Title: (NC) Am I legally raping my boyfriend every time I have sex with him?

Question:
I want to say first that my boyfriend is in reality capable of consent. He understands sex and is able to know what he wants and doesn't want. I am only asking about what the law is. He's a 25 year old man and is capable of having sex like anyone else.

He has schizophrenia and is diagnosed with an intellectual disability. It's a milder case of ID and mostly pertains to memory loss and difficulty understanding things. His schizophrenia is medicated but he still has delusions about magical things. However, he is able to function in daily life well.

My question is, what is the legal status of our relationship? If someone wanted to ruin my life, could they report me for statutory rape because he is mentally disabled?

Answer:
 That title made me go: What?

But by reading the post it all makes sence and is actually a great question to ask. For starters, good that you are asking yourself this question. I might not have the answer but I assume that he has a medical proffesional who prescribes him his medication and who is likely to know his mental capacity better then anybody else. Maybe this is a question that the both of you could ask said medical proffesional before you have sex. Answer #2: Is he responsible for his own care?Answer #3: The general rule is that if  he is not under guardianship or legally ruled incompetent, he is capable of consenting. Yes, they could report you for statutory rape, but the issue of his ability to consent would be contested; it is unlikely that a prosecutor would be interested in pursuing a case with a victim the jury is likely to believe capable of consent. There's not an automatic "oh he's disabled so he can't possibly consent" when he is legally able to vote, to decide where he lives, and to order the remainder of his life.


Title: If I'm called out and doxxed by the POTUS on Twitter, and as a result I'm harassed and threatened, can sue?

Question:
I'm basing my question on a hypothetical of today's article:

http://nymag.com/thecut/2016/12/trumps-harassment-of-an-18-year-old-girl-on-twitter-led-to-death-threats.html

Answer: POTUS, and every one else in the United States, has the legal right to be mean to someone. You can sue those who cross the line into bona fide harassment, but not the person who called you out in twitter. Plus, POTUS is widely immune from civil actions from actions taken during his presidency.


Title: Reckless driving in Virginia

Question:
My mom got a reckless driving charge a few weeks ago (83 in a 70) after having just graduated with her BSN. I say this because the charge will more than likely affect her ability to sit for her nursing licensure. On top of that, the lady at the courthouse told her that her driving license may be suspended and since it's a class 1 misdemeanor, she may get jail time and/or a huge fine.

Not sure if this will matter to the judge, but she is going through a separation and was extremely distraught at the time plus she was driving back from visiting me (and I'm also going through a separation) so she was just all over the place.

Can anyone tell me the likelihood of this affecting the above aspects of her life (nursing licensure, driving license suspension, jail time)? Or anyone have experience with this in VA? It's a first time offense but I'm not sure if she can get the charge reduced.

Answer:
 She needs an attorney or she will end up with a criminal record that could follow her the rest of her life. VA doesn't screw around when it comes to speeding over 80.Answer #2: >Not sure if this will matter to the judge, but she is going through a separation and was extremely distraught at the time plus she was driving back from visiting me (and I'm also going through a separation) so she was just all over the place.

Claiming that she was not mentally capable of safely operating her car as a defense is probably not in her best interest.


Title: Help: Bank error in my favor

Question: Hello, I was recently called by my bank and told that a check I deposited into my account was the wrong amount in favor if me by 700$ .  I got 100$ cash back thinking i was signing a withdraw slip, not paying attention. I thought it was extra money my dad sent me an had no idea that the check had been for the wrong amount.  Later when I got home, I checked my bank online to find money so I thought again it was excess money from my dad. When they called me I told them i wasnt paying attention to what i was signing assuming the teller would do their job correctly.  I went to the bank the next day and took the money out and proceeded to go cliff diving with friends, losing my wallet with cash inside.  I then get this call sayi g they've taken 700 from my account and want me to come in and set up payment plan. I told them I havd no knowledge the the check had been misread but I insisted that it was their error, what else do I pay them for. Now I've been placed in a hoorrendous situation as that was my rent money or so I had thought.  I guess I'm asking do I have to pay it back? Is it worth getting a lawyer for, I just don't think I should be held responsible for the banks error giving me more money, what do u think?

Answer:
 Life isn't a monopoly game: you don't get to keep money that is placed in your account by a bank error.

You'll have to pay it back: set up a payment plan. Answer #2: > I guess I'm asking do I have to pay it back?

You cannot keep money you aren't otherwise entitled to.  Yes, you have to pay it back.  Go negotiate a reasonable payment plan.


Title: I’m suing my father for alimony. What can I include in it that will justify getting more money from him?

Question:
My parents got divorced recently, but that just lead to more complicated issues that I will not go into (unless necessary). I’m a 3rd year medschool student and live on my own apart from my home city. I’m unable to work due to lack of time. I receive very little money from my father.

Before the hearing I need to submit a paper stating how much money do I want from my father and justify it by presenting receipts or other proof. For example my lawer advised me to enroll in some language course, which i cannot afford right now even for a time. I really need some advice how can I convince the judge that  I need the money and what to include in the paper.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 Of all the things that aren't actually things at all, parental alimony is the most not a thing of them.

You have no legal standing to make such a claim (you'd have to be a spouse), and as such you will be laughed out of court if you try. Get student loans instead.

Answer #2: If you are a third year med student, what obligation does he have to support you? You are an adult at this point. Is there actually a part of the world where someone is required to financially support one of their children for that long?! Answer #3: >For example my lawer advised me to...

Did you ask your lawyer why you would be entitled to alimony from your father? Answer #4: Location?


Title: [GA] Seller is only giving me half a business day to get home purchase contract reviewed. Need help getting this contract looked over?

Question:
Howdy folks,

I've been negotiating buying a particular home for a few months now.  I finally got a purchase contract from the seller this weekend, but the contract specifies it's only good if signed by mid day monday.

I asked for this to be pushed back a day so I could have it reviewed by a lawyer or at least someone who knows what these contracts typically look like, but was told they wouldn't change it.

I've read through the document, and to my untrained eye, it *looks* fine, but this is the first home I've ever bought.  I'd just like someone who knows this sort of thing to look it over and make sure I'm not missing anything.  What are my options?

Answer:
 Get a real estate lawyer who works weekends, or walk away. Do you really want to buy a house - the largest purchase many people make in their lives - based on being pretty sure that the contract is ok?Answer #2: > but the contract specifies it's only good if signed by mid day monday

Walk away. There's no good reason to give you a contract and drastically limit your ability to have it reviewed. There's a lot of potential for them to be pulling a fast one or entering the agreement in bad faith. Answer #3: My gut is that any contract signing that is rushed is fishy as all hell.

I'd tell them to give you a few days or you are going to walk. If they balk, walk away.


Title: Landlord failed to protect housing deposit

Question:
Hello All,

I'm in the uk and Around a month and a half ago, i moved into a new property (46 days to be precise). I had to pay a £1500 deposit, and i recently realised that i haven't recieved any paperwork from a deposit protection scheme saying my money is with them. So i contacted the 3 government approved schemes and they confirmed that there is no deposit associated with my current property. This means that my landlord has broken the law and i can receive compensation 1-3 times the amount of the deposit. What i am concerned about is that i still have another 10 months on my housing contract and I'm concerned with potential backlash from the landlord if i do claim. What are my rights? Will my landlord be able to remove me from the property during this contracted time?

Answer: why don't you wait 9.5 months?


Title: Unknowingly sexted with a minor - Madison, WI

Question:
I met a girl at a college party and we started talking. I gave her my number and she texted me the next day. We've been texting each other for about a week now, and it's more like sexting - we have also exchanged several nudies. Yesterday I invited her over to my place and to make a long story short, I found out she was 16 (I'm 22). I freaked out and made her leave. Since then she's texted me nonstop, saying that I was the one who led her on and made her feel like I wanted her. (Yeah, before I found out she was a minor!) She is now threatening me, saying she'll tell her parents I confused/misled her and that they'll take this to the police. I'm freaking out so bad right now.

My roommate thinks I should delete our text messages because they have nude pictures of her and she's underage. But I don't think it's a good idea because if my phone is investigated, I want them to see the full context of our conversation and that I don't have anything to hide. At one point I even asked her what she was majoring in, because I had assumed she was in college. In another text I had asked her who her instructor was for another class. Now that I'm looking at the text messages again, I do see that she avoided answering my questions and had changed subjects.

Question for the legal community... What should I do now? I don't want this girl holding this over my head and destroying my life.

Should I go to the police first to explain my side? Sorry if that's a dumb question, but I've been a mess all day stressing over this. Not knowing what this girl will do has made me all sorts of anxious.

Answer:
 Keep the chats- they could well help you explain your innocence to the police, OP.

#BUT THOSE PICTURES SHOULD TO BE DELETED AND NOW.

You had nude pics of a girl.

Now you know it's child porn.

You should not keep those pictures now that you're aware of what they are.

Also, no more contact with her.  Block her and ignore anything that gets through the block.  If you're contacted by the police, lawyer immediately.Answer #2: The only person you should be talking to right now is a criminal defense attorney that you need to hire immediately.

Do NOT talk about this to anyone else, especially the police. Not your friends, not anybody - just shut up right now.

Your attorney will advise you on the best path forward - do it right or you could be looking at jail time and a lifetime on the sex offender registry, loss of civil rights, inability to pursue many careers, etc.

>Should I go to the police first to explain my side?

God, no. Do that and a District Attorney will soon notch another conviction on their belt - yours.


Title: Does this accident victim on an airplane have a legal case?

Question:
I was a passenger on a flight today when I heard a commotion a few rows behind me.

Apparently, someone was loading up their backpack to the overhead bin when a book fell out and hit another passenger on the head, who was seated already.

