Title: [Oklahoma] Maintenance entering apartment without notice

Question:
The last few weeks I have been suspicious that someone has been entering my apartment. My door has a door handle and a 2 dead bolts. One dead bolt you can lock/unlock from the outside/inside the other dead bolt can only be locked/unlocked from the inside. I always lock the dead bolt and the door handle when I leave. I always unlock the deadbolt first and the the door handle second when I return. There have been a couple of times over the last few weeks that the deadbolt already felt unlocked when I inserted and turned the key. I was not certain just suspicious that it was.

So, I was home this afternoon and I hear my door being unlocked. First the door handle then the deadbolt. Then they start turning the handle trying to get in. The second deadbolt that can only be locked/unlocked from the inside is locked. So they can't the open door. I look through the peephole and there's someone that appears to work for apartment maintenance trying to open my door. No knocking. They tried to open my door but couldn't get it open and then turned around and left. Okay, maybe they got the wrong apartment. Its happened before.

About a month ago I received a email from apartment management notifying me that my maintenance request had been completed. I never made a maintenance request. They got my apartment mixed up with another one. Not a big deal. Mistakes happen.

Okay, so  getting back to today when maintenance was trying to enter my apartment. So, they left and I'm wondering whats going on. I was already suspicious something was going because the last few weeks. About 45 minutes later I decide to go down the apartments office building and find out whats going on. They don't know why maintenance would have been going in my apartment. No service request. Nothing. They told me that would ask maintenance why they where trying to enter my apartment and would call me before the end of the day. Okay, sounds good so I come back to my apartment and literally and I mean literally I'm not home 20 minutes and I start hearing my door being unlocked again. First the door handle and then the deadbolt. I look through the peephole and there is another maintenance guy trying to open my door. I opened the door this time and asked him what he was doing. Something about checking the key to make sure it was the right one and to see if it was mixed up with another apartment. He leaves. Management calls me about 15 minutes later and tells me there was a mix up and maintenance went to the wrong building earlier.  They didn't know maintenance was trying to enter my apartment AGAIN just a few minutes earlier.

This situation has made me very uncomfortable. I'm not certain that I want to leave. Maybe I was just imaging my door being unlocked and maybe today was just a mistake. If this happens again I probably will but my lease doesn't expire until next summer. My computer is in front of my door so I am going to take my webcam and use it to record when any motion is detected. That way I will know if someone is entering my apartment when I am gone. How should I protect my self if I have to break my lease?

Answer:
 Not even knocking before trying to use the key? Even if it was an emergency they should try to knock first. You could be napping naked lol. Sounds shady. Answer #2: You need to follow up with the highest person you can readily contact (preferably property manager) and tell them their maintenance crew has been entering without notice and you require proper notice for any non-emergency situations. Follow up with the property manager to get an answer as to why they were actually there.

In terms of making sure it doesn't happen again, you need to get a camera set up with movement detection and pointed at your door, so you know exactly when they're entering and who is doing it.

If you catch them trying to open the door again while you're at home, be obvious that you're recording the entire interaction with your phone and start asking them their name and why they're trying to enter. Ask for their managers contact info, if they have a legitimate reason to be there they shouldn't hesitate to contact them. If you didn't request any maintenance or receive any notice, start by assuming they aren't there for a valid purpose.

All times you catch them going forward, either on camera or in person, I'd go straight to making a police report for an unauthorized person accessing your apartment (not sure if this actually qualifies as breaking and entering) and follow up again with the property manager and their boss.


Title: Got a speeding ticket, someone I know got let off with a warning in the same area [NY]

Question:
So i just recently got a speeding ticket 48 in a 35, it was on a Main road and i got pulled over right as the limit drops from 45 to 35. SO anyway my friend got pulled over there doing 60 in the same spot, and she got let off with a warning (I assume because shes a girl and her dads a cop) , my point is when i talk to the DA can i use that as ammo to try and get him to drop the ticket.

tldr, life is unfair, can i use that to my advantage?

Answer:
 No, the fact that someone else got a warning has no impact on your situation.Answer #2: >life is unfair, can i use that to my advantage?

Yes.  But you can't pick the circumstances, otherwise it wouldn't be unfair.

If someone else gets let off, that's their good luck not yours.


Title: Bought a mobile home in a trailer park and having issues

Question:
So I recently purchased a mobile home. I confirmed with the owners of the park that it could stay there.

Well after paying the application fee (which is still pending) I was told I was denied and had two days to move the home or they'll tow it and charge me, unless I pay them $1500 (which so happens to be the previous owners past due amount)

They also went on to say I was denied due to the previous owner. I've never met the woman before buying the house.

Is this legal, what can I do?

I have a gut feeling they're going to tow the house away regardless if I pay them.

The lot manager even went on to say that I couldn't afford the $1500 and that even if I do pay it I'll most likely be evicted anyways

USA

Answer:
 In many places you are responsible for the past due lot rental even if the seller is the one who paid it. Whenever you intend to purchase a mobile home in a park, contact the park before making the purchase. They will tell you if there is any past lot rental or what the requirements are for living there, and many have credit or income requirements.

At least in the state where my mobile is located (NY) the seller is not legally required to disclose if there is lot rental due, only the park, but since you didn't contact them prior to buying the home, you walked into a bad situation.


Title: Tenant in a single person dwelling had passed. There is one, maybe two people, still living in their unit.

Question:
Hey there, I will cut right to the chase, then try to provide any other details I may have that are pertinent. Also on mobile so you know...

My parents and aunt+uncle own a 5 unit property in SF. One of the units was occupied by an older man who had lived there since the mid 90's, when he got the unit after his mom passed. He passed away a little over a week ago. His name is the only one on the lease and the only person they have accepted any rent payment from.

Since then his family has been informed to come get his belongings, that's all fine. Apparently there are two other men living in the unit. No one from my family has seen either of these fellows, but my dad often goes by to do repairs and such.

The main problem is the unit itself is in a sorry state. The bathroom and kitchen both need some serious repairs, but we can't do anything with people living there.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Answer: Evict them.


Title: [USA, GA] Different insurance companies for different vehicles?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >she told me that I can't do that.

Should've responded with, "Alright then, I'd like to cancel my policy with you so that I can have both bikes insured by someone who's not gouging my wallet, thank you.

It's not illegal, she's just trying to scare you into having both vehicles insured with them. Answer #2: >I'm pretty retarded when it comes to legal stuff.

No, you are uninformed.

IANAL nor am I an insurance agent, so I don't see why you couldn't do that, but you might have better luck posting to /r/insurance there are lots of agents over there.


Title: Rock flew out of truck and chipped my windshield. Driver was doing nearly 15 over the speed limit, and there were no signs on the truck warning to stay back. Is there anything I can do?

Question: About an hour ago driving on the highway and a piece of gravel flew out of a truck and chipped my windshield. I took down the trailer license plate number, the truck license plate number, the truck’s company ID number, as well as numerous pictures and a few videos showing the driver going 83 in a 70. I called the company to ask about compensation and before I could finish talking I was hung up on. Is there anything I can do? This happened in North Carolina.

Answer: You can file a claim through your insurance to pursue them if they won't do anything.


Title: Is it theft to take someone's reward points if they don't want them?

Question:
I work at a gas station in Canada and theyre partnered with a points card company.  Sometimes people who forgot their card or don't want a card will say you can use your own card.

Recently the gas station company put out a message saying that if you swipe your own card for a customer/family member/friend/co-worker it's theft and you will be charged by the gas station for that offence and police will be involved.

Is this actually true or are they just talking out of their ass?

I'm guilty of this a little bit but only if someone says "you can go ahead and use your card".  I don't just do it for everything or steal people's points.  No big deal if I have to stop, I'm just curious if I can actually be charged with something

Answer: Yes, you are stealing, but from the rewards card provider, not your employer. You can still be fired for it though.


Title: Boyfriend got a DUI on probation, what can I expect?

Question:
Last night boyfriend (24M) got his third DUI while driving my car. He lives in Colorado so this (fortunately) is not a felony. I(21F) had to move to Pennsylvania last month for school, but left my racecar (not interlocked) with him so he could rebuild the transmission. I have the title in my possession in PA.

I have already been working with the towing company to release the car to a friend of ours, and I’m driving to Colorado ASAP to get our dog, but what can I expect to happen from here? He got his other DUIs when he was a teenager before I ever knew him and I have never had any experience in the legal system before. What’s going to happen to him? Do I need to get him off of his lease and everything? He qualified for bond so does that mean I can talk to him at some point today? I feel so lost.

I’ll take any advice I can get.
Topic:
DUI

Answer:
 He'll go to jail for at least 60 days and get hit with fines.

The longer the car sits in impound, the higher the fees will be. It's potentially going to cost more to release the car than it will be worth. You're likely going to need to show up (or have someone with a power of attorney form show up) with the title to pay the fee and get out.

If he *paid* bond he can speak to you at some point today.

Obviously expect this to be a theme in your life and consider if he should *ever* come to PA. A fourth DUI in PA is a minimum 1 year in prison with a max of 7 years.Answer #2: >I’ll take any advice I can get.

Don't marry an alcoholic. And don't believe for a second that he isn't an alcoholic. People who aren't alcoholics don't get three DUIs.

Expect this to cost a ton of money. Between attorney's fees, fines, substance abuse treatment (which he desperately needs because he is clearly an alcoholic), interlock fees and the freakishly high rates he will be paying for insurance for the foreseeable future it can easily top $10,000.

