Title: NJ-Landlord giving out personal information

Question:
Hey Guys!

I recently signed a lease in the great state of NJ at a luxury apartment complex owned by a large company. Everything during the lease signing process went smoothly and I ended up signing a 13-month lease.

Today I received a text message from a representative from Verizon Fios saying they were given my information from the apartment complex. The representative from verizon is looking to sell me cable.

My question is:

1. Does a landlord have a duty to not disclose personal information  I.E. My name and phone number? Can they sell that information to a private company?

I couldn't find any regulations in NJ landlord/tenant law related to disclosure of personal information.

I plan on living at this apartment but I'm just curious of the laws behind it.

Thanks!

Answer:
 > Does a landlord have a duty to not disclose personal information

They do not.  They can spray-paint it on your front door, if they like.


Title: How to legally protect myself against assault charges

Question: More than a year ago 2 guys tried to rob me. Fight broke out and I punched a guy pretty badly. Now I am afraid that he went to hospital and case ended in police. What should I do legally to protect myself against assault charges?

Answer: Don't speak with the police without an attorney present.


Title: Final alimony payment due, but she's left a mess and not lived up to her agreements

Question:
Hello!

Wife and I split, separation agreement in place. She's supposed to be out of the house by 12/23/19, I pay 10k up front, another 12k by 01/15/2020. Agreement for household items states she keeps what she wants, I keep what she leaves behind. She has maintained throughout the separation there are items she does not want.

After signing, she has changed her story on items she was claimed to be leaving. And the home is a mess(not wrecked, just junk everywhere, dirty, unkempt etc)

Can I deduct the cost of replacement for items she previously disclosed she would be leaving? and for costs for getting the home cleaned after her departure from her final alimony payment? What about extra costs I've accumulated since she's taken longer to move out?(she just moved out, so 2ish weeks)

If I do, what is her recourse? taking me to court over the 500 or so dollars?

Thanks!

Answer: best thing to do is just pay her the money and get her out of your life.  spend a weekend cleaning up the house and then enjoy it.  chalk this up to "why is divorce so expensive? because it is worth it."


Title: Can landlord reject application for no credit history?

Question: I applied for an apartment and payed the application fee of $105, but I Was rejected for having no credit history. What can I do to recover my money? Can I ask for refund or ask for a copy of the screening so that I can use those documents as proof of background check for the next apartment I apply to?

Answer: I’d say a good majority of the time, the application fees are non-refundable and they usually disclose that to you before you apply. As far as landlords denying you, you should have talked to him/her before hand and explained your credit. That way you both could have saved time and money. Not much you can do in this situationAnswer #2: Hi there, I work at an apartment complex. Typically the application fee is non-refundable even if your application was denied for any reason. When you filled out the application there was likely something you signed that states this as well as their requirements. You should ask where it was stated that having no credit history would result in a denied application. We are not able to give out copies of the screening results and each apartment you apply to will want their own screening to be completed.


Title: Probing for advice from an old throwaway account - - - strange interaction with Georgia State Patrol

Question:
A couple of weeks ago a really close friend of mine had a very odd interaction with a local city police officer and a Georgia State Patrolman. I am looking for guidance on how to help her handle this situation, and what steps we should take before hiring a lawyer.

Back story:

My two friends, Jack and Jill in this example, and their dog were attempting to cross the street to visit with their neighbor. They planned to walk from their yard, across the two lane street (very rural area, no crosswalk or intersection for miles), and on to the neighbor's property.  As they crossed the street a car topped the hill and hit all three of them causing very minor injuries, they both accepted ambulance rides and my friend's shoulder was out of its socket. The dog went to the vet and luckily has no broken bones.

I assumed that the driver of the vehicle that hit two pedestrians would be ticketed, but that wasn't the case. I plan to reach out to the state patrol office in the morning to obtain a copy of the police report, and then I wanted to try to contact the officer him or herself to ask any other questions.

At what point should we contact a lawyer? I am hesitant because I want to try to judge the strength of our case against the driver and possibly the officers before diving in head first. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Answer:
 You have no reason to contact the officer. You're not involved in the situation.

And the officer is not required to write a ticket, and a ticket has nothing to do with civil liability.Answer #2: Your friends need to be the one to get the police report.

You never really explained what was strange about the interaction with GSP and the local police.Answer #3: Liability is not always 100%. The people crossed the street at a point that they could not see incoming traffic and they were not in a legal crossing area.

What do you feel an attorney is needed for? Has insurance been contacted to see if they are paying medical bills?

You cannot make an office write a ticket.


Title: Possible animal neglect/abuse?

Question:
Location is Tennessee. If this is the wrong subreddit, I apologize, but didn't know where else to post.

We just moved into this house about two months ago, and we've noticed a cat that wanders around and is super friendly. He has a raggedy collar with his name (Solo) and a phone number. He looks a little small, but we assumed he was younger or an active outdoor kitten. We haven't fed him or anything but he gravitates to our house on a daily basis to the point where our son tells him he hopes he has a good day every morning.

This seemed normal as we have a cat that used to be an outdoor cat who LOVED our old neighbors, so we assumed it was a similar situation. Well the weather has been bad and I stepped out onto our front porch to smoke a cigarette under the overhang, when I see Solo bolt down the street towards me and mewing. I assumed he just got caught in the storm, petted him a bit, and went back inside.

Over the course of the next several hours, Solo stayed on our porch and seemed very hungry. I started to get concerned since it was still raining and our porch was also now saturated, but he wasn't leaving to go home.

I decided to call the number on Solo's dilapidated collar and the person who answered was obviously high. He even told me as much, didn't know how I got his number, said he forgot someone had the collar made with the phone number on it, and said that if the cat was bothering us, to just kick it. He actually told me that several times. He also stated that he was in another state due to kidney stones(?) and told me that if I just put the cat in his carport, he'd float me $20 when he got back. I told him I didn't need money, that I was just concerned about his pet and wanted to know if there was someone in his home that could take the cat in.

He said no, that it was just an outdoor pet and that's how it is, but he'd pay us to take care of it if we could while he's in another state and hung up. At this point, my partner and I started discussing how we're going to take in this cat, when a few minutes later, the owner's neighbor came out and called for Solo. I picked up the cat and walked him across the street to talk to her. As soon as we got there, her dogs started freaking out and Solo lost it and tried to escape. She said she had a key to the owner's place and would take Solo so I handed him over.

I'm really worried that this sweet cat is going to be locked up while his obviously crappy owner is in a completely different state because they don't want it to "bother" us. Can we call animal control on these people, or would it be a waste of time?

Answer:
 You can report it.

Does it sound like he even wants the cat? Why not call him and say you will watch it for the time being while he is away?
Answer #2: I would say to call, especially if the owner seemed intoxicated. It could never hurt


Title: Officer wants to “talk” to me and “photograph” my vehicle for damage that I caused to a barbed wired fence a month ago.

Question:
Let me start off by saying that the vehicle has/had insurance at the time and this occurred in Utah.

Alright so about a month ago I lost control of my dads car due to heavy snow and it resulted in me running into a small barbed wired fence. I didn’t think much of it because it was in a field and the damage did not look very bad. I was late to work so I kind of scurried out of there not noticing that my license plate had fallen off in the field.. I messed up. So today (a month later) I received a phone call from an officer questioning me about that night and also stating that I not only damaged the fence but also some sprinklers. I have explained to him what I remember: how things led up to that, when it happened and where I remember it being. After doing so, he asks me when a good time to meet up with him would be. I asked what for and he says that he needs to do more questioning, give me back my license plate and photograph the damage done to my vehicle. My question is, do I ABSOLUTELY need to “meet up” with him and talk or should I just speak with my fathers insurance provider? Should I lawyer up? I just don’t want to be falsely accused of anything and I hear that could happens at times when you choose to speak to an officer.

Hope someone can help me out.
A huge THANKS in advance!

UPDATE: I just spoke to the property owner and they are going to allow me to pay for the damages without getting our insurances involved. They were very understanding and hopefully once they talk to the police officer involved I can get the charges dropped. The fence was not an issue but the pipe that I hit was easily $400 in damage. I am going to have a better talk with him tomorrow afternoon and completely clear things up.
Now my question is, if the owner decided to drop everything is there still a possibility that the officer can deny that and/or charge me with something else??
I really appreciate you guys, thanks for your time.

Answer:
 You do NOT need to meet up with him and talk.

Arguably you should NOT talk (even if you meet up) because you seem to have committed a crime and already admitted to it to the officer on the phone.

You don't need to worry about being 'falsely" accused because you did, in fact, commit a real crime when you left the scene of an accident that damaged someone else's property.

So expect to be charged at some point- when that happens you'll want a lawyer.


Title: (MD) I had mold in my apt and the maintenance folks did not properly cleaned it and I got sick.

Question:
helo, first post in here sorry if they are any mistakes.

I lived in an apt and we had the air conditioner leak and water got all over the air conditioner floor and the next room where the bedroom was. Months later I found that black mold had builded on the carpet on the bedroom side and contacted maintenance. Maintenance cleaned up the black mold on the carpet and walls with just a spray and washcloth. Months later I started getting sick and recently also. Coughing, itchy, through soar, headaches etc and missing work. Turns out there was still mold on the bottom of the carpet and on the air conditioner. I been going to the doctors lately and they gave me an inhaler for the first time in my life since i'm having a hard time breathing. We contacted maintenance around 3-4 times and mentioned we got mold. They came in checked and said no mold. We decided to leave cause i kept getting sick and missing work. I was not aware how dangerous mold was and the proper ways to clean it until recently when I started doing research. The apt maintenance has completely ignore the situation and has not cleaned it. I end up moving away and hired someone to do a mold test for it. They said it stinks real bad of mold and mildew(I'm waiting for my results). and the hallway and the rest of the apt building smells like it. What can I do in this situation? can I sue? and if so what type of lawyer? I also want to mention I got pics of all the mold before and after they cleaned it plus the medical paperwork from being sick.
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 So many people talk about black mold, but so few actually have the toxic kind. The color isn't indicative of it's toxicity.