The owner of the backpack apologized profusely, but the seated guy called over a flight attendant and made a complaint about how his head hurt really bad and now his neck is really stiff. He demanded that the backpack guy give his name, but the backpack guy refused. The flight attendant collected personal information from the seated guy, then the seated guy demanded that the flight attendant collect witness statements, which the attendant did, going around and asking people "did you see a book fall and hit that guy's head" and then having them sign the flight attendant's iPad.

In a scenario like this, who is liable? The airline? The passenger with the backpack/water bottle? Nobody?

It looked like the flight attendant had done this before, taking someone's statement/complaint on the iPad, collecting his personal information, then having witnesses sign on the iPad. Is there a typical procedure/handling of this kind of situation that airlines do? What does the airline do with this information?

What kind of legal recourse does that complaining passenger have? Can he sue the airline? Or, demand the airline reveal the name and address of the backpack guy so he can sue the backpack guy?

Answer:
 You can sue everyone in the US, doesn't mean you win.

The thing is that I have a hard time believing there is any damage. I do not believe the stiff neck complaint. You don't get damages for just about anything, you need to show them. In this case that would be medical treatment costs. And more than that, you need to sue, which is quite costly. Likely will cost more than he could win.


Title: [CA] Employer keeps insisting I'm "Salary", but I think I'm still owed overtime

Question:
Hello,

&#x200B;

I have been trying to clarify CA law on this for some time now, I've tried 3 different employment law firms and they all (oddly) have been unable to tell me the minimum hourly wage to be exempt from overtime pay in CA.

&#x200B;

I am a supervisor and currently salaried at $20/hr and do not receive any overtime pay, but am expected to stay late & be on call during evenings and weekends. From what I am seeing online, the minimum wage to be overtime exempt is $22 hr - is this correct?

&#x200B;

I am just trying to get some clarification of this, I'd like to put my foot down and say no more overtime unless I'm authorized to receive overtime pay, but concerned I may be mistaken...thank you in advance for any advice you may have.

&#x200B;

&#x200B;

&#x200B;

Answer: If you are salaried, you should not be paid hourly. You should be paid weekly. If your employer has more than 26 employees, the minimum weekly salary for an exempt employee is $880 ($45,760 per year).


Title: Consequences of sexting with underage girl from overseas.

Question:
Hello,

so this is embarrassing hence the throwaway.

I met a girl on the internet girl says she is 18. Turn out later she isn't. She is 17. In my Germany in the EU the age of consent is 16 and in her State in the US too. So we just go on having fun and there are emotions involved.

Long story short her parents wheren't too happy and they said they have copies of all the chats and pics and videos and will go to the authorities. I looked it up and technically since it was online the US nationwide age of consent applies which is 18.

Now my question.  What are the actual thing that can happen if they go to the police (assuming they actually have all the chats copied)? And what is likely to happen? Will a european country do shit if none of their laws are broken? Will the american police expend any energy to get a dude for sexting with a girl that is age of consent in her state? I don't know I am worried though that this might become a problem.

I need your help I am not some teen hunting pervert I just got fucked. And now I am a bit scared because I don't know where this could actually go.

**Update:** I spoke to her dad and he said he will not go to the extreme and just wanted to wake me up. Turns out she has borderline and since we started talking has been acting out extremly. They are trying to prevent this and used the authorities as a threat to make me listen. I will break of all contact with her and walk away. Thank you for the advice and for not judging me for my stupid mistake.

Also for others to not get into the same trap as me [here](http://bpdfamily.com/content/how-borderline-relationship-evolves) is an article that describes how you get pulled into those kind of relationships even if they are unhealthy.

Answer:
 Cut off all contact and do not reply to any type of communication. Even if the police come up to you, **do not say anything** and obtain a lawyer ASAP. This is no funny matter, this is child pornography.

edit: Should clarify, only get an attorney if you are contacted by the police (and you have the suspicion its about this) or if you get a court summons. You dont need an attorney right now. Answer #2: >pics and videos

Age of consent doesn't mean anything if you received nude photos or videos of an underage girl. That's child pornography and, yes, the United States and Germany will take that seriously.


Title: Small business owner here. Another business is threatening suit after we "copied their product" [NJ]

Question:
I started a small DIY food company.  One of our first products was a "make your own peanut butter kit."  It was inspired by a competitor's (small-mid size company) product, we just took it and upgraded the quality of parts and ingredients.

**Their kit includes:**

Fresh Peanuts

Artificial flavor additives

Mortar and pestle (specialty patented for nuts from third party company)

Spatula to mix

Large syringe for filling

Plastic jars

Baggie with their logo on it and instructions.

**Our kit includes:**

Fresh Peanuts

Natural Flavor addatives

The same mortar and pestle (we got permission from the same third party company to buy and use in our own kit)

Same syringe

Fancy glass jars

Our own designed box with our logo on it

---
They sent us certified mail with photos of our product next to theirs and demanded that we take ours down from the site where they are listed citing that they intend to otherwise file for a patent and enforce the protections that comes with that.

I've spoken to attorneys before about this product and while both said they would have to look in detail beyond an initial consult to give a 100% answer, they were both almost certain that this isn't something you can patent and that I am safe as long as I am not copying logos or passing off the third party's mortar and pestle as my own without permission.

 Is it safe to ignore their BS as long as I am never actually served in the future?

Answer:
 >Is it safe to ignore their BS as long as I am never actually served in the future?

you're not going to get better answers here than with in-person attorneys.  there are costs to running a business, one of those are attorney feesAnswer #2: Don't ignore their BS, read their BS.  They are not going to get anywhere with this idea of patenting the kit.  That's not patentable.  But if they claim you are copying their logo or marketing, that's more serious and you should try to avoid doing that.

You might also talk to the third party company that makes the mortar and pestle and just clarify that no one else has an agreement with them to be the *only* reseller that you might be violating.


Title: Can I sue him for giving me an STD?

Question:
I got a new boyfriend a little over a year ago. We became sexually active a few months ago.  I asked before we did anything if he had anything and he told me no.  After becoming active I notice three small bumps on his _. He tells me they’ve been there for a couple years but he’s never had them checked.  You guessed it! It’s genital warts.  Can I sue him for telling me he didn’t have anything even though he was aware of the bumps on his _ for over a year before we got together?
I’m in Indiana USA if that makes a difference.

Answer:
 Given that you admitted to noticing these bumps and decided that they were nothing to worry about and proceeded to have sex unprotected I don't see how it can be his fault for having the same assessment you had.

He was  not deceitful. He simply underestimated a skin condition.

Have unprotected sex, get STDs. That's the rule. Never have unprotected sex in casual encounters. Never have unprotected sex in a relationship before having both taken the tests and establish a baseline of trust and safety. Not because of great of assholes that want to spread STDs (they exist but are extremely rare), but simply because like your BF most people are not doctor and can misdiagnosed symptoms.Answer #2: Well unless you can produce a medical record showing he was positively tested for the STD, I’d say it’d be difficult to prove in a court that he knowingly deceived you.


Title: Girlfriend (20F) assaulted by child at school, resulting in fractured knee and inability to work (UK)

Question:
So this is slightly complicated.

My girlfriend works through an agency for a school which teaches extremely misbehaved children. These kids are beyond controllable and constantly abuse staff, run out of lessons, vandalize school property.

My girlfriend is rather petite and thus has a difficult time enforcing authority on the kids. So much so that they will shove, punch/kick and ignore requests. This has been noticed by senior staff and a few weeks ago they even had a meeting to discuss ways of safeguarding my GF.

Since this meeting nothing has really changed. There have been several incidents prior to this one where my GF has been the recipient of abuse and received injuries.

Last Thursday, she tried to prevent several kids from entering the music room as they were planning on vandalizing it. She blocked the doorway when one of the kids kicked her in the leg leading her to collapse on the ground. After a hospital visit, they informed her she has fractured her knee and must remain in a splint for 2 weeks.

Due to this injury, and the requirements for her work, she will not be able to work at the school until she can walk unassisted. She has called ACAS who has informed her she is entitled to statutory sick pay, however the money won't be enough to support her whilst she is off work. Also, she was informed a couple weeks ago that the only thing she can do in the event she is injured by a child, is to sue their parents (which to me sounds like a stupid idea, especially when these kids are neglected by their parents anyway).

I'm posting this to request info on what entitlement she has against the school/agency. In my eyes, no matter what injury or how it occurred, your employer must put measures in place to safeguard their employees from injury. The sequence of events lead me to believe that senior staff have been negligent in protecting my GF from workplace injuries. Furthermore, she will now miss out on several weeks of work and pay due to no fault of her own.

TLDR: GF assaulted by child whilst at work leading to fractured knee and inability to work for several weeks. What repercussions/compensation will she be entitled to?

Answer: She could have a claim against the school/local council for negligence. Teachers sue [all the time](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/violent-pupil-attacks-teachers-costs-7256302). Depending on how bad the injury is and the age of the child, I'd say get the police involved too. Also, there is a UK advice sub which is probably more useful than here, /r/legaladviceuk


Title: [FL] Wallet stolen by Airline employee

Question:
Posting on behalf of my father. His wallet was stolen out of his carry-on bag by an airline employee while the airline employee was performing their duties. They then tried to charge over $300 to my father's corporate American Express card, and was arrested at the large supermarket you probably can guess for using the stolen card.

Questions: What should we do from here? He had his Social Security card in his wallet, as well as his license and multiple cards in his wallet. He has already frozen his credit, and cancelled all the cards that were in the wallet, what else can he do?

He also is wondering if the airline has any liability for their employee stealing his wallet in the course of their duties as a gate attendant.

