Title: Can an employer cut my hours as a form of punishment without any sort of documentation or official write-up? Location: Texas

Question:
Details: I work at a hotel in central Texas. Recently, I made a mistake during one of my work shifts because of something I had overlooked during a particularly busy night. Nothing major, hotel didn't suffer anything more than a minor loss in profits for that night and I apologized for it. However, when our schedule for the next week was posted, they had cut my hours for most of the week. I normally work 4-5 days a week, 8 hour shifts. I was only scheduled for 2 and hadn't requested any time off. Note: I am classified as a full-time employee. When I questioned my manager about why my schedule had been cut, he told me it was because "[GM] is mad at you" for what happened the other night. No communication was made to me about the mistake, no official write-up or documentation was given to me to sign, acknowledging that I was being punished for the mistake, but it was admitted that I was being punished by a reduction in hours. As a full-time employee, am I not legally entitled to a certain number of weekly hours? Also is there not a requirement that punishments be documented and signed?

Thanks in advance for any help.
Topic:
Labor Law (Unions)

Answer: Essentially you have been fired from full-time to part-time. You can accept this or you can leave and go file for unemployment arguing constructive termination.


Title: Job is selling products as made in American but they are made in Turkey (NJ)

Question:
Okay so I work for a company that primarily sells drapes and curtains for events. All of these drapes and curtains are flown in from and made from Turkey but sold as American made products.

Part of our job duties is to remove the "Made in Turkey" tags and and to insert "Made in America" onto the rolls before they are sold/rented out.

Not only is this very immoral in my opinion but I feel as thought it is basically fraud.

Is there anything I can do in this situation?

This is in NJ btw.

Answer:
 [https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/complying-made-usa-standard](https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/complying-made-usa-standard)

You can report the suspected violation by phone or email.Answer #2: Quit your job, this is very illegal and you will go down with them as you are fully aware you’re helping them commit fraud.


Title: A couple months ago, my dad stopped paying alimony and my mom owed him 20k. She declared bankruptcy, and now they are going to court [NJ]

Question:
This may not be the right subreddit. If it is not, tell me and i will delete and repost.

Just want to know if there is anything I can do to help my mom and sister, because my sister is stressed out about it.

My mom is already $10,000 in debt. She saved $10,000 and giving it to my grandma and my grandma will give it back afterword. It was suggested by her lawyer to do this.

Can I get a job? Where can I get a job? How can I get a job?

My mom is working 4 jobs. 2 full time, 2 part time. She works HARD.

I honestly do not know why my dad is doing this. He is always saying he does not have any money, but it puzzles me. Where is his money going?? He is remarried and had a kid, but it still does not make sense.

Lets break it down:

My mom and my dad were able to raise me and my sister, two children, working 2 jobs. That is 200% of a salary

My dad and my stepmom cannot afford to raise one child on 150% of one salary. (50% of my dad's salary is taken away because of alimony and child support, it is now 175% of a salary because no alimony)

The numbers just do not add up.

Answer:
 Best advice, stay out of it. They both need (and probably) already have lawyers.

> Can I get a job? Where can I get a job? How can I get a job?

If you're 16 or older in NJ, sure. Get a job. Fill out applications.


Title: I've been charged with littering.

Question: The officer basically caught me red handed putting recycle in a bin that wasn't mine.  The ticket is $103 (non-misdemeanor).  The weird thing is, I never singed anything, and he didn't issue me a ticket on the spot (like a traffic ticket).  So I'm curious how this will stand up in court, what proof is there that I was even there?  I've requested a court date and once I get it I'm going to request discovery from the city prosecutor to see what actual evident there is...

Answer: The officers testimony as to what he witnessed is the evidence again you. Most of the time that evidence is sufficient.


Title: Female cashier sexually harassed two male customers

Question:
Me and my friend went to a gas station convenience store. I purchased a bunch of tastie cake stuff and cigarettes for a long trip. At the register I overheard the cashier make some remarks along the lines of "that's only something I would tell my husband". I thought she was talking to me at first and noticed the phone and we both laughed. I made my purchase and we walked out of the store. Then about 50ft away we were called back in by the cashier. We walked back and she asked if we wanted to take a survey and receive 2 free drinks. My friend decided he would take the survey, I declined, but listened in on the speaker phone. I was already feeling uncomfortable because we were being filmed and I was right in front of the big screen of the surveillance camera looking at us. The person on the phone stated he was from corporate and asked if we would take a survey. He started asking questions about the store's cleanliness, and then asked my friend "On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate your penis size?" I was embarrassed and we walked away, The cashier yelled out "Do you still want your free drinks" laughing.  I couldn't help to think it was someone in the many cars in the parking lot filming or if this cashier was in on it. I felt humiliated.

Who is responsible for this outrage? The cashier? The company? Both? I didnt record any of this on my phone but it was on the company's business line and was recorded by HD survellience at the store. Thanks for any insight. This is in Riverside County, California.

Answer: That isn’t illegal. If you are that upset, you can complain to the manager. Or you could let it go. Answer #2: If you are that upset and humiliated you should probably see a therapistAnswer #3: The police aren't going to launch a massive investigation over this. Complain to corporate if you'd like.


Title: Is it legal to smoke outside, in public parks in Minneapolis, MN?

Question: As the title says, me and some friends of mine would like to bring our hookahs to a public park nearby. I am having trouble finding a clear definition of the legality of this. Any help pointing me in the right direction would be awesome. Thank you.

Answer:
 What do you mean by parks? Municipal parks, public open spaces, state parks, ...?

Assuming what you're smoking is legal shisha, as long as you're in a open well ventilated area it should be all good.


Title: Interview Cancelled After Interviewer Sees My Skintone

Question:
This situation took place in Texas. Recently, I got contacted for an interview at an establishment I applied to a few weeks ago. I set up and confirmed the interview with, Linda, the manager. I arrived early and I instantly noticed that everyone there was of a particular race. That isn't uncommon, so I shrugged it off.

Everyone was courteous until I said my name and what I was there for. (My name is typically associated with being white, and I am far from it). Their faces dropped. They looked stunned. I asked for the manager I talked to and she was fetched right away while I was being seated.

After she saw me, she said she had no idea who Linda was. She said she had never heard of her (even though she was linda)! She said the manager had been gone out of town for over a week a now (I had confirmed my interview 3 days prior), and that she wouldn't be back for some time. She had no idea who had sent me the message since no one named Linda works there.

Linda urged me to call back a few weeks from now to see if the position is open and to check if the manager was back. She then said that the manager would call if she thought my services were needed. I never had the interview. I left feeling upset, but just chalked it up as a bad experience that happens to many people. Shortly after I tried calling the number Linda used to text me, but no one answered.

I knew I had been treated unfairly, but that's life. I told a friend what happened, and she said it was illegal. I didn't think it was illegal discrimination since Linda didn't say, "Oh, we don't hire green people here." It's obvious they discriminate, but they don't explicitly state it.

My question is: Was this actually against the law?

Tldr; Interview got rescinded once interviewer saw my skintone. She makes up an obvious lie that she isn't the manager. I don't receive my scheduled interview. Instead, I'm told I will be contacted if I'm wanted, or to call back later.

Answer:
 Consider contacting an attorney before filing the EEOC Complaint.  An employment lawyer can help you draft it and avoid including information that may ultimately hurt your claim.  Also, you may have a claim under 42 USC 1981 that does not require you to file an EEOC complaint prior to bringing suit.

Many plaintiff-side employment lawyers take cases on a contingency basis, so you should not avoid seeing an attorney for fear of not having funds available to pay attorneys' fees.  Answer #2: Race is a protected class nationwide.   The problem is that if you were to take them to court you'd have to prove that you didn't get the interview/job because of your race.    Few people are going to provide that evidence; all they need is some plausible excuse (like they gave you) for not getting the interview and they won't be sanctioned.

That's what I never understood about the gay cake crap, all they have to do is say that they don't have the capacity to fulfill your order at the time you need it and nothing would have happened.   It's only when those people actually said that they were discriminating because of sexual orientation in a state where sexual orientation is a protected class (in 28 states SO is not a protected class) were the couples able to get sanctions levied.


Title: I was issued a subpoena and ordered to withhold rent.

Question: A company that supplies oil for the building that I live in is suing my landlord. The company issued a subpoena to all tenants.Do I have to obey the subpoena ? And if I don’t what are the consequences? Also if I do obey the subpoena and withhold rent can my landlord evict me.?My apartment is rent stabilized.

Answer:
 You must comply with a valid subpoena unless you get a court order to the contrary or you could face charges of contempt of court. Of course if the subpoena tells you to do something that will result in eviction that’s an issue. You absolutely need to talk to an attorney about this to see if the subpoena is valid and if so if it should be quashed.Answer #2: Surely the subpoena did not tell you to withhold rent? What/who ordered you to withhold rent?Answer #3: Confirm that the subpoena is valid.Answer #4: NYC has tenant assistance organizations. I would contact one to see if they can help confirm the legitimacy of this subpoena.

Rent payments are considered assets and can be garnished/seized by court order just as paycheck wages and bank accounts can.


Title: [CA] I lost my license and when I went to the DMV for another they told me I'm about to have it suspended for a ticket I never even received or seen.

Question: The ticket for as far as I can tell is impossible for it to be me. It was issued last year, it is assigned to the LA courthouse, and I got my insurance in February this year which is when I started driving. So far I called the court and they told me I have to drive their which is almost 2 hours away and hopefully make an appointment. My dad is giving me rides and thankfully he is in the position to be able too but he is also taking time away from work cause of this situation. They told me when I go to the court I should ask for a copy of the ticket and check the signature and they said that I will have to write it down 5 times and they would check to see if its the same.