You would need a mold test to prove it's toxic. You would then need a doctor to say that your illness was due to the mold. Not just paperwork saying you were ill, but a doctor actually saying that the cause of your illness was the mold


Title: can i sue my car company

Question:
basically bought a car from a car company.  nothing wrong with the car. only thing is that they gave me temp plates and they expire tomorrow.

so i called today asking where my real plates were. lady put me on hold for 10 minutes. comes back basically saying they didnt even start sending em and told me my inspection was EXPIRED. Never called to inform me. She sent me a 50 dollar gift card to try to cover the mess.

Sso basically tomorrow, I'm going to be driving illegal. Can I sue for like car company negligence

Answer:
 >So basically tomorrow, I'm going to be driving illegal

Not if you don't drive until you have proper registration for the vehicle.

>Can I sue for like car company negligence

You could try, based on the theory that they had an obligation to do the paperwork and provide it to you in a timely manner.

Your damages would be the cost of a rental car, presumably.   Or bus fare.

As a plaintiff, you have a duty to mitigate the damages you are suffering.   So if you go driving and get a ticket, you can't possibly sue for the cost of the ticket because you failed to take the steps (not driving) that would have prevented the extra damages (the ticket).

I realize you're irritated.  Something similar happened to me last time I bought a car, and I simply parked it for two weeks and took the bus.

If you incur more costs because of their delay, like having to do another inspection, the simplest thing to do is write them a letter requesting that they compensate you for those costs.


Title: Is this child abuse?

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer: Tell your teacher. They are mandated reporters.Answer #2: I'd tell your mom about it.Answer #3: This is abuse. Please tell someone at school or call CPS


Title: Refused serving position due to gender.

Question:
I have currently been working at a bowling alley/restaurant/bar for over a year as a busser and bar back. I hoped to be moved to server once I gained enough experience at the restaurant. When I asked the GM when it would be possible for me to become a server I was told the investors prefer women servers and it would be extremely difficult to get the position. Does this count as sex discrimination? Is there any legal action I can take towards the company?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Not a lawyer, but I couldn't imagine in a thousand years that it wouldn't count as sex discrimination.  That said though, a crime isn't gonna get punished without proof.  You could maybe bait him into giving you proof by sending a text saying "hey I know you said the investors prefer women servers, but I have x,y, and z qualifications, do you think you could pass my resume along to them?"  That could, however, invite the risk of him realizing what you're doing which could risk your job.


Title: ONTARIO - Police left me a voicemail with a case number telling me to call back. What could this be for and how do I approach it safely

Question: Was wondering what reasons police have to call and leave a voicemail and what would be the smart way to approach this, what should I keep in mind while talking?

Answer:
 "Hi, this is whatisthispoooop, calling for Detective Trollington in reference to case number 123456."

"You want me to come in to answer some questions? That sounds kind of serious. I think I should speak to a lawyer first."


Title: Principal somehow has me and my friends group chat not sure if this is okay

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Did the chatting take place in school? Was it done during class? Was it in reference to anything going on at school (including other students or teachers)?

Then likely it's completely fine. Schools have broad authority to discipline students as they see fit.


Title: I want to give my mother full custody.

Question:
Aurora, Colorado, United States

I’m 15, 16 in November.

My father has horrible anger issues and I no longer want to live at his house. He has screamed in my fave for years, and I’m sick of it.

My issues include:

**Retaining my physical property, including my computer stuff.** I’ve paid for my computer and the monitor was given as a gift. Can he reclaim the monitor because I technically never purchased it?

**Taking my monetary assets with me.** I have a checkbook with $1500 in it. This is how it works. If I for example, didn’t want a gift card, i would give him the gift card and he would put the value of the card in the checkbook. Now that I want to distance myself from him, how do I make sure I get my money from this checkbook?

**Giving my mother custody.** I’ve no clue how to appeal to a judge my situation and get away from my father. Are there general guidelines for changing a custody agreement?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 Your mother would have to file for the modification in court, preferably with an attorney

She would also have to pursue him for any of your property that he won't return (gifts, etc)


Title: My school counselor is calling CPS on my family and I'm worried and wondering who would get into trouble?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You know what? Don't waste your energy on figuring out who is going to get in trouble. The fact is you DO need help - your whole family does. And this might be the first step in getting there.


Title: Can I change the locks on my old roommate once they are off the lease? (MD)

Question:
My situation is as follows, we live in a two bedroom apartment but we split it between 3 people. In order for one of us to get off the lease we (all) have to sign a relinquish form.

The question is, once this form has been processed and he is officially off our lease are we legally allowed to change our locks and remove any of their left over belongings? We live in MD. Also is he officially off the lease once we sign the relinquish form or when we sign a new lease?? We are worried about the possibility of them trying to squat.

Thanks in advance!

Answer: Strictly the landlord has to change the locks, or grant permission for you to do it.  And it seems like the roommate is still there, so you can't just throw them out without a proper eviction.  The landlord has to do that part too.


Title: [TX] What are the legal limits of what I can do to get rid of Mockingbirds?

Question: I live in an apartment Texas. Several times a year Mockingbirds and sparrows will set up in the trees around the complex. This is an issue because they are extremely loud and will make noise pretty much 24/7. I have tried to get the apartment to do something about it but they have refused on the grounds that the Mockingbird is the state bird and thus has much greater protections and they do not run the risk breaking the law. I have tried to figure out what I can/can't do to try and dissuade the birds from setting up in the area by getting in contact with my counties game warden but they referred me to animal control, who then referred me back to the game warden. So I was hoping someone here might know what the legal limits are on what I can do about this.

Answer:
 Well harming them is out. I'd try scent or sounds of a predator but my guess is it won't do much. Heavy curtains are probably your best bet.Answer #2: Well, it’s a sin to kill a mocking bird. So there’s that.

They’re also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prevents anyone from from taking action to “pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, or sell“ the listed species.

Notably, that’s very similar language to the Marine Mamal Protection Act, but the MMPA also includes the term “harass”. So while it’s illegal to do things like use loud horns or water sprays to get sea lions to relocate; similar provisions don’t seem to be prohibited under the MBTA. Of course, the loudhorns would be prohibited by local noise or dances and be more annoying than the birds.

Officially, if you want to relocate them; you need a permit issued by US Fish and Wildlife. Even the local game warden would need to have one (and likely does).

Ultimately; they’re *migratory* birds. They’ll move on in a little while.


Title: Could I legally set up a movie theater with streaming services and sell access

Question: In the US, could I legally set up a building like a movie theater, but each room has a computer with multiple streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, etc.) that I pay for and the guests have full access to and then rent the room out to private parties for an allotted period of time? What if the guests also had the option to bring their own media (Blu-rays, gaming consoles, their own Netflix account, etc)?

Answer:
 If your license for those services includes commercial use, sure.

(Hint: they do not)


Title: [Virginia] My HOA is requiring all residents to register their pets and threatening to remove any pets which are not registered after the deadline. Is that legal?

Question:
I registered my dogs to be on the safe side, but it appears to be getting out of hand. Notices have been posted around stating that any pet owner who has not registered their pet or contacted the HOA about registration by Thursday March 2nd will be served notice that the association will begin enforcement of the right to have the pet removed from the properties.

I looked through the association by-laws, which doesn't appear to say anything about pets. Can the HOA board do this unilaterally?

Answer:
 HOA's have immense power.

But what do you mean about "registering" dogs? Where I live, all dogs must be registered or you are violating the law and are subject to incredible fines. (Not removal, but civil penalties that are staggering.)

As a practical matter, if the HOA removes a dog from a property, what does it plan to do with it???


Title: Being blackmailed by sex worker

Question:
London

Hi all,
Need some advice for a stupid incident that I walked myself into earlier. I was flicking through pof(dating app) when I messaged a girl whose reply was clearly automated, listing off a bunch of prices for a number of carnal acts, an hotel in which she operates and a WhatsApp number. Now I don't know what possessed me to do it, perhaps I was bored, perhaps it's due to the dry spell I've been going through but I messaged her and agreed to meet at 3, I even more foolishly then sent money to her via Internet banking and sent a screenshot of the confirmed payment(being careful to keep my details out of the screenshot), roughly 20 seconds after I realised how stupid I was and got cold feet so I messaged her again to cancel the meet up. Near instantaneously I recieved a tirade of messages from her stating she was underage and was going to show the messages to her parents unless I sent over more money, this was the point I realised how much shit I'd waded myself into. I immediately deleted all the conversations and blocked the number. I understand that she was probably lieing to try and get more money out of me but I was hoping if someone could help give me some peace of mind by explaining if there are any potential ramifications.

Thanks

Answer:
 Most common scam on the Internet.

She's not underage, there are no parents, and nothing is going to happen.

Break off contact and make better choices.