Finally, How do we deal with the police as they are currently in Pennsylvania, while the theft happened in Florida?

Answer:
 ~~How does your father know for certain that the airline employee stole it?~~

Re-read your post: **"[airline employee] was arrested at the large supermarket ... for using the stolen card"**

What were your father's damages?  Amex has a $0 fraud liability guarantee -- was your father not made whole?


Title: Ex is pregnant, married a Navy guy

Question:
My ex is pregnant and even though she was cheating on me At the end of the of the relationship I'm pretty damn sure she is pregnant with my child.

She told me she has had an abortion but we have had conversations where she stated that she regrets telling the father of her first child (this man has full custody of him) that she was ever pregnant in the first place.

She has blocked me on Facebook but I'm still friends with her immediate family and they post about her pregnancy all the time. She is moving out of state with this guy where ever he is being stationed

I live in Florida and they are moving to I believe Virgina. I know the guys full name so finding them probably won't be to hard. I've sent a message to this guy warning him the child is mine but I doubt he took me seriously. Do I have grounds for a perternity suit? This woman married this man while still living/sleeping with me.

Advice?

Answer: You can go to court to request a paternity test once the baby is born. Once the baby is born. No do not send threatening messages.


Title: My company is sending me and another coworker to another state to attend a couple of classes for 4 days, so we will have to stay overnight for 4-5 nights. I was told we would just be paid for those days work (8 hours) plus a day for travel time, so 40 hours total pay. Is this correct?

Question: I thought that it was normal procedure to be paid for every hour that I am away from home, so that would be 24 hours a day paid, and so ~96 hours total.  And if I’m correct, how can I show this to my superiors? What can I do?

Answer: No they only owe you for the time in the class and the travel time. They do not have to pay you for the entire day.


Title: [Update] Now I've received a response from the condo association about the owner's responsibilities, but I'm not sure what to do

Question:
[Original Post](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/51lgl9/virginia_condo_electrical_panel_replacement/)

So I provided the building manager a copy of their Bylaws, which is the SAME copy that I reviewed prior to closing - I had a 3 day window to review and sign that I agreed to the condo association's bylaws.

In this version that I signed (which is the same version that is on the condo building's current website as of today), it states under the section called [Maintenance Responsibilities] for "Electrical and replaced systems & components thereof excluding appliances, fixtures & lights serving only one unit" that "All, especially note that switches, wall sockets, **circuit breakers & any other items which serve one unit but lie outside its legally defined boundaries are the Association's responsibility**."

However, today, I received a notice from the building manager that they reviewed the document I provided them with their association counsel, and they found a different and NEWER version of the bylaws that state something else for [Maintenance Responsibilities.]  In their new version, for electrical systems and components, the responsibility of the owner is to cover "All, in all regards, **for items serving only one unit**"

They argue in their new version of the Bylaws, since the wire feeding into my panel from the unit below mine is only servicing my unit's panel, it's my responsibility to pay for its replacement, even though it was the wrong size to begin with before I had even moved in.

However, I was never given this version of their bylaws to review until today.  I had never seen this version and I don't know where it comes from - the only version I was given (and signed agreement to prior to closing) was the older version that stated the electrical component fix would be the responsibility of the Association.

What should I do now?

Answer:
 Start by asking for an actual signed copy of the amended *and* original bylaws, and any meeting minutes or resolutions of the board showing when the bylaws were amended.

If they have not followed procedure regarding amending the bylaws, the original bylaws will likely control until the amendment is finalized. Keep in mind that amending the bylaws is a pretty big deal and time consuming. If they have not provided the amended bylaws on the website, or for inspection by new owners, something isn't adding up.

You can deal with the next step after figuring out what bylaws you are subject to.


Title: I have a dashcam that records audio also. If I get pulled over by a copy, do I have to inform the cop that the conversation is being recorded?

Question:
And can I use it against the cop in court?

EDIT: Obviously meant cop in title. Also in MN if that matters.

Answer: MN is a one-party consent state. Therefore no.


Title: [AR]Keeping a dog from their "rightful" owner?

Question:
I own a house, with two roommates. One has been in a relationship for the past year and a half with a woman. At one point she obtained a dog but after obtaining it said she was not able to keep it at her place and asked if it could be house at mine(her boyfriend's). I said sure, as I have plenty of room and love animals. Since then, she has provided nothing towards the dog in terms of care or food beyond maybe a bag or two here and there. He has provided everything, but even then it was only the minimum (food and water). They have broken up now and I offered to buy the dog from her as I'd like to give her proper care and love- grooming, attention, training, walks. She has yet to respond but I wonder if we have any grounds to just keep the dog where she is- in my backyard, and maybe even take her to get microchipped. The only vet care she has ever received would have been her initial puppy boosters, she is definitely not fixed, and I'm almost certain my roommate paid for that.

I'm really trying to do things civilly, just wondering what my options are. Thanks in advance.

Answer:
 No, you have no "grounds" to keep the dog.  Maybe she'll give the dog to you or sell her to you, but it's her dog.

If she never asks for the dog back, though, feel free to keep the dog as long as you want.  If she ever does show up and demands the dog back, feel free to demand that she repay you for all the food, vet expenses, and other expenses taking care of the dog has cost you, though.


Title: [Canada (QC)] Married as a joke

Question:
A few years ago I went to a music festival (in Hungary) and there was a fake wedding tent and I fake married this Hungarian girl. I never thought twice about it until recently when I went through my pictures and found the "fake" wedding certificate.

[Imgur image of the "fake" wedding certificate](https://imgur.com/2IKZIca)

Line 3 says everything we have belongs to both of us. Could this be enforceable in any way, or am I just being paranoid?

Thanks in advance,
Have a good day!

Answer:
 Looks like it says the marriage "expires" when the festival ends.Answer #2: Weddings are technically governed by the jurisdiction they took place in so you'd have to go to Hungarian law to determine its validity.

That being said, unless you're actually being sued over a piece of paper from a music festival, it sounds like you're worrying about things you don't need to worry about.


Title: (MI) I live in an apartment complex. Can my landlord tell me I can't use tobacco on the property?

Question: I live in a "smoke-free community". If there were a clause in my lease stating that I can't smoke outside would it be enforceable?

Answer:
 > If there were a clause in my lease stating that I can't smoke outside would it be enforceable?

Yes.


Title: Purchased memorial pavers/bricks for local skatepark; 5 yrs later - skatepark is constructed - no memorial pavers/bricks.

Question:
Several friends and I purchased a memorial paver and brick (~$750) for a local skatepark 5 yrs ago when a close friend passed away.

The skatepark construction has been completed for four years now and nothing has been done as far as the memorials.

We've attempted on several occasions calling the borough, mayor, and park founders with little headway. Each individual has passed the buck or has given us little to no information.

Do we have any legal recourse?

Answer:
 as a local gov't employee-- I recommend going to the parks department. find the office/rec center closest to the park.  talking to the admin assistant.  many people like to go for someone high up like the mayor or founder but frankly, they don't know shit.  go to the bottom- they know everything.  Answer #2: Who did you purchase it from?

This is within the small claims limit for most states if you wanted to pursue it that way.Answer #3: You could show up at a [borough council meeting](http://carnegieborough.com/agenda.html) and ask there, if you're not getting any response from phone calls.Answer #4: Who sold them to you and who built the park? Was selling the stones part of the bid for building the park?


Title: I've ordered food and drinks at bars and other alcohol-serving restaurants using photo ID that expired years ago. What are the legal and ethical considerations that I should start taking into account?

Question:
I am 23 years old and reside in Alberta, Canada. I first attained my photo ID at the age of 16 as part of a job application (it is not a driver's license). It expired years ago, yet I still use it to buy food and drinks at bars and restaurants. I've probably spent hundreds - even thousands - on foods and beverages using an expired license.

Here are my questions:

* Let's say one of the bars I frequent discovers that I've been using an expired ID to purchase drinks (and food, seeing as the place is age-restricted). Is it likely that they will contact the police and press charges?

* What would be the legal ramifications of being exposed? Would I be required to pay damages to each bar and restaurant I've defrauded? How substantial a fine would I be expected to pay? Could my actions result in some sort of jail sentence?

* What are the ethical considerations of my actions? What sort of damage could I have done to these businesses as a result of using an expired ID card?

Answer: Dude just get a new ID.


Title: [TX] rear ended my boss

Question:
Okay so my boss hit the brakes fast while I was following him in my personal truck. He basically brake checked me, and I have full video  of this. However, you can see my obvious dilemma here...

For the record, he told me not to tell anybody, but did not say anything about guilt or paying for anything even when I asked.

There is about 2000-3000 dollars in damages as given as an estimate by 2 mechanics.

I don't really want to have to pay this, but I've worked here for 4 years and have great relationships with many coworkers.

What should I do?

Answer: You rear ended him. You are likely at fault and will be lucky if you don't get fired.


Title: [NY] Company broke a contract, refusing to honor severance of $800,000 USD

Question:
I'm a software developer that does mostly contract work. At the moment, I'm currently in a dispute with a startup that wanted my services long-term to handle a massive project. At the start, I had a contract drawn up as I do with any other job. The biggest difference is that this contract included a severance fee that was prorated by the number of the remaining time on the contract, in this case, five years, which would total $800,000 USD.

A couple of months into the development, they decided they no longer want my services and just let me go. Ok. I understand. I remind them of the severance, which apparently they were not aware of (I guess they don't read before they sign?) and they are refusing to honor it.

