Title: Do I have legal leverage to get my dog back?

Question:
So here is the deal. My ex-boyfriend and I broke up last year. Since I was living in his house, I moved out. I didn't have much money and the only place I could afford at the time didn't allow dogs so he held onto Gus, the dog we had adopted together.

Fastforward to a year later. I am in a much better financial situation and am about to be moving into a house where I can have pets. I miss Gus so much. Yesterday was his adoption-day and it hurt not having him with me.

My name is on his adoption papers and his vet profile considering I was the one who took him. I put so much energy into training him and he and I are very much bonded.

I just need some advice. Is there a way for me to get him back or do I need to move on?

Edit: I live in Savannah, Ga. The dog was adopted from Richmond, Va. I don't know where my ex lives considering he is military.

Answer:
 While you probably have no legal recourse, the bright side is there are lots of dogs just like your Gus in shelters waiting to be adopted.

Maybe it’s time to find a new friend to rescue.Answer #2: No, you adopted the dog together, and you choose to allow your ex to keep the dog when you left. At that point you gave the dog to the ex and you can't later decide that you want to demand it back.

If your ex is single and military keeping a dog may be less than practical so you could get in contact with him, and ask nicely or offer to pay for the dog and see if he will allow you to have the dog back.Answer #3: You don't even know where your ex, or the dog is.

Even if you did, and filed suit and was able to prove to a court that you owned the dog, you might be able to recover the diminished value of the dog.  (You are not in one of the few states that might consider custody issues of pets).

Move on.Answer #4: Without a location, it's impossible to give you a good answer. It's possible that you could recover the animal. However, you fairly clear turned the animal over to your ex. I suggest talking to him and seeing if you can work something out.


Title: [UT] - Sheepherders, Sheep, Great Pyrenees Dogs and private property

Question:
I live in a rural area of Utah where I own a few hundred acres of property. Recently a bunch of sheepherders have  driven their sheep up off the mountain onto my property where they have resided for about 4 days. Many times I wake up and the entire  herd of sheep are literally touching my house. I obviously do not want the sheep on my property for lots of reasons (destruction, feces) but the big immediate problem are the 8-12 great Pyrenees dogs that accompany the herd. They are violent, destructive and protective. We first saw them when I was walking my niece through our property when suddenly 6 huge white dogs started growling and barking and chased us away. If my niece was alone I do not have a doubt they could and probably would have killed her. I watched the pack of them kill a deer on my property a few days ago.

&#x200B;

I realize there is probably something legal I can do in the long run but there are more immediate problems. Several times a day I cannot get to my car since the dogs may be there. They charge, bark, growl and even went after a property caretaker on my property just this morning. I have had to bring in all my animals (dogs/cats/chickens) into the house.

Due to safety concerns I am worried about these animals on my property and I am unable to actually find or get a hold of the sheepherders.

I have 2 questions:

&#x200B;

1) In the long run how should I proceed?

2) In the short run... and I don't want to really ask this... but can I just shoot the dogs?

Answer: Have you called the Sherriff's office? That seems like a logical place to start. They could also answer your question about shooting the dog. [Here's some advice from a Utah lawyer about shooting a dog](https://www.stgeorgeutahattorneys.com/can-i-shoot-a-dog-that-bites-me/), but in general, if the dog is threatening you, your family, or your animals, you theoretically can use deadly force against it.


Title: Wifes friend put her on the spot at a dealership and pressured her to cosign now she's not paying.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Is your wife's name on the title for the car? If so, she has an equal legal right to it (though obviously she'd still have to find it). If not, though, then all she has is a loan that she really, really shouldn't have cosigned for. In which case she can pay (and then sue her friend) or not pay and risk trashing her credit.


Title: Sister's Ex is refusing to leave household after they broke up a month ago. (MO)

Question:
I live with my sister and her now ex boyfriend in Missouri.  May 18th, they broke up and sister told him with me present that he had 30 days to vacate the premises.  He verbally agreed that he would move out by July 1st.  He made a post on Facebook stating that he is looking for places for rent ASAP because my sister is "kicking him out".   I have a screenshot of that status.  Last night, he went off on her again because she asked why he hasn't done any work regarding moving out.  He stated that because she didn't give him a written notice that he has another 30 days before he has to move.

&#x200B;

The house is only in my sister's name and there was no signed rental agreement between my sister and her ex and he pays no bills whatsoever.  My sister verbally agreed that she would pay everything and he would have a place to stay as long as they dated.

&#x200B;

Since he violated their verbal lease agreement by breaking up with her, can we serve a 10 day Notice to Quit for non-compliance?  Is a verbal vacate the premises with me as a witness and his Facebook post good enough proof of his agreement that he would move by July 1st?  Should we go ahead and give him a written 30 day notice and hope that he leaves before then?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: He must be provided 30 day written notice to vacate.


Title: A video of mine was muted on YT because of copyright content match. Can we discuss "Fair Use" a bit? [US]

Question:
Here's the scenario:

Figure skating team - each team produces some kind of musical soundtrack (montage of songs) into a 2-3 minute routine.

Parents (like myself) typically video-record the performance of the skate, and upload it. Due to the ambient noise, you can usually only barely make out what the music even is... however, recently, cameras have gotten better at picking up the audio, and YouTube's Content ID has also gotten better. Hence, we're seeing a few cases where YouTube have stamped the video as copyright/monetize to the claimant, or have muted the audio based on the claim.

To set some more context:

The team of skaters are performing at a competition of other skaters - a recital, of sorts. All are using clips of music similar to ours (it ranges from instrumental classical works, to Taylor Swift, Prince, Madonna, you name it...)  However none of these are a "professional" group, they are all amateur status, and attendees are not paying to see the music performed, they are there to see the skating routines.  The girls are in skating classes (educational element) and what you're watching as the performance unfolds, is the result of their training/educational efforts.

Following some more of the Fair Use rules I've read, the portion of "substantial use" is somewhere in between. In one case, we have a 2 minute piece, half of it is one song, half of it is another song... about 1 minute of each.  Others have a faster moving mix with 4 or 5 songs mixed in 2-3 minutes. It varies widely.

As to "Effect of the use upon the market for or value of the copyrighted work" -- our video has about 60 views for the past year. I wholeheartedly would disagree that we're making any adverse affect on any artist by having such a video with the audio we're using out there.

I don't want this to sound arrogant or defensive in any way, but I am inclined to believe a case can be made for Fair Use.

I am not trying to claim "it's ok because everyone does it" - certainly that's not the case.   Where I believe this has the most merit for Fair Use is under the use for educational purpose, non-commercial purpose, and lack of negative effect on the market for or value of the work.   Has anyone here had any cases where this is either prevailed on this or similar grounds, or have been decided against, with similar context?

I thank you in advance for your insights and advice.

(Edit: Locations: US national copyright, and MI, IL for filming locations)
Topic:
Intellectual Property

Answer: Fair use is a defense if you're sued. Youtube can use whatever criteria or standards they want. You have no legal right to have  video hosted on youtube.


Title: (CA) I just learned I'm living in an underground death trap.

Question:
Hi Reddit,

I moved into the bottom half of a duplex a while ago (state of California). The first floor of the duplex (where I live) used to be a garage, and it is embedded into the side of a hill.

I had a friend over yesterday that I hadn't invited over for the 6 months that I've lived there. He works as a contractor, and after entering, he immediately requested to look around in every room. I think he chose his words carefully because he'd seen how much work I'd put into painting/improving the place, but he insisted on checking to see if the CO2 detector was working.

The gist that I got from him was that nothing about my place is legal.

My Landlord's family members did all of the renovation of the unit, and all problems I tell them about are shrugged off with "I really need to hire someone besides my idiot family members."

Here's the rundown on my place:
* Duplex is 2 story. I live on the bottom story.
* My unit is embedded into a hill, so 3 of 4 sides of the first floor is underground
* There is one vent in the bathroom. No other ventilation in the entire unit.
* There is a crawl space between units with one access to the crawl space in the bedroom (no ventilation)
* I found that the fan above the oven, which is supposed to have a vent that leads out, just has a fan that sucks in air and hits the bottom of the cabinets. I told my landlord about this one, and they said there's no way to put ventilation in that side of the house.
* Because the vent in the kitchen goes nowhere, I'm beginning to suspect that the vent in the bathroom does not go anywhere either.
* There are two windows in the front room. No other windows. They are probably 18inches tall, and maybe 5.5 feet up. Would not be able to get out of them in case of fire.
* One carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen
* 2 bedrooms with no windows. Both have doors.
* No fire extinguishers provided, had to bring my own.
* The previous tenant moved out because of mold. He apparently had a baby that got sick
* The walls were allegedly torn down and replaced to get rid of the mold, but the interior gets moist very easily since there's no ventilation, so I could see mold being a problem further down the line.
* Contractor friend said that no room was up to code, and had definitely not been inspected since renovation.

I know the advice that I'm going to get is to move out ASAP, but I'm honestly too broke to afford another move at the moment. I spent a lot of time and money painting walls, hanging shelving, etc, and could not shoulder moving costs, deposit, etc again within such a short amount of time. I'm aware that my life is more valuable than whatever debt I'll be going into, but it's still daunting as heck.

Question A) is there any legal recourse for me?

Question B) Should I alert my landlord and let them know that they need to resolve the problems, or should I report them somewhere? There's historically been problems related to the ventilation in the place before, and their attitude towards tenant relations makes me believe that if I moved out, they'd just rent it out again without fixing anything.

Question C) While I get this sorted, is there anything I can do to make sure I don't, like, die? I know this isn't a legal question, but people in this sub bring all sorts of useful advice to the table. I don't have any pets or children, but since I was told about how dangerous the place is, I've gotten super paranoid (not carbon monoxide paranoid, *probably*) about waking up dead. Every cough, headache, or sore throat I get is going to worry me, so I know I should get out ASAP. I just don't know how to move right now without financially fucking myself over.