Title: My girlfriend just wants to be able to have some keepsakes after her father's passing

Question:
My girlfriend's (Let's call her Kim) father recently passed away. Based on previous conversations she knows he had a will at some point in time but she hasn't seen it in at least 10 years. Her step mother (Let's call her Susan) is claiming there is no will. He didn't have a lot of assets, just some personal items and a couple of instruments. We went over there to go thru things and get some mementos of his and she was only allowed to take certain things from the pile that Susan had already laid out. Susan claimed that Kim's father sold his keyboard, we found out that wasn't true and she was hiding it. Or we think. Susan is saying that he sold his old keyboard.... and bought the same one a couple years later. After we found out that a keyboard was still in her possession, she's offering to sell this keyboard to Kim after having it appraised. This seems weird because he had always promised that to Kim, we're not sure why he would sell it knowing she wanted it, especially if he was going to just buy the same one again anyway (which Susan says Kim has no claim to since it was bought after they were married). There's a couple rings and books that Kim also wanted but hasn't even seen since she's not allowed to go thru things in "Susan's house", which is actually a parish house that she's only in because Kim's father was a preacher.

Kim was incredibly close to her dad and just wants to be able to remember her father and have a few items of his that mean a lot to her. Susan was only married to him for 6 years and is pretty much cutting out my girlfriend and her sister from their father's death. She even went onto his Facebook and blocked them from his profile which is just cruel.

This is happening in Arkansas. The step mom is in a small town where everyone knows her. We're not sure how/if we can do anything to claim anything of his or not. Especially without a long drawn out process for just a few items that are worth more personally than financially. Any advice would be great.

Answer:
 My condolences to you and Kim.

Arkansas has a unique dowry statute, which you should research. Here is a quick link to get started:

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/intestate-succession-arkansas.html

While she may very well be legally entitled to some items, it would be extremely difficult to do so without Susan's cooperation. If you point out some legalities to her, she may be more inclined to work with you; otherwise, you need to hire an attorney, and, frankly, that is (sadly) probably cost prohibitive.


Title: [NY] Raped by sugar baby and she's now pregnant and blackmailing me

Question:
Throwaway for obvious reasons.

I'm an unmarried 38M with a secret promiscuous lifestyle and frequently hit it off with sugar babies (plenty of websites where you can hook up like this, won't name any as it's not relevant). My last sugar baby, we met for a few drinks and dinners, and then she was ready to move onto a hotel.

This incident was about a month ago, I'm ashamed to say this, but she drugged me and I do not remember the rest of the night. She claims I raped her and got her pregnant, though I strongly suspect it's the other way around. She also took photos of my ID and knows my name and address, while I do not know hers. She contacted me by phone asking for $2,000 via Western Union or else she will out me as a sugar daddy to my phone contacts (which she again claims to have taken photos of) and ruin my reputation. Furthermore, she claims to be 17 (I do not know her real age, but she introduced herself as 21 initially) and will press criminal charges if I don't comply.

I have sent the money and no less than 24 hours she calls me from a different number with a second request demanding $200,000 for rape, adding that since I paid the first time, I've basically already admitted my guilt. She says this will be the last phone call as by the way I acted she knows I didn't record the calls and it's too late for me to record now. If I don't send the money within 48 hours, she will go to the police with HER version of the story.

Answer:
 get a lawyer ASAP and go to the police

probably not her first rodeoAnswer #2: The age of consent in New York is 17, so that part of it is irrelevant. You can either wait and see if she's bluffing or call the police yourself. Those are kind of your only options at this point.


Title: Summons after my dog bit another dog

Question: At the end of October my mother-in-law was walking my dog, Barbra. In my apartment building we have to go out a door, down a set of stairs and out of a second door. As my mother in law was exiting the second door a man with two little dogs was coming in. They ran into each other, leashes got tangled and my dog bit one of the little dogs on the leg. My mother-in-law did not handle the situation well and walked away from the poor dog and it's upset owner, Randy. Randy called the police and when they arrived my mother-in-law did not open the door. My husband and I were at work at this time. Long story short I have a summons to appear in court and the summons is for 'vicious dog at large," which is strange because all the dogs involved were leashed. All of the vet bills were paid within a few days of the incident. What should I expect when I go in for the summons? I am bringing proof that the bills are paid, a copy of a receipt for the muzzle we purchased, a copy of our lease which shows we have moved to a home with a large yard, e-mails between me and Randy to show that we have been cordial and cooperative. What else should I bring. What else should I prepare for besides a fee? I lived in Boulder County Colorado at the time of the incident.

Answer:
 You will benefit from reading up on [§ 18-9-204.5. Unlawful ownership of dangerous dog](https://www.animallaw.info/statute/co-dangerous-dog-article-9-offenses-against-public-peace-order-and-decency). Your dog being on a leash does not exempt it from this ordinance. The "at large" part of the summons may not really apply, but this is likely what you'll be up against.

2(b) breaks out how the state defines a "dangerous dog" - in my opinion this is soft language, is intentionally vague, and is subject to interpretation as well as precedent. If your dog happens to be a large breed known for its teeth such as a German Shepherd, a pit bull terrier, a rottweiler, or similar, you will face challenges in having the dog not declared "dangerous". I'm a dog owner, and hate this, but that's how it works.

3(e)(1) states an owner of a dangerous dog that has injured another dog is guilty of a misdemeanor.

3(e.5) lists possible remedies the court will enact if your dog is a dangerous dog that has caused harm to someone or someone's pet.

I expect your time in court will go as follows:

* What happened, when, to whom or what.
* Is the dog a dangerous dog?

They'll assess responsibility, and if you're deemed to own a dangerous dog, you'll have to keep it inside, keep it leashed, pay a fine for the misdemeanor, probably participate in Colorado's dangerous dogs registry - things of that nature. If this is a subsequent offense, there's more to worry about.

That's what I'd expect. Beyond that, you'll need to consult a local attorney who's handled this sort of matter.


Title: (KY) Seeking advice after livein sister in law caused all of our laptops to be siezed in a search warrant.

Question: So, my wife and I came home tonight after going to see a movie only to find out that uppn our return home that the police had obtained a search warrant to sieze and inspect all electronic devices that can be used to store pictures or be used to communicate.  They took my laptop, my wife's laptop, and my external hdd.  My question is while they are searching our devices and see the few movies i pirated years ago can i be charged or what?  It honestly has me freaking out.

Answer:
 The Police just seized every communications device in your home, they don't do that if they are searching for pirated porn. Unless it's CP then you're boned.

What I'd be worried about is whatever the hell your sister in law did to bring down a search warrant and if you can be implicated in it.Answer #2: If the police find evidence of a crime they can charge you with that crime.

However, I don't think the police get search warrants for someone pirating a couple movies years ago. I would worry more about why they had a warrant if I were you.


Title: How many paternity tests can a man ask before he has to pay child support? We have done 3 and now he wants a 4th.

Question: My husband and me are in the process of being divorced because he cheated on me. I was 10 weeks pregnant at that time. He won’t believe he is the father of our child and through his lawyer he keeps demanding paternity tests to prove it. We have done 3 different ones all at places of his choice and they all show he is the father but now he wants a 4th one because he says the places all messed up. He was not there at the birth and has never seen our child or paid any money for support. He says he won't pay child support until he has proof of paternity. My question is how many tests is he allowed to ask for before he has to pay? I told him I won’t do another test and his lawyer told me I could be taken to court for refusing and being hostile. I have no idea what to do now I don’t have a lawyer myself I have just been getting help from a legal aid clinic near me whenever I can because it's hard for me to afford it. The state we live in is Florida.

Answer:
 Get a lawyer.  There are joint assets that can be used to pay his fee.  Don't delay.  You have funds, you just have to get the Judge to order their release.  If he has a lawyer, you are insane not to have your own.  Depending on the duration, there might be temporary spousal support, divvying up real estate, checking accounts, retirement funds.

get a lawyer.Answer #2: Apart from what everyone else is saying (and yes, you desperately need a lawyer) stop talking to "his" lawyer.

>his lawyer told me I could be taken to court for refusing and being hostile.

Honestly I would be inclined to say: then do so. Because 3 paternity tests is at least one too many.

Have you filed anything with the courts? It's not clear to me...Answer #3: He gets a 4th one when a judge issues a court order for it.  Two is redundant, and you had no need to agree to a third.Answer #4: He can ask for as many as he wants until a judge tells him to stop. Get a lawyer.


Title: Kick someone out that has a court order against them

Question:
My grandma recently allowed my uncle to come back and live with her after he got out of jail. His 14 year old son lives with my grandma. The court ordered my uncle not see his son (my cousin) for x amount of time. My grandma mistakenly ignored that and allowed my uncle and cousin to stay in her home. She has legal custody over my cousin. My uncle has been there for about a year now.

Currently she has been having a serious problem with my uncle being rude to her and stealing money. She wants to know her options for getting him removed from her home because he refuses to lease. She is nervous that she may get in trouble since she allowed him to be there in the first place.

This is all under Florida Law

Answer:
 Yes. That is called child abuse when you let someone dangerous (based on a court ordered no contact) around a child you have custody or guardianship of.

But either thing she does (let him stay or call police to have him removed) has legal and cps implications. She broke the law and endangered a child.

Edit word


Title: Dude ripped my picture and posted it to his Instagram

Question:
This dude stole my picture, that technically I legally own. It isn’t trademarked or anything but I’ve asked him multiple times to take it down, but and I quote he says, “Nope, im not deleting my post, you're gonna get credit on a comment or nothing at all.” Is there anything I can do to get it taken down or scare him to take it down?
Topic:
Intellectual Property

Answer:
 What do you mean "technically I
Legally own?"

If you own the picture report the post to Instagram/contact customer support.


Title: URGENT. I'm trying to report a dangerous, illegal, and against code working environment. I can't seem to find anyone that can help. Lives are potentially in danger.

Question:
Long story short: I'm working in Michigan, from Indiana. I've been with this company for about two months (well, until I quit this morning).

