Title: (United Kingdom): Emergency, need help. My younger brother [M/15] is being blackmailed by a stranger online from Omegle. Threatens to release a video of him masturbating to his facebook contacts unless we send them money. What should we do?

Question:
**NOTE**: Keep in mind during this that I am in a different country compared to my brother. I'm on holiday.

**NOTE 2**: This is a cross-post from /r/relationships; they recommended that I should post here. https://np.reddit.com/r/relationships/comments/4sd9j3/emergency_need_help_my_younger_brother_m15_is/

Hey all,

So, I get a message on WhatsApp from my 15 year old brother; he records a voice-note for our family chat warning us "hey guys, theres a chance you might see an embarrassing video of me on Facebook in the next day or so. If you do see such a video, please delete it, report it and block/report the person posting it". He sounded quite serious, so I sent him a private message asking him what's wrong. I thought he did something silly with his friends, but I had an uneasy feeling in my stomach.

He tells me that he was on Omegle or Chatroullete, and he met a girl on it. He then tells me that he started video-chatting with her on Skype, where they'd do "things silly teenagers would do" i.e masturbating.

He then says, turns out that she was recording him all along, and she shows him proof via a Skype screenshare. He says that the video is "bad"; you can see his "face and everything". She then tells him that if he doesn't send her £340, then she'll post the video. She tells him that she needs the money because her sister is having an operation.

My brother tells me that the blackmail happened 3 days ago; in that span of time, he contacted my father, and another brother of ours (who I'll refer to as bro2 to reduce confusion). Bro2 and my dad then came up with a plan to send her £200 in order to buy some time so that we can think about what to do and plan the next step.
My dad told bro2 to speak to the girl, and to tell her that if she wants the money, she'll have to wait until the weekend. He said that he hasn't got access to the money and will only be able to pay her on the weekend. The girl is apparently getting more agitated, and threatened to release the video if they don't send the money ASAP.

So I need your help reddit. I need advice on what to do. My dad came up with a plan. He wants me to do research on laws that can protect my brother (because he is a minor). He wants me to research organisations who specialise in combating this type of blackmail. And after we've done good research, we can threaten the blackmailer with legal action, then completely cut off contact with them, hoping that this will scare them enough to not release the video. The girl is Philippines, so maybe I'll do some research into their laws regarding this type of blackmail. In the meantime, my brother removed all of his friends from facebook and maximised his privacy settings.

**tl;dr**: My brother is being blackmailed by a Filipino, and she threatens to release a video of him masturbating onto facebook, unless he sends her a specified amount of money. Need advice on how to help my brother in this situation, and how to legally scare the blackmailer in the hopes of them not releasing the video.
I don't know if this is exactly the right sub for this type of thing, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 Blackmail only rents silence. Call the police. Answer #2: See also /r/legaladviceUK, though I would guess the advice would run along the lines of "call the police," and maybe "drink tea."Answer #3: Police.Answer #4: INAL:

Throwing this out there as most people are saying not to masturbate to strangers. Let me amend that to: "anyone". Dont Masturbate to ANYONE on the internet via video. ESP as a minor.

Sigh. kids. No Brains.


Title: [NY] Bar charging mandatory 18% gratuity and $24 minimum on credit cards

Question:
This was a venue in NYC. They had signs with this posted behind the bar. My bill had the 18&#37; gratuity added with no other options. Is this illegal and what can I do to report this? I believe a business can only charge a $10 minimum on credit cards. I always tip but mandatory 18&#37; is a bit high.
Topic:
Consumer Law

Answer: The service charge is definitely not illegal - that's very common, and frankly if 18% sounds too high to you then you're the reason that places are doing this.


Title: Should I involve police?

Question:
Virginia, everyone involved is over 18.

Backstory: girl on friend of mines Facebook page recently posted asking for a ride $20 cash for the ride. My friend messaged her that day and she said nevermind she had a ride. Cut to today, Facebook girl we’ll call Jen messages my friend and asks for a ride for $20. My friend says yes and takes her. When they get to where she was taking her jen got out and said “let me go to the bathroom” and in the  long run ended up running and jumping into a truck. She has texts to prove everything that was agreed upon. Does she have a legal leg to stand on?

Answer:
 Does your friend plan on suing for the $20?

This sounds like a $20 lesson in asking for the money up front.


Title: 26 yr old male threatening 17yr old with whom he had sexual realtions (Wiscosnin)

Question: I am posting on behalf of my 17yr old friend. The whole situation began when my friend met this older man through the internet. They decided to meet and the man offered him money, possessions, and pay for any and all expenses in exchange for my friend being his "arm candy" and "boyfriend". Things were okay for a month and a half. But recently he has been harassing my friend. He has been stalking him and driving up from his home in Chicago unannounced to see him. My friend is at his wits end over the situation. The main  problem seems to be that my friend did not want to engage in sexual relations with this man and made it very clear. But this man eventually got him drunk on multiple occasions and forcefully made him engage in sexual activities. Now my friend wants no contact with him and the man is threatening to take back everything that he gave my friend and is threatening a lawsuit if he does not comply. What can my friend do about all of this seeing as he is a minor and was forced in to multiple sexual situations with him clearly stating he did not want to do so. My friend has photographic proof of this man doing sexual activities with 2 minors present and one additional minor engaging in sexual activities while intoxicated. He also has multiple text messages on his phone of threats and harassment from this man. Any advice on this situation would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 In other words: My underage friend was raped by an older man. What do I do?

I'm no genius, but I'd say law enforcement needs to be involved here. Don't you?Answer #2: Your friend should call the police to report the rape and the child pornography.


Title: Locksmith removed 3 pins from cylinder preventing any other locksmith to complete the job. [FL]

Question:
Hello everyone, I'm in Florida, and lost my only key to my motorcycle. I had called a locksmith I found locally to come make a new key. First off, he showed up to my house where the bike was parked and removed the gas tank and cylinder without my supervision or even being at my house (I was at work on my way home.) when I get there he tells me he doesn't have the exact key for the bike, and that he'll order it and come back another day. I of course replied with "I need this done today or tomorrow." And he shrugged and left anyway. I called another locksmith the same day, and he also removed the gas cap. Upon removing the cylinder, he points out that 3 of the pins are missing and that it'll be impossible for him to make the cut. The other locksmith told me he had the cuts and numbers for the key, so it's obvious he kept the remaining pins and the job to himself.

What're my options people of /legaladvice?

Thanks for reading. :)

Answer:
 /r/lockpicking might know something that would help.

I don't see how WelfareHero could be right that "There's nothing really illegal here." The guy removed the gas tank and cylinder without your approval, and walked off with the pins without telling you? I'd be shocked if there's nothing in FL law that forbids taking apart someone else's motorcycle and walking off with bits of it. Whether you could get the cops to take a report is a whole other question, but lazy cops doesn't mean the guy acted legally.

So yeah, I'd say either small claims court, or try to destroy the guy's reputation until he's made things right. Possibly Consumerist would be interested, or a local reporter.Answer #2: Why don't you just demand the pins back? If he refuses, call the cops and report the theft of your property. It sounds like you're having a problem being assertive.


Title: Girlfriend received citation for "not wearing seatbelt", but was in fact wearing it (North Carolina)

Question:
Hi all,

My girlfriend called me this morning on her way to see her friend for the weekend. She was outside Raleigh, and pulled over by a local cop (do not have details on what city). The officer claimed that he matched her speed observed she was not wearing her seat belt and then slowed down and got behind her and pulled her over. **I do not not want to argue whether or not if she had it on, because I know she did and always has it on while driving.** The cop profusely stated that she did not have it on and wrote her the ticket anyways. She did receive a citation and stated it would be zero points on license and $179 fine.

What are our options? I am not sure if this is a moving violation or not? Should we hire a lawyer?

Little background:

- she has a 2016 Honda Civic

- it currently has New York plates on it (she is currently a student and was actually converting to North Carolina plates next week)

- she was going 70 in a 65 on the interstate, but the cop did not mention anything regarding the speed

- she was wearing the seatbelt properly (over the shoulder)

Thank you for the help in advance!

Answer:
 She can pay,  chat with a traffic lawyer about how to argue it in court, or go to court without a lawyers advice.

Given how expensive lawyers can be, and that it's her word VS the cops, it's an uphill battle that's likely to cost a chunk of changes getting either way.


Title: How can I anonymously turn in a company that's operating illegally?

Question:
I'm in Denver, Colorado, and my roommate and I recently left a small moving company that we'd both worked for briefly, after discovering how incredibly shady it is.  The operating license number that they put at the top of their invoices is for a revoked license.  It's a 1099 company, which I've been told means that anybody working for that company needs to provide their own truck, tools, etc, but in this case, the company provides everything and has everybody on a strict schedule.  Many times, the movers don't get paid (if there's a problem with the move and the company doesn't get paid for it for whatever reason, the employees who still were sent to do the move (and get paid an HOURLY wage) just lose the time with nothing they can do about it).  There is no way to check or verify hours worked aside from asking the boss to double check HIS records, which is still relying on his word.  The office uses computers that are all running pirated copies of Windows.  They're under-insured for the moves and lie about it.  Most of the time if there is a claim, the owner just tosses some cash at the customer until they let it go, rather than filing the claim.  The moving trucks' registrations all expired and weren't renewed for 2 months (making the employees drive illegal vehicles, and moving customers's possessions in them???).  The vehicles aren't road worthy to begin with.  The website advertises 26' trucks, but in the month that we worked there, there wasn't one single truck larger than 17' being used (the company owns a few, but they're broken down and never get fixed).  I know for a fact that the company manager (and I think the owner, also), have been charged with fraud and theft in connection with a mortgage scam, and I've heard (though I haven't been able to get the records yet) that they have both done time in prison for insurance fraud and are not legally allowed to operate a business in the state of Colorado to begin with (hence the revoked license that they're operating on).

