Title: [Houston Texas] I was arrested for an alleged DWI and the police station will not tell me my scores on my breathalyzer. Are they allowed to hold that from me?

Question:
Long story short, on the 10th of this month I fell asleep at the wheel after leaving my friends apartment, crashing my car. When the police arrived they had asked if I had been drinking. I was honest and told them I was and had about 6 beers. 2 officers did a field sobriety test on me (walk a line, hold my foot up and count out loud, follow a pen with just my eyes) and after finishing the tests, one of them asked if I felt like I should have been driving. I answered no. I was physically exhausted and should have slept some before leaving. She then said, without telling me the scores of my field sobriety test, that I was under arrest for DWI. They took me in and did a breathalyzer that I agreed to take, but again, didn't tell me my score. Today I called records and they told me they can not tell me anything personal about my own record, even if I were to he there myself. I have to get an attorney get it for me. Are they allowed to hold my own information from me? Do I really have to get a lawyer to see my own record? Court is Thursday. I don't have much time. Thank you.

TL;DR Police won't let me look at y own record. Are they allowed to do that?

Answer:
 >When the police arrived they had asked if I had been drinking. I was honest and told them I was and had about 6 beers. 2 officers did a field sobriety test on me (walk a line, hold my foot up and count out loud, follow a pen with just my eyes) and after finishing the tests, one of them asked if I felt like I should have been driving. I answered no.

You just admitted that you were driving while under the influence.  You need a lawyer, better get one before Thursday.Answer #2: Your attorney can get this through discovery. If you know what you're doing you can try it yourself. You really should not go into this without representation.Answer #3: I think what /u/noteven0s is inelegantly trying to say is that, while you have a right to this information, it's not exactly easy to do by yourself. You should certainly get an attorney. Law offices are still open, so I'd start calling today.Answer #4: A couple things:

1. You absolutely need to get a lawyer. You may not realize it, but since you were arrested for a DWI, your license is about to be suspended. A lawyer can help you win this or avoid losing your license. Then you can worry about the actual criminal case against you.

2. Assuming Harris County, you're be going to court for several months just off of court resets. You want a lawyer for this.

3. Be prepared to get an interlock. Most judges in Houston will require it even while you are out on bond.

4. Let me know if you need a good lawyers name.


Title: Is Factkin Identity Theft

Question:
Factkin is the belief that you are someone else living or dead, so apart from it being super creepy, is it also actually, or close to, Identity Theft?

For example, person is a factkin of a famous Youtuber and instead of just using the common name part of the youtuber's name (eg. Bob), they are using the whole persona name at least (eg. Bobsplaysthings.) Apart from just seeming like an obsessed fan, is it actually bordering the edge of illegal?

Answer:
 Is the some new stupid Tumblr trend or an actual mental disorder? Because if it's the former, that's not going to be accepted as an excuse in court.

Anyway, identity theft is likely going to require that you use their identity for some specific purposes, like for personal gain. And just using a pseudonym which is someone famous' name is not going to qualify for that if you don't commit fraud with it.Answer #2: Doesn't identity theft require the use of the persons SSN or other important numbers to access bank accounts, credit, finances, bills, etc? Like you can call yourself whatever you want but if you go around using someones SSN and using that to gain access to something you're not entitled to then I'm pretty sure that's illegal.


Title: (TX) ceo doesn't respond to court summons, all invest co. bank accounts frozen, employees have stopped responding

Question:
Texas

I have \~100k in an inherited IRA that is in a promissory note with a company that buys airplane engines and leases them to airliners for significant profit.  The investment ran smoothly for years until this Summer.  Several family members and friends of the family are invested as well.  There is up to 100 million in funds involved.

We stopped getting paid in July and finally after a lot of back and forth got a "come to Jesus' type meeting in September.  Evidently, the CEO of this investment company purchased the company from friends.  It was a shell with no activity, no ties, no baggage, just an LLC name.  At some point in the past, a previous owner listed the company in a divorce.  The ex wife didn't notice or didn't act on it for years.  Out of the blue she decides to claim ownership of the company.  CEO is served with a court summons, asks the friends he purchased the company from whats gong on and they say not to worry about it,they will take care of it.

So he does nothing.  He does not respond to the court summons, does not show up to court, and thus a summary judgement against him is made.  All the assets were frozen back in JANUARY of this year.  This moron had been paying our interest payments out of his own pocket while frantically trying to resolve the issue.  He started running out of money in July which is why our interest payment stopped.  We did get a lump sum from him that caught us up through August.

The company's plan now is to file for chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure the company to get assets unfrozen.
This is a small company with a ceo and maybe 7 or 10 people under him.  My point of contact has been one individual that is emotionally and personally invested, seeing the moron ceo as her friend.  Recently I have asked for more detail and given criticism on their handling of the matter.  They have not kept their promises to communicate the status efforts in flight, and when they occasionally do provide an update, it's vague and hides continued mismanagement of the situation which I find out about from other sources.  For the sake of the length of this post I will not include the many examples here.

I signed a promissory note for a 3 year term with a 1% interest return monthly.  This is starting to look like it will result in a serious hardship as that investment return was a part of my income when I bought my house in June.  I know that if I threaten legal action, there is no chance of getting any info out of them going forward.  I'm at a loss for what legal or regulatory rights I have here and how best to proceed with the likely outcome of actually getting my money back.

 Any thoughts on what specific violations may be in play, what kind of lawyer to go to, or any advice is much appreciated.

Answer:
 This is likely lawyer territory. You should retain one with expertise in creditor bankruptcy.

If you already sued and took a default judgment then your promissory note is reduced to judgment under the terms of that filing. If the now judgment debtor is filing under chapter 11, you’re a creditor in that filing. Answer #2: This doesn't help you at all, but I've never seen a "1%-per-month" investment that ever worked out.Answer #3: It appears from your post that the company is functioning, and that the ownership is being contested.  Having its ownership be contested isn't grounds for not paying interest on its debt.  I would suggest getting with the other investors and engaging a very experienced corporate attorney to inquire about getting this company functioning again.

You really don't care about who owns the LLC, you care about the LLC servicing its debt.  Having ownership be contested is not a valid reason to freeze its assets.


Title: Executor may be abusing his power over my trust, how do I gain agency over my finances? - USA/Pennsylvania

Question:
Hi /r/legaladvice[1] ! I really don't know where to start because this issue is emotionally upsetting to me and isn't just a financial situation. My father is the executor of what I believe to be an irrevocable living trust that was left to me by my Grandfather. I believe originally the trust was a mix of liquid assets and actual properties: the house I live in which has a known value, and shares of an apartment building that has not been appraised.

Anyway, I believe that my father has been abusing my trust and manipulating the money in ways that are not in my best interest. I believe that he's cheating on my mother and that he's using this money to enable bad behavior. I want to hire a private investigator and speak to my own lawyer now that I'm turning 20 and should have more control over my life, but without access to these funds I can't do either of these things. I'm getting a job this fall so maybe If I save up I can go through with it... but the real question is whether or not it's going to do anything. Is there anyway I can have him removed off my trust before I turn 25 and inherit it?

Apparently distributions from either the property or the trust are supposed to be paid out, but my mother and I have not seen proof of that for the past few quarters.

EDIT: My mother confirmed that he's cheated on her several times, and that one of these times has led to our identity being stolen.

EDIT2: Editting for grammar and style errors because this is 11th grade English
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer:
 Your father as trustee has a fiduciary duty to the beneficiaries of the trust. If he is violating that duty he could be removed. The trust itself will have a lot to say about who the beneficiaries are and who are the successor trustees are.

Not a lawyer but one may work for you on contingency


Title: How do I protect my ideas in an interview? Cincinnati, OH

Question:
I have an interview on Wednesday with a company to talk about their Pinterest account. I have a lot of ideas and changes I want to make for their account. I want to tell them about my ideas, but I’m afraid if I reveal them in the interview they will not hire me and steal my ideas.
Topic:
Intellectual Property

Answer: You dont.  You talk about your experience and pass examples of how you have turn things around but don't be specific about their website


Title: [OH] My dad doesn't want his kids, but wants to take our dogs

Question:
My mom is divorcing my abusive father and he's clawing for whatever he can no matter who it hurts and I'm scared. His lawyer brought up in court that our dogs should be split 50/50 as they are "marrital assets". I paid for my dog as a minor and have proof, and the other was a gift to my mom to which she has proof also.

I feel like I'm worrying too much but I'm terrified and I think he would abuse the dogs as well. Also I'm sorry for any bias whether in the title or body of this post. I'm freaking out.

Edit: Thank you to everyone giving their input I thank you so so so much and I know my mom will when I show her. There's a lot of stuff here I wasn't even aware of and I can't tell you how grateful I am for each of you taking time out of your day to respond.

Answer:
 Does your mother have a lawyer?Answer #2: Scan the receipt and keep a copy in the cloud. Make a physical copy of the receipt and show it to your lawyer, and keep the original receipt safe. Start talking to your lawyer or change them. It's never "too far in". Answer #3: Dog Law specialist here.

Dogs are considered property in most states; "dog custody" isn't a thing unless you're in Alaska. Answer #4: You are never too far in when it comes to a lawyer. A new lawyer can request any necessary time extwnsions to be brought up to speed on a case. As far as your mom's dog, it could conceivably be considered marital property. If you have proof the other dog belongs to you, save and copy that documentation. It is not marital property and he should not have a claim to it.