Answer:
 There is a form you can fill out to contest the ticket. Ask the DMV about it. It is by no means guaranteed but it is there.

I ran into the same thing almost. I had bought a truck PP and paid the PO with a bank loan check. We made an agreement that he would sign the title over to me buy hold onto the truck until the check cleared. If it didn't I would give him back the title. Well, during the week and a half the check was clearing he got a parking ticket for parking in a handicapped spot. He never paid it and never told me. I had to renew the registration and that's when I found out. I was told I had to pay a $400 dollar ticket because technically the truck was mine because it happened after the date I got the title. I tried twice to get the ticket removed with the form on the second time getting it reduced by half.


Title: Is it true that in Canada if you shoot someone below the waist it doesn't count as attempted murder?

Question:
Thanks for the good answers. If possible I would like to ask another question:

Question 2

As a lifeguard/guy well trained in cpr, if someone is alone and doesn't want me to help them (ex: stroke in a public area, choking at a restaurant) am I liable to be sued if I help them when they fall unconscious ? My instructor told us a lot of horror stories about that.

Original question

I read that about a shooting in Ottawa where people got shot in the legs and this was a possible explanation

Answer:
 I have never been to Canada and I'm not a lawyer in Canada but I'm going to *bet my life* that the answer is "no." If I'm wrong I guess you'll have to shoot me above the waist.

Just to play along, suppose I said to you that I was going to kill you and I meant it, and you knew that I meant it, and I fired, but I tripped and hit you in the thigh. So I'd get away with it?

Let's also imagine I was robbing you and I shot you in the femoral artery. Below the waist. And you died. But I get charged with what... accidental discharge?Answer #2:
[Is it true that there is a place in a man's head that, if you shoot it, it will blow up?](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/c4/1c/94/c41c94843ea8cc91f3dbc3b4238e0049.jpg)


Title: Apartment complex has in lease that they will not pay for accommodations or relocations if apartment becomes inhabitable. Is this legal? [CA]

Question: Edit: uninhabitable (lol)

Answer: If you are paying for rent they have to provide you with accommodations whiles yours is uninhabitable.  If they waive the rent while you are not able to live there then they do not have to provide. They cannot make you pay rent and not provide you with a place to live.


Title: I was involved in a car accident and five people are claiming injuries

Question:
First off I want to thank anyone who is taking the time to read this and help me with my problem. August 4th I was driving back to Toronto from Kingston and the highway was extremely busy. My GPS rerouted me off the highway to take a small detour. The detour was extremely backed up as well so I decided to turn down a dirt road to try and avoid more traffic.

Before I turned on the road I saw a car ahead of me turn down the same road and I assumed they had the same idea.I knew the road was a dead end and you could only take a right turn to continue towards Toronto. They were well a head of me and passed where you're suppose to turn but stopped right after the turn. I came to a complete stop behind them at least 3 car lengths away because I guessed they were going to go in reverse considering they were only a car length past the turn. He went in reverse and kept backing up until he hit my car. They backed up fast and I even reached for the horn but it happened so quickly I'm not sure if I actually made a sound with the horn. I had no damage other then my front licence plate fell off but there trunk was smashed in pretty good. This was my first accident ever so I wasn't sure exactly what to do and I didn't want to take advice from a complete stranger so I called 911.

The dispatcher said we could take our cars to an inspection center by the end of the next day but they said they didn't have the time to go there. The dispatcher could tell they were giving me a hard time so she sent the cop out. The cop arrived shortly after, took my statement and then after taking the statement from the others they were saying they backed up but I was the one that actually hit them. I got noticeable upset when I was told this, the cop said it was fine and there was no fault but that wasn't the issue. I was furious someone hit me and had the nerve to lie about it after so the cop said he would be back after writing the report. He comes back a half an hour later and said that they shouldn't have backed up to on coming traffic and he was going to charge the guy with careless driving. So the cop said I could leave and he stayed behind to explain the situation to the guys in the vehicle ( they all were about 25-30 years old and were males.) Now my father called me today saying that they are all claiming injuries and there going after my insurance company, I have a form to release the police statement to them. What should I expect from here on out? Any advice would be greatly appreciated and thanks again.

TLDR: Someone backed up into me when I was completely stopped and now there going after my insurance company for injuries.

Answer:
 > What should I expect from here on out?

Report it to your insurance company.  Cooperate with them.  Let them handle it.


Title: (CA) Recieved letter from attorney offering legal assistance

Question: Hi, I am located in Los Angeles, CA. I recieved a letter today (9/12) dated 9/10 from an attorney offering me legal assistance against a case I was "named" in. It is a civil case, Discover bank vs me. I looked up the court case using the case # and filing location and I see it is for about $2,000. The case was filed 9/4. I have never owned or opened a Discover card. I have never recieved any summons or notices from the court. I have not recieved any letters from Discover. I only know of this court case from this letter/advertisement of their legal services that I recieved today. The court case is legit and the defendant's name listed as a me. Did this law firm that sent me this letter offering legal assistance mess up and sent the letter to the wrong person with the same name? Do I have anything to worry about?

Answer:
 Maybe, or maybe you are named in this lawsuit.

If the case was filed 9/4 I'm not surprised you haven't been served yet.  I would watch the case online and see if a proof of service against that individual is filed.  If it is, then someone else (or you) was served.Answer #2: Billable hours are expensive. Stamps are cheap. Firms shotgun letters like this out to people all the time. And if multiple people have the same name will do it to everyone. I've gotten 3 in the last couple years because some guy with my name one state over drives like an asshole.

If you **are** served you'll need to respond and deal with the issue.


Title: My friend had $1600 taken out of her room while she was out of town with her roommate. The complex had a maintenance person go in to every apartment that weekend to adjust something and we suspect it was the maintenance.

Question: We have no idea what to do, that money was going to get her through next semester, please help.

Answer:
 without proof such as video or any other concrete evidence, its going to be a he said vs she said battle.

You can try to contact the authorities to create the police report and get a paper trail going and let them investigate, but also talk to the complex management and let them know your story and see what video if any they can provide. Answer #2: Contact the police and they can investigate. You can also complain to the landlord. This mainly will serve as a record of the problem,,since without evidence that the money was there and of who took it, it will be hard to do much.  You might want to add cameras to your home for security. It is a very bad idea to keep cash around like that when you do not have complete control over who accesses your home. Unfortunately, when you rent, other people have access to your home. Answer #3: Calling the police and notifying the complex is all you have.

You can present your suspicion that the maintenance man did it, but you have no real evidence of that.


Title: What are the Penalties of Giving birth on subutex or drugs that help you stay off opiates?

Question:
If there is no specific answers it would be very helpful if someone could tell me where I could find some. The only answer I could find is that it varies from scounty to county. My family friend  is about to have a baby and they are worried about their child being taken from them. They don't smoke weed or buy other drugs, the soon to be mother has been on subutex for a few years and is currently working because she wants to make sure they have money saved up. They are very prepared and have all the stuff the baby needs from clothes to toys. I know they are responsible people and even have the babies first  outfit picked out. My point is they care and are NOT DRUG attics. She was to afraid to tell her doctor because they live with her parents and are on her parents insurance. She doesn't want them to know. VIRGINIA, USA
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer: Pregnancies can have complications. If (When) these complications happen, the OB is going to be involved. If this idiot (your friend) withheld material information from their OB, the outcome won't be as good as good as if they had disclosed.


Title: Ex-husband added me as a co-signor to one of his student loans without my knowledge. How can I remove myself from the loan?

Question:
So, he's admitted that he did this and I have it in writing.

About 4 years ago he apologized when I found it on my credit report after we split. He apologized and then said he would remove me.

Fast forward 4 years, he's filed for bankruptcy and now can't modify his loan at all, meaning I'm still on this loan for at least another 3 years.

I gave him 4 years to make it right. Anybody know about removing co-signors, the steps needed, possible prosecution, or any other things I can do to remove this from my record so I can finally move on with my life? It's about 30,000 dollars of debt.

Answer:
 $30k is worth seeing an attorney.

And you keep leaving out your state.


Title: (Seattle, WA USA) Rented a furnished room. New tenants want me to get rid of the furniture. No lease, landlord doesn't care. Anything I can cite to get the new tenants off my back?

Question:
Two years ago I rented a room in a shared house from an ad for a furnished room. The room (as advertised) contained a bed and a bedside table. I was originally only subletting for the summer, but that sublease ran out and I stayed for another year and a half without a lease and no problems with my room mates.

I decided to move out a couple of months ago and a couple renting one of the other rooms expressed interest in taking mine as well. We agreed on it and I gave three months notice.

Then they asked me to move the furniture that had been in the apartment when I moved in out. I thought that was pretty ridiculous and completely contradictory to how a furnished apartment works. So I told them no. I didnt have a truck or the means to do that. Our landlord lives with us and does not care one way or the other.

I moved out yesterday and they are still pestering me about it and starting to threaten legal action. They told me that  "the one moving out is responsible to leave the room empty and clean independently of the state it was in when first moved into except when otherwise agreed with whoever moves in after." I think this is complete crap, but I haven't actually been able to find a law about that pertains specifically to furnished rentals. Can anyone link me something to get them off my backs?