So here's my question:  The BBB and Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies are the first places I thought to look, but those both seem to just deal with customer disputes, and they also require your information when you file a complaint.  That's not what I want to do.  I want the proper authorities notified that this shady company (who, of course, treats their customers like total crap - I'm pretty sure there's some shady stuff going on with the moves themselves, too) is out there, and I want it to be dealt with.  How do I pursue this?

Answer:
 You could try calling the state attorney general's office and go from there.

http://www.coloradoattorneygeneral.gov/file-complaint

I wouldn't rely on the BBB for anything. They're basically Yelp for old people.Answer #2: Why do you want to be anonymous? They owe you money, stand up an collect it!

* Report to the [IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-or-employee) and [Colorado](https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/wagelaw) the misclassification of employees.
* The [BSA](https://reporting.bsa.org/r/report/add.aspx?src=us&ln=en-us) for the pirated software (this one is anonymous).
* [OSHA](https://www.osha.gov/oshdir/co.html) for the unsafe trucks.


Title: Local government wants some land, but are refusing just compensation in favor of construction approval.

Question:
I apologize if the title is confusing. This is my first post, ever.
Basically, what's going on is that our city government wants some of our land so that they can expand a road. The place is currently empty, and we would like to build a house there. The problem is that the government won't approve of its construction unless we agree to give up some of our land for the road expansion. What are our rights? Can we defend ourselves or is the government in the right under the law?

Answer:
 Sooner or later the city is going to make an eminent domain claim to that strip of land, and you're going to lose it. An eminent domain taking requires fair compensation, but "fair" is a complex question that depends on a bunch of factors, including current and planned use, market rates, and other things.

You'll almost certainly negotiate a better price if you hire an attorney familiar with eminent domain takings than if you try to navigate this yourself. They are absolutely lowballing you right now by trying to get you to give it up for free.


Title: Handgun stolen when my car was getting washed, what avenues can I take?

Question:
I had a handgun behind the navigation screen of my car, it was out of sight and the clip was separated from it.

I didn't notice until an hour after I left, I called them and they were defensive as you would expect.  I'm sure the person on the phone didn't steal a gun.  They just said they had cameras and that they didn't know what I meant by "behind my screen".  I'm confident I didn't misplace it.  I live in Arkansas and I was curious as to what route I should take as this has never happened to me and I'm not sure what to do.

Thanks

Answer:
 You report the theft to the police with the serial number of your handgun.

And stop leaving firearms unattended in your vehicle.Answer #2: How is it that "call the police and tell them someone stole my gun" not a given here?Answer #3: Police. Call them.


Title: what happens if I miss the first court date of my uncontested Divorce settlement?

Question:
US: My attorney who seems not to be looking out for me agreed to reschedule the first day of my uncontested divorce settlement without my knowledge, to a time when I'm flying out of town, I don't trust him but I can't get a new attorney now because it's too late.
We still didn't reach an agreement on the 401K stuff and he seems to either not know anything or not care so I have to be there to at least get a fair judgement.
I don't know what is supposed to happen on that day, but I don't think I can miss it, I requested they reschedule multiple times but no one is cooperating.
Can I miss that date, what else can I do?
original date was Thursday, new date is Monday same time as my flight.

Answer: First, your divorce is not uncontested if you're still fighting over the 401k. Second, it's not too late to get a new lawyer. Third, we have no way of knowing what will happen if you miss the date because we don't know what kind of hearing it is.


Title: [Boston] My boss is withholding my commission money for taking a medical leave

Question:
I work in a student job on campus at my university. My job is basically to place calls to alumni in order to solicit donations. As a sales job, it is very strenuous. I have mental health issues which have worsened recently, so my therapist and psychiatrist have advised me to take leave from my job.

Here's the issue: My boss does not give us our commission bonus check until the end of the semester, and he does not give checks to those who take leave halfway through the semester. THIS POLICY WAS NOT IN OUR CONTRACT. In fact, he only announced it after he raised commission considerably for a short period of time. After that period (in which I and many others made ridiculous amounts of money) he is threatening to withhold commission to not only anyone who quits, but also for the most petty infringements of his policy (showing up a few minutes late, etc.) I feel like he raised commission to incentivize us to make lots of money, but does not want to pay out so he's making up reasons to take it away. What do I do?

Answer: You earned that commission. Barring terms that were placed on the commission before you earned it, that is money you had already earned and cannot be taken. If he tries to take it then you may need to file a wage dispute with the local department of labor. You should also save any correspondence relating to this new commission structure asap.


Title: Never seen Behind the scenes pics of an upcoming show

Question:
So I run a small podcast with my friend for an upcoming tv show. Recently someone claiming to be an extra on set sent us some behind the scenes pictures of them-self. Clearly we are doing research to determine if these are real pics just for our own credibility and ease of mind, but I'm concerned. He said we are free to use them on our FB page and such.

What kind of risk do we pose with this? If he signed an NDA and didn't tell us and we get caught posting these pics, would we get in trouble? Or is there some loophole where we'd be okay and they would just get after him and ask us to take them down. Is there a way we can safely repost these and protect ourselves?

Thanks in advance

-Seattle, Washington

Answer: If he signed an NDA you don't need a loophole. He breached it by giving you the photos and you're free to use them with his permission because the NDA is not binding on you. You weren't a party to the agreement.


Title: [NY] Is it legal for my employer to restrict what I post/say in regards to the company?

Question:
And I don't mean badmouthing the company. I know you can get fired for any reason (besides discrimination) but I'm wondering what they're doing is legal?

I work for a company in NY that is half telecommute, half in-office. We just had to sign a new set of rules, which I have not done yet. It basically says to continue working here, I may not list the company on my Facebook profile, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, etc. The only place I can list is a resume, period. I also cannot state to anyone that I am working for said company. For example, we make a lot of phone calls for clients and other companies. Instead of saying "Hi, I'm Sally with Assholecompany", I must say "Hi, I'm Sally, assistant of boss/client name". Before, we just couldn't discuss what we made, salary wise. This is a lot different and I'm wondering if there are any laws about this if I were to "mess up" or if this is even legal to restrict in the first place. It says that if you break any of these "rules" that you will be terminated.

Answer:
 /u/thepatman's advice is spot-on, as usual.  Just wanted to add a quick note as a resident labor law geek:

> Before, we just couldn't discuss what we made, salary wise.

You have the right to discuss your wages with co-workers under the National Labor Relations Act.  If any retaliatory action is taken against you for discussing your wages, you can report it to the National Labor Relations Board.  They will be fairly displeased, to say the least.Answer #2: > Before, we just couldn't discuss what we made, salary wise.

This is the only part of your situation that isn't legal; it's actually a violation of the National Labor Relations Act to prohibit employees from discussing their pay with each other, as such a policy would hinder the ability to engage in collective bargaining.

The whole secrecy thing seems a bit excessive, but if your job entails communicating with clients or vendors on behalf of third parties, it's not unusual for your employer to want their name left out of the interaction, to avoid confusion if nothing else (i.e. so you don't say "I'm Sally from MyActualEmployer calling on behalf of Company X" and cause the client to wonder who the hell "MyActualEmployer" is and what they have to do with anything, or become unhappy with Company X for outsourcing whatever services you are providing). Entirely banning you from discussing where you work with anyone is kind of ridiculous, though, but it is legal.


Title: [CA] Restaurant customer threatens chargeback over the $100 tip he left. Manager obliges and is now asking for the $100 to be given back from the waitstaff.

Question:
Waiter at a restaurant that is no stranger to decent sized groups and dinner parties. A particular customer left a $100 tip on his receipt that was charged to his credit card along with the price of the dinner. The $100 is clearly legible on the receipt. Tips are cashed out at the end of each shift between waitstaff, bartenders, and bussers.

Two weeks later the customer calls back and complains, saying he never left a $100 tip and threatens a chargeback for the entire bill. Restaurant manager informs him that it is clearly visible on the receipt but as a good will gesture offers to refund his $100. Manager then asks the staff that recieved a portion of the $100 tip to return the money. You fill out a form that says you're giving it back and it's deduced from the next time you're tips are cashed out. The forms are typically used when a tip amount is entered incorrectly by the staff, never seen it happen before when management offers a refund to the customer.

Am I obligated to give the money back? Can I be fired if I refuse?

Answer:
 When a customer leaves a tip, the proprietor must give that tip to the server or pay it into the server pool. They are not allowed to deduct credit card processing fees or any other fees. That money is yours.

The owner, of his own free will, decided to refund the tip money to the customer. That's his prerogative. But he can't give your money away, only his own. It would be the same if the the customer had left a $100 bill on the table as a tip and the owner gave him a hundred bucks in cash because he complained.

Can he fire or discipline you for this? He can certainly do what he likes, but California has some pretty strong worker protections. If he retaliates against you for refusing, you can file a complaint with     California’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.Answer #2: No and yes, in that order.

The tip is your property, so you don't have to return it. But they can fire you, because your employment is at-will, and that's not a protected class. Answer #3: Are you obligated to give it back?  No.  Can you be fired if you don't?  Probably.  Answer #4: I remember reading recently that this is a type of a scam too.  Patron leaves large tip, then does a chargeback to get the whole amount back.

This isn’t relevant in this situation but something to keep in mind.


