Title: Am I out the money I've paid to a fence contractor? I've paid $992 deposit (about 60% of the estimate).

Question:
(Edit) my location is in NW Arkansas.

I hired a fence contractor to do 66' of wood privacy fence, one single gate and 2 double gates back on Feb. 22nd.  He verbally told me he'd be able to get started in a few days.  I paid him $990 around Feb. 25th, but then it rained for 4 days.  He said this will delay the posts getting put in because the ground was too soggy.  Made sense so I waited.  And waited.  Finally around March 4th he cashed the check and showed up on the 7th with one other man to install the posts.  Ever since working that one day, he's been full of excuses to not come back and finish the rest of the fence.  He hit a concrete wall on the interstate which damanged his trailer.  It was too cold one day (45 degrees I guess is too cold for him to work).  There was another day or 2 of rain somewhere around the 14th.  I asked for March 21st to be the deadline since the kids started spring break that week and I needed a fenced in yard.  He sent me texts stating he'd come Saturday (the 19th) to build it to make sure I got the fence in time.  He got flakier.  He changed his mind Friday afternoon stating he needed to use Saturday the 19th to hire workers to knock it out Monday.  Monday at 9 a.m. he texted saying there "were ready to go just waiting on the temperature to go above 40".  It was 45 degrees and quickly rose to 55.  They never showed up.  All day Tuesday I don't hear a word.  This morning, I texted asking when my fence was going to be built.  No reply.  I left him a voicemail asking if it wasn't possible for him to complete by Monday the 28th, could he at least give us our supplies he bought so that I may hire someone to finish this job.  I just want my completed fence.

He texted back and said he couldn't work today because the wind was blowing too strong.  He offered to drop off the wood, but is wanting another $345 check to pay for the labor of installing the posts.  I told him we were not ok with paying more money.  Now, he's threatened to place a lien on our house and said he is charging us storage fees for the wood.  What legal actions can I take against him and what other info do I need to provide to this post?  There are no signed contracts before work started.  :(  I've conveyed patience with this man, and held back many sarcastic comments at the tip of my tongue to remain as professional as possible, but I can't get any more work out of him.  He's claiming to have already built the gates.  If I don't fire him, I can see him easily drawing this out 6 months to finish our fence.  But, going the legal action route is also time consuming.  So now I have no fence.

tl;dr:  What is a reasonable time line on a 66' fence when I can assume the contractor plans to never finish the job, and has taken my money only to never deliver.

(Edit) I should add I found his business on the home advisor website.  When he asked for the check, he said to make it out to his wife's name who owns the business.  I thought this was suspicious but wrote the check anyway.  He did send me some liability insurance paperwork that had his business name dba his wife's name.  Well, now his business is taken off of the home advisor site and is no where to be found on the internet.  Possibly going bankrupt and taking all money with it?

Answer:
 On what basis was he to be paid?  Was it flat fee, time & materials?  The $992 is 60% of what?

In general, you send him a demand letter saying "Finish by date X or I'm terminating for your breach."  Then, if it's not done by then, send another letter saying "Consider this agreement terminated.  I have obtained another contractor to complete the fence.  He is going to charge me $2000 to complete the work.  You had promised me that the work would be completed for $1500, and you already have $992 of my money.  So, please refund me $1492.  If you don't refund it by [10 days out], then I will sue you in small claims court."

Also, take plenty of pictures of the half-assed work.  You'll need them in small-claims court.


Title: [Saudi Arabia] Friend died during the hajj. Was wondering if there was any legal way for his family to fight against Saudi Arabia for their lack of safety.

Question:
Pretty much the title sums up my question. Friend died during the haj during the stampete; family feels there weren't many controls in place to prevent something like this from happening. Would they be entitled to any compensation for his death since he was the breadwinner of the family?

Friend's family is based in the United States. Death happened in Saudi Arabia. Does Saudi Arabia have some kind of duty to monitor people that are on the haj? Tramplings happen every year, but when people are dying in the hundreds, something is definitely wrong. Crowd controls are poor; inadequate attempts to alleviate high traffic areas, etc.

Thanks.

Answer:
 You must know virtually nothing about Saudi Arabia or you would know the answer is no.Answer #2: No, Saudia Arabia is currently planning to CRUCIFY someone for what boils down to a political crime. Answer #3: The location tag was unnecessary since we assume Saudi Arabia by default. Just saying. Anyhow, there's zero chance of any help or recourse from Saudi Arabia. Sorry for your loss.Answer #4: Despite all of the people saying "no", Saudi Arabia or others have compensated some people whose family member died in a public accident in Saudi Arabia.  It appears to be at their whim.  [Link about the crane deaths](http://venturesafrica.com/saudi-arabia-to-pay-n65-million-to-nigerian-victims-of-mecca-crane-collapse/), [link about hajj stampede victims from 2006](http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2006-01/16/content_512503.htm), [link about hajj stampede victims from 2004.](http://allafrica.com/stories/200403080767.html).  I don't think [diyya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diyya) is payable but I don't know.
Answer #5: It's been tried before under more egregious circumstances and US courts weren't amenable:  http://www.law360.com/articles/108730/high-court-declines-9-11-case-against-saudi-arabia

You could try to bring a suit in Saudi Arabia, but it's hard to imagine that they'd be any more accommodating.


Title: Company dragging their feet with an official contract (Illinois)

Question:
Company is located in Illinois.

I have been doing unpaid work for a new company as an independent contractor starting early October. I am supposed to invest my personal money with them and become a K1 partner but told them I'm only willing to put money in once we have a contract.

They finally sent me bullet points of the contract in an email yesterday and said "it's good enough for my check till we have our lawyers draw up a contract in a couple of weeks."

While I trust them, conventional wisdom and daytime court tv tells me that I should wait for a official contract before depositing any money into the joint investment account. Is a bullet point email enough?

They want me to come in on Monday of next week to give them a check. I am a little irked that they waited over 6 weeks and expect me to be ready in less than 6 days over a major holiday. Is there anything I can say in response? Or rather what is the appropriate response to say I need my time to look over stuff as well, and if it delays the investment venture, then so be it.

I feel as if I have not been fussy at all, and do not want them to think of me as a high maintenance person, but this just seems like a recipe for a potential contract nightmare. Especially since I have already put in 6 weeks of work at the company.

Answer:
 You're giving them free work.

You're even giving them money.

They won't even write a contract, just want you to give them cash.

Are you insane?

Investing money in a start-up is perilous at the best of times.  You're getting massive red flags from this one.  Walk away now.


Title: Tenant Running Business Out of Rented Apartment

Question: [deleted]

Answer: a landlord is not liable to third parties who enter into contracts with his tenants.  tenants only connection to your asset (the house) is that he owns a leasehold. and that does have value. but not very much. especially from the POV of a creditor.


Title: Grandfather was in the airforce, my father and I were born in Italy, could I get u.s. citizenship?

Question:
My grandfather was born and raised in the usa, joined the Air force, married in Italy to my Italian grandmother and had my father while being deployed there.

My father has dual citizenship, Italian and American.

Could I get an American citizenship as well? From what I could gather the answer is no, a family friend whose an attorney said it was possible.

Answer:
 I am not your lawyer, and I highly recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney.

Citizenship, especially through a grandparent is possible, however it requires a solid series of documents, and evidence. If your father was born in the US, that would help make it easier. It may be out of scope of this sub, as citizenship through a grandparent is, as I said, very fact specific.

Find a local immigration attorney, use your state bar’s attorney referral service, and get a consultation. They’ll be better able to go over, with you, the facts of your specific situation and help you to determine if it’s feasible.Answer #2: Why wouldn't you be petitioning on the basis of your father's US citizenship?


Title: Paycheck has been garnished but they have the wrong person!

Question:
I noticed my paycheck was a couple of hundred dollars short today so I called HR and they said that there was a letter from corporate at the office that I needed to come pick up. The letter states that my check is being garnished but gives no further information other than the district in which the judgment was entered, the case number and a contact number. I called both the court and the law firm that was handling the case and confirmed that I am not the right person...they had somebody with my name, different middle initial, different ss#, residing in a different state than me.
After calling my HR department and asking how this could even happen, they have no answers. They said the only thing they could do is email headquarters and I would have to wait a couple of weeks to get the money I worked for back.
This seems ridiculous to me...Even if it was a mistake on the part of the lawyers office or whatever, it seems that my employer should not be able to hold these funds from me. I know that somewhere they have the original garnishment letter that has somebody elses social security # and address on it.
Who would liable in this situation? I feel that everybody here has made a mistake except for me, considering I have nothing at all to do with any of this. It seems like my employer should cut me a check on the spot and deal with the law firm or court to get their money back...Is this wrong? Do I have any recourse on this or do I just have to wait a couple of weeks to get my earnings because mistakes were made? I work for a major American in company in Alabama if that matters at all.  The judgement was made in Missouri.

**After pulling up the case online I see that the person who is actually supposed to be garnished works for the same company as I do, although in different city and state.**

***I called HR at headquarters again today in the late afternoon. They told me that the refund would be direct deposited in my account by Monday and the garnishment was stopped.
I still think it's BS and I should have been cut a check within a few hours if not on the spot. They actually told me that it was a human error, which I completely understand....but holding on to my money after they figured out the mistake should not happen.***

Answer:
 This is HR's problem not yours, you need to get a hold of your HR rep. Now that you have proved that it is not you and they got the wrong person inform that that you need your wages asap for the holidays. If they refuse you may need to speak somebody higher in your HR department. I am not sure how big your department is but it seems like they just opened up a trouble ticket to look into it and will get to it when they can. If it is worth it to you I would make a stink to make sure it get's settled asap.Answer #2: Does your company use an external payroll provider? They charge a base price per batch, plus a per check charge. So running a new "batch" to fix the garnishment and cut you a check is actually relatively expensive.

