Title: [NC] Father lost job due to failing educational background check, stating education was from a "diploma mill"

Question:
I posted originally on r/personalfinance  [here](https://np.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/438yhb/father_lost_job_due_to_failing_educational/). I'm hoping this sub can offer some advice as well.

My father retired from the military in the early 2000's and pursued a bachelors and masters degree from [Almeda University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almeda_University), which is now a defunct institution that has lost it's accreditation. I believe the allure of going with such an institution almost a decade ago (before any hint of being unaccredited) was the fact that they would give credit based on his military experience.

My father has had unsteady work the past few years, but has had high prospects with his current job as a contractor. He applied for a full-time position, at which they conducted the background check, found out about his questionable degrees, and terminated him on the spot.

I think I'm still in shock as to how all this occurred and how to proceed forward. He's still working with his employer to verify his educational background, but a quick google search on his university results in the wikipedia link above, which clearly states it's an unaccredited university. I think there is low chance they will let him continue working there, even though he was a great employee and has the correct skillset to perform his job. With the recent "loss of accreditation", how will he be able to find work again if he lists those degrees on his resume? Is there any legal recourse he can take against the university? Thank you in advance for any advice.

Answer:
 I am not a lawyer, but was military.

It is sad that the military lets diploma mill universities advertise and have free on post access to the military.  [University of Phoenix has been under scrutiny.](http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/benefits/education/2015/10/09/pentagon-hits-university-of-phoenix-with-probation/73660142/)

This will not help your father in his current situation, but hopefully will help current military members be more careful when choosing a college in the future.Answer #2: Did the university do anything to lead your father to believe something about them that was not true? Unless they defrauded him somehow, this is an extremely expensive mistake on his part. The employer can fire him for going to that school or having an unaccredited diploma. Answer #3: In the future, if I were your father, I would not even list those "degrees" on his resume.
Edit:  After looking at this some more, claiming a degree like this can be a crime in several states. Answer #4: [Thomas Edison State University](http://www.tesu.edu/) is a non-profit, state university in New Jersey that works with students just like your father. They do give some credit for life experience. If he needs a real degree, he should talk to them. They do give some credit for life experience.

Almeda University was almost certainly a diploma mill. They've never been accredited by any of the regional accrediting groups that most US colleges and universities are accredited by. If your father truly feels that he was duped by them, then I supposed he could try to pursue a lawsuit against them but I doubt he would have much luck. They are based in Boise, Idaho and you'd have to find an attorney in Idaho who was willing to take this case.


Title: How to turn myself in for a crime?

Question:
I was reading and saw that you should hire a lawyer to turn yourself in so that they can do their things - I would go directly to the police station but I think they will just jail me and that there is a more direct route. Although I will do that if necessary

There are no warrants out for me but I did commit a crime for negligent murder most likely - I just need this to be sorted so if anyone has any advice on how to do this efficiently

Answer: Speak to an attorney and no one else


Title: FL: Can a landlord deny tenant the right to install external security cameras, especially when there have been break-ins, property damage and verbal threats?

Question:
Over the past few months my vehicle and one other tenant's have been broken into (nothing stolen and no signs of forced entry) and since then someone has been keying and scratching my paint.  I have my suspicions as to who perp is (another tenant), but no proof.  I was told some weeks ago there was a burglary at neighbors' place.  I informed prop. mgr of issue and that I was installing cameras and was told I cannot install them (or even satellite dish; not applicable to me, but I recall old FCC ruling favoring tenants in that matter).

Last night, myself and 3-4 other tenants had our doors and vehicles defaced.  Targetting appears selective as some units and vehicles were skipped over.  Again, I have my suspicions; different individual who has made threats to me and referenced other tenants in his tirade. Or it could just be random dickheads.

Am, or was comfortable here; never a late payment or complaints; believe I would be considered an ideal tenant (yeah, I know, subjective). My lease was renewed couple of months ago and I may not be able to find another place as affordable.  What are my options?

Answer:
 Unfortunately your landlord has final say on what can be installed outside the property.

Have you thought about getting a dash cam? You can get ones that have a parking mode feature that catches movement even when your vehicle is off.  Depending on how your parking and door are situated you may even catch them causing damage to your door.

You can also get cameras for inside just in case they do get in.Answer #2: It sounds like the issue with the landlord is that he doesn't want (or may not be allowed) to have things attached to the outside of the building.

Can you place a temporary camera that's not attached to the building?


Title: can i sell a gamed about...

Answer: Based on your post title I think it's safe to say you shouldn't write or program a text-based game that features heavy narrative.


Title: Problems with Neighbors

Question:
Hey all, My roommates and I have been having issues with our neighbors since we have moved in. We live in Massachusetts in a college town that has grown immensely over the past couple years. We are renting a 5 bedroom house in a residential neighborhood and are friendly with all the other neighbors except the two that live next store. The first issue is that we have friends over once and a while (every other months if that) to hangout, over the summer we had maybe 10 people over one time. The neighbor called the cops on us and the police just told us to quiet down, same happened a month later (I was not here for these two times). Last weekend we had people over and had music playing until 10:30 then turned it down per the cities noise ordinance and the police showed up around 11:00pm and thought they had the wrong house because they couldn't even hear any thing that would warrant a call then went on their way.

The second issue is that they have a fence that divides our driveway and their house that is most likely on the property line and one of the roommates may have scrapped a little paint off of it with their mirror due to the icy driveway. We went out and inspected it after our landlord came over today (I will get to that) and there is a little scrap but no damage at all about a foot-foot and a half long.

The third item the neighbor told our landlord is that we have a trampoline in the backyard and have had it since october landlord came over about a month and a half ago and saw it without raising the issue. She has taken pictures of our backyard numerous times of the trampoline along with people on it. She has also taken pictures of us hanging out on our three season porch roof which the landlord said he doesn't care just not to be loud when on it.

Coming to how we found out about this our landlord came over this morning and spoke with one of my roommates about some texts that he has received from the neighbor and some of them were bat shit crazy in a way and he has had issues with her in the past. He said that when he had the dumpster for renovating the house she was throwing fits and calling the police. This is the run down of what he said to us:

* Said the cops have been called to our house 9 times in the past 9 months (it has officially been 3 all without issues)

* Trampoline is a safety issue and doesn't like that we have it

* Having 8 cars on our road is not allowed (our street is residential so parking permit are not needed and the neighbors house we park in front of has never said anything and actually likes that we shovel his side of the street) We have 5 cars since 5 people live here

* Took pictures of use using the trampoline and said we jumped off the roof onto it numerous times when it has only happened once when we first got it.

* Took more photos of us hanging out on the roof

* Said she is going to take us to court for the noise issues and damage to the fence that is non-existent beyond some paint touching it up

Our landlord said all of the stuff that we do is a non-issue to him and we have signed a new lease for next year. He is very laid back and seems to have an ongoing issue with the lady. The thing that I don't understand is that she hasn't ever come over to tell us the issues she is having and instead just calls the police if she has an issue with anything we feel that a simple conversation would fix all of this. I haver personally tried to talk to the husband who seems like a decent person but the wife or renter (unsure of which) is out to get us. I even one night knocked on their car to inform them that they were towing cars because of a parking ban and he thanked me.

Should we be worried about going to court for any of this stuff? Will her argument stand up? Lastly can she photograph us on our own property doing anything that isn't illegal? Any help or information would be awesome.

Answer: If there is paint to be touched up, there is damage to the fence. They can't sue you for being too loud; they can call the police, which they have, and you've been given warnings or cleared of the accusation. They can sue you for the touchups to the fence, but it would be much cheaper for them and less stressful for you if you went over there and offered them money for a new can of paint.


Title: The city wants to make our strip club close earlier. Can I sue to stop them? (Alaska)

Question:
Throw away because I don't want anyone stalking my real account.....

I make money dancing at a "gentleman's establishment" (in other words, I'm a stripper lol). In my city, bars usually have to close at 2 a.m. Our club doesn't serve alcohol, though, so we usually stay open to 4 or later. Those are also usually some of the best shifts to work, since we get a lot of people who have been drinking and don't have anywhere else to go.

I guess the city doesn't like that, because they passed a new law that says we have to close at 2 too which is really frustrating because it means we're all losing out on lots of money every night. Last night one of the girls said we should sue the city. I think she was mostly joking but the more I think about it the more I want to try to do it. I don't know if I'm going to be able to make rent this month! I know it's a long shot but do I have any kind of case? I do really feel like the city is violating our rights.

Answer:
 This ~~may be~~ *is* a content-based restriction on expressive conduct. Exotic dancing (when not totally nude) is protected First Amendment expression. If the ordinance specifically targets establishments with nude or partially nude dancing, it may not withstand First Amendment scrutiny. This is a fact-specific question. A lawsuit would take years to resolve, but your gut feeling that this infringes upon your rights ~~may be~~ is correct **under the Alaska constitution**. You could try reaching out to your state's ACLU chapter.

**EDIT: Indeed, the Alaska Supreme Court decided [just last August](https://law.justia.com/cases/alaska/supreme-court/2019/s-17068.html) that such a restriction was unconstitutional.**


Title: [ON, CAN] Staying on train after it strikes someone

Question:
This is more a question out of curiosity, the other day I got on a train, five minutes after it left the station I heard a sound of the train hitting something then the emergency brakes were applied and the train stopped.