Randomly forcing you to drive across the country to take care of the mess that he created and incurring thousands of dollars in needless costs is a taste of what life is like married to an alcoholic. At least he didn't kill someone, this time.

If he doesn't decide that he can't drink at all anymore and get treatment to help him get sober, either dump him or get used to the feeling the way you do right now.Answer #3: Dump him, keep the car


Title: My camera caught neighbor drama and if the police

Question: The police wants to see the footage, can I say no? I don’t want to be involved in their drama, I plan on saying my camera doesn’t work and it’s just for show. Will the police get a warrant and arrest me if I refuse to show them? I basically have on video of them breaking each other’s car but I don’t want my car broken for being involved...so yeah.

Answer:
 Sure you can say no.

DO NOT LIE TO THEM.

If you say no and they want it bad enough, they'll get a warrant and come take it.

DO NOT DELETE IT ONCE YOU KNOW THEY WANT IT.


Title: [USA, OR] Can I have my teenage neighbor arrested for violent threats of rape?

Question:
Awful neighbor family. One of the older boys threatened me straight up with anal rape a few months ago. Police were called and went over to talk to him but nothing else was done. I also was disturbed enough thar I reported it to CPS, who told me the information/evidence I provided they were assigning two caseworkers to the family shortly thereafter.

 If it happens again can I legally have the boy arrested for it? Should I call CPS again?

For the record, given what we know of the family and their history of domestic abuse  (my SO testified against the father as an eyewitness in a felony case. They are just all a miserable, angry, mean-as-snakes group of folks and I'm an easier target than him), I'm a bit concerned.

Answer: Oregon seems to be a one party consent state.  I'd record any interactions you have with the neighbours, just in case, and report any threats to the police as they occur.  A motion-activated security camera might not be amiss, either.Answer #2: You can't "have someone arrested". You dont have the power or authority to have them arrested. All you can do it report it each time to the police.


Title: [California] Landlord refuses to give us a key to our apartment. It it is written on a contract that he will give us a key after we complete some things. He also is giving notices for for inspection 1-3 times a week.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 [CA law prohibits rental discrimination based on physical appearance or handicap](http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/discrimination.shtml) (regardless of whether it is substantial according to the Fair Housing Act or not) so the "mother's tooth" clause is unenforceable.

Landlords also cannot prevent you from having guests simply because of personal differences (or, really, anything else). Unless he stays over for a few weeks at a time, landlords can't stop you from having day visitors. It's your home, not a prison.

The dog thing might hold up if the lease has pet restrictions (why you would sign the lease if that were the case, I don't know), but you signed a lease and need the key. The landlord can evict you later if you still have the four dogs. Not giving you the key is automatically constructive eviction and is bad news for the landlord.

Reiterate this to the landlord in writing and ask for the keys. If no dice, it's off to small claims to recover your costs, which include application fees, any paid rent, and security deposit - everything to get you back to square one without having dealt with this kook. Forget about trying to enforce the lease otherwise - find someone less crazy.Answer #2: >her mother must get her front tooth fixed

*This* is in a written contract? I would love to see this contract. Answer #3: If this is all on the contract, then why on earth did your friend sign that contract?


Title: [IL] Signed offer letter denied employment.

Question: I signed an offer Letter with a law firm and now the firm is saying they are completely staffed and no longer need me.  I stopped looking for other jobs because I thought I was going to be hired.  Do I have any recourse?

Answer: Maybe.  It will depend a lot on the circumstances and what actually happened.  You should see a lawyer and you may have a legitimate argument if you turned down some offers/interviews or if this went on for a while.  On the otherhand if it was 2 days then you're unlikely to have damages.  This is very much a murky area and I wouldn't get your hopes up.  The law firm would have had to fucked pretty badly for this to work out for you.  Basically see a lawyer because no one hear can legally give you legal advice and it's quite fact specific.


Title: Girls pregnant. Most likely is mine, need advice regarding future child support.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Options:

1) pay child support and be part of kids life

2) pay child support and don't be part of kids life

Both options end when child is adopted by anotherAnswer #2: Of course she will change her mind. Once the bills start rolling in she is going to demand you pay child support and provide health insurance. If she gets food stamps, child care assistance, housing. medicaid or welfare for the child the State is going to come after you for child support and medical insurance costs.


Title: [Illinois] Is it legal for my mother to completely disregard my father's will?

Question:
Without too much elaboration, my father had a will that he revised several times over the years. It was revised for the final time a month before his death, after he discovered some financial malfeasance on my mother's part. There was very nearly a divorce, but he passed before that process could begin.

After he died, my mother stated to me that under Illinois law his entire estate goes to her (his spouse) and the will is meaningless. Is that the case?

Answer:
 Generally, no.

If he cut her out of the will, she can elect the spousal share, which would effect the ultimate outcome of the proceeds.  She can't just decide the will is meaningless.  Unless IL has some weird estate laws.

You should speak to an estate attorney if you wish to learn more or enforce the will.


Title: How hot is allowable by law in a rental home? Oregon

Question: It's a record hot day here in Oregon and is supposed to be 98 degrees outside.  The house we rent, for a not inconsiderable amount, doesn't have any air conditioning or cooling.  I'm told that it's like that a lot of places in Portland because AC isn't needed.  Well, it's pretty miserable in my 88 degree and rising home and I was wondering where the legal line is, if there is one, at which the landlord would be forced to provide cooling?  I don't expect this will last long and it's supposed to cool off tomorrow but the house feels pretty inhospitable.

Answer:
 > How hot is allowable by law in a rental home?

All the hot. There is no obligation to provide air conditioning.Answer #2: If no air conditioning unit was included in the lease, Oregon landlords are not required to provide them.

Go get some box fans.


Title: Gf on deed to house. Is it OK to switch the locks? We broke up.

Question:
Alright I've been broken up with my gf for 3 months now. She's moved out and living with parents. I'm trying to get her off all the paperwork on the house but as you may imagine it's easier said than done. At this moment I pay for everything regarding the home and have been for the past 6 months.

She's pretty crazy, and keeps showing up unannounced. Tonight she came here when I was out and took a bunch of stuff, and I'm not sure what she took.

Can I legally change my locks even though she's on the deed?

Thanks and yes I understand this was a horrible idea to begin with. I'm just trying to get outta this shitty situation :-)

Answer: She still has a right to the house so long as she's on the deed. The easiest way to get yourself out of this is going through the quitclaim process.


Title: "Anonymous" group sends an "anonymous" false accusation to my partner's workplace to try to get them fired. Unfortunately for them, I know who all of them are and have concrete evidence from multiple sources, as well as their threats of making the claim. How should we proceed?

Question:
I wrote out a whole explanation but figured the title sums it up. The people that did this are basement dwellers who run a site known for doxing, harassment, revenge porn and the like.

The site's domain owner is a sad, sad woman who tried to log into my partner's accounts with her phone and computer, so now I have not only her full name and phone number but also her IP address/location. Through which this grown woman spends her days collecting information on people in order to harass them. I have the full names and the college/locations of the others who took part in this. And a hell of a lot of archived evidence of them threating, doxing and attacking not just us but several other people; they're the types to make people think they're friends just to acquire and leak their nudes and private information, if that helps paint a fuller picture of the types of people these are. Luckily they don't have anything real on us, but a few of them are known to photoshop and circulate fake conversations to create drama.

They used a fake name and e-mail to make the report. These types usually attack weak people who can't defend themselves, but this time they went after a completely uninvolved, highly accomplished professional who is well-respected in her community (and so, luckily, her boss dismissed it). She was thinking of sending a cease and desist including their real names instead of the fake one (which they don't think I know), but I'm not sure if this is the best way to go about it. She's willing to "let it go if they won't do anything else," because she's compassionate enough and I know the people doing this don't have the money to defend themselves. But knowing these types, I don't know or believe they'll stop there. They're perched and waiting for a reaction, and when they don't get one, they try something else.

&#x200B;

What would you guys do in this situation? Drop it, report it, do something preventative? Money is luckily not a big issue for either of us and we're willing to litigate if necessary.

Answer:
 They targeted your friend because they thought they were smarter and could get away with it. Your friend may be compassionate and in a good position if you were forced to go to court or something. But what about the next person they try to screw over that actually *is* defenseless. My opinion, I think something needs to be done to show them this is not acceptable. Get a lawyer, file whatever you need to in order to stop them, and get the police involved if they did anything illegal that you can prove. I think the compassion should be for the next potential victim.

Edit to add: Thank you for the gold, kind stranger!Answer #2: I would send all of the info you've gathered to the police.Answer #3: Has she informed HR of this? If not she should do so she gets ahead of it. Then if they continue to do this HR will ignore them. Answer #4: If some of the perpetrators are using university resources, inform the university. There is certainly an internet usage agreement that they are violating. Could get them kicked out of school if it continues.


Title: Can students do anything about lack of parking spaces?

Question: Hi, I commute to my college campus in Texas, and was arriving early, by about 30 minutes, and found all of the parking spaces full in the zones I'm allowed to park in. I decide to park in a CVS (my mistake) and come by quickly after class was over to move my car out of the back parking spaces. I come back to find my car towed, and I can't afford to pay this back without getting a loan. Unfortunately, they don't have options for short term loans and I am in the middle of switching banks. Can I do anything about them basically promising spaces to students without them holding up to it, or do I just have to suck it up? It just reminds me of airplanes overselling their seats.

Answer: Did they actually promise you a parking space or did they just tell you there is parking available?


Title: What can I do to make sure my employer doesn't find out the reason I am taking FMLA protected leave?

