Title: [PA] Sister's SO got screwed by the MI legal system (and probably his lawyer). Can't get a job in MI. Could he get one in PA?

Question:
Note: This was his first offence.

Hoping this is the right place to ask this question.  Long story short (from what I've been told), my sister's SO got arrested for selling E by an undercover cop in MI.  He also had a, legal CCW, gun in his glove compartment.  All of this combined got him a felony within the same realm of someone running a meth lab (thus why he got screwed).

He ended up with 1-2 years in a boot camp (don't recall the actually name) plus 2 years of probation.  He can't leave the state without permission (which hasn't happened, no matter our families requests) and the like. His probation is up in April at the latest and is looking to move to PA to be with my sister.

In MI he's been denied at least 2 high level job offers (3.5-4 GPA college graduate by the way) because of his conviction.  From what I've read up on PA laws, they can only use convictions against you if the crime is applicable to the job.  Is this actually the case?  For most any job he'd be getting offers for would have nothing to do with this crime.

Any information on PA's employment laws regarding past offences that have been served would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

EDIT: "regarding" not "regarded"

EDIT 2: Curious why I'm getting downvoted in the thread replying to comments and asking questions trying to get a better grasp on the situation.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 You realize that he wasn't screwed by the system right?

He sold drugs while in possession of a firearm.  Answer #2: I don't think that there are very many places in the US at all where a prior felony conviction can't be taken into account by potential employers.


Title: Waitress took my license. A little confused and worried.

Question:
Last night, my son and I went to eat at a local BBQ/family restaurant.  I ordered a Bloody Mary.  The waitress asked to see my ID.  At this point in my life, this is a rarity. Mostly because I don't look that young anymore, but also because I was with my pre-teen child.
But then, she walked away with it.  I was having a conversation with my son, so it didn't immediately register with me, but the longer she was away with it, the more anxious I grew.  I've never had someone walk away with my license.
Now, I'm worried she may have taken it for some nefarious reason,  I understand there are ID scanners at some establishments.

My question is about my next step?  Is there something I should check or monitor?  Should I contact the restaurant?

Thanks for any insight.

Answer: Wait, did she give it back to you?Answer #2: I'm confused, what is the rest of the story? Did you ask for the ID back before you left the restaurant? Maybe she just forgot she had it.Answer #3: IANAL, but some places require (whether as a matter of policy or law) that the bartender or person pouring the drinks have the proof of legal age. She probably took the ID to show to the bartender.


Title: [USA NYC] Wife Married while in US - interview coming up, but I'm getting nervous about these ICE raids due to a lengthy application process?

Question:
hello! My wife has been here and married to me (a US Citizen) for some time now.

We got married on the last month of her (unrelated) visa and instead of renewing that we applied for change-of-status. Unfortunately, due to medical issues and a slew of slowdowns our application was sent ~120 days after her visa had expired.

In the past I know this isn't a problem but I'm hearing [stories of ICE agents arresting and deporting immigrants during their greencard interviews](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/19/us/immigration-marriage-green-card.html)? Could this happen to my wife?

Answer:
 Yes, it could.

You need to get an immigration lawyer, like 120 days ago.


Title: [TX]Neighbor's tree is rotting and leaning over my garage

Question: I noticed the degradation of my neighbor's tree a few weeks ago, though it's still alive and growing leaves, there is a rotten hole all the way through it about 10' up the trunk. I'd never met said neighbor until last week he came to my door to alert me of the tree's continuing decline. Evidently the far side of the tree that I can't see is almost completely rotten. The tree is located just on their side of the fence but immediately crosses the property line and hangs over my garage about 20-30' high. I told him I'd noticed the tree, but was unsure of who's liability it was, since it's in their yard. He (who is only a tenant, not the property owner) stated that it is wholly my responsibility. He further stated that since there is a utility easement running along this property line on both properties, in which this tree is rooted, it's not even on their property. I believe this last part is flat out incorrect, but I'm still confused as to my responsibility and was hoping for some better insight before I get quotes from tree trimmers or attempt to contact the neighbor's landlord. Thanks!

Answer:
 Yes, he's incorrect in many fashions here.

1. An easement doesn't mean it's no longer somebody's property, it means that the holder (utility company in this case) can use the land if needed. (An eli5 version)
2. It's not his responsibility, but rather the Owner's. It's not yours as it's not your tree.

I would call an arborist to come take a look, and then get into contact with the landowner, and ask him if he is willing to pay to remove portions (if necessary)


Title: My assistant manger altered my clock in time because i was talking to a customer, are they allowed to do this?

Question:
Hello yesterday was super slow at our fast food and worked for 5 and half hours and i had 2 assistant manger. 1 saw me talking to one of the customers for 1 hour and half and joined in and left and didnt say anything and other one just looked at me and later just said you talked for 1 hour and half, today i worked for 5 hours and half and looking at my time sheet they reduced my clock in by 1 hour and half. Are they legally able to do this without telling me? i mean i work about 42ish hours this weekend and can i argue that they dont want to pay some of my overtime?

i mean isnt it everyones job to talk to customers?

 i live in NC

Answer:
 One: if you have time to lean, you have time to clean. You're lucky you weren't fired for spending 90 minutes on the clock shooting the breeze with a buddy: even if there's no food service to do, there was almost certainly stock management, cleaning, or other work you could have been doing. But you weren't, so enjoy it.

Two: no, likely not. If you were still nominally at your manager's direction and not permitted to leave, you're still required to be paid. The fact that the reduction brings you below the overtime threshold is pretty telling, too.

So, what do you want to have happen? I'm fairly confident you have two options:

* Let it slide, and keep your job.

* File a wage claim, get the 90 minutes back plus your overtime pay, and find a new job because you're fired for slacking for that long, or fired for your next minor but documentable mistake.


Title: [FL]A pair of convicted child sex offenders moved into my neighborhood. Can anything be done?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: So long as they are compliant with their restrictions, there's likely nothing you can do here. They have a right to live somewhere too, just like you do. Also keep in mind they've done their time and paid their debt to society.


Title: [FL, WI] Can I Leave?

Question:
I posted a few weeks ago regarding if I could leave Florida and go back to Wisconsin. I consulted with an attorney (have not retained yet) and he informed me that Florida has no right to keep me from returning home to WI.

I have been granted full legal custody and primary physical placement of my son back in 2015. I'm down in Florida for work with my son and am trying to go back. Florida had said not to leave the state with my son until jurisdiction is agreed upon.

The attorney I spoke with said get out asap they (Florida) legally can't tell you that you can't leave if you have full legal custody of your child granted from another state, especially from the state that granted the order.

I just want to know if anyone knows if he is right? I purchased my ticket and am leaving tomorrow per his advice. Do I get on that plane tomorrow?

Answer: I doubt anyone here is going to contradict your lawyer who is familiar with the details of your case and has actually (presumably) researched the specific legal issues. Not even if that lawyer is wrong. So I doubt that asking this question here can do you any good.


Title: [Canada][16yr] Foster parent has begun to be physically abusive

Question:
I wasn't sure what to do,

&#x200B;

I've been balling my eyes out for two hours calling every number and friend I could and now I'm looking for advice from a legal perspective.

I've been in foster care for the last two years, I've been in this foster home for about 5.5 months. He's always been very controlling and hes done multiple things to make my life as hell as possible. Small things and large things.

He's been very controlling over internet access during my stay here, often turning it off mid day and blaming it on outages and the like. I've stood up to him a couple of times over a few issues but this time was really different.

&#x200B;

I have had a project to do and some outlying school projects to do, I messaged him as soon as I got home asking for wifi to be turned on and he arrived around 6. After getting home I come downstairs and ask that he turns it on, he says "All the cable wires have been pulled out I don't know what happened." I replied saying I had saw him unplug it the night before and I asked once more that he turn it on. He gets up and starts to force me into a corner between two doors and a  cupboard in the house bodying me with his chest(for reference he's 6'5 and 240 pounds, I'm 140 and 5'10); saying that if I don't abide he'll call the police have me arrested and kick me out for the night.

&#x200B;

I managed to slip away, ran upstairs and went to my room, locked the door and went into the bathroom. I called the afterhours number since my social worker wouldn't be working right now at 6pm and she's out of office on vacation.

I've expressed numerous problems to her from him not wanting to cook according to my allergy, refusing to buy a prescribed wrist splint for my wrist pain and vitamin D and C.

I'm told I can't leave the house because it would be considered an A wall case and that I'd have to stay there tonight.

What can I do? I know I have a right to medical care and a safe home environment. Normally I'd be up to moving to a new home but I really like my school and I have friends for once.

&#x200B;

I live in Vancouver British Columbia and I'm writing this from a whitespot since there is no wifi at my house and I can't contact any of my friends.
Topic:
Canada

Answer:
 https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/
1-8004224453

I know absolutely nothing about laws etc. I'm so sorry this is all I could find. I hope you make it out of this safely.


Title: [Los Angeles] A server has been manipulating gratuities - is it fraud?

Question:
I am an administrator at a full-service restaurant where servers' credit card tips are paid out on their paychecks. Obviously, this means that any deductions or taxes are removed from the total of their earned tips.
One of our servers has begun combining checks that have large tips on them with checks that are paid in cash. He then adjusts the tip as a part of the check total, which allows him to then pocket his gratuity in cash.
I know this is illegal, what what flavor of illegal? Is it credit card fraud? Tax fraud since he isn't allowing his tips to be taxed? Who holds the liability for the adjusted credit card payments, the restaurant or the employee?

Answer:
 It's tax evasion at minimum.

Let me get this straight. Is he just changing this in the recordkeeping, or is he actually charging a customer's card more than was authorized?