Title: Advice please! My daughter's father is a nightmare and constantly takes me to court

Question: We live inMassachusetts. My childs father is emotionally abusive and impossible to coparent with. He has informed me that he got another lawyer and is taking me to court, again, over my daughter starting kindergarten. I have sole physical, and share joint legal. I consistently inform him of all school and medically related decisions, as well as daycare changes etc like I'm supposed to. Be couldn't be bothered unless it inconveniences him in some way. Then he starts attacking me and its unbearable. Some issues he has recently started would be allowing our daughter to hold his gun, letting his girlfriend bathe with her (never even met her, i dont even bathe with her, just assist) takes her out of state to girlfriends house without informing me per his request that i don't take her out of state without letting him know. His mother has my child during his time while he stays out of state at his girlfriend's. Plus more ridiculous issues. He can afford a lawyer, i cannot. Any advice?

Answer: If it's his time then he can let his mother have her. You don't get to decide what he does with his time. Otherwise, get a lawyer.


Title: Post mortem fraud

Question:
Trigger Warning - this involves a rather detailed account of a death.

My dad just died of a heart attack suddenly and in the past weeks since his death we have made some chilling discoveries.   He was on vacation when he died, where we have a second home.   It is a gated community in the southwest with a golf course, pool, workout room.

Dad's age: mid sixties

Whenever  my dad left the house, he would say out loud "money keys wallet cell"  and would bring all of those things with him, without fail. He had a pilots license and was keen on checklists.

Cause of death: suspected heart attack, but autopsy came back inconclusive and they ordered more tests.

Here is the order of things as we know them.

* He had just golfed 18 holes booked via golfnow, starting at 3:20, which I confirmed via his email
* After golfing, it's presumed he went to the workout room, near the clubhouse (same parking lot) where he signed in at 8:50.  Five hours for 18 holes sounds about right for him.
*He only changed from his golf shoes to his loafers so I am thinking he was just lifting weights as he was known to.
* As he was leaving the workout area (which requires a key card to enter) it is presumed that he collapsed and had a heart attack in the hallway (which does not require a key card for entry).
*  He was discovered by a college student, whose parents live at this gated community. He was in the fetal position, clutching his backpack. His face was blue.
*  His wallet nor his cell phone were ever discovered. I flew down to the state he died in and searched our car, golf bag, house, locker room, etc. He never used a locker.
* He always kept everything (money keys wallet cell) in this little backpack that he was clutching when he was found.
* I spoke to the person who found him, I do not suspect he would steal these things, but I do not know for certain. He has been forthcoming with information.
*  when I spoke to him he did ask me when I found out about the fraudulent charges on my dad's debit card, he also asked if there were any leads.
*  there are no video cameras on the premises.
*  they presume my dad was on the ground for 20 minutes before this young man found him.
* this young man apparently didn't have a cell phone, because he ran upstairs to tell someone to call 911
* security came and administered CPR until the fire truck and ambulance arrived at which point they took over, used the AED machine, but his heart never restarted. After they gave CPR his color improved, but I believe this was just oxygenated blood from the heart being circulated and not him being revived.

 I have come to find out that my dad's debit card has now been used  seven days after he died in Paris, France for just under $200.

His cell phone was never recovered.

 I am fairly certain he did not authorize this transaction, and it took seven days to post if he did.  I have been in contact with the police investigator about the suspected fraudulent charges and possible post mortem robbery or altercation.

 It is mortifying not knowing what happened and my dad's last moments of life. It is hard enough having my dad die at such a young age, as I am an only child and we were very close.

What should I do?

(Edited for grammar)

Answer:
 My condolences for your loss.

Inform the credit card issuer that the charge is fraudulent. And while you're at it, if it hasn't been done already, make sure all of your dad's other financial account holders have been informed of his passing.

Inform the police that there has been suspected fraudulent activity on his accounts since his passing and that you never found his wallet. Relay that you strongly suspect his wallet and phone were stolen from him just before or immediately after his passing.

Move on and survive. This isn't worth much of your time.


Title: When changing your last name due to marriage, can you also change your first name if you want to?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 I'm going through this right now because I go by my middle name and want my name to be Middle Maiden Married.  You have to file a name change request in court.  Super easy to do.  Answer #2: Hey OP! With out your specific county I can't confirm this information. However, if do want to tackle both your first and last name at the same time you will have to file a name change separate from your marriage. Look up what the name change requirements/requirement are for the county you reside in. Answer #3: Hey OP, I live in Raleigh, NC and went through this exact situation last month. Unfortunately to change anything but your last name name to your spouse's or their's to yours or a combo of the two, you're gonna have to go through the courts. Answer #4: My cousin did this. She always went by her middle name, instead of her legal first name. So when she got married, she dropped the first name, added her husband's at the end, and moved everything up one space.

She said it was pretty simple, and it seemed like it was about the same level of work/effort as my last name change after I got married. Answer #5: A few states will let you change your entire name when you get married, but the name change information has to be on the marriage certificate.


Title: Is it illegal for a mom to not allow her children to see their dad? (oregon)

Question:
Sorry for the poorly worded title. Also, I live in washington but all the divorce papers and court dates and everything was done in oregon. I don't know if that matters.

my parents have the kind of split custody where I see my father every other weekend. I don't know what that's called (sorry, I'm really shitty at legal stuff). I live with my mother though. My father has been away for about a month so we haven't seen him for that long. However he is coming back on the 11th (a saturday), which according to my father (and my mother, but she denies saying it) is my mother's weekend. My father said since he has been gone for so long, my mom can decide if he can see us on only sunday the 12th and the next weekend would be my mom's, or it can be my mom's weekend on the 10th - 12th and he can see us the weekend after that (which would be his original weekend)

very confusing.

anyway, my birthday is in february and it is supposed to be my dad's weekend on my birthday but my mom does not want me to see him (I guess out of jealousy) and so she is avoiding all confrontation about me seeing my dad that weekend.

my parents are on a no-talk basis so I'm kind of the messenger here. It's really frustrating trying to sort this out as my mom won't tell me which weekend she prefers because she prefers ALL weekends and refuses to let me see my dad.

Is this illegal? and if it is, is there any way I can get this sorted out without having to make it too dramatic? for christ's sake, I just want to see my dad.

sorry for the long post. thank you. :)

Answer:
 First of all, I am sorry that you are stuck in the middle of your parents issues. You shouldn't have to be the messenger or arbitrator of a custody disagreement.

The custody order is really all that matters (legally) in this situation. If the custody order says it is your mother's weekend on any given weekend it is her weekend, regardless of long it has been since your father has seen you. If he doesn't see you because he is out of town or whatever, he doesn't get to bank future weekends to see you later.

If the custody order says it is your father's weekend - then he can pick you up or you can go to his place and there isn't much your mother can do to (legally) stop him or you.Answer #2: If your mom is refusing to give your dad court-ordered visitation, your dad can ask the court to hold her in contempt.  Most courts don't look kindly on people ignoring their orders.  I can't tell from your post if your mom has denied your dad visitation, or if he has just declined to exercise it.


Title: Mother in law is prone to violent outbursts and I have a feeling she will/slap hit my daughter.

Question:
My wife was with her today and the mother in law almost hit her, as she was in a mood. It was no fault of the toddler, as a todler was just being a todler. What legal rights do I have to protect my daughter? What if she hits my daughter?

I am also of the theory you should be able to use outsmart a toddler, or child.

P.S. my wife is great, I juse want to protect my daughter.

Oregon.

Answer: If you don't trust your MIL around your daughter, don't let her be around your daughter.


Title: Microsoft broke my software, wants me to pay ~$1K to get it back [MA]

Question:
This sounds like a tech support question, but I promise it's a legal one.

I'm an Engineering student at a school in Boston and get access to Office 365 and Dreamspark (free additional programs) from my college. Office 365 I have access to as long as I am an active student and Dreamspark gets me life-long licences for one specific product but will only give me install files and access to view the keys for a year. Last year, I downloaded Visio and Project so this September, i captured my keys to record them just in case. In October, i tried to get 365 to force an update to 2016 office from 2013, but it failed. Office 365 still works, but I noticed a few weeks ago that my Visio and Project installations got corrupted (don't use often but need for a lab this week). The keys are now referenced to "Office Components" and not the specific products. Visio is not activated and refuses to activate (says key is fine, doesn't activate).  Project disappeared completely.

I contacted Microsoft support, and they said that my keys are now blocked because I tried to reactivate my office programs which was an invalid attempt and now they are blocked forever. I asked if I can transfer my licence or get my keys unblocked, they refused and said I had to purchase them (500 for Project, 300 for Visio) to get new copies. I tried to explain that they broke after an office installation issue and I only tried to fix them using basic troubleshooting, but the tech refused and then recommended I purchase the pro versions for a total of 2K. I asked for a supervisor or manager and was again refused.

Is there anyway to make Microsoft reactivate my products/ give me new keys? I think it's stupid that their software broke their software and they now refuse to fix things.

UPDATE:
huge thank you to /u/whatusernameisntalre for finding out why my software broke!
I also reached out to my school's Microsoft coordinators/IT people, got escalated pretty far up thanks to friends/connections and they reset my dreamspark so i got new 2013 keys and access to download them again in addition to 2016 keys & downloads. This is great because I can get my software but I still plan to yell my way up the chain at Microsoft because they shouldn't do this to people.

Thanks everyone!
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer:
 how does the subscription work? If you only had a subscription to office 2013 and tried to force an unauthorized update to 2016 it sounds like you did exactly what they said you did and it failed because it was blocked.