A few minutes later, firetrucks, ambulances and police showed up and the customer service manager announced there would be a "significant delay" because of an incident on the track and that we would be delayed 2 hours. Then maybe another 10 minutes later, they said that the train fatally struck a "trespasser" on the track and the delay would be 4\-5\+ hours till police investigate and till new engineers are brought in since the current ones were heading home because of trauma.

Lots of people at this point wanted to get off and find alternative means to get to their destination, though the customer service manager said they couldn't let people off because it was a "crime scene" and that we would all have to wait till police leave and new engineers came in \(which would take a while since it was a Friday\). Outside my car, there was no visible police/fire/EMS as I assume they were at the front or cleared pretty quickly and the delay was just them waiting for new engineers.

While they were telling people you can't get off, they let off like 10 or so people who claimed they had flights/work shifts, etc.

So I guess the few questions I had out of curiosity are, would this really have been deemed a crime scene where they wouldn't have been allowed to let people off \(or were they using the crime scene line as an excuse to not let people off\)? If so, why were they able to let off ten or so people?

Second question is, is there any legal standing to request to get off where they would have to let you off? Since I felt like it didn't make much sense for them to force you to stay on for the 4\-5\+ hours while they investigated and brought in new engineers, as no one on the train was involved in the investigation, so why would we all not be allowed to get off if we wanted to?
Topic:
Canada

Answer: Yes, it would disturb the crime scene. More importantly, the area you were stopped at wasn't equipped to debark passengers. So there's a high likely hood of the debarking passengers being injured (or worse). They let a few people off who had demonstrable time issues (or health issues), so they were reasonable. But a mass debarking would cause major issues.


Title: Forced to Work in Unhealthy Conditions during Pregnancy - Hospital Surgery

Question:
[AL] A friend of mine who works in surgery at a hospital is being forced to work in surgeries that require radiation that lead cannot protect against. These are safe amounts to an adult, but the radiation team has advised it as unsafe for pregnancy. However, this is being ignored by her management and she is being required to work these surgeries. There are many other types of surgeries going on, so this is not specific to the job as the only surgery neing done. Are there any options or is it required of her to do these?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Has **her** doctor agreed with this diagnosis and submitted paperwork to that effect?  Does she have a theory as to a reasonable accommodation that would prevent this?


Title: [IN] Wife hiding assets in a separate account, then gave 2,500 to her parents right before asking for divorce. I've earned nearly all the money in several years of marriage.

Question:
edit: INDIANA (had a bot warning to add location)

Married several years, I've always been the main money maker (she had a job once for about 2 months and made 600 dollars (3 years ago). She mainly goes to school and sometimes gets extra money from federal grants or scholarships.

Recently I found out she had a separate account she had hidden money in, all earned during our marriage by either me or left over from a school grant. Once she found out I knew, she immediately transferred it all to her parents and said she was planning to divorce eventually, and needed the money for living expenses on her own/attorneys.

Since we first married she always corrected me whenever I brought home the bacon and accidentally called any money I made "my money" She's always been very adamant that every dime I brought home was "ours" (heck, even my birthday money). But I've always been totally cool with this, and let her pay the bills and buy dresses and shoes, etc.

Basically, she has always been adamant that every dime I bring in, no matter how it came in, was both our money. Now suddenly when she gave away 3,500 of "her money" and I call it ours, she said no it's not because she kept it in a separate account. Well I looked up the laws and apparently

>"Community property states require a 50-50 split of all “marital assets,” which includes any and all assets acquired by any means from either spouse during the marriage."

And everything else I am reading is saying it is very unethical what she did and the judge will probably end up ruling in my favor, asking her to return at least half, maybe even all of it, because of what she did.

However the only problem is I actually want to work on the marriage and don't want to rush to divorce court (we have 2 biological kids together). So in the meantime is there anything I can do to get the money back besides simply asking for it? At least half of it was definitely money I made or brought in, and I feel robbed (not to mention I've made 95% of the money and all the bills have always been paid by me). It also doesn't help her family doesn't like me because they are very religious and I am agnostic at best.

I kind of rambled and missed a ton but feel free to ask further questions. I just feel like I was basically stolen from and want the money back, and it doesn't seem fair she can just freely hand out money like that without my consent or knowledge.

edit 2: not sure if any of this matters or not but: I have no criminal record, I have never pushed her or hit or anything domestic violence related like that, I am a good dad, all medical stuff is taken care of, I have never cheated (not even flirted in any shape or form). So I cannot foresee anything being held against me in court. But like I said I don't want to rush to court about all of this. I just feel really *robbed.*

Answer:
 Get a lawyer and go to court. That's the next step to putting a stop to this. Your wife is wrong about money in her accounts being legally hers alone, and will likely have to explain that "gift," but you need a lawyer to help make that happen and to help ensure that both you an your wife present your _entire_ financials to each other and to the courts when working out the division of your marital assets.

Conversely, you're not being robbed. Even metaphorically, your wife contributed to the marriage, too. Even as sole earner, you don't get to keep all the money - but you probably do get to keep around half of it, attempts to hide assets notwithstanding.


Title: HELP! How can I fight an HOA?

Question: I’ve lived in this condo for 3 years. I’ve had my dog for two. She is not a constant barker, doesn’t bark at night after we go to bed, I keep her on her leash at all times when walking and I clean her poop up.  Because they (HOA board) doesn’t like me, they are targeting my dog. She barks if someone walks by then she stops.  While walking her Monday evening a Great Dane was off his leash and cane at me and my dog. I left the area to go back to my place while yelling who’s dog is this?? The guy had to come onto my property to reclaim his dog (he had two dogs not on leashes). He then starts berating me because I yelled at him to get his dog.  Apparently his wife is on the board and he told the board that I threatened to let my dog off her leash (I never said that and even if I did let her off, she’d smell you then ask for belly rubs).  Got a letter from Animal control and was also summoned down to a meeting with the board.  One more complaint and I’ll start getting fined from the HOA.  How am I in the wrong? Am I in the wrong? My dog was leashed. Theirs wasn’t.  What can I do?

Answer: You can fight your HOA within the rules/procedures set forth in your CC&Rs and bylaws and eventually you might be able to sue. It’s a lose-lose situation.


Title: Can not afford a speeding ticket. What to do?

Question:
I recently got a speeding ticket for $361.67 for doing "86" in a 65.

I'm going to be a senior in highschool next year and have a part time job paying near minimum wage. My parents are not going to help pay for this. Paying this in full would be a pretty huge setback as far as my savings goes.

My question is, what can i do to make a case for why i should get this reduced or even waived? I plead not guilty and sent out the ticket ASAP to get a court date. To be totally honest i Could pay this without it being a huge issue but i'd rather not fork over 3 weeks pay for this. I'm open to doing community service to help pay. My parents taxed income is quite low since my father is retired and my mom just works part time. All my money saved from work goes towards saving for college. How can i convince this judge to reduce my ticket? I can give any more information if it helps you to answer my questions.

Another question, is it true that if the officer that issued my ticket does not come to the court date, my case will be thrown out and I don't have to pay?

Thank you

Edit: The ticket was in New Hampshire, I'm a Massachusetts citizen.

Answer:
 >To be totally honest i Could pay this without it being a huge issue but i'd rather not fork over 3 weeks pay for this.

Then you shouldn't have been speeding. You can pay for the ticket and perhaps be asked to be put on a payment plan. Not wanting to pay a ticket doesn't get the fine waived.

> is it true that if the officer that issued my ticket does not come to the court date, my case will be thrown out and I don't have to pay?

No, it's not necessarily true. Officers are typically paid extra to show up to court and will usually do so. The prosecutor can get a continuance to allow the officer to show up.


Title: I'm a delivery driver and I use my own vehicle and pay for my own gas. I just noticed a fuel surcharge tax on my paystub.

Question:
Long story short, I work for a company much like Uber who pays people to use their own cars as a service. In my case, I am paid by my company to use my car to deliver auto parts for Napa. I pay for all my own gas and all the maintenance done to my car.

&nbsp;
I just checked my paystub and noticed that I am being charged a "fuel surcharge tax". Before I call my company to ask, can anyone shed some light on this? This is my first contract driver job. It doesn't seem right that they are taxing my gas when I'm the one paying for it (I'm paid a flat rate per day, so I am not compensated for mileage).

&nbsp;
I am not paid by anyone but my company, so the people I deliver to nor Napa contributes (garages that choose to have deliveries are charged a fee from Napa I believe).

&nbsp;
Also, when I have to do my taxes, can I claim this fee as a write-off? I was told any expense that deals with my car should be a tax write-off. Thanks.

&nbsp;
edit; I'm in Pennsylvania.

Answer:
 What country, state, or province are you working in ?

When a transportation company charges their customers a "fuel surcharge", that's considered revenue just like a delivery fee or an hourly charge, so the recipient of that money has to pay tax on it.

This isn't necessarily nefarious, but it is curious, since you aren't charging a fuel surcharge.

Are you a true W-4 employee, or a 1099 independent contractor ?


Title: Neighbor kids use my steep driveway as a launch pad to zoom their bikes down the street. Am I liable for accidents? [WA]

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 There are a few things going on. First, if the kids are trespassing, you're generally not going to be held liable for their injuries unless you did something to maliciously harm them or had some man made thing on the property that was an attractive nuisance.  Something like an empty swimming pool that one of them fell into would be an example.

If you allow them on the property, Washington has a [recreational use statute on the books](http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.24.210).  Similarly, you're not liable unless there was some insane situation on your property that you should have known about and didn't remedy.

Have you thought about simply asking the neighborhood parents to sign waivers as a common Cortes to you, since their kids are constantly trespassing?  If a kid was hit by a car I doubt you'd be responsible, given that the accident wouldn't have taken place on your property and again it goes back to trespasser / recreational use liability.