Title: [WA] Exceptions to two-party consent for phone recordings

Question:
Washington State requires the consent of both parties to record a phone call, according to [RCW 9.73.030.](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.73.030)

A friend has an emergency anti-stalking order in place.  Prior to the order, her harasser had purchased a new phone and called her with a blocked ID (and admitted that during the conversation).

She's received (and declined) another blocked-ID call today.   She knows that the DV shelter she's consulted with uses blocked ID;  she called them and they said they had not called.   Obviously we think it's the stalker calling.

The law has two exceptions that may be applicable and allow her to record the incoming call:   RCW 9.73.030(2)...

>(b) which convey threats of extortion, blackmail, bodily harm, or other unlawful requests or demands, or (c) which occur anonymously or repeatedly or at an extremely inconvenient hour

Would the fact that the call is anonymous allow her to record it ?   Does a call "convey an unlawful request or demand" if it is in violation of a valid no-contact order ?

Answer:
 If she thinks the stalker is calling, she should notify the police/officer she has contact with.

Or, she should simply say "This call is being recorded" after saying 'hello'


Title: [Texas] Bought a service dog in training through a well known breeder/trainer. Paid fully for dog - trainer has dropped us as a client out of the blue and refusing to give us the dog

Question: We bought a puppy to be trained as a service dog through a well known breeder/trainer. We have proof of purchase and that he started training. Flew from London, England for the dog - last week he put the puppy in my arms and the dog jumped out. A week later (after talking to me and saying he would arrange a training session) he sent us an email saying he was terminating a 'potential client relationship' even though we have proof that he started training with the dog, and is using the fall as a reason. We went to try and talk to him and he called the police on us (we had only calmly knocked on the door). We have paid him over $6000, not including all of our travel expenses. He is refusing to talk to us, and the police recommended we take him to court. We are flying back to London the end of next week (middle of august). We have proof of purchase and all emails recorded. Any advice on how to proceed?

Answer:
 What does the contract you signed say about who owns the dog?  Some companies that train protection dogs for example don't sell the puppies at all they lease them to families but retain ownership.  If the contract says you own the dog does it lay out any circumstances where the breeder can take the dog back?

Refusing to refund your money and refusing to talk to you is a pretty scorched earth tactic for a breeder/trainer who is apparently well known enough for you to have flown across the world for, I feel like we must be missing part of this story. Answer #2: You're going to need to hire a local attorney, and will have to file a civil suit against him for damages. Call the Bar Association of the county the breeder/trainer is in, and ask them for a referral. The Bar Association usually provides free referrals and their attorneys usually offer low-cost consultations.


Title: Claiming child support for disabled adult child from father (Arizona)

Answer:
 Child support that continues* after the child's 18th birthday exists to cover kids who are so severely disabled that they will always be under someone else's care, either the custodial parent or a 24-hour care facility. "Severely disabled" in this context doesn't mean "too disabled to work"; it means the adult child needs 24-hour care and supervision because he/she can't perform basic life functions like feeding, bathing, and toileting.

Your mistake is that you've assumed the standards for SSDI and adult child support are the same--they're not. The fact that you were able to get to an SSDI lawyer and get your benefits set up by yourself demonstrates that you're not the kind of disabled that adult child support covers. In fact, your ability to write this post tends to prove that.

*I've only ever seen support for an adult child entered as a continuation of support that started when the child was still a minor. I've never seen it ordered long after the divorce was settled and the child is already an adult. Answer #2: Are you under anyone's guardianship? Can you still make legal and medical decisions for yourself?Answer #3: >constantly comes up with excuses why he should not help out with my medical bills (that wasn't medically necessary, I wasn't consulted, etc).

>I go to the hospital for treatment, insurance refuses to pay

Even if your father could be held responsible for some of your medical bills, they would only be medically necessary bills.  So these issues would still arise.

On the good news side, once you are on SSDI for two years you will automatically be placed on medicare and for a fairly small cost can upgrade to a medicare plus plan.


Title: [New Jersey] Absolutely stressed knowing how deeply in trouble I am with a 4th driving with suspended license charge.

Question:
October 2017 - Charged with DWSL Disposed to a lower charge.

March 2018 - Charged with DWSL Disposed to a lower charge.

June 2018 - Charged with DWSL

July 2018 (Today) - Charged with DWSL

The reason for my license being suspended is due to being a persistent violator. For both October and March, I hired a lawyer.

For **June** and **July**, the case is still pending and I just don't know what to do. I am definitely hiring a lawyer for these two charges and I am not using the car for the rest of this year.

Questions:

1. Am I potentially facing jail time?
2. Will I be able to get these two charges reduced with a good lawyer?
3. Will this be on my criminal record?

Answer:
 Stop driving with a suspended license.

Get a lawyer, and listen to him/her.They will be able to answer those 3 questions based on your specific circumstance.Answer #2: >I am not using the car for the rest of this year.

You should not be using the car until your suspension is over and your license has been reinstated. Answer #3: 1. There's mandatory jail associated with it, so quite possibly.
2. Maybe.
3. Depends on how the final charges turn out.

>  I am not using the car for the rest of this year.

You may not have a license again until 2021 or so if ever.

Have you considered a bicycle or something other than a car? Because this driving thing is not working out for you.Answer #4: Hire a criminal defense attorney, or you are looking at confinement and perhaps never being able to drive again, legally. Stop committing crimes. Answer #5: So you really want to go to jail I guess?

STOP driving. This is what Uber is for. You messed up (4 times) and now you’re going to pay the piper. Get ready to be hit with a lot of fines and possibly (probably) go to jail. I don’t think the best attorney in the world can get you off of your 4th violation of driving with a suspended license. Answer #6: [The only real advice we can give you](https://imgur.com/r/noisygifs/YnBUPzd)Answer #7: Yes, maybe, hopefully.

Stop breaking the law. Stop driving.


Title: Dallas texas detective called me today

Question: I sold a clone galaxy s6 on craigslist and was called by a detective today regarding this. What are my options in regards to this situation ?

Answer:
 What do you mean by "clone?" Is it a straight-up *fake*, designed to defraud? Was it sold as a legit Galaxy S6? Was it stolen?

Edit : Your post history is *fantastic*.

[Who has the cheapest and best MDMA tabs in the US, from /r/DarkNetMarkets](https://np.reddit.com/r/DarkNetMarkets/comments/399tke/who_has_the_cheapest_and_best_mdma_tabs_in_us/)

[I need a fake doctor's note from /r/forgeries](https://np.reddit.com/r/forgeries/comments/3y084j/really_fucked_need_this_for_school/)

And these stellar picks:

[Fake Samsung Galaxy S5 from /r/AndroidQuestions](https://np.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/2vp9pb/fake_samsung_galaxy_s5/)

[Fake S5 and Apple Phones from /r/androidcirclejerk](https://np.reddit.com/r/androidcirclejerk/comments/2vp8ce/fake_s5_and_apple_phones/)

[Fake Galaxy S5 thoughts from /r/AndroidQuestions](https://np.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/2ut8hb/fake_galaxy_s5_thoughts/)

Everything seems to be going *juuust fine*.Answer #2: You should not talk to the detective and hire a criminal defense attorney if arrested.


Title: (CA) Craigslist vehicle scam victim. Can't register car. What to do with insurance?

Question:
I'm not sure if this is the correct subreddit for this, but any help would be greatly appreciated!

I was recently the victim of a Craigslist vehicle scam. Long story short, I purchased a car that I had found via Craigslist. I later found out that the car had not passed smog, and the seller was also not the name on the title. The seller was nowhere to be found afterwards so now I'm stuck with this car. I attempted to register the car under my name, but the DMV would not allow the change of title without documentation of a successful smog check.

I received a registration permit that will allow me to drive the car for a couple months while I get it fixed. However, I am not sure what to do with **insurance**. I am not sure if I can add the car to my policy, since my name is not on the title, and the last thing I would want to happen now is to be charged with driving without insurance. If I am unable to insure this car, I don't know what else I can do.

TL;DR - How can I insure a car that is not under my name, but I have a temporary registration permit for? Please help!!

Answer: Wait, the seller wasn't on the title? You didn't buy a car then. If it wasn't the sellers car, the seller could not legality sell it to you. Are you sure you didn't accidently buy a stolen car?


Title: Is my landlord liable for guest injury due to negligence?

Question: My grandmother fell down the stairs of my apartment today (Happy Thanksgiving), mainly due to the stairs not having a handrail. She wound up with stitches and a fractured jaw and I'm unsure as to how to proceed.  Is this something my landlord is held liable for? I can't find information in layman's terms as what is required in Texas (Travis County) for stairs and handrails.

Answer:
 I’m not 100% about Austin regulations but San Antonio requires a handrail for 4 or more steps.

First, have the city come out and tell you if the steps are up to code. Then ask your landlord for his insurance information.


Title: Bought a house, snowmobile trail on property

Question:
Bought a house last year, on a corner. A snowmobile trail ran by a local club runs along two sides of the property. I don't have a problem with this, but how can I protect myself from ever letting them get an easement? Basically I want the ability to tell them no more trail through my property, if a need should ever arise.

Edit: dear /r/locationbot, Wisconsin.

Answer: Not a lawyer, but Wisconsin resident. The law here is pretty favorable to landowners who allow public recreational use of their land. You probably get a lower rate on your property taxes and protection from a lot of the liability issues that might burn you in other states. Talk to a reputable lawyer to understand the pros and cons, but be open to leaving things as they are for now.


Title: My friend is being made to run drugs for a gang... How can I help her?

Question:
Throw away time... obviously.
My friend got mixed up with some bad people while she was younger... they made her run some drugs along with making her do other things that she won't explicitly say. Eventually most of them were either arrested or fled the country, but recently, they have either gotten out of prison or have come back. Now that they are back, they are coming to her again to make drugs runs for them. The first time she was doing this for them, she had refused and they assaulted her. Not only that, they have shown up at her parents house and have sent her pictures of her younger brothers in a grocery store along with threatening messages. I want to help her out of this situation, but I have no idea how... so I'm turning to reddit. What can I do?