Is the license open and supposed to allow for those updates?Answer #2: If you got access to the software through your college, work it out with them.  They gave you the software, they give out the software to new students, they can get you a new key.  They're the ones who paid so if they didn't get their money's worth on the old license, they are the ones who should take it up with Microsoft.  And Microsoft is much more likely to listen to them since they probably paid tens of thousands of dollars, if not hundreds, for all the software.  Answer #3: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Special-offer-for-customers-with-Office-2016-and-Office-2013-standalone-applications-c32e3cad-e935-4163-a44f-50d896e10bbc?omkt=en-US&ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US

After a quick chat they sent a link to replace Project 2013 with Project 2016.


Title: (NC, US) Possible brothel and/or sex trafficking occurring in our neighborhood. Can we do anything to get it broken up?

Question:
My wife and I live in a pretty quiet neighborhood in North Carolina. However, on the street that leads to our house there is a spa that is pretty obviously offering "extra" services. Here's what we've noticed/discovered in the two years we've been here...

1) Only men go here. We have never seen women going into this place. Lots of sketchy guys on motorcycles, too. Not your typical spa clientele.

2) There are more people (again, all men) here late at night than there are during regular business hours. Last night there were 7 or 8 cars in the lot at 9:30pm or so.

3) This place has been raided by the police before. For sex trafficking.

After doing a bit of research, the only employees we've been able to find are 3 or 4 asian women that look to be in their fifties. This leads us to believe that they might have younger women there off the books who are being trafficked.

My main question is, what's the best way to go about this? Our concern is not really a safety one for ourselves (everything is pretty low key and quiet there for obvious reasons), but more that there are young girls being trafficked, and that frankly we don't really want a brothel in our neighborhood. Can the police do anything about this with there not being anything technically illegal that we've witnessed? It feels weird passing a brothel on the way home every day.

Thanks for any advice on this. This is my first post here, so if there's another place where I should ask this, please let me know.

Answer: Yeah, call the cops. They will take care of this pretty quickly. For bonus points, if you can do so without exposing yourself to any risk get some video of who is coming and going to this place and turn that over to the cops as well. Motorcycle enthusiasts are not all sketchy scumbags BTW.


Title: yesterday an officer came into my home uninvited (MI)

Question:
yesterday afternoon i was practicing DJing in my bedroom on the second floor of my home when i heard someone shout loudly behind me. there stood a very angry officer. i turned off the music and asked him who let him in my home. the officer stated that he had knocked on my door "10 times" and that no one had answered. he asked me for my id and i obliged. i had been drinking and wanted him to see that i was not under age. he asked me where all my roommates were and i told him I lived here with my mother and she was out of town. i asked him again why he was in my home and he stated that he had every right to enter my home under the community care act (which im having the hardest time finding) he said that someone had called and made a noise complaint. i then asked the officer what time it was and to see whatever decibel reading he had. he told me it was 9 pm and that he did not have any type of reading and it was up to the discretion of the officer. i asked him what the time the noise ordinance started and he stated that "we dont have one" and that it is in effect 24 hours a day. he lied to me because i looked up my cities ordinances and it starts at 11pm. i recieved a ticket for a noise violation and he went on his way.
i feel my privacy was violated. there was no underage drinking, no signs of distress, and nothing visibly illegal from the outside. (all of the windows were open) he had no reason to be in my home other than because of the noise that was being made.
can anyone help me here? i dont know what to do. i want to fight this ticket and this outrageous law that permits cops to enter your home whenever they want because they can hear music from outside.

Answer:
 What the officer was talking about is the "community caretaking function."    The authority comes from a 1973 Supreme Court case called [Cady v. Dombrowski. ](http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=US&vol=413&invol=433) Essentially the doctrine is that police officers exist not only to investigate crimes but also to ensure the safety and welfare of the public.  The most common exercise of this power is when they enter a home to make sure the owner is still alive and not hurt--for example, if someone calls and says they haven't seen their elderly neighbor in a few days and they're worried.

If you're interested,in the actual case an off-duty police officer crashed his car while drunk.  The responding police towed the car, and later they couldn't find the off-duty cop's gun anywhere.  They went to the car to look for it and found evidence in the trunk later used to convict the off-duty cop of murder.  The Court held that the search was motivated by a "concern for the safety of the general public who might be endangered if an intruder removed a revolver from the trunk of the vehicle" and thus not unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment.


Title: (MN) charges were dropped against me yet the police wont give me back my phone saying they are holding it for "evidence".

Question:
**Disclaimer**: I'm not on reddit alot and this is my first post so I'm sorry for formatting.

So in February I was charged for a gross misdemeanor (MN) and the charges were dropped in early April. my parents went to the police station multiple times but every single time they go the police officer says the same thing, that they are holding it for evidence. I should probably mention that I am a minor and the way the charges got dropped from what I can understand is through me going to a mediation center.

&#x200B;

my question however is whether its legal for the police, after being shown official legal documents of charges being dropped can keep the phone for "evidence" and whether this falls under criminal forfeiture.
Topic:
Searches and Seizures

Answer: Your lawyer will have to ask the judge to make the police return the property. Have you spoken with your lawyer?


Title: Hyphenated name

Question:
I am getting married and planning on hyphenating my last name.

I keep hearing mixed opinions on what I have to do.

If I go with the hyphenation, am I required to use the FULL hyphenated name with everything ( credit cards , bank accounts, etc) or having some part of the last name (either mine or his) is enough? I read some places that as long as ONE part of the hyphenated name is present, there usually isn't a problem. But, then, searching further, I saw that some were saying that that's only the case if you don't use a hyphen and just put your last name as your middle name.

Basically trying to put off having to change as many legal documents/credit cards/bank accounts as possible.

Answer:
 You're taking advantage of a free legal name change, no? Then when you need to use your legal name then you'll have to change it to the full hyphenated name. That means banks, credit cards, driver's license, voter registration, deeds, titles, and what not. How people refer to you and how your introduce yourself is one thing, legal documents and legal names need to *agree* and be kept up to date or things begin to break down.

If changing these documents is that much of a deal breaker you can just not change your name. That's an option, too. Although, it is a confusing one for third parties.


Title: [CA] HOA President Renting Out Community Shared Parking Spacers for Profit

Question:
In California, we have 4 person HOA.  The president is a character and tough to deal with.  I just learned, she is renting out shared carport spaces for $40/day to beach goers.  The money is not going to the HOA and she has not notified any other owners about this.

It is common spaces for the community not personal or assigned spaces.

What recourse do we have?

Answer: In general many HOA would allow(or at least not prohibit) her to rent out the space assigned to her for her personal gain (many not all) AS in there are 4/8 which are common spaces but each unit has sole us of an assigned space/s.  So are the spaces assigned or first come first served? and what if anything do the by laws state? Answer #2: If there are 4 of you total, then the other 3 of you can vote her out with one of you replacing her as president.  Then make a rule against what she is doing.Answer #3: You can offer the beach goers $30/day. /s


Title: Child Support

Question: So I got a text from my ex stating shes going to put me on child support. I wanna know what my options are, i go to school and work part time, the kid lives with her, she makes more money than me and doesn't go to school. I do not want to have this happen to me but I do not know the consequences of what happens when I try to defend myself in stating "I can't afford this" since if this happens I won't be able to afford my car insurance and my life will be much more difficult

Answer:
 You don't get the option of *not* paying child support. You will have to pay something. How much you pay depends on your state, how they calculate child support, and how willing the court is to deviate from that calculation. Some jurisdictions allow the parents to agree to a figure. Others are more strict. Answer #2: Your child can’t afford to go hungry.  You’ll at least be required to pay based on what you would earn at full time, minimum wage.  You may not be able to afford to go to school full time since you have other responsibilities now.Answer #3: > "I can't afford this"

Tough. If you google "YourState Child Support calculator" you should be able to get a general idea of what you will be ordered to pay. You may be ordered to get a full time job.


Title: Found Needles in Tissue Box... (South Carolina)

Question:
Not sure if this is the correct place to be asking, but found two somewhat rusty needles woven into the last couple tissues in a tissue box today. The way they were found makes it appear as though these were deliberately placed into the last few tissues of the box to pierce someone. These are sewing needles, about two inches long. The brand is a store brand of a large national chain. Concerned that other boxes could be similarly tampered with.

What course of action should I be taking? Is this something I be speaking with a lawyer about?

Location: South Carolina

Answer: You should report this to the manufacturer. You may even get a coupon for free box out of the deal.


Title: Georgia (state) - Parents issued restraining order against relative, parents voluntarily ignored it.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 They won't get in trouble for ignoring a restraining order they placed. I think the fact that your parents allowed him into the house is a good defense but he did technically violate the restraining order so he risks getting in trouble.

Now that the cops know that your parents ignored the restraining order, it's EXTREMELY unlikely that your parents will be able to successfully get a restraining order on him ever again. Judges hate when people go through the process of getting a restraining order and then ignore it, so they shouldn't expect sympathy if they want to get another restraining order.


Title: [NC] 16 yrs old, pursuing emancipation; What are my rights during the emancipation process?

Question:
I'm 16 years old, and I live in Yadkin County, NC. I am interested in emancipating. My current legal guardians are my biological grandmother and her husband; I am officially adopted by both of them. My main concern is what control they hold over me during the process, and what rights I have.

Between signing the petition and the final decision:
Can they force me to live with them? Do I have the right to live somewhere else?
Are all my belongings considered their property?
Can I rent/bank/etc on my own or will that be an issue?

These are problems mostly because I know my guardian will try to make this process as difficult as possible for me. I need to be fully aware of the right I have.

Another question: How much of an impact will my mental health history make on the final decision? I am currently medicated and in therapy, and have two hospitalizations on record. I haven't had any recorded 'incidents' since I was 13.

Answer: Do you currently make enough money to support yourself? If not, emancipation is not an option for you.