There are a few things I can think of that are happening here:

1. The startup is going broke and can no longer afford the services, nor afford the severance. (though, they recently got funding)

2. They simply don't want to pay.

3. Or, they want to hire someone cheaper.

My question is: would it worth be spending money to pursue this in court (possibly long-term?), or should I cut my loss and move on? (It's been suggested to cut my losses, but I want to get other opinions)

Answer: You should talk to the attorney that drafted the contract. They are the ones to help you enforce itAnswer #2: Most startups fail. This one probably will as well. Be prepared to never see a cent. But for this amount of money you should be talking to an attorney. Also be prepared for the attorney to want payment in advance because there is a decent chance there are no assets left.


Title: Two teen hotheads one cries wolf

Question:
Hi -

There are two teens (14-15) in the area, one is my son and the other goes to the same school, that tend to get into heated exchanges.  Usually something stupid triggers it (like a misunderstanding about a chair being kicked).  Anyways, the banter usually goes back and forth and escalates quickly to hot air and empty threats from both sides.  Then the other kids cries wolf and reports my son to the authorities but only represents part of the facts.  This has happened twice now.

The first time it was a snap chat exchange.  The other kid saved screenshots of things my son sent him and presented it to the authorities as harassment.  When the authorities asked for my son's phone there were some snaps that my son had not yet read from the other kid.  They then knew that it was a 2 way exchange and not one way harassment.  No charges were pressed.

The second time the other kid reported my son for threatening to hit him.  He articulated it in a way that made it sound like he was just standing there and my son harassed and threatened him.  When pressed for more details the other kid admitted that 1. it started when one of my son's friends flipped the other kid off and the other kid got triggered and threw insults back.  2.  After the other kid called my son a fat f\*\*k one of my son's friends suggested going to the parking lot to settle things.  3.  The other kid never felt that my son would actually hit him but he was upset that my son did nothing to stop his friends from egging them on.  So the other kid went to his mom (misrepresenting the facts saying my son and his 'thugs' ganged up on him in a parking lot and threatened to beat him up) and they called the authorities on my son to report him for harassment.  No charges were pressed.

I know this sounds petty and minor.  Both scenarios are stupid and are basically two hot headed kids, that need to learn to control their tempers, throwing verbal barbs at each other.

My concern is with the pattern.  This other kid clearly has a penchant for going to authorities and misrepresenting the facts.  So far I've handled it by having the kids meet and work out their differences, and by giving my son consequences for his poor decisions (i.e. lost use of social media and data for a month for misusing it).  Hopefully this is the end of it and these two ignore each other.  But if not, how do I protect my son from potential false accusations?  For example, if he had read all of his snap chats, then the authorities would not have seen that it was actually a 2-way exchange and he could have been expelled from school (it took place at school) or even charged with harassment.

Am I being overly concerned?

Answer: The best cure is prevention. Your kid should block the other kid on all social media and stay away from him. If the other kid calls him a name then he keeps his mouth shut and walks away.


Title: [Tech/Western Australia] Caught on phone at red light, but officers admit they have no photo evidence. Should I bother contesting?

Question: They (2 officers 1 car) threatened to use my phone security details to retreive further evidence of the offense.  I have said that the phone belongs to my mother (partially true as it was a bday present), any ideas? Could they be lying about the lack of photographic evidence to make my life even harder?

Answer:
 > Under Regulation 265, a mobile phone may only be used by the driver of a vehicle to make or receive a phone
call while driving if the phone is either:
• secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle; or
• if not secured, can be operated without touching it.
Touching a mobile phone
If a driver wishes to make or receive a phone call while driving, and needs to touch the phone (including the
keypad or screen) to do so, the phone must be secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle.
Operating a mobile phone without touching it
If the phone can be operated without touching it while driving (e.g. using voice activation, a Bluetooth hands-free
car kit, ear piece or headset), the phone may be located anywhere in the vehicle, including a pocket in the driver’s
clothing or in a pouch worn by the driver, and does not have to be secured in a mounting.
The driver may touch a Bluetooth hands-free controller, ear piece or headset to operate the phone while driving.

So what happened, Did they see you at a red light with a mobile phone in your hands? Because their eye witness account is all they need. They have no need to get details from your phone because you don't need to be making a call/text to be breaking the law.

You're looking at 3 Demerit points and a $400 fine.

Unless you were not using phone completely and you want to spend the money on a solicitor to try and fight the charge i'd just pay up and take the points. If you want to fight it discuss your options with a solicitor.


Title: (California) Armed Assault - What are options for an international student to stay in US?

Question: Hi, my friend got assaulted in a home invasion. He has to undergo a surgery. His work authorization is about to end. Is there any visa under which he could prolong his stay in US until he fully recovers? He's on OPT now. OPT expires Dec 31st 2016.

Answer: [Call UCIS](https://www.uscis.gov/eir/contact-us), there is usually a 90 day waiver period for medical emergencies. They can tell you what your friend will need to do to ensure he is not overstaying illegally.Answer #2: The U visa is the only thing I can think of.  It is for crime victims who are assisting law enforcement.  But this is really something that he needs to talk to a lawyer about.


Title: Would it be legally justifiable self-defense to run over someone who is banging on your windshield and trying to break into your car? (California)

Question:
I saw [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtfT1lowZEk&t=1m8s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtfT1lowZEk&t=1m8s) from /r/RoadCam at [http://www.reddit.com/r/Roadcam/comments/32baqc/taiwan_road_lunatic_goes_after_cammer/](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roadcam/comments/32baqc/taiwan_road_lunatic_goes_after_cammer/).

The video is from Taiwan, but I am in California so want to know whether it would be legally justifiable self-defense to run over someone who is banging on your windshield and trying to break into your car in case something like this happens to me.

Answer:
 I would guess that the answer to this is going to be very fact specific.  I'm not an expert in California law, so I can't speak to the specifics of your jurisdiction. In general though, an automobile is considered a dangerous instrumentality. In order to justify using it to injure someone you would need to meet the same threshold as you would to use a knife or a gun to defend yourself. Because you are in the car and the person is outside, it seems unlikely that you could meet that threshold. If you are able to move the car at all, then you could have probably driven away which would mean that a rationale person would see an alternative to applying lethal force to resolve the situation.

Edit - autocorrect substituted legal for lethal.


Title: I live in Canada, in Canadian Law, how would I go about reporting my job for paying new hires more than the rest employees, for doing the same job?

Question: I work at an insurance call centre. My job has been doing this for about 5 months now. They tried to calm us all down when we found out by promising us all a raise. It never happened. I’m quitting soon and I don’t care if they try to fire me but I want to report this to the proper authorities, for the safe of my friends and sister who works there. We get paid minimum wage, new hires are getting paid $18 an hour for doing less work.

Answer: This is not illegal in Ontario unless the difference in pay is motivated by race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or other human rights protected grounds. You can try to renegotiate, or resign, as you see fit. Answer #2: Can’t think of any possible law they’re breaking .. maybe spend your time learning to better negotiate a contract instead of trying to tell on your employer for something you perceive as unfair


Title: [MI] I am in labor and my landlord may let contractors come in and move my furniture and personal items during non-essential work while I am away having my baby. What are my rights?

Question:
Hi LA,

I searched the wiki and Google and couldn't find clear information on this. I live in MI.

My landlord has given a ISP permission to install fiber optic cables in my unit. I have no problem with this, in fact, my husband and I are geeky and excited to have fiber optic internet. The LL gave us 24 hours notice per our lease, but because of the situation outlined below, I requested help to move personal property and a specific appointment time and they agreed. I told them they didn't have permission to touch my personal property without me present. They are supposed to come first thing tomorrow morning.

Here are the circumstances:

1) They need an entire 20 foot wall in my apartment cleared of all furniture.

2) Said wall is lined with 5 floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that are bolted to the wall (allowed per our lease) and since I am a rare book collector, two of the shelves contain irreplaceable books valued at approximately $5000 (I do have renters insurance on them)

3) I am 9 months pregnant with a complicated pregnancy and can't move the furniture myself. My husband works until late at night (10pm) when moving the furniture and books may cause a noise violation from the use of power tools to unbolt the furniture, so he can't really do it until the weekend.

...and the biggest, newest complication:

4) I am pretty sure I am in labor. On my way to the hospital right now. I won't be able to keep the appointment we set up for the work to be done tomorrow.

The LL and ISP are supposed to come tomorrow morning and I am already hearing from other neighbors about issues they have had with this ISP damaging and destroying personal property. In one instance, a lady's dog died after they turned the AC off and locked him in an unventilated laundry room without water.

I was clear during my initial conversation with the assistant property manager that neither they nor the ISP had my permission to handle my personal belongings without me or my husband present, which is why they made the appointment.

Do I actually have any legal right to refuse my landlord/the ISP permission to touch my personal property? I doubt they will put anything back if I am not present to insist upon it and I don't want to bring home my newborn to my living room ripped apart. I understand that for some work they need to move the furniture and that is fine, but this work is not even necessary to maintaining the property. They are adding an amenity. Because of the circumstances would it be considered a reasonable request on my part to ask them to wait to do the work until we are present? If they mess with my stuff while I am gone, can I do anything about it legally?

TL;DR I am in labor and can't keep an appointment for work to be done in my apartment and my LL may come in anyway and touch my very expensive personal property even though I specifically told them they don't have permission. What are my rights regarding LL/contractors touching my stuff and what do I do if they touch it anyway?

Thanks in advance!

Answer:
 It sounds like your LL us doing everything right. Above and beyond really in helping you do something that is your responsibility.

Have a friend or family member at the home. Or hire your own person to move your things.


Title: Previous owners installed illegal plumbing, now owner of unit beneath wants it fixed.

Question:
I bought a townhouse in 2016. The townhouse is above another townhouse (they're staggered).