Question:
North Carolina.

&#x200B;

I'm a functioning alcoholic and need help. I've located an in-patient treatment facility near me that has a good reputation and I think I would do well there. I qualify for FMLA and have plenty of paid time off. I need to go there for at least 30 and maybe up to 60 days. The cost of the treatment is not a issue for me, but my reputation is.  Two very close friends have already told me "They already know" when I express my concern for my anybody at my employer finding out I have a drinking problem.

&#x200B;

 Is there anything I can do to make sure \*\*nobody\*\* at my employer, even HR, knows the exact reason I am taking FMLA protected leave?

Answer:
 Your employer is not entitled to know your diagnosis, but they are entitled to enough information to determine if your condition is FMLA eligible.  That may include a medical cerfifiate from a doctor.Answer #2: If it helps, if you're to the point of needing rehab, there's no way people don't know you have an issue. Getting help is a great thing, and your reputation won't take a hit with people knowing.

Like the other poster said, you're unlikely to be able to hide the reason from your employer if you're applying for leave. They have a right to know why you're asking, and it's necessary to determine if you're granted it or not.


Title: [CA] Knife laws seem not to restrict open carried fixed blades. Is there a law against open carried swords?

Question:
I've searched high and low on this one and haven't seen anything that suggests a sword should be illegal to open carry. There is *technically* a difference between a sword and a long knife (for instance, the [Langes Messer](https://talhoffer.wordpress.com/2012/03/22/an-introduction-to-the-long-knife-langes-messer/)), as swords make use of tangs and knives are riveted, among other things.

I'm sure I'd be hassled by police, but, out of curiosity, if I felt like carrying [this](http://rabenbanner.com/hhrb2014/images/product_images/popup_images/399_0.JPG), would it be illegal?

Should mention I'm in the SF Bay Area.

Edit: Added criminal law flair, too. If that's not right, let me know and I'll change it!
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer: Legal or not, you will constantly attract cops who will want to talk to you long enough to see you are in your right mind. Carry a baseball bat around, and you'll probably get that too.


Title: Reclusive Grandmother just lost her abusive husband of 62 years. He left his fortune "to the dogs", she needs guidance to handle the estate and protection from my parasitic uncle.

Question:
Hi everyone! Thank you for reading this. I've been feeling really powerless to help my grandmother but I'm hoping I can find a good springboard here. Here's the story:

My grandfather was a very, very abusive man. He had a criminal history of murder and theft. He married my grandmother when she was 15 years old and he set up a radio repair shop. He was a good business man, he worked only in cash, dodged the IRS for years, and controlled every cent that went through the house. He was domineering and essentially ruled my grandmother's life. My grandmother was only ever allowed to be at home, one specific grocery store, or at work in his shop. She doesn't know how to use a cellphone, what a debit card is, and she doesn't own a checkbook. She would live off an "allowance" of $50 cash every week given to her by my grandfather. She has no idea where his bank accounts are, how many of them are, or even how much money he had. She was never allowed to touch them and they're all in his name. He was verbally, physically, and mentally abusive. He constructed her life and never allowed her an inch of independence and she's developed really bad social anxiety. She wasn't even allowed to touch the AC. It broke and she's been staying in a house that's over 100° in the Florida summer for the past month, terrified of being punished for touching it or calling a repairman. She's terrified of other people, she told my mother that she kept herself from crying in the hospital when he died "because there were children around and I didn't want to frighten them."

We don't know exactly how much money they had, but it's a lot. He bought a ranch house worth about $750,000 and paid for it in cash. He bought his work van in cash and he even bought a backhoe with cash (for recreation, he wanted to steal dirt from a nearby construction site). He never accepted his morality, even though he was diagnosed with cancer over a decade ago and it came back about 5 times. He would often flaunt how much money he had and would constantly remind his family that when he dies, "my money is going to the dogs." He never elaborated, it was just that. Last night around 6pm, he stopped breathing and he had his final heart attack.

Now my grandmother is in a state of shock, she hasn't been alone in over 60 years. She's never been able to go out alone or do things by herself and she's got his estate to handle. Because he left the accounts in his name, she needs to get his death certificate to go get access to his accounts but firstly, she has no idea where to go. There's medical bills pouring in and I'm also terrified of the government coming after her for all the taxes my grandfather undoubtedly dodged. My grandfather purposely kept the accounts in his name and set up other roadblocks because he admitted he was grooming my grandmother to die with him or before him. Normally this would be an easy fix, call a probate lawyer. However, I have an uncle who's been waiting for my grandfather to die so he could get his hands on the money. He's been trying to manipulate my grandmother and coaxing her into getting access to the accounts and "letting him handle the money." He refuses to let her see a probate lawyer and she doesn't even know what "probate" means. She's just lived through 62 years of abuse and she has a hard time making decisions for herself, she's not of the mind to be able to say 'no' to anyone taking advantage of her. Is there any way we can ensure that her money is handled legally and that she's safe from any government repercussions?

**tl;dr** My reclusive grandfather of an unknown fortune passed away. He was intending to have my grandmother die before him and he refused to sign the house or bank accounts over to her, they're still in his name. My socially anxious grandmother hasn't paid a single bill in her whole life and needs protection from my parasitic uncle to ensure that her bills get paid off and the government doesn't come after her for any of the shady shit my grandfather did.

Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer: You need make an appointment with a good probate lawyer, then to get her into your car and drive her there and walk her into the office and stau with her through the appointment.  You'll  have to follow up and may need to get a conservator for herAnswer #2: Also - Adult Protective Services in her area may be able to offer help with some of the day to day things. Ideally, you (or another trusted relative / friend) should move in with her or have her move in with you for a short while, while this is sorted. It will help her transition to living freely, as well as keep uncle away. Answer #3: She needs an attorney. Most likely, everything goes to her, but she needs an attorney to make sure.Answer #4: The government won't come after her as an individual.  She bears no culpability for actions she did not do.  They could very realistically, however, come after the estate for what is owed to them, which means your grandmother may have less to live on.


Title: My sons father has never been in the picture but continues to claim him on his taxes without my consent.

Question:
I got pregnant when I was 16 and he was 21. We were married not long after that for a brief time. When I turned 18, I filed for divorce. On our court date, he did not have a lawyer so he filed for an extension. A few months later I received a letter in the mail stating he was granted everything he asked for in the new hearing including 50/50 custody. I never showed up to the second hearing because I had no knowledge of it. I never received a date nor did my lawyer inform me of anything.

Fast forward to now, my son is almost eight years old. His father has seen him maybe fifteen days out of those eight years. He does not pay child support but I have not pursued it. He has not financially supported my son one time, ever.

He has claimed my son on his taxes every year. We have fought over this issue many times but every time he threatens legal action against me and says he deserves the tax return. I am not confrontational and I know nothing about the legal side of anything. Over the years I have just let him  walk all over me.

I work two dead-end jobs to make ends me every month. I have no idea where to go from here. Everyone tells me that I need to talk to a lawyer but I don’t know how or where to even start, let alone being able to afford one.

Where do I go from here? What do I do about him claiming him? Is there any recourse against him?  Is there financial help I can get to pay for a lawyer?

Thank you!

Also.. I got pregnant, married, and divorced in Missouri. I currently live in Georgia and he currently lives in San Francisco California

Answer:
 The first thing you need to do is pursue child support. If you’re barely making ends meet caring for yourself and a child, the dad definitely needs to step up. Especially if he’s claiming the child on his taxes. Maybe the threat of reporting him for tax fraud will encourage him to do the right thing. Answer #2: Child support is for you to raise your child. You are entitled to it. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. If you are financially hurting, then his contributions should be made fair and square. Work on that.

Your ex has no reason to claim your son on his taxes. Your son lives with you, full stop. Contest it if and when that comes up. Answer #3: Simple answer:  If the child spends the majority of time with you, you can claim the child.

File before he does, and his claim will be rejected.

He is then free to pursue futile legal action against you if he wishes.Answer #4: My mother did something similar to my dad years ago.

First of all, claim your son on your taxes. He will do the same and the IRS will contact you both to resolve the situation. Don't discuss it with your ex, don't contact him and don't accept contact from him. Just do it. School records and other things can be used to demonstrate that your son lives with you.

Also, go after him for child support. The state will typically help you with this, especially if you apply for any public assistance. You have to stand up to him and do what's best for your son.


Title: Rules of confiscation question

Question: In Massachusetts, where marijuana is legal, a grower was selling edibles at a marijuana fair.  A person identified himself as a federal agent and confiscated cash and edible product.  If this was an actual federal agent wouldn't he have been given a receipt for the items confiscated?

Answer:
 Not necessarily.

I never gave anyone a receipt for any of the illegal drugs I seized on the road.

We leave a list when we serve a warrant, but not when we seize things we find in the course of our duties.

Which is not to say that this particular guy was legit.


Title: My car was totaled after a drunk driver hit me. Do I sue or do I wait for insurance, or both? (I am 22 from Australia)

Question:
So this happened 4 days ago and I have calmed down and gathered my thoughts. I posted a thread a few days ago and a lot of people mentioned to sue her, but I am not sure about what to do.

Long story short, I was sitting at a red light, fully stopped. She was 4 times over the limit and in one of those brand new Volkswagen's. She passed out at the wheel, floored it and hit me at 80kmh/50mph. Pushed me into an intersection, which I was then T-Boned by another vehicle. I was then put in hospital that night because of it.

My insurance company still has not gotten back to me. But my car is a write off and they will most likely give me the least amount possible.