Title: [VA] Denied the sale of alcohol with a temporary license paper and previous license in hand to prove identity.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: They are just playing it safe. It's frustrating but understandable. Also, 23 isn't so far above 21 that it's obvious, so you still look like you are in the age range that might want to fake an ID.


Title: Siblings name is similar to mine, causing credit issues - What can I do to remedy this?

Question:
My younger brother and I have a very similar name. There is only one letter that differentiates between our names. We even have the same middle name. To top this, our SSN numbers are very-very similar too, down to one number.

My brother moved to college last semester. As of two years ago, we both shared the same address until I moved out. When he applied for a credit card, the inquiry went under my account (I got an alert from myfico.com). This happens both times that he applied for a credit card.

When he receives mail at our previously shared address, the letters are being forwarded to my current address by USPS with the little yellow forwarding address sticker and with MY name on the sticker instead of his.

What can we do to stop this?  Is there something that we can do? Its starting to become a real nuisance.

Edit: We live in the US

Answer: Me being a twin and feeling your pain, this will be the rest of your life. I’m actually a female with a twin brother and if his first name was Paul I’d be Paula. Just dispute errors in your credit report and mark “wrong address RTS” on the mail. You can ask your bro to use a moniker when he gives out his address


Title: Accidental Credit Card Use

Question: So my friend used some random person's card to buy black ops 4 on battle.net and he gave me that account. I already contacted blizzard about it. They said they can't confirm what might happen. What do you guys think will happen?

Answer:
 How do you "accidentally" use someone else's credit card?

The reason Blizzard can't confirm what will happen is because that's probably up to the bank/card issuer. It'll probably involve an investigation and maybe the police if your friend "accidentally" used the card to buy anything else, because doing that is illegal.


Title: Charged $1,800 for auto repair work I did not consent to ($3,750 total) on a car worth

Question:
My car was idling rough. I brought it to an auto repair shop two weekends ago. They diagnosed the issue and said to fix the problem it would cost $1,950 which included the diagnostics and taxes. I agreed to the work, but was hesitant because the car is only worth $3,500. I made this clear to them. They did the work last week. When I called up they said it was "not running quite right" after the repairs and they would get back to me. I call up today to be hit with a $3,750 bill for work I did not consent to, for problems I have no way of knowing were real.

What are my options here?

1. Pay the auto shop the full amount and try to sell the car for $3,750 (this is my second car, and I don't need it).
2. Refuse to pay, attempt to reclaim my car, make them sue me and let a judge decide what I should have to pay.
3. Pay them the full amount, then sue them for the extra work I did not consent to.

Surely this is a common problem with shady auto repair shops.

Edit: Location is upstate New York.

Outcome:
I went to the auto repair shop this morning. I asked for an itemized bill that covered the $1,950 quote and a separate bill for the rest. They couldn't produce them and had no idea where the $1,950 estimate came from. I grilled the service manager for 10 minutes and refused to pay. They went in the back office and "found" the original quote for $1,950. Apparently it didn't include labor costs for some unexplained reason. They dropped it back down to $1,950 and apologized.

Answer:
 So I'm assuming that they gave you an official work estimate for $1,950? If so, they cannot charge you for parts or labor in excess of that estimate without your consent. If they fixed a problem other than the one in the original estimate, then they also require you to authorize a work order. This can be done over the phone, so hopefully you didn't consent to that somehow when you called them, but it does require them to note the date, time, manner, and who authorized it on your invoice. Be sure to request this invoice as it will show you exactly why the bill is so high, you should make note of any charges that you did not consent to.

I'd suggest you contact the NY DMV to file a complaint for deceptive business practices, I believe that they investigate that stuff. This takes months though, and the shop can keep your car if you don't pay. I'd recommend that you threaten to take them to small claims court over the difference. If that doesn't change their tune, I'd suggest that you pay the bill, making it clear that you do not agree with the amount, and then file suit in small claims court to try to regain at least some of the difference. Answer #2: Don't just go take the car off their lot with a spare key after hours.  It's a type of theft.  Just wanted to stress that.  I found this office is who handles such complaints in NY State.
https://dmv.ny.gov/contact-us/report-problem-dmv-regulated-automotive-business


Title: Benefits scam and our options

Question: My SO works for the USPS. I finally got her to join her union after her procrastinating about it for ages. Shortly after she submitted her online form, she got a call from an individual claiming to be a Federal Benefits Manager. He wanted to meet with her at her post office to discuss things. She said OK. I was hesitant and asked why this was happening because we sat down and did all this through the USPS employee portal months ago. She said it's fine. Guy shows up hands her a business card that does not have a .Gov web Addy and she proceeds to fill out forms including her Social Security # and does not have a copy of the forms nor does she know what she signed. I flipped and we have had several days of fighting because this stupidity. Here is why. Yesterday, her Postmaster sent an email about this individual and that he is a scammer and not to sign or divulge anything to him. So to sum up, she signed forms without reading them, put her Social Security # on said forms and has no memory of what she signed nor copies of. Guy is not returning calls. Postal Inspector and Regional POM have been notified. What else should we do to insulate against whatever this guy is up to? Please do not ridicule her for her stupidity, I have done that enough and it will not help. Thank you for your help!   Luzerne County, PA.

Answer: check your credit report and consider putting a freeze on your credit for the near future.


Title: Notice of Intent to Vacate - Longer periods okay?

Question:
Here's the dilemma: I am looking into buying a house. My lease is up in ~2 months, and I would ideally like to either

1. go month-to-month or

2. extend my lease ~4 months.

However, I've heard from my neighbors that our landlord is not keen on such arrangements. I scheduled a meeting tomorrow to discuss my lease renewal.

Terms of the lease: upon expiration of the original term, the term shall be extended for one year, "until either party shall elect to terminate this lease by giving written notice thereof to the other not less than sixty (60) days prior to the commencement of any such additional term, in which event this lease shall terminate at the expiration of the then current term."

Does it seem reasonable to give a Notice of Intent to Vacate with a date 6 months in the future, essentially extending the lease 4 months? I see it says the lease will automatically terminate if the notice is given, but I'm not sure how that would be enforced. I can't imagine them actually kicking me out, as a 4-year tenant who's had zero late payments or problems.

Just trying to know my options going into the meeting. Cleveland, Ohio.

Answer:
 The terms are pretty simple. You give 60 days' notice that you intend to terminate the lease, or it automatically extends a year.

Whether or not you can come to any other arrangement is ultimately up to your landlord.

**But if you're not planning on living there for another year, you need to make sure you give your 60 days notice.**

I bolded that last part because it's the most important. You could lock yourself into another year long obligation.


Title: (Tx) Significant Other exposed to STD

Question:
I am in a poly-amorous relationship with my Significant Other (SO). SO has a Secondary Partner (SP) who recently found out that SP has an STD (Genital Herpes). It turns out that the test SP had before they got together did not detect the STD and came back as a false-negative.
SP claims that the Doctor did not run the test SP requested, choosing to run a test that would detect an active STD infection, rather than the test that may have detected the STD in its dormant phase. Later, SP's STD flared up, and this Doctor treated SP for an infection and lesions based on the false-negative. SO and SP were sexually active before and after this outbreak.
We have confirmation that SO has not contracted an STD, which is quite fortunate because of SO's other medical conditions (exceptionally weakened immune system). The Doctor informed SO that contracting an STD could have become life-threatening.
I need to know whether we have a case as SO was unknowingly exposed to a life-threatening disease based on the Doctor's testing choice and misdiagnosis of a very common STD on two separate occasions. SP has stated that the Doctor went against expressed wishes by running the wrong test, but neither of us are medically (or legally) trained.
tl;dr: SO's clear of STDs, but was exposed after the Secondary Partner was diagnosed. Doctor may have made a poor choice in testing and misdiagnosed a Genital Herpes outbreak based on this inaccurate test. Case or no?

Answer:
 It sounds like you guys are all participating in unsafe behavior by having sex, unprotected, with multiple partners. That's extremely high risk behavior given your SO's medical issues (and in general).

I'm not going to judge your lifestyle and relationship, you can do what you want, but don't get upset at other people if you or your SO contract an STD. You are knowingly assuming risk. Answer #2: 1. Don't delete your post again.

2. No damages = no case.


Title: What options do I have for a company using my social security number for their online business?

Question: I resigned from this company last year and we had two PayPal accounts setup for what we sold. They used my social security number to set up the accounts. Now this past year I got a 1099K form from PayPal for 100k+ that I didn’t benefit from. I took care of that and had PayPal correct the form. But last week the IRS sent me a CP2000 asking for $45,000 payment for 2015 because I didn’t report the 100k+ made on PayPal from that year. It’s a huge mess and it’s aggravating. I called PayPal to have them correct the 2015 form but I’m afraid the IRS is going to end up auditing me for no reason other than them using my social. Indiana, USA

Answer: The IRS auditing you is the best option to clear this up.  It absolves you of the tax liability and would attribute those earnings to the company.Answer #2: And that audit would clear this up...


Title: Some guy is trying to sue me because I filed a Paypal dispute to get my money back after he sent me an item not as described.