If this is what's happening, you need to escalate higher in your HR department and tell them that they need to cut you a loan check for the garnishment amount and offset it in the next payroll batch with an in/out record (garnishment refund in/loan out) to correct the records.

This is absolutely doable and the only reason they won't is either the person you're talking to doesn't know how, or isn't authorized to do it. Go above their head.Answer #3: IANAL: Feel free to call the Alabama DoL at 334-242-8620 to speak to them and see if this falls under 'worked but not received pay'.

Personally I would first escalate the issue with corporate HR immediately and not give up until I get an answer from them first. You worked those hours, you need to be paid these hours.


Title: (MD) Got phone with ex on my account she's refusing to pay reminding 450$ for it.

Question:
Hello, to make this short,

I had a phone line and I got my ex on my phone account to make it cheaper for her.

Things didn't work out between us, I contacted her showing her the screenshot of the remaining balance for her phone which originally was 800$ but the remaining amount is 450$ she ignore my message which was

"Hey could you contact AT&T and try to switch the remainder of your phone over to your line? If they can't do that it would be great to get the 450$ remaining balance on your phone from you"

She saw the message instantly and hasn't replied.

I sent her "so?"

She ended up blocking me on FB the only way of contact I had with her.

I was told that I can call AT&T and turn the phone off and report it as stolen since it's my property that I'm paying for and she's using it.

She is paying her monthly payments for the services but I'm paying for the phone itself.

She decided to not cooperate and blocked me so I guess I need to do things the hard way.

Can I get in contact with AT&T and tell them to shut the phone off because it's technically stolen?

If I report it to the police as a stolen phone are they going to get a hold of it and confiscate it from her?

Will I be able to sue her in small claims court if I don't get the phone back?

I currently paying 10$ suspended line fee + 38$ for the phone itself so that means it technically my property correct?

Thanks for your input.

Also, how do I go about this letting her know she has until X amount of time to return the phone to me or else I'm taking it to court and turning the phone off if I have no way of contact with her since she blocked me now?

Edit: she also screwed me on rent for 6 months. Which she
Was supposed to be paying 400$ a month for it. Her names on the lease still.

If I take her to court I'll be sueing her for 2,800$ and I'd rather not do that which is why I contact her asking about the phone payment. So that it doesn't get crazy like this.
She's not cooperating so I guess it has to be the hard way.

Answer:
 Your account. Your responsibility. You need to pay it. If you had an agreement with her that she was to pay her share, you need to sue her in small claims court for that amount (plus filing fees).

> I was told that I can call AT&T and turn the phone off

Yes. I would do this ASAP.

> and report it as stolen since it's my property that I'm paying for and she's using it.

No. You gave her the phone voluntarily. She didn't steal it. This is a civil matter. It's not criminal. No cop would get involved in this.


Title: Wife is being harrassed and threatened at work, basically pushing her out of her job.

Question:
My wife is a cosmetologist, she recently had a wedding that was booked with her and one other stylist. The other stylist never showed up to do the wedding party because she claimed she was in the ER, when actually she was at home ignoring the phone calls.

Now, the stylist whi ditched is demand my wife to pay her for the service that she was booked with, even though she had never shown up.

My wife is now being threatened by her, she is telling her that she is going to beat her up if she doesnt give her money (i wouldnt put it passed her to do this). Ever since she has sent other threatening messages to her.

She has also turned the other stylists at the salon against her, telling them that she is a piece of crap basically and give her money for the service (that she never did).

Her boss is aware of the situation and is doing nothing about it saying that it will blow over (its not going to blow over).

So now my wife doesnt feel safe going to work anymore and is being harrassed by everyone that is working there.

 The HR is basically her boss, and shes doing nothing about it. Is there anything she can do about this? She feels the only option is to quit her job.

Answer: She can report the threats to the police. Other than that, you need to provide location.


Title: (Illinois) DCFS left a card on my door because of an incident at Walmart this past Sunday (6-25).

Question:
  Hello everyone. Thank you for taking the time to read over my story. I'm not sure what I should do here so I'll just start at the beginning...

  Quick info:
Myself – 36yr old male

Child 1 – 7yr male

Child 2 – 3yr male

Wife – 44yr female

  I recently had surgery for a kidney stone. They pulled it out and I had a stent put in. That stent was removed this past Thursday (6-21). The procedure left me weakened but able to take care of my kids so I took them to see their grandparents (in laws) in another town about 45min away. After visiting for a few minuets we decided to go to the local Walmart. The boys had fallen asleep in their car seats and I didn't want to wake them up (plus getting them out can be a lot of work after my procedure) so I parked the car and locked the doors with the Air Conditioning running full blast. I ran inside and retrieved some cookies and was back to the car in 7 minuets (verified by the officer with the security footage provided by Walmart).

There were several woman around the car when I came back and one was on the phone with the police (I believe). I did not greet them nor did I acknowledge them. I walked up to my car and knocked on the window for my son to let me in. The lady was insistent in her questioning so I said “Yes, they are mine” and that was all I said to her. After a few knocks he was still sleeping so I smacked the top of the car to make a louder noise to wake him up. He woke up and let me in. I carefully backed up the car and left the parking lot. After about a mile I had a cop pull me over in a local gas station. He stated there was an altercation and asked if I left my sons in the car while I went into the store. I said that I did leave them in there for only 7 minuets and I was back quickly with some cookies. He asked if there was an altercation with some of the ladies nearby and I told him I did not speak but 4 words to them and left peacefully.

  After a bit of back and forth with the officers (4 cars and 8 cops later) I was given two options. I could be arrested and have DCFS come take my kids or I could follow the police to the station, be processed and bonded there and leave with my children. I told him I would take the 2nd option and I followed them to the police station. Once there myself and my two children were led into an interrogation room where the officer and his trainee set about filling out the bond paperwork and getting my finger prints and mug shots. After a little bit the veteran officer left the room to let his rookie continue processing me. (funny side note, the rookie was having problems with the fingerprint machine. I noticed what was wrong and helped him fix the issue and get my prints in properly. Can't turn off 10 years of tech support). After a bit the veteran officer came back and asked me out of the room for a minuet.

  He said he wanted to check my claim of “7 minuets” so he got a hold of the security footage from Walmart and saw that I was telling the truth. I was only in there for exactly 7 minuets and even given 30seconds to enter and exit the store that I was under 10 minuets total. According to him the law is that “If a child is left alone for more then 10 minuets it is considered child endangerment and I would have to be arrested. Because you were only in there for 7-8 total minuets I am dropping all charges and you are free to go. Because there was children present during this arrest I had to file a report with DCFS. You might get a visit or they might not even come.”

  I was a model citizen during this entire process. At the beginning I was taken back and very questioning of this entire episode (not combative, but mildly defiant). But only for the first few minuets. I simply could not believe I was being treated like someone who beats their child or worse. But I remembered that you do not win arguments with the police, take that in front of a judge. So I was respectful and complied with every order, answered questions as best/simply as I could. I think he felt bad that they treated me like this and once he saw I was 100&#37; telling the truth he pushed the letter of the law to drop this whole thing.

  The issue that worries me is that DCFS left a card in our door today (6-25). My wife and two children were not home and I was at work. I'm worried about a few items:

  \#1 – we home school. My wife is their teacher. They are doing well in most aspects academically but I've heard that homeschoolers are treated very harshly by DCFS.
  \#2 – my house was a bit messy. I took pictures of how it would have looked if she came in today. I did not clean for these. This is my home. Please don't judge me harshly (in the sense of it being my home. Do judge harshly as a DCFS worker with a bad attitude would).

  `https://imgur.com/a/CcAKyNf`

  We are working poor. I've had very few extra dollars to make improvements (like the hard wood floors, the new toilet, and shower) but I have run short on money to continue those repairs.

  \-The eldest boys' floor is a concrete slab for the time being. I will be making it hardwood like the rest of the house once I get enough money together for his and our bedroom.

\-The youngest has a “low bed” since he was born and we haven't upgraded him to a bed with a frame yet (waiting 6 months with no accidents to get him a big boy bed. Something he's been working really hard to get and actually I think he passed that threshold very recently)

\-The front door sticks badly

\-There are two kitchen cabinets with no doors

\-We have a cat with a cat box that is cleaned weekly

\-No trim. I removed it all when I did the floor and most of it was trashed. Have yet to get new trim.

\-Dirty spot in doorway was carpet tape to help with drafts in winter

\-Bathroom sink and vanity is original and very broken.

  The house was a foreclosure we were very lucky to get and I've been making slight improvements as the money comes. The home is a detached single family one story bungalow 3bd 1bath 1000Sq. Ft. build in '63.

  Sorry for the rambling. I'm just very worried so I'm pouring myself out there is hopes that internet strangers will be able to guide me in the right direction. How should I approach this? I have not called them back yet. The card was a simple card stuck in my storm door to fall out when I opened it. It mentions nothing about calling them back or any urgent notices. I have no criminal record aside from some youthful indiscretions. Only a speeding ticket in the past 5 to ten years that I can remember.

Answer:
 general tidy needed asap (but you know that, i think)

clean sheets on all beds

make sure garage is locked & inaccessible to the kids--ditto the laundry room

clean cat box daily

make sure frige & pantry are well-stocked with fresh, nutritious foods

any firearms/weapons secured & inaccessible

curtains in kids' rooms could be safer looking maybe?

probably you're in good shape but child protective services is always a crapshoot. can you & wife pass drug tests? Answer #2: The house is very notably lacking Meth pipes, needles, feces, rotten food, and broken glass.