TL;DR:

* Rented furnished craigslist room. Signed sublease, but stayed on long after the lease expired.
* Gave three months notice to new tenants.
* New tenants are demanding I get rid of furniture that was part of the furnished room. Landlord doesn't care. What should I do?

Answer:
 You gave notice to the landlord. Your obligations for the property ceased at the end of your notice period.  The new tenant has no privity of contract or privity of estate with you.  Any recourse they have is against the landlord.

And the damages would likely be limited to the cost of haulage -- which is less than the cost/hassle of a small claims action (probably).

Leave a hammer and a bag of sand when you go.


Title: (Hawaii) Boss said someone reported SEEING me doing drugs at work. impossible unless looking in bathroom stall.

Question:
Edit: big update in comments.

Boss calls me into his office and says an employee reported seeing me do drugs at work. So of course I immediately had to take a urinalysis.  Popped for weed and amphetamine.  true, I did use the stimulant at work but I only did it in a locked stall.  The type of stall that has a real wood door you'd find in a classier place of business.  It has regular walls on each side. The only way to see inside the stall would be to lower your head almost to the floor so you could look up through the angled wooden vent slats at the bottom of the door.
So yes, I'm guilty but this seems like a major invasion of privacy which is causing sever damage to me (losing well paying job).  Note, that not only was the drug use not noticeable nor was it impairing my job, but I was one of the star employees.
Do I have any type of recourse for privacy invasion which causes harm?

Answer:
 > Note, that not only was the drug use not noticeable nor was it impairing my job

...said every drug user fired for using while at work.Answer #2: You'll never prove a violation of privacy. Maybe they say you hopped up and assumed you took drugs. Doesn't matter. They can drug test you whenever, and they could fire you for testing positive, negative, or for any other reason.

And even if they did see you in the toilet, were you shooting it up or just popping a pill? Why would they assume it was drugs? No, much more likely they wanted an excuse to test you, not that they needed one. Answer #3: > the drug use not noticeable

You will never win that case.

Answer #4: Nobody here knows who saw what at your workplace.

What I can tell you is that employees who are using are detectable.  Bob disappears into the bathroom every day after lunch and comes back all bright-eyed and hyper.  Sally goes into the warehouse every afternoon and comes back with her breath smelling like mouthwash and a little tipsy.

People notice these things.  Maybe not the first time, but after a few times the pattern is obvious.

And as you've been told, it's not illegal to fire you, to lie about the situation, etc.Answer #5: As others have said, you're going to have a tough time proving a violation of privacy and nonetheless you tested positive for drug use at work. You're going to be hard pressed to win a judgement against your former employer. I would start looking for another job. There's not much legal recourse you have at this point.


Title: Stolen Necklace Pawned Off [MD]

Question: A family friend stole a gold necklace and had taken out a loan from a pawn shop, where it and some other jewelry she owned was used for collateral. We just want to get the necklace back but the family friend isn't willing to tell us what pawn shop it was sold off at. It could possibly have been pawned off out of state even, in either California or Virginia. The family friend is also apparently suing the pawn shop, but we aren't sure what for, or if she is even being honest about suing the pawn shop at all. At this point, it seems unlikely that we can get the necklace back without the law stepping in - so what can we do? I know if we report it stolen, we can get the necklace back, but (correct me if I'm wrong) I'm fairly positive that will also involve arresting and prosecuting her. Are there any other options out there?

Answer: Why are you even going through this nonsense? File a police report and move on with your life. Once she tells the police what pawn shop has it, they'll get it and return it to you.


Title: Where can I land a jetpack (USA in general, LA if there are specific laws)

Question: I'm watching a video on building cheap PCs and they're complaining about the traffic in LA. If I had a jetpack, where could I land it?

Answer:
 Within 1000 feet from where you took off.   They dont have that much range.

Since they only have a minute max flight time the FAA doesnt consider it a flight.  So there a no current regulations on jetpacks.

edit: if youre thinking the FAN packs instead, They are covered under ultralight rules.


Title: [TX] downstairs neighbors robbed multiple times, turns out that our apartment complex uses only 7 different keys for all units

Question:
This seems like it should be a huge issue, but I'm having trouble finding a law that it breaks.  Our neighbors suspected that someone has been entering their apartment when they are gone, eating food, leaving a mess, using the toilet without flushing, etc.  They brought it up to the apartment management, who then told them that there are only 7 different keys for all units, and that someone might be using their own key to get into my neighbor's apartment.

Is this not illegal?  There are well over 100 apartments in this complex, which means that each person has a key to about 14 different apartments.  We suspect that the person might be one of the maintenance workers, since they have found him in their apartment before.  I want to change my locks now, but the management says that we would need to supply them a key to those locks in case they need to enter while I am away.  This is a problem, because if it is a maintenance worker, they would still be able to get in.

What can I do about this?

Answer:
 Texas requires landlords to re-key locks in between tenants, and rotating locks doesn't satisfy this requirement if your premises is not secured by the rotated lock.

http://texastenant.org/locks_security.html


Title: Friend's employer "forgot" to enroll employee into health insurance. He was just diagnosed with cancer. Employer is now stating that he didn't enroll and they were deducting for insurance all these months. Friend says he did and did not opt out of beneifts. What can he do?

Question:
Deductions were being taken every paycheck for his insurance.  Now that he has to use it, they have told him that he opted out.  He states he did not opt out.  There is no confirmation that he has of his enrollment.  This was an issue when he noticed he did not have his insurance card.  The person in HR then advised him that he opted out and offered to pay back his deductions.  My friend did not accept this and now they keep stalling stating it will be fixed soon.

Legally, what can he do to make sure things go right for him?  I have just gotten off the phone with someone at DOL and was advised the EBSA would be my best option (had to leave them a voicemail since they are currently closed).

Houston, Tx

UPDATE:  Thank you all so much for your help.

So, we have an update.

I think we were able to squeeze him into benefits due to a divorce which I had not known was finalized on August.  We just meet the 60 day mark for QLE's per the HR rep.  The document proving this was sent and this was supposedly confirmed by the HR rep.  I wanted to also get copies of the Employee Benefits Guide and Benefits Summary, but it sounds like the HR rep is dodging me now (not answering and going straight to voicemail).  It's fine if they are not providing this as this is against ERISA compliance so I would just call the DOL again and they can reach out to him.  I'm just edgy about it since taking someones word for it is not exactly binding.

Some things I learned about calling the DOL

1) Fully Insured/Self Insured - If Fully Insured retroactive enrollment for the employee would require review by the insurance company since it involve's the insurance company's money.  They can deny, but if the denial is due to the fault of the employer, then the employer would not only reimburse premiums taken from their paycheck, but ALSO pay claims during that time period as they were liable for not enrolling the employee on time.  Self Insured means claims are paid from a trust set up by the company.  This means the funds are the company's funds.  In these situations they should have no problem retroactively enrolling him since it's their money and their call to make.

2) In cases like these you want to speak with the DOL EBSA department.  They can contact the employer to request information such as if the company is fully/self insured.  I think this is great as this can show that you are taking your matter serious.

I just realized how stupid the title is to this.  By "forgot" I was saying that the employer at one point was stating the employee DID enroll, but that the employer did not send all of the employee's information to the insurance company to enroll him in a plan.  I wasn't meaning to state that the employer was responsible to auto-enroll the employee (I worked in benefit centers and have seen that this is definitely never a sure matter).

Answer: I don't understand how this person would think he was insured when he had never received a notice of coverage from the insurance company and had no insurance card.  He had no explanation of benefits either.  This is a horrible situation to be in, but I don't see how this wouldn't be the responsibility of the employee to a large extent.  The deductions are a great defense on the employee's part, but the insurance company isn't going to insure the man retroactively.Answer #2: Was he a new employee or was from open enrollment for a new plan year?


Title: [California] I think my now-ex is planning to steal my idea

Question:
My now-ex is a software developer, and while we were dating I had a brilliant idea for an app. We discussed making it together, but he said he wanted to finish his own app first, and then we would do it. A few weeks after that conversation, he posted the idea on social media, giving no credit to me, and said that he planned on doing it. I confronted him through private message and he said his idea was different, and when I pointed out it wasn't, he said he was joking. We have broken up and now I am afraid he might claim the idea as his and build the app.

Do I need to file a patent, or would the private message conversation suffice should I eventually take him to court for using my idea for profit? If I do need to file a patent, how much would it cost in California? I ask because I have no disposable income. Any advice helps! Thank you very much!

Answer:
 Ideas are worth nothing .Answer #2: Stealing someone's idea is, at this time, not legally actionable. Ideas cannot be patented. Patents are for unique inventions and processes developed from your original idea.

NDAs are one of the recommended ways of protecting ideas; this could have made it a breach of contract to share your idea over social media. NDAs need to offer consideration to the other party to be enforced, and also won't be enforced unless your idea is considered to be sufficiently confidential or valuable.

The more in-depth and developed the idea is, and the more specific, unique processes involved in the proposed app, the more likely it is that you would be able to use an NDA to protect it. In the future, if you wish to work with others collaboratively on a business idea it may be a good idea to look further into this to see if it's a way to go.

Asking friends, family, or lovers to sign an NDA in order to talk to you about your business ideas may present relationship challenges to navigate as well. If you do intend to draft an NDA which is enforceable you may also want to ask your attorney about any difficulties with enforcing terms against people you have a pre-existing personal relationship with.

For the idea that you already discussed with your ex you probably do not have any recourse legally. If you can both be diplomatic and have a good enough relationship post-breakup to work together, maybe it would be more worth approaching that way.