Question:
To keep it simple. I bought some car parts (shocks) from a guy off a car forum a month back. When I got them, I realized that they weren't as described. The seller said they were in good condition. They were not. I tried contacting him to send them back but he made several threats, which also got him banned from the online forum. He used my personal information (name, address, phone) he got from paypal, to do some digging on me. He stated that he had some racist friends, and to be careful. This is why I reported him. After he got banned, he sent me a threatening email. I filed a paypal dispute to get my money back, which I won. Now he has sent me an email stating that he will take me to court. He said he's going to present the evidence to a judge and subpoena me(in california) to drive all the way to the courthouse in Arizona. He said that I will have to pay him back for the shocks ($350), his time off work($250 a day), and court fees. Before he sold them to me, he offered sending them to the manufacturer to get them tested for $75. I declined, since he said there was nothing wrong with them. This is his ONLY argument. He didn't mention the car shocks were leaking, in addition to a couple of other small issues. I sent them back in the same condition I received them, he didn't lose anything but time, as have I. I don't understand why he keeps bothering me, it's like he wants to come out on top of all this.

This has all been stressing me out over the past month. I have more important things going on in my life, and have been trying to move on. I can't go to court, I'm a full-time college student, and I can't miss class. This man won't let this go, he even told me that he will take it to his grave. He has no good evidence on me. I don't see how he thinks he will win. So why am I worried? Because I don't want to go to court. Can this man actually take me to court over something so trivial? I know for a fact he will lose, but I don't want to waste my time. I haven't responded to his email yet, should I say anything? Keep in mind, I have been nothing but nice to the guy the whole time, never once called him any names, just stated facts. His messages back have been the complete opposite. Please help.

Answer:
 First, he would have to sue you in your jurisdiction, not his. If he tried to file with your address, they would advise him of this.

Reply to the e-mail and clearly state that he is not to contact you again. Then block the e-mail and any other contact methods he has for you.

He is likely full of shit. If you happened to be served, don't ignore it. Don't stress it unless you are.


Title: Mother gave me earrings, but sister wants EVERYTHING

Question:
Okay, so to make a long story short, my mother worked for Tiffany & Co and when she retired, Tiffany gave her a pair of diamond earrings.

A little back story: my sister and I HATE each other and she does everything in her power to screw me over or put me down.

I recently got married a little over a year ago and before my marriage, my mother gave me the earrings as a marriage gift/to give to my wife.

Fast forward a year and a half later, my sister is demanding the earrings back, claiming that it was wrongfully given and is now reporting a police report against us.

She is harassing my wife via social media asking for her to give it back and that it was not rightfully given to her. The thing is, that it was rightfully given, my sister just wants to accumulate everything my mother has to leave me with nothing.

There isn't any proof that my mother purchased them. I called my mom and asked her if police were to question her that she would honestly tell them that she gave them to ME. She replied "yes, of course."

Now my Mother lives with my sister, she takes care of her and my sister has gotten everything of value that my mother has to offer. Expect for this. The only thing I have in memory of her.

Now my question is, does she have any legal justification to get this back from me?

This was given to me.

Thanks reddit.

Answer: No, she does not.


Title: (CA) Help with some constitutional rights at school.

Question: So my high school randomly searches backpacks and such. I was wondering if this is unconstitutional and can be denied by students. If so, what about if somebody told them that somebody else had an illegal item in their bag. That would be probable cause correct? These are just a few questions I was thinking about and would love if somebody answered them. Thanks!

Answer: The courts have consistently ruled that searches of student belongings is constitutional even without probable cause.


Title: Can having a sound-proofed room be used against someone as evidence? [CA]

Question: I am planning on having a room in my house sound-proofed and installed with a reinforced door because I will be setting up a home music studio and do not want any of my expensive equipment touched by visitors or possibly intruders and am sound-dampening the room to improve acoustics and prevent noise leaving the room and disturbing neighbors. I have found a specialist in home studio creation who can make these constructions and who also accepts payment in cash so there will be no paper trail, but what I need to know is if just having a sound-proofed room with a reinforced door could be used as evidence against someone in a criminal case - specifically in a kidnapping or abduction case or any other case that might on paper benefit from having a sound-proofed room? Thanks.

Answer:
 Why don't you want a paper trail mr. Fritzl? Answer #2: Well if somebody actually accuses you of kidnapping them and keeping them in a sound proof room with a reinforced door, then yes having an actual sound proof room with a reinforced door might be used as evidence against you.

Did you actually kidnap somebody?

If not, why are you worried about people randomly accusing you of kidnapping where you think this would come up?


Title: I have to go to a deposition for a car crash I was involved in and they want a full month of my phone records. I have questions regarding my liability as I’m having panic attacks daily due to this ordeal.

Question:
[AL] I was in a car crash. I was trying to beat a yellow light and got t-boned. The cop deemed it my fault somehow. He said he saw it even though he didn’t show up for five minutes from the crash. That’s another story.

They were going to settle for $10k but realized my insurance policy insures up to $100k so their private lawyer advised them and had them agree to move forward and deny the settlement.

They asked for a month of my phone records to see if I was texting and driving. I don’t even remember if I had sent a text within a couple of minutes within the crash as I incurred a head injury from the crash.

My 5 questions are:

if I was texting around the time will they be able to sue me as well?

Will I be faced with criminal charges if I was?

Why did they ask for a month? I smoke weed and take Xanax occasionally for sleep. Can that be used against me if they find conversations about that within that month?

Will they look through all of my texts for the entire month?

What’s the worst case scenario for me?

Thank you in advance.

Answer:
 >I was trying to beat a yellow light and got t-boned.

>I don’t even remember if I had sent a text within a couple of minutes within the crash as I incurred a head injury from the crash.

If you don't remember the minutes before the crash, how do you know you were trying to beat a yellow and not running a red?  Answer #2: First, they're going to sue you anyway, that's how this works, so don't be surprised when it happens. They can't sue your insurance company directly, only you. Your insurance company will represent you, and will pay any judgments up to your policy limit.

>Will I be faced with criminal charges if I was?

Almost certainly not. This would affect civil liability, but it wouldn't likely lead to any criminal charges.

>Why did they ask for a month? I smoke weed and take Xanax occasionally for sleep. Can that be used against me if they find conversations about that within that month?

That would be a question for a lawyer if you wind up going to court.

>What’s the worst case scenario for me?

The worst-worst case would be if claimed some kind of permanent injury and asked for a judgment way beyond your policy limit. However, it's more likely the case that they just want more than 10k and will still either ask for (or settle for) something less than 100k, which means your insurance would pay it. You'll likely wind up with higher insurance rates, though.


Title: (Texas) Was assaulted this weekend, police told me it was my own fault, and if I pressed charges, I would be arrested.

Question:
This past weekend my friend and I were visiting my uncle and celebrating, after several drinks my friend and I were hugging (drunken buddies happy we've come so far as we have), and my Uncle proceeded to get severely pissed off and started calling us homosexuals. We managed to calm him down, but as we were wrapping up for the night, he went inside, came back out, and placed me in a choke hold until I passed out, when I became conscious again, I stood up, and he punched the hell out of me, broke my nose, and blackened my eye. When I stood up again, he ran at me and drop kicked me, and I fell back, scratching my back, bruising my hand from trying to catch myself on the pillar, and from there I just sorta stayed out. My friend apparently pulled my uncle off of me by placing my uncle in a choke hold, when my uncle finally got free, he started screaming he was going to get his gun and kill us both if we don't get off his property. So now we have both my friend and I drunk, trying to escape from my Uncle before he shoots us.

We made it back to my apartment, and then my fiancee dragged me to the hospital, I provided the little bit I could remember to the police, and let them know, Frisco PD called it into Fairview PD because the assault occurred in Fairview. When I made it home from the hospital, the Fairview police came to my apartment to discuss what happened.

According to them, my uncle is claiming I choked him, and he has cuts on his knuckles. My knuckles had some cuts and nicks from the wood chips I fell into.

The police told me that I could have done this from falling, I could have done this myself, was it possible that I was drunk, fell, and did this and just didn't remember. They then proceeded to tell me that this is what happens when you have too much to drink, that I shouldn't have drank this much. If I wished to press charges, they would arrest me and everyone else involved.

While I agree I should not have drank that much, is it normal to tell the victim that they caused this themselves and that it is their own fault, and if you wish to pursue the person who attacked you, you will be arrested? This has to be some sort of negligence or bad practice? Leaving the victim in a battered state, telling them it's your own fault, and if you want to pursue the matter of you being attacked, your going to be arrested.

Answer:
 Everyone present, and I'm also assuming your uncle was drunk.  You gave one version of the story to the police and here (which you could remember), and I'm sure your uncle gave a different version.  What the police are saying is that your actions as provided by the other side would also end up with you being arrested.  Because everyone is drunk, all of your credibility is shot, so why would the cops listen to you over your uncle?

They would arrest you based on your uncle's account.  So basically if you both want to stay out of the clink for an evening, you'll both drop the whole thing.  But if you want to file a report against your uncle, one will also be filed against you.  Answer #2: >Leaving the victim in a battered state,

Well the cops aren't EMTs, you'd already been to the hospital, how else were they supposed to 'leave you'?

I know a guy whose favorite thing is to get into bar fights. It's just not a Saturday night if he isn't getting drunk and beating the shit out of someone. The cops eventually got tired of that and he got sent upstate for 2 years.


Title: [ID] My landlord (low income, subsidized apts.) just cashed last month's rent today (34 days late) along side this month's rent.

Question:
Here's the stuff to know:

* Wrote a check for $159 on Sept. 7 for that month's rent. I don't follow my bank too closely. I just look to see when I get paid and keep track of my total. I haven't, in the past, had to check when rent is coming out.
* Saw that I had a decent amount of money in the bank the whole month. I thought it was because of some money left over from student loans. Didn't think anything of it.
* About a week ago wrote another check for $159, this month's rent.
* Today, both checks have posted and my bank account is negative (because we hadn't planned for two months of rent at a time based on our balance).