TL;DR Do I need to wait for the insurance company to get back to me and assess my vehicle and find out the amount I will be compensated? Or do I get in touch with a lawyer and begin the process of suing her?

I'm sorry if this sound's stupid, I really don't what to do about this and I am quite stressed about it considering I now don't have a car for work.

EDIT: I have no permanent injuries, just bad whiplash and have been told to take it easy. I was just in hospital for the one night while they did an MRI to make sure I had no neck/spine damage.

Answer:
 Talk to an injury compensation lawyer. Depending on the firm, you may not have to pay until your claim is completed.

Write everything down, especially anything that has cost you money (transport etc), cost you opportunity (missed shifts etc) or cost you time (time spent at doctor's etc).

Keep a recovery journal, updating it with any symptoms, restrictions and activities you encounter.

Keep a log of any assistance you require (if your housemate spends 10 hours doing your household chores for you, that can be claimed).

Your lawyer will make a claim against the other party. You must lodge a notice of intent to claim within 30 days of the crash. Your lawyer will advise you of this and can lodge the notice for you.

You have been hurt because of someone else's actions. You have damages and you can seek compensation for those damages. Answer #2: Is your policy agreed value or market value? If it's agreed value you're getting that.

If it's market value then you can negotiate with your insurer. If you believe the cost is too low then produce evidence showing that. (Sales ads are the best option)

The chances of you suing and getting money out of her are slim. She won't be covered by insurance and you'll likely take ages to get paid. Go through your insurance first.

Also remember that personal injury and your car are different insurers. Not sure what state you're in but if you need to claim for personal injury you'll need to claim twice.


Title: Debt to Family Members

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >and their offer was a much better deal that it would have been for me to take out federal student loans.

I'm writing this before I read the rest of your comment but I 100% guaranty that this is not true.  I always cringe when I see families do these financing deals because they so rarely work out.  The student loses forgiveness and unemployment deferment options while the family locks in a debt that they lord over someone if they don't make payments.  It distorts relationships and amplifies risk in a way that's just unacceptable to me.

>I have made no payments because I've had no source of income in that time.

Seriously?  Start delivering pizzas or waiting tables and make any payment you can to them.  It's one thing to have a hard time and it's another to take advantage of your family members.

>Can they seek this money from my parents?

Probably not, unless they co-signed the loans.  Asking what rights they have is tough to answer when we don't know what's on the papers you signed. You say their names aren't on the loans, so I suppose that they aren't on the hook. The problem is that I'm guessing this was a shoddily drafted contract with no merger clause and I can't say for certain that they didn't get a guaranty in a different writing.

If you don't have the means to pay the loan, I presume you don't have the means to pay an attorney.  Go through the lawsuit, you'll likely lose, they'll get a judgment against you, and then consider either paying it off or filing bankruptcy.


Title: Can my wife use my gun ownership and open carrying against me in divorce case/child custody? (Rhode Island)

Question:
My wife and me have been married for 3 years and have 2 sons, age 1. We rent and don't own any property. We aren't rich and don't have savings beyond a couple of thousand. We botheoth earn about the same salary. Our cars are both used 2014 and 2015 models. We don't have any loans or debt. Money and assests aren't concerns in the divorce.

My wife was never comfortable around guns and didn't have an interest. I never had an interest in the past until I went to the range a few times while we were on vacation. She was against me getting a permit to carry and when I started open carrying at all times. She didn't want me to do it in the house or around our sons. I am legally permitted to open carry and I have all the permits to do so. She's filed for divorce and moved out to a place a couple of miles from our home.

She is okay with 50/50 custody and neither of us paying support if I agree to not have a gun around or open carry when I have our sons. I am in the process of getting a lawyer. But I wanted to ask if she can use my gun ownership and/or my open carrying against me? If I don't agree with her can she fight me? I don't leave a gun lying around. I keep it on my person at all times unless I am sleeping or showering so I am aware of where it is at all times.

Answer:
 >  I keep it on my person at all times unless I am sleeping or showering

Is it locked up when it isn't on your person?


Title: [OR] Humiliating experience, denied basic rights. I don't know how to proceed.

Question:
This happened about 14 months ago. I was waiting for a taxi after having a few drinks and was picked up police officer. He stated that I hadn't done anything wrong and took me to the hospital. Once at the hospital I was taken into a room with a bed where I waited. After some time I tried to get the attention of staff to use the restroom. I could not get a response after quite some time. As time passed I began to get upset, (I really had to go and my bladder was about to explode). It got to the point that I was getting louder. Finally the doctor came with several nurses and asked me to sit on the bed so I did ( I was happy that people were finally responding), they asked me to lay down so I did. Next thing I know, they were putting me in restraints. I did not fight it and again said I just had to use the bathroom. They said they just needed blood from me first. I said that I do not consent to anything. They came back after some time with the needle and I was not going to struggle but they took my blood anyway. This upset me really bad, I was getting emotional. I had broken no laws and still had to use the bathroom. I don't know how long I had been there at this point but I realized that one of my restraints wasn't tied to the bed and I was able to relieve myself onto the floor. Finally 2 women (I think nurses) came in and pulled my pants down to my knees and injected me with something that knocked me out for several hours (I found out later that the mixture of this stuff could have caused respiratory failure). I feel that they did this to me in retaliation for relieving myself on the floor. After I woke up the restraints were off and I was discharged. Now I have a hospital bill of several thousand dollars. This whole thing was humiliating.
I am a combat veteran and don't have medical coverage with the exception of the VA.
I left some details out to protect my identity and the identity of the medical facility.
Do I have any legal recourse? Thank you for any advice!!

Answer:
 What stopped you from getting out of the room and going finding a bathroom initially, when you said you were trying to 'get the attention of staff'?

I've worked on ER and none of this makes sense. Multiple medical staff wouldn't act this way. We don't give things for retaliation, every drug given has to have a rationale otherwise we are in the shit. None of this makes sense with the story you've given and I suspect you have left out parts.Answer #2: What were doing while and before you were waiting for the taxi to get the attention of the police officer? Answer #3: Whatever the (I assume many) relevant details you are leaving are, they are the reason you were treated the way you were. Police have better things to do than take people who appear functional and healthy to the hospital. Hospital staff have better things to do than put rational people in restraints.

I assume you appeared extremely intoxicated, this he the officer did what they did. Then you got belligerent in a not very sane way and got restrained in the hospital.

I’m guessing virtually zero possibility you have any legal claim against anyone here.


Title: Hospital refused to treat me unless I signed in agreement to pay in case insurance didn't cover.

Question:
Is it legal for a hospital to refuse stabilisation in spite of me not signing their consent to treat/pay out of pocket for hospital fees? I live in Maryland and it is a non-profit hospital.

I was having an allergic reaction to alcohol. The nurse came in to take my information. Later, before the doctor came in a lady with a clip board came in with a folded document held together with a paper clip exposing only the signature lines. She tried to tell me this was "for consent to treat me". I took the paper apart and read that I was signing a document to pay  out of pocket in case my insurance did not cover my visit. She wouldn't let me read it without interrupting me , "this form only is about consent to treatment and you will not get treated if you do not sign." I explained that I am unemployed and that they cannot refuse treatment and she walked out. She came back with the doctor and both the doctor and her said they will not help me without me signing. The doctor said "we are not on Obama-care yet" in a sarcastic manner. I signed and then scribbled my name out and she made me resign in order to let the doctor treat me. I told the lady that I cannot pay and I wanted to see the social services personnel in order to take my information. She lied to me and said that my information has not been verified through their system yet. All I wanted was to get better and this lady and the doctor forced me to sign or else get out of the hospital. I feel taken advantage of and really anxious now cause they would not let me deal with this in another manner.

I received a bill in the mail for over $600.00 for this visit to the E.R. and I have no way of paying this bill. I was not supposed to get billed according to what the lady said. She told me that It was to give consent to treatment. She would not even let me read the document without telling me I can't be treated if I do not sign. How is this possible? Can I sue for this?

tl;dr Hospital lied to me and refused to treat me unless I signed a document that they lied to me about. They refused to let me speak with social services.

Answer:
 in the US, there is no right to receive medical treatment for free, even if you are poor.  One of the great Fox News lies is that emergency room treatment is free, so health care reform is not necessary.Answer #2: Hospitals are only required to provide emergency treatment.

You may feel differently, but I suspect that the hospital would argue that someone in a state to read, dissect, discuss and argue about a legal document is not in an emergency state.


Title: In the visitation it's stated that ex isn't allowed to drink when he has the kids but he still does. If I file a contempt of court, what exactly will happen?

Question:
tl;dr it's the title of the post haha

I live in the state of Missouri, our divorce was finalized in May of 2018. I left my ex because he developed a drinking problem later on in our marriage and became abusive towards me. When he is sober he is a perfectly nice guy. It is stated in our divorce that he is not allowed to drink or use drugs when the kids are with him. My children have told me, unprompted by me, that he has been drinking while they are there. This last time he even took them (along with his fiancee) to a wine and food thing. My oldest, who is 12, told me he had a lot of wine then proceeded to drive them home. He has DUIs, drinking and driving is another reason I chose to leave. I've reminded him once of the rules according to the visitation agreement but he's still doing it. My plan is to tell him this is the last warning I'm giving him and if it happens again I will file a contempt of court. I'm hoping the threat will get him to stop as I really can't afford to file. But I will if need be of course. So if I do file, what exactly will happen? Will his visitation be revoked or reduced? Thanks so much!