Edit:  I'm in Michigan... the location bot is telling me to update with this info.

Answer: I can't remember their name, but I'm pretty sure there's an agency or organization of some sort whose primary purpose is to investigate crime and arrest alleged criminals. Your friend might want to give them a call.


Title: [CA] Re: West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette: Can a school administrator or teacher require a student to bring in a written note from a parent/guardian in order to exercise their first amendment right to not stand for the pledge?

Question:
Hey all, new poster, hoping I'm not breaking the guidelines. Additionally, hoping this isn't seen as off topic; if it is, I honestly apologize. I teach 8th grade history in California, and as part of a series of court cases I cover on rights of students (Tinker v. Des Moines, Wallace v. Jafree, New Jersey v. T.L.O, Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeir) I decided, with my honors students only, to teach a lesson on the 1943 West Virginia v. Barnette. It was topical, it engaged kids, it let us do excellent scaffolded primary source analysis.  I capped it off with a speech on why I stand for the flag salute but with a firm exhortation that it is their right to choose whether they want too (I teach in rural CA near a military base, and that seemed like a good CYA move).

Fast forward three weeks. A student of mine in that class gets into it, a tiny bit, with another teacher in their first period. Wearing a hat (breaking a local school rule) and then additionally not standing for the flag salute. The student protested that he had been taught it was his constitutional right to express his freedom of speech via silence and staying seated. Pretty minor thing; student is a pretty respectful kid and they legitimately did not want to appear defiant, more confused than anything (then again, not sure if that's relevant to you all).

I made a point of approaching this other teacher during our shared prep period after said student told me about the interaction. Said teacher was ignorant of the Supreme Court Case, and told me he disagreed based on his families military service. I responded with my family's OWN extensive service record and also emphasized that our personal feelings are not entirely relevant -- the case was decided over 70 years ago. He then began saying that that decision could only apply to students over 18. Leaving aside the illogic here -- how many over 18 year olds are still in the public school system? -- I argued that no, the case did apply to him.

He felt the need to discuss it with an administrator and do a call home, and require the student to bring in a written note from a parent, saying they gave permission from him to sit during the pledge. The note bit apparently came down from admin, as well. This bothered me, so I did a little google research, and what I found seemed to indicate that while some states (Texas and Florida namely) require a note, most do not. I found no evidence California does.

Now, I'm in a new district and I'm not looking to step on toes too much -- if admin comes down my throat about this, truth be told I'll more than likely just acquiesce to whatever they say -- but I also don't like the idea of teaching students incorrect information about their constitutional rights. The court cases I do are often one of the activities that students connect most too -- they're authentic and relate to their lives. I would really like to do this lesson again next year. I did a fair bit of research before teaching this, knowing it could be controversial in my area, but if I've got blind spots or things I missed, they could be very valuable.

I guess with the rambling contextual rant out of the way, I've got one major question:
Can a school administrator or teacher require a student, in the state of California, to bring in a written note in order to not stand for the pledge?

Also, any extra context would be appreciated. And like I said right at the start, if I've broken guidelines or if this post is out of place, I sincerely apologize.

Answer:
 Barnette is one of my favorite cases.  The quote that begins with "If there is any fixed star in our Constitutional constellation..." answers a lot of peoples' questions about related issues.

I don't have the ACLU's draft letter to a principal in Maryland handy, or a link to it.  But their position is that a child cannot be made to recite, to stand, or to leave the classroom.  A child cannot be ridiculed, called out, or treated differently.  School districts have lost court cases or settled in the range of $50K or so for teachers acting as if the child is unpatriotic, or "doesn't support the troops".

Barnette was decided in *1943*.  At the apex of the last great war about which there was little disagreement about the morality of our involvement.  If a student in 1943 doesn't have to recite the pledge, your child doesn't either.

I cannot imagine how the lack of a piece of paper with your signature on it would alter the basic fact.  Arguably, making the child bring a note would be tantamount to treating the child differently.

However, if the school wants to be bullheaded jerks about it, the process of exonerating your child's rights can be very difficult, can be traumatic for the child.  I'm not saying one way or another -- it's your place as parents to give those concerns the weight they deserve.

**Found it**: http://www.aclu-md.org/uploaded_files/0000/0406/starr_ltr_re_pledge_final.pdf

The quote I love:

> "If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein."


Title: how do i collect from a civil court suit when the loser refuses to pay?

Question: title kind of says it all. my ex landlord withheld my deposit about a year ago, i took him to court over it and they ruled in my favor. now he officially owes me about 1100 bucks, but before i could collect or put a lien on his property, he put it into an LLC and moved to a different part of the state (CA). how can i get this money that he owes me?

Answer:
 First, he can't avoid paying you by moving his money into an LLC post-judgment.  That's a fraudulent transfer.

You need to start legal collection proceedings, which are sometimes called post-judgment proceedings in courts.  Essentially, this will be a separate legal proceeding in and of itself.Answer #2: Use court powers to collect your money from the judgment debtor!

You can seek orders for **levies** on accounts you are aware of, **liens** on property you are aware of or **garnishment** of wages you are aware of.

It'll take a court order, some more money, and some more time, but if he's got the money you'll get it through one of those avenues.

*brainfart creditor to debtor


Title: My parents are going through a divorce and my dad bugged the inside of our home

Question:
My mom filed for divorce about five months back and since then my father has moved out of the house. Currently living in the house now is my mom, my brother who is underage, and my sister and I who are of legal age.

He has an abusive history and there have been police reports throughout the years that my mom has filed against him. He came over to our house a few days ago to see my siblings while my mom was out getting groceries and I was with a friend. Somewhere within that span of time he managed to place cameras inside of our home.

Today, while taking my siblings to the movies, he showed them on his mobile the camera set up in the house. My mom and I searched and were unable to locate the cameras. We are afraid because not only is he invading our privacy but if he sees someone over that he doesn’t like he can become violent and make threats.

From a legal standpoint we want to know what we should do. If we should file a police report and talk about the cameras? Or who to hire to locate the cameras? Their court hearing for the divorce is June 10th and my mom wants to notify her attorney and tell the judge about the cameras as well.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: Call the police, file a report, and go from there. She **obviously** should notify the lawyer.Answer #2: Contact police, file stalking charges immediately. They should arrest him, apply for a search warrant and confiscate his phone.


Title: Grandmother gave me a monetary gift then claims that I stole it.

Question:
So I have a screwed up family. My grandmother is a very wealthy widow/retiree and a high functioning alcoholic. She writes me and my sisters checks all the time for birthdays etc. My mother doesn't have a problem with it. My uncle however, hates it and even accused me of "cutting into his inheritance" (my grandmother's wealth didn't even come from their father, it came from her third husband).

He is so covetous of her money that he harasses her about giving me money to the point where she lies and tells him that she didn't authorize the use of her credit card for a gift she's wanted to buy me or that the checks she's signed where done while she was intoxicated.

My uncle is a warden in the state prison system. He is only too eager to believe her testimony made under duress, despite having witnesses on several occasions where she's given me gifts, and is now threatening to have me charged with "elderly abuse" and "grand theft larceny". However, obviously I dont have witnesses or evidence for every single account where she's given me gifts.

If he were to try and press charges and my grandmother doesn't tell the truth, how likely am I to be convicted?

And if he has absolutely no case, is he potentially committing a violation/crime by using his connections and authority as a law enforcement official to threaten and intimidate me from accepting her gifts?

Answer:
 This is good advice, /u/Bennyfranks88.

This post has a follow-up written all over it: “My uncle took advantage of my dying grandmother and got her to rewrite her will in his favor.”Answer #2: It will depend on a ton of variables.

Depends on how he doesn't it, as worded it's blackmail.

That said, I do have concerns about elder abuse and fraud, from him. You should report to the AG and get an attorney to know to start prepping for the eventual fight over the estate.


Title: I think a neighbor is fleecing local businesses for money under a charitable guise

Question: This neighbor has started a group he calls The Fun Crew. When it started out it was just people getting together and doing walks and what not. Then he started doing events to benefit the fire company. This was all pay at the door stuff and the money went directly to the fire department that night. Now he has started taking donations from businesses for different events that haven't been held and have no real date attached. We even had a new pizza place open last thursday and he's already asked them for money and discounts for 2 seperate events. He has been asked if he is a 501C3 yet, but he says there's no need.  The other problem is we have an actual Civic Assosciation that is a 501C3 and does all of our parades and keeps up a grassy area. The CA goes to businesses and asks for money and they say theyve already given money. This guy has been asked numerous times to join up with the CA so we can have everything in place and not have any worries and his reply was "No, I hold the money" This is something that is ultimately affecting the towns parades and stuff that the whole town gets involved in. Is there anything that can be done to get this stopped? I know the businesses are free to give out money if they want, I'm just concerned that when they realize they aren't going to get a tax break they won't want to donate to the actual group that will be able to offer it

Answer: I'd contact your state attorney general. This sounds like a large amount of fraud.Answer #2: An anonymous tip to the IRS may also be in order.


Title: Update and more questions on my townhouse (MN)

Question:
I don't know how to link but I made a post last week about my townhouse that is in disrepair. I got a lot of great advice that I have been following about documenting things and I've been providing copies to the management office.

I have been trying to get the management to finish my townhouse. We moved in on 9/30, and we had no sink in the upstairs bathroom, no working toilet in the downstairs bathroom, broken light fixtures, closet and bedroom doors off the hinges and tools everywhere. The unit was supposed to be entirely remodeled, brand new everything. After a lot of nagging at the office every day we finally got them to install the sink upstairs.