Question D) If I end up moving out of the death trap because it is a death trap, will I get all of my deposit back no matter what? I've painted the walls (with LL's approval) and have a library's worth of shelving that I put up. These are things that I normally would get dinged for if I left without fixing them.

Answer:
 > Question A) is there any legal recourse for me?

Assuming your friend is correct and this is all unpermitted, you can probably invalidate the lease if the unit isn't habitable, but you aren't entitled to any additional money unless you have demonstrable damages.

> Question B) Should I alert my landlord and let them know that they need to resolve the problems, or should I report them somewhere?

You should move out first and get your deposit back, but you can notify local code enforcement about this and they'll take a look.  From the sounds of it, there's not a whole lot to gain by asking the landlord to fix it, because they don't sound willing to dig trenches to properly ventilate or permit the unit.

> Question C) While I get this sorted, is there anything I can do to make sure I don't, like, die?

If it's structurally sound, the big thing is keeping it well ventilated, especially if you're using any sort of gas appliance.  Get your own CO detectors to make sure the air is safe.  If you don't have any leak issues, then you're probably safe in the short term.  If there are concerns about it being structurally sound?  GTFO as soon as you can.

> Question D) If I end up moving out of the death trap because it is a death trap, will I get all of my deposit back no matter what?

You'd have to sue to invalidate the lease to guarantee that.  Just claiming it's unsafe isn't enough to force them to do anything.  You'd have to prove it in court.  That doesn't mean the looming threat of code violations wouldn't convince them to let you walk away


Title: 14 Year Old Making Money in IL. Taxes?

Question:
Hi there!

I'm a 14 year old boy located in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Over the past two years I'v made about 20,000 shekels (5,000$~) from a YouTube gaming channel, multiple gigs on Fiverr and an Android game I made.
The money goes to a Paypal account linked to my dads bank account.
Do I need to pay taxes? If so, how do I get started?

Thx
Topic:
Tax Law

Answer:
 Congrats on your business acumen. Very few people here are going to know Israeli law. Best to check in your country.Answer #2: Just FYI, "IL" is the postal abbreviation for the US state of Illinois. You may get responses from people who don't read carefully and somehow miss that you're in Tel Aviv, despite your first sentence.

Congratulations on the income though. Impressive.


Title: My Landlord wants me to pay for carpet replacement after I adopted a cat.

Question:
Hi!

I live in Bayonne, NJ, and I recently adopted a cat from a shelter. The cat is 3 years old toilet trained and he was the litter box since got him here.

I notified my landlord that I have a cat on my house since he told me it's ok to have a cat but no dogs. Few days ago I received a letter from him asking me to sign an agreement to keep the cat, and basically he wants me to pay for a carpet replacement when I move out.

I don't feel it's fair for me to pay for the carpet since it was already in a bad shape when I moved here the first time, and I wanna know if it's legal for him to ask me to pay even if the cat doesn't do any damage to this damn carpet.

Thanks in advance for your help!

**EDIT**: The landlord called me, and we agreed that he will only charge me the replacement fee if there's any damage to the carpet. I will ask him to add this on the lease but not sure if he will do it.

It did say on the lease that I'm allowed to have a cat the day I signed it, but he didn't mention anything about the carpet replacement.

Answer:
 >he told me it's ok to have a cat but no dogs.

Does the lease say it's okay to have a cat? Does the lease say anything about pets or carpets or anything like that?


Title: Is it better to surrender or wait to be arrested?

Question:
Someone committed a felony and there are potentially a dozen or more counts against him. He talked to a lawyer and he's facing 15 to life with multiple counts of 15 to life.

If he surrenders himself on Monday morning and says “I did this one thing," what are the odds they will add the additional charges? Would the cops and DA continue the investigation or is there a chance he will be put away with just what he confesses to?

E: Autocorrect and clarity.

Answer: If he's talked to a lawyer he should do exactly what they say. The lawyer can arrange his surrender. Answer #2: It sounds like he needs to keep talking to his lawyer. I'm not being snide. He and his lawyer need to develop a plan.


Title: [Australia] Bank demanding money for foreign currency

Question:
A few weeks ago I exchanged some foreign currency at the bank.

I was unsure about a few notes because they were a little bit old (the rest of the currency was purchased from this particular bank)
I mentioned this when exchanging the currency as I wasn't sure if it was okay to exchange. The woman who handled the transaction looked in her book and said that it was fine.
I got about $300.00 from the exchange.

A week later I was contacted by the bank who wouldn't tell me what their issue was other than it was about the currency exchange and insisted I come into the bank.
I did so and the woman said she didn't know anything yet but I would owe the bank about $167.00 because some of the money wasn't able to be exchanged.
I told the woman that I had already spent the money because I was told that the exchange was fine and everything went through to which she said that the manager would buy the money off me so that I wouldn't have to give the bank $167.00. Cool.

Apparently not. They've called me today and left a message saying I NEED to come into the branch and give them the $167.00 I owe them. Excuse me?

Is there anything I can do about this? Money is already extremely tight and I used the money to pay bills. I feel as though I shouldn't owe them anything due to the fact that I asked about the notes when I handed them in!

Thank you in advance.

Answer:
 IANAL

This sounds kind of wrong, on what basis do they want to reverse the transaction?  they accepted the transaction at the time, was it stipulated that the finality of it was based on if they could exchange the notes?

It sounds like a finalized exchange, you sold them foreign currency and they accepted. where are they getting the idea that they can reverse part of the transaction after the fact from?

even if they somehow have a legally binding reason to do so:

Are they going to give you back the $167 worth in the other currency?

you're not just going to give them $167 because they made a mistake, they have to explain WHY you would accept this in the first place and you need to get your money back (so you can exchange it somewhere else perhaps)


Title: My Ex Husband is walking away from the house we both own and filing for bankruptcy.

Question: Our divorce decree says that he is financially obligated to make payments on the house and has 36 months to refi in just his name. It's been 24 months since the divorce. The bank auto charged me this last month's mortgage payment and when I contacted him he said he didn't know what was going on because he was filing for bankruptcy. I'm not sure where to go from here. The decree says that if he stops paying then we both have to sell it, but what about the money that the bank charged me? I have no idea what shape the hluse is in, if it's been trashed or not. I am the primary on the loan. I'm not sure if I can afford a lawyer for this. I'm not financially in a position to take on the mortgage payments. I haven't agreed to anything or spoken to him, and we're in Texas. What is my next course of action?

Answer: A bankruptcy filing means he's not going to continue making payments on the property.  He didn't refinance the property and no one will offer him a refinance at this point.  He's going to need to get permission from the bankruptcy court to sell the property and move on.  I would highly advise speaking to a bankruptcy attorney, even if it's only for a consultation, to get a sense of what comes next and some options.


Title: An old friend from school has had my laptop for 5 years and will not give it back to me

Question:
Hello, this is happening in the state of Nebraska.

In 2013, I lent, a then, friend my old laptop in high school so he could do work and play games on it. We graduated high school and I completely forgot that he had it until early 2016. I texted him then asking for it back and he said that he thought that I had already picked it back up from him, but he agreed to still look for it when I explained I hadn't. Nothing came out of this until he messaged me on Facebook late 2017 asking if I could help get his girlfriend a job on her specific work visa. He then said in that same message that they had found my laptop when they remodeled their house and I could get it back whenever. Since I never use my Facebook, I didn't see this message for a few months and when I contacted him about it in early 2018, he said he didn't know where it was and now ignores my texts completely and has blocked me on every platform. Since I was friends with him and knew his parents in high school, I called his mom to try to get it back and she said that they indeed found it when they remodeled the house and gave it to her son but she didn't know where it was now. She said she would help get it for me but nothing has come out of it. When I text her, I am also now ignored. I have offered them money, no questions asked, for it back and still nothing. I suppose small claims court is the next route to take but I'm not sure. What can I do to resolve this?

Thanks for any help

Answer:
 Nebraska's statute of limitations on issues like this is _probably_ four years (verbal contracts), so I think you're still okay to collect since he confirmed the obligation in 2016. The question you need to answer for yourself is whether the replacement value of a five-year-old laptop (i.e., what it would cost to buy you the same laptop as a refurb or on craigslist) is worth the time and hassle of going to court, potentially including taking time off work to attend hearings, and of enforcing the resulting judgement (more hearings, plus time chasing down his banks and employers if he's uncooperative).

There's no right answer to this and whatever you decide is fine, but you should give it serious thought. It's also okay to write off the friendship over unreturned property, if you so choose.


Title: [FL] Whats the worse case scenario if I don't get a title search?

Question:
Ok so first I'm not a real estate novice, I own several properties. I'm well aware that this question sounds like I'm retarded but its a situation where I'm willing to not do a title search to close immediately and get a quit claim.(I'm 80% sure the title is clean)

Main concern are obscure judgements / irs liens / Heirs

I'm perfectly fine with the understanding that someone could take the property and I would be out my money, that risk is acceptable.

What worry's me is if I have the property and there is a foreclosure A. Does it effect my credit, and B. Can I be pursued for the balance of the mortgage if I forfeit the title?

I.E Would I have to worry about anything outside of losing the property / money invested?

I realize a lot of you are going to insult my intelligence and not answer but those of you who do answer thanks in advance!

Answer: Have you found a lender willing to extend a mortgage to you without requiring a title search? I know Florida is a little "different" (in that special kind of way) but it's tough to believe unless it's a private lender who doesn't know better and doesn't have an attorney.


Title: Charged with a felony for "Stealing my Own Child" - California P.C. 278.5 - Judges deliberate whether I was "Abused Enough" to remove myself and child from home.