We're installing 30 foot, heavy steel, like 500 pound light poles. They're using incorrect equipment, cutting corners, jerry-rigging everything. When I say what they're doing is dangerous, illegal, and against code, I am not exaggerating: these things came out of the mouth of my supervisor.

When it became clear to me how much of a shit show this really is (I've never done this before, it took me awhile to really figure out how dangerous this was), I immediately called my boss, who directed me to a higher-up. The higher-up gave us some advice for how to make it alright (which my supervisor ignored). I was then called by another higher-up who threatened to fire me if I didn't get it done.

Yesterday, the chain we were using to lift the poles up slipped. Luckily the chain caught again (somehow), and didn't fall completely to the ground. But it was swinging around like crazy. I was up like 40 ft in a basket on the end of this gigantic forklift and it swung around and almost smashed into my basket. If the guy on the ground had been standing in a different spot, he could have been killed.

I don't know what to do. I've tried calling the MI Department of Lighting and Regulatory Affairs, but EVERY number through them that I try to call gives me a message saying the number isn't in use. I tried calling the police and they told me to call the BBB. They're working next to a road, if that chain slips again it could fall on a car... and they want me to call the BBB.

Someone, PLEASE direct me so I can get this stopped before someone gets hurt or killed.

Answer: Call OSHA.Answer #2: Wouldn't this be an OSHA issue? I'm sure someone with more knowledge will be along shortly.


Title: Undocumented father arrested and given a paper agreeing to self-deport but he didn't sign it.

Question:
He is currently sitting in jail waiting for his lawyer and a court hearing.

The reason he was arrested in front of my house was because he flipped cars for extra income but the person whom he was buying the cars at whole sale prices stole the cars and did something with the VIN of each vehicle that made it so that the car didn't appear to be stolen.

I don't know more details than that, all I know is that my dad got caught in the middle of this unknowing to the fact that the vehicles he was selling were for thousands of dollars.

As I write this it has been 12 hours since he was arrested and asked to sign a "self deportation" paper that he refused to sign without first consulting with his lawyer.

Any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Located in Los Angeles

Answer:
 > He is currently sitting in jail waiting for his lawyer and a court hearing.

This is all of the advice, right here. There is absolutely nothing we can do for him that will be better than this.

> The reason he was arrested in front of my house was because he flipped cars for extra income but the person whom he was buying the cars at whole sale prices stole the cars and did something with the VIN of each vehicle that made it so that the car didn't appear to be stolen.

However, if the police have good evidence of this, his lawyer may advise him to take a deal to leave the country in lieu of prosecution. Tampering with VINs and helping move stolen cars are serious crimes in their own right, and your father may be facing serious jail time.

He shouldn't sign anything without the advice of an attorney, but this situation is unlikely to reach what you'd consider a happy ending.Answer #2: The right thing is to wait for the lawyer to talk to him. If he is undocumented, the government will want to deport him.
Did they find out about his status after they caught him or did they know he was involved in that illegal activity?


Title: [DC] College dorm fire exit has no door handle

Question: I got to college in DC. My dorms stairwell door on the bottom floor has no handle (it broke off). The broken off handle is on the interior. You can not exit the stairwell, even though its supposed to be a fire exit. Is this at all legal? I think many would die in a fire cause you can't get out from the stairwell at all

Answer: Oh heck no. Call the Fire Marshal, or check the Fire and EMS Department web site for an online form. The inspectors are for the most part, older firemen who frown on this sort of situation.Answer #2: no that's not legal. inform the school and if they don't fix it immediately, inform the fire marshal.


Title: Will I get in legal trouble for a prank phone call?

Question:
Me and my buddies were prank calling random numbers in Beverly Hills while we're on the East Coast. It was my turn and we got a number that went to an answering machine.

 Now I think I'm a funny guy but in retrospect this probably wasn't my finest moment. As soon as the answering machine went up I said with a very worried voice,

"Please help... i... I think I'm gonna kill someone.." As soon as I said that, someone picked up real quick and worriedly said "hello?"

And me knowing I fucked up, in a panic said "Juuuust kidding! Hahaha" and hung up.

This was with MY cell phone. Am I in deep shit?

Answer:
 Sounds like it would fall under the textbook definition of harassment. Especially the "communication with intent to annoy" part.

I was once charged with something similar. Years ago when I was in the early days of biotech. To make a long story short I had succeeded in making what you might call a "clone", but he was horribly defective and kept swearing. He was impossible to keep in the lab so I pushed him over the roof the building. The next day I was arrested for making an obscene clone fall.

So don't.


Title: Caught shoplifting at wal mart

Question:
I've never stolen before, but this has been the hardest week of my life financially... I tried to stick it out but I needed some essential things to live and no other way of getting it. (I don't have any living family members, and I just had to quit my job, after breaking off an engagement with my boss two days before the wedding because I caught him cheating with my best friend).
Anyway, here's how it went. I went to the underwear section and set some of those on my cart, went and grabbed a pair of socks, and a pair of shoes (mine had holes in them). Noticed some guy was following me around, but I told myself I was just being paranoid. Grabbed some shampoo, conditioner, razors, hair products, qtips, toothbrush, toothpast, and other living essentials. Then I made my way to a secluded area and put everything in my bag. I grabbed $4 worth the other things and decided to pay for them to throw off suspicion. I paid at self check out and as I was walking out of the doors, this man walked up to me and said something along the lines of "I'm going to need you to come with me to discuss some of the items in your bag."
I step into the small room and can't help but cry.. I think the asset protection guy actually felt sorry for me? Lol. Nonetheless I was totally compliant in admitting to the crime and I gave him all of my information.
I don't know why, but I felt inclined to rip the tag off of a few things when I was still gathering items, And because of that, they were having trouble finding out how much everything was worth.
Then he explains to me that he has to call the police but I won't be take to jail, and I'll just get a ticket.
I've never even had a traffic violation in my entire life...
The police officer gets there, and I'm still balling my eyes out. They still haven't found the value of the items I took, so the officer says that to save time he's not going to put a dollar amount on the ticket. He writes me what looks like a citation, and says to appear at court in exactly a month from today at 9:30. I asked if I would likely go to jail, and he said I probably wouldn't because I have nothing else on my record...
I have no idea what to expect, or what fines to expect... I'm so scared, and I know I probably shouldn't have done it. Does anyone have any advice? What is going to happen? What will happen at court? HELP!

I'm in Utah, if that helps. And the citation said Class B misdemeanor.

Answer:
 All I can say, when it does get to court, please don't say these items were

>essential things to live

hair products? Qtips?


Title: Rear ended while changing lanes

Question:
I was traveling in the right lane of a road with two lanes traveling the same direction doing approximately 10mph along with all other traffic. I signal left and get essentially 90% into the left lane when the guy behind me decides to speed up and taps my rear bumper enough to leave scrapes from the left side of the license plate all the way to the left end of my bumper.

I immediately throw on my hazards and attempt to get over to the shoulder when I notice the guy just continues to drive off. At this point i’m like wtf so I continue to follow him in order to get his license plate and vehicle description.

I phone 911 and tell them I was involved in a hit and run. I pull into the next gas station as directed by the officer on the phone and then while waiting for the police to show up the guy decided to circle back and wait for the police as well.

Would I be the person they deem at fault here since I was changing lanes or does the whole whoever was in the rear thing come into play in this scenario?

Answer: It’s going to be situation dependent. The other drive will likely say you merged into them or cut out in front. This is something the insurance companies will probably fight aboutAnswer #2: Considering where the damage was, I would say the other driver will most likely be found at fault.


Title: Gift card hacked?

Question:
Earlier today I use a site to check the balance of a Walmart gift card.
https://www.kardsclub.com/
And about an hour ago went to Walmart to use it and it had nothing on it. And Walmart records said it was used in another state.
I'm in Indiana and the state it was used is Idaho.

Obviously the site is a phishing site for giftcards but is there anything we can do?
Topic:
Consumer Law

Answer: For future reference, read the back of the gift card. There is a number to call. THAT is how you check the balance. Answer #2: Unfortunately, there's really nothing you can do except making a police report.


Title: How to get residency in Texas without actually moving there?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: That's illegal in Texas. What are you doing, trying to get in state tuition? If so, that's double illegal.


Title: [GA] When my father gets out of prison, could I be held liable for his broken laptop?

Question:
Hello! Background: my dad has been in prison for a little over 2 years. We expect him to be in for 19 years total. When he went in, I was his only supporter because he was manipulative and basically isolated me from other family members for years. When he went to prison, I was left most of his stuff. (I was made Power Of Attorney for the few things that were legal as I was/am a minor). Almost all of it was in a storage unit but I got his electronics and other stuff he didn’t want to get dusty and have water damage.

Fast forward to now. I’m older, healthier, and don’t talk to him. I told my sister next time they talk, tell him I want nothing to do with him. She got back to me today and he said he wants me to give all his things to his ex girlfriend. I told my sister I’d put it in his storage unit. (That’s just because I don’t want him to hold me liable for anything going missing). The only things left in my room are an Xbox One, a broken laptop, and some miscellaneous items he gave me when I was a kid. The Xbox is in perfect condition but the laptop gave out about 6ish months ago.

Partly because of old age and it being cheap, partly because I manhandled it when I first acquired it (mostly putting it sideways for storage on an uneven surface (this matters because it broke by the touch screen coming out and when it was opened, the screen would hang out a little bit) and dings and stuff).

I’m wondering if when he gets out, can he come after me for it? I don’t know if he will but he’s a sociopath so there’s always an honest chance that he will. Am I protected under the fact that I still have POA paperwork or should I start saving for him to buy a new one? Any advice appreciated.