Is there a time frame that a landlord in Idaho has to cash rent checks? My bank charges overdraft after I've been negative longer than a day so I need to make up the money quick or dispute the charge. What should my course of action be? This isn't something I've had to deal with before and it's freaking me out.

Answer:
 A payee has 6 months to present a check to their financial institution for processing, before the check is considered stale. That has always been a banking law. The tenant is responsible to manage their finances for the check to clear.Answer #2: None. You have no recourse. Please please start taking better car of your finances. Don't be in low-income all your life and I will tell you one of the unifying **self-changeable** characteristics of the impoverished is not paying enough attention to your finances.  Your decision to not follow your bank closely not only has you in the negative now, but now you will owe fees, now you might owe NSF to bank and landlord, now you risk criminal prosecution for writing a bad check, all not cause you didn't have the money but cause you were not paying attention to your money.

I'm not trying to preach to you, just a plea to you cause I literally have seen this so many times and its fucked up. Frankly, I am proud you have a checking account and are not paying a convenience store 5 bucks a month to get a money order.


Title: [IL] Family friend went to hospital because of abdominal pain, was told he has to spend the night because the person who reads the test results doesn't work Sundays.

Question:
Let me be clear that I haven't been to the hospital yet but I'll clarify with the staff when I get there, because this just doesn't seem right to me. I'm not sure what his insurance will cover, but if he has to pay anything for spending the night or for the pain meds they're giving him until the test results come back, is there a legal way for him to not pay for this?

We assume it's gallstones so the treatment would be simple and he could be on his way if there was someone to view the results of the tests today.

Answer:
 They can't MAKE him stay in the hospital.

He can check himself out against medical advice if he doesn't want them to treat him.


Title: [CA] University housing assignment isn't what I expected.

Question:
I signed up for housing at my universities for a 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment. I'm getting charged for a 2 bedroom/2 bath, but the bath is outside the room. My roommate has his own bathroom but I feel like I have no privacy getting out of the shower and I would have never signed for the apartment if I knew the restroom was going to be outside my room. Unfortunately the floorplan on the website matches our apartment.

Is it possible to reduce my rent or possibly get out of my contract because of this? I know it may seem like a small issue but it's honestly a big deal to me.

Answer:
 >I feel like I have no privacy getting out of the shower

Does this bathroom not have a door?  I don't understand.

Many apartments have bathrooms that are accessible from common areas.  As long as they have a door that locks, it's hardly lacking in privacy.

Try a dorm where 25+ people share common showers, and then talk to me about a lack of privacy...Answer #2: >Unfortunately the floorplan on the website matches our apartment.

So then this is your fault for doing this? I imagine the bathroom is right outside of your room? This is a small personal issue and they will not reduce your rent because of it.


Title: Having a Child with a Married/Seperated partner

Question:
My fiance is by all means, still married legally, she and her ex have been seperated for about 4 years now.  We have been together for two of those.  We just had a child a few days ago and found out that her "husband" is considered the father, what can I do to prove my paternity?

Oklahoma, USA

Answer:
 Location matters. But you need to file for paternity in family court and get named the father.

It isn't that easy on some states. If the husband doesn't cooperate it may be more difficult


Title: Two contracts from Massage Envy contradict each other?

Question:
I'm from the US, Florida.

I've been a member of Massage Envy since 2013, and Wednesday I went into the store to cancel my membership.  It was easy enough, I filled out the form, they gave me a copy, then she told me once the manager signs and approves it she'll e-mail me a copy.  Cool, no hassle.  However, when I compare my cancellation form to my contract from 2013, they're kind of conflicting.  My original membership form says:

>  Membership during auto-renewal may be canceled with 30-days advanced written notice.  Any membership dues during this 30-day period will be charged as scheduled.

Okay, so I'm on the hook for one more membership fee, I'm fine with that.  But my cancellation form says:

>  Cancellation takes affect 10 days after Management approval.  You then have 60 days to use all massages accrued prior to official cancellation date.

So, am I on the hook for two more payments??  These don't match up at all.  I've read over the cancellation form many times and it doesn't say ANYTHING about being responsible for any more EFT payments, unlike my original Membership form.

My payments automatically deduct from my debit card, and my plan was to get a new debit card with a new number after this because I've heard many stories of ME continuing to charge customers after cancelling.  I called my store and the ladies didn't know anything.  One of them admitted she was new and had never done a cancellation before so she didn't know how it worked.

What should I do?  Call corporate and ask?  Just assume that I have to pay one more time and leave it?  I'm not going to pay for two more months.  I don't know how they could legally have two contracts saying contradicting things.  Any advice?

Thank you!

Answer:
 There's nothing contradictory here.  You're misreading the second form.

The first form says you owe for 30 more days after you cancel.  The second form says you have 60 days to use up anything you've prepaid for.  In other words, if you had 10 massages saved up, you have 60 days after your cancellation date to use those or you forfeit them.


Title: [US] Could Ray Rice be prosecuted due to the assault video being released even if his wife refuses to press charges?

Question:
This is more about curiosity than anything, but from what I understand of US laws is that the victim must file a complaint before charges could be brought onto their abuser. Is this true? Also, could the victim's testimony, if trying to 'take the blame', harm the case against Rice if it goes to trial?

Edit: For clarity, this is United States general.

Answer: Yes. It's not the victim of abuse who gets to decide whether to prosecute.  That is up to the prosecutor.   She can decide not to sue him for damages, but the criminal case is out of her hands.


Title: Will I be Deported for Soliciting a Prostitute?

Question:
I am devastated right now. I'm an international student going to college in California on a F1 Visa and an I-20, and last night I was arrested and charged with a Misdemeanor of soliciting a prostitute.

However, the "evidence" is the text messages the "bait girl" sent me. She initially explicitly mentioned sexual favors in exchange for money. I agreed at first. However, before going to the hotel I texted her "I'm not gonna have sex with you." "I just want to watch a movie.", which she replied "ok".
Nonetheless, I was still swarmed by officers when I knocked on the door, and arrested for the night.

First of all, will I be able to defend my case? And secondly, if I were to receive the misdemeanor, will I be deported from the United States?
Please help me.

Answer:
 Your defense sounds like "yes, I solicited a prostitute but changed my mind." That is a bad defense.

You need to hire an attorney today.


Title: I'm 17 and have permission to move out, how do I get the paperwork to make sure it's legal and my parents don't change their minds?

Question: [deleted]


Title: (TEXAS) Is it true that landlords must fix anything that is broken at their property, if the damage is caused by the resident? Also, any legal/life advice to combat racist connotation of tenant's message?

Question:
EDIT: Email sent, may or may not update with tenant's response.
***
Hi, I'm helping my mom (landlord) resolve some issues with our tenant, who is leasing our home in Frisco, TX (Denton county). We'll call the tenant V.

Currently, our mailbox (which we share with our neighbor) is destroyed because one of V's acquaintances drove her car into it. We don't know if it was her friend, family member or guest. We requested two weeks ago that she fix it, because it's not our responsibility to do so. Then she texted my mom back yesterday with this:

>"Hello, this is V your tenant. I am not able to fix mailbox at this time. You are my landlord and I pay rent to you so I need you to get it fixed and you can take the money out of my deposit. Here in America landlords fix anything that is broke at their property that is part of being a landlord and renting a home in America. So I am sorry but you have to have it repaired and then you can bill me. Or charge me but I am not able to deal with contractors and requirements by code that's your job I don't know enough about it.. the homeowner association will fine you for it not being fixed.. our lease does not state the home had an association for homeowners. the neighbors need their mail and I am not their so you have to get it fixed that is your responsibility as a landlord.

>You say you want the house in November to rent to your friends and that we can't sublet until February when our lease ends but we have to tel the people only until November so you can have it, but the lease does not say we can't sublease in the home. So do you want to get the home in September and release us from the contract or let us sublease until February? And we remain in our contract until February when our lease is up?"

In summary, her three claims are that (1) We can take the money out of her deposit to pay for the repairs, (2) Landlord are required to fix anything broken at our property, and (3) the lease does not say that the tenants can't sublease their home.

My question to you all is (1) Whether she can claim that we CAN take money out of her deposit, or the deposit is not meant to be used for this case and (2) If there anything I can do legally if I sense connotations of racism from her phrase "Here in America..." (repeated twice).

For reference, am a 1.5 generation Korean American and have lied in the United States for 16 years. My mom isn't very good at English (passable, but bad grammar/accent). I will comment with my planned response below. Thank you so much Redditors for your help!

Answer: *You* need to repair the mailbox. You can bill them for it. You don't want the USPS on your case.


Title: Workers comp doesn't want to help due to previous injury, I got hurt at work and exacerbated that old injury.