Question:
&#x200B;

Oh boy, here we go.

A bit of backround:

2007: BF and I have child. BF refuses to sign birth certificate because he doesn't want to be held financially responsible for her. 16 year old me is 16 and dumb and to happy about our little family to notice the wrongness there.

For the next 5 years bf goes off the hinges and is severely mentally, physically, and sexually abusive.

It gets to the point where our daughter is old enough to realize whats happening and begins to defend me.

It got to the point where our little 4 year jumped in front of me like a shield and starts screaming and kicking out at him. I realized we needed to get out of there.

I talk to a few lawyers and they all advise that I can leave without any custody issues.

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**Cut to the day I'm leaving:**

I've got two options, I can go to an abuse shelter that is 1 mile away from bf parents house or I can get on a flight to my mom. I chose mom.

I called up to my local Police department and the conversation goes as follows.

ME: My name is Mykeeetsaa, I reside at (location) my child's name is Mykeeetsaa 2.0 and your about to get call from my BF stating that I kidnapped her.

I inform the officer that BF and I are not married, he is not on the Birth Certificate, and there has never been any custody orders in place.

I inform P.O that I will be leaving to my mother in SC and that in aprox. 2 hours when BF wakes up, he will call saying that his child was kidnapped.

I informed PO that I would be at LAX for the next 9 hours waiting for my plane and I ask PO if I would be stopped and arrested, and if what I'm doing is in fact "kidnapping"

PO informs me that no, I am not kidnapping and that they will not pursue any charges against me for leaving the state with her, and that I am free to go.

&#x200B;

Once I arrive safely to my mom's house in SC  I have her call BF to inform him that we arrived and are safe and that he can talk to his daughter whenever he wants.

I send him a certified letter with return receipt as advised by an attorney, letting him know where I am and why I felt it was necessary to leave.

I then immediately try to establish custody and am told that since I am the only parent listed on the Birth Certificate I already have "Sole Custody" and therefor cannot bring an action to establish custody, unless I wanted child support, which I did not.

BF and I continue to talk for over a year, he is rarely concerned with our child and just wants me to come back. Things go sour, like calling me 24 times day while I'm at work or school, threatening to harm my family if I don't return, and so on and so on. We break off direct contact, however he still can call my mom if he wanted to talk to our daughter.

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**Cut to the charges:**

During that year unbeknownst to me he has also been working custody proceeding's in CA.

Here's the kicker though, he never informs me of any of it, not by phone or mail or anything. He then convinces the Family Court judge that he doesn't know where I'm at and is unable to locate me, ALTHOUGH on the very first page of the custody documents he writes in my current address. Somehow the judge never noticed this and allowed him to post a notice of hearing in the CA court house, which since I now live in a Different State is completely wrong and improper.

Since I never knew about any of this, I never showed for any  hearings and BF got full custody of our child.

&#x200B;

He then files a complaint with the D. A. saying he hasn't spoken to his child in over 4 years and has no idea where I have taken her, and he cant locate us... blah blah blah.

&#x200B;

Police arrive at my home at 4 am and arrest me, I'm held for 12 days without an attorney or anything awaiting extradition back to CA.

Meanwhile he then tries to fly out while I'm locked up and take custody of our child. My mom thankfully gets involved to stop officers from handing her over to this horrible man who absolutely does not care for her and has not visited her once.

CPS gets involved and they take her instead.

&#x200B;

I finally get to CA and am handed a restraining order against my own child. I can't even speak to her over the phone.

&#x200B;

I eventually get a hearing in front of the Judge that issued custody and present evidence (certified mail receipt, phone logs, ect.) to him. He is furious and rescinds the order.  (Daughter is still in custody of CPS though back in SC. So at this point neither of us parents have custody)

D.A. however does not care at all, and still want's to pursue criminal charges.

For the next year I have to fly, drive, and bus myself to my Criminal hearing in CA and then back to SC for CPS hearings.

Our daughter is put through intensive therapy and is berated with questioning as to what happened and as to whether I "coached " her all these years.

At preliminaries the Judge finally agreed to 995 dismissal. I got full custody of my daughter back, but the D.A. appealed the dismissal, and basically flat out lied and hid evidence at the Court of Appeals Oral Argument. What is typically a 30 minute hearing went on for an hour, where a bunch of men got together to deliberate, "Whether or not I was abused enough to warrant a good faith claim for my leaving." I. Kid. You. Not.

**Cut to right now:**

They still have 60 days to issue their decision, but based on the audio of the hearing I feel like I already know what it is.

This horrible nightmare is going back to trial and I feel like a sitting duck right now, and no one is telling me anything, as to what I should be doing to get prepared for this.

&#x200B;

You hear so many stories of woman in abusive relationships, and the question always asked "Why didn't she leave sooner?" Well folks this is why. They literally asked whether or not I was abused enough.

After I left I did everything right. I never once looked at myself as a victim. I looked at myself as a mother.  I imminently got a decent job, got my own car, apartment, got my G.E.D., enrolled myself into college. My daughter had the best care that I could possibly give her. And they took her away with out any reason, and I'm terrified that they will do it again.

&#x200B;

Since all of this between bail, hiring an attorney, and getting back and fourth from SC to CA I'm in 20k debt, I longer have the means to afford my own place so my daughter and I share 1 room in my mom's apartment, and College is on an indefinite hold.

My daughter who was the happiest, most caring person ever, now no longer trusts anybody and hates the world. She is prone to anxiety and over thinks and questions every single little thing that happens in her little world.

The only thing I have going for me is a decent job which I will most definitely lose if I have to go back to jail/trial.

What can I do to make sure that I don't lose my child, and stop all of this madness?

&#x200B;

Tl;DR:

Boyfriend lied; got custody without my knowledge; lied some more; had me arrested; child taken away; life in ruins; BF doesn't even care about child.

Answer:
 I’m so confused how he could have had paternity established while also saying that he hadn’t seen your child in 4 years? It contradicts itself - they assumed paternity of a child who had no father on the birth certificate and had not apparently seen the claiming father in years so how did they assume it from you two living together?Answer #2: You have to file against him, you have to get a restraining order and than wait for him to contact you and let him continue digging himself deeper and deeper into a criminal record. Answer #3: Also a word of caution, never speak with the other party in a paternity case directly. *ALWAYS* Communicate via attorneys.

This is the sort of nightmare that needs to be taught in high school. Then we have the legal proceedings that are in their own right a nightmare and a half.

Also, a word on abuse. Anytime that happens MAKE an appointment with a medical professional to start the document trail. That will prove invaluable if/when things spiral out of control.Answer #4: You might be able to sure the DA for hiding evidence. It is rare that they will get in trouble but if enough people start to complain something will happen. John Oliver has a good segment about defense attorney.Answer #5: If he wrote your address on paper filed by the court, they certifiied them to that address. Doesn’t add up. Answer #6: Please get in contact with your local YWCA. There are certain YWCAs who offer services to people affected by intimate partner abuse and they may be able to help you.


Title: I was sold a car that potentially had its odometer rolled back, am I entitled to a full refund?

Question:
Location: New Jersey

A few days ago I bought a used car (05 Honda Accord.) Website ad listed it is as $3500 with 127K miles, which is pretty decent mileage for this particular model. Go to check out the car, test drive, checked under the hood etc. and everything came back fine.

Unfortunately, I didn't do a pre-purchase inspection and went with my gut feeling. This was my first mistake. The second mistake is that I didn't notice the check engine light wasn't actually working (it's supposed to light up before the car starts), meaning it was probably tampered with to hide any issues.

Turns out the front fenders were falling off, there was an oil leak and the back tires were out of balance. Hundreds of dollars of repairs right here.

I decided to do an Autocheck on the vehicle and found that the first owner sold it at an Auto Auction with about ~230K miles on the title. Another entry revealed that the 2nd owner who bought it had apparently bought it for ~115K miles, and then sold it months later at ~127K miles.

I then checked service records from Carfax and it revealed that my cars mileage was NOWHERE NEAR the current odometer reading. The last service record revealed it had 219K miles in September 2016, with the ones before steadily rising towards this number.

Basically, the cars odometer appeared to be rolled back significantly, and in actuality I'm pretty much driving a car with ~240K miles on it.

The thing is, when the dealer sold it to me, he signed an "odometer disrepancy" (something along the lines of that) stating that the odometer reading on the dash reflects the actual mileage of the car.

But service and title records clearly prove otherwise.

I would like a full refund, can I simply ask for one? What if the dealer tries to avoid me, what can I do then? Note that I did buy the vehicle "as-is" too, if that means anything.

Answer:
 You bought a 13 year old car first of all. Secondly, what can you **prove**?

> I did buy the vehicle "as-is" too, if that means anything.

It means everything.

> but after discovering the odometer disrepancy we have since placed a stop payment on the check.

That was stupid and could land you in jail.  You've essentially stolen a car at this point.


Title: My Employer is making the work environment too difficult for me to work in. I'm forced to quit...What can I do?

Question:
Background information: Location: California

I found a web development job on craigslist in September 2016, after 3 months I was rewarded with either a full-time salary option / full-time hourly option.

In December, I talked to my manager, and he convinced me to take the hourly position because "it would make me more money". This is my biggest mistake. My manger convinced me to turn down the salary position.

In January, my manager then tells me, the project is put on hold and we don't any work for you. My manager tells me you should be able to work within 2 weeks. After 2 weeks now, my manager said it is out of my control, the project is put on hold because of the client and we don't have any work for you.

So, basically I haven't worked for 3 weeks now and I'm forced to look for another job.

1 .What should I do? I wished I took the salary option so I wouldn't be in this mess.

2. Can I collect unemployment ? Has anyone have experience with this in CA?

Answer:
 The could have done the same thing if you had taken the salary option.