Title: Work won't let me off to meet with probation officer. (CO)

Question:
I have been unemployed for about a month and I finally found a job, started this week. Well sadly next week I meet with my probation officer for the first time and officially start my 12 month. My probation officer only see people 9am to 4pm m-f, so I asked my employer if I could come in late or leave early.  I work 8am-5pm M-F at a place that only has one shift, so I can't make up the hours Or trade shifts sadly.  Because I am easily within my first 90 days they said no, even after I explained why, they said if it was like 30 minutes maybe a hour they could. I told my probation officer, and she really didn't care. I get both sides, and I know Colorado is a at will state, so no help there, but maybe someone has been in the same boat and found a way or any advice would be a great help.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 Contact your PO.  Explain that you just got this job and they are being uncooperative about it.  Explain that you want to come see the PO, and you also don't want to be unemployed, because this is likely a probation violation.  At the very least, being unable to pay fines/restitution/fees can get you violated.  Explain that you being employed is the best scenario for all involved so you don't end up back in jail, homeless, no job and no funds.  Ask for their assistance with speaking to your employer, and short of that, some understanding and the ability to reschedule the date or time.  Most PO offices have someone that pulls early or late hours, or someone who can come to you to check up on you, and that check can double as your initial meeting.  Ask them what you should do.

If all that fails, speak to the PO office supervisor, or get your attorney involved to help square the situation.

  Worst case, you are in the job market again, but go see the PO.


Title: Pursue case against university for title IX violation

Question:
a few years back while my wife was finishing her degree, her ex boyfriend sexually abused their daughter while living on campus in student housing. He was charged went to trial and found guilty. In court just after the verdict was read, he flipped out and started shouting threats as we were rushed from the court room. Well our super lovely fucked up court system, the judge arrested judgment and reversed the guilty verdict because he felt there were elements of the abuse brought up during trial that deserved their own charges and the ex hadn’t been bound and charged with. Since he was back in pre-trial, the ex asked for bail.  For some unknown god awful reason, the university filed a brief on his behalf stating they would allow him to attend school while if he was allowed out on bail.

This is where we took issue with the university. My wife attended the same university, and after his threats felt scared and worried that he would seek her out. We made an appointment and met with the dean of student services. At first our meeting was cordial, they offered condolences and expressed frustration regarding the virdict. However after we began to express our frustration regarding their brief with the court, they became defensive. We told them she was scared, and was worried he would try to retaliate. They said they had met with him previously, and told him, if he saw her on campus, to turn around and walk the other way. She was warned to do the same if she saw him. If he pursued her, to call campus security. That’s it. They refused to even look at his schedule to see if she there was potential that they could be in the same class. When we told them that was unacceptable, they ended the meeting. I told as we were walking out that maybe the student and local paper would be interested in hearing about our story. The administration got angry and threatened to sue us for libel, and threatened her academic standing.

After leaving I pulled the student code of conduct and highlighted the parts where the school could expel or suspend a student in violation of its standards regardless of criminal charges etc and sent an email asking for an official response. The schools lead counsel responded saying they were under no obligation to reprimand a student, and that it would be difficult to believe the testimony of a child, especially that of a three year old. He ended the letter advising against us seeking out the press, and told us to talk to the prosecutor because we might harm his new case.

Because if the threats of physical violence, and the threats of academic standing, we moved over 100 miles away to a satellite campus so she could finish her degree in peace.

Since then the school has revived several high profile title IX violations. My question is should we pursue a complaint against the school? Should we hire an attorney? We recourse do we have?

Answer: You can try, but it doesn't seem like you have any damages. What did he specifically did he do,other than the crime he was being tried of,  that forced to two move? I don't see where the school didn't properly protect your wife.


Title: Local zoo selling my prints without my consent

Question:
Last summer I went and took photos at a local zoo in Michigan and decided to show off some of my work in a closed Facebook group for the zoo which they absolutely loved. Eventually the owner of the zoo commented on the photos asking if they could use my photos for post cards. I was ecstatic and told them to contact me to work something out. I never did hear back from. Two months later I found them using my photos as a profile picture, cover photo, and advertising slicks on Facebook. Today, I woke up to find they are selling coffee mugs, pictures, and coasters with all my photos on them for Holiday gifts. I know they are selling a calendar soon too online but don't want to pay $20 to see if my photos are in there also.

I'm in need of some advice of what to do in this situation.

Answer: Talk to a local IP attorney


Title: (VA) Cop pulled me and another car over at the same time. The other car was passing me, and the cop said she clocked me going 5 mph faster than I was actually going

Question:
I was driving through northern Virginia to visit family on Christmas day, and the roads were wide open.   I was averaging between 70-75 in a 60 mph zone.  A pick up truck was just passing me as we went over a hill and spotted a State Trooper.  The truck maintained his speed as I slowed down, but the cop made us both pull over (I won't go into the weird logistics of how that happened).  She said, "I clocked you going 79, do you have any justifiable reason for going that fast?"  This question caught me off guard (usually they ask, "do you know how fast you were going"), so I just said "no", which I'm scared might be a de facto admission of guilt.

I didn't contest anything at the time, but as I drove away I thought about how ridiculous it was that she pulled both of us over, and that there was no way she could have clocked us both accurately.  I want to fight the ticket, but I don't live anywhere near where the ticket was issued, and I wouldn't have the time to make the trip to go to court.  Any suggestions on the best way to fight it remotely?

EDIT: I'm mostly concerned with legal, smart strategies of avoiding the fine rather than arguing the facts of the traffic stop.  I know in some states, if you delay the court date enough, the officer may not show up and the case just gets dismissed, but in VA they purposely schedule court dates once a month for specific officers so they never miss.  Also, I don't want to have to actually go to court if I can avoid it.

Answer:
 > as I drove away I thought about how ridiculous it was that she pulled both of us over

Why?  Do you think there's a "bag limit" on traffic stops?  If you're both breaking the law you can both be pulled over.

> and that there was no way she could have clocked us both accurately.

Sure she can.  She can pace you both at the same time, or she can measure one of you with a device and then estimate the other.

The prosecutor doesn't have to prove a precise speed.  They only need to prove that you were in excess of the posted speed - which you fully admit you were doing.  More, you can't say you weren't going 79, as you admit you don't know your speed at the time.

Unless there's a significant difference in fines or points between 79 and 75, you don't appear to have a defense.  You can, of course, contest anyhow, but your success will likely be limited.


Title: Is my mom getting scammed by her bankruptcy lawyer?

Question:
Here’s the story:

My mom (who immigrated to New Jersey from Russia and doesn’t speak English too well) has been trying to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy since the end of March this year. Without telling me, she started the process by going to a Russian speaking bankruptcy lawyer that she heard of through his ads in a Russian magazine. She paid him 1000$ and then another 1000$ within 2-3 weeks (2000$ being his apparent fee). He told her to do a 25$ pre-bankruptcy certification online (which I helped her with) and to look over a large 60 page document with all of her debts, assets, etc. to make sure everything was correct. I usually help her with these types of things, which is why I know all of this info. I sit with her and translate the more complicated, jargon-filled explanations she needs to read (it would take her much, MUCH longer to do anything on the computer AND in English if she attempted to do it solo).

So, getting to the point, most of the stuff we did looked legit, but there were some red flags that continue to make me worried that my mom could be getting scammed:
1. He wrote that she paid him 1500$ for all his services instead of 2000$.
2. He left out a major credit card and never fixed the document after she told him that her AMEX cards/debts weren’t accounted for (she doesn’t tell me every single detail that happens between him and her, but the printer is in my room so I know she didn’t initial any new documents).
3. He never sent out a notice to her credit card companies to not harass her for not paying the credit card debt while filing for bankruptcy. He originally told her she can call them herself and later on he told her that she is supposed ignore the calls.
4. After she paid him, he is regularly not responsive to calls/texts even though at the beginning of the process he told her he would speak to her over the phone anytime, including weekends.
5. It’s been about a month since we’ve completed all the tasks he’s given us and he still hasn’t filed. For the past 4 weeks, he barely picks up the phone (regardless of when she calls) except for when he occasionally responds to tell her that the reason why he’s still waiting to file is because he’s waiting for “the current board of trustees to switch out in order for better ones to look over her file.” Apparently they switch every 5 days? It’s been almost 4 weeks and there are still no good trustees? I maybe a dumb 19 year-old but that sounds like BS to me...

I don’t know if what he’s doing is the right protocol or not. I literally have no idea who else to ask this. I did some research about how filing for bankruptcy works after she told me that she went to him the first time and it just seems like he’s not doing the right things. My mom still has hope, but I don’t know anymore. Am I paranoid or is she being scammed?

TL;DR: my mom is trying to file for bankruptcy and her lawyer seems to be fucking up, but I can’t tell because I’m 19.

Answer:
 The 1-4 make him sound like a relatively crappy to incompetent attorney.  You should be able to get him to fix 1 and 2.  Unless he agreed to do 3, I don't think that's part of what a normal bankruptcy attorney normally does.  I don't know that there's much you can do about 4 (again, a crappy to incompetent attorney).

But 5 has me worried.  If you have given him all of the information that he needs, then he should be able to file quickly.  I have no clue what "board of trustees" he's talking about.


Title: I've uncovered a lot of fraud my boss has committed. Denying customers warranty coverage, requiring employees work for free and more. Who should I tell?