Answer:
 Honestly is there a reason you need to give him a final warning?

To me is just seems like it would be a chance to drink and drive and kill your kids. You already knowing he is drinking and driving with them in the car, why would you give him another chance to do it even just one more time? Answer #2: Do you have a lawyer from the divorce?

If so, you should call them back up and fill them in. It's a bit more expensive than filing yourself, but you should never leave anything in divorce up to chance. Things have a tendency to go wrong.

If what your kids tell you is accurate, you have reasonable evidence, you file without error, and argue the case well then the judge will modify the custody and rules for visitation and/or hold your ex in contempt of a court order. It's recommended to sit down and really come to a strong conclusion of what (reasonable) changes you want and articulate to yourself how those changes benefit your children. Or you can talk it through with a lawyer and let them do the hard stuff.


Title: Can my landlord specify I find a female replacement of "comparable" age (ie 18-24) to finish out my lease? (Oregon)

Question:
Hi there, sorry if this is a silly question but after searching the web I'm finding conflicting results.  A little about my past situation: in May I moved out of my old house into an apartment, and for the past few months have been paying rent for both places as I have been unable to find a replacement roommate.  Per my landlord's request (this is a quote from an email I received):

>"Also, they must be female and of an age range comparable to yours."

Is this actually legal for him to demand?  I know the Fair Housing Act prohibits gender discrimination, but I've also read that this is the not the case in roommate situations.  I also do not know if he can legally demand a certain age range.  The house that I lived in is a 5 bedroom house, with shared living spaces (bathroom, kitchen, and living room).

 He emailed me back with the following after I stated that the FHA prohibits gender discrimination:

>"The laws you are referring to do not apply to a roommate situation per my attorney. With roommates, I can specify female and/or age. Can you imagine living in a home where you are the only female? My job is to select someone that complements the other roommates’ needs."

A little bit about me - 20 year old female, I have faithfully paid rent and utilities on time for the year+ that I lived there and even after I moved out.  However, this month I am unable to pay rent for two places (and have only been doing so because he will not accept any male applicants!)

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

edit: so I just read [here](http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/tenants-right-break-rental-lease-oregon.html) that my landlord has the burden to re-rent the room.  Is this true, is he making me do his work for him?

>under Oregon law (Ore. Rev. Stat. § 90.410), your landlord must make reasonable efforts to re-rent your unit—no matter what your reason for leaving—rather than charge you for the total remaining rent due under the lease.  This is because Oregon requires landlords to take reasonable steps to keep their losses to a minimum—or to “mitigate damages” in legal terms.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 Yes. He's right - with roommates, you can specify age and gender for the exact reasons he's stated. The house is shared with other young women, correct? I'm sure most of them rented BECAUSE its other young women, and they want to keep it that way. Answer #2: Erm... am I the only one who thinks it sounds like OPs room is under surveillance?Answer #3: When is your lease up? Is your lease only for your own room, or is there a group lease for the whole group of roommates?

If your landlord also lives there as a roommate, he's right about the usual discrimination laws not applying. But if he merely leases a house he doesn't live in to a group of other people, then he doesn't get to tell them which gender they must live with. They can decide amongst themselves by their own agreement.


Title: My aunts took my fathers life insurance.

Question:
So this happened in 2013, but its only now that i feel like i want to do something.  (Australia, victoria)

For context i was 15, older sister 16, younger 7

My father hadn't spoken with his family in over 10 years when he got a diagnosis of prostate cancer and a month to live. He was bed ridden and I couldnt stand the thought of his family not getting to say goodbye, so i contacted each of them. Two of his sister came up (whome id only ever seen at another aunts funeral 10 years prior) and when they saw him they got him to sign them power of attorney.. then the next day he was out of his hospital bed and taken 5 hours away from my mum, my sisters, and me. He was put into a russian home for old people and not cared for in a hospital like he shouldve been..  we let it slide, mainly because my mother had 3 kids she had to take to school and a job she had to go to other wise we could have lost her house. After that my mum didnt talk to anyone.  He died 2 weeks after they took him, i was the only one in my family to attened the funeral, my sisters had just argued too much with my aunts to want to see them again and they wanted to mourn in their own way.

Well this year something came up where i need his citizenship paperwork, and of course who has that?.. his sisters who are saying they dont know anything about what im talking about (though one aunt dobbed in another to say that she took a blacl folder with everything in it).
I really need that paperwork, and if they're not going to willingly give it to me is there anyway i can make them pay the life insurance policy that was supposed to pay out to me? (not my mother because he wanted me to have it as i was the favourite and he knew id be the one to help out my sisters. Odd but the reason he didnt talk to his sister was because they took everything of his mums after she died regardless of the will)

Answer: They wouldn't have been able to cash out the life insurance if they were not the beneficiary listed. He can tell them what he'd like it to go to, but ultimately it would be up to them.


Title: What do I do if I signed a contract with a company to start my employment there, and days before the job were to start they told me the position doesn't exist anymore?

Question:
Signed a contract to start employment with a company (in the USA), but there is nothing I see in the contract about severance pay. The contract, in fact, is only a few pages long and called an "employment agreement."

Training was supposed to start a few weeks ago and I was told I would receive the details about it later. From there, I couldn't get a hold of them. For about two weeks I attempted to find out about the training but I got no info.

Finally got into contact with them (by physically entering their main office and asking to speak to one of the people who interviewed me). That person didn't want to speak about it in the office and asked me to coffee where they told me that the position no longer exists, but if I wait "some period of time" they'll be able to create a new position for me.

Given that they avoided my weekly calls/emails/texts for a month and only responded in person, I get the feeling that they are trying to avoid me and get me to look for work elsewhere. Maybe this is half legal advice, and half life advice, but what should I do now? Without a severance pay part in the contract, is there anything I could even do on that front? If I'm out of luck is there anything I can do in the future to avoid this kind of mess?

Thank you so much. Sorry if this has been asked and answered before -- I can't find it on reddit's search.

EDIT: Added some words for clarity

EDIT 2: **This would be in Arizona.** It's for a company that would sometimes require that I go to New Mexico for work purposes.

Answer: I would bring your employment contract to an attorney and have them review it.  They can evaluate whether you have a claim (and how good that claim is) for breach of contract.  If so, you may be able to hire that attorney to proceed with suing your ex-potential-employer.


Title: Apartment complex forcing us to stay somewhere we cant afford anymore because our roommate died.

Question: On January 3rd our roommate passed away. We were splitting bills 3 ways between us. Now that he is gone we cant afford to stay here anymore but the apartment complex in told us we have to give them 60 day notice before we break the lease. And then pay all the fees associated with breaking it after that. Is there anything we can do in this situation. I wasnt sure if there was some kind of human rights law or something. This is in Ohio btw.

Answer:
 > I wasnt sure if there was some kind of human rights law or something.

Not for this, no.

Your recourse is to continue to pay rent or face eviction.  You don't want an eviction on your record because it will be extremely hard to rent in the near future.

It is possible you can request payment from the estate of the roommate.  The estate still owes this debt.  You can start by speaking to the executor of the estate, which may be a friend or family member.

Can you sublease the roommate's spot?  This means find somebody to live there and pay rent.Answer #2: Assuming you were all on a joint lease for the unit (as opposed to renting an individual bedroom), then you're on the hook for the full amount every month.

It's the same as if you woke up one morning and your roommate had skipped town and moved to Mexico. The landlord isn't going to just say, "oh that's OK, just pay half the rent".

You'll need to follow whatever procedure your lease and local laws lay out for breaking your lease. Answer #3: Find someone else to fill the room. There's no need to be so drastic as breaking the lease.Answer #4: I know it sucks, but it's not the LL's fault that your roommate died. I'm sorry for your loss. The remedy would appear to be to find a new roommate.


Title: Considering pressing charges on a rape from 10 years ago

Question:
I was a kid when it happened, and the statute of limitations has not run out.
However, there is no physical evidence. I dont think an investigation would turn anything up, but he has been conviced of the same crime with another child in the past.
Im concerned that there really is no point in pressing charges. I know next to nothing about this.
What are my legal options in this situation?

Answer:
 Your options are calling the police to report it, or not calling.

It's not really up to you to "press charges."  If you make a report, the police will investigate and give their results to a prosecutor, who ultimately decides whether or not to pursue charges.


Title: Drunk driver crashed his car into my house, he is in jail now but what do I do next?

Question:
This happened in Florida, USA

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Thankfully no one was hurt including the driver, who was driving alone. I live on a corner of an intersection at my neighborhood, he was trying to turn but going to fast and overshot it, going through my fence grazing the side of my house and destroying my water softener and taking out the pipe for water to the house. I was inside and heard a crash and ran outside, luckily there were a few neighbors out who all saw it happen. Once we confirmed the driver wasnt hurt I turned off the main water from the city to stop the flow

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After imploring me and the witnesses not to call the police, he left on foot to go tell his girlfriend and didnt come back. The girlfriend came back to the scene (apparently they only lived a few blocks away) and talked to us, and it was at this point the police arrived. the police had to go retrieve him from his house, then they brought him to the scene and questioned him and performed the sobriety test. They took him away in cuffs and told me has has a history of DUI

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He was driving his girlfriends parents car, which did have insurance on it. I got the policy number from the police report.

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So I've called his insurance and made a claim - what now? Should I took to a lawyer? I've heard sometimes suing insurance is something that should be done, but I really don't know much about that. I just want to make sure I get enough to repair my fence which was only a few months old, and the water system

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Thanks!