It's a hugely assholish / entitled move on these parents' part to sit there and watch as their kids use your property as playground, but that's besides the point.


Title: How to proceed if I don't think someone got a fair trial. (Pennsylvania)

Question:
So this happened a few years ago and it's sort of came up due to me needing to get a security check I needed to list my siblings and addresses, my eldest brother is in prison I needed to look him up and see where he was, there was a picture of him taken recently and it kinda made all these feelings well up and is heartbreaking.

So with back story of why I am here the what.
My brother was charged with a very grievous crime and I'm not entirely sure his trial and how the investigation was conducted was done the right way. My sister in law, during the times she would talk about it (I was a minor and she didnt like telling me about it), revealed that sometimes during his holding and interrogation the officers kept denying him visits  from his public defender, no water or breaks for hours, I get that's normal tactics from what I have witnessed from the criminal justice system, but is it right? They used his wife to basically get him to (after hours of interrogation) say he doesn't really know if he did it or not and used that to just slam him in the courts, he still maintained his innocence even when sentenced.

Look I'm not asking a miracle I just want to know how to look into it or bring it to someone's attention when the area it was done is known for being crappy with law enforcement and court system. Just I want to talk to someone about this and know if there's anything at all to make his life less miserable.  Any and all information or replies is appreciated.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 You proceed by going to the guy who it happened to and saying, "Hey.  If you want to do anything about this, you should talk to a lawyer."

That's the first and only step.

Then he does what he wants.  You have no standing to act any further than that.

Assuming that all the things that you heard third hand are even true.


Title: Do police have to fill out the entire (minor misdemeanor) ticket? [OH]

Question:
I was at a party over the weekend when i was handed a blunt, right at the time the cops showed up. They got me for it and gave me a ticket. I know i fucked up but wondered if i could fight this because the ticket is not completely filled out. Any information would be a huge help.
edit: where my thumb is, is where the cop was supposed to sign
http://imgur.com/WhkblZH

Answer: No, it does not have to be entirely filled out.


Title: A shutter blew off my house and poked a 1 inch hole in my neighbor's vinyl siding. Am I responsible?

Question: The shutters are pretty old but the wind is what blew it off and over to their house - about 25 feet away.

Answer:
 You are potentially liable.  Questions would arise as to your maintenance of the property, the strength of the wind, et cetera.

File a claim with your insurance company and let them handle it.Answer #2: That's what is your home insurance is for. Or you can pay out of pocket.

Can the neighbor prove without a doubt damage was from your shutters?


Title: [USA] need help/advice/info on a Peruvian drug trafficking case involving 2 different men, both citizens on Colombia.

Question:
I need to know who i can contact from here in the U.S. to find out 1. more details on the case 2. If the men in question where ever extradited 3. (MOST IMPORTANT PART) if they are still alive.

In the case that any of you guys can read Spanish i will link the most detailed document i could find at the bottom.
I'm a native Spanish speaker so i was able to read the document and have a decent understanding of what happened but i was confused by all of the legal terminology. To sum it up a bit the 2 subjects were contracted sometime back in 1995 to fly into Peru with 90k USD to buy 5 kilos of cocaine/cocaine paste. some how the authorities found out where they were going to land and they caught them. After interrogations they were somehow let go (this is where i got lost a bit but im guessing Peruvian Cops back then were not above being brived) and the order for extradition wasn't issued until 2009.
the person i am more interested in is Peter Klaus Margoliner Salamanca but any information on Fernando vasques Bueno would also go a long way.

Even if you can't read Spanish and are unable to look into more info on the case if you know of a way i can find out more from here in the U.S. i would be extremely grateful. I should also say i plan to go to Colombia with in the next year or so, in-case that matters in any way. another thing i just thought of was that asfar as i know both subject were not incarcerated in any way related to this issue between the years 95-09.

detailed article from what seems to be some sort of Peruvian Law website:
http://vlex.com.pe/vid/-472458478

Second less informative PDF on the case:
http://www.munizlaw.com/Normas/2009/Agosto/27-08-09/R.M.%20N%C2%B0%20344-2009-PRODUCE.pdf

I must apologize for using a throwaway but my friends know of my main account and i would like this to remain private for the time being. I also have to apologize for the poor formatting it is very late and i never post to Reddit.
If this is the wrong sub to post about this kind of stuff please let me know and i will move it.
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer: sorry mr drug cartel hitman/bounty hunter we are not going to assist you here.Answer #2: wat


Title: Pulled over in Nebraska with 1 Ounce of Marijuana & Edible

Question:
So, I live in Michigan, and I tried to move out to Colorado but I couldn't get a job in time to continue living with my cousin.

Before I left Colorado, I picked up an ounce of pot from a dispensary and an edible. I headed towards home, in Michigan.

While on I-80 in Nebraska, I saw a sign on the highway that said "Drug dog search, 1 mile." Obviously being the dumb kid I am, I pulled off on the next exit to avoid that.
However, that is the trick the officers are using because there were 5 Nebraska state troopers on that exit hiding behind signs and bushes pulling over literally anyone taking that exit for fabricated reasons.

The officer that stopped me said I did not use my turn signal coming off of the exit ramp (this is bullshit, I did use my turn signal and there is no way he could have saw from where he was hiding). He asked for my information and had me sit in the passenger seat of his car while asking me more questions and writing up his report.

I stupidly lied to him when he asked where I was coming from. I told him I was coming from Flagstaff Arizona but kept the rest of my actual story true - just not the I was living in Colorado part. Didn't want to tip him off that I would possibly have marijuana in the car.

He says OK, I will write you a warning for the turn signal violation, printed the form out and I asked if I was all set. He says yes, but then kept asking me more and more questions about the drive from Flagstaff before I could exit his car. He asked how long the drive was, where I stayed, who I stayed with, why I was there, and even how much gas I have in my car.

My story of being in Flagstaff stopped adding up because I fucked up by saying it was a 19-hour drive home to Michigan, it's more like 28. He then grilled me on if I had any illegal items or weapons in the car. I said no sir, he says "you know it's just a fine in Nebraska to possess marijuana". I said, "no sir, I do not smoke marijuana because of my job." He asked to search the car, and I consented because if a dog came out, it would smell the weed and I would be boned either way. I was kind of banking on him not finding the weed at this point.

The officer patted me down for weapons and had me wait in the back of his car while he looked. Went through all my belongings and eventually found the ounce of weed. He came back and asked if it was mine, I said yes. He asked if there was anything else, I said there is an edible in the car too and told him where it was. He says OK but kept searching the car.

I had a piece of mail in the car that was from Gieco for an insurance quote.... with my name and a Colorado address. He comes back and starts yelling at me for lying to him and how he isn't sure if I am a murder, human trafficker, if I am blackmailing/blackballing someone, if my belongings are stolen, etc.

I acknowledged lying to him was a stupid idea and said I was just scared and anxious about fucking up my whole life and going to jail over possession of pot. He says I won't be going to jail today and that he'll get me out of here soon.

Writes the new ticket for the possession charge, over one ounce to 1 pound is the charge. I signed the document and left. Misdemeanor; have court in January. I have a clean record outside of two minor traffic violations. I'm only 21 and I would much rather not have to check mark the box on job applications asking if I have been convicted of a crime outside of traffic violations for the rest of my life. I had a career going working IT for public schools, but that would come to an end with this on my record.

I don't have a lot of money, especially now that I'm not working so I don't think hiring a lawyer will be easy for me. Paying the $500 fine I can swallow.

Should I use a public defender and hope he/she can bargain a plea deal to a lesser charge of under an ounce? From my research that is just an infraction rather than a misdemeanor, so it wouldn't show up on background checks. Should I try representing myself and just asking the judge for a plea? Should I plead not guilty being his reason for the traffic stop was bullshit?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Answer: Do not represent yourself. If you can't afford the lawyer, take the public defender.


Title: Massachusetts/Federal Public Restroom Laws

Question:
Hey, sorry to bother you guys, but a friend and myself were having an argument and were having no luck in finding a solution online.

i am of the opinion that all police, fire, and medical facilities are required by law to offer public restroom facilities, as are restaurants with seating areas and public parks.

my friend is of the opinion that all but the restaurants are optional. That no state/federal agency is required to provide clean facilities to the public, that they just often do.

all we could find for our state laws is articles on the transgender bathroom bill, and the medical need laws for non-public restrooms.

could anyone post a listing of types of places (preferably massachusetts specific) that are legally mandated to provide clean facilities to the general public?

Answer:
 No, there is no law that allows you to walk into any given fire/police station and use the bathroom.

As far as I know (NAL, just a resident), restaurants are required to have appropriate facilities based on max occupancy but have no requirement to allow non-customers to use them.

Edit to add: There is no mandate for any given party to provide access to their bathrooms to Joe Public, at least as far as I am aware.


Title: How can I go about Legally deducting from rent in Pennsylvania?