Question:
I work at a new car dealership in Oklahoma. I'm pretty sure what I've found is fraudulent. I found pages of internal company documents that reflect my boss has charged customers to fix our companies mistakes employees made on their cars, a customer had an extended warranty for an issue but we said it didn't apply and charged them for it, attempted to deactivate safety systems(automatic braking)on used cars to keep safety warnings from coming on so they can be sold as good cars, we've required employees work for free under threat of retribution, we've required employees reimburse customers for customer's past expenses, one employee had to work with a torn ACL, the list goes on like this.

It's all the service manager and service writers doing this. Should I tell someone in the company, state authorities, or do nothing? I feel like I should go to the general manager and human resources at the same time first. I'm almost certain nobody above the service manager knows since you'd have to understand the services that were performed to identify them being fraudulent.

Answer:
 Pretty sure the attorney general in your state would be very interested in the deactivation of safety systems.  You city or county attorney might also be good choices to reach out to.  Answer #2: Tell someone higher up in the company or report them to the attorney general. Go from there. Answer #3: Not legal advice but ... be prepared to look for another job.Answer #4: In what ways are they forcing people to work for free?

Start with the higher ups, like you said.  After that, the Used Car Commission and the labor board.


Title: Neighbor destroyed my car when i went out of town, not getting much help from police. Not sure what to do next.

Question:
I left town for a wedding shower last Friday, got back Sunday morning and my car was left with the hood trunk and all doors open, everything under the hood unplugged and all resevoir caps missing, panelling taken off the doors and the trunk,
wiring and a light bulb ripped out in
trunk, amp and door speakers
stolen. Rearview mirror was ripped off the roof, glove box ripped out of the car. The dashboard was covered with mud. All of my belongings scattered on the ground around the car and my neighbors shoe sitting in the car. One of the windows was left down because it was broken so that is how the guy got access to the car. The neighbors house was also destroyed with broken glass scattered everywhere and the doorknow ripped off the front door. I called the police and they took photos of everything and talked to the neighbor who told them he was trying to work on the car for me. They didn't beleive him and had me walk through his house with them to see if anything stolen from the car was in his house but there wasn't anything. The police told him they would be back in a week and if the car wasn't back to how it was before he destroyed it he would be going to jail and the cop told me I would be hearing from a detective in the next day or two who would be following up. Haven't heard from a detective, no cops have been back by and I'm not sure how to get in touch with the cops that came by. I have talked to the neighbor once since and he asked what I wanted him to do and I told him I wanted it to be in the condition it was before I left. He has not touched the car since and I'm not sure where to go from here. The only option I can think of is suing him but he is a drug addict with no money. I forgot to mention he is also the landlord for the rental house I live in next to him. He has no money or nothing of worth though because the state will be seizing the land he owns within a year because he hasn't played taxes on it. Is it even worth the legal fees of trying to sue him? I don't think the car can possibly be rrestored to the condition it was in before because its a 20 year old car and most of the parts are no longer replaceable.
I'm in Louisiana by the way.

Answer:
 IANAL but if you get a judgement and turn it into a lien on the property, you will get money when it's resold.Answer #2: I'm guessing you don't have comprehensive/collision on this 20-year-old car, do you?  If so, take this up with your insurance company. Otherwise, if the aforementioned gentleman has little to know assets, you can sue him, but it may be a waste of time.Answer #3: Call the non-emergency police line and tell them you haven't heard from the police.

Next time you are a victim and a police officer shows up, get his business card.

Yes a car 20 years old can be repaired. Get a body shop to send an estimator to see what the repair costs are, and then use a site like edmunds.com to see what your car was worth before it was destroyed. Then see if the larger amount is within the small claims limit.

Then sue.

Once you win the suit you will have avenues to put a claim on his property if he doesn't pay you.


Title: Theoretical Assisted Suicide

Question:
Some back story before my question. I've currently got a bit of a headache. I asked my wife to kindly chop off my head, the logic being that if my head was gone I wouldn't have a headache.  That got me thinking to my question. If I and a second party signed a contract witnessed by a third party or something to that effect and the contract said "1, Person a, being of sound mind would like to no longer be alive so I am asking, Person b, to kill me and they have agreed and as witnessed by, Person c, will perform the act on such and such date.

My question is one, will that hold up being that is some legally binding contract such that person b would not be charged with any crime?

For clarification, I do not actually want to die, I really am mostly of sound mind. It is a thought experiment mostly which is why it is here at /r/legaladviceofftopic and not in the main legaladvice subreddit. Also, I am in Utah in the United States if that helps at all.

&#x200B;

Edit: I also marked it as NSFW because suicide can be a hard topic for some.

Answer:
 It would be murder. You cannot consent to being murdered.

Utah does not have assisted suicide. And even if they did, every assisted suicide law provides for assistance by a doctor and only in certain very specific circumstances. What you described would not qualify.


Title: A co-worker threatened to kill me today. What should I do?

Question:
Story:
Yesterday I say "yeah yeah yeah, I've heard it a million times, hard job" as a response to his usual "i hate work" complaints.

This morning I get to work, he tells me to go into a small room, backs me into the corner and gets really close to my face. He nearly punches my face (to scare me) and threatens to kill me multiple times as a response to my "yeah yeah yeah" comment
from yesterday. All while getting nasty spit in my face.

This guy has a history of violence and owns multiple guns..is there anything I can do? (he's also a good 30-40 yrs older than me)

Answer:
 File a police report so you have a trail of evidence in case he follows through tomorrow, next month, next year etc.

If you don't, no one will believe you when you say, "he did this five months ago!"Answer #2: Call the police. Answer #3: Call The Police.  The enforcement officers, not the band.


Title: dad was charged with assault by neighbor, need help.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Paragraph breaks, please. Nobody's going to read that otherwise.


Title: Judge refused to excuse me from jury duty because of financial reasons. Can I file a wage claim? (CA)

Question:
I know the answer is probably no, but I'm desperate, hungry, and am going to be evicted.

I've asked around for all the help I could get, but even then, I'd still come up short. If I could just make minimum wage, I can temporarily make ends meet with the money friends/family can loan me.

Is there any hope for me? Do you think a wage claim would work?

Answer: A wage claim is for when your employer has failed to pay wages to which you were entitled. That's not this situation. There is, unfortunately, nothing you can do.


Title: left a sweatshirt at a hotel and now they’re claiming they’ve never seen it

Question:
A couple weeks ago i went to stay at a hotel for a show. i’ve been there before and never had any problems. when we left that morning i remember putting my sweatshirt on the bed, staring at it, and walking out. i was really not in my head that morning.

About an hour later we called the hotel and said we left it, the man who answered said okay they would ship it out for us and charge the card on the account. they never did.

We called back again two days ago and they claimed they have no policy on shipping items out and had no idea why we were told that. they also claimed they did not see a sweatshirt but would ask the cleaning crew. they had no idea why the man would tell me that so they said they’d have him call back, but he never did.

what can i do?? this sweatshirt was very important. if they just said they had it i’d travel back to pick it up.

Answer:
 At best, you can sue them for the fair market value of that sweatshirt.

Almost assuredly not remotely worth it.


Title: (NY)got a new car got rid of insurance and registration. I went to move it 3 spaces over in my private lot. Backed up and got a fender bender. Courts telling me I'll have a year license suspension guilty or not. What todo

Answer: You drove without insurance/registration. That is the penalty in NYS.


Title: (Maryland) Upcoming Court Case for DWI involving Ambien

Question:
So I got pulled over last year on the night before Thanksgiving for failing to signal while changing lanes.  When I was talking with the officer, he asked if I'd taken any drugs.  I told him I'd taken an Ambien (which I was prescribed), but that was it.  He then charged me with Driving While So Far Impaired By Drugs Cannot Operate A Motor Vehicle Safely.

A couple extenuating circumstances here.  First, I have a DUI from 3 years ago for drinking.  I was totally in the wrong with that, plead guilty, learned my lesson.  When I was arrested for this DWI for Ambien, I had been prescribed the medication the day prior and had no idea at the time that "sleep driving" is a thing.  I took the Ambien when I was in bed, planning to go to sleep, and that's the last thing I remember before being pulled over.  I've since stopped taking the Ambien all together.

I failed the field sobriety test, but I told the officer beforehand that I could not do it as I had just had knee surgery in July and I didn't have the strength in my leg to do the balance tests.  He insisted I do them anyway, and I failed, as expected.  I took a breathalyzer at the police station and blew a 0.00%, and requested a blood test for drugs but was told there were no officers available to perform a Drug Recognizance test.

My problem is that I signed some paperwork with a lawyer for a retainer and handed over all of my papers to them, expecting my disability settlement hearing to take place in February before I had to go to court.  That date was continued by the insurance company, so now I find myself with no lawyer and a court date approaching in two days.  Is this an acceptable excuse to request a continuance from the judge?  Is it possible to work out a deal with the DA without a lawyer?

Also, am I realistically looking at any jail time here?  The DUI was my only other conviction as an adult.  I have full custody of my two year old daughter, and I really cannot afford to go to jail.

Thanks in advance.

Answer:
 Yes, it is an acceptable excuse to request a continuance to hire an attorney, which I would definitely recommend you do. The problem is you're presumed to have read the side effects listed on the bottle, which include avoiding heavy machinery (or driving). If this is your 2nd in 5 DUI charge you do not want to proceed without representation. DUI drug charges are also slightly more flexible than traditional DUIs, but you'll need an attorney to make the argument for you.

As a side note, and this is not legal advice, but based on personal experience, Ambien is messed up. It will make you do insane things while feeling completely sober. If you continue to take it, take it after you've gotten in bed and DO NOT get out of bed until you've passed out. There's a brief window where you feel totally fine and not even tired, but you are in no way fit to operate a can opener, much less a car.