And as well I guess, would it matter if I gave it to his ex or put it in storage? Like should I just do what he wants or cover my ass here? Thank you guys

Answer: Sounds like you have bigger problems than a broken laptop. So does he. Why would you be paying for the storage until he gets out in 19 years? There can't possibly be anything in there worth enough to warrant paying that, if there is, it probably should not be in a storage unit.Answer #2: What do you mean "buy him a NEW one"? Absolute worst case (in other words, if you were found liable) would be you'd have to "make him whole", in other words give him an EQUIVALENT laptop or the value of the broken one. He's been in prison for two years, meaning the laptop has to be at least two years old. Computers depreciate rapidly - that laptop is probably worth only a couple hundred bucks now, and will be virtually worthless in a few years.Answer #3: Sounds like common sense is not your family's strength. No one with even a hint of some should be paying that. If he were to sell, give or even throw the stuff away and start saving just 10% of the monthly storage fees  til he gets out, he'd probably be in a much better position.


Title: Help my girlfriends running away what do we do?

Question:
So my girlfriend [22F] and I [25M] have been dating for nearly 3 years. Her parents are psychotic Italians who try to control her, fat shame her, and treat her like shit. They are also knee deep in debt because they can’t spend their money right and the Cordova virus fucked their business and are crazy enough to destroy doors and throw remotes.

She finally hit a snapping point and left her home. She’s in PA and I now live in VA so we are in a hotel. We were planning on living together eventually but she’s in school and doing grad school online.
I just bought a mortgage and nervous I could lose my job with coronavirus. Right now I work from home in IT so I am stressing money is tight.

My biggest concern tho is that she’s over 18 but still depends on her parents so my dad is saying technically running away from home and they know she’s with me is considered kidnapping and they could get a warrant for my arrest. I’m honestly nervous. Her parents are the type of psychopaths to drag her out of anything so like what should I do? Are we gonna be okay or am I just about to be arrested? Help please I’m scared. I love her to death and don’t want her to go back to that abusive place but like I don’t wanna be arrested.
I’ll call a lawyer in the morning but someone please help.

TL;DR were panicking my girlfriend is running away from her psycho parents and we aren’t sure what is the best course of action, I don’t wanna be arrested
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 Your girlfriend is 22.  That makes her an adult.

She's not 'running away.'

She's 'moving out.'

The fact that you're worried that having your 22 yo girlfriend move in with you when you're 24 makes me wonder if either of you are mature enough to be out on your own.


Title: Pornography Production in Denver/Jefferson County Colorado

Question:
Hi folks!

I've formed (almost have formed) a pornography production team and we're ready to get filming. We understand all of the documentation for age and contractors have STD tests already in terms of covering ourselves legally.

We're going to be filming in public (in nature). We understand the inherent risks of public indecency if caught. What we don't know is if these charges can follow us after the video is released. Also, we plan on having some pretty notable landmarks as scenery. What ramifications can come from this? What questions aren't I asking that I should be and what's the answer?

Also... Looking for a good video editor.

Answer:
 You should probably be aware then that it is illegal to produce porn in Colorado. Answer #2: > I ask that because I'm clearly googling wrong

Or you're wrong.

CA and NH have exceptions carved out for porn production. CO doesn't, and you're looking at a  bunch of charges on top of the public aspect.


Title: Help with dealing with horrible neighbor?

Question:
Im in New York. I need some advice otherwise I'm going to lose my mind.

I'm on the 2nd floor of my development.  I own the place. Next door is a new tenant who put down hardwood flooring (not laminate).  The rules here state that 80% of the place needs to be carpet, with the exception of the bathroom and kitchen.  Since i share a floor with this bitch, every single step she takes sends shock waves throughout my entire house. I've had stuff fall, even my bed shakes and my bedroom is on the opposite side of her place. This hog sleeps all day normally and is up thumping around until about 2 or 3 am. I haven't slept normally in almost 2 months and I'm forced to have to watch tv in another room because the living room feels like a train station platform.

I called the property manager 4 times. They sent a letter. She had 30 days from January 12th to remove the wood and replace with carpet.  Instead of doing this, she installs base moldings. Why would anyone put in the base moldings if they had to remove that floor? Unless she has no intention of removing this floor.  She will be fined, if she doesn't remove it by the 12th of February and it will be accruing every 30 days until she does this.

In the meantime, how do I deal with this constant torture?  It seems like she doesn't give a crap and I'm going to be forced to move out of my own house.  Eviction is possible down the road but how am I supposed to live like this in the meantime? Do I have any legal rights here? Can I sue, does anyone know????

Answer: What is this magical location where a tenant can rip out carpeting and lay down hardwood floors without penalty?


Title: ICE confiscated my Nissan R34 GTR skyline and is going to crush it please help. Florida

Question:
6 months ago I bought a Nissan skyline from a seller who claimed it was a federalized motorex import. When I picked up the car he said he would mail be all certificates allowing for U.S. operations. When I got the paperwork the headline said Motorexx (see the extra x) he then claimed that this is just as good if the authorities question the vehicle. I know from my research that the only federally legally skyline are from motorex (one x). Well to make a long story short my car was seized recently and from what I hear I have 3 options.

Let my car be crushed and chalk it up as a loss

Pay like $68,000 In back taxes, tariffs and fees and the only the. I will be able to get a show and display for the car and I can't drive it more then 2500 miles

Take the original person to court and have them return my money.

Any insight here or is there anything I have t though of. Thanks guys.

Answer: It seems like you know your options.  The first guy obviously took you for a ride. Probably not a legitimate business,  so suing them may be difficult.


Title: A cousin(staying illegally in the NC, USA) just got hospitalized and doctors are saying he is critical

Question:
Hey guys, tired posting this on /r/self...was told that it would be better to post here.

My cousin went to the USA during the y2k boom and decided to stay back in the USA after he was unable to renew his H1 visa. For the last 16 years he's been working as a gas station attendant / manager. He's single and 50 years old and has been working for minimum wages for the last 16 odd years and barely has savings. He was found unresponsive in his room by one of his friends with a faint heartbeat and was rushed to the hospital where doctors saved him and have said that he is critical and has pneumonia. Two questions - 1. If he pulls out, who will settle his hospital dues? He has no insurance since he's illegal. 2. Once he recovers, will he be arrested and deported or will be allowed to exit the country himself in a honourable way?

I live in India and have no idea how the health care system works in the USA. My cousin's parents are old and not very well off and cannot afford to travel to the USA. They are very worried.

Any help/advice/information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this.

EDIT > Thank you so much everyone! This is so helpful. Just got an update that my cousin has a 50/50 chance of making it through. He's been planning from a year to come back to India and stay with his parents and just last month he decided he'll come back in May 2016. Feel very sorry for his parents and him just after he planned on returning back to India.

EDIT 2> Hey guys, sorry I couldn't post back earlier. My cousin passed away few days after I created this post. Thank you all for your help. I shared all your answers with my cousin's family and they were very thankful.
Topic:
Immigration

Answer: US hospitals are used to treating patients that have no ability to pay.  We do not have debtors prisons here.  They will probably write off the charges as charity.  This issue should be the last thing on his mind.  He should not spend a cent of his meager savings on the hospital bills.  Any money he or anyone has to spend on his behalf should be put towards an immigration lawyer.Answer #2: Why would he be arrested? USCIS usually catches illegals when they try to reenter the US, or have been charged with some other crime. The hospital does not care about his immigration status. Not to say his immigration status is not an important issue.


Title: Bf was in a car accident, the other person hit him, totaling his car and cops ruled it his fault. Insurance company is now coming after him for the full cost of damages

Question:
Texas resident here, posting on behalf of my bf because he doesn't use Reddit and I'm trying to help him figure out what to do.

This is the important stuff-

Bf had no license (I know) and was therefore not on the insurance but didn't receive any citations.

Bfs car didn't look as bad as the other guys, but it was completely undriveable and the front axle was so messed up that replacing and repairing it would've cost more than the cars worth, so he has been without a car since the accident as it took him months to save up for it the first time. We are both living at home working low income line cook jobs and struggling to save money to move out.

He recently got a phone call and letter from the subrogation company representing the other guy's insurance company, 8 months after the accident, basically saying they are holding him responsible to reimburse them the cost of all the damages they had to cover to the tune of just over $7500. They gave him the options to either pay only $5000 but it has to be within thirty days(not possible by any legal means), pay a down payment of around $700 and then around $70-$100 a month after that until it's paid off, or they would possibly pursue formal legal action. He makes $1200-$1400/mo at best and has no assets or anything of value they could take if they sued. We are both lost as this is the first time either of us have had to deal with something like this.

This is just details of the accident if you care to read, actual question at the bottom -

Back in May 2017 he was on his way to work. The turn in for his work is off of a four lane busy road near the four way intersection, so when traffic is even slightly heavy cars sitting at the red light get backed up past the entrance to his work making it impossible for cars in the center turning lane who come from the opposite direction to turn and cross the two lanes of traffic and right turning lane. The right turn lane begins a good 30-40 feet before the entrance to his work, followed by the right turn at the intersection, but cars frequently get in the turning lane at the very beginning of it or get in the shoulder before the lane even actually starts to pass all the other traffic even if they are not taking the first right turn. When traffic is backed up cars in traffic going straight will sometimes let cars in the center lane that are turning into his work to pass in front of them while they sit at the light, which means they also have to pass over the turning lane. He was turning, the first two lanes of cars had let him pass, he stopped before the turning lane and it was clear as far as he could see around the cars and as he started pulling forward into the entrance another car came around into the turning lane and hit his front right bumper lifting it off the ground and carrying them a pretty good distance (Sorry I'm not quite sure how far it was). It's a miracle my bfs car didn't flip. The guy had to have been going significantly fast to hit him with that much force and gotten in the turn lane before he was supposed to for that to happen. Police came and ruled the accident bf's fault since he was the one turning through oncoming traffic.