Question:
Hello!
So I had an ACL reconstruction 10 years ago as a kid. I am a very healthy,  active young 26 y/o female, and I work out a lot. I work in a busy ER. I have to lift people a lot, carry them out of cars, and occasionally lift them when they’re on backboards. My job is very physically strenuous. I turned and twisted my knee at work and I have been in pain ever since. I reported it that day and went to go see a Worker’s Compensation doctor that works for my hospital. They weren’t sure if they wanted to file a claim for me or not. I got an MRI which was negative, ACL is intact, all other structures intact. I am in 7/10 pain constantly and have difficulty sleeping through the night because of it. The last doctor I saw for Worker’s Comp. was so rude and unhelpful, she didn’t even assess me properly. She told me my only option was physical therapy and I informed her that I am full-time work and full-time school so if she put me back to work I will not have days to go to physical therapy, so this is an unacceptable care plan as it is not realistic for me. She never asked me what happened, she never ask me about my pain, and when I told her about my schedule she said “well I don’t know what to tell you. “So she referred me back to the first workers comp doctor I saw because she also couldn’t make a decision as to whether to open a claim or not... even with the MRI. I wasn’t surprised because she didn’t even ask me how I got hurt. Now disability needs a claim number related to my Worker’s Comp. in order to process my paperwork so I can get money to pay my bills. I can’t see the doctor until Tuesday which I think is ridiculous as I have attempted to make phone appointments as well as reach out to get an earlier appointment with that doctor. Do I have cause for legal action? I am unionized and I have contacted my rep but he’s not gotten back to me yet. My union is a very strong union so I know that they will back me, I just want to make sure I’m not getting overly upset for no reason. The main thing is that I need money from disability to pay my bills if they’re going to keep me off work, which they have been. And I want to get my knee fixed which is my MAIN priority. My orthopedic surgeon wants to do an arthroscopy to look around and see if there’s anything we’re missing on the MRI. He thinks there's probably scar tissue we need to debride. He assures me that physical therapy will most likely not help as I am already active but wants me to try it to appease the workers comp since it's the same company the Dr. Doesn't want to do things that may mess up their process. So physical therapy for six weeks  then we will discuss arthroscopy. If arthroscopy does not help my pain, he has advised me that he will want to take out my old ACL bone graft my tunnels and then, at another time in another surgery replace my ACL. This is not some simple thing, I was not in this much pain before I got hurt and now I am. prior to getting hurt I always had a little bit of pain but not like this. I was doing great and the pain was very much bearable to the point I could sleep, workout 4-5x/week and lift heavy amounts, until I twisted my knee. Now I can't sit, stand, lay, walk without immense pain. IPlease let me know what you guys think I should do because I feel frustrated and a little lost in the situation.
Topic:
Labor Law (Unions)

Answer:
 IANAL. I’m a nurse, and I do primarily work injury and ortho.

Every state is different, especially with regard to what is sufficient to establish causation. I’m not aware of a state where scar tissue from an old injury would be considered a workplace injury.

An MRI shows everything an arthroscopy does. So far, three doctors can’t find an anatomical issue.

Knee arthroscopy has been studied and it’s *not* been shown to be more effective than a placebo. Here is an article from the New England journal of medicine: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1305189.

As a nurse, reading through everything, the important things I would want you to understand if you were my patient would be:

1. Three doctors have confirmed a clean MRI, so you don’t need to worry about something that needs treatment. You’re good.
2.  Knee arthroscopy in the absence of a known pathology is *not* an evidence based recommendation.
3. Physical therapy may give you some tips on how to do your job in a way that is a little more ergonomic. Maybe take them up in that.

I hope you feel better soon.


Title: I was arrested for loitering at work

Question: I was out back having a cigarette when the police came over to me. They were hosting a stakeout for sombody who was selling product back there. They arrested me for "loitering ( drugs ) " for hanging out in a drug use environment i was unable to prove i work there because i work under the table HELP edit: huntsville alabama

Answer: The cops don't care if you're working under the table. There were other employees/owners that can attest to the fact, right? Answer #2: Were you using or in possession of any drugs?


Title: Can my lease be terminated for moaning and groaning in pain for a few nights? California-need help.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: What kind of condition produces predictable pain that lasts for only a few days after loss off access medication? Detoxing from opioids?


Title: [Virginia] My friend moved out of country and left me a golf cart. Do I need any paperwork to use, drive, or sell it?

Question:
He told me to do whatever I want with it,  but didn't give me any kind of papers, so I'm not sure. I'm wondering if I'd need proof of ownership or registration or anything

Thanks!

Answer: Golf carts don't really have any title or anything. Or registration. So you're fine.


Title: I'm a 17F. Was scammed 500 dollars which is like my entire life savings. Please help me out.

Question:
So here's the story. My friend texted me and asked me to cash in a check for him. I was very hesitant, but he gave me this sob story about how it was for his bills and whatnot. So I did it. We went to the ATM together and cashed it under my bank at bank of america. He took the 500 dollars and left.
This guy is 16 male by the way.

Fastforward to today, the check charged back. He changed his number, won't text back or anything. I do have a copy of the front and back of the check on the bank of america site which has his address, and I have screenshots of the texts he sent me.

What can I do? Thanks. I know I'm stupid, this is my real age showing right now. Please just help me out.

Answer: Fake cheque scam, pretty standard except you actually know who this moron is. Call tha Po-lice.Answer #2: Go to the police and file a report. Answer #3: This person isn't a friend. The police will want to hear about this as cashing a bogus check, knowingly, is a punishable offense. By incorporating a person who knows him, he has just made it easy to stop the cycle. File a report through the local non emergency number for your law enforcement agency.


Title: My landlords keep increasing my rent.

Question: I live in a place that had cheap housing but expensive housing keeps popping up around where I live. We had a lease for one year and then went month to month. We have never been late on a single rent payment but over 3.5 years our rent has been increased incrementally from 800 to 950. Are these increases acceptable because we didn't re-sign a lease? Could we ask our landlords for a new lease to keep our rent prices stable? Do they not like having us as tenants and are trying to price us out? We have had four rent increases over 3.5 years. Our duplex  neighbors moved in a year ago and started at 900 and we started at 800. My wife and I are blocks away from a college and want to graduate before moving or purchasing a house. Another caveat my landlord is a lawyer. Is there anyway to keep my rent from increasing once again?

Answer:
 For anyone to give you advice, you need to share your specific location (city/county). Some places have stricter rules than others.

I would google “[city/county] rent increase laws” and “[city/county] month to month lease laws” to see what you come up with.Answer #2: In my experience, it is very common practice to increase rent over time. I moved into my current place in 2010 and paid $645, currently I pay $1,025.

I have never been able to negotiate my rent, likely because I’ve always rented from a corporate structure rather than a private landlord. When I receive my notice for lease renewal with the new rate there is usually a small blurb stating property taxes have gone up, etc as a lose explanation to the increase.

Make yourself aware of your tenant rights, some locations do have caps on the amount rent can increase lease period to lease period.


Title: If I already protected my tv show idea with a copyright and WGA filing, but don't have money to produce a sizzle reel or pilot webisodes, could I let someone else produce them and then sue for a settlement once it's picked up?

Question:
My idea is already protected. I think someone would produce promotional materials without checking (in hopes of stealing the idea).

Could I simply let them think they've commandeered my idea and then sue once a studio buys the rights?

Location Los Angeles California

Answer:
 There are a number of doctrines that could protect someone from your suit. Intentionally setting people up so that you can sue them, or intentionally delaying a suit so that you can collect bigger damages, is frowned upon by the courts.

You'd be better off hiring some film students or finding some other low-budget way to produce the pilot.


Title: Collecting rent on a house you don't own?

Question:
Been living in a house for 3 years, paying rent monthly. I recently found out that the "friend" I rent it from defaulted on his mortgage for this property 8 years ago and it was foreclosed. He hasn't paid anything for the house in that time. Somehow, it has slipped through the cracks and ownership has transferred from bank to bank (about 6 total). Today, he says "rent is doubling next month, if you can't pay, get out!" I told him I couldn't, so he taped a 3-day eviction notice on my door and front gate.

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First, does he have a legal right to the house?

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Can he actually serve me an eviction notice? If he files with the county, if he was the last person to pay property taxes (8 years ago) will they side with him in eviction proceedings?

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Was there fraud being committed renting a house he doesn't own?

Answer:
 Until ordered otherwise, or notified by a bank that can prove to  you they hold the title, he is your landlord.  Absent some sort of rent increase law, generally 30 days is legal notice to raise rent (absent a lease.)

He will still have to evict you.

You may want to do a search to locate the lein holder and inquire about where to pay your rent.


Title: Using a real person in a piece of fiction.

Question:
I'm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

What are the legal rules for using an actual real person in a piece of fiction?

For example a comic strip that refers to something happening to "Celebrity A" or something of that nature.

Answer:
 Depends on what you're doing. Parody and satire are considered part of the free use doctrine and public figures have less rights in this regard than private citizens. That's why Lyndsy Lohan couldn't successfully sue Rockstar for using her likeness in GTA4 even though she tried. Also why Trey Parker hasn't been sued to oblivion.

Political opinion is also protected, hence most Saturday Night Live skits in an election year.

However you can also get into libel territory if you present something untrue as factual. Say if you draw a celebrity molesting a child, implying that they're a pedophile even as a joke you're likely to get sued.

So yeah it depends on context but as long as you stick to parody and/or satire you should be fine. I wouldn't use their real names though if you are going to use them as a recurring character.


Title: Told a minor that she is sexy, how much did i fuck up?

Question:
Throwaway.

Downloaded this app where you can chat with people randomly and got matched with this girl.
She seemed like normal 16 year old (im 25) and we just talked about our countries and stuff.
1 hour ago she asked me if i think she is pretty and without much thinking i just said yes.
After that she ask me if i think she is sexy and first i tell her that this is a weird question because she is a minor, but she basically proceeded to guilt trip me in to saying "yes".

Now i realised that i might have fucked up. She only has my picture that i only used there and my first name.

She just said finally you said it and went offline.
Apart from this we didn't talk about anything sexual and I'm not sure if i should do anything now.

Answer: Why don't you have a seat over there...


Title: Owner of franchise restaurant accuses me of theft, fires me and withholds final wages until an "investigation is completed". 2 weeks later I've heard nothing.

Question: I was an assistant manager at a jimmy johns. I was accused of theft when in reality it was a manager in training. The guy makes me sign a paper saying he won't take me to court and will "pay me back the difference after an investigation is completed". It seems he's got 10 days to do this and it's been more than 2 weeks. This owner breaks labor laws all the time, by not paying overtime and keeping my last check illegally. What could I do? Colorado btw.