This week, the neighbor came up to tell me he's moving out within the next month as he has not renewed his lease. He had apparently been renting that unit for 15 years and the owner "never has come by", but now that he's moving out the guy will most likely be there to paint and get ready to lease to new tenants.

He apologized for "not telling me sooner" but the previous owners of my unit had issues with the toilet and hired an unofficial contractor who had not only failed to get permits, but had "rerouted" the shower and toilet drain into one. This pipe drains down through the wall into his place and lately there has been excessive noise and leaks. He said it wasn't an issue for him "because it wasn't his place", but the owner will post likely have an issue and want it fixed.

I had a full inspection when I purchased this property, however, the inspector did not go through the plumbing in the downstairs unit.

My question: what am I looking at here? Do I have any way I can go over the previous owners? (Doubt it). Can the owner now come after me (of the downstairs unit). Is this more of an attorney matter?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Answer:
 For starters, it doesn't sound like you understand plumbing especially well, which isn't really your problem. Everything goes out there sewer main, so the drain into one might not be an issue. I wouldn't focus on this part.

The issue is the unpermitted work by an unofficial contractor as well as any damages it may have caused to either unit.

It's not impossible that your neighbor is full of shit. Do you notice any problem at all?

If so, the failure of the seller to disclose this is fraud against you. I'm thinking a phone consultation with a real estate lawyer is probably something you'll want to pursue.

The previous owner is potentially liable for getting permits, tearing open the walls for inspection, and either completely redoing the plumbing or at the very least fixing it, and then closing up all the walls and bringing the bathroom back to it's current state aesthetically. They'd also probably be liable for your damages caused by loss of use during the repairs.


Title: My ex-boyfriend wants to get custody of my dog (in NJ)

Question:
So a few years ago, he bought a dog for us, and the purchase paperwork is in his name. We split payment for him and visiting half and half while we were together and the only time he lived with him full time was while I was finishing school.

We broke up six months ago and he gave the dog to me. I pay for his food, vet bills, grooming, pretty much everything and he has lived with me 100% since then.

Now my ex is mad I won't be friends with him and is threatening to take me to court to try to get the dog back.

Does he have any kind of claim since his name is on the purchase paperwork? I'm on the microchip, vet bills, have receipts for food bills, etc and I'm registering him in my town asap (he's not currently registered anywhere)

Answer: Dogs aren't children. No one "gets custody". He can sue you for the value of the dog he paid for.


Title: My cousin was raped. Hospital botched the DNA test.

Question:
[OH] My cousin was at a concert a month or two ago and afterward, a man offered to show her the soundbooth area. He took her into the backstage area, locked a door behind them, and raped her. She was taken to a hospital and had a rape test done. We just found out today that they botched the rape test that was conducted.

What options does my family have? How can we make sure that this creep is punished to the fullest extent of the law?

Answer:
 How did you determine that the rape test was botched?Answer #2: >What options does my family have?

Your family doesn't have any options.  The only person involved here is your cousin.

As to the rape kit, it was likely *not* the hospital that conducted the test.  Generally, hospitals turn over rape kits to the police, and the police lab runs any tests.  If you're asking if your cousin can sue the police or the lab (or the hospital), the answer is almost surely no.

As to the case against the rapist, many such cases proceed without DNA or a rape kit.  So the next step is to ask the DA or the prosecutor whether they intend to go forward with a criminal case.

Regardless, she can sue the rapist in civil court.  The likelihood of him having sufficient assets to pay a judgment of any significance is probably low, however.


Title: I'm getting laid off and I can't move into my new apartment

Question:
So I (26)found out I'm getting laid off last Thursday. I was supposed to move in today and called my landlord Saturday explaining my situation. I have paid the application fee, my first months rent and direct deposit. I have not moved in or accepted the key to the apartment. Is there any way I could get my money back?

Some things the realtor has been sending me to get a better understanding. I removed named for privacy purposes. ....

"Are you moving in or not?

I can only discuss the matter of the application fee and first month's rent with you. The application fee is non refundable, however since you signed a lease and your application not denied, the 1st month's rent is neither refundable.

You signed to this on the credit card form you filled out as your first month's rent...

AUTHORIZATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

By signing below, I acknowledge and agree that I am the authorized signer of the credit card identified above and that that any signature provided

digitally and/or submitted via email attachment and/or delivered via facsimile transmission shall be deemed an ORIGINAL signature for all intents and

purposes. Further, by signing below, I acknowledge and agree that I understand that a) (realtor) does not approve or deny

any application and that the property owner or manager solely approves or denies all applications for lease; b) the application fee is not refundable; c)

that any earnest money deposited will be refunded only if the application for which this payment is made is denied by the property owner or

manager; d) any earnest deposit made shall be used as liquidated damages if the application is cancelled or withdrawn by the applicant, if the

information given is false, or if any outstanding balance is not paid by the date due; e) this payment will not be used toward a security deposit. I

authorize (realtor) and/or the property owner/manager to obtain my credit report, my background and/or criminal report, and an eviction

report and to verify my employment and tenant histories and to share the aforementioned information with the owner/manager for the permissible

purpose of tenant screening only.

"From my understanding, your only option is to sublet - that means to find someone on your own to rent the unit (advertising, showings, etc) They would have to have all the qualifications you needed to apply and be approved.(only option if you are not moving in*)"

"Otherwise I believe you might lose out on the deposit as well. But I don't handle the deposit, all communication about that goes through (the owner)."

"I could possibly help with the sublet, but as a leasing agent, our (my) pay/commission is the first month's rent. You could "hire" me and pay me through ut I understand that night not be appealing as you would lose out on all fees, however it would relinquish you from the lease at least.your deposit you'd receive from (manager) management. There would be a listing agreement contract to sign between ourselves, etc"

Answer:
 Have you signed a lease?  If so, you're generally bound to the terms and duration of the lease, job or no job.  Not having picked up the keys or started moving in is generally irrelevant.

Your location is important.  Landlord-tenant law varies from state to state.Answer #2: > I have paid the application fee, my first months rent and direct deposit. I have not moved in or accepted the key to the apartment. Is there any way I could get my money back?

Not if you signed the lease.


Title: Had tooth cracked by a extremely drunk girl NYE, bar I work gor wants me to not press charges.

Question:
Ive been working at new bar in town for 3 days and have already had a horrible experience. Long story.

So, thx to our dumbass bartenders, a girl ended up stumbling down hammered in the bar i just started working at. I do my best to get her out front and into a cab, mostly by carrying her out. I grabbed a water to help her out in a thick pint glass, bc thats what our smart bartender decided was apropro, not the plastic bottle of water. I can't get any taxi to take her home (mostly bc she was haaammmered) and she wont even tell me her address. So i lug her back up to the door and have her sit down while i figure out what my next move was. (Already thinking hospital) So i lean down to her level and ask again where she lives and try to bring her back to the current world. She has a genius idea, instead of being cool to the person that is actually trying really hard to help her, she instead, screams at me, "fuck you!" and slams the glass pint into my front teeth, chipping one and cracking the other. I immediately lose my shit, so im not exactly what happened in the  next 20 min, but i know i had another security guy call the cops and also I did not recipricate her violence. (Of course bc that would be wrong, but she can bust my teeth and its cool.) So, cops come, ambulance comes, they take her to the hospital and i say i want to press charges (which is dumb bc i thought only cops could press charges)
So i make my report and i continue working even with a fucked up mouth. I tell the gm that the bar has to cover my dental and he agrees. Oh and i found out that we dont have a first aid kit there, like....really. no one offered to take me to emergency dental and get things fixed and at the end of the day (6am) while everyone is sitting out waiting to get paid, i get told i have to stay bc these dumb managers need a power trip.
Fast forward to today, i go into work even with my teeth still busted, every cold breath i inhale stings my roots and sends shooting pain up my face into my brain. My gm comes up to me and says the girl's bf  came to make ammends. Apparantley shes in med school and these charges would just ruin her life. Well, so? My world is pretty fucked up right now, but does she care? Doubtful. Anyways, my gm seems excited bc she said she would pay my dental bill if i dropped charges. But why do i care? I've already been told the bar would cover it. And my dentist, who is a friend, told me the crack and chip could most likely be taken care of without anything major, but having had the root exposed to the air, and especially so long (due to the bar) i could have problems in the near future and could possibly need a root canal and crown. So if i let her do what she wants, and in a yr i need more work done, who will be there to pay it? Nobody. Well....me, actually.
So this all seems like my shit ass gm trying to get over on not paying the dental tab or even trying to hide all of this from the owners. This happened, not bc the girl was a giant piece of crap, this happened bc the bar is ran by fratboy idiots that dont understand running a team. The security detail is treated like bussers and cant even keep an eye on the situation. Also the bartenders do not cut people off. Also the gm had me let in triple capacity making for a shitshow. He literally said to me, let them in until the fire marshal fines us. Haha. What a dope.
So, whats my options here and whats the best way to go about it. I have a dentist appt tomorrow and need to go get my teeth fixed immediately. The gm seems to think im cool with taking back my choice to press charges and that im an idiot. Should i go to the dentist tomorrow and take them the bill like was the original plan? Do i listen to this drunk sociopath and let her buy her freedom and then also be apart of the problem that is this bullshit legal system? Do I sue? If so, whom do i sue? The girl? The bar? Both? Do i have a legit case?

Thx for reading. Sry for the book and all the typos, im on mobile and have slept 2 hrs in the last 40 hrs. Hurt too much to sleep.

Answer:
 You learned 2 lessons today:

* Blackout drunk people are sometimes violent for no reason whatsoever. It is better to learn this at the hands of a woman with a blunt object than at the hands of a former Marine with PTSD and a sharp object.

* Your employer is significantly more interested in deflecting attention for bad things that happen than in protecting their employees.

