Title: Need help with a shitty traffic stop.

Question:
To make this short I am in Michigan. Driving up north on I-75, got pulled over at midnight. Was going 83 in a 70 mph zone, I have no criminal record and no traffic/license record. Cop asked what was in my cooler and I had two beers in there, I am 20 years old. Officer made me blow, I blew a 0.00, and he gave me a Minor in Possession of Alcohol charge. No speeding ticket, verbal warning. Should I fight this or what, cop said I am not allowed to transport beer.
Topic:
Alcohol Related Other than DUI

Answer:
 Fight what? You got stopped for 13 over and were a minor in possession and you only got cited for the MIP. You're already getting off easy.

> cop said I am not allowed to transport beer.

You're not.Answer #2: Cop was correct. What's your defense to the charge?Answer #3: You are a minor (under 21) and you had alcohol in your possession so on what basis would you fight this? And consider yourself fortunate: you got a break on the speeding ticket.Answer #4: > cop said I am not allowed to transport beer.

Do you dispute this?

Did you open the cooler for him and/or tell him there were beers in the cooler?  Assuming yes, you volunteered the incriminating evidence, so there's no way to get it thrown out.  If he searched the cooler without your consent, there might be an argument to get the beer evidence suppressed.

Doesn't look good.Answer #5: What grounds do you see for fighting it? He pulled you over while you were speeding and you admitted to having beer in your cooler.


Title: Someone just tried to scam me on craiglist (about a post I made for tutoring) -- what do you think?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: It is a scam. Just stop all communication.


Title: [IL] Landlord is giving us grief for the lawn.

Question: When we were looking for an apartment, my fiance and I wanted a place with a backyard for our dog to run around and enjoy. When we first met our current landlord we made her aware that we had a dog and she gave us full approval on the lease. Being a dog, however, she ran around a little much and tore up one corner of the lawn and it has become unsightly. The landlord put up a fence to keep the dog off of the yard for the last few months. With winter finally coming to an end here in Chicago the landlord has been pushing that we replace the entire backyard with new sod (priced at $450). I feel like they are gouging us for a fresh new yard when they could easily put down grass seed for a fraction of the cost and fix the area that was damaged. I don't know what my options are, and my fiance doesn't enjoy the confrontation when t comes to landlords. What should I do in this situation?

Answer:
 > when they could easily put down grass seed for a fraction of the cost and fix the area that was damaged

Why didn't you do this?

Here is the issue: I'm going to assume your landlord knows as much about lawncare/sod as much as next person, i.e. not much. All they know is they had a full good yard, and now they don't. As the cause of that damage they want you to replace it.

Now yes, they have a duty to mitigate but I can see a judge (the final fact finder) also knowing nothing about lawns seeing 500 bucks to replace it as reasonable.

At the end of the day, before you end your tenancy, you need to return that lawn to same quality as you got it minus wear and tear. If you have time to seed/fertilize/water go for it. Otherwise, all you can do is offer to landlord your cheaper offer and they have to make a determination (which you could have a judge review) as to whats the reasonable course of action. Answer #2: Resodding the lawn is a much bigger pain than hiring someone to aerate and overseed the lawn.  Call a lawn care company and get an estimate to fix the yard.  Offer to pay that amount to your landlord.Answer #3: Are you guys still living in the property under a lease? I signed a lease where it was listed that I was responsible for “upkeep” of all landscaping. trees, bushes, and shrubs on the property.  Meaning if they died or didn’t get watered etc I had to pay for them. You would think that your landlord would take the “damage” to the yard out of your deposit to make the necessary repairs.


Title: (CA) (rent) Not getting full security deposit back because LL requires an outside cleaning company sanitize apartment

Question:
I just moved out of a big “luxury” apartment building, which I left in spotless condition. **Before even inspecting the unit**, LL told me I won’t be getting my full deposit back because an outside company needs to be hired to clean and sanitize the unit with specialty products, which comes out of my security deposit. According to LL, it is something they are required to do to rent out the unit to another tenant and should be in the lease. Wouldn’t that be a non-refundable deposit then, which isn’t legal?

This is what the ‘cleaning’ section of the lease states:

*If you do not clean or repair the items listed below prior to moving out, the following charges will be deducted from your Security Deposit. Please note that this is a not a complete list: you can be charged for cleaning or repairing items that are not on this list. Charges may be based on length of occupancy.*

*- Standard Cleaning Charges: *
*Full Clean - price*
*Touch-up Clean - price*

*Full Clean (clean required to restore original condition and sanitization) Touch-up Clean (clean taking less than 2 hours)*

The way it is worded is unclear to me: is it providing a definition of what a 'full clean' is, or stating that it **is** required? And, if it is required and will be taken out of my security deposit, wouldn't that therefore be considered a non-refundable deposit, which isn't legal?

Answer:
 They cannot do this.  CA law is very specific about what a security deposit can be used for. The lease cannot require a cleaning if you returned tbe unit in as clean a state as you recieved it in. The fact that they demanded the payment prior to an inspection suggests that the charge was unlawful.

http://www.courts.ca.gov/1049.htm


Title: Write ups for calling off?

Question:
I live in California for reference.

My coworker just lost her husband about two months ago to cardiac arrest. It was very traumatic for her as you can imagine. She has used up all her sick days, vacation time, and grievance days trying to mentally and emotionally recover. The company I work for just told us that it is a new policy that any one who calls out, whether they have hours to use or not, will receive a write up.

Now, I don't know a whole lot about any laws about this sort of thing but it sounds illegal.

The last thing she needs is a write up that could result in termination. She has worked for this company over 10 years.

I was told that when signing something such as a write up you should sign, write "signed under duress", the date, and ask for a copy. Is this good practice in a case like this?

Is this policy even legal?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
>I was told that when signing something such as a write up you should sign, write "signed under duress", the date, and ask for a copy. Is this good practice in a case like this?

Absolutely not. Your employer isn't a court or law or am investigating agency. That would just be plain silly and a good reason for your employer to just say "this isn't worth it to deal with this. Just fire them". Whoever suggested that is sadly mistaken.

>Is this policy even legal?
Yup


Title: Had my picture taken, told the lady she did not have my permission to do so.

Question:
Firstly, im not looking to take anyone to court or anything over this, im simply trying to understand the law and my rights for this situation.
  I work at a shell gas station, but I do not work for Shell directly, I work for a small locally owned convenience store.
  So today, I had a lady that worked for shell mosey in, take pictures, look around, check our signage, etc. She comes up to the counter, asks me about our gas, I hand her the brochure for our gas, everything's cool. This isn't the first time I've been mystery shopped, but then out of the blue she snaps a picture of me. I say quite firmly "You do not have my permission to take my picture, please delete it." She goes on about how its a new rule shell has laid down. I have never had this happen before and it wouldn't be a big deal had she simply asked for a picture. I feel a little violated that this lady just walks into my work, takes a picture and acts like its hunky dorey. I'm not upset about it, I just want to know how it's okay for a company to take pictures of you when you tell them no. Especially when I do not work for your company.

Answer: If you're out in public, you cannot prevent anyone from taking your photograph.  Next time you see someone taking pictures in your establishment, you (or whoever has authority to do so) has the right to ask them to leave the premises under threat of contacting the police to file a trespassing complaint.


Title: [USA, PA] My friend was drugged with a Schedule I, can they be criminally charged if they report it?

Question:
Basically, my friend was drugged by a guy with a weed brownie, and is afraid to report it out of fear that she'd be charged with unlawfully using weed even though she never knew what it was. Is there anything to protect her if she goes in to report it? There are multiple witnesses who would be willing to support her claim that she ingested it not knowing there were any sort of drugs involved.

EDIT: Forgot to clarify that I'm looking for a specific law or case that affirms this (just to be sure) Sorry about that.

Answer: Your friend did not commit and crime. It is no different that someone being drugged with GHB. The person who drugged her likely committed a felony though. It us a felony in most states, but not sure about Pennsylvania off the top of my head.


Title: [CO] What legal options do I have if roommate+Squatter friend don't hold up their end of agreements and my landlord lives nowhere near us.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You can't just kick her out. She's a tenant now. You have to give her notice to vacate then go to court to evict her. Your landlord could evict you all for violating your lease. I wouldn't get them involved anymore in case they decide to do that.


Title: Employee had relationship with boss - when it ended she was fired because boss "Finds it too painful to see you" . Is that legal? (Ohio)

Question:
My friend had a relationship with her boss (friend was a manager, boss was the owner) lasting a few years (at one point they even lived together).  The relationship ended and the boss fired her, saying via email "I can't see you every day if we're not together."  (my friend saved that email)

Does my friend have any cause for legal action?  She doesn't want to get into a legal battle and doesn't want her job back now (since it would be a toxic environment), but she would like to be able to ask for some amount of severance pay (and of course knowing that there is a legal recourse would strengthen that negotiation)

Any advice appreciated - thank you

Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 We're shading into quid pro quo sexual harassment, here, and your friend should talk to an employment lawyer.

However, this is one of the most common outcomes of sleeping with your boss. Since this was a voluntarily-entered relationship and not unwanted sexual advances from her boss, the most healthy likely outcome is that she remains eligible for unemployment while seeking other employment, unless the company was large enough that she could have transferred to some other department.


Title: [Los Angeles] 2nd Elevator in my 3 story apartment building has been broken for 3 months.

Question:
This is not about me, just a situation in my building. I was curious about how this shakes up legally.