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Answer: You can't sue the insurance company as they have caused you no damages. Your beef is with the driver and possibly owner of the vehicle. An attorney won't take a property damage only claim anyway,  no money in it for them.  You have 3 choices. Let the claim with their insurance play out as it might go off without a hitch. File a claim with your homeowner's insurance and let them subrogate. Sue the driver and the owner of the vehicle, which I would do as last resort


Title: Legimate inquiry: Are there any legal implications for sticking a stamp and address on a dildo, and mailing it to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave?

Question:
Is this childish? Yes.
Is it funny? Also yes.
Would I do this? Depends on what people answer.

Answer:
 Mailing obscene materials is a federal offense. Would this quality? Maybe not. But you’d certainly encourage someone to look into it.

Do you think our president has a stack of mail on his desk every morning and that this will show up and he’s gonna angrily shake his fist at your “awesome” prank?

Because the reality is you’re going to annoy a postal worker and that’s about it. Answer #2: It won't get anywhere near 1600 Pennsylvania ave.


Title: [CA] Can my father legally sue my therapist if he doesn't agree with his techniques?

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 > (trigger warning)

That isn't necessary here.

> my family engaged in Satanic worship during my childhood

Sorry, but I'm not buying that.

Answer #2: Your father has neither the standing to intervene in your relationship with your therapist nor any redressable damages of his own to recover, and should not win if he sues your therapist on this basis.

> hypnosis to rid other people of their dynamic entities

However, your therapist is a scam artist. Get a second opinion from someone registered with [the APA](http://www.apa.org/) before enroling in this program. Patients should absolutely not be in the position of attempting hypnosis on one another.Answer #3: You're about to join a cult.


Title: My truck was impounded and license suspended for "Stunt driving" while 9n my way to my sisters, who thought she was in labour.

Question:
On Friday I (24m) was at work, my boss received a call around 4:30, as my phone was dead, from my frantic sister (38f). She believed she was in labour which would have made her almost a month premature, she was crying and in serious pain. Now to be clear, my sister is afraid of ambulances, and refused to get one. Her husband works for AT&T and they do not allow phones on the support floor (telesupport). She was unable to get ahold of anyone except me. I told her I was on my way, her house was a good 45 minute drive from where I was working. I left and I was caught going 132kmh on a 2lane highway eastbound in and 80kmh zone. To be clear, stunt driving is 50kmh over the speed limit with an automatic suspension of license and impound of vehicle for a week. I explained to the officer where I was going and that my phone was dead. The officer (30sF) had literally no empathy and said to tell my sister to find another way to the hospital and would not allow me to use her phone to call anyone, including my sister.
 Thankfully my sister was not in labour and it was a false alarm.
Now im stuck with a court date on December 17th and no truck until Friday. Its 600 to get my truck out of impound and 200 for my license back. This could cause me to lose my license which in turn I would lose my truck, its financed, my insurance might drop me as I have 3 prior tickets; two 10kmh over and one for rolling through a stop sign and I'm on high risk insurance. I lose my license or insurance my truck will be repossessed, inturn ill lose my job that I've worked extremely hard to get. I was a drug addict for 3 years after I watched my bestfriend die of  an asthma attack (a police officers son), which is one of the reasons I was so afraid for my sister being a month premature with no one to help, I watched my bestfriend die over less, but I am now 2 years clean from drugs. At one point I was living on the streets and now I am in a labourers union making $31.80/h. Without my truck I will have no way to work and I will lose my job. Noone lives around metro carpool with. I am currently working almost an hour drive from my house. This is a slippery slope an I am extremely worried. I understand I should not have driving that fast, I understand I broke the law but I thought maybe the officer would have some empathy for my situation but she had none. I know I messed up but I dont think I deserve to lose my truck or job. I am in deep trouble, just looking for some advice. Anyone know what steps I should take to hopefully put this ticket and whole situation behind me? I do not want to lose what I've worked so hard to get. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you

Answer:
 Not a lawyer.

Get an attorney is the only advice anyone can offer.

The law does not make exceptions for scenarios like “my sister is labor and refuses to use an ambulance” which to be honest sounds like a made up excuse (the ambulance part not the labor).  You could have called an ambulance anyway and let the medical professionals handle the situation; even if she wouldn’t get in the ambulance they unlike you are trained to handle emergency medical situations.

If you drive for a living, risking your license is doubly stupid. Especially with all your prior tickets.

So get an attorney to see what you can plead down to and be prepared to move somewhere that you can get to work from. You were driving 50 kph over. Frankly the other drivers on the road are hoping you’ll lose your license.

And start driving safely, if you depend on it for a living. Drive like you have a fucking  cop in the passenger seat.

Answer #2: >no truck until Friday. Its 600 to get my truck out of impound and 200 for my license back.

Guilty or not, you'll be on the hook for these either way. That money's gone.

Your explanation doesn't sound like a justification to me (not that I'm the one you need to convince); not even ambulances go 50 over and they have people and equipment that can render meaningful help when they arrive. Maybe a traffic lawyer might cobble this into something resembling a necessity defence, and talk it down to a significant speeding ticket?


Title: In regards to drunk driving... [RI]

Question: THEORETICALLY, if someone was to ever get into a drunk driving accident whether hitting a stationary object or another vehicle and there was still alcohol in the car, would it be smart to start drinking said alcohol before the police arrive? There would be no way to prove that said person was drunk BEFORE the accident, and I'm pretty sure drinking anytime you aren't driving is completely legal, regardless of wether or not you just got into an accident.

Answer: This idea gets thrown around a lot by people who have no understanding of the law, but a lot of stupid ideas. It doesn't work.


Title: Soliciting scam

Question: Hi I'm 21 years old and I am involved in a soliciting scam. This girl met me on an online dating site and then ask for my phone number. Little after that she sent me pictures.. they weren't nude at first and then I didn't even ask for them and she sent me them again. So then she asked for pictures from me. And I sent them to her thinking she was pretty cool cuz we've been talking for awhile. After I sent them she said that she was 17. The next day her "dad" contacted me and was actually very polite and I knew it was a scam because I've read about these before. But then he asked for money. Then he hung up and said that he was going to go talk to his wife because she wanted to go to the police. And well he was talking to his wife I Google image searched all the pictures she sent me and they were all over the internet. Like I said I know this is a scam. But is there any way for me to get in trouble if I don't pay this guy? What scares me is he's threatening to post the pictures all over the internet and my face is in them and the other thing that scares me is if my face is in them. It proves it was me. And he knows my last name.

Answer: Block and move on.  You know this is a scam.  There is no girl.  There is no dad.Answer #2: What part of “it’s a scam” do you not understand?


Title: Landlord had repairs done to roof of under building parking spot. Did so without notifying me and I came upon a maintenance man with a tarp and debris all over my motorcycle.

Question:
Multiple hairline scratches on my motorcycle as well as random roof debris surrounding it, who knows what nooks and crannies it made its way into.

What would be proper recourse to recoup some money for this?

Los Angeles, CA

Answer:
 Get estimates for repair. Present estimates to landlord, asking for compensation. Sue landlord if he refuses to compensate you.

Edit: Also, photograph/document all damage immediately.


Title: Why is involuntary commitment constitutional?

Question: To my layman's eyes, it seems like involuntary commitment to a mental hospital violates the fifth amendment, since it generally doesn't involve a trial. Why is this not the case? (I tried googling this, but all I found was a bunch of articles by people arguing that it *shouldn't* be constitutional -- none of these articles seemed willing to explain the argument on the other side for why it *is* treated as constitutional.)

Answer:
 It is an extreme case, and many ways in which it may be implemented are not constitutional.

It doesn't immediately violate the Fifth Amendment because you're not being accused of a crime, so there's no 'trial' necessary to determine your guilt or innocence. However, since you are being denied liberty, you ARE entitled to due process of law.

That means that you can't be locked in the nuthouse just because your mom calls it in. Procedures vary by state, but you must have a hearing, at which you must be given an opportunity to reasonably state your case. If you're not mentally capable of understanding the situation, the court may appoint a guardian to represent your interests. You may also have the right to an attorney.

Answer #2: Same reason firefighters don't need a warrant to break down your door to put a fire out, public safety can at times trump personal rights. That said it only can go so far, there has to be an immediate threat to you or others that either a police officer or a medical professional can attest to, and they can only do it for so long (different by state) before you've gotta go before a judge.


Title: Eye Glass store that went out of business after I paid for new eyeglasses

Question:
Hello, so the business that i went to is Clear Sight Optical in Warren, MI, I paid a good amount of money for new prescription glasses on Sept 22 which is still on my credit card bill, I have tried contacting their number which is online; it goes straight to voicemail and also going to their website which is now down and also to their store which is empty, I am unable to contact them at all regarding the glasses that I have already paid for. Can someone please tell me how I should go about possibly getting my money back if they did just pack up and leave the store all together.

Thanks in advance.

Answer: Fortunately you paid by credit.  Do a chargeback with your credit card company.


Title: Father will not give my mother a divorce and it's hurting my sister and I as well.

Question:
To basically sum up everything in as few words as possible my father lied to the IRS without my mother knowing.  We now have a lean on the house and my mother has since asked for a divorce.  I myself am not familiar with how marriage or divorce works.  This has hurt my mother credit and she is unable to get  a apartment or place to stay.  By not giving her a divorce and my father being late on payments hurts her credit more.  Basically he has entrapped her and she has to live in the same household.

It also is effecting my sister and I financially as well.  I work fulltime and would like to go to college and my sister goes to community college and works part time.