I would file a report with the police, they cannot stop you from doing so. I would ensure your GM has filed an incident report and you have a copy of it. I would then find a new job and get the fuck away from here before something serious happens to you because they do not care.


Title: Can't get a license because of a failure to appear to court in North Carolina, I've never been there and live in Texas

Question:
I went to get a new ID today because I lost my old one. The lady misheard me and thought I was trying to get a new license, and informed me that I can't get one because I have a failure to appear in North Carolina from 2009. I'm 25, I live in Texas, and I have never been to North Carolina. I've never had a license before and I don't even know how to drive.

If I go to this page

https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/dleligibility/login.do

And log in and everything it shows me this stuff

http://imgur.com/o0VC6Iv

And it says I have to pay $100 to become eligible to get my license. How do I fix this? I shouldn't have to pay $100 for something I didn't do. I have never been to North Carolina so I could not possibly have a failure to appear there. So once again, how do I fix this? I've been all over texas.gov but the only options it gives me is to pay the money, and I refuse to pay for something I didn't do. Do I need to call some agency in North Carolina? Do I need to call one in Texas? If so, which one?

I'm sorry if this isn't the normal kind of post for /r/legaladvice, but this does have to do with legal stuff right?

Anyway, any help would be much appreciated.

edit: You don't have to go into a lot of detail or anything, if you have the number to whoever I need to call that would help. I can't find a number for anything. The only number I found on texas.gov was to some company for tech help with the website.

edit 2: I'm curious, what do you guys think this is? Just a clerical error? I have lost many IDs through the years (hence me going to get yet another new one today), do you think someone could have found one of my old IDs and used it in North Carolina? If so would I just be screwed since I would have no proof it wasn't me who had my ID?

Update: Not sure if I should edit the original post or just do this comment? Guess I'll just do both.

Anyway, I called some number my grandpa gave me and this guy said that it showing up in North Carolina must have been a mistake, and that it is for a failure to go to school or something? He said something about a mandate or law being passed last year or sometime that made it so they have to expunge or remove that from your record making you able to get a license. He gave me some number to call for my local county and a cause number, but when I called them they said it wasn't showing up in the system when looking at my file (guessing because of the North Carolina error?) so I gave her the cause number and she tried to look it up but it wasn't working so she said she will call me back, so now I'm waiting on that.

Answer:
 Call the North Carolina DMV. That is your first step. Answer #2: Update: Not sure if I should edit the original post or just do this comment? Guess I'll just do both.

Anyway, I called some number my grandpa gave me and this guy said that it showing up in North Carolina must have been a mistake, and that it is for a failure to go to school or something? He said something about a mandate or law being passed last year or sometime that made it so they have to expunge or remove that from your record making you able to get a license. He gave me some number to call for my local county and a cause number, but when I called them they said it wasn't showing up in the system when looking at my file (guessing because of the North Carolina error?) so I gave her the cause number and she tried to look it up but it wasn't working so she said she will call me back, so now I'm waiting on that.


Title: Internship is going to run credit check soon! Will an Unpaid credit card and VERY low credit score ruin my chances of being hired? (Identity Theft)

Question:
\(Internship is for engineering/construction\)

Location: Georgia

Last fall \(2017\) I noticed a credit card and a few credit inquiries that I did not authorize.

I swiftly cancelled the card and filed a police report.

Afterwards, I noticed the suspect to be my MOTHER and was reluctant to "formally" press charges. Besides not wanting to go through the trial phases, sentencing, etc. I had midterms which inundated my ability to resolve this matter efficently.

Even worse, she made it a point to detail all the things she *does* for me financially like university loans she signed when I initially confronted her among other debts which grossly outweigh the amount she misappropriated my identity to use.

The bill now is delinquent and adversely affecting my credit score \(low 400s\)

What can/should I be doing? I'm terrified it's going to look like \*I\* am irresponsible to my internship which I **desperately** need as a junior about to graduate with no experience.

Could this possibly result in me not getting hired?

**I'm mostly concerned about:**

\(A\) not doing more to remove the smudge sooner.

and/or

\(B\) Having it on there and them thinking it was me.

Answer: Nobody here can predict precisely how they will interpret your credit score.


Title: When can I expect my first In-Home PO visit

Question: I'm in Los Angeles California, and have recently just been put on felony probation (first time offender) and am supposed to check-in via phone for the first time ever, in 5 days. What I'm wondering is when I can expect an at-home visit. Could it be before my telephone check-in? Or will I be notified in advance? Anybody with experience with this or information is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer:
 Your probation officer can visit at any time, with our without notice.  You should not, at any time, have any person or thing in your residence that will violate your conditions.  Answer #2: I just finished two years of felony probation in NH and I went without a single home visit. I don't know enough to know if this is the norm (but I'm sure it varies state to state). A few tips I have are be polite, early for any appointments, dress just a little nicer than other offenders, and make sure they can see you're working to change whatever went wrong (so therapy, rehab, NA/AA, whatever). They would infinitely rather have you tell them something, it medical marijuana in the family, than discover it the hard way. But if you're seeming like a low risk for reoffending chances are they will not spend anything more than the minimum effort required  on you.  They'd rather pursue those they're pretty sure are reoffending.

Good luck, in my experience probation only sucked for those who were breaking the rules.


Title: Fear for stepsons safety.

Question:
Ok.  First of all, some background.

My wife has a son from her first marriage who is 12 now.  His father (cuz he's sure as hell not a dad) isn't interested in him, he sends child support and that's it.

Back when my stepson was young, my wife had some mental issues she needed to take care of (depression and a personality disorder) so she was unable to take proper care of her son so he ended up moving in with my mother in law (his maternal Grandma) which at the time was great, she was married to a good man, they lived in a nice house in a nice area and they could give him a good life and get him everything he needed while my wife got the help she needed.  My mother in law basically had legal custody of him although my wife never gave up her parental rights.

Anyway, fast forward about 5 years and my wife is better, she and I had gotten married and were in a good place, I had and still have a pretty good job and everything was going good so we decided to get my wife's son back so he could live with us.  My mother in law had since gotten divorced from her husband and met this other guy who is textbook psychopath.  He controls her and beats her and to top it all off, he's a registered sex offender.  Apparently he had sex with a 14 year old who he says looked 21.  Now I've seen a lot of girls that look a little older than they are, but I have never seen a 14 year old that looks 21.  But that's a whole other story, he's just a disgusting pedophile who needs to just fuck off to prison and stay there.  But I digress.  My mother in law just doesn't and still won't see or admit what's happening to her.  She changed.  In fact she changed into a completely different person and started doing things that she would never do before it's like she turned in to a female version of him.  So obviously that wasn't a good environment for a child to grow up in.

So we went to see an attorney to try and get the ball rolling and see how to go about getting my stepson signed back over to us.  All was going good until my mother in law decided that she would fight it in court with us for no other reason than to drag it out and make us spend more money (those were her words -- Yes, seriously -- she's a piece of work).  Anyway, eventually it went to court, we won because her defense was ridiculous -- it basically consisted of her saying that because I had jokingly said many years ago that if my wife ever got pregnant, I would divorce her.  But what she didn't know at the time was that my wife was pregnant so that was a fun day in court! Haha!  Although we told the judge that her boyfriend was a registered sex offender, he didn't take that in to account because he had sex with a girl, not a boy.  Which is ridiculous but is what it is.

ANyway, my mother in law has visitation rights the same as any parent would have with their kids.  She since moved away from Texas up to Oklahoma because that's where her pedophile boyfriend is from and up there, apparently he doesn't have to sign the sex offenders register for life like he did down here in Texas.  So basically, she has the right to have my stepson go up to visit for a couple weeks during summer and she can have him for spring break and that kind of thing (I forget the exact terms of the court order and I don't have it to hand right now).  What's worrying us now though, is drama has a way of following them around (we're pretty 75% sure this is all started by her stupid pedophile boyfriend, so he can get his way) but drama has started with their next door neighbor to where he's apparently vandalizing their cars and doing stupid shit like that.  There's been no threats of violence as far as we know, but my stepson likes to play outside by himself and we know for a fact that up there, he won't really be watched too well but we're worried that this neighbor who apparently has done some time in prison for something (don't know what) will try and do something to my stepson.  Hopefully we're just over reacting but if we're in fear of what might happen while he's up there.  Where do we stand legally?  Do we have to send him up there just because the court order says so even if we fear for his safety or can we keep him home and deal with the consequences later?  What are the consequences of not sending him up there?

Apologies for this being a long post but any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

Answer:
 A couple of issues. Moving out of state doesn't release him from registering as a sex offender.

This is grandma, she only got visitation bc she was his guardian and a significant presence in his life in a positive way.  Grandparents are typically only awarded visitation when it would be harmful for the child NOT to see them. That's no longer the case.

I strongly urge mom to hire an attorney to petition the court to end these visits. They are clearly no longer in the child's best interests.

Much luck.


Title: Am I legally obligated to repay a personal loan with no contract?

Question:
A former acquaintance wrote a check to me last year for $2,000. No contract was drawn up. The memo on the check says "tax free loan due 7/3/18."

This individual has been harassing me on social media and threatening to sue me if I do not repay the loan.

Am I legally obligated to do so? This is in AZ. Also, does this individual have grounds to sue me?

I can provide some more broad details if needed. I am intentionally keeping this vague in case this post gets traced back to me.

Thank you.

Answer:
 Yes you are obligated to pay back what you borrowed. Yes he has grounds to sue you. The memo is pretty good proof.Answer #2: IANAL and I'm a petty, ignorant man but...

> "tax free loan due 7/3/18."
>This individual has been harassing me on social media and threatening to sue me if I do not repay the loan.