Now our washer stopped draining and the tub doesn't drain. It's a brand new washer. They came and snaked the drain in the tub and a bunch of shit came up but it's still too clogged and they said he will get a plumber in. He also hung up the bedroom doors and that's all. So I have a non working tub full of shit, a non working washer, half the light fixtures still don't work, closet doors aren't on and other little things not finished. They keep saying they're going to fix it and no one comes. It's annoying to expect someone coming over every day but they don't show up.

What am I supposed to do here? They gave us a $100 Visa card "for our trouble" because it was too late to reduce our rent for the month, but are there requirements on how long they can drag their feet on finishing our place? Should I try and fix things myself or hire someone to fix them and give management the bill? This is still in Minnesota.

Answer:
 It looks like Minnesota has no specific statues protecting a repair and deduct option. However, you should contact your local court, because it looks like as long as you give proper notice you can pay your rent into an escrow account and from there to the courts if they continue to slack off.

[Take a gander at this.](http://mnbenchbar.com/2014/07/rental-repairs-in-minnesota-the-case-for-repair-and-deduct/)Answer #2: [Link for the Lazy](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/748ie7/what_constitutes_fit_for_use_intended_covenant/)Answer #3: Post is unlocked, in case anyone has any ideas.


Title: [VT] Want to fire our wedding planner

Question:
We hired a wedding planner to do coordination for our wedding in VT (we live in NY) and partial day-of planning. We paid a deposit of $1850, $600 of which was for floral (the total fee was $2500 plus floral).

She has helped with some initial planning now, although we're still not fully satisfied with what we got (quote from a single vendor each time which we'd be pressured to put a deposit in asap; we had to find our own cheaper vendors and ask her to contact them to do price comparisons), so we kept telling her what we expected which seemed like more work for her.

She now says that since she put in so much time on the existing portion of the planning, she can't justify spending more time on it and has suggested we either cancel the day-of coordination or pay her $100/hour for any remaining planning that has to be done. All the items we've asked her to look into were in the original contract though. She keeps saying how we got such a good deal because we had agreed to below what she normally charges and such, but I don't think that's too relevant.

We had originally also agreed for her to the the floral part of the wedding, which she now says we should cancel. We're fine with this, as we think we can do it ourselves, but have already paid her a deposit of $600 for this.

In her suggestion, we could apply the floral deposit to the rest of the fee, pay her whatever is remaining of the $2500, and then she'd do the rest of the planning minus the day-of coordination. We told her that if she's doing less than what we agreed upon in the contract, we want a reduction in the fee; she said no.

In truth, we want to just fire her and do the rest of the planning ourselves (all the existing vendor contracts are in our names). There isn't anything in the contract about terms of cancellation though. We're still a few months out, so we've done none of the day-of (really month-of) coordination yet, and we still haven't 100% settled on all the logistics like hotels and transportation (she's not being helpful on this, and I think annoyed that we're pestering her about it). Can we just not pay for the rest of the services in the contract? How do we cancel it? Can we get the floral deposit back?

Answer:
 You've probably got enough money in play here to justify a consultation with an attorney. Most offer free initial consultations.

We're going to be quite limited in our ability to help you with this. Contract issues typically depend almost entirely on the terms of the contract. Just about anything on this topic would stray into "actual legal advice" territory because it would be an application of the language of your contract (edit: and any relevant laws or rules of construction) to the facts of your case.

I'd definitely speak with an attorney *before* discussing termination with her to make sure you get the first move. Also, and this may seem basic but you'd be surprised at how often it's overlooked, keep the total cost in mind. Don't spend on representation if it looks like it would cost you more than simply paying her the "GTFO money."

Best of luck!


Title: [CA] Manager found a fake $20 in register and has created new rules

Answer:
 Unless management can prove that a specific someone did this with the intent of taking $20, the employees should not be held liable, ESPECIALLY when they can't even pinpoint the exact person who took the $20 as payment.

Their approach is wrong, they need to implement other checks and balances to ensure this doesn't happen again.  And if they're operating a business, they're smart enough to know this.  Something like counting out the cash periodically throughout the day.  Or making one person responsible for the cashing out the bill (ie the manager).

If this does happen again and they put it on the closing cashier, they don't have any legal power to do so.  The closing cashier should fight back, refuse to pay, and consider finding different employment.Answer #2: Tell them to buy a damned counterfeit pen to test bills with.


Title: My boss had some tools go missing and is now taking money out of everyone's checks for the replacement. Is that legal in Washington State?

Question: A couple weeks ago my boss (I work for a tow company) had 2 very expensive Cornwell flashlights go missing, brand new in the box. He told a couple people that if they did not show up by Friday he would be taking money out of everyone's checks to replace them. Naturally, they did not show up. Now everyone has to pay for the replacements including dispatchers, drivers and management. Some of these people never even go in the shop! Turns out, he didn't tell all of the staff about the whole "You have a week to return my tools" thing and now some people are PISSED because they had no idea he would be taking money from us! How could he expect whoever stole the lights to return them if he didn't even tell the entire staff?! Is it even legal to do this? He's the one that never locks his stuff up even though he has had stuff go missing before. My last day there is 5-5-16 (This was planned way before the flashlight incident, I gave a month notice) But, I am still close with a lot of people there and now a lot of them are threatening to walk! What can I do?

Answer:
 [That's only a valid deduction if you agree to it](http://www.lni.wa.gov/WORKPLACERIGHTS/WAGES/PAYREQ/PAYDEDUCT/DEFAULT.ASP).  If your boss goes through with the deduction, file form [F700-148-000](http://www.lni.wa.gov/Forms/pdf/F700-148-000.pdf) with your state labor board.Answer #2: No, it's not, an employer can't generally dock wages for lost/broken/stolen equipment. You work at a contract price and failure to pay that price is both a breach of contract and at times an employment law violation. This kind of stuff is actually really illegal. Here's the people you should call about it to report him who will sort it out:

Washington Department of Labor and Industries
Specialty Compliance Services Division, Employment Standards Section
Street Address (for use with FedEx, UPS, etc. only): 7273 Linderson Way SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
Mailing Address: PO Box 44400 or Mail Stop 4400
Olympia, WA 98504-4400
Phone: (360) 902-5316
Fax: (360) 902-5300
Web Address: http://www.lni.wa.gov/WorkplaceRights/default.asp


Title: Father is making me (youngest of 4) sole exacutor of will. What should I look out for? Canada bc

Question:
I am the youngest of 4. My father is naming me exacutor of his will in the off chance something happens. I really hope not however, he is telling me that my brothers are not allowed a single penny.

I am worried about one brother in particular that has been stating to my father's face. 'when you die and getting your bike' multiple times that it has made my father uneasy.

I have never and hope never to have to do something like this. But if the day does come down to it. I worry my brother/s may go after any money that may be left off.

My father has some assets and property and very little bills. Bills mainly being the fact of house hold bills and property bills etc. He is very frugal with his money.

Is there anything I can do to help my father. Or anything in particular I cna do to help protect him  and myself from my brothers in the 99% chance that they come after me.

Answer:
 Instead of leaving them not even a penny, he should specifically leave them something like $1 so that they are named in the will and it's clear what he wanted them to receive. As far as I'm aware, this would make it harder for them to contest.

NAL.


Title: Being charged for therapy dog by landlord.

Question: I live in TN and my land lord wants to charge me a security deposit and monthly fee of 25 dollars for my service dog. Is this even legal? What can I do or say to put this to rest, if anything. All help is appreciated, thank you.

Answer:
 If your dog meets the legal definition of a service animal, this is quite probably illegal.

https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=servanimals_ntcfheo2013-01.pdf

You can fill out a complaint with the ADA if you feel you're being illegally discriminated against.

http://www.ada.gov/complaint/


Title: We think my grandfathers new wife used grandmothers name to withdraw RESP

Question:
Sorry if this is the wrong sub for this, but I'm hoping some of you may be able to shed some light on the situation.

Some backstory. My grandparents setup and RESP for me shortly after I was born and contributed monthly for the last 24 years. I didn't know this existed until recently, so I never used it for school. This is where things get a little complicated.

My grandmother passed away in 1999. My grandfather has since gotten re-married to someone who has the same name as my dead grandmother, and through marriage, the same last name.

Around new year, she gave me call saying she's gotten a statement from the RESP company stating I have 3 weeks to go school for something or the money is gone. From what I've researched, that's not how it works. We started noticing things that didn't make sense. Her refusing to show us the statements or any paperwork to do with the account. Today it got brought up again and she said that she called the company and was told the account was terminated since I wasn't in school. My grandfather told her to give me all the paperwork/statements/etc so I could look into it. She refused but showed me on statement while covering up all the numbers, only showing me the maturity date. Then processing to give me a few papers that were basically junk mail. Then I noticed on of them it said the account status is matured and net contributions have been returned.

So I guess this is the question. Does that mean my grandparents contributions were returned to them? Gramps has no idea what's going on - she handles all the mail. If so, it would mean she used my grandmothers name to take the money for herself. Tried calling the RESP company, but they wouldn't tell me anything useful.

Sorry for the wall of text, just trying to figure this all out. Thanks in advance for any help or insight.

Woops, forgot location. Ontario, Canada

Answer: Money can stay in an RESP for over 30 years (http://www.esdc.gc.ca/en/resp/use.page#h5). After that, it CAN be returned to the contributors, but that's not the only option. The link lists them.


Title: Residents of my Condo Complex Charging for Use of my Unoccupied Condo's Parking Spots

Question:
I am trying to find out how best to address an issue involving residents of my condo complex (located in Texas) charging people to park in my unit's parking spots without my permission or knowledge. It is very likely that there is no legal recourse but I'd like to make sure I take all appropriate next steps so I wanted to go ahead and post here.