Food, fuel,gas, phone we pay for that ourselfs and there really isn't much left as I have alot of doctors bills myself.  My sister is a little bit better off.

Edit - United States, Pennsylvania is the location.

My mother cannot afford an attorney at this time.  Is there anyway she can force him to sign the papers or any legal loop holes?

Answer:
 You missed all the friendly reminders to post your location.

She can take him to court over the contested divorce.  She should reach out to her state's bar association and consult with a divorce lawyer.  A consultation could be free.Answer #2: Unless you are Hasidic/Orthodox Jews who need a "get" from the husband, your father doesn't have to give your mother a divorce.  She is an adult and can file for divorce with or without an attorney.


Title: KY is there any legal protections for widows who have just lost their husband and forgot to pay rent?

Question: My SO's first cousin lost her husband tragically and out of nowhere to a heat attack. He died on the way to the hospital around the first of July. Their rent is due at that time and she seriously had a lot more on her plate than making sure bills were paid. She has three small children and no one to help with finances during this ordeal. She was served with an eviction notice one week after the due date. I know she has a lease but I don't know specifics of it. Are there any protections out there in this scenario? It wasn't a case of not having the money but of other things taking precedence over this responsibility.

Answer: There are not special protections for her situation, but she should have been served a notice that gave her a period of time to pay the rent owed before an actual eviction took place. Did she receive that notice and has it expired?


Title: Feeling emotionally abused/threatened by Boss

Question:
Location: Utah

My boss is flirting and favoring a non-manager employee. I have been told that I could become a manager after months of waiting and trying to improve my hours and learn more in store, he told me I couldn't be a manager for 3 reasons.

One: I take the day off if my kids or husband are sick even though I ALWAYS get my shift covered. Note my husband is a type 1 diabetic.

Two: He feels that if I were to become a manager I would push people around and that is the only reason I want to become one.

Three: I had a video of him talking to the non-manager employee and I felt like my job was on the line at this point when asked about it, so I said I had deleted the video. He said that I was going to show to the CEO's (which I had not planned on doing at all) and I told him that I had shown it to another manager and expressed my concerns which they validated. Stating they saw the same thing.

At this point, I was shaking and had to take a break because I was bawling my eyes out because a few months prior he gave me a .5o cent raise with the promise of manager training, which he never did. He also promised me that being a manager was in my near future.

I feel manipulated and played because he said he had been contemplating me being a manager for a while and never once did he come to me and address any of these concerns to me so that I could fix them. He never told me anything was wrong and that I needed to fix anything. Just took being a manager out from under me.

He is a horrible boss who lies and favors the people he likes or wants to sleep with. Is there anything I should do to make going to work a safer place. I fear that after today he will purposely hold me back from growing in the company for his own personal reasons.

Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 >Is there anything I should do to make going to work a safer place.

No, and it's quite possible that he is manipulating you and not being honest regarding you becoming manager. Do yourself a favor, and look for a new job. This asshole is not going to change. He's playing you.


Title: Can we get something in the sidebar that directs people to refrain from calling their posts "updates" if the post contains further questions?

Question: I just feel like they miss a window of opportunity by having their post automatically locked, especially when they post and then don't get back to checking for responses for several hours.

Answer: Or we could stop autolocking posts marked [update].Answer #2: What's the point? No one reads the sidebar before posting anyway. Hell, half the people don't even read the prompt telling them to include location and that's right there on the post page.


Title: Mystery shopping with Prospect Shoppers. Is it a scam?

Question:
Hey Reddit,

I'm not sure if this is the place to post this but here goes. I've recently applied to become a mystery shopper, and today I received a check in the mail. The check comes with instructions, and it's from a company called Prospect Shoppers. Does anybody know anything about this company? Is this a scam? The problem is the check is way bigger than what I would expect for a mystery shopper, and if it's a scam, it's definitely not something I want to deal with. Please help.

Answer:
 The check is fake, and if you deposit it and follow the "company's" instructions, you're going to be in the hole with your bank with little to no recourse available.

Trash the check, block and ignore, and move on.  No legitimate job will ever pay you up-front in this manner before you've done the work, and they'll never pay you more than what you're owed.


Title: (OH) Just moved into a new house and Time Warner Cable won't let me open an account until I pay the previous owners fee for the account ($600).

Question: So I bought a house from my brother in law and when I tried to open an account with Time Warner Cable they said I couldn't open another account until the previous account for the property was paid off. The account owes over $600 and I don't have that kind of money right now and there is no other Internet providers for the area. Is there anything I could do except pay the $600?

Answer:
 Show them proof of when you bought the house. Once you give them this they will generally only hold you responsible for any usage made after that date. Answer #2: > Is there anything I could do except pay the $600?

Tell your Brother-in-law to stop being a deadbeat, and have him pay it. Do you two happen to have the same last name?


Title: Clarification on Child Support (CO)

Question:
Hello, and thank you for your help with this matter that is really confusing me. First the basics:

Jane - Mom - 47k/year
Jim -  Dad -  40k/year

Currently Jim is about to start paying around $400/mo after mediation next week to cover health care, child care, etc.

Currently Jim has one overnight per week and two 2-hour sessions per week.

The baby (Alyssa) is one year old. Per the CFI that was assigned to this case, Jim will continue gaining overnights until there is 50/50 custody by the time Alyssa is 4 years old.

Clarification needed - I have been told that by the time Alyssa is 4 years old, not only will Jane be paying Jim child support due to the 7k more/year she makes but will also have to foot the bill for everything else - healthcare, insurance, everyday expenses. This doesn't sound right and I would like to hear if this is really the case. Thanks for your help.

Answer:
 Child support is function of both income and who has primary custody. Mom has child 90% of the time, so her costs are 9 to Dad's 1, so even though she makes a few percentage point more income than he, Dad has to pay support. Once custody is 50/50, then all that matters is income, since costs are presumed to be 1:1.

Kinda similar to how my wife makes more money than I do, but I drink 100% of the beer. So she pays [the ratio of her income and my income] times 0% beers for the beer, and I pay that ratio times 100%.


Title: A guy I met while not sober is texting me death threats, I am afraid what should I do? While not sober I texted him about drugs.

Question: As title states. I am afraid to go out of home because of the chance I could meet him. I don't want to have anything to do with him. But in my SMS history I tell him about drugs I use from time to time. So I don't know whether I could get in trouble if I went with this to police. I don't have anything illegal on me but would police give me trouble if they looked through my SMS history? I don't know how to deal with this situation.

Answer:
 Hmmmm, possible death vs possible legal problems.

Decisions, decisions, decisions....


Title: Why is it allowed for a COP to drink and drive, but if a civilian does it he get arrested immediately ?

Question:
I'm from NYC and I know a NYPD Officer who lives two blocks behind my house. He is not much of my friend, just an acquaintance.

I was having good time with my friends in a bar yesterday and this cop happened to be enjoying his booze in same bar. He wasn't wearing uniform so I guess he was off duty. After drinking, I was waiting for my Uber outside, while this officer was also leaving the bar in his patrol car. He saw me and with a friendly tone asked if I needed lift to my house. I agreed.

He was driving very erratically. I saw three other patrol cars passing our car, but just ignored us. When I tried to ask if this is safe to drunk and drive, he just laughed it off.

My question is why other patrol cars didn't stopped him for driving such rough and erratically? Are there different rules for civilians and cops?

Answer:
 1.  If you believe that someone is intoxicated, do NOT get into a vehicle with them.

2.  It is not "allowed" for a cop to drink and drive. What is legal and what happens are sometimes different things, unfortunately.


Title: Texas. My son's employer calls him ignorant, threatened him if he quit. My son is miserable.

Question:
This employer hands out punishments if you pis him off. For example, pick up leaves on your hands and knees for three hours. Not allowed to use a rake or broom. Not fast enough? He calls you an ignorant stupid person. To top it off, they are garnishing his check for something he didn't even do. It is a furniture company, he was not driving....they hit a mailbox and didn't know. They thought the big trailer had drug down on the pavement, because it was a steep incline. So, as a result he will not be receiving a Christmas bonus, and his pay will be garnished from December 24 until January 5th. These people are atrocious. My son's  co-worker has asthma, and a single father. They told him he must come to work....he was in the hospital. I don't know what my son's  legal rights are. Can anyone help? Thank you if you read this much!

Edit.....my son just got fired. I'm so angry with these people! I got in my truck to go there myself to ask them a few questions. I hit a damned bird on the way and messed up my truck. My day really, really sucks folks. Oh, he was fired because he was in the bathroom too long. He has the dreaded stomach flu that is going around.
http://imgur.com/dnbsS5J my truck......yes, those are feathers.

Answer:
 > I don't know what my son's legal rights are.

Your son has very few.  His boss doesn't have to be nice to him, or polite, or give him a rake or broom or whatever.  If he doesn't like it, he can quit.

Having said that:

>  his pay will be garnished from December 24 until January 5th.

This may be improper.  What is it being garnished for?  Did your son agree to the garnishment?Answer #2: Why doesn't he find a new job?


Title: Offered a chance to become CI and have “this whole thing go away”

Question:
Happened in VA, Got caught with over 14 grams of MJ (less than an oz)

Given a must appear in court ticket and allowed to go home

Right before handing me the ticket, the officer suddenly pulls it back and says “or...you know, you could work with our narcotics department. Two controlled buys and this whole thing goes away, your choice”

He then handed me his card and said call him before the court date if ai decide to work with them.