My building has 2 entrances. The building is the length of a city block and there is an entrance, with a stairwell and an elevator on each side. The main entrance (where the main office and mail room is located) has a working elevator. On the rear entrance, the elevator has been out of order for 3 months.

I don't live on that side of the building so I was unaware that the elevator had been out of order for so long. I went over there today and found a hand written note attached to the elevator.

>Dear Management,

>I am a tenant here. I suffer from a neurological disorder that causes me to experience debilitating pain. This means that I cannot walk sometimes.

>The fact that the elevator in the back of the building has been out of order for nearly 3 whole months; means that I am forced to do more walking than I find tolerable.

>You put the "Luxury" signs outside. So please live up to the hype and repair the elevator.

>If the elevator is not fixed in ~~30~~ 10 days, I will have no other choice but to call our local state building inspectors. Or i will get it fixed myself and deduct the repair cost from my rent. Those are your two choices if repairs are not made in a timely matter.

>Honestly. 3 months is enough!

My thinking is that if my neighbor pays for the repairs and then tries to withhold their rent, they'll end up just getting evicted for failure to pay. But I figured I'd post here to see what people who are actually knowledgeable about these things thought!

Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 > If the elevator is not fixed in 30 10 days, I will have no other choice but to call our local state building inspectors.

They may or may not care. It depends on the local laws. If an elevator is required for the building it's one thing. If the elevator is in place just because it's a nice building they won't care too much.

> Or i will get it fixed myself and deduct the repair cost from my rent.

This is just stupid. The elevator repair people wouldn't touch an elevator if they don't have permission from actual management / ownership. Not to mention it's not legal to withhold rent like 99% of the time. So yeah, it would lead to eviction. Answer #2: I don't have time to look up the codes in L.A., but I'd be surprised if a 3 story building is even required to have an elevator, let alone two.

As long as the other one works, I think a resident would have a hard time really pushing this, but I could be wrong.


Title: [Oklahoma] Neighbor threatened to beat my friend and I for parking in his spot.

Question:
This might be long, I’ll try to summarize.

New neighbors moved in downstairs at our apartment earlier this month. They have been loud and rowdy ever since. One of them even drives a crotch-rocket and has to let the nighborhood know whenever he is home. He is always cussing and yelling at his girlfriend, and always has friends over who take up up to 5 parking spots, to the point where my roommate and I have had to start parking quite a ways down.

Anyways, tonight I has a friend over who left around 1:30AM, and when he got ready to leave, he noticed my neighbor was parked so close behind him that his car was actually touching his back bumper.

He asked me to knock on their door and so I did. No one answered, so my friend banged on their door. Neighbor came out and instantly started yelling over us, telling us he was going to kick our asses and that we parked in his spot. I laughed the whole time because I couldn’t believe it. My friend was pretty pissed and dished some insults back at him until he finally got in his car and moved.

After my friend left, my neighbor again threatened me. He told me if I sent anyone to bang on his door again, he was going to get his baseball bat and beat my ass. I laughed again, told him he shouldn’t park behind people like that, and went inside, immediately texting my landlord about what had happened.

My question is, Were my friend and I in the wrong for this? And if my landlord refuses to do anything about it, what can I do?

Answer: If only there was a government agency given the task of policing criminal behavior......


Title: Teenage son broke another student's glasses while on a school trip.

Question:
My (early teens) son broke another student's glasses while on an overnight school trip.  I was originally notified that the other student was attempting to get him up by pulling at his bedding because my son was not getting up in time for their morning event.  The glasses were on the nightstand and were broken during the scuffle.

My son says that the other student, who he didn't know before this trip (assigned rooms) pulled off his bedding and then pulled him by his arms and legs until he fell off the bed.  He says the glasses were broken when he was trying to push the other kid off him and ultimately fell off the bed.

It's being presented to me that 1) the other kid shouldn't have pulled at the sheet, but my kid is responsible for the broken glasses and 2) this other kid's trip was made less enjoyable for him as his glasses were broken.

I'm feeling that the unwanted physical contact by the other kid is equally if not more concerning, and not feeling that we are responsible for the cost of the glasses or any loss of enjoyment on the trip.  Thoughts, Redditors?  Thanks.

Answer:
 Has the school or any representative of the school been involved in this?

Because ultimately it sounds to me like the party that initiated this (the other kid) is responsible for the damage caused because you son responded relatively reasonably by both parties accounts.


Title: Princeton, NJ- Is my friend Tyler being discriminated against?

Question:
Hello wonderful legal minds! I am asking about this for a friend who is working at a large regional food/drink distributor in Princeton, NJ. We're both worried he is being discriminated against/possibly harassed and he has no idea what he should be doing. A lot of the resources we've found don't deal with an accusation being spread to other people or HR not conducting an investigation.

**Here's a TL;DR:** Tyler has been put through hell going for a position that has remained open for several months, the boss hiring for it (Shannon) has been jerking him around. A false allegation of misconduct with his boyfriend at Tylers desk has really fucked up the situation. Original HR rep said she believed him and the accuser isn't trustworthy, but that person left and the HR rep involved now seems biased towards management always being right. It's only he said/ she said, but it is affecting his career and mental health. HR hasn't investigated at all and the accuser has spread the accusation to Shannon, who is now using it as a convenient excuse to rescind a job offer after getting Tyler to put in months of double shifts working for it. (I think Shannon was planning on rejecting him anyway to bring in one of her old coworkers and was just waiting for a reason to pop up). Shannon is also telling Tyler that regardless of whether the accusation has merit, it's Tylers fault in the first place for having lunch with his partner at his desk. Shannon said she and the company have done nothing wrong or to him, and he only has himself to blame for this happening.

**Location**: Large regional food/drink distributor in Princeton, NJ with over 500 employees in the state (and more employees in the lower mid-Atlantic region, but headquartered up here) that has annual sales in the $90m+ range. Tyler works for the local sales department in an office that is view-able from the warehouse floor because it has wide windows on 2 out of 4 walls. The other walls are shared with the wider sales offices on one side and the dispatch office on the other side, but there are just normal wood doors between them. Tyler sits at one of 5 desks in the office (his is in a back corner) and from the windows you can see his head and shoulders but nothing below that because of the cubicle walls.

**People involved**:

**Shannon**: Has worked here for 1 year, warehouse director, has been dangling a supervisor position in front of Tyler for months (no idea how it's gone this long unfilled anyway, but there is definitely a vacant position). Tyler is very, very qualified for it. Shannon has recently started bringing in people from her old job to fill positions, personally I think she was just using Tyler as a fill-in until she could bring over someone from her old job to take the job he wants. Because she manages a bunch of departments, she is the direct supervisor for Thomas, the other manager involved.

**Thomas**: Has worked here for 11+ years, 2nd shift (afternoon) manager,  previously turned Tyler down for the supervisor position but has now been aggressively trying to get him to into it because he realized he made a mistake not hiring him. He has had several meetings with Tyler and Shannon about the position and Tyler possibly moving into it. He's also been trying to convince people that everything's totally okay and Shannon is not just replacing everyone with her friends from her old job.

**Tyler**: Has worked here for 5+ years, used to work in the warehouse but moved to sales. Has realized his passion is the warehouse team and is now trying to get back into it in a supervisor position. Tyler just spend three months straight working doubles to show he is capable and dedicated enough for a supervisor position.

**Tylers boyfriend**: Warehouse employee involved with trucking, he's important in Tylers life but not so much in this story. He may also be a potential victim of discrimination. He's currently re-interviewing for responsibilities he already has but that are being created into a new position, but that just happened and he has not been put through the "will it happen or not" hell Tyler has been put through. He had a joint interview with Thomas and Shannon recently and said that it went very weird, the two of them just didn't seem engaged in the conversation at all even though 1) Thomas had already enthusiastically hired him for the current version of the position and 2) he has 3 years experience doing the same thing at his old company, complete with researching other companies processes to find new ways for better efficiency. Like Tyler, he is very, very qualified for this job.

Okay. So we work for a privately owned business where 65-80% of the employees have either family or significant others working there as well, sometimes in the same department. There's a lot of people dating coworkers here. Most people are very professional about it while at work.  Previously Tyler has only dated coworkers of the opposite sex, even had a couple of long-term relationships with coworkers here, and there were never complaints about his behavior. About five months ago he started seriously dating one of the guys in the trucking department. Both of them are very professional about it, you really only think about it when you see them having lunch together because usually they will sit at Tylers desk talking during lunch or a small break. No hugging/kissing/holding hands even if they are clocked out and walking to their cars- they know not everyone is cool with gay couples and they really don't want to cause problems at work.

One month ago, Tyler was informed someone had made an HR complaint that his boyfriend was straddling him at his desk, that they were being inappropriate and that it made the person uncomfortable. Tyler immediately denied it and was really shocked that someone would ever say that. In addition to being very professional around each other at work, Tyler works in a high traffic office. People constantly need to talk to someone in there, or walk through it to go elsewhere, and the other four desks often have someone at them working. It's not the place to go if you want to fool around with someone. Tyler went straight to HR to deny it to the senior HR lady (the director of HR has been on medical leave for a month and isn't coming back for another three months). HR lady told him that she believed him and that the accuser is someone who was not very trustworthy. She also said that HR would need to be careful about complaints like this coming against Tyler/his bf because they are a protected class. HR lady never even told him the specifics of the complaint (day, time, were other people around, etc.). He didn't ask since she took his word on it and assumed everything with the complaint was confidential and that the matter was closed. He has realized that the person complaining probably saw his boyfriend leaning on the drawers next to his desk, couldn't see either of their bottom halves, but instead of walking through the office to get a better look they just assumed it was something inappropriate and ran with it.