What's this individual upset about, that's NEXT YEAR?
Is that a typo? Is it past-due?
Are you giving this guy a reason to think you're not paying?

 If that's not a typo, or even if it is... Perhaps he's violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Maybe you should just send him a link to that. And if he's embarrassing you in a public space, sue him if you got the money to sue him.


Title: [NC] What would be the best way for me to kick out my roommate?

Question:
I didn't originally want to do this because things were whatever and I liked the extra cash. But now he's ignoring my rules on the thermostat (kicking the heat up to fucking 73!!) which is fucking with my ability to sleep properly. So he has to go.

He is NOT on the lease. The property is owned by  my father and I rent it from him. I guess this would be considered subletting? I'm not sure. I wrote up a Roommate Agreement that he signed when he moved in, but that was it.

His name is not on any of the bills. He does get some mail here. Obviously I want to give him 30 days to vacate but after that he definitely needs to go. It's not like an emergency but I need to put my foot down basically.

I tried to get him to move out back in October, because he left the country for a month without paying his rent. However, when he came back, he paid his bills and had some sob story about what happened, and being the stupid softy that I am I just let him stay. He wasn't bothering me and he was paying his share of the bills so whatever.

But this thermostat situation is too much. I've been staying over at my boyfriends house frequently and came home the other night to the heat set to 73 and he wasn't even here. It felt like a furnace in the house. I turned it down and sent him a strongly worded text not to set it above 69 ever and mentioned that our light bill was going to be through the roof (it gets up to $200 in the winter because insulation sucks).

He tried to argue that he works with air conditioning units and that it wouldn't raise the electric bill unless it was set above 75. Which doesn't make sense to me but I don't know enough about how much electricity the unit uses so whatever. I told him I didn't care, that it didn't need to be that high and if it was too cold he could get a space heater for his room.  I keep it set to 65 myself but occasionally turn it up to 67 and gave him permission to turn it up to 69 which is more than enough IMO.

Anyway I woke up at 5 AM this morning tossing and turning because the heat was on full blast again and my room was dried out and on fire and what do you know he'd turned it up to 73 again. I'm pissed. I want him gone. So whats the best way to go about this /r/legaladvice?

Again, I am in North Carolina. He is not on the lease. No bills are in his name. He gets mail here. And he signed a rental agreement about house rules and such and that was it. Our rental agreement that I made basically said he would be given 30 days notice or whatnot so I'd like to honor that but I need to do it in a firm and "this is for real" manner.

Answer:
 You give him the proper 30 day notice to quit per the agreement you signed (that was silly, notice to end month to month tenancy is 7 days in NC).

After that you serve him for an eviction and take him to court if he hasn't left.

Legally you cannot kick him out. He's a tenant and has rights as such.


Title: (TX) Paid Orthodontist for sisters braces, completed procedure, went to another dentist for cleaning and states my sister needs braces. What are our options?

Question:
My sister went to an Orthodontist for braces, she completed the procedure for braces ($5000). After ACA she went to another dentist for routine cleaning and the dentist says she needs braces, and that the previous Ortho did a poor job. My sister does not want to go back to the original Orthodontist.

My initial plan was to go to another dentist and get a written letter stating she needed new braces and what was wrong.

What I don't know is if:

1) The writing matters
2) Take writing of dentists to original Ortho
3) Go straight to an attorney or?

What are my options? All help is appreciated and thank you.

Answer:
 Get a third opinion.

Right now, you can't be sure if the first dentist did a shitty job, or the 2nd dentist is lying to try and make some more money.


Title: Help me not get screwed in my divorce!

Question:
Broke, lawyerless single mom in need of legal translation!

I was married for seven years, have two children (6 and 2 y/o), and own one house. I was a stay-at-home-mom since the oldest was born, and all of the assets/credit/income are in my ex’s name. I left my ex in Feb 2018, he stayed in the house with our two children and kept the car. I am currently living in a studio apartment (he co-signed the lease in exchange for me not asking for alimony, which I didn’t want anyway), working part-time in retail tech support, and in school for massage therapy, with plans to finish and become licensed in late spring 2019.

For the most part the divorce has been “amicable”, as in I don’t hate him and I’m not trying to bleed him dry, etc. I just got married too young and didn’t want to be married to him anymore. He is understandably mad at me for leaving, and has been pretty immature, but we’ve gone to mediation and sorted out most of the details. Right now the children live with him six days per week and me one day per week, since I don’t have a car to get them to school/daycare, and I have no family while he has quite a large family who is mostly local. He works 9-5, lives in our 3br house, and has the car he came into the marriage with (I sold mine when we moved to the city and two cars weren’t necessary).

All I am asking for in the divorce is a renegotiation of physical custody to 50/50 once I am licensed/employed and can afford a car and at least a 1br apartment, and 50% of the current equity of the house. He can’t afford to buy me out right now, so he is currently paying for my school tuition and all childcare expenses, with the agreement that my portion of the back expenses of childcare and tuition will be taken from my half of the equity when the house is sold in a few years.

Going from a single-income family with a child with special needs to a 1.5-income, two-home ‘family’ is of course expensive, and I don’t have any assets with which to afford a lawyer. So he has a lawyer doing all of the filing, but as he is still angry and acting immature, I don’t trust 100% that I’m not getting screwed. Currently what is holding up the legal process is that I have a simple paper to sign, and I don’t know what it says. So I’ve had it for two months and haven’t signed it. I’ve had trouble finding free legal help, so here I am! I’ve read Reddit a thousand times but never posted anything, so forgive any errors please.

The divorce process is complicated, of course, so my confusion lies with item 3 on page 1 (affidavit of consent) and basically all of the second page (waiver of notice etc etc etc). Wtf is this? What rights would I be waiving, and at what point are they waived? Any ideas? State is Pennsylvania, for clarity. Thanks!
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: You need to go find a divorce lawyer and see if you can have those fees/expenses paid from the marital assets (or your ex). Don't do a divorce where only one side is represented by a lawyer.Answer #2: sorry to be blunt, but you need to find a way to get a lawyer.  legal aid, go see dss, anything.  Any oral agreement for *anything  you guys have up til this point is not valid in a court of law.


Title: [CA] Not sure if I did something illegal...

Question: X

Answer:
 1.  Setting up a fake profile is not illegal, merely against the EULA.

2.  Sending fake nudes is not illegal, merely against the EULA (and common sense.)

3.  Pretending to be someone else, unless you do it to defraud someone (like asking people to send you money) is not illegal, merely an asshole move.

4.  Manipulating someone else's photo is illegal, a copyright violation.

5.  If the person whose nudes you used was a minor, that's potentially an actual problem.


Title: My sister had her identity stolen and her wages are being garnished.

Question:
This is as much information as I've been able to withdraw from my sister. She's really the worst person that this kind of thing could happen to, she's young, very poor and has no idea how to handle this situation. I live in another state but I'm trying to figure out how to help her get her life back.

My sister Jen lives in Oregon. She was at a friends house when the "friend" went through her purse and wrote down her social security number. A few months later the friend opened a utility account with the power company in Jens name. Jen knew nothing about it until a collections agency started to garnish part of her wages. She works a minimum wage job at a pizza place and already can barely make rent as it is. She was never told of a court date or anything like that - I'm guessing if they sent a court notice they sent it to the address where the friend set up the utility account, not to Jen's actual address.

The friend has since moved far away, but the friend's boyfriend has told Jen that he'll pay her back some of the money, I think to try to keep Jen from telling the police about the friend. Jen won't tell me if she's given the friends name to the police or not. I've been trying to convince her that this won't go away if she gets some money back, this person could do this again in the future.

The other details I know is that the friend opened the account with the name "Jen" not "Jennifer". Even though she goes by Jen, all her finances and accounts are always Jennifer. She told me that she's contacted the credit bureaus and that someone there is trying to help her prove what address she was really living at. Other than that, she really doesn't seem to know what to do or what's going on.

Because of the wage garnishment she is not able to pay her school bills and is barely making rent. I don't understand how they could just start taking her money when it was so obviously not her debt and not even her correct legal name. I feel like she needs a lawyer to help her deal with this, but that's so financially far away from being feasible. I don't know how to help her.

Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 File a police report for identity theft.

Then dispute the charge with the collections agency with the police report as evidence.Answer #2: She doesn't want to tell you everything because she's ashamed of herself, and afraid of your (and everyone's) judgement.

Tell her it could have happened to anyone, and no one cares if her identity was stolen by some jerk she trusted. She's gotta be OK with what happened for her to tell you everything and do something about it.Answer #3: It's going to be time consuming and annoying, but she can get out from under this. Useful resources: (1)  http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-0009-taking-charge.pdf  [edit - someone else posted this below] (2) http://oregonlawhelp.org/resource/identity-theft-self-help-form-letters?ref=3geDd

Also, she could call the Oregon State Bar Assoc. and ask if there are any civil legal services organizations that can provide free advice or representation on consumer debt/identity theft issues to low income people. http://www.osbar.org/public/ris/

Good luck to your sister!


Title: [FL] Security deposit question. Landlord charging me $290 for cleaning, saying my apartment needs to be cleaned “from top to bottom”.

Question:
I just moved out of an apartment that my friend and I rented for 8 months. When we moved out, we cleaned for nearly an entire day for getting our security deposit back. This included mopping the floors, vacuuming the carpets, and cleaning/sanitizing the bathrooms and kitchen. I took some pictures of the apartment before leaving, although I should have taken more, or a video, but I was eager to be done.