Yes, you should file for unemployment and look for a new job.


Title: [Md] Is it normal procedure for a suicide attempt of a parent to trigger a a social services(child services) investigation?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > I don't really plan on complying because I don't think they have any legal reason or means to push forward with anything, but I guess that's why I am here.

That's an *extremely* dangerous game you're playing.  You're essentially calling their bluff when you don't even know what the rules of the game are.

You need a Maryland family law attorney, today.


Title: Im being fined $5000 for not picking up dog poo

Question:
So today my dad picked me up from school, and delivered the wonderful information that the bill had been round our house and told him we were being fined for not picking up dog poo. They were called by a old women (no surprise there) who claimed to have followed me home. Bear in mind I'm 16 years old, and my family's financial situation is not the greatest. I really can't pay out $5000 dollars, even if I sold everything I had I would still be short, I don't know if anyone can help me, I don't even know what sort of help I need.

Also, my family are incredibly honest people, and although I would be find lying through my teeth to get through this, my family are going to admit it and they might have already anyway.

Thank you.

Location - Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Answer:
 Do you have a question?

Sounds like you got caught violating hoa policy. As long as the fine is within hoa policy it is legal. They can go to the board and ask for a reduction in fineAnswer #2: Fined by who?


Title: Pursuing a Suspect

Question:
I am in Texas. A neighbor/hobo of mine burglarized my home while it was under construction. He is on camera stealing things from me. I arrived at the scene maybe 5-10 minutes after the initial entry. I waited in my vehicle and watched him take what he stole, fence it for drugs at a drug house 2 blocks away, and then smoke it.

Police to 2.5 hours to respond to this after a dozen phone calls. That's irritating enough, but on the final IA decision they are suggesting that they would need a warrant and do not have the authority to go into a home on my word and video that stolen goods were just brought there. Is that true?

P.S. This is a known drug house. A narcotics was shot at that address earlier in the year.

Answer:
 Yes.  Your information provides probable cause to enter.

But Probable Cause alone is not enough to enter the house.  They need Probable Cause **PLUS** either a warrant, or exigent circumstances.


Title: Dealership did not disclose that car was a prior lemon (MO USA)

Question: Okay so less than a month ago I bought a used fiesta from a ford dealership. When I looked online they had good deals no haggle pricing. Well I go in and drive the car no problems the guy explains to me that it was a buyback car, he describes this to me as a customer was unhappy with the car so ford gives them a deal on a new car and ford takes the car fixes it and then resells it. I thought this sounded like a good deal to me. They even put a 1 year bumper to bumper warranty on it. Anyway I end up paying cash for it go through al the paper work, then go home. Don't think anything about I actually thought I got a hell of a deal, well I get the title in the mail yesterday and it says lemon law buyback on it. I am PISSED!!! But now I'm worried that I missed something while going through the paperwork and I am screwed. Anyone know anything or where to start?   Thanks

Answer:
 > Well I go in and drive the car no problems the guy explains to me that it was a buyback car, he describes this to me as a customer was unhappy with the car so ford gives them a deal on a new car and ford takes the car fixes it and then resells it.

Ford doesn't do that out of the kindness of their hearts.  Sounds like he told you it was a lemon with the best spin possible.

> They even put a 1 year bumper to bumper warranty on it.

In addition to any remaining factory warranty, or just from date of purchase?

Is this car's transmission automatic or manual?  They had some issues with the dual-clutch automatics, and I can see that being the source of the buyback.


Title: Drug Dealer stole debit card

Question:
(Columbus, OH)
So I got myself into a nice situation.
An old buddy of mine came to town recently and we both got back in touch with each other. Over text and calls, he would hook me up with some substances.

He also owed me some money from way back. I regretably gave him my debit and pin # to cash a few checks to pay me back, and for him to get a little cash too. However, he said he would only be gone for a few minutes while I was at work and bring my card back. He didnt.

Instead he decided to take my card and checks from a closed bank account of his mothers and forge checks made out to my name, with my forged signature at banks all around town. Now I am thinking of filing a police report for his forgery as I am now recieveing several copies of the fake checks in the mail and have lost several hundred dollars as a result of this and do not want his mother to potentially press charges on ME.

Now I know its a shitty thing to narc and all that, but forging my shit and stealing my money is a step too far in my opinion. But since he has hooked me up with drugs before, and might be in possession of text messages between us, am I at any risk of backlash if I file one? The police report would be key to me getting all the money back he stole from me which amounts to almost $1000.
ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED! thank you all.

Answer:
 You can report the fraud to your bank, cancel the card, and put a stop payment order on the whole range of checks that was stolen. That doesn't necessarily protect you from further liability, but it will help.

For the bank to reverse transactions, though, it'll want you to submit a police report. As others have pointed out there's no way to do that without some exposure--the police could find out about your drug purchasing while investigating the fraud.


Title: [California] Just got written up for marijuana possession, officer further searched me and found my fake ID in my wallet.

Question: I'm 18 and have a court date in a few months.  Was wondering the steps for the best case scenario I can get from this situation.  This is the first time I've ever been in trouble with the police by the way.  Also want to keep away from parents if possible.  Thanks

Answer: You're 18 so there's no reason to get your parents involved unless you directly tell them.


Title: [WA] My [M] ex-friend [M] raped me 2 years ago when I was 13 and he was 15, and later raped another girl. At this point, would going to the police actually do anything?

Question:
I had been over at his house for a sleepover when it happened. Just like any other night, I took my melatonin and went to bed. In the middle of the night, I woke up with his penis in my face, him grabbing the back of my head, and him forcing me to fellate him. I left his house extremely upset the next morning, and was extremely depressed the next few weeks, and refused to talk to him despite his apologies. That was the end of it for me.

Fast forward to this year, I confide in his ex-girlfriend, telling her what he did to me, and she had a startlingly similar story.

Previously, I had thought what he did to me was a one-off thing, but with what his ex told I can clearly see a pattern, and as such I want to get the police involved. At this point, 2 years after the incident, would going to the police actually do anything?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 Maybe. Probably nothing will happen if you don't. Don't worry about whether they can get evidence that isn't your job. Just file the report.Answer #2: IANAL.  First, I am sorry for what's been done to you.  No child deserves anything remotely close to what you've suffered.

As for contacting police: Absolutely, yes.  Go.
A police investigation could have many beneficial outcomes.
If he has done this to the two of you, it seems very unlikely that you're the only ones.
He may also be the victim of abuse himself.  15 yr old boys don't typically generate this kind of behavior spontaneously.  An investigation of his actions may lead to further investigations of (an) additional abuser(s).

Please also seek some professional help in dealing with the emotional ramifications of what has been done to you.  These things are not always readily apparent to those who suffer them, but there is nothing to be ashamed of in speaking to a professional to increase your understanding and navigate your emotions.


Title: FMLA against employer

Question:
Hello.
My 6 month old son just had surgery and my fiancée is staying home from work to care for him. We, as I type this, are still in the hospital.
Her employer is trying to force her to come into work despite her giving fair notice in advance. She has hardly ever called off work(maybe twice in five+ years). She thinks he will probably fire her because he really is that much of a piece of shit(Claiming that is no excuse to miss work LMAO WTF THIS DUDE CANNOT BE SERIOUS)

Does the Family and Medical Leave Act apply here? Can she use it? Can they get in trouble for trying to force her to come in?
A note: the surgery wasn’t anything life threatening and we get to go home the same day but it was serious enough to warrant a surgery before it got worse.

Answer:
 From what you wrote, she may qualify for FMLA. Her employer cannot make her work or retaliate against her if she is properly using FMLA.

However, at this point, all she did is "give fair notice in advance". That's not really how it works. An employer is not required to honor an employee's "notice" that she will not be available and CAN fire an employee who does not work when scheduled.

It would be very much in her best interest to read up on FMLA and make sure that everything is in order as soon as possible.Answer #2: If the 6 month old (presumably) your fiancee’s biological child? Was this emergency surgery?  Did your fiancée work at least 1250 hours in the last 12 months?  Have they used more than 12 weeks of FMLA leave in the past 12 months?

If the answers are anything but: Yes, Yes, Yes, No, its entirely possible t would be legal to terminate them for not showing up to work.


Title: TSA searched my bag and broke my laptop. Can I do anything about this?

Question: I just got home from traveling, opened up my checked bag and saw a slip in it for a random bag search from the TSA. I had carefully packed my laptop in a case and between clothes to keep it protected, and was a little annoyed when I saw it sitting on top of everything after they had ruffled through it and outside of its case. I then noticed a big dent on the laptop, opened it up and noticed the screen is cracked. I'm beyond pissed at this point because it was obvious I had packed it in a way to prevent this from happening, and then some lazy ass just threw it back in my bag without putting it back in its case and it's now broken. I'm guessing I'm SOL because I have no proof they broke it, and I'm sure they release themselves of liability by saying things can break on an airplane, but I'm annoyed and feel like someone needs to pay for their mishandling of someone else's stuff. I paid nearly $2,000 for this laptop :( This took place in CA

Answer:
 The first rule of air travel is never put anything of value in a checked bag.  Checked bags are for clothes and toiletries, and anything else that's cheap and unimportant.  Electronics, jewelry and medications go in a carry on.

You can make a claim, but it may well be denied.Answer #2: Not legal advice: You probably don't need to buy a whole new laptop.  Your laptop screen probably costs $80-$150 from an online seller.  They are tricky to install but you can probably pay someone to do it for $50 or $100 or something.  All in all, way cheaper than $2K.  And your laptop is probably currently usable if you plug in a monitor.Answer #3: Start with filing a claim with the airline. Next reach out to your homeowner's/renter's insurance and see if they'll cover it.

But it may end up being an expensive lesson not to leave fragile/valuable items in your checked luggage.