For the past few months Tyler has been busting his ass doing double shifts to show he was ready for a warehouse supervisor role. He has been leading small teams, solving problems, taking care of issues, etc. to the point that the CEO came and personally thanked him for the work he was doing. This is in addition to some previous experience when they sent him to our southern warehouse to lead a huge team and train their new supervisor. 2-3 weeks ago Shannon pulled him into a meeting and told him that she really wanted him to become a supervisor, except for this accusation of misconduct. She's just not sure that Tyler and his boyfriend will keep it professional working together. It turns out that the accused also told Shannon. Tyler pointed Shannon towards the HR lady, but they had already spoken about it. Even though HR lady stated Tyler denied it, Shannon finds the accuser to be very trustworthy because they meet together nearly every day. She said she needed to meet with the HR lady about it again.

Tyler was upset that this person was going around to different managers with this accusation, but decided to wait it out and see what happened. He's had people being shitty about this relationship before by calling him a faggot, but he heard about it through the grapevine so he let it be. Aside from this accusation, Tyler has never had an HR complaint and he isn't sure why Shannon thinks he and his boyfriend might misbehave during work- Tyler has been working the same shift as his boyfriend for three months while doing doubles and there hasn't been a single complaint about them. His boyfriends department is separate from the one he wants to be in charge of, so Tyler would not be his direct supervisor and they would not be working side-by-side.

Monday last week Shannon pulled Tyler into another meeting and told him she decided to give him the job, she would have him starting in the supervisor position in three weeks. This wasn't a "do you want this job?" meeting, it was a "you're getting a promotion" meeting. Tyler was ecstatic and told Thomas. It was great because the whole time they have been jerking him around with the job it was never "you're gonna do this, starting x day" it was always "yeah we think you'd be great but you need to work on some [vague, never fully explained] things". Finally they had come to a decision and given him the job. The senior HR lady left the company that Tuesday, so a day after this meeting with Shannon, but that was a planned departure.

Wednesday, Shannon scheduled Thomas and Tyler for a meeting. Shannon started the meeting off by saying "So Tyler, I'm a bit confused as to why you told Thomas that I said you got the position and would be starting in three weeks?" Tyler responded "Because you told me that I got the position and I would be starting in three weeks." Shannon was like "well, I did say that but after the meeting I decided I needed more time to think about this. I have some hesitations and doubts"... because of this accusation. For some reason she didn't share this decision reversal with Tyler? Shannon now tells him that he needs to prove that he deserves the position, that he needs to work hard showing them he can do it, and that Shannon needs to know that Tyler and his boyfriend won't create any issues for Shannon or the company by being inappropriate at work.  But also, Shannon really thinks he would be great in this position so even though he's probably not getting it now she hopes he applies for it as long as it's open- next week, next month, next year, whenever. The whole time, Thomas just sat there kind of nodding his head and telling Tyler that he'll keep helping him go for the job in the future, Tyler just needs to get through this and keep at it.

It has been months of him getting very little sleep, working doubles, Shannon going back and forth on whether or not he was a good fit, and then on top of all that someone seems to be sabotaging his career. Tyler. Went. Off. He pointed out all his qualifications, pushed back against anything that Shannon tried to question, and then pointed out all the ways he was better than the current supervisors/team leaders. Shannon kept going back to the allegation and saying that a manager said it so it doesn't matter how qualified he is. Tyler basically had a crying meltdown during the meeting because this was now being used to rescind a job offer for a position he really wants and is the most qualified person. Shannons response to him crying and being upset was to tell Tyler that he only has himself to blame. Shannon and the company didn't do anything wrong or do this to him (that phrasing seemed weird to me), he did it to himself. "This is what you get" for having lunch at his desk with his partner. The allegation would not have happened otherwise and he just needs to deal with it. Basically, it doesn't matter if the accusation is true because Tyler is the one at fault regardless. The person who accused him of it is a manager that Shannon trusts and so she does not believe Tyler.

After the meeting Tyler immediately went to HR and continued his crying meltdown, asking them why this person was being allowed to slander him. I don't really remember what HR said in this part, except that to this HR person the accusation held weight because it is from a manager. So because a manager accused Tyler of misconduct, they haven't gotten around to interviewing Tylers office mates but will allow the manager disrupt Tylers career with the accusation. Tyler got even more upset at that and asked what would happen if one of the managers called him a faggot (it was a manager that he heard about calling him that), would HR just ignore the allegation because it was a manager and Tyler isn't? Would they ask the manager and just believe them no matter what? The HR lady said he should have told them that happened and Tyler questioned why it would matter since a managers word means more.

So now that you know all the weird dynamics of this situation. I think Shannon was just fucking with Tyler the whole time and using him to get through the hard parts of the distribution redo, and now that things have settled down she needs an excuse to not hire him so she can bring in one of her old employees (she has so far brought in 7 people from her old warehouse for supervisor/team leader positions at our job). She doesn't know Tyler well and probably wasn't expecting him to do so well that the CEO/other executives were aware of it. Thomas rejected him for the position originally and has realized he also fucked up once executives started noticing how good Tyler was doing and telling him to apply for positions.

So we are trying to figure out- has this become discrimination? There are lots of other couples at work who eat lunch together or sit at each others desks working on projects/reports and Tyler has never had a complaint until he was in a same-sex relationship. This is having a big impact on his career and his mental health, he's been a completely different person lately at work (withdrawn, not charismatic/happy like he usually is, worried about meeting with people at their desks to work on projects). HR hasn't interviewed anyone from Tylers office, who have all said that they consider Tyler to be very professional and are confused why HR hasn't talked to them yet. Like Tyler, they are worried about causing problems and are kind beside themselves trying to decide if they should go to HR themselves or wait to be contacted. None of them want to risk getting him in trouble somehow for telling people what's going on. When he followed up post-meltdown with the second lady to see what she was going to do, she said she needed to meet with Shannon sometime this past week and she would let him know what happens. But nothing about meeting with the accuser or other people who would have been in the office.

What steps should Tyler be taking to get this resolved and what responsibility does HR have to tell him about the accusation? None of this seems to have been handled very well. Tyler doesn't even know what specifically he is accused of doing other than his boyfriend straddling him and them being "inappropriate", if it apparently happened more than once, etc. Does Tyler have any right to know who accused him? Is there anything he can demand be done about the accuser also going to Shannon about it?

Neither of us have any clue about employees rights or anything regarding facing an HR complaint, other than I know (from reading this sub) that you want to get as much communication in writing as you possible can. And other than HR's last email to Tyler none of this is in writing. It's ALL he said/she said. I suggested Tyler write Shannon and Thomas an email 1) apologizing about his meltdown for being unprofessional (just to start the email) but then explaining why he got so upset, so he could detail her giving him the position, a start date, and the shitty stuff she said in their last meeting. Really we're just trying to put together a game plan for Monday now that he has calmed down and isn't so distraught over this.

Sorry again that this is so long. I'm sure there is a shorter way to describe it, but it feels like so much stuff is going on and there are so many things said that seem important to mention to head off any questions.

Answer: That's too long. What illegal discrimination do you think it occurring?


Title: Name change while enlisted active duty

Question:
Throw away account for various reasons, and I just need this question answered.

To keep this short, my mom was 18 when I was born, she handed me over to essentially a stranger to take care of me until I was a teenager.

I lived with this family abroad until I was 13, then she made them return me to her care. I called them my brothers, and my dad, they were my family, not this strange lady and man who were apparently my biological parents.

Fast forward three years, I'm informed through the lines that they were killed, I was kept from going to the funeral. Found out they left me an inheritance, multi-millions, that my biological parents spent in a matter of 6 years.

I'm 20, active duty Navy. I only found this out through a friend of the family that raised me. I don't care about the money, I don't.

This biological family is severely abusive towards me, because I wasn't raised how they wanted. I'm not what they want.

My mother has an issue with finances, they are in bankruptcy and based on previous conversations, I have reason to suspect they may steal my identity to have credit cards and loans taken out. I have one loan that was taken out before I was 18 that I am still working to get taken off my credit report.

Essentially, I want nothing to do with this family. I want to change my name, so I can have the name I was called for the entire first part of my life. It's an Asian name, the whole name is, and I'm very white, but I don't want to be known to be related to this biological family of mine.

What steps do I need to take if I want to change my name while active duty? Not just to identify with who I feel is my actual family, but also to protect myself from fraud, and from my biological family from tracking me and my spouse to our current location?

They've assaulted me before, and even called protective services on my spouses mother about her younger sister because I didn't fly out to see them for a family dinner on a Friday night while I was 14+ hours away.

This is for my safety, and my spouses. I'm looking into a protective order, but I have no proof of any physical violence, just emotional and verbal threats made over the phone and throughout my high school time.

Thanks in advanced.

Answer:
 [Striaght fron BUPERS](http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1000General/Documents/1000-130.pdf).

Essentially - get the name change done in your local court. Take the court paperwork to your personnel office. Then buy new name tapes for your NWUs. Answer #2: As for protecting yourself from fraud, your best bet is to freeze your credit. You'd have to call Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Follow the procedures they tell you. This will make it impossible for anybody to open new lines of credit in your name. Answer #3: I'm not sure if the Navy has one, but the Air Force has offices that exist solely to help their people with legal matters. If they have one wherever you are, it couldn't hurt to go in and talk with them.

I have a friend that changed her name while in the military (due to marriage) and it took tons of paperwork.