I assume if the fridge was opened there would be sufficient fresh food and sufficient dry food in the cabinets to meet the needs of growing children?

You might get a couple visits, but I would be surprised even at that, the house is fine.

Only thing that concerns me is the sticking front door, try  to sand or pivot or whatever it needs that could be a fire hazard.

Final advice is to be cooperative and if they do point out a particular concern take it seriously. They don't care about the trim as long as there aren't nails sticking out where the trim was, they might want you to pick up a throw rug for the concrete floor if it gets chilly that sort of thing


Title: Ex boyfriend threatening to release 17 page tell all letter to everyone I know.

Question:
[Oregon] When I was 18 I started dating my 40 year old married manager. I was in a super bad situation and he took advantage of that.

We were together for 3 years and I would say the last year of that he was very abusive and controlling, watching me through my windows when I was unaware, pushing me and throwing me around, those sort of things. I finally left him a couple months ago and he continued to try and contact me and give me these really strange letters. He even stopped by my work to give me one, I got in my car as fast as I could to avoid him. I blocked him on social media and I blocked his phone number which stopped most the contact except for a small amount of texts using his family members accounts.

Last night he had a family member leave me a folder at my house. I was not home so my roommates took it to give to me. Inside the folder had this huge letter. Graphically describing our relationship and sexual things about me, along with many other personal and very private things.. It also had a bunch of mean insults in it. Attached to it was a note that said to read over it because everyone I was close to was going to be sent it.

Does this count as harassment? Is there anything I can do to legally stop it?

Answer:
 File a police report. If nothing else, it's extremely inappropriate, and it may be grounds for a harassment charge. You should also talk to them about the possibility of a restraining order. Include that he has been peering in through your windows, and if you feel up to it, go over his violence during your relationship.

If your ex is trying to coerce you to do, or not to do, something, bring that up as well. This kind of thing can sometimes be construed as extortion, which is also a crime.

Note that it would not be illegal _in and of itself_ for him to frankly describe his relationship with you, in his own words and including your sex lives, to people. It's the pattern of conduct that puts you in fear for your safety and wellbeing that's at issue, here, and while the letter is part of that pattern, it's the pattern that concerns me (and you).

It may also be a good idea to get ahead of this and speak to your family about your ex. You don't need to go into crass details; letting them know that someone you were in a relationship with is threatening to smear you and that you'd appreciate if they shredded anything he sends them should be enough. Beyond that, put your faith in the people you trust not to _care_ what your ex has to say: I can't imagine most people who would read a letter from a 40-year-old about their inappropriate relationship with an 18-year-old would also conclude that the 18-year-old is somehow responsible for this man-child's bad behaviour.


Title: Got bedbugs in an Airbnb in Rome. Host responds by insulting and threatening us. We also think the apartment is illegal, and are looking for suggestions of what to do

Question:
Me and my friend rented out an apartment from a man, Kevin, in Rome [Italy] for a week long trip.  My friend is fluent in Italian and I know a little of it. We spoke mostly in English for our trip, but did talk a bit in Italian, which he clearly forgot.

The first two nights sleeping there, I woke up covered in bed bug bites over most of my body. My friend was sleeping on the couch, and didn’t get bitten. They were done in lines of 3 or more, which is a distinctive pattern apparently for the bugs. I am still in massive discomfort for these damn bites, they are so painful.

We informed the host of the problem and he told us it was impossible, we were silly little girls who knew nothing, and that there was nothing there. He said he’d come over and look at the bed. Whilst looking, he said that he had repeated problems with bedbugs, but that we were inventing things. He said that he couldn’t see bugs crawling on the bed, so therefore they weren’t there. Bed bugs live inside beds, not outside. I am currently covered (face included) in bright red bug bites. I asked him where he thought they came from, and he said ‘those bites didn’t come from *my* bed’

He then called someone to look for the bugs to prove to us wrong. On the (Italian) call to the inspector, he was very rude about us and said that we were making things up. He seemed quite friendly with the inspector and we were concerned that he was calling someone who would be lenient. We asked him to call someone else, which he said he did, but the first person he called was the one who came.

When the inspector came, Kevin would divert the inspectors attention from places (he didn’t check the whole bed) and the inspector found signs of bed bugs. They were also talking shit about us in Italian whilst this was going on. However, this was not conveyed to us in English, and when Kevin ‘translated’ the findings for us, he said there were no signs of there ever being bugs, and the inspector then signed off on the place (they were clearly mates).

My friend at this point was staring straight ahead and didn’t tell me what they were saying, (because she was frozen from fear of the things they were saying and had no privacy to communicate it). I didn’t realise why though. I had a gist of what they were saying but wasn’t sure. I said to Kevin that the man didn’t check well enough, and that my bites were evidence. Kevin replied that the bites were from sexual diseases, because I look like I like to drink and ‘party’.

I raised my voice and told him off for such a comment. He replied “don’t raise your voice at me, you won’t like what I’ll do to you when I’m angry”. We are two very small women and these were two very big men. They were already acting in an intimidating manner, and would often stand so they were blocking the doorway, talking shit about us in Italian. By this point we were extremely concerned for our safety and wanted to leave. I just started picking my things up and started to leave. My friend did too, and thankfully they let us leave in peace.

We managed to book emergency accomodation. When we got access to wifi, they had already contacted Airbnb and tried to slug us with false charges. Airbnb covered the charges so we didn’t, and because they guy had a slip certifying that there were no bugs, we couldn’t get a refund. After explaining the situation, Airbnb gave us the amount we would have received had we gotten the refund.

My main question is, is this something I should go to the police over? Our tour guide suggested it, but we are so exhausted from this whole ordeal and I doubt anything would come of it. Also, we think the apartment is illegal (according to Italian law the host was supposed to collect taxes from us when we stayed but he didn’t). Can we go to the police for that, or is there a tax office we could notify? I kind of want to fuck this guy over majorly. Obviously we are already working on giving him a truely terrible review

Answer:
 I used to work customer rep for Airbnb. I dealt with bed bugs cases every single day and we were trained to be extremely sensitive to people about the situation because it can be embarrassing for everyone involved.

Call. The. Customer. Service.
At least when I was working there last year the number was hard to find so just Google the Airbnb customer service line. Take pictures of your bites and any evidence of the bugs otherwise. When you call the rep, they'll give you a way to email the pictures to them for proof and they'll start a bed bug dispute.

Usually you'll be reimbursed fully, every case is different but I know at least myself and some other coworkers tried to work out the best case scenario. Answer #2: As an American living in Italy for two years I would tell you that it probably isn’t worth your time and effort to deal with the Italian police as they have a pretty bad reputation for not taking tourists that seriously. If you already got a refund from Airbnb and you’ve found other accommodations I would focus on writing a bad review (preferably in both English and Italian) and posting it on every platform possible.


Title: Mom caught in a abusive situation with 2 kids, unable to escape due to legal status/fear (Northern NJ)

Question:
My mom (41) has been in the US for 14, almost 15 years. Her and I came in 2001, post amnesty, and stayed with my father. In 2008, he abandoned us and returned to the home country, leaving her with two more kids (citizens born in 03 and 05) and no work experience, not to mention no legal status.

She found a job, thankfully, working overnight maintenance with this divorced guy who provided us with a room in a hotel for 2 years. As we grew, we needed more space, and in 2010 he got an apartment in his name for us to live in for 4 years. In March 2014, no longer willing to pay for the apartment, he moved us to his house. With mixed romantic sentiments and paternal ones to my brothers, the move should have been positive. Not in the slightest.

The gist of the situation is that my mom works 6 - 8 hours every night, ranging from 6 - 2 am , or 10 - 4 am, traveling an hour between locations in a rickety car that I bought for her and that he made me sign over to him, and does not see any of the paycheck. He signs it under his company, and then keeps it without giving it to her. Further, her wage has remained the same for the past 8 years now, and he uses her for anything that he may need in case other people leave and cannot cover. The money, he says, goes to her rent and her food. Her car has some sort of tracking device on it so he knows where she is at all times. The house has cameras, and she is not allowed to have anyone over. I myself moved out two years ago after he told me he wanted me to partake in the maintenance thing he has going on - I have Deferred Action and am trying to finish college on a scholarship/build a career so that I can get her out of there. Because I defied him, I have not been able to see my mom for the past few months, although technically it should have been for the past two years. I secretly see her sometimes at night whenever he is not around.

My mom is scared to death of this man because he is a large and controlling guy who has already shown he has no problem hitting her (behind closed doors, and once in front of one of my brothers), and because she does not know where she could go if she decided to leave him. Shelter, car, and work are all given by him.

Can she do anything?

edit: Thanks for the support thus far! I should mention that my mom has been filing her taxes every year, although she does not get anything back. She cannot claim the kids, and thus ends up paying every year some odd amount of money.

Answer:
 Your mother should consider speaking to a domestic abuse shelter.  You did not indicate there was any violence, but not all abuse takes the form of violence.

Even a person without legal status can be victims of crimes.  Further, often citizens use their citizenship as a weapon over someone without status.  Telling them that they can't call the police because they'll be deported, or the police will not believe anything the undocumented person says, etc.  Usually what these citizens say is not true, and it just a continuation of their abuse.

There are immigration options given to victims of crime.  [The U-Visa](https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-human-trafficking-other-crimes/victims-criminal-activity-u-nonimmigrant-status/victims-criminal-activity-u-nonimmigrant-status), while largely used for victims of domestic violence, applies to a wide range of crimes.  This may be an avenue for your mother to explore, but it does require helping police prosecute the criminal.  So, turning the guy in and helping the police, basically.