Title: I'm being fired because I will not shave

Question:
I work at an Aldi supermarket in the United Kingdom (England). After almost 2 years reliable and faithful service I am to be dismissed sometime soon because I have refused to shave my facial hair.

Do I have any legal recourse here? Am I seriously going to lose my job in a supermarket because I have the audacity to cultivate a small amount of tidy facial hair?

Answer:
 Grow up. You have as much of a "right" to grow facial hair as they have a "right" to fire you.

The type of employee who values his dick tickler (mustache) more than his job is *not* the type of employee I want working for me. Answer #2: So you are going to throw away your job at one of the best paying retailers in order to grow out your beard?

Why not get the new job lined up first?Answer #3: Do you follow a religion that requires you to maintain facial hair?


Title: Can we write our neighbor a letter telling him to fuck off? (CO)

Question:
Hi!

&#x200B;

I don't know anything anything about the law, and I am embarrassed to not be able to navigate this on my own, because it seems pretty simple, but we're worried about retaliation.

&#x200B;

Our town (prefer not to say) is currently getting pretty badly gentrified. We live on the more blue-collar side of things, and are definitely the working class side of town. The house two down from mine was condemned, bought, bulldozed, and developed over into really nice townhomes or rowhouses or whatever you would call them. There are three units, all currently empty. We were all worried about our rent going up, but that hasn't happened. What has happened is that the units have sat vacant for the last two and a half months because I guess the owner can't find anyone to rent them for the price he wants in our area. So instead of lowering the price, he sent every property on the street (renters and owners) a demand letter saying he would sue us all for damages unless we did "Major reconstructive cosmetic work" (or something like that, can't remember, ceremoniously burned the letter) at our own cost. It said we were damaging him or something like that by not "maintaining" our properties.

&#x200B;

Some facts: the grass is cut, there are no holes in roofs, no broken down cars in front lawns, etc., We're just low income and the houses haven't been painted or refurbished in a while. The letters demanded new paint, new roofs, even landscaping, and were specific to each house. It basically said we'd be responsible for the difference between what he COULD rent for and what he WANTS to rent for.

&#x200B;

Obviously, we all know this is bullshit and have no intention of giving in to his demands, not like any of us could afford to anyways. Well the next door neighbors have been getting the brunt of it, and they've drafted what I think just amounts to a simple note that says "We got your letters and want you to know that our response is "fuck off, not happening." Since the neighbor is open to suing for nonsense, I and several others on the street don't want to sign it without making sure he can't make some bogus claim that we're harassing or threatening him. Does signing the letter telling him to fuck off put us in any legal hot water?

&#x200B;

tldr, whiny rich neighbor thinks he can force us to be as rich as him, can we tell him to fuck off on stationary?

Answer:
 “Our property is maintained up to local codes and this is the last we expect to hear about the matter.”

If he *does* sue you, don’t ignore it. Depending on your income, you may qualify for legal aid through your state or county.

Edited to add because you mentioned your rent going up—if it’s anyone’s responsibility to improve the property, it’s the landlord, not yours. All the more reason to tell him it’s the last you expect to hear about the matter.


Title: Is praying for somebodies death illegal in the UK?

Question: An interesting question came up during class the other day - a student asked me if praying for somebody to die illegal. Are there some circumstances where it would be legal, and others where it wouldnt be?

Answer: Why would it be?? It's not even against the 10 commandments...


Title: My husband did something stupid at work and now he's afraid he is going to get fired (Florida)

Question: My husband is a supervisor at a factory and warehouse. I don't know what he was thinking, but some of the men who work there are on the company baseball team. They are talented players from what he tells me and my husband did want them to hurt themselves at work and not be able to play. Another supervisor agreed with my husband. They got some people from the offices (a pregnant woman, a 60 year old woman and another woman) to do the work of the men instead but they complained about it because they didn't know how and said it was dangerous. The other supervisor told them they would get fired (my husband didn't but he didn't stop the other supervisor either and just nodded). One of the woman got hurt and ended up in the hospital. My husband and the other supervisor got suspended. We have a 3 year old, a two year old and a 1 year old and I'm pregnant. He's afraid he is going to lose his job and the company won't even listen to his side of things. What should he do, he's afraid he will get fired?

Answer:
 He should be fired Answer #2: He should be looking for another job just in case and getting ready to file for unemployment, though he may be denied.  It was an incredibly stupid thing to do, and while they do not need a reason absent an employment contract, it was very much a fire-able offense.Answer #3: >He's afraid he is going to lose his job and the company won't even listen to his side of things. What should he do, he's afraid he will get fired?

I'm curious what his side is? You know, besides putting a company baseball ahead of the safety of his employees. He should be fired, and for cause. Say bye bye to unemployment. His only saving grace might be if he has an employment contract or a union, but I doubt either would help him much at this point.
Answer #4: Fired and criminal charges. Doing something with the intent to harm is a crime. (That may be a typo in regards to intent to harm in OP)Answer #5: He most definitely should be fired.  He purposely hurt someone at his work site.Answer #6: Losing his job is the least of his worries, he stands to spend a decent chunk of time in jail or on probation, depending on what exactly he did.


Title: [CA, USA] Physically assaulted by roommate on graduation day. Desperate for advice!

Question:
Hello r/legaladvice,

I'm posting on behalf of my friend who was physically assaulted by her roommate yesterday, May 16th, on the day of their graduation. This has been a horrible ordeal and legal advice is very much appreciated. This happened around 7:50am in the sorority that they live in California. The assaulter, we'll call her Lucy, attacked my friend, Tina [not her real name] with Lucy's boyfriend being a witness to the whole event.

Since I was not personally involved in this event, I'll only share what Tina has permitted me to post.

The morning started and Tina woke up to get ready for Grad and woke up Lucy to get ready as well. Tina told Lucy that she was uncomfortable that Lucy's boyfriend was sleeping in the room as well and a verbal altercation ensued. Lucy lunged at Tina multiple times, trying to hit her open-handed 3 times while Lucy's boyfriend got in the way and kissed Lucy to try and calm her down. Tina left downstairs crying to and talked to another girl in the house. Tina then went back upstairs to fix her makeup in the bathroom. In the bathroom, Lucy entered and punched Tina close fisted on the right side of her head. Tina left the bathroom, went downstairs to tell the housemom of the sorority and called the police.

There were multiple girls in the house that heard the event transpire. Lucy even went into one girl's room to tell the girl that she had just hit Tina. A police report was filed however Tina dropped the charges because Lucy threatened to sue. Tina is afraid that something will go on her record and gave into Lucy's intimidation. The parent's of Lucy as well as the boyfriend are lying to cover up Lucy's actions. The parent's of Lucy tried to pursued Tina into dropping the charges because they had been good "friends" for years now. Another dynamic to this event is that the boyfriend of Lucy and the girl who was told by Lucy that she had hit Tina have both graduated and are leaving the country since they are international students.

What's the best way to go about this incident? Tina will be trying to reopen this case but is there anything more that she can do about this? Should the school and sorority be involved? I'd imagine it would be a trickier situation since this had happened the day of their graduation. And with two people about to leave the US, especially one being a witness, Lucy's boyfriend, time is running out. Tina does not have any visible marks either.

This is my first time posting so I apologize for the wall of text!

Answer:
 What's the best way to go about this incident?

Graduate, grow up, live a happy life...Answer #2: First of all, Tina cannot "drop" charges.  Once a police report is filed, the DA's office decides whether anyone is charged with a crime.

Assuming that the police have taken a report, there isn't much else to do.  If the DA decides to prosecute, then the defendants will be prevented from leaving the country until it is resolved.

If Tina has any medical bills or other damages resulting from this, she can file a civil suit against Lucy.  This would be a completely separate matter from the criminal charges, and she should talk to a lawyer about it.


Title: Go to jail for a weekend, come out with a 4573.6 CA Penal Code. Crazy story full of police abuse and lies. I'm scared and don't know what to do.

Question:
A couple months ago, I was in jail for a weekend beginning on Thursday after a college party because of a misdemeanor. I am on prop 36 drug program but otherwise no probation or anything. I have never had a violation of prop 36 or dirty bottle or anything else and it had nothing to do with why I was in jail. Anyway, the misdemeanor was reduced to an infraction on Tuesday when I saw the judge and then I was released. This actually isn't important but it gives you an idea of why I was in jail to begin with for this shit to happen. On Saturday while in a large dorm at the county jail waiting to go to court, the corrections officers in full force with a whole swat team, gas guns, etc. raid our dorm and tell everyone face down on the beds while they  start tearing everything up looking for drugs I guess in everyone's boxes and in hiding spots. Anyways, after about 20-30min I'm getting restless laying on my stomach and I'm starting to feel nauseous because I've been sick all weekend so I looked back over my shoulder to see if they were almost done and a CO saw me and freaked out, jabbed me in the ribs and started screaming. He began demanding to know what the fuck I didn't understand about "face down" and he wanted to know why wasn't I listening. But if I opened my mouth, I'd get jabbed again and the screaming would get worse. Eventually I made the mistake of responding fully and said "I'm just fucking sick. I might puke." and that was the end of my easy weekend for an infraction.