I own a condo that is currently unoccupied as I am living elsewhere at the moment and have chosen not to rent it out at this time. Each unit is allotted assigned parking spots and my unit has two. I own them and they are transferrable with sale.

My condo is very close to a park that is the site of different events throughout the year. During those events, nearby parking is highly sought after and in-demand.

This weekend, a large music festival was held at the nearby park and various friends and family members reached out to me about the option of using my two spots.

The president of our HOA contacted me last week to let me know residents were asking if they could use my spots. I responded to let him know that both of my the spots were being used throughout the weekend and that no one from the complex should assume they could just park there.

Today, I found out that residents of the complex tried to charge my friend $40 to park in my spot until she mentioned she had my permission. When she returned to her vehicle, they confirmed she was leaving and then immediately "rented" the spot out for $40 to a waiting vehicle. I checked in with my family members who had planned to park in the spot earlier in the weekend and found out that when they had arrived, both of my parking spots were being used.

In addition to this being inappropriate and disrespectful, it seems to be a huge safety issue as well given these people allowed strangers access to our private parking lot and complex.

What are the appropriate next steps in this scenario? Thank you for your time.

Answer: You report this to the HOA, and you have any cars unauthorized to park in your spots towed.


Title: [MI] Known violent criminal posting Nazi propaganda, went to Charlottesville in violation of probation - would like to report to prevent future tragedy.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > Who should I report my concerns to?

You call the police where he committed the crime.


Title: 2nd Offense Marijuana Possession in Virginia

Question:
Hello all,

A friend of mine was charged with Posession of Marijuana back in the summer, and only had to complete 24 hours of community service to get it dropped, with the help of a lawyer. The hours are due in July. However, a few days ago, he had another run in and was issued another posession summons. What can he expect? And what is the best way to fight it? I don't know exactly what happened, only that he did not have any marijuana on him when he was caught, only that it was on concrete several yards from him (it was in a parking lot).

Answer: He can expect the Judge to be extremely unhappy with him and tear him a new one including jail time. But this is a good question for his lawyer. Getting caught with drugs AGAIN after you've been given a second chance after getting caught the first time is very bad.


Title: Mom got 2 felony drug delivery charges 25 years ago, just got 2 more. I've spoken to 2 lawyers and they are giving me a very bad feeling about it....

Question: It seems like the three strikes thing only applies to violent crimes. Am i wrong? Also The first lawyer is a family friend and only does real estate stuff, but was able to refer a friend who would only say the that it was going to be "EEExpensive". The second lawyer was a very good salesman. He was also very adamant about us giving him $4000 dollars as quickly as possible to "protect her license". Neither one really had much time to talk either. I should also mention that all of this is on the heels of a dwi where she fell asleep at the wheel and side swiped a cop on the freeway in junction Tx. I know more details are needed so please......

Answer:
 I'm seeing "serious" felonies not just violent ones. So your mom if convicted may be going to prison for a long time.Answer #2: Are the new charges related to the DUI, or are they also felony drug delivery charges in addition to the DUI ?

Yes, most Texas mandatory life sentences under the three strikes law are for violent offenses or sexual offenses, though there have been some exceptions.   Texas can be.... harsh.

There is no "look back period" for these laws, so the 25 elapsed years don't matter.   It might matter if she was a juvenile at the time of the first convictions.

Your mother needs to keep looking for an attorney who will pay sufficient attention to her legal problems.


Title: Memphis TN, Eviction for failure to pay rent but all of my rent checks have been deposited.

Question:
cliff notes version: i rented a property from A and the owner switched the managment contract to B my rent check went to company A because i was never notified that a change had occured. now B is trying to evict me for non payment. but the money has been withdrawn from my account.

I rented a house from property management company A (call them comp A) lease started 10-1-2015, rental contract says “$350 per month payable in advance on the first day of each and every month” my bank offers auto bill pay and I have it set up to mail a check in time for the comp A to get it on the 25th of the previous month. Every month company A deposited my check on the last day of the previous month, so rent for the month of july was sent june 21, delivered on June 25 (the check was also dated June 25) and deposited June 30.  I have done this since October of last year.

 On 7-1-2016 the owner of the property switched the management contract to company B. I did not receive any notice of this from either company; the first thing I got was on 7-21-2016 (21 days after the switch happened) I got a text from an unfamiliar number saying

URGENT! Call person @ comp B 901-xxx-xxxx
Rent is past due in the amount of $385.00 & grass need to be mowed.
Call ASAP to avoid legal action.

I assumed this was a scam because it was the wrong company, the wrong $ amount, the rent had been paid and check deposited, and the grass wasn’t that tall. So I ignored it.

On July 26th I got a call from company A

Me: hello

Comp A : this is person at company A, we got your rent check for august.

Me: Okay, cool

Comp A: uh, yeah we don’t do that anymore.

Me: like, personal checks or auto checks from the bank?

Comp A: no we don’t manage that property anymore.

Me: what? Well who manages it now?

Comp A: we don’t know we just lost the contract to manage it. do you want us to send your check back to you?

Me: no, I’ll Swing by there at lunch and pick it up.

Comp A: okay, bye

I went to get the check and when I got there company A told me who company B was and gave me the august rent check. I took that to the bank and had it stopped and they printed me a temporary check so I could write that for the new company and get august paid. On august 8th I went to Company B and wrote them a check for august rent and got a receipt. I also have a copy of the check showing that it was withdrawn from my account. I told them I have copies of all the checks showing that they were withdrawn from my account on time in accordance with the rental agreement and when asked about the pending eviction company B said there shouldn’t be an issue getting that stopped.

On Friday 8-12-2016 I got a letter in the mail from a process server, stating that I was summoned to go to court to answer the complaint of “of a certain forcible entry and detainer or and unlawful detainer made by the defendant ____[my name]____” and “further plea of debt in the amount of $385.00”

I pulled all my documents together and took copies of them to court with me on 8-18-2016.

Judge: Company B vs.  [my name]

Me: stands up

Court Clerk: rent past due in the amount of $385.00

Judge : Mr. [last name] do you owe this money?

Me: no sir.

Court clerk: recommended trial date of sept 8th at 1:30 pm

Plaintiff (to me): ive got a few more, if youll wait we can talk after.

Me: okay (I sit back down until everyone is done)

We go out in the hall and the guy for company b and the court clerk are talking to some people like me to clear up cases. Company B guy gets done first so we start talking, I bring him up to speed on the history and he says this is probably just a ledger discrepancy with July’s rent you should come into the office and we can get this cleared up, it won’t need to go to trial

After he leaves the court clerk starts talking with me and I bring him up to speed on the case, he gives me a contact person at comp B and says I need to talk to him. He also says that I need to print off everything that is even somewhat related to the case (there are only a few other things I have, so that wont be an issue) and bring it with me.

(the way he was telling me this made me think this company has a reputation with the courts and the way he stressed some of the words makes me think that he feels this is a likely scenario)

He also said that what might happen is I will prove that the money was paid but company b will push for me to have to pay court costs and lawyer fees. Or they may argue that I paid the money to the wrong company so I will have to sue company A for the money to give to Company B, then I will have to sue company B for court costs lawyer fees and damages. He also told me to remind him that we talked when I come back for the trial and to bring him up to speed on the details, before hand

At this point my plan is to talk to company A and see if they will play ball I would like them to either give me some direction with regards to how to defend from this or maybe (long shot here) work it out with company B

Next I think I want to talk to a lawyer, before talking to company B. and figure out

1.	if I’m in the right / have a defensible position and appropriate documentation

2.	what the legal terms are for what I want company b to do

          a.	drop the case against me

          b.	give me some assurance that they will not pursue me for court costs or attorney costs

          c.	give me some proof to record that these things have been done

Then I want to talk to company B and try to hash all this out but only once I know what my objective is. Since I can’t rely on this company being honest with me.

Also there are multiple properties that would have been affected by this change so i suspect other people are going through this right now as well would it be beneficial to try and find out and talk?

**Edit**

also yesterday one of the other people at court was asked the same question as me (do you owe this money?) and he hemmed and hawed and then said "Well, i dont belive i do" and the judge said listen to the charges and the clerk read off the charges again and the judge said do you owe this money? and the guys said i dont think so.

then the judge kinda lit into him a bit and said when you come to court im not here to find out what you feel or think, I'm here to... the judge is looking to see what you can prove" then said " if you represent yourself you are held to the same standards as these people (and motioned to where all the lawyers for the plaintiffs where sitting)

is this something that should concern me or was they judge just telling the guy to be prepared when he comes to court in the future?

**update**

i just got off the phone with a lawyer who was recommended to me. he said this should be the way i was originally thinking. i go in and show that i paid, not just on time but early and the judge should dismiss it and i wont have to pay for anything. dude also mentioned that i might be able to get them to pay like some of you have said but he, understandably would be able to say that for sure without looking at the lease.

i also just talked to the old company, they said the property manager is going to try and get in touch with company B and then call me back.

also yesterday one of the other people at court was asked the same question as me (do you owe this money?) and he hemmed and hawed and then said "Well, i dont belive i do" and the judge said listen to the charges and the clerk read off the charges again and the judge said do you owe this money? and the guys said i dont think so.

then the judge kinda lit into him a bit and said when you come to court im not here to find out what you feel or think, I'm here to... the judge is looking to see what you can prove" then said " if you represent yourself you are held to the same standards as these people (and motioned to where all the lawyers for the plaintiffs where sitting)

**Update two**

After speaking with both companies and a lawyer the old company has said they will call the property owner and let them know what is going on. They also said they would call the new company and try and clear things up.

On Tuesday I'm going in to meet with the new company and get something in writing that says they will drop the lawsuit and ginger my current rental agreement. Then I'm going to show up to court on the day and make sure I'm not on the docket.

Is there anything else I should do that I'm missing?