It sounds like you believe she is in at least bad situation, if not an abusive one.  If so, you may want to convince her to speak to a domestic violence shelter, and possibly an immigration attorney.


Title: Someone recorded a conversation without my consent and then posted it online.

Question:
I'm not really sure what to do about this situation. I thought the discussion was going to be private and was never told I was being recorded. I released some very personal information and now anyone can go and listen to the conversation if they have a link to the audio recording.

I'm afraid taking legal action will be too much of a hassle and I don't really know where to start. I really hate this fucker for doing this. Totally back stabbed me.

Where would I even begin pursuing legal action?

Edit: I am in New Hampshire and the person recording me was in Montana

Answer:
 Both parties appear to be two-party consent states, so if you did not consent to being recorded, this is likely illegal.

In Montana, it is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and 6 months in jail.Answer #2: Both New Hampshire and Montana are 'all-party' consent states - in other words, he needed your permission to record the conversation.

Your recourse is to report him to the police, and/or to have an attorney look into suing him or sending him some form of a cease-and-desist.Answer #3: > Where would I even begin pursuing legal action?

That depends on what state you are in.


Title: [MI] Is there a state law that governs how long of a duration a substitute teacher may teach an elementary class?

Question:
Michigan

The regular teacher of my child's first grade class has been out since late September due to a family tragedy.  Since then, they have had a substitute that only holds a, "daily substitute permit," as opposed to a teacher's certificate, teaching the class, issuing report cards, and handing parent teacher conferences.

A, "daily substitute permit," requires far less education and very little, if any, formal training.  Additionally, the district employs an agency to provide her services, which has allowed them to avoid giving her benefits (ref. MCL 380.1236).  Also noteworthy is that she is paid $10/hr.

All that being said, the difference regarding education and training between a certified teacher and the "daily substitute," has shown itself, quite prominently, in the quality of services (educational and developmental) that are being provided to the first grade class.

While I've done some searching, I have not been able to find any legal references that would require the school district to hire a substitute for the class that holds an actual, professional (or provisional) teaching credential.

Does anyone here know if such a law actually exists?  It has been suggested to that one does.
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer:
 Any and all information that you may want to know re: the varying permits for substitute teaching in Michigan, their limits and restrictions can be found in this [pdf](http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Permit_Overview_529841_7.pdf).

**Daily Substitute Permit:**
• Used for INTERMITTENT daily substitute assignments when a teacher is temporarily unavailable.

• Requires at least 90 semester hours of satisfactory credit (grade ‘C’ or better) combined from one or more regionally accredited two- or four-year colleges or universities.

• Is limited in a single teaching assignment to no more than 90-calendar days.

**Extension of the Daily Substitute Permit:**

• A Daily Substitute Permit may be EXTENDED to provide additional coverage when the teacher is unable to return to the classroom and a properly prepared, certified, endorsed or otherwise authorized individual is unavailable.

• Requires at least 90 semester hours of satisfactory credit (grade ‘C’ or better) combined from one or more regionally accredited two- or four-year colleges or universities.

• Requires a formal satisfactory observation.

• Requires the district/school to assign a mentor teacher.

• Length of extension and any additional requirements will be established based upon circumstances.

• This extension must be approved by the State Superintendent.

This WILL vary from state to state and certain school districts will have higher standards than the state standards. Source: Husband is a substitute teacher without a formal teaching degree. They do however make you jump through hoops, provide transcripts with a minimum grade average, will restrict subject matter assignments and you are required to take other yearly courses that a regular teacher has to take with regards to certifications. There is mandatory in school observation hours that must be signed off and tests to take. Lots of hoop jumping.


Title: Problem Neighbors

Question:
Hi Reddit Lawyers! I am looking for a little advice. Here is the situation. I bought my home a year ago and almost from day one there have been problems with the neighbors.  Mostly it consists of domestic arguments, loud screaming and yelling including vulgar language, banging, breaking things, burning garbage/trash and it goes on. In short it really is impacting my quality of life. The police are called on a regular basis, they have been there 8 times so far this year. I have tried talking with them about this one on one but that has led to me finding things thrown in my yard and them yelling at my house randomly as retribution. The police have not been too helpful. I am not alone either. At least 4 other neighbors have similar experiences.

I have mailed off a letter detailing the police report and incident numbers to their landlord. The letter explains the situation and asked for the landlord to take action. It was sent via certified mail with a return reciept.

If that does not make a difference, can I take their landlord to court, small claims, and try to compel them to evict these troublesome neighbors? I have multiple neighbors who are willing to write letters describing their similar experiences, the police call records, the certified letters and I am beginning to keep a daily diary record of events as soon as they happen that I email to myself to maintain a time record. Is this enough evidence? Do I have any other options if the landlord fails to solve the problem or evict them?

I do not have enough money to invest in a security camera system because my income has taken a hit, so that is not a realistic option for now.

Any help would be appreciated! I am in Tucson, Arizona.

Answer: Look at private nuance laws where they  (you bad neighbors) are depriving you of your quiet use and enjoyment of your home.


Title: traffic dispute — “passing emergency response area in lane adjacent to area when other lane was available”

Question:
Hello r/legaladvice!

Tonight at around 10:30pm, on about a two hour drive from one family members house to another for the holidays, i was conservatively driving past a flashing police car who had already pulled over someone one else.

I continued driving for a minute to find myself pulled over by the same officer, and was told I incorrectly passed him in the right lane while the left lane was open. He issued a 100+ dollar citation for this, and I explained my genuine lack of knowledge and intention to do so.

Does anyone have any experience with this type of infraction or have a possible defense? My driving record is completely absent of any speeding or running lights/signs. Anything would be appreciated.

Answer:
 Ignorance of the law is not a defense. You can hire a lawyer to fight it but your only argument is "I'm usually a great driver."Answer #2: What state is this in? In many states and provinces you are REQUIRED to move over if there is room even if you believe you are driving conservatively.  This is to protect the lives of highway workers, emergency vehicle operators,  and tow truck drivers.

Having a good previous driving record and or not being aware of the law is not a defense in situations like this.


Title: Got into an accident; how would I go about receiving emotional distress money.

Question: I (17) live in Texas. I recently got into an accident. A woman ran a stop sign and pulled out in front of me and i almost hit her head on. I swerved and no one got hurt but my car likely got totalled. I am actually really scared of driving now and I'm generally pretty panicked by everything and I'm keep thinking about it to the point where it's affecting my day to day life. I have trouble concentrating. What do I do? Can the person's insurance give me some kind of compensation or would I have to sue? Thanks.

Answer: You'd have to prove damages, and even then you don't get a big cash payout, you get your medical bills and therapy paid for.


Title: Pet apt help

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >I saw my M.D. and got a referral to see a psychologist to get him classified as an emotional support animal but idk how long that'll take.

If you plan on exploiting the ESA designation in order to circumvent the no pet rule, that is a real shit move.  You won't be fooling your landlord, either.

They can offer different terms under the lease at the time of renewal.  You are entitled to accept such terms or reject them and move.Answer #2: They can change the terms of your lease to not allow pets. A new lease is a new negitionated agreement

> Is he a legit emotional support animal?

Maybe. Only a mental health professional can make that determination. But please don't be a giant douchebag and throw EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL!!! in your landlords face if this is really isn't one. It ruins it for people who really do need one.


Title: Help with gift laws

Question:
So I have a little sister 13 years younger than me she is 13. She has been friends with this girl since 3rd grade. The girl and her mother gave my little sister an iPhone as a gift there are many texts and emails proving so btw.
Now my sister and her friend had a falling out about 2 weeks ago and today the mom is texting me demanding my little sister give the phone back if she's not going to be friends with her daughter anymore. We live in California if that makes a difference. We have put money into the phone to fix it and set it up with her own information and phone number. So can the mother legally demand or take the phone back. I know most likely she can't, but I just wanted to see if there was some weird loophole because of the situation or something. Any info is appreciated. Thank you

Answer: If it was given as a gift then it is 100% your sisters. Save those texts and emails as proof.


Title: How badly can you get punished for entering an unlocked car and killing the battery?

Question: Sorry for any grammatical errors, I suck at grammar.  Anyways, my friends are playing a game that involves their entire senior high school class called assassins.  Basically, they are assigned another random senior to “assassinate” with a nerf gun. There are multiple rounds and each new round you are assigned a new target if you survive the last round.  The last man standing wins.  The kid my friends are targeting left his car unlocked, so they entered the car and as I am writing this, are draining the battery by turning on every electrical component they can. They are going to wait for him to try and start the car, and ambush him when he gets out to pop the hood.  Obviously this is vandalism, but could they get in more trouble for entering someone else’s car without their permission? If so, how much?

Answer:
 Eh just don't.  In the end nobody is gonna have fun (more than 5 min) and y'all have have to wait and help him charge his battery back up.

Just leave the kid alone and try tomorrow IN school


Title: Father, 62, is spending inheritance frivoulously in a manic episode. Tearing family apart, need help.

Question:
Hello,

I am in the US. My father recently inherited around a quarter million dollars. He is spending tens of thousands of it frivolously and on impulse. It is coinciding, and I believe caused by, new medications he is on that have caused an extended manic episode (for the last 3-5 months). I want to stop him for my family's sake.

I am a third year law student so I am turning to you all for help. I am looking for advice on options such as freezing his inheritance or taking control of it somehow. Another thing I want to do is sue this doctor for malpractice because my mother (who is a saint of a woman) has reached out to him about my dad's recent problems and he doesn't care and has dismissed her. He says if my dad's happy, he doesn't want to change anything. But my dad is manic...which means he thinks he has never felt this good in his entire life.