Question: So, we moved into our new apartment in August signing a year lease which included water, sewer, and (gas) heat. Well the temperature dropped last week and I went to turn our heat on. A few hours later I realized that nothing was happening. So we talked to the landlord and she said that we needed a new thermostat she was giving us tomorrow (yesterday) and that would work. Yesterday she came and told us that her "handyman decided to mow the lawn (which is weird in its own right because WE mow the lawn and had just taken care of it)instead of fix the thermostat, but it wouldn't have mattered anyway because she has no gas anyway." Well I did some good old fashioned web surfing and discovered that from October 1st - March we legally should have heat in Pennsylvania (if I am wrong please correct me, there is a lot out there and it is easy to misunderstand.) My parents have a space heater they have offered us, but we pay for electric, and since heat is included in our rent I feel like I shouldn't have to pay for heat twice. I have heard tell of being able to "deduct" from rent and was wondering if I could deduct a certain percentage of our electric bill (the portion paying for heat) from the rent next month? Thank you! I really appreciate any insight you may have in this because fortunately up until now Shitty Landlords were foriegn territory to me.  Again we live in Pennsylvania.

Answer: When did you report the broken furnace?  How long does she say it will take to fix?


Title: Neighbor accusing me of catnapping (Houston, Texas)

Question:
This neighbor has lived next to me for the last year and a half. Her aunt lets her live there with her unstable boyfriend. All the neighbors around us have been witnesses to their dysfunction. Him beating her on the 4th of July in the front yard (everyone called the police but since there was a missing child situation happening none of the police showed up), them sending nonsensical text messages, her screaming like a toddler n front of the house throwing a tantrum etc. Yesterday, they knocked on my door claiming their cat was in my backyard. I went and checked but couldn't find it. Then I told them to feel free to go back there if their cat goes there. Simple and neighborly, right?

This morning (my birthday by the way; yay me) I receive this text, I will quote it because if I just told you, you wouldn't believe it.

"My cat was in your back yard. I have her chipped I will locate her! I hope you didn't pick her up and take her inside. But we will find out."

Separate text:

"It showed you have my cat. We will be filing a police report today"

That's not how pet chips work. And I most certainly do NOT have her cat (my son has allergies) and only have two dogs (who don't like cats). Should I be worried? Should I call the non-emergency police line to file a report? I still have the original owner of the house's number should I call her and see if she can help me. These people are not stable and honestly, I feel threatened by them. Is there any legal way they can hurt me?

Answer: Just ignore her. If she tells the police 'I see the cat's chip in /u/fuckthislifeintheass's house' they'll laugh at her.


Title: How are brothels legal/functioning? [USA]

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 They function legally and in plain view where there is no law preventing them (Nevada).

They endeavor to hide their real purpose and evade enforcement when they operate where there is a law preventing them.Answer #2: Well in some areas they are legal and in some they are not. Do you have any kind of real question?


Title: Slander

Question:
My apologies if this come off as petty but it's been bothering me for a couple of days.

It came to my attention Tuesday that the president of the HOA has been going around telling people that the reason the flower beds in our community are in disorder is because I have been letting my dog trample on them.  This is completely not true.  They're a mess because she decided to do the work herself and did a poor job.

It's upsetting to me to think that people in the neighborhood believe I'm causing property damage.  Would it be incorrect of me to suggest that she's slandering me?

EDIT:  Obligatory Location:  Texas

Answer:
 For you to have a slander case you have to prove not only that the statements are untrue but that they have caused you quantifiable damages.

Unfortunately your neighbor just sounds like an asshole. I'd recommend ignoring unless it is causing you a problem, at which point a simple "oh I heard she's too cheap to maintain the flower beds and is trying to weasel her way out it. I wonder why the HOA/her aren't taking of their responsibilities?" response or something along those lines should redirect the negative attention on her.

Edit: I just realized I basically wrote the same thing that /u/Hokie95 said


Title: If a former U.S. President regained power through coup d'etat, would federal courts uphold his executive actions?

Question:
Thirteen common law jurisdictions have already decided the issue of usurper regimes.

  In Mitchell vs. Director of Public Prosecutions (1986), for example, the High Court of Grenada held that popular support plus control of state organs temporarily legitimized the unconstitutional People's Revolutionary Government on grounds of state necessity.

Answer: Legally that person wouldn't be the President so they have no power to take executive actions.  If the joint chiefs hold a press conference tomorrow and say, "actually it's Obama's third term" and do nothing else, then people could just ignore them.  If Jimmy Carter has his Peanut Praetorian Guard assassinate all those who oppose him to seize power then 1) that includes at least all the judges who would rule against him 2) we are so far beyond the bounds of constitutional government that there's no reason to have a pre-existing rule, whoever is in power could just ignore it.


Title: Was given a quitclaim by my sister

Question:
My father passed a few years ago, leaving his estate, paid for by his insurance for the last 4 years to my sister and I.

I wasn't kept in a lot of the loop about the situation with the estate, but she has just recently given me a legal document title Quitclaim deed, saying she wants to refinance the mortgage and start paying for the estate.

From what I understand this is me giving up my legal rights to the estate, or am I misinterpreting the document?

Edit: paid for as in being paid for, the house was never paid off, very intoxicated last night sorry for the confusion.

Answer: It is you giving up your interest in whatever property it is that is listed on it.


Title: Computer repairer threatening legal action over bad Google review

Question:
Firstly, I’m realise this is utterly ridiculous, but for peace of mind for my girlfriend, I’m posting it anyway.

A while ago my girlfriend took her laptop into a  repair shop here in Australia. She told them it was saying ‘hard drive not found’.

Long story short, it took multiple follow up phone calls, mostly unreturned, and a couple of weeks before they finally said it could be fixed for $160.

She tells them go ahead and I go in a few days later when they say it’s done. I turn the computer on there and see the desktop is blank. I ask if the hard drive was completely replaced (originally they’d suggested it was just a connection issue), they confirmed, and said the old hard drive was dead. I basically said we weren’t told beforehand this was the case, but paid the $160 and signed the form.

The guy says they still have the hard drive and will try to retrieve the files at no cost. I thank him and leave.

Again, it’s multiple calls over a 2 week period chasing an update, and always “I’ll get back to you”.

My girlfriend then gave them a bad Google review. Simply stating the terrible lack of communication and continued “we will get back to you” answers and said they’d been unclear about the repair. They guy replies to the review immediately, saying it’s an unfair review and generally just arguing everything point by point.

He then emails about the review, asking what the problem is. They email back and forth and he said the hard drive contents couldn’t be saved - I wasn’t told this on the phone when I asked for an update.  He says he will have someone else look at it.

He then starts emailing and messaging almost daily asking for the review to be taken down.

Eventually he says nothing can be done about the hard drive. The daily emails and messages don’t stop. She eventually says she will delete the review once she has the HD back, just so he leaves her alone.

I went in last Monday, 10/9 and picked up the dead hard drive and he again mentions the review. I just nod and leave.

He has since emailed or messaged every day asking for it to be taken down.

All of this is pretty long winded, just to give full context to the email he sent to tonight:

“Hi,
we had chat with our lawyer and Google about your review and about the promise you gave us to remove the review , you didn’t send any reply to our many messages we sent to you  , and the meaning is you dont want to delete the review as you gave us the promise to do it ,our lawyer and Google review case managment  said you have to pay the whole cost by law because you did your review and the job is complete.
 you have to pay all the inspection cost we did for your hard drive in 3 DAYS .
the invoice sent to you .

Regards,”

Attached was an “invoice” (there are no payment details on it) for $180 for attempted hard drive recovery.

I’ve tried to explain to her that nobody can just “have a chat to Google” and also if this were an actual legal matter, it would’ve come from a lawyer.

Any advice on how to proceed/reply (if at all)?

Topic:
Non-US

Answer: I would update your review with the attempted extortion he just did.


Title: (FL) A bald eagle drops tons of feathers in my yard, what can I do?

Question:
A family of bald eagles live near my house and every feather they lose ends up in my yard. My dog has tried to eat the feathers and gotten sick a few times.

I know only Native Americans are supposed to have the feathers but am I allowed to pick the feathers up and dump them over my fence? Do I have to call some out to remove them? Can just use a leaf blower or something so that I don't actually touch them? I just want them out of my yard.

Answer:
 So, while it may be technically illegal to even handle these feathers, I don't think anyone is going to apply that law if you pick them up to keep your dog safe, while simultaneously ensuring your dog doesn't damage them.

Go find a large, weather-proof box of some sort and mount it on a fence post near the site where you find the feathers.  Put a big label on it that reads "for collection by the Department of Natural Resources".  Then place all the feathers you find in that box.  (Maybe ensure the box isn't air-tight, you don't want moldy feathers.)

At the same time, contact the DNR and explain that you've picked the feathers up off the ground to prevent your dog damaging them, and tell them where they can come to pick them up.  Perhaps do this in writing and keep a copy.  Also take some pics of the box and its label.

I'm not a lawyer, so this isn't really legal advice.  But the strictness of this law is to prevent poaching - not to screw over a home-owner ensuring his pet doesn't choke.  If you can clearly demonstrate that you weren't trying to possess the feathers, I can't imagine anyone is even going to take issue with it.


Title: MIL's Medical Insurance went bankrupt, medical services are being billed directly to MIL and threatening to send her to collections

Question:
Hello, title says it all really..

my Mother In Law had a crappy medical insurance through her work. It seems the insurance company simply disappeared (I assume it went bankrupt), now bills that should've been covered by that medical insurance are being billed directly to my MIL.

My MIL talked with her company and they told her not to worry about and to "direct whomever was billing her to the accountant at her work," but the bills keep on coming and she's past the 2nd notice and now and receiving "Last notice" letters and the accountant's tune is always the same.

We've already talked with the people billing, explaining the details, they had my MIL's account supposedly on hold until this cleared up, but the hold was not indefinite.

My MIL is so nervous she's considering paying, but we don't feel that's fair.

Any suggestions as to what I could suggest my MIL to do?

&#x200B;

thanks!