Title: School punished me despite my innocence

Question:
On Monday, I called this girl (let’s call her Sara) and let her know a guy was threatening her. Sara went to the school office with her mom and let them know about the threats. The office called me in to ask me about it. At first I didn’t show them the screenshots of the threats (for reasons I will not go into right now). However, after they accused me of lying about the threats to threaten Sara, I showed them the conversation. I refused to name names but I still showed them the conversation to prove my innocence. My screenshots had the TIME AND CONVERSATION so there was no way I could’ve faked them. However, they didn’t listen to me because “there’s no reason for me to hide the name.”  In fact, the school didn’t even tell me about their ruling and punishments for me until AFTER they punished me. They also failed in keeping the situation confidential. The entire school knew about the school’s ruling that I threatened Sara (even before I , myself, knew the school found me guilty). The school did nothing about this.
Even worse, I had to hear about their decision about me from SOMEONE ELSE who said that the school told her to tell me that if I had any questions I could talk to the school. I went to the office MULTIPLE TIMES PER DAY FOR A WEEK and they didn’t talk to me ONCE. One time, I went into the office and they told me to wait. I WAITED HALF AN HOUR DURING CLASS TIME. THEN, THEY CAME OUT AND TOLD ME TO GO TO CLASS SINCE THEY DIDNT WANT TO TALK TO ME. Despite their knowledge of my attempts to talk to them, they still continued to punish me. Even worse, they called in people (who were not even involved in the incident) to interview them WHEN THEY KNEW THAT I, THE MAIN PERSON INVOLVED, ATTEMPTED TO TALK TO THEM MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY.

These are my complaints
1. the school punished me despite hearing what I had to say just because I wouldn’t name names.
2. THE ENTIRE SCHOOL knew about their ruling BEFORE I DID
3. I went to the office multiple times a day and they didn’t let me talk to them
4. They failed in keeping the situation confidential and now the entire school thinks I threatened Sara
I go to a public high school in California. I would like to clear my school record and force the school to issue an apology to clear my name around the school. How can I do so?

Answer: This has nothing to do with the law.


Title: Asking my OBGYN to pay for my medical bills. Do I need to consult a lawyer?

Question:
[DC] Last Tuesday I went to my OBGYN to have a cyst lanced. The pain was horrible (the worst I've ever experienced) and throughout the ordeal both the nurse and the doctor commented on how much blood there was. After the procedure, they handed me a cloth to wipe myself off and told me that I was done, to get dressed, and to make a follow up appointment.

As I'm dressing I'm feeling faint, but I figure it's the pain. I clean myself up and walk to the waiting room, where I make an appointment. Then I leave the office. Two steps out the door, I remember that I need a doctor's note for work. I turn around and walk back in. As I'm walking to the desk everything starts to go gray, and I feel really weak, and as I get to the desk I say "I'm not feeling well..."

Well, I passed flat out. Smacked my skull pretty hard on the tile floor and was out for 25 seconds before the nurses used some kind of smelling salt to wake me up. I try to move but they won't let me up because I've hit my head hard and they're afraid there's damage to my head/neck.

Cue an ambulance ride, a series of tests run in the emergency room, and one very grumpy millennial being told that "there's no medical reason for you passing out, probably low sugar or blood loss!" Oops!

As I wait patiently for the medical bills to come in the mail, I'm considering my options. Because I passed out as a direct result of the procedure at my doctor's office, I think it's fair to ask that they cover the costs that my insurance will not. I'm not sure how to go about requesting that they do this, nor do I know if it's worth the expense to consult a lawyer.

What do you guys think?

Answer:
 Sorry you passed out.  It was likely caused by the stress of the situation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasovagal_response

I really don't see how the doctor would be responsible.  If you were bleeding bad enough to cause fainting I don't think the doctor would have let you leave.Answer #2: The amount of blood in the fluid from the cyst being lanced probably did not cause you to pass out from the loss of it. I probably take more blood for the blood tubes I normally fill for an ER visit (about 20 mls so that is 2/3 of an oz). However, it may have made you queasy and the thought of blood may make some people pass out. That isn't necessarily their fault though. Or if it was blood sugar, then that wouldn't be their fault either.

You can always refuse care. You did not have to go to the doctor's office or go in the ambulance. They cannot force you to go.


Title: Question regarding loans

Question: I am in Washington State. Going through a separation now, divorce imminent. While we were married, we took a loan out for my truck and her car, two different lenders. For my truck, she is the primary on the loan, registration is in both names. For her car, i am the primary on the loan, registration is in both names. If we divorce and I continue to make payments on the truck and she on the car, can she lay any claim on the truck once we are divorced?

Answer: Presumably, you would come to an agreement regarding who will own what vehicle as a part of your divorce settlement agreement filed with the court.


Title: [Malpractice] surgeon tells us my dad has stage 4 lung cancer and only has two months to live... in north Carolina

Question: after he got out of surgery, the surgeon told my aunt that my dad had stage 4 cancer and only had two months. Cone to find out two days later that the surgeon thought he was talking to another patients sister. Still, the mental anguish from those two days was tremendous, especially since it came as a huge surprise, and I took time off from work to arrange care for him when he came home. I'm extremely pissed about the mix up because my mother also died from cancer, so it hit really close to home. Do I have any legal actions or is this just a "the hospital screwed up, just be glad things aren't bad" situation?

Answer:
 Mental anguish?  I mean, it's a huge, unprofessional fuck up, but nothing to sue over for emotional distress.  Won't qualify for negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress.  As for medical malpractice, what are your damages?  That's what will be hard to establish, based on what you have told us.

What the doctor did was incredibly unprofessional.  You can contact an attorney, but they may not say you have a case.  Nevertheless, you can report this to the medical licensing board.

Best of luck.


Title: [Switzerland] Need advice for my rape

Question:
Hello everyone

A few weeks ago I was raped and I've decided that the best thing to do is report it to the police.

Now, I am a bit unsure on what counts as rape and what doesn't. I know that rape is when a person doesn't give consent etc. Now what if the raped person is too afraid to say "no?". Can you actually go to the police and say you were raped and the rapist can be charged?

My case in particular: I have told him exactly these words "I can't take it anymore, it hurts too much" to that he said "Just let it happen" and he went on. I was drank alcohol that evening and was fairly tipsy.

I'm sorry if this seems like a dumb question but I need to know. Can I go to the police with this?

Answer: Unfortunately I don't think anyone here is familiar with Swiss criminal law. My suggestion would be to report what happened to the police and let the police and prosecutors determine what, if any, criminal offence was committed and whether the person should be prosecuted.


Title: My lawyer tried pressuring me with threats and bribes to sign a Notice To Act On One's Own. But he lost the case before and didn't tell me. How much should i ask for? NS Canada (I'm from Ontario)

Question: It's werid, I don't want to lowball it, but I also don't wan't to f up my golden ticket. My inability to make decisions without first researching is WHY I caught my lawyer with his hands in the cookie jar. My cookies, my jar, My right's my price. If I had hope in humanity I'd just out him, but my hope needs to be rebuilt, getting closure might just do that. - any words of wisdom? Any Insurance adjusters out there with real answers? The lawyer lost the case, tried to make me hold liable by signing a NTA (liable transfer document) but told me the case was winnable AFTER they already lost it. Bribes and threats to sign ensued. Just curious to know what the world would do.

Answer: The world would consult a lawyer.  A different lawyer.  And perhaps a mental health professional.


Title: Is it legal for me to scam someone who is committing a crime?

Question: Looking for the spirit of the law, not the letter. Location: California but this might go federal. Basically if I tell someone to pay me a large amount to let's say burn a house down, but I don't burn the house down, am I clean to take the money? Can it be fraud if the services promised were illegal? Let's say it is illegal, am I safe anyway since they would have to confess in order to report me?

Answer:
 You don't get to break the law because someone else is doing so, 2 wrongs don't make a right. Answer #2: >am I clean to take the money?

No, it's still fraud. The other party could sue you or go to the police but since we are dealing with criminals here that is unlikely so they might opt to use another way to force you to pay up. Answer #3: the flaw in your brilliant plan is the incorrect assumption that somehow only one person can go to prison out of all this. You would both go to prison.Answer #4: Before considering this question, you should first consider that accepting money to commit a felony is itself a felony.  You can both go to prison.


Title: Employer used PE stamp and signature without my permission (California)

Question:
I work for a large size civil engineering firm in California. I had helped with a report for a project a little over a year ago. Another engineer in my company took over for the past couple months and made changes / updates to the report. I have not reviewed or been kept up to date with the changes that have been made. I recently learned the company affixed my PE stamp and signature to the final product without asking me.

I think this is shady at the least, but is there any legal issue with this?

Answer:
 Yes, whoever did that engaged in the crime of forgery.

It is also very likely that someone is also committing fraud by presenting this as your work to a client.

It is also very likely that this violates state standards on having a PE sign off on the project.

It is also very likely that this violates your professional ethical obligations and you should report it to the appropriate licensing board.

In short, contact the state PE licensing agency and report what happened.  Contact the state engineering board that oversees the project and report what happened.  Contact the client who received the work and report what happened.  I would also contact your professional insurance and report what happened.

If you knew there was a violation involving your PE license and you failed to report it then you might have some professional liability.  You need to take this pretty seriously.


Title: [CA] I accidentally walked in on someone in a unisex bathroom

Question: Went to use a single occupant bathroom at my school, opened the door (it was unlocked) and saw someone using the toilet. I Immediately freaked out, turned away, covered my eyes and let out a loose string of profanity and slammed the door. I feel gross and ashamed, am I in the wrong here, and was this a crime?