I know I would never place my laptop in my checked luggage, but it's because my whole professional life relies on it. Answer #4: The TSA specifically tells you not to do this. They probably searched your bag because of the laptop, the lithium batteries aren't supposed to go in cargo.


Title: (PA) Rented house next to drug/prostitution/nuisance house and ended up being physically threatened by the neighbors. Vacated premises and now being charged a fee.

Question:
Hi there and thanks in advance.

We moved into a rowhouse in Philadelphia in November. It was winter, things seemed fairly quiet and the landlord and house seemed nice. He had lived in the home himself before so it was really well taken care of.

A house two doors down from our own had some unsavory characters, but we're open minded people so we didn't think much of it.

A few months ago, the house exploded with activity. 15-20 people on the street in front of our homes drinking, smoking, doing drugs. On one day, someone OD'd and an ambulance came. Constant yelling and fighting. We overheard conversations from the house resident orchestrating times, places, and prices to have sex with them.

There are two minor presents in the house - two teenage boys. I'm an educator and mandated reporter and had been reporting them for the living conditions alone. I tried to stay as friendly as possible with them, for fear of retaliation. Then on May 1st, one of the minors was beat by an uncle. I called 911 - the police came out and the family denied the charges. I went outside to explain what I saw. Starting then, the family turned from mostly ignoring me to intimidating and threatening me and my boyfriend.

The noise and number of people increased, and at one point I heard one of them say, "tell those bitches to call the cops again and they'll see what happens." I started getting panic attacks and hives from anxiety. In general, our lives were miserable.

We discussed with our landlord and told him we were going to be moving ASAP and that we'd forfeit the security deposit. He agreed and apologized, saying that the block wasn't that bad when he had lived there.

On Wednesday night, one of the house residents approached my boyfriend with a bat. My boyfriend was leaving the house, and the guy quickly walked over to him with a bat while smiling. He got a way and is fine -- we called the cops and were told there was nothing they could do.

We packed a bag and left that night. The next day we had a police escort there while we packed our belongings as quickly as possible and left for good.

We left a few things in the house, but we did everything we could in the couple hours that the police could be with us. The police told us that our landlord had called the cops nearly everyday on the same house, despite telling us it wasn't as bad when he was there. I should've known better when I saw the disclaimer in the lease that the landlord wasn't responsible for our safety.

The landlord now wants to charge us an additional fee on top of the forfeited security deposit for the items we left behind, or will not let us out of the lease.

What should we do? Just pay it?

Answer: Yeah you should just pay it. He's doing you a favour by letting you out of the lease. Leases are binding even in bad neighbourhoods.Answer #2: You're lucky he's letting you out of the lease at all.  If it's just a few hundred or less, just pay it and be glad you got out of there.Answer #3: Pretty much.  He has you over a barrel.


Title: I am the sole owner of my home and want to charge my wife rent who lived here for 12 years rent free.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Just get a divorce.  There's no need to be malicious about it.  Answer #2: Did you buy the house before you were married to her?


Title: [IL] Car dealer/warranty scam

Question:
I bought a used car "as is" for $4000 at the end of August. The dealership had a partnership with a warranty company, $300 for 3 months coverage. The dealer assured me the warranty company would cover anything that was wrong with the car.

Last week, my car had a warning light about the coolant overheating. I pulled over to let the engine cool and then drove it to a mechanic when it was safe. The mechanic found that the car needs about $3000 of work. He showed me where the oil and coolant were mixing, the shocks had been removed, springs were cracked, fuel lines and brake lines were rusted, and a few other minor problems. It'll take $2500 to make the car safe to drive, $3000 to fix everything.

I called the dealer. He said it was sold "as is" but the warranty place should cover the problems. I called the warranty place. They said to have the mechanic call them. The mechanic called the warranty place. They told him that everything he is describing must have been a pre-existing condition, and they don't cover pre-existing conditions, so they are denying the claim. The warranty contract does state that they don't cover pre-existing conditions, but I didn't know the car had any pre-existing conditions or if the engine problem actually was a pre-existing condition.

I spent all my savings buying this car because I need it to get to work. I can't afford a new car and can't afford to fix the one I have.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Answer:
 >  The warranty contract does state that they don't cover pre-existing conditions, but I didn't know the car had any pre-existing conditions or if the engine problem actually was a pre-existing condition.

What did your independent mechanic say when he inspected the vehicle for you before you purchased it?


Title: Question about a 10 year outstanding charge with bench warrant

Question:
Missouri

10 years ago I traveled to a far away state I didn't live in and was caught with a small amount of marijuana and paraphernalia. Of course the court date for the charge was months after I was caught, and by that time I had already returned to my home state. I was also very poor at the time and could afford neither a lawyer, court fees and fines, or the money it would have cost to travel back to the state. Over the years I had forgotten about it, but now I have remembered and I am wondering what will happen if I hire a lawyer to deal with the charges. Lets say I hire a lawyer and go to court to deal with the charge. When they convict me, how will that conviction look on my record? Will it show up as a conviction in 2017? How will this impact background checks for jobs? I know most checks only look to see convictions that have have occurred in the past 5/7/10/etc years. Will the fact that I waited this long to deal with it make it look like a crime that was recently committed, and hurt my chances to pass background checks? I have had background checks done since I was originally charged with possession, and had the warrant issued against me, but these never showed up on any of the checks.

Answer:
 The conviction date is when the conviction occurs not when the crime was committed.Answer #2: Your attorney will likely take you to "warrant quash day" to get the old bench warrant satisfied and get a new arraignment scheduled.   You will be arraigned and prosecuted as though the charge occurred in 2017.

If it was your first offense, then you'll probably get the benefit of whatever deferred adjudication programs your county offers.

If it wasn't, then the maximum penalty is $500 for the marijuana and $500 for the paraphernalia.   While these are still classified as criminal misdemeanors (and will show up as such on background checks), Missouri's controlled substances statute was amended by a sentencing reform bill (SB491) that took effect January 1, 2017 and makes first-time possession of under 10g of marijuana into a Class D misdemeanor, the lowest crime classification in Missouri.


Title: (Virginia) If I buy a permanent structure house on leased property, what happens if the lessor decides to cancel the lease agreement?

Question:
My family is considering purchasing a house that is on property that the railroad has been leasing to the house's many owners over a 70 year period, but we're concerned with what might happen if they suddenly decide to cancel the lease. Would we have to hire a house moving company to take the structure elsewhere, or might the railroad be compelled to purchase the house at fair market value?

I don't know the terms of the lease whatsoever, but I would like some advice on what to look out for in this situation. Many thanks!

Answer: Depends on the lease. But I doubt it would compel them to buy the house. Moving it or abandoning it would be your only options. Although the lease might require you to demolish it if you don't move it, which can be expensive.


Title: "Minor in Possession of Alcohol" CA. How can I fight this?

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Alcohol Related Other than DUI

Answer: Get a lawyer. You can't do this yourself if you want a good outcome. You might be able to get out of it by testifying against your friend, but if you try to negotiate it, they'll take advantage of you. Also there may be x alternative options like diversionary programs. Also, when posting on reddit about potential crimes, it's probably better not to identify yourself by name.


Title: Setting up cameras in our house while a friend is renting a room

Question:
My wife and I own a house in NJ and we are renting a room to our friend. We gave her a month to month contract to sign. The reason why we set up cameras is because we recently had to call the police. She was sending us pictures of her notebook that talked about ways she would kill herself and how she hates her parents and she would vaguely talk about doing "something that could potentially be illegal". She tells us about how she is a threat to society and that she stopped taking heavy antidepressant medication prescribed by her doctor because she doesn't think the doctor knows what he's doing. She says that she has a problem with the cameras in the house but our cameras are only in the common area (living room and hallway) and are NOT hidden in any way at all. She said that she's going to move out at the end of July and is giving us her 30 notice to move out today.

My questions are:

Does she have a case against us if she decides to sue us?

Is there any way we can get her out sooner?

Was it wrong of us to set up cameras in the common area? She stays in her room all day but we have a pet at home and we don't want any harm to come to her while we're away.

Thank you

Answer: She has no reasonable expectation of privacy in the common areas of a house she's renting a room in.


Title: [CA] How shit an idea is it to show up at this merchant's house who never shipped me my item?

Question:
Back in early April of this year I had bought a straight razor for \~$100 off of an Etsy seller who makes handcrafted razors. The seller gave me an estimated shipping date of April 10th, and a week after this date I contact the seller because it still hasn't shipped. Seller apologizes, says he's been overloaded with orders and asks me to check in with him later. Give him two more weeks, and he says he's still overloaded with orders and that some personal stuff is happening right now, and that I check in with him again mid-August. At this point I was suspicious, but he had hundreds of good reviews, many of which also said that they got their order much later than anticipated but that it was worth the wait. Also it's not like I need a straight razor urgently, so I was willing to wait it out. Stupid move on my part apparently because I forgot all about this until last week, when I went to go check on my order he has actually deleted his Etsy account and I never got my item. Talked to an Etsy rep and they won't do anything because dispute cases must be opened within 100 days of the expected "ship by" date.

&#x200B;

I then googled his name and found his own personal website selling his custom straight razors, as well as all his contact info + his (presumably) home address listed on his website, which conveniently is actually just a 40ish minute drive away from me. I emailed him letting him know that I was a previous customer of his on Etsy and never received my order, and he never responded back. At this point I'm debating showing up to his address and asking for my item or a refund, but I'm not sure if this would count as harassment? $100 isn't worth going to small claims for, so also not sure what to do if I did show up to his house and he still refused to refund me. Should I just mark this all off as a loss?

&#x200B;

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Answer: It's a terrible idea unless you enjoy the prospect of arrest and a restraining order.


Title: Can I legally put a motion activated water cannon in my yard if there isn't a fence or any warning, if I make sure that it only goes off on people on my property?