Answer: Where are you located? Each US state has a [Dept of Insurance](https://naic.org/state_web_map.htm) (name may vary slightly) with regulatory oversight of insurance companies, and each state also has a "guaranty association" that will help pay the claims of bankrupt companies; your state's regulator can provide more information about these. If her company's plan was self-funded, however, and the insurance company was just acting as administrator, then the plan probably falls under the regulatory authority of the US Dept of Labor [Employee Benefits Security Administration](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/ask-a-question/ask-ebsa).


Title: Kicked out of bar for not tipping bartender.

Question:
Hello all,
This is based out of Florida.
This isn’t applicable for me, but I had a friend that was recently kicked out of a bar here. Reason he was given was that he did not tip the bartender. He feels as if it is racial discrimination because of the demographics of the area.

Just looking to find out if the bar’s employees had the right to kick someone out for not tipping.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 Yes, you can be kicked out of an establishment for being a poor customer and not tipping as is the custom in the states.Answer #2: Yes, they have the right to remove patrons.Answer #3: First, if the service was good, always tip your bartender. Second, there is most likely a sign up somewhere that reads "we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, anytime, for any reason" or something similar.Answer #4: It's not unlawful to kick out non-tippers, but it is very unlawful to kick out black people for being black and then say "Oh, it's because you didn't tip."

I've never heard of someone being banned from a bar for not tipping the bartender. Perhaps your friend is right and this is just a thinly veiled pretext for kicking him out due to his skin color. Is he black?

What is his history at the bar, has he been going there a lot over a long period of time and never tipping, or did he just go in once, order a beer, pay for it, not tip, and then get thrown out?

Did the bartenders ask him why he doesn't tip before throwing him out?  Is there a particular reason he doesn't tip or didn't tip (like because he dislikes the bartenders)?

He can file a complaint with the Florida civil rights commission if he thinks he has been the victim of unlawful discrimination.  They may then investigate the complaint and find out, for example, how many white people have been banned from the bar for not tipping.


Title: Dad wants brother to inherit house: better to put him on the deed or transfer partial ownership year by year?

Question:
My Brother lives with my disabled Father to take care of him full time (and I'm sooo grateful.)  Dad is getting up in years and wants to ensure my Brother has somewhere to live in case of Dad's death, so Dad wants to leave his home to my Brother (a good idea from my perspective.)

What's the best way for Dad to do this to minimize overall financial burden on the family?  (By "Family" I mean "Me."  I'd have to cover any expenses my Brother has, he really spends ALL his time taking care of our parents.)

Two ideas we had:

1. Make my Brother partial owner of the house by putting his name on the deed. In case Dad passes, remaining ownership would go to my Brother.  Wouldn't my Brother still need to pay large inheritance tax?

1. Transfer partial ownership (something like $13.5k/year) to my Brother over the next X years until my Brother owns the house.  This will likely cost about $700/year in legal fees to get executed.

Is there any better way to address this?

Based on family history and his shockingly pragmatic commentary, Dad probably has another 5-8 years.

Thanks in advance: next step seems like an inheritance or real estate lawyer.

EDITS: grammar, clarity, perfectionism

Answer:
 What country/state and/or province are you in?

If you are in the U.S., you should consider a life estate. A life estate is an interest in property between two or more people where one person (the "life tenant") resides in and has full use of the property until his death. When the life tenant dies, the property falls back to the other person (the "remainderman"). In this situation, your father would deed the property to your brother and retain a life estate interest as the life tenant for himself.

Your solutions are too complicated and expensive. A life estate will resolve all of your issues at minimal cost. Further, this will ensure both your dad and brother have a place to stay, with the added benefit of avoiding probate costs. Laws vary from state to state, so you should contact a local real estate attorney in your area, who should be able to accomplish this fairly cheaply.

Good luck.


Title: My grandpa died in 2005. He had no will and his stuff was divided equally between my mother and aunt. Now someone is living in his house! -- California

Question:
Back in 2005 my grandpa died (RIP!) but he had no will. After two years both my mother and my aunt received checks as he owned a house and a bunch of rare antiques. The only thing that was not sold was the house he lived in as his wife (who, I'm not sure got anything but she probably did since I was very young at the time) was still living there. We were told the house was going to be sold in three years (2010) and the money divided equally between my mother and my aunt.

It has been over a decade since my grandpa has died. Just recently we (my mother, sister and me) drove by his old house and noticed an unfamiliar car in the parking lot. We are not sure who this person is or why/how they are living there. We have tried several times to get into contact with the lawyer who originally took the case but it is very difficult to get any sort of response out of her.

I guess I'm just not sure exactly how about I should proceed. Should I try getting into contact with a new lawyer? A private investigator? Any help is appreciated.
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 You need to find out what happened to the house.  You can look up county records and find out if/when it was bought/sold.Answer #2: IANAL.  I'm not sure I understand something here.  Your grandfather had a wife when he died without a will?  In California, a spouse would get all community property, and children would receive 1/2 or 1/3 of separate property.

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/intestate-succession-california.htmlAnswer #3: First step is to contact the person who administered you father's estate.


Title: Can a business have me work without pay for 3 weeks in the promise of a higher pay?

Question:
My friend applied to work somewhere, and was telling me that he was going to work there for 3 weeks without being paying, in the promise of being paid more.

I’m almost certain that’s illegal, since it’d be an internship with the promise of a job later, but is it actually illegal?

It breaks four of the laws [here](https://smallbusiness.findlaw.com/employment-law-and-human-resources/unpaid-internship-rules.html), I’m pretty sure, too

We’re in Idaho, USA, and he’s 15
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 So there's a couple things here.  First, when starting a new job, it's fairly normal not to get paid for 3-4 weeks, depending on pay cycles.  Often you have to work to the end of a pay period(usually two weeks) then you have to wait for that one to be paid out(1-2 more weeks).  So it wouldn't be weird at all to start a new job and go three weeks without pay.

Second, your situation here is a bit unclear.  The boss is offering an option?  Get your pay now at X rate or wait three weeks for pay at Y rate?  Why is he doing this?Answer #2: FLSA states if you work, you must be paid and there's a minimum wage. If they aren't getting that, they can file a claim or contact a lawyer to do it for them.


Title: Group of friends and I were caught "shoplifting", what can be expected next?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Worst case? You'd all be charged and have to appear in court in Florida, tried and convicted, get fined, go to jail, jail is hit by asteroid.

Asteroid risk is not legally quantifiable. Answer #2: I'm sure that this happened exactly as described.Answer #3: I doubt that the cash register was high. Cash registers don't normally have the capacity to smoke. Cashiers on the other hand? Maybe.


Title: Cell phone while driving ticket in NY. Advice?

Question: (Upstate NY) just got a ticket for using a mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle. I’m broke. What can I do?

Answer: Don’t use your phone while driving any more


Title: I recently had a doctor make racial remarks toward me, and am trying to find out what to do.

Question:
I live in a fairly rural area and am in need of a pain management physician. I have been seeing one over the past few months and have not been satisfied, but because this is a small area and it is difficult to be accepted into a pain management program in the first place I have accepted it and dealt with it. During my last visit he made some racial comments that both offended and astonished me. He is an older gentleman but that does NOT forgive how absolutely racist and unprofessional the dialogue was.

As the visit began, he asked me when I was going to quit using my vaporizer. I told him that I soon would (hopefully), but I am using it to quit smoking pretty successfully. He began to lecture me that there are five things that switch on the addictive center in the brain, and that I am just an addict. I told him that I didn't agree, but he persisted asking me who in my family was a "junky" or a "drunk". We went through all of the members of my family and I pointed out that in fact, none of them are. I then told him that, as I had told him before, I am adopted and know very little about my biological parents only meeting my mother twice. He asked about her. I'll Refer to him as Dr. R:

Dr. R: "She's fat or a drunk isn't she?"
Me: "Not that I know of. She isn't overweight, in fact she is pretty skinny."
Dr. R: (interrupting) "Well it must be your fathers side."
Me: -"She is Native American, and is from the eastern part of the state."
Dr. R.: "Oh, she's an Indian. There you go."
Me: "Excuse me?"
Dr. R: "Native Americans are drunks. There you go."
Me: "Are you saying that ALL Native Americans are alcoholics?"
Dr. R: "Yes. Of course."
Me: "I'd rather we end this conversation."

I was appalled. Is there any recourse to this? Is there some way to report him? Is this not completely unprofessional for a physician, or am I just being too sensitive?

Thank you for any insight.

Edit: Formatting

Answer:
 You can report him to the medical board, or to his superiors at the hospital or office he works in.

There's nothing illegal about being racist.


Title: How should I go about bringing my DACA recipient girlfriend back to the US?

Question:
Hey guys! A little background before the context:

Country: USA
State: Georgia
My age: 21
Job: AEMT/firefighter recruit nearly done with training, 43K a year, but I'll be moving into programming in the future (currently doing projects in spare time)

Her country: Mexico
Her age: 20

She was brought into the country by her parents illegally when she was about 3 years old, but received DACA to stay in legally. After Trump's election and the termination of the program, she decided to leave before she actually became illegal and went back to Mexico with her family. I'm 100% sure I want to marry her, and both of our families support it. My main two questions are should I get a lawyer to help despite the seemingly straightforward application process (which I'm sure I'm wrong to think it's straightforward) and in terms of the permanent residence, do I personally need to own a home for 2 to 3 years or can I list my current residence as the permanent address and change it when I buy my own home in the next couple of years?