Title: Child Maintenance is taking almost 25% of my wages (UK)

Question:
As the title says child maintenance is taking almost a quarter of my wages. I was with the girl when I was 16 (I am 24 now). I am NOT on the birth certificate, we were never married or had any paternity tests, so the only evidence they have is her just pointing the finger and saying I'm the father.

Is there anything I can do? I want to call the Department of Work and Pensions but what do I say? From a legal standpoint I know they always take the side of the mother but do I have any rights here?

Any help at all would appreciated!

Answer: I would be getting a paternity test first and foremost and go from there.Answer #2: Should have taken a paternity test prior to paying any child maintenance. Get one ASAP and if you aren't the child's father get a lawyer. If you are 25% seems like a good deal to me.  Kids are expensive after all


Title: I have a Court case in Missouri in 4 days and I live in california. I don't have money to travel and judge won't allow me to phone or video conference the appearance. What do I do?

Question: I've been out of work for two years, going to school full time supporting my family with my G I Bill and VA money. Judge does not care that I don't have the momey to travel and has said she wants to "see my eyes" during cross examination . What do I do? I have 57 dollars to my name until the first.

Answer:
 Others have already stated that you need to be there. I just checked greyhound (not sure where you're at in CA), but you can go from LA to St Louis for about $200 and make it in time 2 day trip). Beg, borrow, sell blood, etc. Do this OP. It's gonna be your cheapest option and yo don't want to lose by default/held in contempt!Answer #2: Civil case or criminal?

Are you a party to the case (plaintiff or defendant) or a witness?


Title: Search Warrant Validity concerning criminal charges and a tip from landlord. Indiana

Question:
Hello, I just had a quick question about search warrants. I've done some research and it appears search warrants have to be somewhat specific.

My question is, if my landlord came into my apartment, saw weed on the kitchen counter, took pictures, and notified the police of specifically the weed, specifically where it was, and showed them a picture of it specifically on the counter, would they have probable cause to search the whole apartment? I would think they would only have probable cause to search the kitchen from my landlords tip.

My landlord didn't mention she thought I might be selling drugs or anything, she only mentioned the weed specifically and exactly where it was at. Any tips or help would be appreciated, I'm not looking for a miracle or anything, just exploring all my options.

My lawyer will be unable to talk to me until Tuesday so I'm just looking for general advice and if this is even worth bringing up to him. Thanks!
Topic:
Searches and Seizures

Answer:
 The warrant would likely cover the full apartment and any place in the apartment where the weed could be sequestered.

It might behoove you to commence your annual spring cleaning a week early...


Title: Renter's Smoking Pot

Question: We have a basement apartment and we are fairly certain the couple that has lived there for close to a year with their 4 year old daughter is smoking pot in the apartment (in a state where it is illegal). Also, I saw the man in question in his car one day several months ago with some sheet of tinfoil sniffing something that was on it. I know nothing about illegal drug use so I don't know what it could have been. I know he's been to jail (not sure what for). They are otherwise good renters and seem to be good parents; courteous, on time with rent, their daughter seems to be happy, well taken care of etc. but... this is something I don't know what to do about. I'm all for pot becoming legal across the U.S., but currently they are breaking the law. And I hate that there might be lingering smells of pot or incense in the new carpet for future renters.  Any advice on what we should do? We haven't approached them yet-- and to be fair it's all supposition currently (the pot smoking--not what I saw him do in his car). We are in Utah.

Answer:
 Do you have actual proof?

Side-subject - you might want to drop the "or incense" part out of your complaint. Would you want to kick someone out for having a scented candle?


Title: [PA] Ex Drama and Loans

Question:
Showing my ignorance here... I recently moved across the country in the middle of a severe personal depression to be with a girl I met online who was, also, severely depressed. Fast forward a few months, and we took out a loan with both of our names on it, as well as her mother's name. Our combined credit wasn't good enough, see, so we brought her mother into it as well to give us money we needed. Bought a vehicle for about $5.500. The vehicle was then crashed. Insurance on the vehicle declared it totalled, covered, and worth $7.500. Around this time she and I split over personal incompatibilities, with her assuring me she'd pay off the loan with the insurance money, and I went back home. Fast forward another 6 months (A week ago now) and I'm getting a call from the bank saying that there's been no payment on the loan (that now stands at $3.300) and I'm rather surprised by this. The bank said she hadn't updated her address or her phone, and her old number had been disconnected. Now if I knew of her new address, would it be legal for me to supply it to the bank? Would how I came about that information matter at all? Would the bank even be obliged to tell her who supplied them with her updated address?

TL;DR My name's on a loan that should have been paid off with insurance money, and the woman who I cosigned with has moved and disconnected her phone without giving any new details to the bank. I have her new address. Advice on how to proceed?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 Yes you can give them her address.

You're still on the hook and this has likely wrecked your credit. Contact her mom. Pay everything and sue the ex.


Title: [CA] I opened Garage door and damaged previous housemate's car. Says costs for damage repair are $1300.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: If you did nothing wrong by opening the door, tell him you won't pay.


Title: If a landlord did not tell an individual that someone was shot outside his/her apartment, how would one go about breaking his/her lease and moving?

Answer:
 Is there some provision unique to your lease that requires the landlord to provide you with information on area crime?

If not, probably not.Answer #2: It's probably your responsibility to check crime rates before you move in.Answer #3: I do not know what jurisdiction you’re in, but no jurisdiction within the United States that I know of requires landlords to provide such information. If you are in another part of the world, I suppose it is possible that there is such a law. Answer #4: What does your lease say about breaking the lease?  My guess is that you're going to pay quite a bit of money to break the contract you entered into it.

You don't get special treatment because of crime outside the apartment you chose.


Title: [WI] Fell for a scam and wired money to Bolivia. Is it worth reporting? Is there anything I can do?

Question:
I know I'm an idiot. There is really no need to remind me of that fact, believe me.

I met a man on Craigslist and sent him $1000 to fly here from Bolivia (yes, again, I know I'm an idiot). I want to know the likelihood of anything being done about it based on the info I have:

* I am sure he is a British national. We spoke over Skype a couple of times and nobody could fake that accent that well. Certainly not a Bolivian.

* I have a picture of him that he sent to me.

* I have all our email conversations.

* I believe I have his real name. I think this because, just prior to sending me the money, he told me that his name was a nickname and gave me this one (I now see that was because he would need ID to collect the money). Googling it doesn't bring up anything  can link to him though.

Basically, is it worth going through the humiliation of reporting this to the police? This is not a big town and I do not want to go through that if there is no chance he will be caught.

Thanks

Answer: You can report it, but it's unlikely that anything is going to be done. Pursuing $1,000 sent overseas is likely way more trouble to them than it's worth. How did you send the money?


Title: My son is basically being kidnapped by his mother and I am getting no help from police or courts.

Question:
I am in CT    she and my son are in WA.    He was over there to visit his mother for the summer.     I am the main provider for my son he lives with me for the school year.    She is now refusing to send him back.

I called the local police where she is located and they told me to contact my court over here stating that they couldn't do anything.

I called the courts here taking their advice and was told that I cannot be helped here and they told me to try the police over there.

I tried the police over there again to make sure absolute sure there was nothing they can do which they once again stated they couldn't.   So I got the court information and called the court over there.   Sadly they too were no help and were confused on why both the in WA police and the courts in CT would decline.    The guy advised me to get a lawyer which I am now in the process of doing.

Is there any way I can speed this up, surely someone should be able to handle this in a quick manner?   I am worried that my ex-wife may flee with my son.    I am near tears and I need any guidance I can get on this.

Answer: Do you have a custody order or is this an informal thing?Answer #2: To clarify, she is violating a custody order in place?Answer #3: You need to call your divorce lawyer now. This gets into a complicated area of law and, because you don't have time to waste, you need to have an attorney handle it rather than attempt to handle this yourself.


Title: Need a constitutional expert on purchasing a rifle with a questionable record

Question: [deleted]

Answer: I'd doesn't matter if it's a single shot 22 or an AR-15, a pending drug charge will get you a deny on your background check. You can't do drugs and own firearms.


Title: Car totaled by taxi driver who ran a red light, taxi companies insurance denying remainder of claim because THEIR driver was uninsured, can I go after the company for having an uninsured driver?

Question:
This occurred back in December, 2016. A taxi driver for a well known company ran a red light ( texting and driving ) and totaled my vehicle. The vehicle was less than 6 months old, and paid off in full ($26,000). I filed through my insurance company and received a payout for the vehicle of $18,000 roughly, with a $2,000 deductible. My insurance company has been fighting with the taxi companies insurance to retrieve the money lost in the deductible, but the cab company is refusing liability because the driver wasn’t insured. Am I in legal bounds to go after the Taxi company for having an employee operating a vehicle illegally working for them? I would like to at the minimum receive the money for my deductible, but feel maybe there is more that can be sought after due to the company having an uninsured driver? There were no injuries.
Any advice as to who I should speak to? My insurance company advised potentially driving to sue either the driver or the cab company, I’d prefer to go after the cab company because they should not have a driver who is not insured to begin with. Not sure which type of lawyer to speak with , and if I would potentially be able to sue the company for more than my deductible?

Thanks everyone , sorry for the long read.

TLDR: Taxi driver ran red light - totaled my vehicle. Taxi company refusing to payout full amount due to the taxi driver not having car insurance. Can anything be done against the company?

Answer: Absolutely you have a case to sue the taxi company. This is a very clear case of vicarious liability. It is a tort doctrine that states that an employer is strictly liable for torts committed by its employees during the scope of their employment. The employer itself does not need to be negligent or at fault; as long as the employee commits a tort, the employer will be liable.