What are his options? Should he try to make a counter offer or talk to an attorney to get the amount lowered? Does he have any chance of getting it lowered? Is there a chance the judge would rule in his favor if we took it to court due to try and get him absolved of the full blame since he wasn't the only one in the wrong?

Answer:
 I knew how you were going to say the accident happened before I finished reading. Here's the bottom line with that: your boyfriend was at fault.

 1. He is required to yield right of way to traffic going straight.

 2. If he cannot see far enough ahead to safely proceed, then he should not move forward. If he is unable to make the turn there, then he should keep driving and find another turn that's safe to make.

 3. The other cars in the oncoming lanes have no authority to direct traffic or tell you to drive forward. They don't change #1 or #2.

Whose car was it, and did you at least ask the insurance company if they would cover him?

Otherwise, your options are to negotiate with the insurance company or try to fight it in court.

If you can afford a consultation, talking to an attorney may be a good idea. You could also try looking online for a legal aid society or organization.


Title: I went to a psychologist

Question:
So, I'm a pedophile. I really like girls between the ages of 6 and 12. I've never done anything sexual with a girl, though.

I'm live in California. I recently went to a therapist and admitted my feelings. He informed that he had a duty to report instances of child abuse and also the viewing of child pornography. I've never touched a child, but I admit that I do look at 'lolicon' images. I consider this okay because these are drawings that don't involve real children, so no one is being hurt. But I'm not sure if it counts as child porn. If I admit this to them, will they have to report me? Will I go to jail?

What about material viewed in the past? I'm ashamed of this, but I admit that years ago I looked at some images that I'm not sure whether or not would count as CP. There was never any sex involved. Some involved images from old / foreign movies with child nudity, some were images from a child modeling agency that never featured actual nudity.  Still, I ended up feeling too guilty and deleted everything years ago. Would I be reported for admitting something like this?

Also, what about mandatory reporting of abuse? Does 'pre-emptive' reporting, like reporting because I live or work around children count? I have a sister with a daughter who may or may not be moving back in sometime soon.

I ask because therapy seems kind of pointless if I can't even be honest about what I've done. I also don't want to say something that would send me to jail.

Answer:
 If this is a legitimate post, then I recommend you get a criminal defense attorney and ask these questions of them. And stay in therapy.

Your position is way too tenuous to rely on what we say here. Get an attorney, pay for two hours of their time, sit with them and go over all the details that you should not post here.

Don't wait until it's too late, until you've been accused, or anything else.Answer #2: California now mandates that therapists must make a report if a patient admits to viewing CP.  **This mandate is recent and actual practical details of this mandate are still a bit unclear,** but this mandate *does not* require an imminent threat of harm, nor does it require suspicion that the patient is molesting, or at risk of molesting, a child - we are now required to report patients who view CP regardless of whether we believe the patient poses a threat to children.

Many of us are opposed to this new development. I absolutely believe that people who watch CP are taking part in the abuse of children, but I'm also concerned that this new mandate will make it more difficult for pedophiles who have viewed CP, but have not molested children, to seek treatment.  However, we're now required to report, and similar legislature may be imminent in other states as well.


Title: [California] Stepdad cheated on Mom, she now has genital herpes that put her in the hospital when she flares up

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Talk to the police. Not telling a sexual partner that you have a communicable STD is a crime in California.


Title: My twins father doesn't work but has a lot of money from a trust fund. Can he get away with not having to pay child support?

Question:
We are supposed to meet next week to establish paternity and then go from there. I'm worried because he hasn't worked in a few years since he lives off the money he gets from his rental properties and oil wells. I can't afford to lawyer up but he can, what can I do to make sure I don't get ass raped.

Sorry forgot to add that I'm in Texas.

Answer: He has income - it's not from a paycheck, but it's still income. That will be used to establish how much child support he owes.


Title: Friend assaulted his mother during a manic episode and is scheduled for a court date in ten days. Question on how best for him to proceed, and if anything can be done by anyone other than the plaintiff/defendant (California)

Question:
I'll try to be brief.  I have a friend who has a history of alcoholism/mental health issues.  He has been to rehab for alcoholism, but the mental health issues are (at this moment) undiagnosed.

His mother got a restraining order on him years ago before he went to rehab.  He has for the past few years been living with his mother and father.  I do not know if the restraining order was lifted.

He is currently in jail for assaulting his mother (attempted strangulation).  I cannot contact him, and I would rather not complicate the situation by asking his mother anything or even attempting to communicate with her.

For the past several weeks, his behavior has been consistent with that of someone in a manic or hypomanic episode.  It was brought to my attention by a mutual acquaintance who was aware that I have gone through a similar situation (bipolar type II, no criminal charges or violence if that matters).  I spent a few hours with him, and it was obvious to me that he was in the midst of an episode.  I'm not a psychiatrist, but I know enough to recognize it when it happens.

Upon the initial assault, he refused to be 5150'd, and instead chose jail.  He is being combative and confrontational with anyone in the justice system ("I meant to do it"), and as of right now, in ten days he apparently has one of two outcomes.  He will be evaluated by a psychiatrist during this ten day period.

outcome 1: a week of being placed in a psychiatric facility, a year and a half in a halfway house, and then three years of probation.

outcome 2: two years in prison for assault

The psychiatrist will definitely conclude that he is undergoing a manic episode, but he may insist that it was intentional and that he was fully aware of the ramifications of his actions.  Is this a done deal if he refuses to show remorse?  Is there anything that can be done?

TL;DR

undiagnosed manic friend assaults mother.  mother files charges.  Friend insists he is fine and meant to do what he did.  Two outcomes: probation or prison.  A psychiatric evaluation will take place before this.  What can I expect, and can I do anything to help as an outside party?

Answer: You can ensure he has a competent attorney. This is a mess. Answer #2: You can help pay for his attorney.


Title: Roommate's visitors destroyed our stuff and poisoned our guinea pigs

Question:
My husband and I live with 4 roommates.

While we were at work, one of them had a friend and their two kids (ages 2 and 5) over. While visiting, the father of the children and our roommate went to play video games and smoke pot, leaving the children unattended in the living room where my craft desk and our guinea pig cage both are.

When my husband got home, he discovered that not only had they ransacked and destroyed numerous things inside and on top of my desk I had left out to work on later that evening, but they also threw a bunch of things into the guinea pig cage including some essential oils into their food, an onion, a very large sharp knife, various tools out of the garage, etc.

Only one of the roommates were home so he asked what happened. She said that one of the others had a friend over and their kids were left in the living room unattended. When the roommate responsible came home, my husband asked what the hell happened. He admitted that he let them in and that yes, there were children there left unattended but only for "5 or so minutes". He said that he would contact the father and show him what his kids had done if we could send him the photos of the mess my husband took. A couple days go by and the roommate tells my husband that the father is going to reimburse us for all the damages and to send him a list. We compile the list and it comes out to well over $250 worth of damages.

We send it to the roommate who says he'll forward it to his friend. A couple days later, my husband approaches our roommate about the reimbursement. He says that the guy is now playing "hide and seek". So my husband asks for his friend's contact information and our roommate refuses to give it to him saying that he doesn't believe in sharing contact information when it comes to situations like this.

My question to you is what are our options?

&#x200B;

We live in Los Angeles, California.

Answer: Take the roommate to small claims. Then he can recoup his losses from his friend whose kids caused the damages.


Title: My mother is seeking to divorce my father who is a 100% disabled veteran. She was kicked out of her house and is now in PR. Any advice will be appreciated.

Question:
Full story (I am a grown adult and have been trying to be impartial):

My mother found out a couple years ago that my father signed on a mortgage, and a credit card, for another woman. My father swears he told my mother, but my mother says he did no such thing.

My mother stayed with my father for another year, or so, trying to work it out. She wanted him to take the "other woman" off the lease he signed on the other house, and sell the house to make things right with her. My father refused because he says the "other woman" is a good friend and he is a "man of his word."

Long story short (I will explain further if necessary in the morning) my mother finally left and is now in Puerto Rico (she spent all she had left to leave). My father refused to give her a separation, and will not give her a divorce (he doesn't believe in that). She has no money. She is struggling where she is at. She has no food, can't hardly pay rent, and has no transportation.

Everything is in my father's name (an old fashion marriage) and every time I talk to him he says "if she comes back home everything can be worked out."

What options does my mother have? She is at the point that she will go back to New Jersey because she feels she has no choice. Please help. What options does she have?

**[UPDATE]** Thank you to /u/immoralwhore for giving me information on domestic abuse centers useful for finding many more sources for my mother to help her get through this. It never crossed my mind to think she has been emotionally abused all of these years, and /u/immoralwhore has made me seen the light. As a child growing up with both parents I tend to see only the good both parents have inside of them.

Also, I want to give thanks to /u/missy070203 for bringing to me this concept of "dower rights" that I've never even heard of. I will be seeking a lawyer for my mother as soon as possible and hopefully we can work out some arrangement. If anyone has a recommendation for a decent divorce lawyer in South Jersey (Philly area), please let me know. Thank you!

Lastly for today, as a son, I love both parents dearly and hate having to get involved in this. Also, as a son, I don't have the perspective and knowledge that some of you have brought to this thread as objective participants. This helps me most of all and has made me realize the dire straights my mother is in is even more dire than I originally thought. This has given me more of an urgency to act as quickly as possible!