Basically, I was told that I should go to Mexico and marry her there (which would fall under K-3 I believe), list my current residence as a permanent address for now, wait the required amount of time it takes for everything to process, and when I get my own place, change the permanent address, and wait for her to legally come back to the US.

Is this really the entire process or is my understanding completely wrong?

Answer:
 DACA did not give her a legal right to stay in the US.  Since she was unlawfully present and voluntarily left the country she may be denied entry into the US for 10 years.

You do not need to own your own home to have permanent residence in the US.

You should hire an immigration attorney.


Title: Lost my Job. Couldnt pay rent. Got new job. Too late, eviction notice. (NJ)

Question:
Hi Legaladvice.

So basically i absolutely fucked up. I signed a lease back in august for a place worth $700 a month. I paid the deposit, the down payment and the first three months rent on time.
In october i had a discussion with my boss about how i felt i was being treated unfairly. He told me he would discuss it with my manager. Before my next shift I was told it was best if I didnt come back.

So i started job hunting. I got a job by late november and my first check on the first week of december. I put all $180 towards food and toiletries. My last check came in last week for about $500 and i used every bit of it to pay off some of the overdue rent.

I thought i was in the clear and could pay off things. I thought, by some miracle, i had managed not to fuck things up.

I was wrong. I got an eviction notice stating that i have a court date on the 13th to dispute the claim and Im terrified.

I have no clue what to say in court. I figure being entirely honest and owning up to the fact that i should've kept my mouth shut until i found another job, like a responsible adult, would've been the right thing to do. But I didnt and i just want a chance to fix this.

I think theres a 60 day eviction notice in New Jersey and i could definitely pay off the debt $700 every 2 weeks (when i get paid) It would take me a little under 2 months to catch up on the rent.

Do i have a chance of getting a break here? I know i colassally messed up. Its my first time being out on my own and i have no where else to go. If i give proof if my new job and promise to catch up on payment, could i be given some time to fix the debt?

On the notice, it said the only reason for eviction was the rent missed. Idk if that matters.

Any help is appreciated.

Answer:
 Read [this](http://www.lsnjlaw.org/publications/pages/manuals/tenantsrights.pdf), starting on page 45. On the day of court, you'll have an opportunity to sit down with your landlord or their attorney and work out a settlement or payment plan to keep you in the apartment. You might have better luck reaching a settlement if you talk to your landlord now, before they have to pay their lawyer to go to court.

The most important thing is to show up to the court date, on time, no matter what. Even if you reach a deal with your landlord, you must still come to court unless you get something in writing saying that the case has been dismissed.


Title: (TX) Moved into new apartment over 2 weeks ago and still no mailbox key

Question:
Not sure if this is the right place for this or if anything legally weird is going on but I'm not sure what else to do.

My boyfriend and I just moved into a new apartment just over 2 weeks ago and on move in day when I went to pick up our new key they said mailbox keys weren't organized yet so we'd have to come back the next day. When we did we were told they still weren't ready and that we would get a call when they were.

Several more days go by and still nothing so we email the property manager who has absolutely no idea what we're talking about but tells us we have to put in a maintenance request for a mailbox key. (???)

It seems ridiculous but we do it anyway and now it's been 2 weeks of back and forth and still no key. We still have no access to our mail and it seems we're being given the run around. Is there anything we can do?
Not being able to access mail seems a bit serious to me but I could just be over thinking it.

Thanks in advance!

Answer: Call the Post office.


Title: Boss presented MY liquor service card to liquor control inspectors.

Question:
Title says most of it. I was working in the kitchen at my job  (not touching, ringing in, mixing, or serving alcohol) tonight, and right in the middle of our dinner rush the Oregon Liquor Control Commission inspectors came in. I was heading to the back to grab some stock for the kitchen, when my new manager came running past me into the office. She turned around and asked me for my OLCC card (service permit). I didn’t even think about it and handed her my card. She then proceeded to present MY card as her own to the inspectors. I thought when I initially handed it to her it was because the inspector needed to see everyone’s permit. I now realize that it was because she didn’t have her own. This makes me seriously uncomfortable because she apparently didn’t have her own on her, which you are REQUIRED to. She says she has one but I have no idea if that’s true.  My question here is this, is what she did illegal/ a findable offense? I’ve tried to look through the OOCC website and can’t find anything. I just want to make sure that I won’t get into trouble. I genuinely didn’t know she was going to present my service permit as her own.
Thanks!
Sorry for any errors/ formatting on mobile.

Answer:
 She criminally impersonated you, as well as surely a number of Oregon specific liquor law violations.

You should consult with a lawyer because by handing her your card you have an optics problem--it looks like you conspired with her.Answer #2: Talk to your other management. If that new manager is gambling with the OLCC it will not turn out well for your restaurant. If the OLCC was doing an inspection and left without slamming that manager with fines I doubt you have anything to worry about, but you need to let the GM know what's going on to cover your own ass.
Answer #3: Just want to be sure. Did she actually verbally claim it as her own, or just show the inspector?Answer #4: Obviously, she needs to keep her own with her and not to misrepresent your permit as hers.

But that being said...did anything come from this? Did the inspectors notice the discrepancy or care?  If they didn't give a violation on the spot, chances are they didn't notice. It doesn't make what she did less illegal, but I'm not sure what there is to gain by calling in and essentially incriminating the business for no reason.

Report it to the management, make sure she keeps her card with her, and don't turn yours over again, and you should be  personally fine.
Answer #5: Did she get away with it? If so, not sure why people are telling you to  consult an attorney now. Just don't do it again and don't say shit to anyone about it, especially the agency. If the agency contacts you about it, then get an attorney. No need for one now.


Title: My landlords entered my home while I was gone (non emergency) and a window is broken. Haven't answered calls or texts. [MN]

Question:
Hi all.
I work Ems and was gone for 2 days at work. They called me Friday and asked if it was a good time to do some outside work. Power washing and such. I said absolutely. I came home and saw my front window is gone with a tarp over it. My doors were unlocked and furniture moved.  Im assuming it was them. I've called to see what's up with the window and haven't heard back. I feel like this violates some tenant laws. Is there anything I can do?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 You gave permission and through the course of their work they damaged you window.

This created an emergency situation and allowed the landlord to enter.

Answer #2: It depends on what they say. If they broke the window while power washing, putting a tarp over could be considered an emergency.

You should complain about them leaving your apartment unlocked though.


Title: Neighbor parked car in my yard and left on vacation. Should I have it towed?

Question:
I'm located in Southern Indiana, USA. I got home from errands Sunday afternoon and noticed a car I didn't recognize parked in my yard between my driveway and the neighbor's house. Only slightly bothered by the situation I ignored it thinking they would be gone by the end of the day. My girlfriend and I left for dinner and came home with the car still there. So I went and knocked and the neighbor's daughter answered. I asked what was up and she said left for vacation and would be back Tuesday (today, i think). I simply said they couldn't do that and it needed to be moved asap.

Well it's Tuesday and all its done is bother me. It isn't an "inconvenience" and the neighbors just moved in so I would hate to create bad blood but it's completely disrespectful. This would be a different situation if only they had asked if it could be parked there.

I'm renting my property so I figure I will call the landlord tomorrow and see what they think of the situation. Would I be wrong in doing that? Am I an asshole? It should be towed, right? Should I ask the landlord to have it towed?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 I say ignore it, as long as it's not damaging your lawn or blocking your driveway.

The charitable interpretation is that they think they have an easement to park (or even that they own/rent) in that spot.

The uncharitable interpretation is that they're screaming assholes who are unconcerned with your property rights.

If a conversation with them tomorrow reminding them where the property line is doesn't go well, I expect you'll have plenty of additional opportunities to engage in dispute resolution with them.


Title: Asking for advice about an injury at McDonald's

Question: [deleted]

Answer: How is McDonald's negligent? Sounds like it is your son's faultAnswer #2: I don't see how you have any claim here. How is McDonalds negligent for owning a door? Most people do and the same exact thing would happen if you'd done it on any other door. Doors pinch fingers, it is known. Answer #3: Wait to hear back from insurance. See what they say. Have your medical paperwork ready to send over to them


Title: What do I do if I know that an Amazon package was stolen?

Question: I ordered a headset for my PS4 off of Amazon a few days ago ($80), and was out and about whenever it was delivered to my doorstep. I live in an apartment complex in Houston, TX, and when I came home, I found the box torn open and tossed aside ~100 feet away from my door, with my product not inside. I've read that I should just tell Amazon that I never received my package, and I'm worried that if I tell the truth (with picture evidence) they will think that I'm just trying to nab another headset, since I do have the box that was delivered to me (but nothing in it). Should I just say that I never received it in the first place, or tell the truth and hope they believe me? Thanks in advance

Answer:
 Not a lawyer, but someone with a lot of Amazon orders. Chat with Amazon support, tell them the truth and they'll most likely offer you a refund or replacement, no questions asked. If Amazon wants to pursue to the theft investigation, they can do so from their side.  Chances are high that they won't give a crap and will just write it off.

For your side, call up UPS/FedEx/whomever and give special instructions to leave packages at the office, or on the patio (if accessible). If you find that the delivery agents don't always follow the address notes, a couple of friends of mine have had pretty good success with "Please leave deliveries at the office" signs on their doors.Answer #2: >Tell them the truth and give them the chance to make it right.

/
>Not a lawyer, but someone with a lot of Amazon orders. Chat with Amazon support, tell them the truth and they'll most likely offer you a refund or replacement, no questions asked

/

>CONTACT YOUR SELLER FIRST

Am I nuts, or is Amazon absolutely not legally responsible for a missing package when OP *knows* it was delivered?