Answer:
 Talk to a lawyer, ASAP. This has the potential for a big s**tstorm over nothing, and you need someone to go to bat for you.Answer #2: > On august 8th I went to Company B and wrote them a check for august rent and got a receipt.

> On Friday 8-12-2016 I got a letter in the mail from a process server

> He also said that what might happen is I will prove that the money was paid but company b will push for me to have to pay court costs and lawyer fees.

lol, no, you don't have to pay their costs/fees when it is clearly their f-up

you paid, have a receipt, and have a bank statement showing the withdrawal

plus bring proof you paid company A on time: it is not your fault the owner did not advise you of the change of management companies


Title: hipaa violation

Question:
hello,
recently a girl from high school contacted me saying she would see me in court due to a hipaa violation. I used to work at an OBGYN office where, due to it being a small town, everyone went. She is now suing the place that I used to work stating that her information was released by me in a text message (I do not recall any text messages and I speak to one person from my high school. ) The information that she claims was released was knowledge about her that everyone knew all throughout high school. I am not sure if I had ever sent text messages about it or if anything would’ve ever come out and said that I had said something about it. The attorney of the company contacted me and basically tried to get me to confess to it in order to get the case off of their plate. I stated that I would have my attorney speak to her. I’m not sure what to do in this instance. No information as far as the contents of the suit or any evidence within it were revealed to me. I don’t live in my hometown anymore nor do I work at the office anymore.

Answer: Except for rare exceptions, patients cannot sue for a HIPAA violation. You were contacted by the clinic because they are doing their required investigation. If actually sued, you should hire your own attorney.


Title: Brand new car totaled (Not at fault) How can I make sure I get my money back?

Question:
Bay Area California

My 2016 Honda Civic was rear-ended with less than 2000 miles and still financing. I was going 70 on the fast lane of the freeway. There was no traffic, but someone a few cars ahead of me suddenly used his emergency brake and caused everyone to stop. I managed to stop before hitting the person in front of me and suddenly I was slammed on the back of my car. I did not hit the person in front of me. The guy behind me smashed the right back corner of my vehicle. I think he tried to avoid me judging from where he hit, but he not only hit my car, but also another car on the next lane over because he swerved towards the other lanes and not to the shoulder of the freeway. I did not see him coming fast behind me because I was focusing on not hitting the guy in front of me. The police grabbed everyone's insurance and license, and I don't have anyone's information. I reported to Geico and my bodily injury for my back pain and I am currently seeing a chiropractor twice a week. My car was just recently informed that it was totaled and the cost of repair is $20,300. I've put some down-payment into the car.

My question is, how can I make sure I get the same amount of money I've put into the car? I don't understand what gap insurance is. Am I going to be losing money?

Answer:
 You are entitled to the fair market value of the vehicle. Your loan balance is irrelevant.Answer #2: > I don't understand what gap insurance is.

Ok, but did you *have* gap insurance, or no?


Title: Can I have a contract I made looked over?

Question:
[Link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4RmOD3QkCZXQ3Ria3hWV01JVTQ/edit?usp=sharing)

I'm starting freelance graphic design, so I want to make sure my contract is good enough to use and cover any problems that may arise,
Topic:
Contracts

Answer: We dont do contracts here. Hire a lawyer or be more vague about your question.


Title: Loss Resulting from Hotel Negligence: What is NY State Law? How do I recoup my losses?

Question:
ORIGINAL POST [HERE](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/a3ankr/fancy_nyc_hotel_lost_my_bag_bag_contained_approx/)

So to summarise my original post, I stayed at a rather swanky hotel in NYC a few days ago.  Hotel staff mistakenly gave one of my bags to another guest.  They were not initially forthcoming about it, and initially informed me that the guest took my bag from their luggage storage room and loaded into his car.  It took calling the police to get the hotel to disclose precisely what happened.  The bellhop took my luggage out of storage, put it onto a cart, and loaded it into the guest's trunk.  The guest was at no fault.

Days later, my bag was returned.  It had to be shipped back by UPS.  My laptop and my glasses were broken.  The hotel manager suggested that as we gave the bag to them, they have no liability in this matter.  However, at least from [this](https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2013-11-18/avoid-hotel-lobby-theft) Conde Nast Traveller article, I can see that if a loss occurred through a hotel's negligence, the normal liability limit of $100.00 compensation does not apply.

At this stage, the hotel stated that any loss resulting from this incident will have to go through their insurance company.  They have no authority to offer any compensation for what occurred.

Does anyone know anything about how I can best position myself to recoup as much of the loss as possible?  Does anyone know the specific laws surrounding hotel liabilityin NY state?

Answer: Did you get contact info for their insurance company? Do you have a policy (personal or though work if this was a business trip) that would cover you in this scenario? My thought is you may be able to get representation and save yourself a bit of hassle if you can pit your insurance against theirs and wait for the outcome. Answer #2: Definitely see where you get with insurance. At the same time you should escalate to the Brand as well, especially if you’re a loyalty member. They have additional resources for helping you.


Title: Breastfeeding at work in Indiana

Question:
Hey Legal advice, I have a question about my wife's ability to breastfeed at work, details below.

Here's Indiana's breastfeeding laws http://breastfeedinglaw.com/state-laws/indiana/

Now, here's the wrinkle in our situation.  My wife works at a liquor store in Indiana. The laws regarding the store say that no one under 21 is permitted inside.

Two days a week, she works for 6 hours in the evening, and I stay at home and go through our supply of pumped milk.

On Saturdays, she works from 6 to 6, and she isn't able to pump enough to last all day.  I have been going down to where she works around lunchtime and my wife will sit in the car and nurse.  This isn't too bad, but when it gets really cold in the winter or hot in the summer, we would prefer to take her inside.

We do supplement with formula, but that stuff isn't cheap, plus, the pump isn't as effective as a kid when it comes to draining her boobs.

So, the question is, does the breastfeeding law supersede the liquor laws?

Answer:
 The law gives her the ability to pump, not breastfeed at work. Some employers can make exceptions but a liquor store isn't legally allowed children. If her pump is ineffective make sure she has properly fitted flanges and the membranes are intact.

Edit : you can also look into a milk donor as opposed to supplementing with formula. I helped another mom make it to a year with milk sharing.


Title: [PA, US] I was fired when I turned in my 2 week notice, employer filed an appeal to my unemployment 7 days after employment was due-- can I send in a motion to dismiss because of this?

Question:
**Title should read "7 days after Appeals were due** I'm all stressed out, sorry.

Originally, the UE office approved my one week of compensation and all the papers said "The final day to timely appeal to this determination is May 10, 2017".

Well, they appealed. Their appeal is time stamped Received May 17, 2017. We're supposed to have a phone "hearing" June 6th. Do I have grounds here to motion for a dismissal since they didn't appeal on time?

Also, I'm doubting that the people who were actually *there* will be attending the hearing-- I handed my notice letter to my boss and the corporate office have been the ones responding to all this. Anything they try to say happened is technically hearsay IMO, right?. Basically they're saying I quit and my resignation was accepted. I gave them a two week notice of resignation including a date when I would be officially resigned in the morning and when the work day was done they told me I was done.

Answer:
 The unemployment process is fairly informal and arbitrators/judges don't like to see anyone, either the employer or employee get off because of scheduling errors.

Once you hand in your notice, you have quit. Your employer is free to accept your offer to work out your notice or not.

I have seen a couple of cases, either two or three, where the employee has quit and was let go right there and still was able to collect. It virtually never happens, so but it has occurred so it is within the realm of possibilities.

At this point simply present your case and bring up the lateness. Ultimately the unemployment judge has the say. Remember this is an administrative process not a legal one.

I do hope you'll let us know how it came out as I'd be interested to know. Answer #2: You can attempt to have their appeal deemed untimely but that doesn't necessary mean you will be eligible. They can still rule you ineligible based on the existing facts that aren't in dispute, namely that you quit your job. By your own admission you quit. So unless you have good cause to quit your job, like you were being illegally harassed or not paid on time, I wouldn't expect to win here.


Title: DWI in DFW area.

Question:
So here's the quick story. Driving home from the bars sunday morning. Feeling good enough to drive but still pulled over by a cop for swerving. Arrested and taking into Jail. Bailed out today for 1,000 dollars. *edit This takes play in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area.

Basically now I am looking for is advice and what should I expect once I get my court date summons. Should I represent myself or just use a court appointed lawyer?  A little about me. I have no speeding tickets, never been pulled over and this is my first DWI. Also while I was getting booked several officers would ask me if this was my first DWI and I responded  yes and they told me not to worry too much that i will probably get a slap on the wrist since this is my first offense. Should I trust that?

Answer:
 a slap on the wrist in the DUI world is still going to hurt, and your clean record up to now isn't going to make a whole lot of difference.

get an attorney.

you asked what the costs will be - expect min $2500.  if you can get it pled down to a wet reckless, it'll be worth it.Answer #2: Seemingly obvious question...what did you blow?


Title: Roommate sleeping w/my ex (Cali)

Question: Recently found out my bf was sleeping w/my roomy on the side, so I dumped his ass. Now she's bringin him home like every day. The walls are pretty thin so I hear her moaning every time. It's infuriating, she didn't even wait a week so I could recover. Could I tell him to leave and call the cops on him? Could I have the landlord evict her?

Answer:
 Maybe sleep with your roomy's ex?

In all seriousness, the bf is an invited guest.  This is not a legal issue.

Try a sub for relationships.


Title: Recently release inmate on probation around my house and being sneaked inside through window by my brother.

Question:
I actually didn't know what to type in the title, so I did all that.