Answer:
 Jeezus mistakes happen you're only human. Forget about it.Answer #2: This is not a legal issue.

> was this a crime

No.Answer #3: This will teach them to lock the door next time. Might teach you to knock. Less cursing and more sorry next time this happens.


Title: What prevents the incoming Republican Congress for adopting a rules package to expell all Democrats?

Question: It seems adoption of a rules package is by majority vote. Why not pass rules that give extreme leverage to the majority party?

Answer:
 Article 1, Section 5, Clause 2:

>Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member.

It takes a 2/3 vote to expel a member. Cannot be done by a simple majority.


Title: Can or should I reply to text messages regarding my son from his father who I have a restraining order on

Question:
Hi and thanks for taking a look at my question. I'm terrified of my son's father. Today I was told that my temporary protection order was approved and to come down and get the papers. In the meantime, he has started texting and calling me, asking to see his son. I'm scared to not reply because the more I disappear, generally, the more aggressive he becomes. Yes, a protection order helps. But it won't do much good for me if I can't get to my phone to call the police, which has been the case most of the time with him.

Would it be legally wise or appropriate to reply to his texts? Or should I just wait it out

Answer:
 Don’t reply to any of them. This situation is likelier to end in your favor if you just let him lose his mind. You say your son  already has a temporary restraining order, I’d say it’s a good guess you’d like to make that permanent.

The more he texts and calls, it just shows how crazy he is, which can be used as evidence against him for the case(s) with your son.

Good luck!Answer #2: NAL
By your tone it’s apparent that you are in fear of your safety. Does your protection order include contacting you? I thought that they normally do. If so I think you should report it to the police that the protection order is being violated.
If you’re unsure and feel in immediate danger call the police and ask them.

I’m sure someone who is a lawyer will respond soon but I wanted to reply to your post right away because it sounds like you’re in fear of being harmed.


Title: My (23m) friend threatened to "expose" me (also 23m) with photos I took from a sex tape I made. What can be done?

Question:
This whole situation is so stupid to me. I've had a friend I met in HS who has never really grown up since that time. I have since moved so I haven't seen him in over 15 months, but we still chat regularly on FB messenger. And since we were close friends for close to ten years, we both know about each other's sex lives (preferences, hook-ups, shit like that).

Anyway, I mentioned he never really grew up since his HS days. He's honestly a pretty obnoxious guy who likes to start drama and fights with people. I don't know why I was his friend for so long. He trolled me constantly about things like my job, sports, stuff like that. (He's the type of person to be upset if someone became successful because it wasn't him) well anyway I grew weary of his trolling messages and blocked him. Two days later he sent me a message basically along the lines of "LOL you blocked me? Can't handle it? Maybe the world should know your secrets"

That isn't verbatim what he said but that's the gist of it. I can only assume he is reffering to pictures I've sent him of me hooking up with a girl I'm seeing (I have her face blurred out) but you can clearly see my privates in the pictures.

I'm not necessarily concerned with people seeing the picture itself. I'm moreso concerned with the fact that this guy can potentially harrass my family with this nonsense and I'm not looking forward to having to explain how stupid this situation is to them. They simply won't believe the stark fact that this guy is literally doing this because I blocked him since he wouldn't stop trolling me about sports.

Is there anything I can do? I have screenshots of him threatening to expose me. Is there any legal repercussions I can take or something that could scare him into fucking off out of my life? I really don't want to deal with HS drama as I begin to start my career and life as a young adult.

Thanks!

Answer: Blackmail is illegal.  You can take the issue to the police.  Also stop sending people those kinds of pictures.  It's a stupid thing to do.  I'm willing to bet the girl in the pictures didn't want that send around either even with her face blurred out.


Title: I cosigned on a car for a "friend" when i was 19 and stupid, they topd me they took care of it butni just got a summons. I dont know what to do. Please help!

Question:
Okay so when I was 19 and dumb, (I've learned never to do this for someone anymore), I co-signed for a car for a "friend". Thought I was helping him out and he ended up letting some dumbass crash it and never paid it off. When I got a letter about it at my old address, I asked him about it and he said he took care f it and I shouldn't worry. Well I'm worried because I just got a summons for this shit,, and it was like 6 years ago!!

I really have no idea what to do because I don't have an extra $3000 sitting around, I can barely afford to live. Is there ANYTHING I can do to try and get out of my stupid mistake, or am I stuck paying for someone ELSE being a piece of shit??

Answer:
 >am I stuck paying for someone ELSE being a piece of shit??

In all likelihood, yes. That is exactly what you signed up for. The lender didn't trust your friend to pay, so you promised to pay if he didn't. And that's where we are now.

After you pay, you can sue your friend.Answer #2: >or am I stuck paying for someone ELSE being a piece of shit??

Did you not understand the risks of being a cosignor on a multi-thousand dollar item? Your ignorance doesnt negate your responsibility. You live you learn.

You promised in the event your friend fails to pay, you will. Now they are asking you to pay, and you are pissed off.

Pay the bill, sue the friend.


Title: I'm an outside contractor who hasn't been paid

Question:
Title says it all.

My contract says I should've been paid 15 days ago... still haven't despite calls.

What can I do?

Answer:
 The intermediate solutions vary depending on circumstances and your contract, but ultimately if they refuse to voluntarily pay you take them to court.

Review your contract to see if it lists specific methods of redress, if it doesn't look into suing them.  Alaska small claims is $10,000.  Realistically, if you're regularly making contracts worth even that, it's probably a good idea to have a lawyer on retainer anyway.

But you should also do a "post mortem" after all's said and done.  Identify the warning signs, identify what things in your contract could have been different to avoid or minimize the problems you've experienced in the first place, what information the courts wanted, that sort of thing.  That way you're better prepared for this kind of situation in the first place.

Remember that the most important part of the contract is how it deals with what's going wrong.  If everything goes right, you barely need a contract at all.


Title: Pushed up the stairs. (MO) Long

Question: [deleted]

Answer: If there is video of the event, why doesn't she call the police and report the assault? I'm sure that an arrest and a protective order would get something done.


Title: Drunk In Public, concerned about job offer.

Question: I just got arrested for drunk in public at a football game last night in Montgomery county Virginia. As far as I can tell, I was walking alone and stumbled and they got me. I have never been in any form of trouble through the University or anywhere else. Should I be hiring a lawyer to get this expunged from my record, or can I do community service and go to court without a lawyer and try to ask them to drop it after paying the fine? I have a job offer with GE starting next summer and I believe they already did my background check, but I am not positive. I also do not have the money to pay hundreds of dollars for a lawyer unless it is absolutely necessary. What should I do?

Answer:
 You never stated your location, but you must be found guilty before an expungement. In many cases, expungement isn't available for **years** after the guilty verdict. In some states, expungement is not even available.

You **need** an attorney to mitigate the charges, which can automatically disqualify you from many future positions.


Title: Neighbors are threatening us with violence because we called the RSPCA about their dog.

Question:
Located in Australia. A few weeks ago we noticed that our neighbours went away for 3 days leaving their dog locked in their house on its own. The dog was obviously distressed and would not stop barking and howling the whole time. They also have chickens that they left with no food or water. This was getting hard to bear so we called the rspca and then the police. They informed them when they returned that next time they must take their dog with them. My mother feeds the chickens under the fence.

Fast forward to today and this woman from next door (they are a big family and rough as anything, we wondered why this house was so cheap!) comes bursting in our yard literally issuing death threats, abusing my mother, threatening to hit her, calling me a slut and that she will tell the whole town (this is bad as I’m a teacher) etc etc. I was so afraid I called the police. Now what I want to know is where we should go from here, as I don’t feel safe in this house but we just moved here and would be an expensive pain to move again. I’m worried they might do something awful when we are not here, we have a lot of pets and I don’t want them hurting them. Were we wrong in calling the rspca? Should we of let the dog suffer so as not to cause a dispute? It’s a tough one that’s for sure. Should we take out an AVO maybe? I don’t know but it’s really causing a lot of stress and upset. They are such awful people, their children get a treatment not dissimilar to their pets. Any advice or support I would be grateful for.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: Set up security cameras around your property, then you have proof if they try any damage and can attempt to go after civil and criminal penalties.


Title: [California] What is the legality of scamming ISIS members?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Same as any other online fraud, with a side of aiding terrorists if your communications catch the attention of the FBI/CIA/NSA plus the added risks of extrajudicial punishment from the targets of the scam.


Title: Teacher leading daughter in prayer against her will in NC. Legal?

Question:
My 1st grade daughters teacher has been leading the entire class in prayer before they go to lunch. If my daughter doesn't close her eyes then her teacher will beg her to. My daughter brought it up to us because it bothered her.

My question, is this even legal in the state of NC?

Edit: Local public school, should have said.

Answer: Private or public school?Answer #2: Illegal as hell. Answer #3: In a public school prayer is not allowed.


Title: Brother racked up $30,000 of debt on PayPal using parents information

Question:
**UPDATE:** Thank you all again for your advice. I spent a lot of time reading and re-reading your responses and had a long discussion with my parents. The results of this discussion are this:

1. They have frozen their credit
2. They have contacted a lawyer and are looking into legal options
3. They have confronted him with an ultimatum: he can reveal what each line item of charges went to and if possible assist in selling the items with the remainder being paid by him paying them installments ***or*** they will file a police report and evict him. They have given him a few days to decide because they are trying to get him to open up in light of what some users reported (extortion, pornography, etc).
4. All electronic equipment he owns is being sold to recoup some the losses (we believe he bought some/majority of it in their name)
5. Internet to the house is being configured with a MAC address white list so that my father can still work from his home office but my brother cannot connect any of his devices to it.
6. We have contacted close family members and friends and asked them to check their credit history for irregularities, luckily nobody but my parents seem to be effected so far.