Question: I have no need for this, but it sounds fun.

Answer:
 What if the water cannon caused some harm (e.g. startled someone, causing the person to fall)?

I heard about someone who built such a water cannon to deter squirrels. He found that the squirrels liked getting wet, and the water cannon was attracting them!


Title: Can I recoup social security money that was supposed to go to me but my mom spent it?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You were 7? Was your mom not feeding, clothing, housing you?


Title: [TX] Rifle stolen while in UPS custody, UPS will not accept insurance claim for lost package

Question:
I recently sold a rifle online through an auction site, and arranged to have the gun shipped to an FFL dealer in Houston through UPS. The gun never made it to Houston, it was stolen while in UPS custody (I believe by an employee). An ATF report was filed and UPS caught the guy on camera, so the rifle was recovered within the weekend. However, neither my buyer nor I have access to the rifle because it is being held as evidence while the case proceeds. The thief did not plea guilty so they may have it for a while. I filed a lost package claim through UPS but they denied it on the grounds of "it isn't lost, it's at the DA's office, so sort this out yourself with the DA"

Is my only recourse to wait until the rifle is released by the DA? I would rather have the insurance money at this point, my buyer is no longer interested.

And if I have to wait for the rifle to be released, how long can they hold it?

Answer:
 Yes. It is evidence in a crime. You wait until trial is over. Months or years

Insurance won't pay for your property that law enforcement will give back to you. Answer #2: Not a lawyer, but work in LE and asked our Evidence people here.
They basically said it is the descretion of the prosecutor. But here in situations like that our guys take pictures of the gun and serial number so it'll match up on the paperwork and contact the owner and release it once we've done all the photographs and they look okay. We do not like to hold firearms. She said some prosecutors do, for show, during trial. (sorry, her words)
See if you can see if the DA will allow pictures taken of all the relevant info (serial, full size glamour shot, etc) so it'll match up during the trial so you can get that gun back sooner.
Good luck.


Title: Wanted to get a $100 key made from locksmith, end up with a $5k bill from dealer and no car.

Question:
I have this posted in another forum about cars so I will try and keep this as short as I can.  Thanks in advance for clicking the link.

Dealer tells me there is only one key for a 2011 Lexus IS250 after the paperwork is done and I am already in the car. Says they will track down the missing key or I may have to buy one. I say I should not have to since it was not disclosed to me the key was missing until after the deal was done and we decide to address is later as it was late and I had to be somewhere, I should have been more persistent.
Weeks go by and no reply emails or calls from dealer. I go to locksmith that says they can make a key at a lower cost than dealer since I needed more than just one key. 30 minute job ends up with me waiting for 6 hours and having to tow my car to the dealer. Electronics would turn on but car would not start when push button ignition was pressed. After being told to not leave for about 6 hours the service center says they can fix it and I have the salesperson pay for the repair. New technician comes out with $5k repair estimate saying that the locksmith cleaned out codes that were needed for the car to start and had some hardware damage.
Take estimate to locksmith who says I am being scammed and I say he pays since he did something that caused my car to need to be towed away.

Lexus offered to take $200 off the bill, locksmith said there was probably a preexisting problem since when I first went in I mentioned how once I had to press the break a little harder to get the ignition button light to turn green in order to get it to start but I have never had a push button ignition car before so maybe I was not even pressing on the break when I tried to start. He refuses to even consider paying, then says to expect contact from his lawyer. I contacted Lexus customer service since someone said they might help but I feel that is bleak since they may just try and protect themselves. The person on the phone seemed sympathetic but who knows. He said to expect a call within two days. I thought I was prepared for legal action but this seems like its getting to be a bigger problem than it needed to be.

I talked to a mechanic at another shop and he says the locksmith is making things up and is only trying to cover himself.

All of this happened in the Northern Virginia area.  I am not exactly sure how to proceed or what to do.  All I wanted was an extra key for my car.

TL;DR - Dealer does not tell me there is no spare key until deal is finalized, says they will track down key but stop communicating with me.  Drive to locksmith with used key and he says he can make it work.  Tow car away and now have a $5k bill that I feel I should not be the one paying.

Thank you for reading this wall of text.

9/17 UPDATE:
- Insurance company contacted me saying that they will cover it and I am all set.  Still following up with Lexus to vent about how I feel I was treated and see if anything can be done about that, even maybe an apology.  If anything it may put the dealership and service center on the companies radar.

Answer: [It just so happens that the small claims limit in Virginia is $5000](http://www.courts.state.va.us/resources/small_claims_court_procedures.pdf). Ask the person you dealt with at the service center if they are willing to draft a statement about what the lock smith screwed up and if you haven't already paid the $5k, ask for a estimate in writing for the repair work.Answer #2: I'm a little confused.  This is a keyless push-to-start where all you need is to have the key in the car to get it to start?  Or was the key you had made an actual key?


Title: Is it illegal to temporarily pull your car up and sit in front of parking spaces in a parking lot? (Vermont Law)

Question:
So I was carpooling with a colleague, and he asked me to stop by his mailbox in his complex. His mailbox is one of many clustered together on the side of the street. There are parking spaces running perpendicular to sidewalk, so people can park and check their mail. These spaces are almost always empty. Instead of wasting time parking in a space, which would involve a K-Turn and all that, I just pull up along the sidewalk so he can check his mailbox. This means my car is temporarily blocking a couple of the spaces. He got angry and said that was double parking, and is illegal.

So is it illegal to temporarily double park or block access to a couple parking spaces even if you are there for a matter of seconds, and you never actually park the car or turn it off?

Answer:
 You were stopping. Not parking. It's completely legal to temporarily stop.

Also... Is it a private spot on private property? If so then it's a landlord issue not a police or parking control issue. Answer #2: Wait, you did dude a favor and he criticized the way you dis it? Don't do him any more favors.

It is only called "double parking" if there is more than one car. Only one car, not double parked. Answer #3: Parking violations are usually controlled by the local (city/town/village) laws.  Many statutes will use the phrasing "stopping, standing or parking" which necessarily includes an idling vehicle with the driver waiting behind the wheel. That being said, as /u/caringexecutive mentioned, the vast majority of police officers noticing you would give you the chance to move.


Title: Problem with Apt Complex and Parking

Question:
I live in a "gated" apartment complex in Southeast Georgia. The gate has been broken for several weeks now and is open 24/7. Residents are given decals to place on their cars in order to parking right in front of the buildings.

 A huge problem I have with the complex, is that an overwhelming amount of cars without decals (visitors) have been parking in these resident spots. There is PLENTY of visitor parking in the perimeter of the property that's clearly marked "visitor". When I arrived home last night 2 out of the 11 resident's spot on the side of the building I live on were actually taken by residents. The other 9 were taken by cars without decals. It's ALWAYS the same cars over and over, so it's not just a one time visitor. It's the same people freeloading basically. You get one decal (and gate card) for every person that is one the lease. So obviously people are just cheating the system and it's really getting aggravating.

The management in the office says they do decal checks and if they notice a car in the wrong place they give them 24 hour notice to move before towing, but that's a complete lie. They make it really obvious they do not care and the two people who have been in the office lately get an attitude about anything you ask. The towing company isn't listed on the front of the gate either. The apartment office closes at 5pm during the week and majority of the time these visitors cars arrive/are parked after they close leaving me unable to call the apartment office for them to do anything about it. While this problem has always been here while the gate was properly working, I think the gate being broke is a major benefit now to these visitors. Also worth mentioning, that the designated visitors spots are always full as well in front of my building, but there is plenty of visitors parking across the complex. It seems like there are more "visitors" than real residents at this time. Rent in my area is not cheap or reasonable by any means and I want to get what I pay for, so what can I do about this situation?

TL:DR living in an apartment complex where visitor cars are taking resident's spots. Management won't do anything to help, what can I do to fix the problem?

Answer: Does your lease guarantee a specific spot or guarantee parking?


Title: [MA] Landlord entering apartment without notice, adding rules about cleanliness and guests.

Question:
I live in Boston, MA.

I have recently moved into a house that is converted into two apartments, one on each floor. Each person in my apartment is on a separate lease, renting a room. It specifically says in the lease that I am renting "one room". My bedroom has a lock on the inside, but not the outside. However the apartment has a shared common area, bathrooms, and kitchen.

I was in my room changing when my door opens and two men I've never met before start to walk into my room. I yelled at them and they left, but I was upset. I got dressed and walked out of my room and my landlord was there, showing the apartment to these perspective tenants.

I told her that in the future I would like to know when she is going to be showing the apartment, because they walked into my room. She told me that she was not going to give me notice because she was showing a different bedroom, not mine. That bedroom is currently unoccupied, which means that there is no way we could get notice for her coming in. I repeated that they came into my room, so I need notice so that does not happen again, and she needed to be watching anybody she let into the house. She told me that I should not be naked in my room, and should have had it locked from the inside anyway. She also said that she would not be watching people she let into the apartment. She didn't see them go into my room, so it wasn't her fault. My door does not lock from the outside. If I hadn't been there they would have just been able to come into my room.

My landlord went on to start yelling at me saying that the apartment was messy and I should be cleaning it. The apartment isn't particularly dirty. It's an old house so it looks a little run down. Some dirt was tracked in near the front hallway on the wood floors, and apparently that was what she was referring to. Overall though, we keep the place clean and have a weekly cleaning schedule, as well as cleaning up after ourselves.

My landlord also told me that we can't have guests over. Having people over is a "party" and we aren't allowed to have parties. Overnight guests must be registered with her ahead of time and she will decide if they can stay. My lease does not cover guests at all.

My questions are:

* -Can I require that she provide me some notice that people are going to be in the apartment, even if they aren't supposed to be in my room? How do I communicate this with her and enforce it?