Both of these ideas are based mostly in emotion and anger and may be rooted in bad legal theory, but I'm pissed, and I'm desperate for help.

More background

Ever since the new meds he has separated and wants to divorce my mother, alienated himself from the rest of the family, and has even threatened my sister with violence, albeit perhaps not seriously (he is the worst person).

He has been scammed by someone claiming to be a woman who needs money (tens of thousands) to escape her country and marry him. He is spending money on other things as well. Not sure how much. But there are many examples.

He is bipolar and has a traumatic brain injury from a car accident when he was around 9. Put him in a coma for weeks and he has been suffering from the brain-related problems ever since. Including a suicide attempt when he was an adolescent, manic episodes in his adult years that led to him leaving my then pregnant mother and moving out to an aprtment down the street for a year.

Thanks for any words. I am happy to explore any any any ideas further.

Answer:
 >It is coinciding, and I believe caused by, new medications he is on that have caused an extended manic episode

You could call Adult Protective Services and have him declared incompetent, or file for a guardianship, or however that mechanism works in your state. The AARP knows exactly what to do to protect his interests.

>Another thing I want to do is sue this doctor for malpractice

That is another kettle of worms altogether. Solve the first problem first. Answer #2: First, the inheritance does not belong to anyone but your dad.

But you can check into his local probate court (or its equivalent) about the requirements to have a conservator appointed for an adult. In my jurisdiction, it is not an easy or quick endeavor. It requires an affidavit by 2 different physicians that the adult is incapable of taking care of his/her own affairs. By the sound of your post, I am not sure your dad qualifies (if the standards are the same).

You are disregarding the trained physician's diagnoses and advice because your dad is doing things out of the ordinary. Successful medical malpractice is expensive are fairly rare. You would have to hire expert testimony to prove that the treatment from your dad's physician fell below the medically acceptable standard of care.

Maybe these are things your dad has always wanted to do but never had the money (or courage) to do.


Title: Legal Advice

Question: Okay so my mother let me and my fiancé drive an extra vehicle that she has. We moved out of her house and is now trying to report the car stolen. Can she do that even though she gave the car to us to drive? Also she doesn't have the title to the car only a bill of sell.

Answer: Giving you permission to use it once isn't the same as letting you keep it.  If she asked for it back, return it.  It's her property and not yours


Title: Sold a car to someone with potentially a fake address [CA]

Question:
A few days ago, I sold my car to someone in Craigslist. It was cash up front, however, upon looking at the drivers information on google maps, it looks like a fake address. Will the release of liability be able to be cleared in time? Is there any extra steps I can do to take care of myself?

The buyer seemed sketch, but he had the money and I wasn't thinking about most. He hasn't returned my calls. I, unfortunately, did forget to check license.

Answer:
 You should be fine. DMV won't check the validity of the address on the release of liability, so it should go on a the record. It's up to the buyer to register the car, though, and if he's sketch, he might not do that. Or he will just do it with that same fake address.

You will remain the R/O until someone else registers it, but the release of liability will be placed on the record. Answer #2: You should be fine regardless as long as your turn in your old plate back to the DMV. You will have to also submit proof of sale that hopefully you and the other person signed saying you sold it for such and such amount (and provide a copy of the other persons drivers license) and they will remove all your info that's tied to the car. That way your aren't responsible in case he does something stupid with it.


Title: [serious] seeking advice/suggestions on legal rights WRT refund ($600) from Amazon payments that they are unable to make

Question:
like the title say, I'm seeking advice/suggestions about my legal rights WRT refund ($600) from Amazon payments that they are unable to make.

Specifically, the issue is that I made a donation to a kickstarter campaign in November 2013, and after waiting 1.5 years for the project to fulfill their obligations, I requested a refund by check.  However, they insisted on returning the money via Amazon Payments - which was the payment vehicle that kickstarter was using when I initially supported the project.

The reason I requested a check is because  the original payment was made with a debit card for a checking account that I've since closed. As the kickstarter projected insisted on refunding via Amazon payments, I contacted Amazon to let them know the issue, and they insisted that they would have to try to refund the money to the original banking institution (Bank of America) before they could seek alternate methods to refund my funds.

According to Amazon, their process is to attempt to refund to the original account.  In the case that the funds are ACCEPTED by the original banking institution, it is the individual's responsibility to contact the banking institution about getting those funds.  If the funds are REJECTED by the original bank, that is the only time when Amazon can refund the funds via different means.

When I contacted Bank of American (BoA), I was informed that if a vendor/merchant (Amazon) attempts to refund funds to an account that has been closed for more than 2 months, one has to contact their claims department - however, that is only good for transactions that have occurred within the last 12 months.  Otherwise, BoA insists that the funds are rejected and returned to the vendor.

All fine and good, except that according to Amazon, the refund was NOT rejected, while Bank of America insists that they have no way of accepting the refund as a) my bank account was closed 8 months ago, and b) the original transaction (from Nov. 2013) occurred over a year ago.  According to BoA, they have no way of tracing the transaction with the information that Amazon is giving me, and according to Amazon, the refund was successful.

So, now I'm stuck in limbo; and EVERY time I try talking to one of them, they tell me that I need to talk to the other, i.e. BoA insists that I need to hammer it out with Amazon, while Amazon says that I need to work it out with BoA.

At this point, I'm giving serious thought to pursuing legal action with Amazon as I see it really being their fault.  I suspect that I've fallen into some sort of hole with respect to BoA's policies, but end of the day, Amazon's policy is dependent up the behavior of a 3rd part (BoA, in this case), and I am being caught in the middle.

Can anyone give me any suggestions on what to do? Better business bureau? My state's DA to see if they have a consumer protection department? Private lawyer?  Or, am I SOL?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer: Have you tried going up the line to a supervisor at Amazon? Or even a 3 way call with you, Amazon and BoA? You can try all the letter writing and BBB complaints, they might help, or maybe they won't but getting a lawyer to do anything more than writing a letter will cost you more than $600.


Title: [California] Landlords refuse to hire a professional gardner, insist on doing "landscaping" themselves. They do a terrible job every time but the property management won't do anything about it.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You're getting into an antagonistic relationship with the landlords. They're not going to do anything for you. Cut the overgrown bushes blocking the Rv parking yourself, and consider getting a new rental.

See if you can call the city code enforcement about the lawn debris, but it's just going to piss off the landlords more, and they'll probably purposely do a shittier job


Title: I pirated a TV Show and got sent a letter from a law firm

Question:
Hi, this is obviously a throwaway.

I'm in Germany, have been for a couple of months looking for work. I live with my mom and the internet is in her name, I pirated a bunch of movies and TV show episodes because in my home country nobody cared if you did that \(I never uploaded just downloaded\) using a p2p torrent program.

Today I got a letter in my mother's name from a law firm called Waldorf Frommer and they represent Warner Bros, it states that I got caught pirating  with a p2p app like uTorrent etc.\(Which is true\) there are 2 episodes from the show "The 100" and it asks for an exorbitant amount of money, over 1000 euros.

Just to be clear I'm over 18, and I'm literally hyper ventilating right now.

We cannot afford to pay the fine and I don't want my mother to be responsible for my stupid mistakes.

I pirated the 2 episodes about a week ago and since then I pirated more things.

How deep in trouble am I and what are my options?

I am prepared to go to jail if I have to, I do not want my mother to be punished instead of me.

Any help is much appreciated.

Answer:
 Yeah this happens a lot in Germany. I guess you used popcorn time?

[How much they offer to settle for is pretty much on par in regards to what I usually see. You might want to hire a lawyer to negotiate a lower settlement on your behalf. With a little bit of luck it's only a €100,-](http://allaboutberlin.com/guides/pirating-streaming-movies-in-germany)


Title: 17 year old daughter ranaway in Utah

Question:
My daughter was living with her father in Utah. She ran away to be with her boyfriend. She contacted her father very briefly to say that she's ok. I have had a substantial amount of communication with her in the past few weeks since she's been gone. She has not given me her address though. I do know that she's still in Utah and is only about 45 minutes away from her father's house. I did give her basic whereabouts to both her father and the sheriff. I am paying for her cell phone so I can track it.
My question is: am I able to contact the sheriff who has been looking for her to ask that they not arrest her and leave her be? She seems happy and she's going to be 18 anyway in a few months. I think her father is mostly still looking for her because of anger and control issues. Those are the same reasons she took off in the first place. The thing I'm concerned with is getting I trouble for not giving out specific information about how I'm talking to her. I'm worried that she will cut off communication with me as well.
Topic:
CPS and Dependency Law

Answer:
 You could contact them and tell them that you think she is safe.

I'm not sure how aggressively they would pursue a 17 year old runaway, it really varies by local culture and whether the police believe she is in danger.


Title: Can I legally carry a sword in public in Florida?

Question:
The 2016 Florida Statutes s.790.10
'Improper exhibition of dangerous weapons or firearms.—If any person having or carrying any dirk, sword, sword cane, firearm, electric weapon or device, or other weapon shall, in the presence of one or more persons, exhibit the same in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner, not in necessary self-defense, the person so offending shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.'
So would this mean I can't carry a sword on my back to exercise my rights?
EDIT: I'm not saying I am and or will carry one. I just want to know my rights and the legality of the situation.
I'm older then 18, sorry this is my first post.

Answer:
 Sounds like a really good way to get yourself some police attention, and in a hurry.

"Threatening manner" is very subjective.