Right now the hope is that he caves and we can recover some of the debt, but my parents have come to the conclusion that if they have to involve the law it is for his own good.

**ORIGINAL POST:**

I live in Colorado, USA.

Looking for any kind of help here.

About two years ago my younger brother started to open PayPal credit accounts using my parents information (he memorized their birthdays, SSN's, etc). Over time he has racked up over $30,000 in debt. When my parents first found out they confronted him and he refused to tell them where the money went but apologized saying it was a stupid mistake, wouldnt happen again. A few months later more accounts with more charges started to appear, all on PayPal. This time my parents got a letter which showed his old community college email address so we knew it was him. He refuses to discuss it and "shuts down" whenever it gets brought up.

They called PayPal to shut down the accounts, but PayPal would only close the one that they got the letter about and refused to tell them if other accounts had been opened using their info. As of today, there seem to be multiple accounts still active with monthly charges of around $500.

They kept this a secret from me until recently and are at their wits end. They dont want to file a police report because my brother has numerous medical/mental issues.

Is there any way to resolve this fraud without my brother getting in legal trouble?

Answer:
 Parents need to put a freeze on their credit.  They need to jump through the PayPal hoops to get the account deleted, then watch their credit for any further accounts being created.

They should consider the fact that their son will likely pick a new victim once he can't get anything from them anymore.  Some kind of facility might be best for him, be it a mental health facility or prison.Answer #2: Either your parents accept this debt as their own or they begin the fraud process which could very well result in your brother going to prison. There is no middle ground. Answer #3: > Is there any way to resolve this fraud without my brother getting in legal trouble?

You don't get to steal $30k and have it just go away. The option to keep your brother out of legal trouble is to have someone pay off the debt.

Otherwise, there are people who are now down $30k all due to the shit your brother did. He's gonna get into trouble. A lot of trouble. That's not a small amount of money.Answer #4: Report the identify theft to the police.


Title: [TX] Legal recourse against someone who found my class ring and sold it.

Question:
2 1/2 weeks ago I went to the restroom at work and took my ring ($1200 value, w/ my name inscribed on the inside) off while I was washing my hands, and absentmindedly forgot to put it back on. When I realized my mistake, I went to retrieve it and it was not there. I work at a large university, so I posted signs in the building and contacted the lost and found frequently assuming someone would turn it in. I live in a college town and assumed it would be returned, so I did not file a police report (a mistake, I now know).

Yesterday, I decided to call around to the cash for gold places in town and one said that they had purchased a ring from my alma mater at roughly the same time mine went missing. They told me they would call me back with the details on the ring and who they  bought it from. Unfortunately, because no police report was filed within 10 days, they already shipped it off.

If it is indeed my ring, and they provide me with information on who sold it to them, is there any legal recourse I can take to recover the value of the ring?

Answer:
 >If it is indeed my ring, and they provide me with information on who sold it to them, is there any legal recourse I can take to recover the value of the ring?

You sue that person for the value of the ring. I'm not sure the pawn shop will give that person's info, though. In which case your only recourse is to call the police and report the sale of stolen property. It's up to them if they investigate.


Title: [CA] Can you have a red light ticket waived if you explain that you did it safely in a dangerous area?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 The concept they are talking about is called a *necessity defense*.  The most common U.S. example if "Self defense to a murder charge".

No one is going to advise you to try this kind of defense because it is a last resort.  Why is it a last resort?

Well first it means you admit to wilfully committing the violation you are charged with (in this case, running a red light).  Now they have that on lock, if your *affirmative* necessity claim is unpersuasive you can expect to be found guilty, you've thrown out reasonable doubt.

Now you (not the state) have the burden of proving that you *had* to commit the violation, this is going to consist of:

*Greater harm* you will have to show that what you did, was done to mitigate a greater harm.  This greater harm will need to be inevitable, and a greater harm to society (not just a greater harm to you).

For example, let's say you ... let me stop myself there [Here is a pretty, ok writeup of the necessity defense at common law](http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Necessity+defense)

So the answer to

>Does that work in the United States as well?

Is, perhaps, but you'd need a situation where the threat was imminent (like a man walking toward your car drawing a gun (and not a police officer), and that would also need to be caught on tape.).  If it's just "this neighborhood looks sketchy"  I doubt you'll get any sympathy from the *local jurors* you may have to defend your need to.


Title: [California] Is a job required to provide a bathroom for your entire shift?

Question:
I started working at a new place. It's a restaurant attached to a gas station, and both keep separate hours. The gas station closes at 11 and puts a partition/fence up to keep restaurant workers out, and as this is the only way in the restaurant switches to drive thru only, and staff exits through a staff exit that sets off an alarm at the end of the night.

The issue is that the bathrooms are only accessible through the gas station side of the building. When the partition goes up at 11, the night shift can no longer access the bathroom for the rest of the night (up to 2 or 3 at night depending upon how much time it takes to clean).

When I asked where I could go to the bathroom, I was told to go before 11 or hold it. Is this legal?

Answer:
 Not legal.

>OSHA requires employers to provide all workers with sanitary and immediately-available toilet facilities (restrooms). The sanitation standards (29 CFR 1910.141, 29 CFR 1926.51 and 29 CFR 1928.110) are intended to ensure that workers do not suffer adverse health effects that can result if toilets are not sanitary and/or are not available when needed.
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/restrooms_sanitation/Answer #2: Nope, it's illegal. OSHA requires there be a bathroom available at all times


Title: My truck, camper and home of 4 years was stolen — along with all of my possessions — from paid parking at a hotel airport. Do I have any legal recourse?

Question:
Hello LegalAdvice!

In late July I arranged a parking spot for my truck at a hotel in Aurora, CO while I went away to visit family. When I returned in August, my truck was gone. The hotel has  denied responsibility (“We have signs saying we are not responsible for loss or damage to vehicle or contents”).

They had security cameras in place but all cameras were pointed at the grass (the grass has behaved itself, to my knowledge).

The reservation was booked through way.com, who have also denied responsibility.

The truck and truck camper (a slide-in camper, NOT a trailer) are insured for “fair market value” but the contents were completely uninsured. The truck/camper value is about $40,000 and the contents are conservatively about $35,000. It remains to be seen what insurance will pay out for the truck.

My husband and I have not only lost a vehicle, but have lost our home and everything we own.  Do we have any reason to think we may have a legal case here?  What steps should we take?

Thank you so much for your time and effort!

Answer:
 You can sue the suspects who stole your property if they can be located.

The hotel is almost assuredly not liable for the criminal acts of another person.

I'm terribly sorry you're going through this.  As you replace your belongings, make sure that everything is ensured to avoid a repeat crisis in the future.Answer #2: > Do we have any reason to think we may have a legal case here?

Against the thief, you have a great case.  Against anyone else, likely not, unless you can show negligence or violation of your contract with them.  And no, the ineffectiveness of the cameras isn't negligence.


Title: Roommate/ ex gf kick me out before I could even live in an apartment and is charging me rent

Question: I am currently a college student in California and over the summer my girlfriend and I signed a lease on an apartment. During the summer she decided to break up with me and told me that I need to find a new place to reside. I found a new place, thankfully, but she now telling me I owe her $200 for rent for a time period that I was not even there. I moved home for the summer but I did move my stuff into the apartment. I did pay rent for the summer months. She is telling me that she will take me to court if I don’t give it to her. She is also saying that she will show the court text message of saying that I sell weed. Sorry for the format.

Answer:
 What you should have known

* You owe her half of the remaining balance on the lease, you signed up and agreed to the terms of the lease.
* You shouldn't have left the apartment.

What you need to know:

* Her weed messages will do neither of you good or bad as what she will sue you for is you breaking the lease.

* Find out the total amount for the lease and half it, then make sure you have evidence of the months you paid for.

* If She sues, respond and turn up to court (Most likely Small Claims Court)

* You have your evidence and you will have to pay atleast half of the remaining lease as you signed the lease

* DO NOT GIVE HER ANY MONEY UNLESS COURT ORDERED.

DISCLAIMER:
I AM NOT YOUR LAWYER. Answer #2: Isn't blackmail illegal?


Title: Traffic violation question.

Question:
USA. Atlanta GA

Today I was pulled over for crossing the white line to enter a turn lane. This is something I've seen everyday of my life while driving and as result was never aware that this was any violation of any sort. The car in front me did the same thing.  The officer pulls me over and informs me that he saw the car before me do the same thing, and knowingly didn't pull over the car or make any attempt to get the license plate (I specifically asked).  I explained to the officer I was not aware that this was a violation and in light of my clean driving record he proceeded to give me a ticket regardless.

I don't think this is right.  When I go into the court I want to argue the ticket because I feel that the officer singled me out while acknowledging the wrong doing of the other driver and making no effort to punish the other driver.

Does my argument have merit?
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 - Others breaking the law is not an excuse for you doing it

- The officer has no obligation to make sure every person gets a ticket. You break the law, you get a ticket. There is always someone who gets caught and someone who doesn't.

- Ignorance of the law is no excuse for violating it

- Having a clean driving record does not negate getting a ticket

You will need a better defense.


Title: [Update]Boss has not paid state taxes for 2015 and has not reported income to the SSA for 2014 forward and no one gives a shit.

Question:
Long story.

Location is CA, USA.