Title: [TX] Single, soon to be father. What to expect and what to do?

Question:
About 4 months back I had a one-night stand with a girl that resulted in a pregnancy. What steps should I take, legal and in general, to be prepared.

A little more on the story.. The night of, the girl told me she would have a bad reaction to my condom and would use a pill the following day. I know.. I'm still kicking myself for not walking away. About a month goes by and I get a text from her saying she is pregnant. After talking I find out she never took any birth control. A week or two later I'm out of state and she calls me to tell me in extreme detail about her miscarriage. She even adds in how her family is reacting and sends a picture of a gravestone she picked out. This story lasts for about half an hour and I believe every word of it. A month ago in December I get a text from her sister saying it was all a lie and she is still pregnant.

I happen to record all calls and saved everyone of hers along with text messages when I found out last month. I just graduated from college and I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't have a diploma. She currently has a daughter but her parents take care of her mostly it seems.

Do any of these circumstances help me when a judge (or whoever) is deciding how we will cooperate in the future? I hear a lot of horror stories about how fathers don't get much say in the court room.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Answer:
 Well first you need to find out if she is actually pregnant.

What is it you want in relation to the child? Custody? Visitation?  You want them both to just go away and never contact you?


Title: Can an employer submit a two week notice on behalf of an employee as a way around firing them?

Question:
Hey everyone,

I live in Michigan and my SO works in retail and has been singled out by management. There’s been a number of issues between her and a manager, which all stem from lateness/ absence due to medical issues that my SO had made known to the store owner. The manager in question has been taking efforts to make the workplace difficult for her, so she complained to the store manager (one level higher) and they basically brushed everything under the rug and never brought it up again. This was about 2 weeks ago.

4 days ago, SO had to take an Uber to work and when she went to enter her credit card (the one they had on file expired) and when she opened her wallet, her card was missing. I had her card, but she thought it was stolen so she called worked, called the bank, generally freaked out, but I was eventually able to get her a card number to use between classes. In total she was about an hour late.

Now, this company has a 3 strikes policy that if you get 3 write ups, then you’re out. SO got her first write up from the first manager about 2 months ago and the store manager issued her a second write up on Thursday due to the Uber incident.

She just called and told me that they’ve fired her and are basically putting in two weeks notice for her so get around the written policy. Is this legal? She’s about to start summer semester and doesn’t have a lot of time to find other work, and this seems like it’s going to prevent her from collecting unemployment or anything. Does she have recourse? It’s a “family-owned” franchise that models after the corporate structure. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Answer: Two-weeks notice is  courtesy only. Either she quit or was fired. I'd tell her to file for unemployment and move on.


Title: Can an off duty police officer pull me over? Full story below

Question: I was driving home from my girlfriends house at night and I noticed a car on my butt like less then a cars length. I was already going 5 over to try to get a little ways apart. When the road opened up to two lanes the driver cut over no turn signal and tried to speed past me. Of course me being an insecure little twat I hit the gas to show him what’s up. We eventually got to a red like that is known for racing in my town. It’s two lanes and the right lane has to merge over in about 500 feet. This guy was inching up signaling that he was going to try to gun it. When the light turned green I hit the gas and so did he, we were neck and neck until I look over and see an officer in uniform and so I slowed down. Right down the street there’s a road you can turn left on. I noticed the cop started to slow down. When we both turned he then braked checked me and slowly stopped in the middle of the road. He got out with a flashlight and the first thing he said was “have you been drinking” and threatened to search my car. Never once did he state what police department he was from, his name or badge number. He didn’t even ask for my license or registration.(he was off duty in his own Acura so he never put any light on) Me being feared I just apologized and he was threatening to tow my car. After he asked where I was going I pointed because it was right up the street. He said he was going to let me go but cursed while walking away. Never once did he radio any other officers. When he drove away I saw that he lived in my neighborhood. The next day I found his house and reported him to the police station. Was he lawful to do so? Btw this is in Maryland

Answer:
 There's nothing illegal about a police officer investigating a crime, whether they're on duty or not.

>The next day I found his house and reported him to the police station.

That was probably stupid. Now you got an officer in your neighbor that really doesn't like you.


Title: [WI] I committed an offense when I was 16 and the state waited until I was 18 to issue charges against me.

Question:
When I was 16 I accused of manufacturing/delivery of Schedule I narcotics and then I was charged with felony forgery and a second manufacturing/delivery charge over two years later when I was 18.

When I turned 18, I was told if I didn't plea I would be hit with an extra manufacture/delivery and a second forgery.

Is this legal for the state to wait over 2 years to bring charges against me and then threaten me with additional charges if I try to take this to trial?

When they came to my house, it turned out a $20 bill on the premises was fake. They also threatened me with federal counterfeiting.

I had no idea said bill was fake and can the state wait over 2+ years to finally issue me charges to fuck me as an adult for what should have been a possession charge as a minor?
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer:
 As long as it is within the statute of limitations then yes, they can wait to charge you.

You need an attorney who can mitigate the damages


Title: Fictional situation, can someone get served papers for an inheritance from someone they've been avoiding?

Question:
Hey friends, working on a novel/novella , and the character getting served papers for an inheritance from an uncle shes been actively avoiding/escaped from is a large part of the intro.

But after some mulling it over, I'm not sure if that's realistic. Novel is set in north America between New York and somewhere in Canada.

Hope it's okay to ask this here, if not please feel free to guide me elsewhere.

Thanks to anyone who responds!

Answer: Is there a sub on reddit for private detectives? They are sometimes hired to find missing heirs, and might be able to help you with your novel.Answer #2: What do you mean "served papers"? You make it sound like they're being sued  Unless they have some kind of restraining order, nothing would legally prevent the uncle from sending them any documents about an inheritance.


Title: Roommate is cutting off hot water or turning the water off all together, flipping the breaker switch for the electricity to my room, won't let me watch TV or use the wifi, and takes my groceries

Question:
My roommate keeps flipping  off the hot water  when I get home from work or before he leaves for work.  He flipped the electricity breaker thingy so I have no lights or air con or  fan or anything in my room.  He changed the wifi password so I can't use and took the tv controllers so I can't watch tv.   And he keeps eating all the groceries I buy for myself.

He also keeps taking my dog and locki g her in his room so I can't have her.  Then getting upset when she destroys things.

Can he do this? What can I do?

I pay 1/2 the bills.

Also as for the no air-conditioning or fan in my room, it's over 90 degrees out and I take lithium so this is super dangerous and could kill me

This is in Mississippi

Answer: Call the police. This isn’t a safe living situation at all.


Title: [NC] My step-father is cosigning a loan for my sister's house for a wedding gift without my mother's consent.

Question:
Just a few minutes ago, my mother had a conversation with me about some financial issues with my step-sister's (I'll just refer to her as my sister from here on out) upcoming wedding. Here's some background knowledge: my sister, let's call her Susan, works on a farm; her fiance, Nick, is in a small time band. To put it bluntly, they are a pretty poor couple, and they have difficulty keeping up with basic necessities. To make matters worse, financially, they have a baby on the way.

My step-father agreed to cosign a loan for $250,000 to purchase a house. This is not a downpayment, this is for the entire mortgage. From what I understand, my parents will be stuck with the entire mortgage if my sister cannot pay for it (and she won't be able to pay for it).

This was all without my mother's knowledge, and she is losing her mind. She doesn't want to go to the wedding now and she's getting a marriage counselor. She is trying to come up with some other way to work this out, any way she doesn't have to cosign a loan.

My step-father will not back down since Susan claims to have found their "dream house" and it is "perfect for their new family". The thing is that they can't get a loan to purchase a house because their credit is absolutely horrendous due to their lackluster history as debtors.

I really don't know how to resolve this. My mom and I had a really long conversation about what to do, since if my sister misses the payments we'll be screwed. I'm in school right now, and those payments are enough for my family to pay for.

Ultimately, I just want to be able to support my mom right now since I think my step-father is clearly in the wrong here. What's the best way to go about supporting her in this situation without alienating the whole family?

My mother is just asking about what legal precautions to take right now to protect her assets. She isn't sure if she needs a lawyer, or anything really. She doesn't necessarily want a divorce yet, either.

tl;dr: Step-father about to cosign a massive loan for my sister's wedding without my mom's permission, and now my mom is losing her mind and threatening not to go to the wedding.

Answer:
 >My mom and I had a really long conversation about what to do, since if my sister misses the payments we'll be screwed. I'm in school right now, and those payments are enough for my family to pay for

You and your mom want to spend money on your school, your step-father and your step-sister want to spend money on her house. As /u/Brad_Wesley said this isn't a legal question, it's for /r/relationships. Answer #2: He's allowed to co-sign the loan if he wants, and she can't stop him. If she doesn't want the debt hanging over her, she can divorce him. If the divorce doesn't finalize before the house purchase, then the disposition of it will have to be settled in divorce court.


Title: Insurance Company cancelling policy due to Marijuana?

Question:
Located in Oregon, we have a (legal)(medical) marijuana grow operation located within a commercial condo unit that we own.  The condo owner's association carries a few insurance policies for the association as a whole (common elements, total coverage, liability).  Each individual owner/suite also carries their own individual policies.

The condo is in an industrial zone, and is mixed-use.  There are professional businesses (legal, medical, etc) mixed in with things like manufacturers, machining, construction, etc.

Can the insurance company cancel the association's policy, "due to" discovering the presence of a marijuana grow?