Answer:
 She needs to scrape together whatever money she has to hire a divorce lawyer.  It doesn't matter that everything is in his name.  Depending on many variables she will have a solid claim on a large portion of the marital estate.

It doesn't matter if your father doesn't believe in divorce.


Title: Could you sue the manufacturer of Cheese Nips for false advertising since their product is in the shape of Cheese Itz instead of nipples?

Answer: Sure.  Pay your fees, serve your defendants and go to court.  Where your case will be promptly dismissed as frivolous.  At best you will give the court and everyone involved a good laugh.  At worst they will fine you for wasting their time.


Title: Cop told me he put different speed down than what he wrote on the ticket. Did he lie straight to my face?

Question:
I was lightly speeding on the freeway in Los Angeles (75-80 MPH) and was pulled over. The highway patrolman told me he put down 75 mph because I was only going that fast for the most part. When I got my ticket it said pace at 80 mph. Did he lie straight to my face or does he have to input it into the computer or something and could put different information than which was written on the ticket?

Thank you in advance reddit!

Answer: What was the statute number he put down? Typically when cutting you a break they'll put the actual speed they clicked you at, but charge you for the violation that corresponds with the lower speed. That way they're not lying on the ticket, but you still get cut a break.


Title: I'm eloping, but marriage licenses require information about my estranged mother. [CO]

Question:
I haven't spoken to my birth mother since I was five years old.  When I looked into Colorado (and many other states) marriage license requirements, it asks for information about my birth mom.  I know nothing of her other than her first name.  It seems your mother's maiden name is more important than your father's last name for identification and documents like this so I'm a bit worried about the whole process.

Do I need to go on a wild goose chase to make my marriage legal?  And if I do, how to I even begin to find what I need to track her down?

Answer: Is her name on your birth certificate?Answer #2: I live in CO and never knew my dad. Just filled out my mom's info and had no issues.


Title: Pets (Renting Situation)

Question:
Hi all,

I'm posting for a friend. She's nearing the end of her lease in a house, and is planning to move out at the end of July (which is the termination of her lease). The landlord has found a new tenant to fill one of the empty rooms in the house, and this new person has a large dog. My question is as follows, noting that my friend is very allergic to dogs. She has tried to resist cohabiting with a dog, and the landlord is saying it is within his rights to rent to a pet owner.

In the lease she signed, there is a clause that states the following: "17.	ANIMALS.  Tenant shall not be entitled to keep any animal or pet including domestic dogs, cats or birds. "

Does the presence of this clause in a lease have any implication of a pet-free zone? Does she have any legal ground to resist the leasing to the new tenant or break her lease earlier?

Answer:
 There is no law that each renter in a place has to be on the same lease. Having a clause that doesn't allow your friend to have pets is not the same as something in the lease saying "This is guaranteed to be a pet free home." Or something of the sort.

The new tenant will most likely not have the no pet clause in their lease.


Title: [SD] While on a ride along with a police department. The officer allowed me to hand back my friends ID and a written warning for speeding.

Question:
I’m a minor, I do many police ride alongs with my local police department, because I’m very interested in law enforcement.  While on a ride along I have the privilege to essentially act as the officers shadow while on a scene. I’ll stay in the car if it is dangerous though. I am allowed to walk up to a vehicle on a traffic stop when the vehicle is from the city I live in and on investigations as well for instance I watched a field sobriety test happen.

While on a ride along we stopped a vehicle for speeding. The driver of the vehicle ended up being a kid in my class that I’ve been friends with since preschool. So as the officer walked up to the vehicle and came back with the license, I recognized the vehicle and one look at his license concluded that he was my classmate. So I asked the officer if I could walk up to the car with him. He said “here even better” and handed me his license and the written warning.

So we both walked up to the car I went straight to the drivers side window and said something like “here’s a courtesy warning for you” he had the look of shock and slight annoyance. His family in the car however thought it was funny. I told him I came up to give him crap for the stop. The officer then explained the warning and told him to have a nice night.

Right then and there I felt ok about it, I gave my friend some crap while on a ride along. No big deal, right? My parents however didn’t think the story was funny  were not happy at all. They told me I was not a cop and should have not done that, and that it made me look bad and the department unprofessional. They also said if the city council found out that there could be some trouble for the officer and possibly me.

I want to run for sheriff of the county this city is in someday. My dad basically told me if I was going to run for sheriff I need to quit doing “this kind” of bullshit to the community and that people could get angry over it. My dad was very angry over it.

So, are there any legal problems I need to watch out for if anything comes from this and what about the officer?

Thank you!

[if this doesn’t fit the sub please let me copy it and I’ll delete it!]
Topic:
Constitution

Answer:
 What??? Your parents need to chill tf out. How does this make you look bad you were going along with what the officer said.

You are 100% fine.Answer #2: There was nothing legally wrong with doing what you did.


Title: What rights as a divorced father with joint custody of my son do I have in order to stop my X from moving him out of state?

Question: I live in Raleigh N.C. both my x and I are from here. That being said, both sets of grandparents and extended family are a big part of his life as well. My x and I have kept a friendly amicable relationship. My son lives with her and her boyfriend just down the road. My son stays at my house with my girlfriend and I on the weekends. A few days ago her boyfriend told her out of the blue that he was going back home to Racine WI. and didn't even ask that she come with him. He seems to have trouble holding jobs for some reason and his brother offered him work up there. She called me upset and I promised her that I and my family would make sure she and Ian had a good roof over there heads and I would help in anyway necessary. Yesterday she calls to inform me that she thinks she can work things out with the boyfriend and he agreed to moving her and my son up there. Naturally I was devastated. My son and I are very close and being a father to him is my number 1 priority. The problem is my x is afraid of being alone and this will be the second time she dragged My son (that time only across town) chasing after some guy who was not even interested in her and this choice left her and my son living in drug infested apt. complex, but we bailed her out of that situation. I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact she is willing to move so far away from her family and mine with a guy who just 3 days earlier was going to leave them both anyway. My son is not happy with this as well because no matter what he loves me and his mother of course. N.C. is his home, family, friends and most importantly to me and him, his father. Today he told my x that he did not want to move away and would rather move in with me...and my door is always open to him...but his mother told him it is not his choice...I am trying to get advice on the best way to work this out without having my son go through hell over this. My latest thought on this is that my x is thinking only of herself...I don't want this to get ugly between us but I need to prepare to take action if need be to stop this madness. So I ask what rights do I have as a joint custody father who just wants to be there for his son and do what is best for him...and in all honesty I believe if my son won't go then neither will my x and that would be best for everybody...btw rankings for living, Raleigh/Durham #4...Racine WI.#307 same story for school system comparison, I run my own home remodeling business here and I will reiterate Raleigh is where all of his family lives...My son needs his father and I need him...He needs his mother as well, but not being dragged around while she settles for any dude who will be with her...I had to get this out and any feedback would be awesome...peace!

Answer:
First of all, that's a nearly incomprehensible wall of text.  You need paragraphs and actual full stops(periods).  Drop the ellipses.

This is fantastically jurisdiction-dependent, and you're going to need a lawyer for this one.  In order to stop her, you'll need a court order to that effect.  It sounds like you do not have a legally binding(i.e., court ordered) custody agreement. Now that you're disagreeing over custody, you'll need one.


Title: Macys sold me a HOLLOW gold chain but told me it was SOLID gold

Question:
A while back my mother bought me a SOLID gold rope chain for my 19th birthday. A couple months later I  was robbed and that chain was stolen.

To avoid notifying my mother about this incident I saved up some money in hopes to replace it without her noticing.

Soe days before Black Friday, I went into my local Macy's and saw they were having a massive sale on their gold chains. 75% off to be specific. So after looking at a few of them I asked the lady to see a couple different ones.

I was skeptical because of how cheap they were selling these chains so I asked the lady if these chains were SOLID gold, FILLED, or HOLLOW. I ended up asking this lady the same question about 3 or 4 times to the point where she seemed to have gotten slightly irritated with me. She continued to assure me that these chains were SOLID gold and if they were not, it would be marked otherwise.

Eventually I ended up purchasing the gold chain off of this lady trusting that it was a SOLID gold chain. A few weeks later, I was taking off my T-shirt and the chain snapped. I was pissed. I assumed that I was just being too rough with it but after taking a good look at the damage I noticed the chain was most definitely HOLLOW.

The following day I took the chain back to the same Macy's and spoke to another sales representative and asked if this chain was HOLLOW or SOLID and then explained my situation to her. This lady explained that all the chains sold there were HOLLOW and none of them were SOLID, then redirected me to a manager. After explaining my situation for a second time to the manager, she was very dismissive and claimed that rope chains could NOT be made of SOLID gold due to the way they are made, which I know is not true.

Is there anything I can do to at least get a refund or some sort of compensation for the blatant lies that were told to me get me to buy their Hollow jewelry? Is this something I could possibly sue over? Or did I just get played by Macy's and theres realistically nothing I can do about it?
Topic:
Consumer Law

Answer: "Solid gold" typically refers to an object being made entirely out of gold as opposed to a gold plating on some other kind of metal so chances are she was telling you the truth.Answer #2: Getting compensation in court is a bit overkill since it did no damage to your health or your property. Your best bet is to look at the laws governing advertising or sales in your state to see if they can waive their “tags need to be intact” policy, since the item was sold on false grounds.


Title: Relinquish financial responsibility of child in case of dissolution of relationship before child is conceived?