So the company we work for is run by a single person. It has been nothing but trouble since he took over the contract. Paying people late, not giving correct vacation, not paying people out when they quit, not paying people correctly. DOL already came in and did an audit on the company. Lot of people received payouts from the company. That's done. Since then about 1/3 of us have received letters from the state saying that they did not receive what are W2's say was paid in state taxes. The boss was informed of this and he offered to transfer whatever the state now said we owed to us off the books and we could use that to pay the state. I'm sure you see the problem with that. I was suppose to get a refund. He wants me to pay $1,000 (estimate) and act like that will be fair.

Breakdown of what it looked like for me. The difference in what the state said they received and what my W2's said exactly matched what the W2 from this company said was paid to the state. This is the same for everyone that has had this problem.  One guys final pay check was not added to his W2 at all.  The final check with 1 month's pay and over 150 hours of vacation was about 12 grand.

Since it's been nothing but trouble with this guy someone thought he should check his Social Security benefits at ssa.gov. Then other people started checking. The guy hasn't reported anything towards our Social Security or Medicare since 2013.  For the people that worked for him for all of 2014 it shows a zero for earning for 2014.  Most of us only worked for him for part of 2015 and were short for the earnings at https://www.ssa.gov/

I already reported him for tax fraud when I found out about the state taxes. I can understand messing up one guys. I don't think it could be an accident if it happening to 1/3rd of the employees. I think we'll find out it's happening with more. I haven't heard back from that and I feel like nothing is happening.
He's not giving us any straight answers on what's going on. He's saying the state tax thing was some mixup about his different accounts. But when asking him to fix it with the state we don't get a straight answer and like I said. He wants to transfer us money that we than use to pay the state. It's less than what our W2's said should have went to the state.

Other people have reported the state tax fraud as well. I talked to someone at DOL and they said that wasn't their lane. It feels like no one really cares about the guy screwing everyone. When the DOL came out and did the audit yes we got a bit of money. Then everything went back to exactly the way it was before.

UPDATE:

Since I posted this last I have talked with Franchise Tax Board twice.  First they told me my stuff was fix and I would be getting a refund.  Got another bill in the mail and called them back.  Problem not fixed and account is on hold.  Explained to this person how 15 people here are having the same problem and asked them something like "Don't you want to know who all these people are?  We all have the same problem with the same employer.  Fix it for one of us and it's fixed for all?!"  Serena at station 999 then got pretty upset and explained how we all have different SSN and are different people so it's not the same at all. Everyone needs to call in separately.  Okay sure, everyone has done that.  No one over there wants to put us all in a file and investigate this whole problem?  No she says, they do not.  I asked about the fraud thing and she said it's not really her concern and gave me a number.

I call 1-800-528-1783.  Fraud people.

I call this number and got ahold of a person after a little while.  I explain the whole thing to the guy and he tells me to call the Franchise Tax Board to fix my taxes.  I tell him at this point I'm not trying to fix my taxes.  I'm trying to report someone for fraud.  He says he doesn't think fraud is happening.  I already explained what is happening so now I ask him.  If my employer is putting on my pay stubs and W2's that taxes are being withheld and he is not actually giving that tax money to the appropriate people is that not tax fraud?  He says it is.  But, and this is his words.  "I cannot confirm that is happening in this case".  Well no shit, you haven't looked in to it at all.  You don't even know the name of the company.  You could literally answer every phone call you ever get the same way.  "I cannot confirm that is happening in this case".   I press the issue and he says okay, if you still want to report it as fraud I can transfer you to another agency.

I get transferred.  No people to pick up this time.  They just tell you to leave your information and a brief explanation of what is going on and they will get back to you in 24 hours.  That time is up.  I honestly don't expect anyone to call back.

I have also reported the SSA stuff on their websites.  I got this response:

> Thank you for contacting the Social Security Administration.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the authority on all tax matters, including the collection and refund of Social Security taxes.  All matters pertaining to proper filing are under the jurisdiction of the IRS.
You can direct your questions to the IRS by any of the following methods:
-- calling their toll-free telephone number,
1-800-829-1040; or
-- calling or visiting any local IRS office; or
-- writing to the national address of the IRS below:
Internal Revenue Service
1111 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20224
or
-- accessing their Web site at the following Internet address:
http://www.irs.gov
For tax forms, call 1-800-829-3676.

I call the 1-800-829-1040.  Tried 4 times.  No matter what route of choices I go down it ends with them just hanging up on me.  No person.

Literally, no one gives a shit.  I'm at my wits end.   I feel like I have tried every option I can find.  I have no idea what to do next.

Any help is appreciated.

P.S.  I'm not quitting.  This guy could go commit a murder/suicide, get arrested for tax fraud, or just flee the country.  This job is not going anywhere.  It's a military contract and this is the 4th company I have worked for while out here.  It won't be the last.  But thank you.  That's probably solid advice 99% of the time.

EDIT:

Legal questions:  Who should I call that cares about this?  Am I just completely wrong and there is someway this is not fraud?  Do I need to get a lawyer or contract a district attorney or something?

Thanks.

Answer: IANAL.  Given the lack of concern by the various agencies you have called I wonder if it's time to escalate this by writing to your congressman (write via snail mail, make the initial letter concise but provide specific details). I would think that they'd be very interested in knowing that one of their constituents is out $2,200 and being told by the state that they owe $1,200 instead. If the state tax agency, etc. suddenly started getting calls from the office of a congressman then they'd likely change their tune fairly quickly.Answer #2: Document literally everything you have done up to this point to fix this.  This sounds sufficiently fucked up enough that when it all goes down employees might be implicated even though they did nothing wrong. You want to protect yourself in that case. Save emails, phone records, etc. Answer #3: Have you considered contacting your local US Congressman? These contracts (on the appropriations level at least) go through congress, and he/she will have a personal and professional interest in this matter, especially considering it is related to the military.


Title: Word vs Word

Question:
I am being accused of sexual allegations, on a female. She is stating that I made her preform sexual actions on me and she didn’t concent to anything.

We did not preform any type of sexual act.   The only way to prove this is through text messages through AT&T in which I was told they do not save any “info” on the message. Only the time and number that the message was sent.

We did hangout one time and went to the movies, and she accusing me of not letting out of the car until she performed sexual acts. Which none of this is true. And she is stating she never said anything to anyone, because I would blackmale her, and her excuse for everything.

Because this is word vs word, what are my options on defending myself and how far can she go with thIs?

Answer: We generally call them “women” when we’re not on Ferenginar.


Title: [Utah] What rights does a 12 year old have to their deceased parents SSI payments in her name?

Question:
For the past year we have had a friend of our daughter seek refuge in my home at various times because her home life is borderline abusive.  Without going into to many details this girl spent most of the summer at my house and is here all weekend every weekend.  So much so that we have provided a bed of her own.  Her mom is a drunk loser that has either lost custody or has very little custody of her half siblings.  Unfortunately, this girls father has passed away and she is stuck living with her mother and new step father.  We have always known her home life was pretty bad and were willing to be a "port in the storm" for her.  We purchased her new school clothes and my wife was the person who took her to purchase necessary feminine items that she needs (bras, tampons, pads, etc.)  We have also provided her with school supplies etc.  I helped her register for school this year even though my daughter and her are no longer attending the same school.  It just because apparent her mom wasn't doing it and it needed done.  When this girl is not at our house and not at school she is at her home with no phone, internet, or television.  She is left with an extremely long list of chores that needs to be completed or face punishments.  (I grew up with chores and i am a firm believer that children should do what they can to help a household function.  There is a line though, between helping and excessive.)

I'm not posting this info for personal internet points etc.  Just stating what I thought was important to paint a picture of how checked out her mom and step father are.

With that out of the way.  I found out that she is sent $885 every month in her name from SSI from her dead father's account.  This girl doesn't see a penny of it.  I understand the costs involved in raising a child that include food on the table and rent, etc.  However, as I've stated my wife and I have provided many of the basics for this girl.  I don't think this money is actually going to its intended recipient.

What rights does she have to this money and control over where its being spent on her upkeep?  I have no interest in the money and am not asking on my behalf.  Personally, I would love it if this money was put into a trust that pays for her upkeep and/or saved for her college.

Also, what rights, if any, do My wife and I have to intervene on her behalf.  We have debated calling social services on her mother several times, but are not sure if foster care would be a better alternative.  We just want for her what I want for my own children, the hope that they can reach their full potential.  I'm not 'wealthy' by any description, but I am willing to do what I can for this girl.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Also, in case its important she is 12 and we live in Salt Lake City, Utah.

**TLDR:**  12 year old girl is receiving $885 from SSI every month that her mother takes.  What rights does she have to the control of that money.

Answer:
 She has no rights to control the money herself. If the money is being mishandled, it *may* be possible to have a new payee assigned, but that is not going to be easy.

I may be presuming here, but if you do call CPS, you might want to indicate that you are willing to foster, if indeed you are. Good on you either way for doing what you have done.Answer #2: Former foster parent in UT.

I’d call DCFS and report the situation. If she is taken into state care, the money will go to the state to pay for her care.

Utah is very big on providing services to parents in order to keep the family together. So she won’t be immediately removed unless it’s warranted (meth making in progress).Answer #3: Hi, IANAL. Now, what I recommend is calling CPS. I came from a home that wasn't stable. Calling CPS will help sort out your ability to become X's guardian, or foster her. CPS has the ability to do so. Now the money. The money is not hers, it is controlled by her guardian; this is the reason I recommend you contact CPS immediately. If you fear for her safety and well being, do so NOW. I hope for the best, and wish you luck!