This person, has been my brother's "friend" for a long time.  He has been a problem in the neighborhood since he's the neighborhood bully.  I used to hang out with him, but I couldn't stand him anymore, especially because he treats my brother like shit.  He has punked him and taken his money, and continues to do so.  See my brother is weaked will, and he is basically his bitch.  That's about it, there's no other way to explain it.  His friend has manipulated him into a relationship that is almost like an abusive relationship.  Which brings up a lot of questions about them, perhaps there is something more.  But if it is, it's like when a girl gets hit by his boyfriend and then tries to defend him.

I hate this guy.  I don't want him around, and there's really no way to "protect" my brother.  I know I physically can't fight him, and I don't want to.  He'll take that as a win and claim even my own house as his property.  I mean not literally, but he'll take that as a sign that he belongs there.  He does not.

So, this person got arrested because he violated probation, he had assaulted his ex roomate leaving him with a battered face.  The court gave him probation... he violated that when he slashed his aunt's tires after being kicked out, and charged with a felony of GBI (grave bodily injury).  I was relieved when I heard that he got arrested.  And for a time, everything was good.  Yes my brother was depressed, but he was free to do as he wished.  So, last week, he gets released again on probation?!  What is going on?!

He is I have to admit, physically fit now, 3 months of pushups I guess.  I don't have a chance.  I really don't.  So fighting him is out of the question.  The thing is, he's been coming over to the neighborhood again.  I'm not exactly sure his limitations, but he has his mother's address as a place he's living in.  However, once again, I have noticed his stuff lying around.  People coming over to our house looking for him.  Even his mother.  Me and my mom have told, and asked, and pleaded with my brother that we do not want him here.  But I think he's being sneaked in through his window.  He has done that before.

To be honest, my brother can't prevent him from coming inside.  Or even if he tells him he can't come.  His friend won't care.  He won't listen to anyone under him anyways.

I have called the police when I suspected he was here when my brother was at work.  Since he was not here.  The police grew tired of me.  Then even said, in relative terms, to stop wasting their time.  I understand that, if he's being invited in by my brother, and my brother is on the lease, there's nothing we can do about it.  The most we can do is kick out my brother.  Something my mom is not happy about.  However she has expressed that she doesn't know what to do and that she might kick him out.  But she keeps saying she's going to talk to him but she knows he won't listen or say anything.  He'll just stonewall us.

What can I do?  What are my options?  I don't want this person here.  I know probably I can get a restraining order, he did come into the house when I told him he wasn't welcomed and hit me in the face.  I should have filed the order then, but he didn't show up for months after that.  This happened about a year and 1/2 ago.  I doubt anything will come out of that.

Can I call the police on him if my brother brings him in and I'm sure he's here?  I mean, will they side with my brother or realize he's an ex inmate that is on probation so he should be laying low.  And having someone not happy that he's in the place I live in should be taken into account.  Right?

What are your thoughts?  I'm honestly worried, and I keep thinking he might be inside the house like he used to do.  My brother would leave the window open so he could come in, get his stuff, or even hang in there.  He would be quiet though and sometimes I wouldn't hear him.  I don't want him in the house and if the police can't do anything about it?  Then what should I do?

Edit:  I live in San Diego, California.

Answer: If your brother lives there, he can invite guests over even if you don't like them. If the guy commits a crime, call the police. Until then, this is an issue between you and your brother.


Title: Doctor is a lier and/or completely incompetent with regards to medical disability.

Question:
I have a long list of medical issues that flare up from time to time. I went to this doctor for help last year and after almost 2 full months off work, expecting to have some income to pay my medical bills, was denied by my disability insurance. They said my “symptoms did not warrant disability”. I was absolutely baffled and even though I was not fit to, I forced myself back to work. Fast forward a year and some changes have been made in the transparency of the doctor’s office. I am now able to see all my medical papers and records and anything they send out immediately. I had another flare up, much worse than last year, and went to the same doctor. I filed again for disability, but made absolutely certain I told the doctor every symptom (I thought I had before). When he finally got around to sending the paperwork and a letter to my HR department, I was notified (6 weeks after my first visit!). I logged on and looked at what he had written. He had literally told them that I was “fatigued” *and* that I was ok to go back to work... *retroactively!* He said I should have been at work the week before! He sent this to BOTH the insurance and my HR department. I suddenly knew why my claim was denied last year and now had to force him to fix this current claim. After having to go in and talk to him in person (and pay again) because he never does anything unless you are sitting right there watching, he wrote a letter “correcting” what he had said. My HR, thankfully, was ok with that. The insurance company, on the other hand, has demanded new paperwork (which took another 4 weeks to fill out and is literally 3 pages of fill in the blank) and an explanation from both the doctor and myself for the first paperwork. I have been unable to work (or take care of myself) for over 2 and a half months and I still have no idea if my claim is even being reviewed, because even though I was told the new papers were faxed last Wednesday, I can’t trust a thing the doctor’s office tells me. Not to mention that these new papers that have supposedly been sent have yet to be added to my record. I am 36 years old and had to bring my *mother* in to the doctor with me before he actually listened or made any effort to help me with my *established* medical conditions (or even treat me like a human! He acted COMPLETELY different with her there). At this point my FMLA is actually up and my boss is being generous and giving me extra time to figure it out and get the medicines I need to feel better... I have until this coming Tuesday.

TLDR: Doctor lied to insurance and lost me several thousand dollars, as well as potentially several thousand more. He also did not listen to me or attempt to treat me for any of my medical conditions for over 2 month, which may lead to me losing my job because I have not been able to take any adjusted medications until just a few days before FMLA ran out... medications that take up to a month to work.

My questions: Is there anything I can do about the last claim that was denied now that I know it was most likely because of this doctor’s lying or incompetence? What, if anything, can I do about the incompetent/lying doctor? What do I do if this current claim is denied because of this?

Thank you for reading and for whatever help you may be able to offer.
Topic:
Medicine and Malpractice

Answer:
 I know this isn’t what you want to hear. Your post doesn’t really indicate that the doctor was negligent. If his opinion was that you were able to work then there is nothing you can do about it. The chances that you would actually have a case are extremely slim.

Your best bet is to find a new provider if your not happy with your current one.

Does he work for a health system? You could report him to his company and/or state board but from the info in your post there’s nothing outright illegal.

I’m not trying to discount how you feel. Find a doctor that is more organized.Answer #2: The doctor met with you reviewed your behavior and symptoms and made a diagnosis. It seems he was correct with whatever he submitted the first time because you were able to go back to work for a year.

The second time you visited he again used his education and experience and came to a conclusion that you were exibit g sign of extreme fatigue but we're clear to work after some rest. You may disagree with that diagnosis but the doctor is only there to diagnose what he believes is wrong with you not what you want him to doagnose.

Sounds like he may have received new information on the third visit weeks later or seen that rest had not changed your symptoms so he revised his diagnosis. You may want to seek a second opinion


Title: Girl I had been dating threatening to accuse me of using her for sex

Question: I've been dating this girl for a few weeks and decided to break it off tonight because I didn't see any potential for a good long term relationship. Holy smokes, as soon as I did she went crazy. Saying that I used her for her body, and that I better get a lawyer. We had been on a dozen dates or so, and had sex on the 8-9th date. I'm very scared because she has been threatening me via texts, which I'm saving. I've also already contacted police non-emergency and filed a report so it's officially documented. Am I going to be okay? It would devastate me to have my life ruined by some crazy girl I had the misfortune of dating.

Answer:
 "Using someone for sex" isn't illegal unless she made it clear it was non-consensual or she is underage. Answer #2: We can't guess what will happen, nor can we know if you've done something wrong or if you may be in trouble.

Stop talking to this girl.  Stop talking to her friends and family, don't bad-mouth her, don't talk **about** her, anything.  If sued or charged, hire an attorney.


Title: Is it possible for me to get a court order to get my dad to remove me from his credit cards?

Question:
I am 21 in Atlanta, GA.

My father has added me onto multiple credit cards over the years as an authorized user. About 3 years ago (around my second year of college), I began to worry about my credit more since I had turned 18 and had student loans to worry about. I would check my credit often and my score would always drop. I asked him to remove me from these accounts, but he got angry and told me that I shouldn't worry about it, that it'd be fine by the time I graduated and found a job. I have about a year left in school. Within the past 3 years, I've seen my score go from a 740 to a 528(as of about 10 minutes before posting this). I'm livid! I know that if I ask him again, he won't remove me from the accounts. One of them closed last month after 2 months of missed payments. I want to get and keep my credit on track so that I can do decent things. Is it possible for me to pursue any sort of action against him, ordering him to take me off of the accounts?p

Answer:
 Have you told the credit card companies to remove you?Answer #2: Hey bud. Your aren't an authorized user; double check that. As an AU you have no liability to the credit issuer and so your score should NEVER drop secondary to that even if the cards are in bad standing.

You need to dig further; accounts in bad standing are likely under your name if your score is negatively affected. If so, your choices are to pay them off or report your SSN as fraudulently used (your dad will get in trouble).

Good luck. Figure out your real relationship with the cards and post back.Answer #3: Depending on the card issuer, you may be able to remove yourself as an authorized user by calling or writing them. Other issuers require the primary account holder to do this. You can also dispute the accounts with the credit bureaus. [More info here](https://www.thebalance.com/remove-yourself-as-credit-card-authorized-user-961084) and [here](https://www.magnifymoney.com/blog/consumer-watchdog/get-removed-authorized-user-credit-card/)Answer #4: Have you been using these cards at all in all this time?Answer #5: If things fall through with contacting the card companies directly, perhaps try checking your school's legal aid department to see if they can help you draft an appropriate "fix the mess you caused" letter to him, explaining that he needs to take you off his cards so that you won't have to take legal action?

NAL; would the dad's actions be considered ID theft or fraud of some sort, given that OP sounds like they were underage at the time a lot of this happened and didn't consent to this? Or is the answer no, because OP is only added as an "authorized user" and not the cardholder? Genuinely curious here.