* -Can she dictate that the apartment is always 100% spotless and the floors cleaned, as long as we are maintaining general cleanliness?

* -Can she dictate guests in the apartment if it is not covered in the lease?

**TLDR:** Landlord showed up with perspective tenants without notice in a shared apartment, and began laying down rules not discussed in the lease or before I moved in. What can I do?

Answer:
 Renting apartments by-the-room like that runs into some pretty weird MA rules about boarding houses-- weird, strict rules that the city licensing authority might not really be pleased to find out that your landlord is breaking.Answer #2: City of Boston defines "reasonable notice" as 24 hrs. via Housing Division Inspectional Services Dept. - 24 hrs. has been the long understood benchmark although I'm not sure where it originated from and my cursory search did not resolve that question.

>Does a landlord have to schedule an appointment with a tenant in order to make non-emergency repairs?

>Yes. Landlords must give "reasonable notice" before entering to make non-emergency repairs. Reasonable notice is at least 24 hours. Written notice is strongly recommended.

https://www.cityofboston.gov/isd/housing/faq.asp

Edit:

Although your LL isn't entering to perform repairs here, LL is governed by legal right of entry, which falls under the same statute with respect to entry for repairs and entry for showing to prospective tenants. Answer #3: What specifically does your lease say about notice?


Title: I [20 pregnant F] sent naked pictures to someone impersonating my boyfriend and made copies for himself.

Question:
First and foremost sorry if the format is messed up I’m on mobile. I’m posting this on a throwaway for obvious reasons, but I need help. I don’t know if I even have any grounds for a lawsuit, or if any criminal action can be taken against this person and I’m too embarrassed to call the local PD if nothing can be done so I would really appreciate some advice here.

I’m currently 26 weeks pregnant, and my boyfriend and I aren’t living together at the moment. Lately things have been a bit strained between us and communication hadn’t been very strong. Apparently a few days ago his phone was glitching out so he contacted someone he knew through a friend who fixed electronics for a fair price and brought him the phone to repair. I did not know this because he hadn’t called me yet to tell me, as I said things have been rocky and we haven’t been communicating well.

Anyways, last night I texted him to say happy easter a little while later he replied very kindly and started a conversation. I was really just happy to be talking to him and having a good conversation since we hadn’t in awhile. When I asked why he hadn’t talked to me in a couple days and why things had been different lately he apologized and told me he’d been feeling down, and was really sorry but that he missed me and apologized for how things had been going lately.  He was typing different, and it didn’t really seem like the way he usually texted. There was slight spelling errors and abbreviations/slang he didn’t usually use. I brought this up and he said he wasn’t sure what I was talking about and laughed it off, I asked if he could send me a picture and he did so I let it go and figured I was being crazy, he must’ve taken one of the selfies off my boyfriends phone to send. The conversation went on and was really good and eventually he asked for a naked picture. Being pregnant I’ve been self conscious lately and my boyfriend knows that, so when I replied “I feel pregnant and huge i don’t feel sexy” he responded with tons of flattery telling me how me being pregnant was the most beautiful thing to him and made him feel close to me and the baby. Totally manipulating me. I sent the picture.

This morning my boyfriend called me to let me know his phone was being repaired, and that it had been with this guy for a couple days now. I felt sick. I told my boyfriend what happened and he called this guy and demanded his phone back, the basically laughed and told him he’d already sent the pictures to himself and had copies anyways. He then hung up and now the phone is off and we can’t get ahold of him. I’m completely distraught. I feel violated and disgusting and I just don’t know what to do. I’m sorry this post got so long but if there’s anything I can do please let me know.

Answer: Your first step should be to document all the texts and then file a police report.  Save all the texts and have your boyfriend make a statement regarding the phone.  At this point, it has been stolen.Answer #2: Document everything. It sounds like he tricked you into sending those pictures with the intent to extort you, or so i'd think.


Title: My mom hit a pedestrian while driving, the other person was Jay walking. This was over two years ago. Now they have an attorney (in CA) who is making demands, what should I do?

Question:
I am somehow being ask to sign a document declaring my assets. But I wasn't even involved in the accident.

Edit: Thank you guys for your responses. I spoke to the insurance rep today, and she told me that the car was registered to me. (It is not). She then told me it's because I am part of the policy, which is true but still has nothing to do with me. Then I learned that this person doesn't know a thing about the case (It was dropped on her desk a month ago and she is just forwarding all the emails she is getting from the attorney.) I asked her to remove my name from the lawsuit and that I will not sign anything.

If they keep insisting I will get myself a lawyer.

Thank you for giving me a concise guideline on what I should do/ask. It's a bit overwhelming when you get random news like this and it's hard to put your thoughts into words.

Answer:
 Hopefully she reported it to her insurance company.  If she didn't, she may have to hire her own lawyer.  If she did, they'll defend her up to the policy limits.

You should not sign anything without talking to a lawyer first.


Title: (Chicago, IL) Is an autopsy required for a wrongful death suit?

Question:
I've tried consulting lawyers about the matter but a few of them have explained they would need an autopsy, which I couldn't do because I cremated my mother (which is what she wanted). Did I effective ruin my chances at being able to do so?
Topic:
Medicine and Malpractice

Answer: That is fact dependent. If your suit is based on person A pushing person B in front of a train then an autopsy may not be needed. If it is a medical malpractice suit in which you will need to show a cause of death you may need one. Listen to the attorneys you've spoken to who know all your facts.


Title: [GA] Buying a house, my spouse's name isn't on the mortgage, but he will be listed as a co-owner. Need advice on how to proceed.

Question:
Hey /r/legaladvice, title conveys the gist of the situation. We are a dual income couple, and we have recently moved to Georgia. As soon as we got here, my husband took some time off of work to go see family, so I was stuck here house-hunting. I was trying to find a house as soon as possible to minimize pissing away money staying at a hotel. We've decided on a house and are in the process of closing. Since he was out of town and my income was enough to cover the mortgage, I started looking for mortgage pre-qualifications just in my name since it was easier at the time. We agreed on a house while he was still away, and we went with a mortgage with just my name on it. Looking back, that was a bit of a mistake. I love my husband, but I'm not one to put myself in a situation where I'm going to allow myself to be screwed over. Theoretically, he could stop making payments and not help with the cost of household maintenance and stick me with the bill. Not to mention, he could still come back around sue for half of the value of the house if I put his name down as a co-owner even if he stopped paying for the house. However, he stated that he would like to be a co-owner, since it'd be better if he got something out of it as well, rather than just paying me rent every month. I can understand that.

At this point, we're about a week from closing, and I really don't want to delay the process any longer than I have to. My loan officer said we'd have to redo the paperwork to put him in the loan, and run all the credit checks, etc, pretty much everything they did for me. That's a pain in the ass, and I don't want to deal with the extra time it'll tack on to do that.

Now it's unlikely things will go down that route, but I'm still putting my credit at risk if I proceed the way things are with him being a co-owner, since I'm entirely on the hook for the mortgage. I would like to draft a contract that states that he must split the costs of the mortgage, property tax, homeowner's insurance, etc, pretty much all the expenses that come with being a homeowner with me, if he is going to be listed as a co-owner. If he doesn't comply, I would like to be able to take his name off the house. Would such a contract hold up in court? Should I talk to a lawyer about this, or should I just draft up something on my own that we both sign and get it notarized?

Thanks, any input is appreciated.

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Answer: This could come back to bite you bite you big time. Don't be penny wise pound foolish. Either have him or the mortgage or don't have him on the deed.


Title: Is a text message a legally recognized notice to vacate?

Question:
When we first moved into our apartment we had a different landlord. A month or so in she sold the house to our current landlord. He never  had us sign a new lease and told us the old lease was still in effect. Well, on August 19th he sent a text message stating he planned on moving into our apartment and stated we would need to be out by the 18th of September. That was it, just a text message. The original lease clearly says we get 30 days written notice to vacate and failure to do so entitles us to another 30 days. We have found a few new places but, all of them aren't available until October 1st-15th. My landlord is coming over tonight to talk and I just wanted to have my bases covered when I speak to him.

edit: oh I'm in Rhode Island

Answer:
 UPDATE: From OP -----  "Thank you! He called earlier and threatening different things I proceeded to explain to him the things I've learned today. (Big thank you to this thread) and he immediately backed down once he realized I was in the right."

This is why I love reddit. Please read this carefully

1) Any lease in effect at the time of sale in RI HAS to be honored for the life of the lease. There is no exemption if the landlord wants to use the unit for themselves.

2) A text message is NOT proper notice. Proper notice in this case would be on the calendar day you pay rent (30 days) This means he cannot pick a random day to give you 30 days notice

3) Pay your rent on time, send him/her a certified letter confirming your intention of honoring the balance of your lease. Do NOT respond to the text message if you can, if you have don't worry about it

Source: I'm the Chairman of the Board of the Providence Apartment Association, RI's largest landlord group. If you still have problems pm me and I will help. Your landlord is out of luck.Answer #2: What does the old lease say about the landlord/owner taking over the unit? When does your lease end? How many units are in the building? Are you in a city that may have additional laws protecting tenants? Anyway, you can start [here](http://www.brown.edu/Administration/Auxiliary_Housing/documents/LTHandbook.pdf).


Title: Got pulled over while rushing to fix 911 system

Question:
Hope u guys can help.
I'm a telecom engineer.
On 5/12/14 I was pulled over and given tickets for speeding, unsafe lane change, and failure to signal, while I was rushing to a major cell site where the e911 node went down during a modernization project.
This means that whomever in that area using that tower needed 911 would get absolutely nothing.

Knowing the severity of this I was rushing to site with a new node, and was pulled over for speeding.
When stopped I immediately let the state trooper know what had happened and where I was headed.