Title: Took GF's phone so she wouldn't leave and drunk drive, she went to cops, possible misdemeanor? NY

Question:
Hello,

Last night my girlfriend and I got drunk, we had a spat, and she tried to drunk drive herself 30 minutes home. I tried to take her keys from her, but they were in the coat she already had on and her phone was sitting on the bed so I took it because I knew she wouldn't leave without it.

She told me she wanted to call her parents to pick her up, and I offered to dial and hold her phone for her to do so because I feared she'd snatch the phone and run out, but she refused, left the room, and borrowed my roommates phone to call her parents. They came and she left immediately around 4am.

This morning she messaged me on facebook asking for her phone, I had to leave within 10 minutes of getting that message, she said her dad was forcing her to contact the cops before coming to my house. I responded telling her where I left the phone in our entryway (she knows the house passcode) and left for my day. She apparently closed her laptop and left before she saw that message.

Her and the cops came to my house while I was out and tried to enter my room, but the door was locked. They walked right past the phone.

I delivered the phone to her mailbox and let her know hours after this happened. She thanked me and we're being civil, but she warned me that the cop said this technically qualifies as criminal mischief, a misdemeanor in NY. The charge stems from the fact that I took away her point of contact to call for help. She says he'll stop by my house again and will arrest me to take my statement.

She just left a voicemail with the officer saying she has her property back and would like to deescalate the situation and avoid my arrest.

Is there anything I can do here to avoid arrest and how likely are these charges going to be applied? Anything goes on my record and I lose my job unfortunately

Thank you in advance for any help

Answer: Don't say a word to the police without an attorney. If you're charged with a crime consult with a criminal defense attorney.Answer #2: No, possible felony charge depending on cost


Title: Air travel with a GPS ankle bracelet.

Question:
I'm currently on pretrial release for a misdemeanor, and I need to travel out of state for work. I have a court order that allows me to do this as long as I notify my supervisor. While I don't doubt that my travel is legal, I am nervous about it. I have heard/read many stories of individuals that have ended up in jail for a pretrial or probation violation.

I contacted TSA and the airline about this and the both representatives stated they don't require anything special from me. However, it is one of those situations where they put me on hold and the answer wasn't delivered with 100% confidence. So, imagine you are about to parachute from a plane, and when you ask about how safe it is, you get an answer like, "It should be okay. We've never had a problem." I'm being dramatic but hopefully it makes my point :)

I guess I'm looking for anyone with knowledge in this area to comment. Often there is a big difference between how something should work and how it goes down in reality. If anyone has been in this situation or knows someone who has, I'd appreciate hearing about it. Feel free to PM as well. Thanks.

Answer: If you're concerned, get a copy of the court order and a letter from the person supervising you on pretrial release, and show up at the airport extra early in case there's a problem/delay.


Title: Friend requires mandatory flu shot for job. He refuses to get it, and has asked me if I would take his information and go on his behalf. What are the legal ramifications?

Question:
He’s willing to lose his job (2 years away from retirement!) in order to avoid “this cancer.”

Seems extremely illogical and unreasonable, but regardless, he has asked if I would go on his behalf.

As far as I can tell, I would have to fill out a small form at a pharmacy and possibly present a photo ID- we don’t look alike at all, which seems like the biggest hindrance to the proposed idea.

I don’t want to break the law but I would also like to help my friend out. Especially because I owe him, many times over.

Am I breaking any laws, and what would be the legal ramifications, if any, and odds of actually getting caught?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer:
 Fraud.  Maybe punitive damages depending on the industry if your friend ends up getting the flu and causing the company tangible damages.

If your friend is being unreasonable, don't feed the delusion regardless of how helpful he has been to you.Answer #2: Don’t do it.

Also, think about this...

If your “friend” thinks flu shots are dangerous, why is he asking you to take that risk? Sounds like a terrible friend to me.Answer #3: Don't do it.Answer #4: Ahhhh a classic "play stupid games win stupid prizes" scenario.

It's great that you feel indebted to your friend for personal reasons, but insurance fraud tends to be a crime, and even if it didn't process through insurance, it could still be construed as fraud (but you didn't post your location, so can't really help).

If your friend is *really* willing to lose his job and possible pension benefits over this, then he played the stupid game, so he gets the stupid prize of absolutely nothing.


Title: [MI] I got involved in a car crash and am out of work and will receive 85% of my wages, however, my attorney said they will take 1/3 of it, why?

Question: More background, my accident was almost 2 months ago and my mom's car insurance is covering my medical bills and covering for 85% or my pay, which isn't much to begin with. In the early stages, I was talking to one attorney and they said they would take 1/3 of the restitution, if any at all was won. He did inform me that they could pass it on to another office and then they did. Now the current one has stated that they will take 1/3 of the 85% of my pay and didn't say anything about the restitution, and that just doesn't seem right or make sense to me, but I'm young and ill-informed of the legal system to that extent. I'm not saying I don't want to pay them, but I rather it be from the money they win, if any, than from money I'm getting to somewhat fill the hole of me not working. So my question is whether they can/should be doing this and how if at all I can stop it, or if they can just take 1/3 of the restitution. I still haven't received a check from the car insurance and am in debt to my mom and I've been told that I cannot contact the insurance company any longer from my attorney so I am left in the dark. Any help will be appreciated, thank you.

Answer:
 What does your retainer agreement say? That is what will control what the attorney gets. It likely says the attorney will receive 1/3 of the judgment, not 1/3 of the amount you have left after your bills are paid.

If you signed the agreement, you can't get out of it. Your attorney needs to get paid.


Title: [CA] Property manager mailed my rent to landowner, now reporting it's lost in the mail. Money order, no receipt. Recourse?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 [California considers rent to be paid on the date it is mailed](http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/living-in.shtml), so long as you can show proof of it being mailed.

Since you handed your money order to the property manager and she sent it via a trackable method, I'd say your rent is paid.

That being said, you need to *ALWAYS* keep the receipts for money orders for at least 90 days in case of problems like this. You should also always get a receipt when you pay your rent.


Title: Do I have a case? Or is it on me for being a clutz?

Question:
Hello Reddit! I’m in OK if that helps.

This past Thursday (1/17) I (29F) was leaving a pediatric specialist’s office. I was carrying my daughter (16mo. F). As I was coming off the curb, the “puddle” I stepped in (had been raining) was actually a pothole. I heard a snap and my daughter and I went down. I landed to cradle my daughter in my arms so her head would not hit the parking lot.

Adrenaline kicked in, I picked us up and limped to my car, which was about 40 feet away. I called my husband and mom, who both advised me to go to the orthopedic hospital ER which was luckily 2 buildings down. I drove there an called the ER to ask for a wheelchair as I didn’t think I could carry my baby in at this point.

Was seen in the ER there. Was told it (left ankle) was broken and now I am non-weight bearing for 10 days until my follow-up appointment, where they will x-ray again.

I have three kids under 5 and this has been a huge challenge. I have had to call out of work (part time) and I am dreading the bill as we have a high deductible. Maybe not high to a lot of people, but high to us (3500).

Did I screw myself by not contacting the doctors office immediately after the incident or calling for an ambulance? I’m not trying to take them for everything, it would just be nice to have them cover my ER visit. Or is this 1000% on me for stepping in their pothole?

Thanks for your help!!’
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer: How is a pothole in the street the fault of the pediatrics office?


Title: [MI] Someone handed out fliers implying their opponent for a student government position was a child molester. What can be done?

Question:
This situation is happening to my friend. I know that's usually code for "I'm embarrassed to admit it was me", but in this case I am genuinely asking for a friend of mine. He's been lamenting his situation to me and I'm horrified that nothing is being resolved, I want to know if there's any advice I can give him or there's really nothing he can do. Sorry if I don't have all the details exactly.

My friend "Mark" is very big in student government at a state university in Michigan. He proposes bills and gives speeches instead of just quietly voting, and he spends a lot of time working on contentious issues like providing resources to rape victims, so he attracts a lot of attention. Last semester, elections were held and he won reelection to his seat. But during the election, another student ("Lars") campaigned against him in a very nasty way that bordered on harassment/bullying, which culminated in Lars spending hours handing out fliers that said "Would you still vote for [Mark's Full Name] if you were told he was a child molester?" With a picture of Mark holding his niece, stolen from his facebook page. Child molester was in huge print, and at the very bottom it said "Vote for [Lars]"

No one has ever accused Mark of child molestation. This came out of nowhere. Lars was told to knock it off by the University, and he did, but he was found innocent of all charges of slander and bullying in a university court and literally bragged about "calling someone a child molester" in his speech on why he should be elected head of a large conservative student group (he won). He made disgusting allegations, faced no consequences, and shows no remorse. He's being courted by real politicians now, as he's a senior with great success in student government. Meanwhile, Mark feels crushed and paranoid and it's obvious that at least some people genuinely believe he's a child molester now.

Is there any legal action I can recommend to him? Or should I just be there for my friend and try to remind him that not everyone in the world is shit?

Answer:
 NAL but this sounds like defamation to me. He's being cutely accused of being a child molester, which is a serious crime. He needs to speak to a lawyer. This sounds like it's kinda beyond the "university court" level.Answer #2: This could be defamation per se.  Politicians don't sue other politicians for all defamatory comments because the hope is that the public realizes the truth and votes for the better guy.  He could try to sue for defamation but I'm not sure if it's worth it.  I would have taken action right when it happened.  Here is some info about defamation: http://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/michigan-defamation-lawAnswer #3: There's a potential case for slander/libel depending on what was written and said. Heavily implying a statement to be true instead of stating it outright will make it a tricky case, but I'm not familiar enough with MI caselaw to know whether it's winnable or not.