Title: Scammed with Paypal payment sending money via friends and family option - Australia

Question:
Hi all,

I recently paid for services which were not received, they requested I send money via friends and family option to save on fees. This means no buyer protection so now I cannot open a dispute.

I have read in several Paypal forums that if I paid with my credit/debit card via Paypal, then I could potentially contact my bank and say that it's a fraudulent transaction.

This seems to be my only route as I don't think Paypal will look into it because of the way I sent the money.

Looking for advice on whether I should tell my bank it was a fraudulent transaction which I didn't authorize, or whether I should just say I was scammed? It seems the latter could be subjective with digital services and less likely to get my money back.

Any advice is greatly appreciated, I've potentially lost more than I can afford here.

Answer: You admit to paying for the services using F&F to avoid fees, thus losing your buyer's protection. Now that they have your money without performing the service, your only legal choice is to sue them. You can try calling Paypal, but you would have to admit to trying to skirt around their fees and most likely wouldn't help you. If you lie to the bank, it is just plain fraud. Fraud is illegal in case you didn't know.


Title: CA-Landlord asking us to move by April for "renovations". We have had issues with her in the past and I believe she's ending our tenancy due to having two kids

Question: Today my landlord gave my wife a notice to vacate by April to complete renovations. I know by California law we're required to receive 60 days notice as we've lived there for more than a year but that's besides the point. I understand that being month to month this is on its face legal. My issue is that we are the only unit being asked to move, as well as being the only unit with kids. She has tried to evict us before, citing "out growing" the apartment, which to me seemed to pretty clearly referring to the kids. (Two kids, two bedrooms, ergo legal). My question is whether this could potentially be discrimination or whether I have to just suck it up. I intend to call her out on the sixty days notice but I don't know what good the extra eight days will do me.

Answer:
 Someone hating your kids isn't illegal.

She gave you proper notice, no reason to be petty. You are not a victim, you are a renter.


Title: I'm 19(F) roommate is subletting to a 50 year old man. I own the house, what can I do? I do not feel comfortable with this arrangement.

Question:
Hi, I'm a 19 year old female. My parents bought a house under my name for me near the University I am studying at. This is in Ontario Canada.

One of my roommates/tenants, who I do not know very well is subletting their room for the summer. He has chosen to sublet to a 50 year old man. I have not received any notice or information about this. Upon hearing of this, and infront of the man (and his wife) I said he needs to produce all documents etc. in-order for me to approve the tenant. I immediately contacted my brother whom is also a realtor. My brother spoke with him and said he needs to provide all documents regarding sublet, and that we need to approve of the sublet before the sublet can move in or receive keys etc.

At this point, the tenant keeps pressuring me to stop talking to him like a 'lawyer'. I know they've consulted advice from a realtor (because I can hear from the walls), and their realtor confirmed everything that my brother said.
So my roommate says he will produce all documents from the sublet. Roommate is being very pushy with me to view it from a 'human' standpoint, while I've been fairly firm on him to direct all questions to my brother.
My fear is if, all criminal record checks etc., come up clear. Am I legally allowed to deny this sublet because I do not think it is age appropriate? I'm a 19 year old female, I think it is reasonable that I do not want to live with a 50 year old man.

Since it is an owner occupied rental agreement am I allowed to say that I must approve all sublets. (Am I allowed to be unreasonable with the denial) Especially if this man comes up completely clear?
Will I be charged with being discriminatory, ie., for being 'Ageist'. I would genuinely not feel safe with living with a 50 year old man. I have 1 other roommate who I am pretty good friends with.
What are my options if things come up clear?

EDIT: Because it appears I've forgotten this part. Straight from the contract about 'Assignment or Subleasing of Rented Premises'

The Tenant acknowledges the right of Landlord to consent or refuse to consent to the assignment and/or sublease of the Rented Premises. The Tenant covenants not to assign and/or sublease the Rented Premises without first requesting, via e-mail, and receiving written notice of Landlord to do so. If Landlord consents to an assignment and/or sublease of the Rented Premises, the Tenant shall not assign and/or sublease the Rented Premises to a potential assignee and/or sublet without first requesting, via e-mail, that Landlord consent to the assignment and/or sublet of the Rented Premises to the potential assignee and/or sublet and receiving Landlord’s written consent thereto, which consent will not be arbitrarily or unreasonably refused; however, Landlord will charge an administration and processing fee in respect of the expenses associated with the granting of such consent in the amount specified under ADDENDUM C- Damage/Other Charges for charges, per applicant.

With this, since it is an owner occupied rental. Am I allowed to be discriminatory ?

tldr; I own house, roommate is subletting his room to a 50 year old man, I'm 19 years old female. What can I do, without being discriminatory of his age, or being 'ageist'.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: If you are the landlord, and your tenant therefore shares a living space with you, that tenant is not entitled to the rights given to them by the residential tenancies act. You may refuse the sublet. Answer #2: Do you have a written lease agreement with the original tenant? Answer #3: As someone who deals with stuff like this all time just refuse the sublet. Id go right to the sublease (50 year old tenant) and say your not allowing this sublease. Say you explained this to your tenant early on and you do not want these poor people to be stuck without a place to stay.   Nobody is suing over this.  Thats the thing about things like this. Someone has to come after you and hire a lawyer.  Thats highly unlikely. Plus they have nothing except a stubborn roomate. I would not accept any sublet from her now.


Title: MD - Laws on exhibitionism and porn

Question:
I'm a phone sex operator and I've also been making photo sets and videos to sell. Today I took a video of me driving with my top down and playing with my breasts.

I know that some cam girls have gotten in trouble before for doing stuff way worse than what I did in public. But they were also in places like libraries if I remember. Could I possibly get in trouble retroactively for this video? Or would it be kind of tame so it wouldn't be anything that someone would go after?

Answer:
 The "library" girl who got in trouble, got in trouble with her school, not criminally. IIRC, she was either expelled (or "voluntarily" left the school after the video went viral) and is now a pornstar.

To answer your question, yes, you could get in trouble by publicly posting evidence of you committing a crime. Are the police likely to investigate a complaint made about you driving with your breasts exposed? Unlikely.


Title: [USA] The sale of powdered alcohol (AKA Palcohol) is banned in many US states. Is it ok to make it at home?

Question:
It is possible to make powdered alcohol very easily using tapioca maltodextrin. I know that many states have passed laws preventing the sale of powdered alcohol, but have any outlawed home production or possession of the substance?

edit: As of November, 2015:
Twenty-five states had enacted a permanent ban on the sale of powdered alcohol: Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey (my home state), New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington statutorily prohibited the sale of powdered alcohol.  In addition, Maryland and Minnesota had enacted temporary 13-month statutory bans.

I live in NJ but I suppose I'm curious about it nation-wide.

Answer: What the hell is the point of powdered alcohol?


Title: [USA][MO] Recieved a speeding ticket for 67 in a 55. Officer wrote it down to a seatbelt violation. How will this affect my driving record?

Question:
I was ticketed for speeding and being New Year's Day the officer said he would write is as seatbelt violation. The fine is only $10.00 however I am not sure if it is going to impact my license (via the point system) and, in turn, raise my car insurance premium. Am I better off hiring a traffic ticket lawyer or will the $10 fine not result in any other consequences? I have no points on my record and would like to keep it that way.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 Seatbelt is not a point violation in Missouri.

So it's literally just the $10.


Title: (CA)Am I legally obligated to delete a clip of me and this girl?

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 You are not obligated to delete it, you are 100% obligated to not share it with anyone else ever.Answer #2: No, there is no legal obligation to delete it. There is a legal obligation not to share it or post it onlineAnswer #3: You're not legally obligated to delete it.  But if it ever makes its way online, you are potentially both civilly and criminally liable.Answer #4: In your shoes, I'd delete it. If ever in the future you get hacked, someone shares the video when using your device, etc., you'll be liable. Do you *really* need a civil and potentially criminal suit down the road? You may ruin your own life and career, as soon as "revenge porn" gets associated with your name in any public setting, and lawsuits *will* have your name plastered on the internet, even if you win.

No video is worth sabotaging your own future.Answer #5: I didn't even need to click your username to guess you were the dude that posted on IATA.  You're definitely TA.  Delete those videos.Answer #6: Just to throw out a contrary opinion to the others, though it's a reach, she's the copyright holder in those pictures, and it could be argued that she gave you a revocable license to them that she's now revoking. In which case, doing anything other than deleting them would be copyright infringement and you'd be civilly liable.


Title: Can I open a lawsuit about companies offering next day delivery and not delivering on time?

Question:
Would it be plausible for me to win a case against any company that offers next day delivery for an increased charge if the item is not delivered next day?

Im so sick of paying extra and expecting my item next day only to not have it delivered. I feel companies should be held accountable and not just offer a refund of the delivery charge.

Answer: I see people complain about this with music gear all the time and they usually ignore the “order before 12pm for next day delivery” section (or whatever the designated time is). I’d definitely look into any fine print before attempting a lawsuit.


Title: My parked car was hit six months ago, and I think I just found the car that did it

Question:
Back in January, my parked car was hit in what appears to be someone attempting to parallel park.  They backed into the right-rear quarter panel, leaving a slight grey pant on my black car.  I saw it the next day and figured shit, never going to find them again.

Then just last weekend, I happened to park on the same block again.  As I was walking, I noticed a light grey SUV parked on the block with a large blackish splotch on the left rear bumper.  I took a picture of it, the scratches seem to line up, as well as the height of the bumper and the corresponding damage area to my car.  I think this was the car.