(Well, I assume an insurance company can find any reason it wants to cancel a policy, so I guess I should ask a different question.)

I've read thru the policies, and also searched them for keywords like <"illegal", "drugs", "valid use", "marijuana", etc>, and I don't actually see anything that discusses what each individual owner can or can't do in their suites.

In talking with other owners, no one has ever been asked to inform the insurance company, or the condo board, about the type of business that is operating in their suites.

Any thoughts, or links to similar situations, would be appreciated.

Answer: Yes, your insurance company can almost certainly cancel you for using the insured property to commit a major and ongoing series of felonies.


Title: Car sold without Co-owner signature in Louisiana

Question:
My ex wife and I have been divorced for about a year.  We had a car titled in both of our names, however my name was not removed. The car has not been drivable for the past 3 months and she sold the car to a junk yard a few days ago without my knowledge or consent.
We are both listed on the title with an and between the names, my name listed first and we are in Louisiana.
She did not have my signature or consent as stated above. She had to call 5 or 6 junk yards before anyone would take the car.
What are the repercussions to her actions? Can she legally sell the car without my signature? I’m not familiar with Louisiana laws and what can and cannot be done. I’m aware this situation can vary state to state.
Any advice would be appreciated or if I should post in a different subreddit, let me know.
Thanks.

Answer: Report it as stolen.


Title: Head on collision, shes completely at fault, estimated over 500,000 in injuries.

Question:
Short summary:Not me, but my best friend, Head on collision in a "at fault state" lady went left of center causing a head on collision, police report states she was completely at fault, and witnesses also stating she was at fault. He has had a surgery for lacerated spleen, aorta, liver, broken left arm, and many many more injuries/rehab still to come, after doing some research there is no way it ll be less than 500,000 in injuries and possibly more. I'm not very legal savy and his family that was involved in the accident (Minor injuries: broken hip, etc) Will be talking to a lawyer later this week. Regarding sueing, What and how will this most likely occur? The defendant insurance policy will cover whatever the policy limit is ($50,000-100,000?) Then do they directly file a claim against the defendant herself? after everything is done and over with who will be responsible for the outstanding medical debt?
State: Illiniois

P.S: Defendant was driving a 2010 model GMC SUV
P.S.S: I am very unfamiliar in the legal field, so pardon my ignorance on this particular subject!

Answer:
 If the other driver is liable, then yes, she's responsible for any amounts above insurance coverage, but unless she's rich, such money can be difficult to collect.  You should talk to your own insurance company about the underinsured/uninsured coverage that you hopefully have.

Generally, you start with the insurance companies, not lawyers.


Title: (Tampa, Florida) I can not afford my probation

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 See your officer. Bring a bank statement. Be polite and reasonable. Ask him or her if there are any programs available to help you with the cost of the program. Ask him or her if it is possible to defer your fees for this month to the end of your schedule.

Good luck.


Title: The previous owner reported my wife's car stolen after claiming a lost title. We are trying to pick up the pieces. CO,WA, OR.

Question:
I will try to limit this as it is complicated, which is making it trickier to pick up.

We bought a car from a craigslist seller in June of this year with cash. We documented everything, got pictures and thought we were in the clear. The car had been owned by a non english speaking women, and most of the deal was done by her "grandson".

We transferred the title to my wifes name in CO, receiving a receipt and proof of ownership and registered the car in WA as that's where our insurance is based and where we live full time (we are in CO for school). Everything seemed peachy.

1 month later, unbeknownst to us, the previous owner went in to a CO DMV office and was issued a lost title. 5 days later she filed a stolen vehicle report saying that she left her vehicle running in the dirveway and it was stolen, A police report was taken, her insurance filed it and a month or so later she was paid out the entire price of the car.

Someone in that chain errors got a whiff of a scam and found that the car was registered in WA. A field investigator in WA showed up at my mother in laws and a friends house (we use their PO box) asking about my wife and our car. We got in touch with the insurance company and checked our carfax and saw all the drama that had unfolded. My wife got our documentation and met with an insurance rep here in CO and he confirmed that we did in fact purchase and legally own the car.

We were waiting to hear from the original owners insurance when my wife was contacted by WA dmv and told that her title and plates were voided because a dublicate title was issued in CO. The most current title is held by the original owners insurance company in OR and WA wont reissue our title to us until OR DMV(who wont do anything for us) or CO DMV(who wont do anything for us) tell them the second title is void. We are trying to figure it out with the insurance company but it is a slow process.

It seems we will get our title figured out, but my question is, who the hell do we sue for this hassle?

TL:DR: Previous owner claimed title on our car and committed insurance fraud, we are having a hard time reclaiming our title and  making our car road legal. Who do we sue?

Edit/Update: My wife has been chasing the 3 states DMV's and the insurance company all day. The insurance company is holding the title (currently issued in OR) and wont release it until they go through court with the original owner. OR wont release it until the current holder does, CO wont purge it until OR releases it and WA wont reinstate it until they hear from CO. Any advice on how to go about getting the title back into our hands?

Answer:
 So, you had completed the title transfer on the vehicle _before_ the previous owner went to the DMV and got a duplicate title?  That sounds like the DMV messed up, or the title you received with the sale was imperfect somehow.Answer #2: > Who do we sue?

It's not really clear who the scammer is here, but the answer is that you sue whoever lied to get this going.  Either the grandson lied when he sold the car, or the grandmother lied when she got the duplicate title.  Sue whichever one of them that is.Answer #3: >who the hell do we sue for this hassle?

The original owner I'm afraid. Answer #4: In Virginia, the DMV has an investigations division. In order to get in contact with that division, one has to fill out certain forms and wait for those forms to be forwarded through the chain. I'd contact the CO DMV and ask for the fraud investigation division and/or ask for any forms necessary to contact that division. Being in contact with the fraud investigations may at least let you get updates on the investigations process, but my guess is that you're going to have to garage the car until you can get this sorted.

Keep records of the money you spend to get around because you can't use your car, such as the records of car rentals. You may be able to *try* to recover that in a civil law suit, depending on the status of consequental damages in the state in which you sue. Although, my guess is that the grandma doesn't have a lot of money in the first place, so a civil lawsuit may not be fruitful.


Title: Is there a way to break a 12 month lease if a tenants safety is at stake?

Question:
I have a 12 month lease with my current apartment. Every since day one we have had nightmare neighbours. After months they finally got evicted, but they must’ve cut keys for all of their buddies because now random people are sleeping in my hallway doing drugs and are trying to break into the empty suite. Just a minute ago three dudes tried to force the door down. A week ago a lady got her face kicked in by one of the “friends” of these people. I fear for my safety. How can I make my landlord change the locks on the building or let me out of my lease?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: Are you calling the police every time the people are making you fear for your safety?


Title: A co-worker of mine keeps leaving peanuts in places where I need to be. (Alberta)

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Douche

Answer: You need to work through this with your manager and HR.Answer #2: HR immediately, with the manager. Yesterday. You don't need to play private investigator.


Title: Toll Violations From Other Side of Country

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 similar situation happened to my wife.

Except there was a photograph attached to the violation notice. Whosoever job it was to read the plate in the picture clearly didn't know how to read. not only was the plate different but it wasn't even the same type of vehicle.

Took a lot of phone calls to get them to fix their mistake


Title: Arrested for shoplifting at Walmart for $66.63

Question: So on October 23rd I got arrested with a friend for shoplifting; I am 17 years old and I got charged for a misdemeanor and conspiracy in the 4th degree, this happened in the state of NY. I was wondering how this will affect me in my adult years. As well as I am applying for jobs right now and wondering if i should check the boxes saying yes for "have you ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor". Thanks for your time reading this and helping me out

Answer:
 >how this will affect me in my adult years

Were you charged as an adult or as a juvenile?

In the short term, it may have a negative effect on your job search.  Many large, national retailers participate in a private, shared shoplifter database called the National Retail Mutual Association (NRMA) Retail Theft Database.  It contains the info of people caught stealing in member stores, and is frequently checked as part of employment background checks at those stores.

>wondering if i should check the boxes saying yes for "have you ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor"

You haven't been convicted until and unless you plead guilty or are found guilty by the court or a jury.


Title: Stolen Key

Question: [deleted]

Answer: It's a simple problem.  Change the locks and alert the local PD so that if your place of business does get broken into you have recourse.


Title: Can a lawyer subpoena phone records between a plaintiff and defendant's phone numbers, and if so, how much can be requested (i.e. to be relevant to the civil case)?

Answer: Sure they can, the subpoena may or may not be quashed depending on the scope of he request, the relevance to the case, and the availability of obtaining the info from other sources.  Plus depending on the circumstances the info may or may not even exist.  It’s impossible to answer your question without more info.


Title: Threatening to blackmail me and tell my family I'm a pornstar if I don't pay?

Question:
I'm a 22 year old girl, I recently finished my making my first porn video (with pictures etc.) and the porn company just posted the video on their website, where the preview is available to the public.

None of my family or friends back home know that I've done porn, except my ex-boyfriend who I'm still friends with. He found out the video was published and now he's threatening to send the public video link to my friends & family, post it on twitter, etc. if I don't give him the money he wants, which is only $100.

For reference, he lives in Ohio, but I live in NYC, and I know the laws for blackmail can differ between states.

What's my best course of action? Is he doing anything illegal? Should I just pay him the money?

Answer: You can call the police where he lives. That may not stop him from following through though. You're probably best off just ignoring him, calling the cops if you want to, and dealing with the family fallout if and when it happens.