down to eat if there is room available? Can the place sell food and then tell the customer that they are not allowed to sit down?

Question:
I bought lunch for a homeless person and the place was happy to sell me the food, but wouldn't let him sit inside to eat it. He was standing next to me while I was ordering and telling me what he wanted, so it was clear that the food was for him. And the person taking the order was the same person who told me he couldn't sit down, so it's not like the decision was made by a manager who wasn't aware of the sale.

Edit: This happened in Tel Aviv, Israel. However I have had an identical situation happen in Charleston, South Carolina.

I purchased the food for the man at this restaurant in part because it was raining outside and I wanted him to be able to sit under cover at least as long as he was eating. I wouldn't have purchased the food if I had known they wouldn't have allowed him to eat it indoors. If this were to happen again is it reasonable to demand my money back because I am not receiving the service that I paid for? Is there any other recourse that I can take? To be clear, the man was not smelly or in any way disruptive except for having an unkempt appearance. And the restaurant was a neighborhood lunch place where a construction worker on break would not have been out of place.

Answer: Yes generally a restaurant has freedom to remove people from their place of business.  There are exceptions like everything else in the world (assuming you are somewhere in the USA)