He might be able to find a lawyer to take the case on a contingent fee or pro Bono, but otherwise he would be shelling out a lot of money for an uncertain result.

Unless the University court had some sort of binding arbitration agreement or something, it won't be a bar to bringing a real suit.Answer #4: I certainly think that it would be worthwhile to consult with an attorney on the matter.

Defamation certainly can come from a question, especially if the question is asked in a way that implies certain assumptions.Answer #5: Not that I'm the biggest fan of it...

Would a Title IX complaint be of any value?


Title: Back page black mail?

Question: Well did something fucking stupid. Looked at the massage page at 5am see about massage just being 19 and dumb. Well someone said 160-200 for a 'body rub' didn't text back and they say shit like 'waste my time' and 'you wanna play games' well anyway block number cool. Now they say they have play friends in court a judge cops and a pi. That I messed with the 'wrong bitches' and they've told me my email and old actually mailing addresses and saying they're coming they have her number and I should just have them the 500 dollars they asked for for wasting their time and playing games. Should I be worried at all? Every time a block one number they text off a different.

Answer:
 > Now they say they have play friends in court a judge cops and a pi. That I messed with the 'wrong bitches' and they've told me my email and old actually mailing addresses and saying they're coming they have her number and I should just have them the 500 dollars they asked for for wasting their time and playing games. Should I be worried at all?

Probably not. The overlap of "People friendly with judges" and "People offering full body rubs" and "People threatening strangers" is pretty small; it's much more likely you ran into somebody else just messing around and trolling you.

Don't engage or respond.


Title: Is doctoring a resume to get a job illegal?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Why is her statement a concern? If she has been a nurse for fifteen years and has a license in good standing there shouldn't be an issue. To keep your license in good standing you have to complete continuing education credits and your CPR certification up to date. Weather she is practicing 10 hours a week or 40 hours a week or even just six months out of the year for the last 15 years then technically she has been practicing for 15 years. Answer #2: Depends upon the context. I've had friends help me rework my resume an awful lot. There's a difference between that and "claiming experience I don't have." Answer #3: I would take the cautious route and edit that comment out.

The downside for your source could be high. And this is only a school paper. Answer #4: It's not illegal, as in it's not a violation of the law.  However, it can get you fired if the employer finds out about it.


Title: [GA] Childcare After Modification

Question:
Long story short, I have a custody arrangement with my ex wife where I have primary custody of the children during the school year and she gets them during the summer. She lives 300 miles away and she is to have the children this summer. The only problem is she can't afford child care so the children will be staying in her break room for her entire 8 hour shift 5 days a week.

If I had the money, I would help with childcare but part of the reason I got primary custody is that I'm around all of my family and hers. I don't pay for child care and I don't ask her for child support bc I know she can't afford it.

Of course I tried to discuss the fact that I didn't think it in the children's best interest to stay in a break room for 8 hours a day and that the children have already expressed they didn't like it last time it happened. Her response was belligerent and dismissive, as in she doesn't give a damn and she'll do what she wants.

I've considered calling her employer and explaining that I don't appreciate my kids being in the break room. And maybe suggest possible legal action if it doesn't stop. Since it's a small business I feel like it may freak the owner out.

I'd like to avoid legal action but I don't see any way around it other than forcing the ex to rely on me to what the kids and continue our school year agreement. I do have some savings and I know that she would be hard pressed to fight me in court but is it even a winnable fight from a legal perspective?

Also, parenting plan has no mention of what is considered acceptable child care. And I know I sound manipulative but I've found after fighting for an entire year and having had false allegations of abuse and stalking filed against me in an effort to steal my kids, I have to go to any length to ensure their best interests are taken into account.

TLDR

Ex has custody of kids all summer. She can't afford daycare. Keeps kids in break room for 8 hours a day 5 days a week. Would I have a winnable case from a legal standpoint?

Answer:
 >Also, parenting plan has no mention of what is considered acceptable child care.

But does it mention childcare being required in general? Sitting in a break room is not "childcare" by any stretch of the imagination. I also do not believe her employer will allow this on an ongoing basis.


Title: I interviewed at a company and they rejected me. I never signed an NDA, but now they are asking me to sign one.

Question: Basically the title says it all. Any advice on how to proceed? Should I just sign it and carry on? I am in Illinois.

Answer: I wouldn't sign it.  Why would you?  It's a liability.Answer #2: Don't bother signing it. If you're not getting anything out of it, why should you?


Title: CT: Landlord just told GF and I we have to be out in 2 weeks.

Question: First off, Our lease ends 4/30. We rent a guest house from our landlord. We had come to an agreement about a month over email that we would go month to month once our lease had ended. Last week the landlord tells (all this is via email) us that she is selling the house, doesnt expect the house to sell fast, and that we would  not need to show our guest house. We ask her to draft a six month lease for us. She agrees over email but nothing gets drafted. We then get an email two days later that we will need to leave our place whenever she wants to show it with 24 hours notice. We have both been robbed before so we put a little resistance on this. I dont like strangers in my residence and neither does my gf. We ask why things are changing. Keep things very cordial. We have been great tenants, pay rent on the first of the month in full. And even take out our landlords trash and collect her mail while she is gone. Today we get an email that she wants us out by the end of the month when our lease ends. Or she will let us stay until 5/15 and she will take half months rent out of our security deposit. We are not ready nor in a position to move right away. What kind of recourse do we have here. I am willing to answer any follow up questions to help clarify the situation. Thanks in advance!

Answer: Your lease turns to month to month on May 1.  landlords only need to give 3 days notice in CT.  I suggest you either move out on April 30 or take the May 15 deal in writing.


Title: A (at least) 300lb man tried to beat me (120lb girl) at the gym

Question:
Hey guys,

This just happened. I train boxing at a gym for a couple years now. I'm a woman and I take the training very seriously (it's my way to let stress out), so I'm more skilled than most of my gym buddies (except the pros).

So during sparring, the teacher lets me train with men, as long as they don't hit me (just touch), and I've never had any problems with that.

Until today, when a man almost triple my size got mad out of nowhere and started throwing hooks and jabs at my face almost knocking me out. First he threw a jab that made me lose balance, I stopped the fight and said: "hey bro you gotta take it easier, I'm a lot smaller than you".

We proceeded to continua sparring and he threw three hooks to my face that made me speechless and just stopped the fight and left the rink. He then proceeded to call me names and tell me to go fuck myself. I was super mad a grown man (in his 40s) trying to legit knock me out, so I said: well dude maybe you should lose some weight first". He got super mad and started calling me a whore among other things. My trainer and staff trying leading him out but he wouldn't leave, I kept training and he'd just come back and yell more at me while I was training.

Anyway, he said he'd go to the police open a report because I called him "fat". Is he in his right? What should I do? Should I go to the police station so they'll see my injuries, in case he decides to file against me for "calling him fat?" (After he, three times my size punched me repeatedly in the face)

I didn't sign a liability contract with the gym at all, I just go there to train and have been for years without any incidents.

Location: Brazil

Thanks guys
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer:
 >Anyway, he said he'd go to the police open a report because I called him "fat".

He is what we in the legal business call an "asshole."

I'm not familiar with Brazilian law, so I can't comment beyond that. If Brazil's laws are anything like the rest of the world's, I doubt he has a claim, and he probably committed assault and battery or the local equivalents against you if he knew he wasn't supposed to make contact.Answer #2: For now, write everything down in a very neutral tone. Write the exact words while you remember everything clearly. If he sues you, get an attorney and show your notes.

Ask the gym management if the guy will be allowed back. If so, find another place to train.Answer #3: Yes, file a police report


Title: (Urgent) Is my public high school legally allowed to boot my car? (Minnesota)

Question: Recently I got banned from parking on the school campus. Usually I now walk to school but today it was a torrential downpour and I was fed up. I parked my car in the school daily parking lot and payed the 5 dollar fee. I now am being called up to my office. I want to know the laws surrounding this.

Answer:
 Yeah, They could also just tow your car and you'd have to pay a lot more to get it back.

Stop parking in places where you aren't allowed to park.


Title: Divorce - Husband trapped me with no money and no way to get help

Question:
My soon to be ex husband agreed that he'd support me during our divorce until I get a job (I'm studying right now, it'll take 9 months to a year) and said he'd see a lawyer and get the agreement. I've been a stay at home mom for 6 years.

When he brought the agreement home it said that I'm agreeing to receive NO support whatsoever and I can't file for any in the future. So I've refused to sign it and his response was "get your own lawyer then, pay for it with your own money" and has cut off and severely limited the money I can spend so I can't save for one.

What are my options? I heard I can file for a spousal support and that lawyers will handle my case for free and let me pay later? I live in Pittsburgh and am totally lost here, he's moving out very soon and I'll have nothing, so please any help or advice on what I can do to make sure he sticks to his end of the bargain?

I tried all the free legal places and "free/cheap" lawyers and they all said "he earns too much and still lives there so we can't help you". Where can I go? What can I do? Any help at all would be massively appreciated, he's basically trapped me with nothing and I have two kids to support. He's been incredibly emotionally abusive, calling me names, stealing my mail and destroying it, hacking my emails, hacking my phone ever since I said I wanted to divorce. Thank you.

Answer:
 His response was right in the ”get your own lawyer” part.

The marital assets are as much yours as his and you can likely pay your lawyer from marital assets. You shouldn’t have trouble finding one who understands your financial situation and is able to work with it.Answer #2: Start contacting regular divorce attorneys. They can be paid out of there marital assets.Answer #3: Any money in the bank is "your" money too, legally he doesn't just get to decide everything is his. You have assets even if you can't access them, consult a lawyer, don't say "I don't have any money" say "my husband has cut off my access to our bank accounts, can you help me?"