[Floor](http://imgur.com/a/61Pwn)
[Bedroom 1](http://imgur.com/a/uPkRv)
[Bedroom 2](http://imgur.com/a/8tBJN)
[Kitchen](http://imgur.com/7ZvvV0L)
[Fridge](http://imgur.com/a/nRITx)
(Edit: the reddish/yellow stains in the carpet were noted by the landlord when I first moved in.)
Two weeks after moving out, I received the landlord's notice, charging me for $290 in “cleaning and carpet cleaning”, she said the whole apartment need to be cleaned “from top to bottom."
&nbsp;

In messages, she said it was just for cleaning. Our lease says that the apartment be in [“good, clean condition”](http://imgur.com/a/FMKrR) when leaving. [Here are pictures from the newly listed apartment.](http://imgur.com/a/tOM0L) These look about as clean as my pictures show the apartment to be, except for the stains that were already there. So if it's good enough to show, it should be clean enough.
&nbsp;

I’ve seen laws in other states stating, “a security deposit shall not be retained for the purpose of paying for normal wear and tear ([Maine](http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/14/title14sec6033.html))” and generally, a tenant needs to have the apartment “broom swept.”  However, there's no laws in FL regarding cleanliness that I found, so I'm in the dark about what constitutes an apartment being clean.
&nbsp;

**Am I justified in expecting more of my deposit back for restoring the apartment to what seems to be a clean enough condition, based on photos the landlord is using to show?**

(Edits: for clarity. I've worded some things so future readers may find it relevant to their own situations.)

Answer:
 Answering not as a lawyer, but as a landlord: it's not atypical for professional carpet cleaning to be performed between each and every tenant, even if there's not excessive dirt/damage. It's the professional, sanitary thing to do and it assures the landlord and next tenant are starting from square one cleanliness wise.

In most states you are entitled to receipts for any work performed.


Title: [IN] Can my public school’s board say the Lord’s Prayer before every school board meeting?

Question:
The school board always starts with the pledge of allegiance and follows with the Lord’s Prayer. Everyone in attendance follows suit. I’m a teacher in the school system and not a Christian. I never say anything. It always makes me feel terribly awkward and it seems like a big violation of the separation of church and state. Is prayer in this setting illegal?
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer:
 This is a really interesting question, and from my quick research, it's not exactly a settled area of law. On one hand, you have the precedent set by [town of Greece](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Town_of_Greece_v._Galloway) (a supreme court case), which found that

>The town of Greece does not violate the First Amendment by opening its meetings with prayer that comports with our tradition and does not coerce participation by nonadherents.

This was for "legislative prayer." Also, it's interesting to note that you say only the lord's prayer is done, which could make this ruling less relevant.

However, there's also a mixed body of law on prayer in schools, which is another way of looking at this. Check out Doe v. Indian River School District, 653 F.3d 256 (3rd Cir. 2011), cert. denied, 132 S. Ct. 1097 (2012); Coles v. Cleveland Board of Education, 171 F.3d 369 (6th Cir. 1999), reh'g en banc denied, 183 F.3d 538 (6th Cir. 1999).

Not surprisingly, the [freedom from religion foundation](https://ffrf.org/faq/state-church/item/21715-school-board-prayer) thinks that prayer at school board meetings is a no-go. If you want, you could contact them about it.

You might also want to read what's written [here regarding Texas](https://www.tasb.org/Services/Legal-Services/TASB-School-Law-eSource/Governance/documents/prayer_at_sch_bd_meetings.aspx), [here for Alaska](https://aasb.org/can-we-start-our-school-board-meetings-with-a-prayer/), and what the ADL says [here](https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/religion-in-public-schools/prayer).

Further, Indiana is in the 7th circuit, and I can't find settled case law on school board prayers for that circuit.

So you could might be able to get someone to represent a complaint about this. If you want.


Title: My dad died yesterday and my mom is now being evicted because she is not on the lease, what can she do?

Question: My dad died of throat cancer and moved into a senior living community in Berkeley, CA, to save money.  My mom moved in with him, but wasn't on the lease because she is a few years younger than the required age to live there. They still let her peacefully live there.  My dad died yesterday and today they told my mom that she has a week to leave. Is she protected under any laws? She receives mail there and has lived there for 5 months.

Answer:
 She has normal rights of possession, but with proper 30 day notice they can ask her to leave.  If they have age restrictions, it's not likely they will let her stay.  Given the circumstances, A judge is not going to be happy with the landlord giving her less than 30 days .

My guess... your moms going to need to move.


Title: Help, charged under fed analogue act

Question:
I posted this on r/researchemicals but i don't know how to crosspost and i think it needs to be here to for me to have a decent chance at some real help.

"Hi reddit, i really need your help. If this could be cross posted to anyone who can help like legal advice i would really appreciate it.

I was accused of "attempting to possess w intent to distribute" a chemical that has been recently scheduled. *but not until after my initial arrest had taken place. Im trying to figure out a defense and am interested in any relevant info like case law or defenses.
Im told i cant really afford the type of lawyer who generally takes this on but i feel i am pretty decent at studying the law and im hoping you guys can help. "
*i dont plan on perusing this on my own, but i know this can be a wonderful resource.
*florida

Answer: “Federal drug charges” aren’t generally considered a self-help situation.


Title: [CA] I accidentally Venmoed my housemate whose in charge of rent $750 instead of $375 and she's been ignoring me and keeping the money. What legal action can I take?

Question:
Hi, everyone! So this past 12 months, I lived with 5 other girls in my sorority. There was a recent falling out between one of the girls (who proved to not be a good person) and our other housemate, where she started to ignore us completely. That one particular girl is in charge of rent, so the rest of the girls are responsible for sending her a check for the rent prices every month.

&#x200B;

Because the lease is ending, we only needed to pay half of the months' rent. I made the stupid mistake of Venmoing the entire month's rent. I texted her asking her to Venmo me half back and texted her both personally and through our housing group chat and she's been ignoring me. Is there any legal action I can take? I wouldn't be surprised if she continues to ignore me and keep the money.

Answer: If she's not responding to you and hasn't returned the money, you could take her to small claims court. A small dollar amount like this is well within its jurisdiction. Keep in mind that winning in court may only be the start of your problems, if she's particularly unwilling to pay up, but a lawsuit showing up might also make her sit up and solve the problem - in which case you can withdraw your filing.


Title: [IA] Recorded a conversation of a guildmate having a meltdown on Discord. Is it safe for me to upload?

Question:
Saturday night a guildmate had a meltdown on Discord and started being a bit ignorant to us all. I started recording about half way through the conversation where he was yelling at various members.

He has a history of accusing people of stuff, and trying to harass people that he doesn't like to quit the game. We didn't learn about this until we started looking into it after that outburst.

Now he's starting to pull this stuff on some of the other people in the guild, especially the leadership after they kicked him.

Now, I have this recording of that, but I don't know what state he's in. Is it safe for me to upload a conversation that happened in a private guild chat on Discord?

Answer: No, just don't do it.


Title: I'm getting sued because I dont want to buy this house

Question:
Quick background story (sorry for my dyslexia in advance)

My husband and I are buying a house in Texas. Our relator help us fined a beautiful little 3 bedroom home that was about 40 minutes away from my husband work place. Sense someone else was trying to buy the house we gave them 900 dollars as a way of saying we really wanted this house. Now I wish I got the home inspected before doing this.
2 months later after the inspection we finally get back the 36 long page of everything (BIG and small) around our house. And trust me there was allot. Mostly things wrong with plumbing, electrical the giant 300 year old oak tree in the back is rotting and there was something going wrong with the windows. Oh yeah I also did not like the neighbors everytime I visit the house they had massive parties and everyone was just sitting around looking like they just got out of a Pulp Fiction film.

So this is when things started going wrong. Right after I saw the inspection we told our realtor we really dont want the house. But he kept telling us to wait for the bank or it's not in that bad of shape. (It was built in the 1940s, the outside is amazing looking but the skeleton isnt looking to well) we told us it would only cost around 500 dollars to fix all the windows. But we told a contractor (who was my dads friend) he look threw it and sure enough the home was not worth its amount. Plus my friend told me that the street the house is on is in the beginning of the ghetto and I could get my car (which is a 2011 Lexus) stolen easily. Which scares me because my grandfather gave me the car before he died.

When I gave these complaints and allot more to our realtor, he didnt listen to us at all and kept saying the same stuff over and over again "wait for the bank and loan or ohh the street isnt that bad"
So we waited and waited for the bank finally it came threw. And some freaken how the house went threw. Which made us even harder to get out of the house. Now the I'm literally yelling at our realtor we dont want it. The seller is wanting to sue is "for damages we done" idk what damages we done. Because we didnt touch a thing in the house besides the inspector.

Can someone tell us what to do next. We dont want to get sued and we dont want the house. And our realtor dont seem like he wanting to work with us.
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 I assume you didn't give someone $900 towards a property without signing paperwork putting you under contract to buy. Did that contract contain contingencies for inspection? Did you follow the process outlined in the contract when your inspection results came back? If not, the seller may well have some cause of action for breach of that contract, although it might be challenging to establish actual damages due to your breach.

If you don't sign the closing paperwork, you won't own the house. If you already signed the closing paperwork, it's your house - if you don't want it, sell it.


Title: Could you sue Cook Out restaurants for false advertising because they don't cook their food outside like a cook out?

Answer: Can you sue?  Sure.  Pay your fees, serve your opponent, spend your time, money and effort to do so and then enjoy having your frivolous case immediately dismissed as such.


Title: [Rhode Island] Ethics aside, I want to scalp some tickets but I want to go about it legally.

Question: My thought was to buy them, then sell another item while "including" the tickets, would this work? Mind you i mean sell them online, not at the venue.

Answer: I don't do "ethics aside" questions. If you are the kind of person who would put your ethics aside for personal gain then I don't want to help you.