Answer:
 File a wage complaint:

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/complaint-forms


Title: California fake id

Question:
Is there any way to legally sell fake ids as movie props or novelty ids in California? I believe they are only illegal when you use them to commit forgery. So, can you sell them as movie props and have people sign something stating that they only want to use it for movies or something along those lines and sell them legally? Thanks
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 I love how OP thinks he is the first person to come up with this "brilliant" idea to sell fake IDs as movie props.

OP, don't you think that if this were a viable legal strategy, there would be fake ID businesses everywhere selling "movie props" or artwork or whatever?


Title: [CA] Broken rear windshield because of overhanging tree branch in a parking spot

Question:
I was at a Social Security office. I was backing up into a parking spot. I was watching my rearview camera and the car next to me to see how far I should be going. I was about 3/4 of the way in when I heard a crunch and realized that I hit something. I wasn't going pretty slow too but the overhanging branch shattered my rear windshield. I moved my car out of the spot into another one after realizing what happened. I got out and took a bunch of pictures but by then some other car had parked in that spot(much smaller than mine so it wasn't harmed) so I wasn't able to photograph it correctly.

I went in and handle my business and then asked to speak to the manager. She said that this happens quite a lot but they can't do anything about it. The property is leased from their landlord and they have complained to him but the landlord doesn't want to cut down the tree/branch. She also said that she wouldn't make any statement to the insurance company or even talk to me about it again. She only decided to talk to me "human to human as a courtesy."

I asked her for the landlord's information but she said she couldn't provide that information and she only gave the general number for the office when I asked for her contact information.

Is there anything I can do?

Answer: You backed into a stationary object. You can file with your own insurance if you have that coverage, but unless this tree branch was invisible this is on you.


Title: [VA] Is medical information private?

Question:
I received a postcard in the mail from my healthcare provider that congratulated me for being a testicular cancer survivor. Is this legal?
It wasn't inside of an envelope so my mailman saw it. He gave me a compliment for being a survivor.

I'm not sure if this is a big deal. I'm kinda annoyed that my mailman knows now.
Topic:
Medicine and Malpractice

Answer:
 You can file a HIPAA complaint. Other than that, nothing.Answer #2: It's a violation of HIPAA. You can report that.

There's no private cause of action for HIPAA, so beyond the complaint, which may lead to a warning, fine, or training mandate for the organization, nothing else.


Title: Michigan - ISP forced out of apartment

Question:
A few months ago, I moved into a new apartment complex owned by a company called the Eyde Company- they are one of the largest property owners in Michigan, and as such have a lot of influence.

Before I moved into the apartment, I had heard of a new local company called Lightspeed, promising to build out 1- and 10-gigabit fiber connections throughout mid-Michigan. Naturally I was extremely excited to become a subscriber, and had my installation date set before I even moved in.

Upon moving in, my installation date came and went without any activity. I contacted Lightspeed, who told me that they had been refused access to their equipment by Eyde, and a legal case was pending in which Lightspeed's right to service the property would be considered.

Approximately a week of using a tethered 4G connection later, I was contacted by Lightspeed again, and was told that they had won the court case, and would begin installation the following Monday. The technician came, installed my service, and I was on my way.

Unfortunately, I came home some time last month and discovered that my internet connection was out. Period. I called Lightspeed, and was informed that they had been forced to terminate their service to the property- naturally I was confused by this, considering that they had won a court case against Eyde.

I spoke with my apartment's receptionist who gave me very little in the way of actual information, and told me that Lightspeed would not be allowed to service the area. I contacted Lightspeed as well, and was told "a contract had been laid out" in which they would no longer be able to service Eyde's properties. The only information I was given was that Lightspeed supposedly owed Eyde money, but I don't trust that.

I believe that this could potentially be the result of some sort of collusion between AT&T (Eyde's "official" ISP), and Eyde themselves. I have reached out to both the FCC and the Michigan Regulatory Commission, as well as the EFF and it seems that my next step is to go to the state attorney general.

If nothing else, I would like to know if there is anything more I can do to bring Lightspeed back. Is there anything at all that I can do here?
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer: Apartment complexes limit the available ISPs all the time. They can get one ISP to pay them money for exclusivity. I don't believe this is illegal in any way.


Title: (AK)HOA kicking our dog out

Question: Head HOA guy saw our dog out back where dogs arent alound, told our landlord we have 2 days to get rid of the dog. We have a 1 year lease that is up in May. Ideas on how to handle this? Can we break the lease legally for this?

Answer: If dogs aren't allowed, then dogs aren't allowed. Does your lease say they are when the HOA says they aren't?


Title: Six Flags Dining pass withholding information during purchase?

Question:
I recently purchased a season dining pass from Six Flags New England. It is intending for you not to need to pay for food while in the park, however while visiting the park I was denied a meal on the dining pass because I was no long in the "window" for dinner.  Apparently there is a time frame in which you need to get the food for the pass to work. I did not remember seeing anything about this on the site when I purchased the pass and after reviewing the site I have concluded that the time frames are not listed in fact nothing even hinted about the existence of time frames. I would like to call and ask for a complete or partial refund as well as continued use of the pass but I wanted some advice for what to say when I call.
Here is the URL for information on the pass if you want to take a look:

https://www.sixflags.com/newengland/store/season-dining-pass-sale

Answer:
 From the website:

>Membership Dining Passes are available for Members. Valid at Six Flags New England. Designated lunch, dinner and snack timeframes vary by day. Vouchers are non-transferable and Season Pass ID must be presented when ordering meal. Locations, meals, snacks and operating hours are subject to change. Shortened park hours may cause meal times to vary.


Title: (AL) Job offer rescinded after finding out personal family details. What should I know legally in case it happens again?

Question:
I went for an interview two days ago. I received a verbal offer for full time management position. HR told me to think it over, and let her know for sure in the morning. At this time, she knew I had a 2 year gap in employment due to staying home after childbirth. I am currently employed elsewhere in a different field and looking to return to my original career path. She expressed concern about activities (sports, kids, hobbies, etc.) because the job is demanding. I explained that I had processes in place to handle any type of scheduling and my attendance would never be a concern as my job history showed.
I called early the next morning, left a message stating I would be unavailable again until 4 pm (I am currently employed full time and cellphone usage is not allowed) but very interested. She left a voicemail at 1 pm. I finally get in touch with her the next morning, and she said she discussed my application with her husband (which is odd---this is a multimillion $ business, multiple locations,  and he isn't employed there) and she feels like since I'm a single mom with a number of kids I would have too hard of a time balancing work and a full time job. She then shared that she was a single mom for many years, and she knew how it was to want to start a career and how hard it was to manage and how I would want to be at the kids activities. I never told her I was single (I am married, but separated, and only close family knows at this time), I am definitely not just starting a career, my social media is clean, and I never told her how many children I had. Is there anything regarding discrimination around family/children or is it just a taboo? Should I bother sending a follow up thank you note or attempt to discuss the matter further? I was so taken back by what she said, I just kind of stammered as she said she'd be in touch. How should I handle this going forward? Do I just say I spent two years hiking the Appalachian Trail and ate my kids because we got lost?

Answer:
 Are you sure she didn't just look you up on FB?

And when you say you got a verbal offer was it just in general or did you talk terms and compensation an all of that jazz.


Title: Got kicked out of a hotel, because my roommate was assumed a prostitute. They kept our stuff and refused to return it without a fee, cops got called and trespass warnings issued.

Question:
My roommate and I (Orlando, Florida) needed a place to stay while we found an apartment within our budget.

I looked online and found this hotel, it was in our budget, and I booked it. Then my roommate (a trans woman), let me know that she got kicked out of there a couple of months back because they thought she was a prostitute (she was not aware it was the bad side of town). She got two letters from corporate and the manager called her to apologize.

We decided that it was probably fine and went there. 2 days in, she gave the (same) manager a case of soda we had, and she was really nice about it.

Then on the third day, they call our room and let us know we're unwecome there. We didn't do anything weird, we had no one over, we just hung out in our room or went by the pool. What the fuck?

I am so mad right now, I think someone read her and spoke about it, and they decided to get rid of the problem.

After all of that, we asked for time to get back and get the rest of our stuff since we had quite a bit, and they said fine, but then locked our room and said we took too long and that we need to pay for the night if we want our stuff back. My suitcase full of clothes is in there, I'm not happy. She had some valuables too.

We left, and got a friend to drive her over to the hotel to get our stuff while I did other things. They got there, and said that the hotel just can't keep their things and the cops were called. The hotel filed a trespass warning so they had to trespass to get the stuff and therefore got the notice and I'm just wondering what you guys think of the situation? Were we in the wrong or the hotel and is there anything we can do about it?

Answer:
 This reminds me of the time when some of my tenants were sitting in their backyard patio having a cookout and the police showed up. The police said they got a report of a prostitute being at a party. The only female tenant(who happens to be very attractive) explains that she actually lives there.

The police are apologetic and leave. As soon as the police are gone, the grouchy neighbor comes over to the fence and starts screaming at them: "If you didn't want the cops called on you, you shouldn't have been dressing like a hooker".

Sorry I can't be of any help, OP. This just reminded me of a funny anecdote from my time as a property manager.Answer #2: This screams S. OBT.Answer #3: These answers aren't particularly informative. Trespassing is criminal, but the rest of it is a civil issue. That's why the police only involved themselves in the trespassing. You should file something in small claims for the unreturned items. Regarding the trespassing, you're probably on the wrong side of the law there.