Title: [VA] is it legal to scream in the face of a cop and call him curse words?

Question: Am I allowed to stand in front of a cop and scream at him and call him the N word?

Answer: Why would you even want to do that, regardless of legality? Do you really think that's a good idea either way?


Title: [NY] I'm looking into the possibility of getting a divorce

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 You don't need really grounds for a divorce anymore. "Irreconcilable differences" - i.e. "I want a divorce" - is grounds enough.

If you divorce, you'd likely end up with joint custody. Unless you can show that your wife is unfit to care for the child (which would require time family court and an attorney), or she shows that of you, the court will attempt to ensure both parents are given access and joint legal custody for the kid.

If anything, your wife would likely get the better end of the custody deal - she's stay at home, you're in med school?


Title: My neighbor (U.S. citizen) got arrested for DUI while crossing the border into Canada. She plans on ignoring the entire thing after picking up her car.

Question:
Neighbor (U.S. citizen, lives in Michigan) went to bars in Detroit, got drunk, drove the wrong way home and ended up at the bridge to Canada. Admitted to drinking to the Border Patrol, blew 0.24%, and was arrested. After a night in jail,  on the way back into Michigan somebody at the border told her what happens in Canada will not affect her back in the States. My limited research shows this is not true, but she believes them and plans on not doing anything about it after she gets her car out of impound in Canada. I've told her to lawyer up, but she literally is going to act like nothing ever happened.

My questions are: Will her Michigan license be suspended? Will her criminal charge follow her into the states? What can she expect if she does nothing about the situation, including not showing up for court appearances, etc.

Thanks for your time and any advice you can offer.

Answer:
>My questions are: Will her Michigan license be suspended? Will her criminal charge follow her into the states? What can she expect if she does nothing about the situation, including not showing up for court appearances, etc.

Michigan and Ontario share drivers license information/tickets with each other, so it very well may.


Title: my boss forces us to donate to charity if we don't meet sales quota. is it legal?

Question: This happens in Hong Kong. Is it legal for my boss to force us donate specific amount to the charity that the company partnered with , if we don't meet sales quota?

Answer:
 I can assure you nearly 100% that no one here knows anything about labor law in Hong Kong.

Consult a lawyer in your area for the fastest/best answer to your question.


Title: Required to show receipt?

Question:
Are you required to show employees of stores like Walmart or Target your receipt as you are leaving when they ask for it? A buddy of mine says you do, and I told him I dont think you have to. Who is right? What laws pertain to this situation so I can explain it to him or have it explained to me. Thanks.

Edit: I am in Illinois by the way if it matters

Answer: Generally no, except if you are in place like Costco where you probably agreed to show a receipt when you signed up for membership.Answer #2: Generally, no, you don't have to comply with the store. They also don't have to allow you to shop there and can revoke your right to be on their premises. I believe that, in a very broad sense, only stores with whom you've signed a contract of membership can actually demand compliance.


Title: Custody Battle and Foursome sex tape

Question: I'm going through a divorce / custody battle with my wife over our single child. Last year we had a foursome with some good friends and our kid was asleep in her room. All adults were involved equally and my wife is threatening to use the videos in court. She is clearly participating in the act. Is this damaging? Our kid was never endangered from this and slept in her room the entire time. (OK)

Answer:
 Her using the tape as "evidence" is going to make her look reallllllly bad. She should go for it.Answer #2: >our kid was asleep in her room.

I assume you mean a different room that the fuckfest?

If so, no worries, legally consenting adults can have all the sex they want.Answer #3: It is almost certainly inadmissible. That said, you should notify your friends that she is trying to do this so that they are mentally prepared, and in theory could also retain an attorney to move to prevent the introduction of the tape. Answer #4: As long as the kid was not holding the camera and offering advice on technique, I think you are good.Answer #5: Having trouble trying to determine how your wife thinks this is going to help her accomplish her objective of, uh, screwing you (in court).

Her reasoning is nonsense. It's the legal equivalent of thinking you can make lobster bisque with grout and cake frosting. Answer #6: Judges dont give a hoot about all this nonsense. They have seen it all.


Title: What to do with uncles police issued gun?

Question: I apologize if this is the wrong forum for this bit I wasn't sure where else to ask. Long story short about 5 years ago my aunt gave me my uncles police issued glock to hide because he attempted suicide with it. It was supposed to be just until she could figure out what to do with it, and in the mean time told him it was destroyed. The issue is her idea of 'what to do with it' was leave it with me. I no longer speak to this aunt or uncle. While I am all for owning a pistol for home protection, I'm not comfortable being in possession of a police issued gun. Any suggestions on where or how to get rid of it without getting in trouble or having a lot of hassle? Can I just anonymously turn it into the police?  Again if this is the wrong forum I'm sorry and please let me know where I should be posting this. Thank you all in advance.

Answer: If it's issued, the agency is probably looking for it. Unload it, remove the mag and the slide, put the weapon in a box and bring it back to them.


Title: (Louisiana) Haven't received credit card tips for over a month

Question:
Been working at a restaurant/bar for 2 years. We split all tips evenly across FOH staff per shift, usually pulling credit card tips from the till at the end of the shift. Occasionally, this will leave the drawer underfunded for the next shift. In these cases, we would record the tip pool and collect our tips the next day. However,  I (and others) have not received CC tips for multiple shifts worked in December. When we brought this up with management, they assured it would be handled in a day or two. It has now been over a month and I am owed over $500(!). Considering my boss' lack of concern, I have parted ways with this company. Now they are claiming they do not owe me this money. There is full documentation of the tips and the fact that I worked during the shifts for which I am owed. How can/should I proceed from here?

Thanks in advance.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Make a complaint to the DOL in your state


Title: Haven't paid rent in two months, apartments manager came and took TV.

Question: Okay so my friend lives with her dad in some apartments. She said her dad hasn't paid rent in two months. Today the apartment manager and a supervisor came to the apartment and took her TV and laptop since they haven't paid rent. They also tried taking a fan that she is planning on returning to Walmart but I guess she wouldn't let them and they relented. That's like super illegal right? What should she do about it? Location is texas.

Answer:
 Why did she let them take her TV and laptop, but not a fan? It sounds like there are important parts of the story she left out.

e: Generally, you call the police when someone takes your property against your will. But [Texas has a procedure](http://texastenant.org/landlord_took_property.html) that, in some circumstances, allows landlords to take tenant property to pay rent. Without knowing the full story, I can't tell you whether or not that procedure was properly followed.Answer #2: I don't know texas specifically, but it seems like under certain circumstances [this could be okay.](http://texastenant.org/landlord_took_property.html)  Without more facts it is impossible to tell with any degree of certainty.


Title: NY - Police searched my shed during a manhunt in neighborhood without asking

Question:
I live in upstate NY and yesterday 12+ police cars pulled up to my neighbor's (two houses down) house. Then two helicopters showed up and we're circling.

During this, I was on my porch watching both before and after.

Police officers jumped my enclosed fence with their K-9, and proceeded to search my shed without asking me beforehand.

The shed was secured by a latch (no key)

Is this okay? At no point did they ask to enter my backyard or even search my shed.

Answer: It’d be chalked up to an exigent circumstance if you were to challenge it. That’s an exception to warrant requirements.


Title: [FL] How do you evict a tenant who was allowed to live for free?

Question:
Grandparent is looking to evict grandson from the house. Grandson is a felon & an addict. He is not currently in a treatment program. He has taken the car without permission & returned it. He is going through the bedrooms for pain medication & we're not sure what else.

The grandparent told him to get out by Friday. He just countered with "It's illegal to throw me out".

I've googled & see 3 day evictions, 7 day evictions. He's never been asked to pay rent so I'm not coming up with a clear path. I'm assuming they need an official notice for him & then what are the next steps if he doesn't leave?

Answer:
 Since there is no written lease, it would default to a 30 day indenfinite tenancy. Default notice to terminate would be 15 days, 7 days if there is a breach or the lease (like having pets when no pets are allowed) or 3 days for non payment or rent.

Just know that once the notice is given you still need to go to court to get a lawful eviction order. Once that happens the sheriff will forcefully remove the grandson if he is still in the house.Answer #2: Try having him arrested for theft first. Don't bail him out. Meanwhile, without a lease, he has no protections against being asked to leave at anytime. The Grandparent can issue a notice to him in jail to vacate the premises within 15 days for absolutely no reason whatsoever. They don't even have to list a reason. A month to month tenant has no protections in Fl. If the grandson is abusive, call the police. Floridians don't take kindly to elder abuse.


Title: MI - Neighbor is filming family w/ minors and posting it online

Question:
Over the last few months one of my neighbors has been filming several people minding their own business, but one family in particular with two kids under 18. They have been posting the videos (and some pictures) on the neighborhood Facebook group. The neighborhood lawyer says that this is not illegal but I called the sheriff office today and they said the opposite.

I don't know where to go with this. Our lawyer says one thing but the sheriff office says another. I'm hoping that there are some people on here that have experience with things like this. It's very creepy and disturbing, and if that ever happened to my kids I would be furious.

For what it's worth, the neighbor who has been filming others has called the DNR on several people including the family that has the minors. She's been calling with false accusations. No idea if that factors into anything but it shows she's a sketchball.

Thanks all.