Question:
A friend (31F) and her boyfriend have agreed to have a child together under the circumstances that if the relationship ends, the boyfriend would not be financially responsible for the child. They would like to have this legally setup before the child is conceived. Both live in Florida. The boyfriend has done consultations with two family law lawyers who both only offered that the boyfriend gives his sperm to a sperm bank and then my friend gets her boyfriend's sperm artificially inseminated. The friend would to like to conceive and have the child naturally.

Is there legally a way for them to set up him not being financially responsible for the child  if they breakup without artificial insemination?

Answer: No. The right to receive child support belongs to the child, and the parents cannot sign that away on the kid's behalf. You'd have to convince a judge that dad not paying support is somehow in the kid's best interest, which is very difficult even when dad is an abusive jerk, and quite impossible when the child doesn't exist yet.


Title: Who To Report Illegal Marriage (texas)

Question:
I know a man who married his niece by blood in texas

Who do you report that kind of crime too?

Answer: Call the police.Answer #2: It’s *possible* that this is legal.Answer #3: You can call the police and report it, they will decide what to do. One thing to consider: Why do you care? As long as both of them are adults how does it affect you or anyone else? They didn’t know one another growing up, and began their relationship now. It’s not as if the guy had an authoritative/fatherly role in her life. Yes, it’s gross and their kids are at a higher likelihood to have issues, but it’s still not your headache.


Title: Relocation company messed up, wondering if I have a case

Question:
Hello.  I recently relocated for a new job.  When I spoke with the relocation company, they walked me through the benefits.  The program included that they would become the sellers of the house upon closing, thereby covering closing costs and real estate commissions.  I was not aware this was part of my package and said as much.  The agent said it was, proceeded to go through all the details, etc.  We filled out the paperwork for the title transfer for when we sold our house, our real estate agent had to agree to give up a significant percentage of her commission, sign paperwork etc.

Our house was having good showing traffic but no offers.  Since we now had an additional $25k coming we weren't expecting once we sold the house, we dropped the price of the house by $10k to help move it along.  During this time we also had to switch realtors as our first one decided she couldn't afford to keep showing it with the reduced commission.  We also purchased a home at our new location.  To keep the payment low given we had two houses to pay for, we wiped out our savings for the down payment, again under the assumption that we had extra money to replenish our savings coming once we sold the house.

Three months later I contacted the relocation agent to see if there would be any issue with us doing a lease / purchase agreement.  She informed me via email that the closing information she had given me was "incorrect" and that they wouldn't be covering the closing costs or real estate agent fees.  I raised the issue of the mistake with my HR department hoping they would have some leverage with the relocation company, but they were told the relo company couldn't / wouldn't do anything about it.  My company has already spent about $30k relocating me so they are not going to cover the relo company's mistake.  I spoke to the agent's manager and she was completely unapologetic.  I was persistent that they had an obligation to make this right and she said she would talk to her manager.

I am wondering if I would have a case if I took this to court?  If so I will use that as leverage when I speak to the senior manager.  Thanks for any advice you can provide!

Answer: Depends.  I'm sure in the pile of documents you signed there is a provision somewhere saying who would be responsible for what costs.  Find that.  Read that.  That will be your answer, regardless of what anyone verbally told you.


Title: IL - Can I tell my employer to raise my base pay to match overtime pay I have been getting for 2+ yrs? (hourly, non-exempt)

Question:
I am working IT for a tech company. I have been working overtime to cover higher ticket volume during the beginning of the week, at the request of management for over 2 years. My total overtime for the week is 4 hrs; 8 hrs per pay period. I can confirm this all the way back until 9/14; no hard proof earlier than that other than paystubs that indicate 80+ hrs worked.

I am wanting to change my schedule to be able to spend more time with my family, which could eliminate the extra work hours early in the week.

Since there is a significant length of time with the overtime hours, is there any precedent or QOL reasoning that I can tell my employer?

Answer:
 Nope. They have no obligation to raise your pay absent a contract that says otherwise.

You can ask nicely.


Title: [Texas] Was injured at my workplace, filled a claim against the responsible party. Will a failed drug test affect my claim?

Question: I was injured on the job a few weeks ago and have since been put on workers comp. I also filled a suite against the company responsible (not company I work for). I was told I would be drug tested when the suite is received by the responsible party. Would failing a test have an impact on my claim? I was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the incident took place, and I was certainly not at fault, just in the wrong place at the wrong time and the one responsible neglected to follow safety guidelines.

Answer: If you have any drugs in your system it could limit their liability.


Title: Landlord gave us 3 days notice that we need to find (expensive) alternative parking for a month

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Dear Landlord,

Per our lease we have an assigned parking spot, which you're asking us to lose the use of between the dates of XXX and YYY.  I've looked around and the most reasonable spot I could find was located at ___ with a cost of ____ per week/month/day.  Please let me know if you'd like to rent this spot for me, or if you just want to credit my rent for the month that amount in accords with the conditions of our lease.

Thank you,

WhoeveryouareAnswer #2: Is a parking space included in your lease ?

If not you are SOL.


Title: (NJ) i whistleblew on my old job for insurance fraud, now the old job is having me charged with stealing equipment which i didnt take and my lawyer wants me to just do pre-trial intervention. What can i do?

Question:
We're planning to sue the department under the false claims act for the insurance fraud I whistle blew them for, but that doesn't help me if my lawyer basically wants me to undergo a guilty plea and probation for something I didn't do. Which is very obviously whistleblower retaliation.

I already paid this lawyer 7k to represent me, which he tells me won't cover a trial. I'm a full-time student and that was roughly half my annual income. Not to mention if I'm enrolled in TPI, I'm admitting to guilt and I would need to pay for what I allegedly stole, amounting to 11k.

I can't afford to pay my lawyer to go to trial. There have to be other options here. Anything?

Answer: Geez. Lawyers. If you didnt do it, dont take a plea. But, if you did it...take the plea. Sounds oversimplified but its the best advice i ever got. Also, consider firing your lawyer.


Title: [Arizona] Received a Criminal Traffic Ticket for going 95 in a 65 on a desert stretch of Rt 66.

Question: Hey all - I'm 28, this is my first speeding/traffic ticket ever. Shocked at the serious ramifications of a criminal misdemeanor on my record over speeding. My hearing is on Jan 17, and I think i'm going to plead not guilty. What are some things I should expect and would help my case. I'm not arguing that I was speeding, but I really need to have this dropped to a civil traffic ticket.

Answer:
 > What are some things I should expect and would help my case.

What evidence do you have that you were not going that fast?

Because absent that, it's going to be very difficult for you to beat the case.  "I don't want to suffer the consequences of my actions" is not an argument that is going to win in court.

You want a plea bargain, and your best shot of that is with a lawyer.


Title: Mom paid my cell phone bill, then forgot and told CC company it was fraud (Washington)

Question:
UPDATE: She called the next day and told them what happened. They said they would resolve it and put it in their notes so they know whats going on. Thanks for the advice!

So I had some problems paying my cell phone bill, which was $710.55 for 2 months. (I have 5 phones on my plan). She paid for it one week and I paid her back the following week. Fast forward to today I'm talking to her on the phone and she mentions she had an issue with credit card fraud. That someone used her credit card to pay an cell phone bill. She has health issues and forgets things easily. I reminded her that she paid it for me. She says that the credit card company moved her into a new account and took care of the charges and are looking into it.  I told her she needs to call them and tell them that she forgot she had paid it for me, but she wants to wait. I'm worried that they will try to come after me for fraud, when that's not the case at all.

What can I or should I do?

Answer:
 >but she wants to wait.

That would be a terrible idea for either of you.

>What can I or should I do?

She should contact the credit card company and pay up.


Title: Mail tampered with while in Adult Foster Care.. Lost housing opportunity.

Question:
I live in Minnesota, specifically Dakota County.

Hello, I am a disabled 23 year old who spent a small amount of time in the Adult Foster Care system.

I was placed in a foster home for roughly a week before leaving, due to disagreements between the foster parents and I.

A few hours after I had packed my things and left I received a voicemail from one of my foster parents. They had received mail for me and wanted to know if I could come pick it up or if they should drop it back in the mailbox.

My mother called back the next morning to tell them she would pick it up and was told they had already dropped the mail back in the mailbox- returning it to the sender.

We figured ok, and thought nothimg of it until now.

The other day my mother and I visited the CDA office to check on the status of disabled subsidized housing I had signed up for.

The mail my foster patents received? Information regarding my housing. They had written "no longer lives here- return to sender" on the envelope.

The CDA received the letter back and promptly took my name off the housing list.

I lost roughly eight months of placement on the waiting list for housing due to the actions of my foster parent. I was forced to reapply and placed at the very bottom of the housing list for another 6-18 month waiting period.

Was this action by my foster parents legal?

Answer:
 You're asking if your foster parents legally had the ability to return mail addressed to you back to the sender because you moved out of their house.

Yes, that is legal.Answer #2: I don't understand why important paperwork was sent to a place where you were only living a week. Was that your decision or did someone else (state agency) decide to send the mail to your foster parents?


Title: Pay for off site breaks?

Question:
I am a Rhode Island employer and have over ten non exempt employees. We provide paid rest/smoke/meal breaks. However, when an employee leaves the property, for example to drive to get a coffee, do they have to be paid for that time?

 I would prefer that they clock out because I don't know howlong they will be gone for and I don't want any liability for anything they do off of my property. For example, if they get into a car accident. The other party could sue me because they were on the clock. Or if the employee gets injured they could file a work comp claim. Thanks

Answer: Perhaps I'll say that breaks must be taken on location. If you are leaving the premises you must clock out.