Title: Can a 14 year old be charged with felony intimidation?

Question:
In my state, Montana, I was under the impression that anyone under the age of 16 could not be tried with a felony unless it was, murder, rape, or grand theft auto. Is this the case? Feel free to ask for more information on the case.

Edit: I feel I may have caused some confusion by saying "charged" in the title and "tried" in the message. My apologies, I did not mean to switch those words. However, I appreciate all the information that has been given on the subject of both "charging" and "trying." I now better understand the distinction.
Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer: Minors under 16 can be charged with felonies.


Title: Should I be cautious about being a notary for my company?

Question:
I work as a marketing coordinator in Seattle WA and my boss asked for me to go through the process and become a notary for the company.

Should I be cautious about going into this or is this totally fine?

Answer:
 That's fine.

A notary's sole purpose is to verify that the person signing a document is actually who they say they are. As long as you do that, you'll be fine.


Title: Former business just emailed me asking for my SSN for "tax purposes"

Question: Hi guys, I'm just kind of worried and need advice on what to do. Background info: I was involved with a business around eSports, had to move and they paid for board, food and monthly pay (around minimum wage). We left off on a bad note and now they're emailing me for my SSN for "tax purposes". I'm sorry if this is minor but I don't feel comfortable giving this information out to someone I don't trust, is there another way around this?

Answer:
 Probably goes without saying, but if you do provide them with your SSN, do it by phone rather than replying to the email.Answer #2: Would you say you earned more than $600 in pay?  If so, they will need your SSN to fill out your 1099, and send you, your copy so that you may file it for your taxes.

They need your SSN so they can accurately file their pay/expenses.  Otherwise, there would be some accounting issues when they can't add up the income to payout for their tax records.


Title: Was assaulted/battered in my yard by the grandson of someone who was harassing me for weeks, now being charged with disturbing the peace 415(1)-fighting in public.

Question:
Edited for spelling and grammar, and to add that this happened in California.

I spent a few weeks being harassed online by someone who I had done a huge favor for(moving, horribly underpaid) and blocked her hoping it would end the situation, but I come home to find her and her grandson going my yard looking for things she claimed I had supposedly stolen.

I told them to leave (no, i wasn't nice about it) and called the sheriff and went inside. The grandson starts banging on my door, so i step outside and tell them to leave again, following him towards the street and he balls up his fist and draws back, resulting in me knocking him down with a punch. I backed up towards the house, and he charges me and swings, and i knock him down again. This happens three more times before my neighbor runs over and gets in between us and the kid sneaks off a punch to my jaw over the neighbor's shoulder.

My helpful neighbor's mother catches the entire incident on video. A deputy shows up half an hour later and takes our statements, reviews the video and asks me if i want to press charges against the kid. I declined, i just wanted them gone (they drove 45 minutes to my place to do this). The kicker here is that I have a heart condition(psvt), and had to be hospitalized to get my heart rate back under control which cost me two days of work.

This was last winter. Yesterday I get a summons for court. I'm being charged by the da's office with fighting in public 415(1). ca pc- fighting in public.

The entire incident is on video, i never left my yard and was repeatedly attacked by this kid while retreating, the deputy believed I was defending myself, going as far as telling the grandmother and the kid that they're on the hook if i had died from the vtach condition triggered by the fight.

I can't afford a lawyer, and the public defender's office in my county is a bad joke. Most likely, i'll be defending myself, where do I go from here?

Update edit: Retained a defense atty today that's willing to hire me for a labor trade so I don't need to rely on the public defender's office.

Answer:
 A "bad" public defender is better than representing yourself. Answer #2: > asks me if i want to press charges against the kid. I declined

Bad decision...

> i'll be defending myself

Worse decision.


Title: On misdemeanor probation, may be facing second violation

Question:
I am on misdemeanor probation in TN for a DUI and possession of Schedule IV Xanax. I just violated due to not having fines paid in time and was granted an extension. I was arrested on Monday for possession of Schedule VI Marijuana and paraphernalia.

I owe about $2.9K on my fines. I may be able to pay all of them off next Friday. My probation officer has been out of the office for a week. I talked to the courthouse clerk and, as of right now, I don't have any more violations and no warrants. I'm not sure if this is just because the PO has been out of the office.

The courthouse clerk has told me that a second violation is typically a "pay or stay" situation. If I pay all of it off when I turn myself in (assuming I am getting a violation), will they be able to hold me?

I also have not completed DUI school. Will this be able to be used against me even if I pay off my fines?

Answer: Yes they could hold you. They could put you in jail on the new charges. You're not taking this seriously as evidenced by not paying the fine, not finishing DUI school, and getting caught with more weed. I mean comon why would you have drugs on you when you're on probation????  Probation is probably not the right avenue for you as you have shown you can't follow the law.


Title: Military Power of Attorney

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 You can revoke power of attorney at any time, so long as you do it in writing and keep records. Consult with your Base's legal office for the forms.Answer #2: 1. Revoke her POA. She has no business with it if she is making these threats.

2. Once you finish boot and A school, make sure your CoC knows about these threats. You’ve got a while before you have to worry about this.

3. No, she doesn’t get your GI bill benefits. She isn’t eligible for Tricare unless she is your dependent. YOU don’t even have GI bill benefits when you ship. That is for people honorable discharged after at least 36 months of service.


Title: I believe I'm being scammed over an apartment lease in Alabama, please help.

Question:
Hello all,

I signed a year-long lease for an apartment in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and ended up moving to Texas 6 months into my lease.

I found someone who would be willing to take over the lease and a rough idea of the deal we negotiated is below.

They would sublease from me from March-July (5 months) and would pay a reduced rate of $500/month (down from $725/month). I let them have March for $250 because they didn't plan on moving in until late into the month.

This means that $3,625 of rent is due on the rest of the lease.
They agreed (over text) to cover $2,250, and I would cover the remaining $1,375.

They put $3,625 into my apartment account, and I went to a 24/7 Western Union to send them $1,375. They were then supposed to send me a transfer of lease form for the apartment complex, that I would sign and finalize the deal. They still haven't sent it.

Yesterday, I got an email from the apartment complex saying that my $3,625 has been declined because of wrong account information. I called/texted the potential buyers letting them know, and they apologized and said they would get it fixed. I've followed up several times and haven't gotten a response.

I just graduated college and can not afford to just watch $1,375 go poof. Please let me know of any advice on how I can handle this.

- I have the entire text conversations
- I have my receipts from Western Union regarding the $1,375 I sent them.

Thank you in advance, I really appreciate the help!

EDIT: Thank you for all of the responses, as much as it sucks to hear, I'm glad I have a stronger grasp on the situation. This was a shitty $1,375 lesson, but hopefully others can learn from my mistake.

Answer:
 This sounds like a typical scam. Seller pays you more than the agreed upon amount they would pay, asks you to mail them a money order, then after several days the original check that they sent is declined and you are out of money.

https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/fraudawareness/fraud-types.html

Edit: Even though you actually have spoken to them, have text conversations its more than likely a burner number. You are going to still be on the hook for the full amount of your apartment and these people aren't going be compliant. Sorry you got scammed.


Title: What happens to my wife is green card is revoked?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You ned a divorce attorney. You don't need to try to get her green card revoked.

>I no longer want to sponsor her.

Depending on her status? That may not be an option


Title: My mom is kicking me out of the house, does she have to give me notice?

Question:
Hi

Long story short, my mother and I got into a fight and she wants to kick me out of the house.

I’ve recently stopped going to school and enlisted in the military. Since then I’ve been staying here until my ship out date. However, she wants me out of the house now. I don’t pay rent, so does she have the right to just say get out, or does she have to give a 30 day notice? Thanks. I’m in Maryland btw.

Answer:
 If you are over 18, by law you are due notice as a tenant, which looks like 30 days in Maryland.

That being said:
If she throws you out of the house, you will not be able to force her to allow you back in.  The police will not force her to let you in.  Your recourse will be to sue her for an illegal eviction, which you may or may not prevail on because judges can get funny when it comes to adult kids living off parents.   In the meantime, you would be homeless.
She does NOT have to provide you with ANYTHING ELSE if you are over 18.  She can remove all the food from the kitchen and let you starve.  She can revoke your access to any vehicles in her name.  She can move the TV into her bedroom and refuse to let you watch it.  She can likely change the wifi password.   She can take you off her insurance.


Title: Parents withholding passport from a 22-year old

Question:
Location: Ontario, Canada

My girlfriend applied for a 10-year passport today and it will be delivered to her house within 2 weeks. Her parent's are quite narcissistic and might withhold the passport from her. She tried to make it so that she picks up the passport, but they didn't let her.

She doesn't have a key to her mailbox, so her parents will definitely pick it up first. They might withhold it from her and she needs it to travel in August.

Is there any legal action she can take in case they do that? Also, is there a way she can change it NOW so she can pick up the passport in person?

Answer: Rent PO box, put in an address forwarding request with the postal service. Hope it gets properly forwarded to a secure location.


Title: [NYC] My landlord is going to prison. What happens now?

Question:
I found out today, *almost a week later*, that my landlord is going to prison for quite some time, having been convicted of bribing a housing official. I've received no information from any public offices regarding this. I'm still on the lease for my apartment through the end of July.

I intend to contact the prosecutor's office for whatever information for tenants they can provide, but beyond that, I don't know. Am I at risk of losing my home? Do I continue paying rent as normal? Would leaving early put me at risk of impacting my credit?

I was planning on leaving when the lease was up, this obviously doesn't change that, but with two and a half months to go until the contract ends, this is quite a curveball.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: Your tenancy won't change, other than possibly the method by which you pay rent.  Someone will take care of his affairs while he's away.  Pay rent through your normal method until you hear otherwise.