Title: [WI] My husband is a sex offender and we want to get this expunged

Question:
When I was 16, I met and dated my then boyfriend who was 19. My parents were opposed from the beginning and told us we had to break up. Of course being a 16 year old and a bit rebellious, I continued to see my boyfriend in secret. Well one night my boyfriend snuck in through my window and my parents caught us doing the dirty. My mom called the cops and he was arrested. My boyfriend was later charged with 3rd degree sexual assault, even though I testified that I had consented. He is now a registered sex offender.

I am now 20 and married to him. We just had triplets (2 girls 1 boy) in July. We are happier than we've ever been and and are excited to raise our little ones in a loving home. Now that we're married and have kids, we want to expunge my husband's record. Only friends and family know the story behind my husband being a sex offender. Strangers of course who hear that my husband is a registered sex offender freak out and think he's a dangerous perv. Totally not the case!

We're not even sure where to start. Do we file for an appeal? Do we need to get a lawyer for this and if so, what kind of lawyer? Any advice on how to get the ball rolling would be appreciated. Thank you!

Edit: just wanted to add that my husband has nothing else on his record other than the 3rd degree sexual assault. He doesn't even have a traffic ticket!

Answer:
 With no legal options open to you other than a pardon you won't receive, what's left to you is activism. You might want to look into groups like [Reform Sex Offender Laws](http://nationalrsol.org) and [USA FAIR](http://www.usafair.org) who are working to get sex offender laws changed. Lenore Skenazy recently hosted a well-publicized ["sex offender brunch"](https://reason.com/archives/2015/07/01/why-i-threw-a-sex-offender-bru) and seems to be taking up the cause; she might be able to hook you up with other groups.

These are long shot options, but I'm afraid that you don't seem to have any options that aren't.


Title: New home borders on privately owned reservoir off limit to recreational boating.

Question:
Hi r/legaladvice!

The new home I am moving into backs up to a reservoir. It is owned by the local water company, which is privately held. There are clear "no boating/no swimming" signs around the perimeter of the reservoir. I would like to be able to take a kayak or canoe into the water, but not against the wishes of the water company.

I'm putting together a document to persuade the water company to allow homeowners to obtain a boating permit in exchange for a waiver of liability, even for an annual or lifetime fee. I'm planning to include examples of other municipal drinking water supplies that permit the launch of non-motorized recreational watercraft and their permitting processes.

Any other recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

Answer:
 Prepare yourself for the inevitable disappointment when they decline your proposal.

But best of luck!Answer #2: I would recommend looking for some sources showing not only that other municipal water supplies allow it, but that it is *safe* to the end user to do so. They may be worried less about their liability to you (and the extent of that liability will depend on your state) and more about their liability to their customers.


Title: My dad works at a plant nursery and does not get paid overtime until he works more than 60 hours per week.

Question: He works in California, earns min wage (9/hour), works 8 hours a day and works 6 days a week. On the busiest time of the year he works up to 12 hours a day and 5 times a week and still does not get paid overtime. Is this legal?

Answer:
 It is likely not legal.  Your dad should contact the California [DLSE](http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/dlse.html) since they exist to handle wage disputes like this one.Answer #2: This sounds silly but is he an irrigator?Answer #3: I think they may be following the exception guidelines for agricultural employees (See [Order 14](http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/FAQ_OvertimeExceptions.htm))

> "One and one-half times the employees regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 10 in a workday and for the first eight hours worked on the seventh (7th) consecutive day of work in a workweek, and for two times the employee's regular rate of pay for all hours worked over eight on the seventh (7th) consecutive day of work in a workweek."

Although your dad doesn't qualify for OT for the 1st 10 hours, he's may be due OT for 2 hours/day during the busiest season.

As /u/cpolito87 suggested, he may want to contact DSLE for clarification.


Title: Being sued for defamation of character. [Hawaii]

Question:
Hi guys,

Throwaway account here.  Hope someone can give me some advice on this.  Thanks in advance.

**County and State:** Honolulu, HI

**Backstory:**

I was employed by a guy part time to help manage his business.  After a couple of years the relationship soured and at the end he refused to pay me some of my salary.  At the time I was pretty worked up and I told him if I didn't get paid people were going to find out about his past;  he is a convicted felon.  Anyways after the  threat he did pay me and I ceased all contact from him and started a new job and put my time with him behind me.  This was about one year ago.

**Now:** Last week I get a letter in the mail from a lawyer suing me for defamation of character and referencing facebook and some forums where my former bosses record had been posted.  They are suing me for damages of $10,000.  I was totally shocked.

I looked into the FB and forum posts and they are just screen shots of his conviction and the accompanying news article when he was convicted.  There is nothing defamatory or that hasn't already been circulated in the media.  My ex-employer has burned a lot of bridges on this island so it's really not suprising that someone would do that but it certainly wasn't me.  Aside from my year old text message there can't be any proof that I did it simply because I didn't do it.

**Questions**

1.  How should I respond to this?
2.  There is absolutely no proof that I did any of these things.  I don't want to spend money to hire a lawyer if it's not necessary.
3.  If I do need to hire a lawyer are there any pro-bono, low cost organizations I should look into?
4.  If he pushes this matter and takes me to court is it possible to counter-sue at least to cover my costs?

Thanks so much r/legaladvice!

Answer:
 If it is the truth, and it his convictions are public records, you don't have much to worry about.  Truth is always a defense to defamation.  Furthermore, if you did not post them, you shouldn't worry.  They have to prove you posted them, which seems impossible.  It's probably your employer trying to puff his chest out.

I don't think any pro bono or low-bono services will handle civil matters.  The ones I worked at did not.

Answer #2: 1. Don't respond at all. A letter from a lawyer threatening to sue you doesn't mean anything.

2. If you actually get sued, hire a lawyer. It's cheaper than losing.

3. There are low-cost legal aid organizations. I'm not familiar with Hawaii, but you can give the [Legal Aid Society of Hawaii](http://www.legalaidhawaii.org/) a try. If they can't help they may be able to point you in the right direction at least.

4. If he loses, you can recover court and legal costs from him.

As /u/edsbf the truth is a defense to defamation. This is probably just your boss trying to intimidate you.


Title: California: Woke up after drinking and my car is gone. What do I do?

Question:
Yesterday I drank too much.  The last time I saw my car was in it's parking spot when I came back to drink beer.  About 1.5 hours later, I was blackout drunk walking in the street close to my house.  Thankfully my girlfriend was driving by and saw me.  I did not have my car with me.  I started drinking water and sobered up.  I assumed my car was in the spot but this morning found out it was not.  I called the tow yards and police department and no sign of my car.

1.) I contacted the police and told them my car was missing.  I told them I am pretty sure that I did not drive it, but it was weird for me to be wandering the streets.  They said I could report it stolen but maybe wait one day in case I did get drunk and leave it somewhere.  Did I fuck up by admitting to the police I did drink?  What should I do?

Answer:
 > What should I do?

1. Seriously address your drinking problem.
2. Spend a couple hours looking for where drunk you put your damn car.
3. If you can't find it, make a police report.

Do you still have your car keys or are those missing too?Answer #2: Do that one LPT that always comes up, go early in the morning to the waste management (dumpster truck drivers) with flyers of your car and offer some reward.Answer #3: Saw your update.  You obviously drove when you were blackout drunk.  You should be very grateful that you didn't kill someone.Answer #4: Do you have a tattoo on your back that says "Sweet"?Answer #5: Do you have location tracking available on your phone? You can check the times and try to find your car that way. Answer #6: It's possible your car has been impounded.   Call the police if you can't find it.  Answer #7: Do you have OnStar or something similar?Answer #8: I'm a bot, *bleep*, *bloop*. Someone has linked to this thread from another place on reddit:

- [/r/bestoflegaladvice] [Dude, Where's my Car?](https://np.reddit.com/r/bestoflegaladvice/comments/69vtd6/dude_wheres_my_car/)

[](#footer)*^(If you follow any of the above links, please respect the rules of reddit and don't vote in the other threads.) ^\([Info](/r/TotesMessenger) ^/ ^[Contact](/message/compose?to=/r/TotesMessenger))*

[](#bot)Answer #9: I saw your post back when you made it and your two updates, bravo on getting the monkey off your back and I'm glad the catalyst could be something with little long term consequences. Answer #10: You may want to start checking out the r/stopdrinking sub. It is full of  people who are in various stages of learning how to stay sober.


Title: My roommate has been letting people stay in my room while I’m gone. I have a camera in the room.

Question:
I have a camera in the room I am renting. My roommate has let two people (on two different occasions) whom I don’t know stay in my room without my consent. I have been gone for two weeks and will be gone for two more. What can I legally do?

If the camera is illegal I’ll talk to her about it and not tell her how I know and just tell her to not be a shit bird when I’m gone.

If it’s legal, I’ll show her the footage and tell her I’m not paying that months rent. My biggest concern is the one month security deposit she is holding.

Additionally, there are a few times where the guest is changing in front of the camera. Please keep in mind this is my room that I pay rent for that she has no permission from me to be in.

I am a sub renter, she is the lease signer. I am not acquainted with the owner. I appreciate any advice.

Answer:
 "Hey roommate, I would appreciate it if you didn't let anyone stay in my room while I'm away."

Have you tried the above?  Honestly, some people are just kind of dense and see an empty bed and think it wouldn't be an issue for their friend to use it since you are away.  Before you start looking into locks and lawyers, just try talking to your roommate.