He proceeded to keep me there for half hour. Write me three tickets and then had my car towed to an impound.

I had to ride with the tow driver and then have another engineer come to the lot to drive my car out.

This happened in the NY metro area.
I've not gotten a speeding or any ticket for that matter in 8 years.

My question is this, since I was responding to an emergency issue on an emergency response system do I not have some type of protections from shit like this? Is not towing my car and impeding my ability to restore emergency services severely negligent of the officer who stopped me?

TLDR:
Was pulled over while rushing to fix 911 at a cell site. Cop gave me three tickets and impounded my car, KNOWING what was happening.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

** UPDATE **
The case was dismissed. All the tickets were dismissed, and i have to do a drivers safety course by the end of the year, and the officer who impounded me has to so a three week re training, and was put on desk duty for a week.

Answer:
 > My question is this, since I was responding to an emergency issue on an emergency response system do I not have some type of protections from shit like this?

If they wanted you to respond as an emergency provider, they would've trained, equipped and authorized you appropriately.  Were you specifically told by someone in authority to exceed the speed limit?  Were you equipped with emergency lights and sirens to warn others?

Answer #2: > My question is this, since I was responding to an emergency issue on an emergency response system do I not have some type of protections from shit like this?

Nope.  If you explain your situation to a judge, he might take mercy on you and reduce or eliminate charges, but anything he does along those lines will be out of the goodness of his heart, and won't have a thing to do with the legalities of the situation.

>Is not towing my car and impeding my ability to restore emergency services severely negligent of the officer who stopped me?

Nope, not even in the slightest.  But speeding severely enough to get your car immediately impounded certainly is negligent on your part.  Think of it this way, there *might* have been people in harm's way because of the lack of 911 coverage.  There *definitely* were people in harm's way because of your speeding.


Title: [Hypothetical] How long is a life sentence for an immortal?

Question: If, say, Duncan MacLeod got picked up on some of the multiple murders he commits, was sentenced to life in prison, and didn't escape or fake his own death to get out, how long would they leave him in there?  Is there an actual span of time defined as a life sentence?

Answer:
 In Canada, life imprisonment is for life, as in until death. One major thing to note is that at some point, the offender will be eligible for parole. The longest parole ineligibility ever given was 75 years, meaning the offender had to be in prison for 75 years before being eligible for parole. Once the offender with a life sentence gets paroled, they still have to report to the parole board and respect their parole condition until death.

A life sentence is really for life.


Title: Is there a way I can contest a red-light ticket (for turning right on red) in the same intersection?

Question:
First off, the location is Nassau County, New York. I barely try to beat the red light. There's this intersection that I always turn right on red (There is no "NO TURN ON RED" sign here). I got a ticket here for slowing down / rolling and not making a full stop before turning right. I admit it's my fault, and I paid for that $150 notice. Note that the offense occurred Oct 1, 2017, and I received the notice just under 2 months around Nov 20. Ok, no problem.

I received another notice today (Dec 4, 2017) for the same intersection. The offense this time occurred on Nov 9. I can't help but feel that I could have avoided this had I gotten the first notice in a more timely manner sooner than like....2 months. I recently moved and was not familiar with the area (apparently that intersection is notoriously famous in the area for issuing tix). I know, I still slowed down & rolled the turn. I was just wondering there's anything I can even do about this like convincing a judge via an appeal letter. I could really use your input / expertise!
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 You offended two separate times.  Why do you think the second offense is predicated on you not having received the first offense yet?

It is your duty to understand intersections and how they work.


Title: [TX] gender change on birth certificate for a minor - is it realistically possible?

Question:
ok so I've tried doing my own research on this for years but I guess legal stuff isn't my strong suit cause I really can't understand it. we even tried consulting a local lawyer who specializes in trans issues but she was stumped.
I'm 17, and would love to get this done before I go to college, but would it be better to just wait until I turn 18?
I meet the state's requirements for the change - I've had some kind of gender affirming surgery - and have been living as male for about 4 years now. could I do this, and if so, how?

Answer:
 [Here's a guide](http://www.traviscountylawlibrary.org/images/pdf/GenderMarker_Kit_March_2017.pdf) from the Travis County Law Library that describes the process in Travis County. It will probably be pretty much the same in other counties, other than minor details like where exactly to file your petition and how to schedule a hearing. (Although judges in other counties may be less friendly to the idea of ordering an updated birth certificate at all.)

Since you're a minor, you generally can't petition the court yourself, other than perhaps if there are extenuating circumstances. You would need a parent or guardian to sign the petition on your behalf. You would probably want to get both parents, so the judge can see that one parent isn't doing this against the other's wishes.

The forms in that packet repeatedly refer to changing the gender marker of an adult so they would need some modifications to make them correct for a minor. But I don't see anything in the underlying law that would substantially change the process for a minor.

Have you seen the [Trans Name and Gender Marker Project](https://law.utexas.edu/probono/projects/%20special-projects/trans-legal-name-%20%20gender-marker-project/)? They appear to offer free legal advice for cases like yours.


Title: Cooperate underpaid me for two months, and will not be back paying me for the amount of hours I worked (TX)

Question:
Mobile, yeah you get it

I work a movie theater getting paid $7.50/hr, I was talking of a few co workers and brought up our pay, he then mentioned that the minimum for the company was actually $7.75, after asking a few managers and doing some digging, he was right, I was getting underpaid.

 the GM said she would fix it next evaluation when I get my raise. However, when I ask for back pay to reimburse me for the two months I’ve been getting paid under what I should be, they said “there’s nothing we can do about it.” Now is this true? Or are they just trying to brush it off so they don’t have to worry about it anymore?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 You don't have a right to $7.75 an hour.  They are free to pay you $7.50, if they want - Texas minimum is $7.25.

So no, they don't owe you any back pay.


Title: Accused of stealing my own package.

Question:
So I live in a fairly large housing complex that has a front desk (manned) which packages get dropped off at once their are delivered. We also have a package room where around 5pm packages get put into a system which alerts tenets that they have a package that has been delivered. Problem I had a package rushed to be delivered in the morning because it was urgent and I needed it that day.

Here's where the problem takes place. I get notified by UPS that my package was delivered so I head down and ask the leasing office if it is possible to grab MY package because it's urgent. I was told packages get put in at 5pm and a load of other excuses. She said wait and after 5 minutes it was clear she wasn't going to help me. So I went and grabbed my package.

I later get a call from the leasing office telling me I have till 8pm to return my package before they report me for mail fraud and package theft. There's no provisions in the lease about packages and a package room. So I am wondering if this has any merit.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: This might come as a surprise, but you cannot be charged with the theft of your own mail.


Title: [hypothetical] If someone wants to make a movie out of a book you wrote, is it possible to refuse, and only let certain groups use your book?

Question: I’m considering publishing a sci-fi novel I wrote to Amazon, but I want to make sure I can pick and choose who I want to give the ability to use my work. If it does turn out to be movie material, I don’t trust Hollywood with my novel, and I can really only see it being made into a Japanese anime film. Can I bar unwanted groups from permission to my novel once its published as an E-book?

Answer:
 Yes. You own the rights to your intellectual property.

~~Sam~~ *Bill* Watterson (the creator of the "Calvin & Hobbes" comic strip) rather famously refused Steven Spielberg and George Lucas the rights to make a movie based on C&H. Watterson could have refused person-X, person-Y, and only allowed person-Z, even if person-Z offered the smallest amount of money for the rights. It turns out, he refused everyone, but the point is that as the owner of the IP, he can decide who or if gets to use his IP.

EDIT: I'm a dumbass.


Title: I work for usps and got bit by a dog while delivering a package, do I have any options?

Answer: Did you report the injury?  Did you require medical attention?


Title: [Georgia] My employer told me that "for now, on paper I can only work 40 hrs a week" after I told him that overtime will be necessary if he wants me to be able to get everything done that he requires of me. Is this legal? and if not what can I do?

Answer:
 Stick to the 40 and any time over that you send him an email so he can authorize it first.  This way its all in writing.
If he says work but you dont get paid.  Dont work.  And if he comes to you to have a chat off the record, say you need to put this in writing. Please send me an email regarding this. Or take out your phone and record it overtly.  I dont know Georgia law on single or two party,  but having the recording device in the open can imply consent.  If he tells you to shut it down then the conversation is over.  If you have an HR department go to them as well - now.

This may cost you your job. But the settlement should help cover your expenses when it happens.  At this point you need to be covering your ass should things go south on you.

  Answer #2: Report all hours worked. If you need help, the Department of Labor can help you.


Title: Unfair Parent Divorce

Question:
Hello,

I am 20 yrs old and have 3 brothers. My parents have been together for 22 years. Back in Nov 2018 I found my mom was having an affair with someone. The guy happened to be a single dad of somebody I knew.

Confronting her, she told me she planned this divorce for a while now. 7 months later, it's been a rough couple of months. My dad doesn't want a divorce and has been trying many different things to save their relationship. My mom says she is done.

My dad would want 50/50 if there is nothing we can do from stopping her. My mom had a lawyer, my dad does not. We kids are supposedly to know nothing about this divorce. My mom told him she is filing and cant tell us kids until it's done.

My questions here are what should I do in this situation? My mom has been leaving the house at night and sometimes doesn't come home. My dad is being framed as abusive and alcoholic. Only one of that is true, he drinks a lot of beer. Her lawyer knows nothing about her scandal and about her lies. Should I talk to a lawyer myself for help with my dad? My mom has always controlled the bank account and my dad doesn't see any of it. Is it legal for her to take everything and leave him with nothing? He is so depressed and clueless of what to do and I feel the same way.

Please, any advice is appreciated.

Answer: The only thing you personally can do, is to urge him to seek out a lawyer. Dissolving a 22 year old marriage isn't something he should try to do himself.