Answer:
 It's not illegal to film anyone in public so long as you aren't audio recording speech that has a reasonable expectation of privacy. What you are describing doesn't fit that bill. It is legal for the person to be filming. The parents should do their best to keep their children away from this person. Answer #2: Filming someone in a public space is pretty much always legal.  Same with posting that video online.  The fact that they're minors won't change anything, and I'm not aware of any privacy rules specific to MI that would make this illegal unless he's doing something pervasive enough to qualify as stalking or harassment.

Why is this person filming and posting it on a facebook group?


Title: Birthdate on Birth Certificate (HK) doesn't match Passport/Drivers License (US)

Question:
My father has a birthdate on 3/3/1982 on his birth certificate and issued in Hong Kong where he was born.
Upon immigrating to the US in 1988, his legal documents all state his birthdate is 3/4/1984, off by a day.

&#x200B;

By the time he realized this, he had been using the latter birthday (3/4/1984) on all documents. However, he has had issues as in applying for a real ID in California he needed his birth certificate which showed the discrepancy in dates.

&#x200B;

He's been to the passport office in SF, but they weren't able to change it there.

Does anyone have advice regarding next steps to fix this?
My father is also freaking out, are there some outcomes to worry about? Or calming advice as well?

Thanks so much for any help

Answer:
 Hmm.  Not a lawyer, but the path below looks like what you have to do to unjam the log.

&#x200B;

I am going to make an assumption, Your father is a naturalized US Citizen. If he is not , then you would still work with USCIS but with different documentation.

&#x200B;

You would need multiple documents showing the actual birthdate.

&#x200B;

[https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/2db22455-e270-47a3-819c-d7c7716d5194/List\_of\_Docs\_REALID.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/2db22455-e270-47a3-819c-d7c7716d5194/List_of_Docs_REALID.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=)

&#x200B;

Searching through the requirements you might need to work with the USCIS (see N-565)to get an amendment to any naturalization paperwork he has, then you should be able to get over this hurdle. It would be subject to a fee, if It were not the fault of the government organization.

&#x200B;

[https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/what-happens-the-information-naturalization-certificate-incorrect.html](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/what-happens-the-information-naturalization-certificate-incorrect.html)

&#x200B;

[https://www.uscis.gov/n-565](https://www.uscis.gov/n-565)

&#x200B;

Then with the new naturalization paperwork you meet the first requirement for the Real ID.

&#x200B;

It has been a while since I looked over my social security card, But I think that the new ones after 2007 have a date of birth listed on them.  If you have one from before 2007, you should be fine, but that's a guess.


Title: Public Defender wants me to testify for myself

Question:
District 19, Florida

I spoke with my public defender yesterday as I wanted a follow up meeting after the state received a continuance prior to jury selection. My case is for misdemeanor domestic battery (which I did not commit, the people I was living with wanted me gone and quickest way to "legally" evict someone is to claim they are violent, but that is neither here nor there) and my PD has mentioned several times there are a lot of contradictory claims in the evidence provided by the state. Hell, even in the written statement by the alleged "victim" it says they hit first before claiming I hit them.

Either way, this is not a court room and I won't get into too much detail of the case, but I find it rather surprising that now my PD wants me to testify. Currently there are no statements from me *anywhere* in the evidence. As soon as I found out the police were being called I grabbed my keys and left to later turn myself in to the police station (as what the hell else was I supposed to do?). I was never questioned by police or the state's attorney.

I'm trying to get some kind of insight why my PD is telling me that I should testify and "tell my side of the story." When they said that I was immediately against it, and I told them I didn't feel comfortable with the idea of doing that, especially when state's attorney's are damn good at twisting words, and she previously told me what the state has is nonsense and all over the place.

I know I'm a bit rambly, but my jury selection date is Wednesday and I'm nervous as hell with this news, and I don't like that my PD is trying to talk me into testifying, their exact words were "I don't know how we are going to be able to win if you don't testify."

It probably sounds a bit paranoid, but it almost feels like they are in cahoots with the state to try and get me convicted. The only reason why everything in my life hasn't fallen to complete shit over this is because I've strongly maintained my innocence and not given into the pressure by the SA.

I know it's a bit of a rambling, but I don't know what to do, and I definitely can't afford an attorney as a broke college student.

Answer:
 > I'm trying to get some kind of insight why my PD is telling me that I should testify and "tell my side of the story."

You need to ask these questions of your PD, not of us.

First, your PD can't force you to testify, no one can.  If you agree to testify, though, Fifth Amendment protection is gone.

It's likely, though, that your PD believes that he can't win without your testimony.  While you can't be **forced** to testify, it's also true that your defense may fail **without** your testimony.  In this case, it seems as if you have a he-said/they-said problem.  If you have five people that say you did it, and your PD can't knock down their testimony(which can be very tough) then you will likely need to testify to refute their accusations.


Title: Wife and I have decided to separate. We've only been married 7 months in CA. Seeking to nullify the marriage based on an unsound mind. What kind of legal snafus might I expect to run into after filing this?

Question:
Basically to make a long story short my wife was having a total mental collapse axiety, depression, and sever panic attacks I thought it would be brilliant to get married because it would "save her". We were both terribly terribly wrong and so I have filed for an annulment in the court but my stepmum who is a paralegal said that it's not the 'best choice'. I know I can also petition the court for a summary dissolution but I'd rather have this just wiped off the slate for a clean break. So my question to the internet is is there a social stigma? Will this somehow backfire on me? What kind of problems am I likely to run into?

I did some research into CA probate section 810-813 and at the time Wife was experiencing multiple symptoms that fall into the definition of being in an unsound mind (and perhaps me too) but I am seeking to make a pretty cut and dry case here. I know that if the court doesn't grant me a nullification I can also just ask for a summary dissolution. What else can I do?

x-post from relationshipadvice they told me to come here...

Answer: Do you have a religious or property reason you are seeking an annulment? Or maybe an annulment has a shorter waiting period than divorce in CA? If the answer is "no" to these, you may as well get a divorce. So much easier.  You will absolutely be granted a divorce. You may not have grounds for an annulment, but you'll certainly have grounds for a divorce. Moreover, if you file for annulment and it gets denied, you'll have to start over again with the divorce. Start a new waiting period clock, pay new filing fees, etc. The safer course is probably a divorce. I don't know anyone who attaches stigma to divorce anymore, but I do live in a pretty liberal city.


Title: Did I commit check fraud? Detective is calling me, and I'm not sure what to do. (Florida Resident)

Question:
I was divorced in 2016.  I kept the home, and removed her from all of my insurance policies with citizens and I had been paying all of my policies direct from my bank account, and the house is only in my name.    September of last year, Hurricane Irma did some (mild) damage to my residence, and they wrote me an insurance check of $10,400 for repairs less depreciation.

The check arrived to me, my mortgage company, and my ex wife. I remember calling my ex wife (we aren't friends, but we can get along when we see each other) asking if she could sign it for me.  I left her 3 or 4 voice mails, then gave up and called my insurance company.

Citizens apologized , and they sent a letter to me (via email) basically telling my mortgage company that my ex wife should not have been on the check, and to not include her in the disbursement to me. (I have to mail the 2 party checks to them, and they held 10% in escrow until the job was completed)

So I sent the check out to them ( I included a copy of the letter citizens sent me), and in 3-4 days I had a new check made out to just me for 90% of the original check.

As work was completed at my house,  I received 4 more checks from citizens (totaling around $27,000) and they for some reason included my ex wife on two of the 4 checks.  In both instances I called them and had them resend me checks without her name (I didn't feel comfortable mailing 2 party check in again, but the original check I needed to be cashed ASAP because I had to pay contractors)   I still have the 2 non cashed checks with my name, my ex wife's name, and my mortgage company.

Fast forward 8 months to yesterday.  I receive a phone call from a detective in Tampa (where my ex wife now lives,  maybe a coincidence) and he wants me to come in so he can "hear my side of the story" about an insurance check I cashed in October of last year.    He would not tell me any more information on the phone, and simply said "I have to verify I'm speaking to the proper person, and in person".   I was so dumbfounded I asked the detective if he had the right person, and he read me my address.  He informed me that he was just handed this case and that I am the suspect.

I am 43, and have never had a single legal issue in my life..  I have never had to hire a lawyer, or even talk to a lawyer before. (we handled our divorce between the two of us, and split assets, went before a judge by ourselves).

Everything I read online tells me I SHOULD NEVER talk to a detective, especially if I am a "suspect", even if I am 100% innocent.  I also read I must hire an attorney ASAP.   From browsing around today, it seems that I will be spending thousands of dollars on a lawyer to "go to bat" for me.

If I am 100% innocent and did not do anything wrong, nor had the intent to do anything wrong, should I still hire a lawyer, or should I go in and talk with the detective?

Thank you so much in advance, I couldn't even sleep last night, I've been thinking about this issue every second.

Answer:
 First, without a question hire a lawyer. Now. I expect the most important issue is whether you signed her name. If you did, you almost certainly committed a crime. Close Reddit. Call a criminal defense attorney.

Source: lawyer that is board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization Answer #2: > I am the suspect.

That's all you need to know.

Speak to an attorney. Let your attorney field the police. Do not speak to the police except on the advice of your attorney. There are plenty of ways for you to innocently talk yourself into jail, or into new charges separate from the cheque matter.


Title: [US in general] How can a male identify as a female?

Question: What does it take, to be handled as a woman, in every legal situation? Does it take an operation, psychological evaluation? Say, I want to raise my chance to be an electric engineer, and there is a quota for women. Is it enough if I say, that I identify as a woman?