I was yanked out of the bed and slammed repeatedly against the wall right in the dorm with everyone else still in their beds. They keep telling me that I am acting nervous. Like six other COs gather around me now and everyone is screaming questions in my ear about why I keep looking back and what I am nervous about. Well simply out of instinct when someone asks you a question (at least for me), you start to look at them so I did that without thinking;  I started to swivel my head and explain that I wasn't nervous but before I could start they twist up my wrists and start applying pressure because I'm being uncooperative supposedly. This hurts so bad that I am in tears and my head is being pushed against the wall again. They keep repeatedly telling me to stop moving and squirming and using that as an excuse to apply more pressure to my wrists and to push me back against the wall while screaming in my ear. I am starting to realize that this is getting out of hand and I am scared that they are going to hurt me (either intentionally or more likely accidentally) so I start yelling that I am not resisting so the rest of the dorm hears it and knows. The CO applying the wrist pressure leans in and tells me while really close to my ear that he "knows I'm not resisting" and lets me know that he could snap it for real with just a little more pressure. At this point I lose my composure and start begging them to stop and even apologizing for telling them I was sick earlier.

Anyways, I guess I really upset them by all the horrible things I was saying to them. You know, like "I'm not resisting" and "I'm sorry for saying I was sick". This is when the story gets crazy (like it's not already). The CO who was applying pressure suddenly stops and before I could even feel happy about that I hear "Oh, what's this?!" and see motion out of the corner of my eye as he holds something up. Once again out of instinct I start to say what's what and turn to look at what he's holding and bam, back against the wall and wrists back in the barely short of breaking position. Now all the COs are screaming as the CO behind me shows off this item and they are all telling me to stop playing stupid and I better start talking now or I won't be going home for a long time. I still don't know what is in their hand or where it came from but I get a little strength back because I think they are just fucking with me and I tell them that. They know damn well I don't know what they are talking about.

Well, I get dragged into the bathroom now and thrown on the floor then screamed at for falling and forcefully picked back up and thrown against the wall and stripped down. All the COs have now formed a U shape around me while I'm standing naked near the toilet. They make me spread my ass cheeks while they get close to my asshole with a flashlight. Next I have to push the foreskin of my dick back and allow a similar flashlight inspection of my penis. After they find nothing anywhere, I smugly tell them I told you I had nothing and I had nothing to be nervous about. I suddenly remembered my pride. And then I lost it two seconds later when the CO who had been torturing my wrists tells me "of course not because it fell out of your ass while we were patting you down in the dorm". I tried to laugh it off but then when they all started demanding that I tell them about it and telling me they can only help me if I confess or tell them who I am holding it for, I start to get scared. I tell them I can't confess to something that I didn't have and they keep maintaining that it fell out of my ass rather than him taking it out of his pocket and holding it up for everyone to see. I start crying finally and refuse to talk anymore.

They finally grab me up still naked and start applying wrist pressure and pushing me out into the day room still naked.  At this point I'm sobbing and just muttering that I didn't have anything and I don't know what they are talking about. They tell me to put my clothes on but only my top shirt and pants. No socks, shirt or underwear. They tell me I won't be needing them where I am going - to the single and two man lockdown cells with the violent and serious criminals. They then shackle my hands and ankles which causes the guy to finally release my wrists and they are so sore I can't even move my fingers at the time. I actually thank them for putting on the cuffs. They think I am being a smartass so they tighten them to the point of cutting my wrists and ankles and then ask if I want to thank them again. They then go back to applying wrist pressure through the cuffs which makes it even worse. They start to shove me into the hall and then into a tiny little 5x5 square room. They throw me on the ground still in my shackles and start telling me they should break my wrists for real for bringing drugs into their dorms and I'm not going home for a very long time. They give me one last chance to confess and when I just continue crying and saying I didn't have anything, they attach a 2-3ft chain to my cuffs and then attach the other end to a little loop on the ground and leave me in the room alone still shackled and now chained to the ground.

The raid began around 830-900am before lunch and I'd guess it is about 10am when they throw me into this cell. My ground chain is in the far corner and its not big enough to move anywhere or even fully stand up. I hear them bring in three other guys, all Mexican nortenos, and put them in surrounding holding cells and vaguely hear them asking them about drugs but nothing specific since only one cell is right next to mine. I am left in this cell until 11pm at night without food, restrooms, or even a full set of clothes. About every hour during this 12-13 hours they come back in and tell me they can't help me unless I confess. Talking shit the whole time about how stupid I am and how did it feel shoving dope up my ass. I still don't know what drugs they supposedly found. I start to feel sick again and puke and can't do anything but puke on the floor. Around 8hrs or so into this, I beg to use the restroom because I need to shit and piss. I've had diarrhea the whole time I was in jail so I am begging and screaming to use the bathroom any time they come by the window and all they do is bring the other COs to the window and point at me and laugh and tell me to shit on the floor. But I'm still chained and I can't even get my pants off. At one point I fart, and liquid shit covers my pants and then I just lose it. I've never been embarrassed like this in my life. They've taken away my humanity and I want to die. And I still don't know what is going on.

Finally around 10 hours, the sergeant comes in and takes my photo and says if he doubted his COs at all, he would never charge me but it's too much of a coincidence to believe that they find 7 grams of heroin and a CO swears it fell out of the ass of an opiate addict who just so happens to be on prop 36 already.This is the first time I even hear what drug they supposedly found.  I obviously have a drug problem he says and that's what I should tell the judge. He then tells them to get me out of here and get me a change of pants. He leaves and they leave me sitting in there for another 2-3 hours occasionally coming to the window with their buddies and showing them the guy who got caught with heroin and then shit himself for attention. I literally heard them say things like this. Occasionally they would ask me why it smells like a dumpster in there and laugh at their originality. Finally when the sergeant comes back again a few hours later and demands to know why I am still there, they finally move me to another dorm but they don't give me a new change of pants and just tell me to sleep on a metal rack. No new clothes, no blankets, no sheets. It takes me about 24hrs to get these essentials and then 2 days after that, I go to court and the misdemeanor gets reduced to an infraction and since I still had not been charged for this whole incident I get released.

I couldn't believe it, they really were fucking with me. I was so happy to go home that I actually believed this. I started to tell myself that if they found anything it must have been in the common area and they were fishing. Or maybe it belonged to one of the Mexicans and they just wanted to teach me a lesson. Or maybe there was nothing at all. I was so happy I almost forgot about the humiliation and degradation. And then two months later while applying for MediCal, I get denied because I have an active felony warrant. The DA filed the charge as a 4573.6 like two months later which is not eligible for Prop 36 or drug program and has a 2/3/4 recommended sentence and I don't know what to do. I am posting bail this week but I'm scared. I've been working prop 36 right and doing well and never messed up. If it was another regular drug charge, I would simply accept the plea deal and get my first violation (out of three) just to avoid the risk of real trouble despite my innocence. But with this, it is not an option and my defense is that I got framed? That shit only happens in movies and it's my word against a CO's. I don't know what to do. I haven't seen the discovery yet or even gone to my arraignment because I am only just finding out and preparing to post bail so I don't randomly get arrested while driving but if a CO is willing to lie, what are my options considering everything that happened? Are there any? This is an anonymous post and I am seeking help. I have no reason to lie. No reputation to keep. I simply didn't have any drugs. I went to jail with an infraction and left with a felony that carries recommended sentences of 2/3/4 years in prison. A prison term would ruin my life and make all the work on my education and this drug program to get the old charged expunged for nothing.

Answer:
 If that story is true you need a lawyer, not now, not tomorrow, not before your court date.

You need a lawyer YESTERDAY.

There should be plenty of evidence to back up your version if that's what happened, including video of some or all of the events you describe.


Title: [LA] My girlfriend's ex boyfriend is in jail and he sent an email to her last night threatening to kill her when he's out, we don't know what to do.

Question:
So my girlfriend's psycho ex boyfriend is in jail because he's been in the US for 6 years now and he hasn't gotten his Green card or citizenship and he doesn't even have a driver's license and he's been harassing her ever since I started dating her (8 months now). He followed her 3 cities away just to find out where she lives then he started going to her apartment and demand her to come out and talk to her cause he wanted to win her back but she wouldn't go out and so he would break the windows and run away. I got in a physical fight with him once when he did that and I was at her apartment but he ran away. He's been in jail for about 2 months now and he is qualified to a bail but he needs a lot of money to do that and I think he has the money now, that's why he sent that email. In the email he also included a picture of both of them having sex that he took without her consent and he said that he's gonna make an Instagram account and put all these dirty pictures there, she really doesn't want that to happen.

She called the jail today and told them that he's abusing his restriction of internet usage and they said they're gonna restrict him from using a computer for 2 weeks but we're really scared that he's gonna get bailed out soon and come after her. Right now we're looking hard for an apartment for her to move out but she has 2 poodles and that's kind of makes it hard to find an apartment that accepts dogs.

So my question is what would you do if you were in my or her situation? Is the only solution moving out of there so he can't find her?

Thanks, in advance.

Edit: I'm not quite sure what flair I should use so I used Douche because this guy is a fucking douche. Also, I apologize if this is the wrong subreddit.

Second edit: Not sure why I didn't mention this but he's in jail for immigration and he's gonna get deported, he's just waiting for his next court date to see when exactly he's gonna get deported.
Topic:
Douche

Answer:
 Call the police and the LA County parole office and give them all this information.

Edit: Or did you mean Louisiana? Either way, same advice.


Title: Is it assault by potentially causing hearing damage?

Question: I saw a video of a guy in a group of protesters blowing an air horn directly into peoples ears which could easily cause hearing damage/loss. Could this be considered assault?