It's been six months since, what if any options do I have?  Leave a note?  Law enforcement?  Was this all too long overdue?

Answer:
 If you filed a police report when the incident occurred you are more than welcome to provide them with any information you feel is pertinent. Do not be surprised if, in a large city with countless vehicles driving around scratched up, they do nothing with your allegations. Answer #2: You can provide the police with the additional information.

But a car with a scratch in the same location as your car had isn't going to be nearly enough proof that this was the car. I'm sure if you walked 10 blocks you could find multiple cars with a scratch in a similar location.


Title: If I had an illegal substance and it was stolen could the other person be charged for possession and larceny or only possession? or none of the above

Answer: Practically speaking, it would be possession only. Mostly because in order for them to be charged with larceny/theft you'd have to admit the substance was yours therefore you would be admitting to the crime of possession. Yet, In theory, if you were dumb enough to report your illicit substances as stolen the individual could be charged with the theft.


Title: A company is trying to take some of my grandparent's land for a freight train.

Question:
Northern Illinois. They've had the land for a minimum of 40 years. What are their rights? How could we prevent it?

Edit. I wasn't very clear, they are trying to put a railway track for a freight train through my grandparents land.

Answer:
 They would have to get an easement to use the land, or they could ask the city to seize the land through eminent domain.  They can't just come in and start building.  What have you received from them so far?Answer #2: We're gonna need more info than that, OP. Are they trying to steal your grandparent's land *on* a freight train? Because if they are, this is really up there with Grand Theft Domicile.

EDIT: Your edit doesn't really help us any more, OP. We need info. Like, damningly near every detail on this.Answer #3: Is this the project? I googled because I didn't know there was much in the way of rail development these days.

http://m.rrstar.com/article/20160227/NEWS/160229571


Title: Paid using Western Union for a dog, never received the dog. Any legal action?

Question:
Hi, a family friend was probably scammed and I'm wondering if it's possible to take any legal action.

She lives in Oklahoma and found a supposed "dog breeder" located in Texas and paid everything through Western Union. She had constant email communication with the breeder (all recorded) and she had some texting communication with the breeder as well.

She made two payments of about $400 to this person through western union, he gave the name and address to make the payment to. There was lots of communication through email confirming that the transaction would take place in return for the western union payments. She also signed a couple contacts and a transfer of ownership that were signed and approved by the "seller" which I'm suspecting are fake contacts with fake signatures.

[Here's the contract and transfer of ownership that she signed](http://imgur.com/a/vLSZk)

Long story short, after two payments the breeder started making excuses about how they couldn't meet to deliver the dog and they would need to pay an additional $625 to ship the puppy. My family friend realized the mistake and stopped paying. Then the breeder stopped answering and never delivered the puppy.

I did some research into the website using reverse google image search and found that the puppies for sale on the website are stolen from other sites. I also found that the testimonials listed on the website are stolen from other dog breeder websites.

Is she out of luck or is there any way we could take legal action against this breeder? Is there anyway to get their site shut down, could I contact their host to get the site legally shut down?

We could really use some help to figure out what our next step should be.

Thanks!

Answer: I have removed your post for personally identifying information. Please remove any and all PII and then I will restore the post.


Title: Width of handicapped parking spaces (photo in comments)

Question:
I am (thankfully) only temporarily disabled recovering from a fractured leg and associated surgery. That said, my sense of fairness for all with disabilities has been significantly heightened.

The corporate office complex where I work has a number of handicapped parking spaces, many of which appear to be properly sized. In addition to those, there are at least two adjacent parking spots on each four of the garage that are ostensibly for handicapped parking (appropriate sign, blue stripes, emblem) but which have a concrete column that intrudes by about twelve inches, effectively reducing their usable width. That reduction, coupled with conventional adjacent spaces that are already tightly spaced, finds the side opposite the column usually having a car that overlaps their striped boundary, thus making the handicapped space unusable.

My question - how should I approach the building management with this issue? Is 96" the required width, and must that dimension be available without interruption (no intrusion of column)?

My inclination is to report the bogus handicapped spots to the city for their review and action, but I'm sure there's a gentler approach.

[Photos of unusable spots](https://www.imgur.com/a/A87YTxg)

Answer:
 See the ADA Standards, Chapter 5.
https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm#c5

Accessible parking spaces are minimum 96 inches wide.


Title: I was fired by drunk boss, despite being the highest earner and most requested by VIPs in the company, due to my ADHD

Question:
Hello, I am seeking some form of help because I don't know what to do.

I was fired from my job as a server in Miami, FL recently and I believe that the circumstances were illegal.

First off, I had been with this company for about 8 months but had previously worked for the same employer at another of his restaurant for almost a year (about 11 months) before leaving to a higher paying job with hours that could accommodate my school schedule, and then went back to the same restaurant for 6 months before leaving so I could be full time at the new restaurant (the one I am complaining about being fired from) and go back to school.

The part-owner had hired me and despite people quitting or being fired an average of 2 weeks to 3 months after starting, I stuck with them because I loved the chef/part owner and her vision and respected her greatly. I quickly learned that she was rarely there and the the other part-owner, who I will refer to as the manager from here on, was not very good at managing on his own.

First off, every single night he got wasted, which was fine, he was the owner and he loved good wine and to schmooze our high status clients, many of whom had been regulars of the chef's restaurants for over 20 years. However he would often become verbally abusive towards the staff as the night went on and had brought one female server to tears by calling her incompetent and saying she dressed like a street walker and that wasn't the image he would allow, along with many other belligerent insults. This was common and I was rarely a target of his verbal abuse, as I am a man and I believe he respected men more than women and was not afraid to yell at them. Our staff was commonly a skeleton crew as so many people quit very quickly because for our city the money wasn't amazing, but because of the hours and the fact that we didnt open on weekends we typically earned better than any Monday-Friday restaurant in our price range. I stuck through because I was working just for extra money so as not to spend my savings and investments, which could easily keep me afloat for a few years, but that was not ideal, so I was happy with the hours, their flexibility with my school schedule and having free weekends.

The manager often berated me at meetings saying I talk too much to the customers. However due to my relationships, the vast majority of our regulars and VIPs always asked to be sat with me and would only come in if I was their server, including clients who had house accounts. I was also the highest earner, with higher sales, tip percentages and overall amount of tips than anyone by a margin of about 33% (most others ranged from 17-19%, I got an average 24.5%). I had never slacked or caused a bad experience for customers due to my talkativeness and I informed the manager early on that I had diagnosed ADHD since I was a child and that I attend therapy and other treatment regularly in order to treat it, but that I was not on any medication for it as I felt it impaired me more than it helped.

One night the manager got particularly drunk, and the night had gone ok with one small hitch, which was that one table had waited more than 15 minutes to get their drinks and complained. However our bar was packed and almost all tables and bar guests alike had to wait that long for drinks the entire night. However, at the end of the night the manager, slurring his words as he did it, told me he was letting me go. He said that I talk too much and that I annoyed him and that he didn't care about my diagnosis or my status as highest earning server, or the fact that by that point I was the most senior front of house employee on staff besides the bar manager. I was fired as a direct result of my ADHD that my employer was aware of despite not having done anything wrong and being the highest performing and most loyal employee by far.

Also, they have refused 3 times to give me my last check and it has been 2 months. When I call I am talked down to and told to come in if I want my check and then denied it when I show up. And as an aside I had set up the speaker system and connected it to my spotify account and I have contacted the manager various times telling him to stop using my account to no response and on a nearly daily basis get notifications on my phone that my account is playing through their speaker system. At that point I turn on death metal on full blast over and over until they finally disconnect it, but still they continue.

What can I do? Am I protected? I want to sue them, this is completely unfair and I think it goes against the ADA. Please help

Answer:
 No you were fired for talking to much, not for having a disability.  Having a disability doesn’t give you free reign to violate the company rules and expectations, you had been clearly told that not withstanding the fact that you saw it as a benefit to talk to customers as much as you did, your boss disagreed.  As for the disability, you are entitled to a reasonable accommodation if it is necessary to do the job, you didn’t need a reasonable accommodation to work as a server, you were able to do that just fine.  The comment about not caring about your diagnosis suggests there might have been something related to it there, or just as likely, he was saying he wasn’t going to let your diagnosis force him to keep someone he didn’t like.  Ultimately it sounds like you were fired because your boss just didn’t like you and you were not following orders, being excused from following your bosses orders wouldn’t be a reasonable accommodation.  You can file a claim with the EEOC, and talk to an employment law attorney if you like, but I don’t see a case here.Answer #2: I'm failing to read the part where you were fired for having ADHD. ADA requires they make effort to provide reasonable accommodations, allowing you to piss off other guests because you spent too long at another table is not a reasonable accommodation.

It's not illegal for your alcoholic boss who doesn't like you to fire you because he doesn't like you.

File for unemployment and file a claim for unpaid wages.


Title: Employer disclosing my salary to my new employer.

Question:
I got a job interview with another company a month ago. During the interview, the HR representative asked me what I salary I was looking for. I responded with something similar to my current salary as I'm looking to leave company A.

Fast forward to last week, my current boss calls me into his office and congratulates me on the offer. I was surprised because I never told him I went for an interview nor did Company B give me an offer yet. He noticed my confusion and brushed it off. Two days after that encounter, I got my formal offer from Company B.

The offer was my current salary down to the dollar. The amount isn't something that you could guess. Is my current employer allowed to disclose my current salary to company B? I also live in Canada if that helps.

Answer: Just look for another job. This is the time when you should aim for a considerable pay increase. I assume you are a qualified worker.