Answer:
 Not itAnswer #2: You would live your life as a woman.  24/7.  You would undertake some form of medical intervention to begin a transition from male to female.

Being transgender isn't cross-dressing or drag.   And for you to mock it in this way makes you an asshole, in case you are wondering.Answer #3: > Say, I want to raise my chance to be an electric engineer, and there is a quota

Lol.Answer #4: No, that is not enough.

The process of gender reassignment is pretty extensive, lengthy, and rigorous.


Title: Can I sue Nvidia?

Question:
Weird request, but since Nvidia is lying about their specs in the gtx 970 and selling it. Still lying they claim to have 4 gb but only have 3.5gb and people are getting ripped off for it, could I effectively sue?

I live in Florida.

Answer:
 You live in Florida? It's nice there now, not too hot. Go outside, take a deep breath of fresh air, nod to the alligator on the lawn and then walk briskly to the closest coffee shop. Buy a coffee, sit outside, watch people, smile and nod. Say hi to the pretty girls. Then go home and take a nap.

Or.

Hire an attorney to pursue a review of the terms of service for the graphics card you bought. And then understand what specific speed is being portrayed. Then the attorney will hire an expert to test against what is being portrayed. With damages of about $250 you will spend that in the first half hour of talking to the lawyer.

Your choice pal.


Title: [NJ] Employer lowered my salary without any notification. Best course of action?

Question:
I've been with my company since October '17. When I was hired, I was lead to believe that my base salary would be 46k with 1% commission, and various performance bonuses each month. For the past 7 months, my paycheck reflected a 46k base.
Last month I noticed my paychecks were lighter than usual, so I contacted HR. The person in charge there couldn't answer my question, and tied the head of sales into our conversation. He had no solid answers and would have to get back to me.
Three days later he calls me and tells me I was never supposed to be making a 46k base, my actual base pay should've been 19k, and they just "fixed the problem". He later quipped to, "think of it like Monopoly, and you drew the bank error in your favor". When I asked why I wasn't notified of any changes, he said it just slipped through the cracks.
I'm currently drafting a letter to our parent company's HR department. I really don't know what they'll say and it has left me in a dire financial situation. I tried looking on the Department of Labor website for answers, but it's mostly about unemployment and workers comp. Since then it has also put a strain on my relationship because I can't afford the full half of the rent.
Any direction or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 They can't reduce your pay retroactively without warning you. They can reduce it going forwards. Demand they pay you the 46k base for all the hours worked up until they notified you of the change.

If they refuse file a wage claim here: https://www.nj.gov/labor/wagehour/complnt/filing_wage_claim.html


Title: My Grandmother has Dementia and needs to be in a home. My grandfather is broke.

Question:
Michigan.

My grandpa is no longer able to care for my grandmother and he doesn't have money to pay to put her in a facility. He wants to try and get her on Medicaid.

Currently, they are both on Medicare. My grandpa has been on disability since he broke his back working for the rail road when he was in his 40's and my grandmother has never had job and collects some form of SSI. Their total monthly income is about $2k.

They have one vehicle which they are still paying on. They rent an apartment. They owned a mobile home in FL but gave it to my aunt because they were not planning to return due to my grandmothers health. They also own property up north with a house and barn/apartment. They have a reverse mortgage on the home up north and I'm told he owes more than it is worth.

He has started to distribute his cash on hand little by little to my mom. It's only about 6 or 7 k total.

But he's worried that if he puts her in a home they will come after him for the bill because he is basically liquidating his assets.

What are the laws in this in Michigan? How many years do they go back to look at assets?

Answer:
 You grandfather needs to see an elder law attorney specializing in Medicaid.  He most likely already qualifies, but may have done a few things to make him ineligible.

>They owned a mobile home in FL but gave it to my aunt because they were not planning to return due to my grandmothers health

If that was done within the last 5 years it will be considered an asset and disqualify them for the amount of the gift.

>They have a reverse mortgage on the home up north and I'm told he owes more than it is worth.

They may already be in violation of the reverse mortgage since it usually requires the owner to be occupying the property.  The home is usually considered exempt otherwise.

>He has started to distribute his cash on hand little by little to my mom. It's only about 6 or 7 k total.

He needs to stop doing this because it further jeopardizes their eligibility.  He is entitled to have a certain amount of money as a well-spouse to continue to live on.Answer #2: Elder Law of Michigan is a great non-profit that offers a hotline to people in your grandparents situation, as well as a list of free or reduced cost legal support.


Title: My boss has told me to stop making Youtube videos

Question:
Country: Ireland

Hi just looking for some advice before going into a meeting next week with my employer over making Youtube videos.

I have a very small channel of 600 subscribers on Youtube.

I make videos about places around Ireland, film equipment and photography. These are my big interests and it's a nice way to learn and express myself. And if it wasn't for making Youtube videos I'd never have taken up a career in the film industry.

I started working full time as a camera operator / editor last January with the company after a successful 6 month temporary contract.

It's a small company and everyone is very supportive of the content I make (which is 10 videos in 6 months).

I was out on sick leave recently after an operation and another staff member informed me of this meeting where two of us are going to be told to stop making Youtube videos by our boss.

The 2 main reasons he was told are:

1) It's unfair on the other members of staff that we do these videos.
2) We are not allowed to "self" promote outside of work.

I own all my equipment first of all. I have never used any work gear for any video. All videos I do are in my spare time.

I'm really just looking for some guidance on the matter.

I find it hard to understand because the other members of staff have told me they have no issues at all and if they had the time would be doing their own stuff too.

I'm a bit angry that I'm being told to stop something I really enjoy. I can only see it benefiting my performance in work as I'm learning new skills all the time.

I'd appreciate any advice I can get on the matter. My stance is that I won't be stopping or letting them dictate what I can do outside of work.

Thanks!
Topic:
Non-US

Answer: I would post this in /r/legaladviceireland (I know small sub but maybe you get lucky) since Irish employment law is likely drastically different compared to US law.


Title: [WA state] Our upstairs neighbors are harassing us. Is it legal to set up a surveillance camera in our apartment window?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: If you put it in your window is it pointing into someone else's apartment or house across from you?


Title: Can I sue the post office?

Question: Greetings, my postal carrier marked an item as delivered even though signature was required and signature was not given. So, I’m assuming they just left my package on my front step even though signature was required. The item was a MacBook Pro valued at $3000 purchased through amazon. I called amazon and filed a claim, but they are claiming it was marked as delivered so there is nothing they can do. So I filed a claim with my Discover card. They will not help me neither. Can anyone please help. My discover card is claiming I am liable and is charging me.

Answer: You should file a complaint before asking if you can sue.


Title: Got laid off yesterday. I am pregnant. Any advice would be appreciated!

Question:
Good morning new friends,
I originally posted this in /r/babybumps and was advised to post here. Hopefully you guys can provide me with some insight. :)
I'm a 27 year old, pregnant woman, living in Edmonton, Alberta in Canada.

Yesterday as I was leaving work I got called into my bosses office and was told I'm being laid off. She said it came down to me and the newest hire (who is still on probation). Boss said they chose me because I'm off in May for maternity leave anyways.
The concrete facts:
I am pregnant. 25 weeks my boss and all upper management are aware. My due date is May 8.
My replacement has been hired and is fully trained. She is still on probation.
I have missed work due to pregnancy related issues. I was on short term disability for a week. I have filled out all appropriate paper work.
I have been employed with my company for 4 years and have been at my current position for over a year.
My official paper work will be given to me tomorrow, 2 weeks from my last day which will be February 12, 2016. This is exactly 60 days before my due date. (an important fact to consider when it comes to "temporary lay off".

I would appreciate any information on how to better protect myself and what options I have. I work for a large company in Alberta, Canada. We are not in the oil or gas industry but are indirectly affected by the downturn in the market.
Thanks for your time!

Answer:
 Paging /u/Ilikebigabuttals

Your boss is an idiot.  I don't know the finer details of pregnancy discrimination in Canada, but it very much exists, and saying "you're fired because you're going to take maternity leave anyway" is going to be an obvious violation of the Human Rights Charter.  Answer #2: I am from the US, so the laws are slightly different, but I cannot imagine Canada does not have something similar to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. In short, if you are in the US, and fired for being pregnant, or you are chosen over someone else to be fired due to pregnancy, that is illegal.

Contact a local Canadian employment attorney and let them walk you through the process. If anything like the US, most attorneys give a short 15-30 minute consult for free.


Title: Should I get a prenup?

Question:
I'm a 31  year old male from the US. I guess I have saved quite a bit of money for a 31 year old. Combining my checking, savings and 401k. I have saved about $90k. Plus I will receive a relatively small amount of inheritance money hopefully in the **distant** future (My grandparents are getting older). I rent an apartment and I my vehicle is paid off. I have zero debt.

I have been with my fiancee for about 2 years now. She is 33 and from the Philippines. She also has zero debt, but she doesn't have any savings either. She comes from a poor family. I  honestly don't believe that she is marrying me for my money, but the saying goes "You never divorce the same person that you marry"

We  plan on  getting married soon. She should  arrive in the US later this year. But I was wondering if I should ask  for a prenup? Is my savings enough to consider a prenup? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Answer:
 > but the saying goes "You never divorce the same person that you marry"

There is a reason these sayings "go".  Get the prenup.


Title: Virginia - Lender added loan protector, now my escrow is short

Question:
I have a home loan through Embrace Home Loans.  I have been with them for several years and have never had any issues until now.  They recently hired a company called Roundpoint service the loan. (About 6 months ago)  I went to pay the mortgage online yesterday and the amount had increased from $1416 to over $1800.