I’m sure I won’t be getting any jail time considering it wasn’t that large of an amount, I live in DC, where that much isn’t a felony or even a misdemeanor (its a fine) and I was just sitting in my car chilling by myself, car wasn’t even on.

No handcuffs, I wasn’t arrested, just had to sign a piece of paper saying I received the citation and would appear in court.

one charge, two busts, and honestly I know a sickening number of dealers who I wouldn’t mind rolling on, because, like I said I live in DC. I’m in several group chats with hundreds of kids at Howard selling shit. I’m also sure I could do two without getting burned by any other dealer.

My main motivation to do this is the fees, I was told by the cop that I’m 99 percent gonna get the diversion program and have to take a class and pay fees. But I’m broke af and my weed is now gone (wasn’t planning in selling it for everyone wondering, I’m in college and it was my supply for the semester, I was on my way to my apartment )

I cannot eat these fees on top of the other things I have to pay for, it would effectively make me homeless.

My question is, if I become a CI, is there a chance that the police will somehow get what they want out if me and still end up charging me? I’m not sure how the entire thing works/u/

Answer:
 Talk to a lawyer before talking to police again.

Police is allowed to lie to you but on the other hand deals like that aren't unheard of.

If you absolutely need to proceed without a lawyer I would get the deal in writing from the prosecutor.Answer #2: > My question is, if I become a CI, is there a chance that the police will somehow get what they want out if me and still end up charging me?

Yes.Answer #3: Disclaimer : **I am not a lawyer**.

Call a lawyer **now**. Don't talk to the cops (or anyone) without a lawyer present.

Call your mother and ask her for help in paying off those fees. Call your grandmother. Call your best friend. See if there's anyone who could loan you the money to pay off those fees.

Or sell **legal belongings or legal possessions** to raise money to pay off those bills.

Or pick up a job or a second job or a third job.

If you already have a job then ask for an advance on your next paycheck to pay off the fees.

Do anything legal you can to pay off those fees.

Keep quiet. Again, don't talk to any cops without a lawyer present. Answer #4: Ask [Rachel Hoffman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Rachel_Hoffman) or [Andrew Sadek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Andrew_Sadek) how becoming a CI works out. Answer #5: Work a few odd jobs to pay for the fees. Answer #6: 1. Take the fine.
2. Try to avoid the diversion classes by pleading your case to a judge.
3. If you do have to take the diversion classes, picking up a side job is not that hard.
4. Don't flip. The risk vs a simple fine and diversion classes is far too high.


Title: Is it illegal to ask someone's boss for a way to contact one of their employees?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 It's not illegal to do that once.

If the boss tells you not to call back, then future calls could be harassment depending on your location.

Which you failed to give us.


Title: [NY] Allstate trying to cancel my coverage after being involved in a hit and run.

Question:
I have two vehicles, one is a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the other is a brand new Nissan that I just leased starting last month. I opened up insurance with Allstate on 5/19/19, contacted my insurance broker and asked them what documents/inspections they need. My broker stated that I needed a Carco photo inspection on my Jeep 2018.

I asked her if they needed anything for my 2019 Nissan, she stated that since it is a brand new vehicle (Was leased 05/19),  that all I needed was a photo of the window sticker and lease agreement. I provided all of that information the same day that it was asked. On 5/24/19, the Nissan was involved in a hit and run on a street with NYC CCTV cameras capturing the accident, NYPD was contacted and is investigating the accident to find the other driver. I called All State the same day the accident occurred to file a claim.

&#x200B;

Here is where the issue starts:

Starting on 6/10 I was contacted by a different agent from my broker's office stating that they needed a Carco photo inspection on the Nissan. I stated to this new agent that the vehicle was involved in an accident and asked for their advice on what to do, she would intentionally ignore my question and repeat that it needs to be inspected by 07/03/19 or collision coverage would be suspended.  On 6/14 (Friday), I received an email from this new broker stating that my collision coverage is suspended effective 06/14, since I did not do a Carco inspection on the Nissan. Does this mean that Allstate will not cover the accident that occurred 05/19? I tried to contact their office but since it is a weekend, they are closed.

&#x200B;

&#x200B;

Tldr; New leased vehicle did not require an inspection per agent's instructions, when it was involved in an accident a week later, agent said the vehicle required and inspection then suspend id coverage shortly thereafter. Does this mean that Allstate will not cover the accident that occurred with the vehicle on 05/19?

Answer: No it should be covered.  The calls should be recorded you can probably contact their corporate office to try to get a copy.Answer #2: If your coverage was active during the accident they have to cover you.Answer #3: If the suspension if effective 06/14 that would not affect the claim filed 05/24.


Title: I messed up and got a girl I don't really like pregnant. She doesn't want to have an abortion.

Question: What should I do? I'm not financially independent yet. I don't feel it in my powers to raise a child.

Answer:
 >What should I do?

You don't have to do anything at this moment.  You can wait to see what she decides.

If she decides to give the kid up for adoption, you can agree that's the best course of action, consent, and give up your rights.

If she decides to keep it, you are on the hook for child support if paternity can be established.Answer #2: This is a scary situation to be in and you are probably young and confused.

You will be a father. You will be linked to this girl for the rest of your life.

You will have to pay child support for the next 18 years OR you will raise this child for the next 18 years unless both parents decide adoption is the best. You are legally obligated to financially support your child no matter if you want to or not.

You may have to go to court to establish paternity, child support, or custody arrangements.

What should you do?

I suggest you do everything in your power to grow up as much as possible and get a job ASAP. You will be a parent and that is a huge responsibility. For the sake of the child try to be in his/her life as much as possible. Try to be reasonable and civil with the mother. Try to do whatever is right for the child.Answer #3: If she names you as the father, you can challenge paternity, if you're unsure about paternity.

If you lose that battle, or accept paternity voluntarily, then you can be held responsible for child support.  You also have the right to be a father to your child, if you so choose.


Title: [IN] I am 18 years old yet my school continues to contact my parents directly without even asking me providing my parents my records and will not let me take certain action without my parents consent.

Question:
I have had an ongoing battle with the school i am attending over the past few months and I am growing tired of it. I am 18 years old, not claimed as a dependent, not living with my parents and attending a public highschool so I am considered an eligible student under Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. I have spoken to the department of education extensively and they back my claims up and are also confused on why the school would be contacting my parents. my school continues to contact my parents directly and disclose now private information without even telling me. I also an unable to call in a verify my own absences even though in the student handbook it states "only legally emancipated students can call in and verify their own absences" which is impossible because i am 18 and cannot be emancipated. I have emailed my superintendent and received a very vague copy and paste type response. What should be my Course of action from here on out?

edit:details

Answer:
 FERPA permits schools to share info with parents of 18 year olds under certain circumstances. If they're claiming you as a dependent, for example. Answer #2: Alright here's the thing; your parents can very well still be claiming you as dependent on their taxes.

Your first step needs to be talking to your parents. If they're claiming you on taxes, you have no recourse.

If they're not, you file a complaint with the Department of Education.

Regardless; you need to request a meeting with the head administrator of your school and voice to them your concerns.


Title: What are some ways I can improve my defense for custody of my daughter? [California]

Question:
I had an agreement on custody with my ex and she kept using our daughter against me to ruin my current relationship so I tried to go to court to get a court ordered agreement and basically ended off worse than I was before after she moved. Now all I have is visitation whenever my ex allows it. I want joint physical custody back but work Sunday-Thursday and my ex doesn’t so they gave her sole custody. I have a daughter with another woman and she’s not as bad as my ex but between the two cases financially it’s expensive.

What can I do to help build my case for part time custody? I at least want her on Friday and Saturday. If there’s something additional I can do to be able to have her on Thursday or Sunday as well I would be ecstatic. I just want to see my daughter and I’m tired of everything being on my exes terms. I don’t think I should be deprived of seeing my child because I have a job which is my exes main defense. Because I work I don’t have the means of being there and she doesn’t want my girlfriend taking care of my daughter so the court said their hands are tied. Right now I’m trying to get scheduled visitation and then my next goal is custody. They won’t even give me overnights.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 You're not going to get all weekend, every weekend, or even every Friday and Saturday.  That's an unreasonable situation where you get to be the fun parent and the other parent deals with school and homework all week.

You should listen to your lawyer and do what she tells you.


Title: Girlfriend followed and intimidated by neighbor while walking dog

Question:
Neighbor lives in a condo association inside a larger HOA.  Condo association has a small section of private road in the middle of a larger road owned by the HOA. We own a house in the HOA separated from the condo association by an earthen berm. We walk over this berm to use the private road to walk our dog to the larger HOA road and then other natural sections of the HOA.

A man on the condo association board yelled at my girlfriend for allowing our dog to urinate on a grassy area in the condo association that is covered by a drainage easement granted to the HOA. He has ratcheted up his intimidation by following her and another time claiming to know where she lives. This has escalated to email complaints to the HOA about her being defiant (she's not), etc.

He has never said a word to me while walking the dog, and this man's wife is small and blond like my girlfriend. His emails to me are worded as if I need to bring my girlfriend in line (good luck with that :). I responded to him that I advised her to just call the Sheriff if he does any of it again. I didn't threaten or insult him and I don't intend to confront him physically.

The man is now trying to say nobody outside the condo association can use that road, and if we do it will be considered trespassing. I haven't heard from the HOA management about this latest development. He is singling her out. I am worried for my girlfriend's safety. Got any advice? Are we really trespassing?

Answer: Follow the HOA's rules. Ignore him. He's allowed to complain. Call the police if she feels endangered. Tell him to stop contacting you both.