Answer:
 Short answer: yes, any action that causes injury to another party is assault. Permanent damage can be felonious assault, depending on location. I know there are tons of intricacies based on situation, location, etc., but the short form is yes, it's assault.Answer #2: I'm not sure about other states but in Massachusetts this would most definitely qualify as an assault and could come with some serious consequences. Assault with intent to cause bodily injury is a felony. It can land you in jail for up to 2.5 years.

edit: According to this site it can be tried as a misdemeanor or a felony. Although it is also notable that assault with intent to maim can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/massachusetts-assault-battery-laws.htm


Title: There was a car with anti-abortion slogans parked illegally near an ATM

Question:
Just an hour ago, I was on my way home from an undeservedly long day at work (but that's beside the point) and I went to a drive-up bank ATM at a local strip mall when I noticed a car parked near the exit to that ATM. Not only was it parked illegally (next to the last legal spot on that stretch of the lot), but it was parked diagonally such that it was blocking part of the ATM exit lane. Also, it had a bunch of anti-abortion slogans on it like "CALIFORNIA BURNED, REPENT". I tried calling that town's police department to have it towed, but they claimed that there was nothing they could do about it because it was parked on bank property. Because the main bank branch for that town was closed, the police wouldn't even let me give them the license number. Is there anything I can legally do to get that car towed? I mean, I drive a Toyota Corolla, so I could get through, barely. Problem is, what if somebody was driving a full-size pickup through there or - God forbid - [one of those Superior 61 widebody ambulances?](https://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt169/GLMFAA1/Superior_Ambulances_Plate_2_circa_1973W.jpg)
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 The car is on private property. You can't have it towed. Answer #2: Is the implication that the abortion stickers on the car were relevant in some way?

"Town police, how can we help you?"

"I'd like this car towed; it's blocking the parking lot entrance."

"Sorry, ma'am, but it's on private property, so we really can't...."

"But did I mention it has ANTI-ABORTION stickers all over it?"

Brief pause.

"Tow truck's on the way, ma'am."Answer #3: Doesn’t matter what it said on the car, that’s completely irrelevant to the matter. Also the car is on private property, so no jurisdiction (in regards to traffic laws) by the police. Just park your car and walk up to the ATM and do your business.


Title: [NY] I am college student and a veteran, and my school's VA certifying official has failed to submit my GI bill claim for the second time in two years.

Question:
I'm currently enrolled at Manhattan College, and I have the post 9/11 GI bill. For the second time my school's certifying official has failed to submit my claim to the VA on time. The first time I gave her the benefit of the doubt because I didnt follow up with her, but now for the second time she has failed to submit my claim even after sending her a follow up email. I mistakenly thought an old VA email was for this semester.
When I saw in September that I wasnt getting my stipend or housing allowance I called her and told her what happened. She was apologetic and said she would submit it and I would get my money in October.
It's now approaching the first, my claim is still in processing with the VA so I will not be getting my money by the first. I emailed her asking what the school can do for me and she said maybe they could get me my Pell grant money early, and she would email me the following day. That was this Wednesday. Emailed her Thursday, no response. Emailed her Friday and got an automated reply saying she was out of the office and would be back Monday. I called the financial aid office to let them know my situation and they basically told me I needed to talk to the VA official and she wasn't there then hung up on me. I called back, they put me on hold for 15 minutes then disconnected me.
I'm furious and I have no idea what to do. Late payments are piling up, rent is due and I'm in the negatives, and the school doesn't seem to care that their screw up is having a serious impact on my life. I commute and hour and fifteen minutes to school every day and soon wont even be able to afford gas.
I'm seriously thinking about contacting a lawyer, but I dont know if they'll even be able to help me. Do I have any options? Sorry for the long post but I'm just very frustrated.

Answer:
 This person works for someone - push the issue higher until you get traction from someone to actually actively assist in solving the problem. Go in person. Be respectful and concise, but forceful. Right person isn't there? Ask for the next person in their chain and so on. And at the end of the day, all else fails, the school has a president, yes?

And if you're a member of the VFW or any other veteran advocacy groups, problems like this are what they cut their teeth on - go have a conversation.

And in the meantime, contact anyplace you have a late payment due, and explain the situation. Maybe they will care, maybe not. But don't let it go uncommunicated.

/r/personalfinance may have some helpful input as well.Answer #2: I've worked at a Bursars office before. Have you contacted the VA, to see if they can expedite the funds to send to the school and then the school cutting you a check immediately?Answer #3: 1. Contact the VA and complain to your case worker or whomever handles your educational stuff

2. Failing that, contact the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and tell them you are having problems with your GI bill. They usually have one day a week (or more) where they handle walk-ins and people with pressing VA issues. The DAV more or less functions as the boot in the VA's behind to get them moving on stuff they should have already been on.

https://www.dav.org/veterans/find-your-local-office/Answer #4: Could get ahold of your local VFW or American Legion. Might be able to help out with va or a small amount of money.


Title: [TX] I (18/m) just was in a hit and run. The driver of the vehicle that hit me (unknown/f) sped off. I have a description of her, but not her car. No cameras nearby. What can I do to get this to the top of the traffic officers to-do list?

Question:
Title.

I was just in a hit and run. I am not at fault, I was rear-ended by a women who appeared to be late 40's early 50's. She got out, asked if I was okay. Then got in her car (grey SUV) and sped off as I was calling my parents (that's what my parents told me to do. I know now that I should call 911 immediately)

The damage to my car is minor, airbag wasn't triggered. The back bumper has a decent sized dent and is slightly misplaced.

I'm fully aware that with no cameras nearby and only 1 Sober eyewitness (bouncer at a bar across the street) the likelihood of this women being caught is slim to none. But is there anything I can do to get this incident addressed quickly? Is there anything I can do to increase the chance she will get caught?

Answer: You can't. You tell your insurance company.


Title: Got a DWI last night, can I get another License?

Question:
Last night I got a DWI, which suspended my license for 180 days (Declined to do a breathalyzer / blood test).

Anyways, my current job was driving for about 40% of the day so I called my boss and said I would be leaving the company because I can't drive for them anymore.

So I know I'll need my license / SS card with me when I go apply for a new job. Is there anyway to get a new license while mine is currently suspended?

Answer:
 License? No. State ID? Yes.Answer #2: > so I called my boss and said I would be leaving the company because I can't drive for them anymore.

Why did you do that? If you had let them fire you then you would have had a shot at unemployment especially if you could show your boss how you could continue to work there without needing to drive. (assuming you could get to work on your own)


Title: Broker Wants a Fee for No-Fee Apartment

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer: No, he can't override a no-fee apartment.  No-fees are really "landlord pays the fee" apartments.  So he's trying to double dip by charging you both.  You can report him to the NY division of licensing, and you should also let the landlord know.  And don't pay him


Title: Anything I can do about neighbors that use their walls as punching bags?

Question: I live in an apartment complex and Ive been here going on 4 years.  For the past few months, a group of moose have moved in downstairs.  At night they seem to run laps around their apartment with cement blocks tied to their feet.  We have alread contacted the office, our security company, and even made a noise complaint to the police.  Our office says they have reprimanded them and the latest time with a 10 day notice yet they continue to beat on the walls with baseball bats.  We signed a lease stating quiet hours are between 10pm to 8am. Before they moved in, we had zero issues with other tennants.  What are my options as they have woken me and my wife from sound sleep with a WWE wrestling match?

Answer: The only people that can enforce anything is the property management. Squeaky wheel gets the oil. If the local complex manager is taking no action go above them to the regional management (if there is any).


Title: [OK] Fired for being tardy twice, unemployment was denied. Do I have merit if I appeal?

Question:
I'll try and keep this short, as there's not a lot to it.

On March 17th I was written up for being 15 minutes late, which I signed.

On November 28th, I was 2 1/2 hours late (My phone died while I was sleeping), and I was subsequently fired.

I submitted an unemployment claim but I was denied on the grounds of the first written warning specifying that I should call/text if I'm going to be late. Now, I know that I've messed up, but I find it a bit egregious to be fired over two tardies over the course of 9 months.

Should I submit an appeal or does my employer have a valid defense?

Answer: Submit the appeal. It can't hurt. But certainly being 2 hours later isn't tardy. It is just not going to work.


Title: PA - Car rental places lied and age discriminated

Question:
I am needing a car rental and I'm under 25, I don't have a major credit card. I called one car rental place and they told me over the phone that I can rent with a deposit, a license and a document showing my address (such as a bank statement). They then called me today to "remind me" that I need a major credit card, I haven't given them any money but basically after that conversation it turns out that I can't get a car rental for my job interview on Thursday from them. This took away from me from being able to search around on my day off because I assumed that all was good. I'm assuming there is no recourse that I can take since I didn't give any money.

But is there any recourse I can take on this blatant age discrimination? If not, can someone please explain to me how it's not age discrimination?

Answer:
 It is age discrimination, it just isn't illegal.Answer #2: This is standard practice in the US.

 Credit card required and many choose to not rent to drivers under 25 because they historically are the most irresponsible drivers. Heck a few posts up an 18 year old was doing 104mph in a 70.

Take the bus or get a bike, but using the car rental company as an excuse to not get around isn't going to get you anywhere.


Title: Friend stuck in another country

Question: As the title says one of my friends is stranded in Africa against his will by his own family. His passport has been taken from him and he’s being forced to marry or threatened with jail. He’s able to contact me through social media and has also been in contact with the nearest Canadian embassy but it’s almost a full days drive from him. I was wondering if there is anything that I can do to help him? We’re both from Canada.

Answer: Contact the embassy near your friend and see what they can do.