After I spit coffee everywhere I started looking at the account.  I saw there was a charge for $500 added under the escrow information for something called Loan Protector.  I found the company website (link below) and they are a third party company that assists lenders with insurance and escrow accounts.  Can the lender legally pass this cost on to me?  Are there any actions I can take to fight/get this adjusted?  Lack of disagreement on my part is not consent for them to charge me additional fees and add this in after the loan terms are agreed to.

Thanks for the help.
http://www.loanprotector.com/

Answer:
 > Can the lender legally pass this cost on to me?

The lender cannot unilaterally alter the loan terms without your consent. I don't know whether your loan allows this as some sort of optional fee that they previously were not charging; most loans do not.

Before jumping to legal threats I would suggest informing the lender that they have an error in their billing system. Continue to make your loan payments on time.


Title: I was fired for this conversation, do I have a case for wrongful termination?

Question:
Screenshot of the conversation - http://imgur.com/JymxoBj

I live in Lincoln, NE and the company is headquartered out of Minnesota. I merely told an employee in another department that we were not going to do his job for him and he'd have to figure out some other way to contact the customer. He forwarded it to his boss, who then sent it to my District Manager. She called me and chewed me out big time for not being professional (which was fair).

A few hours later she came into the office and fired me on the spot. I asked what the reasoning was and she replied that I violated the Code of Ethics for "soliciting a bribe". All because I told the other employee unless he was giving us a kickback (i.e. paying us) to do his job, we weren't going to do it!

I've filed an appeal with HR for wrongful termination, but am debating on taking legal action as well. Thoughts?

Answer:
 As already noted, this legally is not wrongful termination. I read the thread fully before reading your messages, and I was a bit shocked at how unprofessional your messages were.

You were

1. Incredibly rude in a way that could most easily be interpreted as condescending
2. Speaking negatively about your satisfaction with your job to an employee you had never met before
3. Extremely unhelpful

Not only was it not wrongful for you to be fired, it was pretty normal. That is not to say that every time someone sends an extremely rude unhelpful response to a coworker they have never met that is negative about their employment situation they get fired.

However, this is obviously the risk of sending something so rude to a person you have never met.

So, you need to really look at your social/professional skills and level of awareness. That message is the sort of thing you should have been absolutely mortified you ever sent one minute after you sent it on your first day at work because your mom died and your car wouldn't start.

The fact you sent this without realizing how unprofessional it was, did not immediately realize how serious this was, were still oblivious enough to ask for her reasoning, and have subsequently considered a lawsuit means you need to reevaluate yourself. You have something seriously wrong with your expectations/social skills/entitlement to not see this coming and behave in such a manner.Answer #2: You absolutely do not have any valid claim for wrongful termination.


Title: Likely need to take former employer to small claims, who do I sue? (Indiana)

Question:
My employer let me go at the end of our season. I have a signed offer letter that stats x%-x% bonus paid before year end. The employer is saying that bonuses are based on a review and working their a whole year, neither of which happened last year, nor is that stated in my offer letter, and I received the bonus last year. I was not let go due to poor performance. Any thoughts on this is appreciated, but my main questions is who to sue.

&#x200B;

The offer letter is signed by the owner with the company name below their name. I never received a paycheck with that name on it, only with the name of the LLC which vastly differs from that. The name on my last checks was from the HR company. This is all a little odd to me.

&#x200B;

So who do I sue?

Owner/Owners

Business Name

LLC that showed up on some of my checks

LLC of HR company that appears as my current employer

&#x200B;

thanks for your help

Answer:
 > So who do I sue?

In all likelihood, no one. Bonuses are almost always discretionary and you likely have no recourse.


Title: Possession of a Fake ID in Indiana

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Maybe this will teach you not to use a fake


Title: Minor fender bender, my fault. Her parents' name is on the insurance and not her own. Can I use this as leverage to bypass insurance?

Question:
I scuffed her car and we exchanged insurance information. However the girl, her name is not on the insurance.i was wondering if I could use this as leverage to bypass the insurance and just pay out of pocket so that insurance rates don't go up. Any advice is appreciated.

MD, USA

Answer:
 > .i was wondering if I could use this as leverage to bypass the insurance and just pay out of pocket so that insurance rates don't go up

I'm not sure what you're asking here.  If she asks for money from you, it's up to you whether you file a claim with your insurance company.

Her issues with her policy are of no concern to you and have no bearing on liability or use of your policy.


Title: Is an online store allowed to withhold their shipping costs from my refund?

Answer: Yes. They’re not obligated to give you a refund at all in a lot of cases.Answer #2: Yes, if it is in their Terms and Conditions. Typically shipping is paid out to the carrier, so the service paid for (shipping to you) has been completed successfully.


Title: My mother wants to exclude herself from a class action settlement where she stands to gain ~$5,000 because she does not feel the cited grievances personally apply to her.

Question:
The lawsuit is filed against the company my mother currently works for. It is a U.S.-based conglomerate that, among other things, provides medical coding services to hospitals all over the country. The company also employs workers all over the country, including in California where my mother is located and works from remotely from home. The designated class is all of this company's employees residing and working in California. The cited grievances/complaints are, essentially, failure to provide meal breaks, failure to properly and timely pay minimum wage and/or overtime, failure to reimburse business expenses, failure to provide accurate wage statements, and other similar things. The settlement amount has already been determined, my mother was determined to be a part of the class (as a California employee), and her portion of the settlement payout has already been determined.

&#x200B;

My mother is mildly concerned that the company may somehow subtly retaliate/discriminate against her in the future because she partook in this settlement. But, that isn't her main concern, and we both agree that something like that is probably unlikely to occur. The crux of the issue for her is that she does not feel that the cited grievances personally apply to her, as in she does not feel that she has not received overtime pay nor been found it difficult to properly take meal breaks, et cetera. It is her opinion that she has no major grievances with the company. Thus, she does not feel it is "right" to take lawsuit money that she feels she does not deserve.

&#x200B;

To my knowledge, my mother is correct in that she has never experienced any of the cited grievances in the lawsuit. However, my experience has been that this is a company that my mother has not particularly enjoyed working even so for for as long as she has been employed there. She complains to me and my dad often about the nature of the work, that it is difficult and exhausting. She complains that because she lives on the West Coast and starts work later than those in other parts of the country, that she gets saddled with the hardest and most time-consuming tasks, because everyone else cherry picks the easy stuff. She complains that the company doesn't really do much to counteract this kind of behavior, and instead asks her why her productivity appears lower than everyone else's. It annoys her that her bosses and superiors are not quite as personally attentive as she would like them to be.

&#x200B;

Personally, the complaints she does have are not things I would sue anyone over either (except *maaaybe* the productivity thing). But they do make it clear to me that the company does not really value my mother beyond being a number on a spreadsheet. That's why my first thought was "Screw the conglomerate! Screw the corporation! You don't owe your company anything. This is free money! Just take it!" I mean, for crying out loud, my mother wants to turn down this money because she feels sorry that the company got sued. Because for whatever reason in this given moment she has become temporarily blinded to where she doesn't feel that the company has ever done anything wrong by her and has always treated her well. She is concerned it would be "unethical" for her to accept this money. This is all despite all the complaints and annoyances I have heard from her over the years.

&#x200B;

I know I can't force her to change her mind if she really feels this way. But for heaven's sake it's $5,000 that she didn't have to do anything to get, and she literally has to do more work to turn it down that to just accept it. Is it just me? (Which is a possibility I am open to.) Or is my mother being a little bit crazy? Official and unofficial legal advisors of Reddit, what is your opinion of my mother's line of thinking here? What advice would you give her either for accepting the settlement payment or for excluding herself?

Answer: Your mother values her integrity at more than $5000. Good for her.


Title: [Hypothethetical] Damage caused to vehicle during child-run car wash.

Question:
Let's say the location is New York, to appease location bot. Feel free to talk about different states in the U.S; this was the first one that came to mind.

Say a person goes to a car wash run to benefit a children's sports team, and pays $5.00 for a wash. During the wash, a child trips, and causes a large dent/scratch in the side door of the car with a metal hose. Who is liable?

Answer: I'm interested to know if there is precedence for anything like this.  I would imagine the car owner would be responsible. They willingly went to a private fundraiser with full knowledge it was untrained/unlicensed/uninsured people performing a service for donations Answer #2: This is why I don't ever go to these types of car washes. Not worth the risk.


Title: (Minnesota) So I caught someone trying to break into my car.

Question:
Not only in person but on video too.
I'll recap.
For the past few months my car has been broken into at least 5 times that I know about, well the other night I got home around 2:30 am and almost immediately after, here comes this kid walking down the street. I just happened to be in the back smoking as it was happening, I was able to apprehend him only to tell me that "he was just walking on the sidewalk bro." I let him go.. my mistake, I checked the new camera's I purchased only to find him right up to my passenger side, grabbing the handle.
In total I've lost at least 200$ in my wallet, and around 250$ in material.
He gave me his name, his snapchat and told me the general area where he lives and where he went to school. I want to press charges but I don't know the steps, and what I can really expect from the outcome.

Answer:
 Call the police non emergency line and explain. Ask to fill out a police report. You will have to go to the station to do that, probably. Answer #2:  >I was able to apprehend him only to tell me that "he was just walking on the sidewalk bro." I let him go.. my mistake,

No, this is the part where you didn't get arrested for involuntary detention. Especially if this "kid" was under 18.

Call the police, file a report. Stop leaving cash in your car.