Title: Maintenance people entering my apartment unannounced have walked into my bedroom while I’m sleeping twice and just left my apartment looking like a break-in.

Question:
About a month ago my ceiling cracked and rain came through the ceiling. It took a bit of back an forth but my landlord finally got the outside roof repaired however my ceiling still had cracks and looked awful. I was woken two separate mornings by a contractor walking into my bedroom to fix the ceiling. I didn’t have a heads up she was coming to fix anything and I didn’t hear her knocking on the door so she let herself in with a key (I’m assuming from the office) without even trying to call me. Now tonight I get home and my door’s unlocked. My cat runs up to me freaking out. She’s skiddish already, but she will not leave me alone. She’s dug her claws into my leg like a toddler holding on when you try to wak The rugs in the living room are tossed in a corner, a wall hanging in the kitchen is on the ground broken with a chunk of paint missing from the wall, pictures and magnets I had on my fridge are tossed by the sink. A small camera I have pointed towards the door was turned off. I honestly thought someone had broken in. I was pulling out my phone to call the police when I noticed my fridge was slightly different. I had called over a week ago because my fridge was leaking but never had any kind of follow up about it.  Apparently they came in while I was at work replaced the fridge, broke my stuff, threw my stuff around, scared the shit out of my cat, and then left the door unlocked.

I’m calling the office first thing tomorrow morning and complaining, but my question is do I have any legal ground to tell them they have to notify me before entering my apartment? To me it’s unacceptable to not give your tenant notice if a stranger having access to your living space. And honestly I’m thankful I didn’t pull my gun on the surprise maintenance woman standing over my sleeping body!!! I’m in Indiana, US. Thanks in advance
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 Indiana requires landlords to provide 'reasonable' notice before entry into a rental unit. You've received no notice, which doesn't meet the requirement.

When you talk to the landlord, I wouldn't bring up state law unless the landlord is difficult.


Title: Can my school make me take down my LED lights?

Question: I live in a high school dorm and have LED lights going around my room along with many other students. Yesterday the fire department emailed the school ordering staff make us take them down due to a "fire hazard", these lights produce no heat, have a surge protectors and are in no way capable of starting a fire. Is there any law or regulation stating that I can't have them? If so I'll happily oblige but I don't care for the school prohibiting the use of my property when my parents shell out 70 grand a year for this school. I live in MA btw.

Answer: They don't have to cite a law. You are on school property and have to abide by school rules even if your parents pay ungodly tuition.


Question:
[NY] Title: Friend offered me a ticket to NYCC but I cannot attend. Now he is asking me to pay him back for the ticket?

As the title explains, I was offered a ticket to NYCC from a friend (insisting he would pay) but unfortunately I told him that I cannot attend the first day. Now he's asking me to pay him back in order to make up for my ticket that he paid?
Do I have to pay him back for an event that I didn't attend yet? I feel like I'm being forced to pay for something that I cannot attend (due to personal reasons) and it's appalling to me that he was the one insisting to pay for it anyway. My ticket is at a 'will call' and i have no intention of picking it up as well.

Answer: Absent an agreement from you to pay for this ticket he would not have a successful case if he decided to sue you as he's not out any money.


Title: Stuck in an apartment lease and need to see if it's binding.

Question:
Basically I fucked up. I signed a lease that my parents were going to co-sign with. However, my parents backed out of the co-signing and don't have the money to help me pay it anymore, the reason the backed out. I'm 19, I don't have credit or a credit score or any other co-signer and I was approved for the lease. How is this possible? I'm in college, won't be able to make the rent due each month, the apartment agency knows I don't have steady income. Basically, is there anyway I can legally get out of this lease. If you need more information just ask.

Edit: Sorry, New York USA.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: You don't have much recourse here. If you can't make your rent, you'll likely be evicted. The best thing you can do now is reach out to the landlord and inform them of your situation in the hopes that you both mutually agree to terminate the lease or they allow you to find a replacement tenant or subletter (your lease may also say something about this option).


Title: Originally posted in /r/mensrights about my ex trying to go back on an agreement we had in court, seeking more money. I got directed here.

Question:
Here is the copied text from my post. TL;DR My ex is taking me to court over $70 more a month because she changed her mind about an agreement we had concerning child support.

I live in Virginia, but the case is being heard in Maryland, where the divorce was finalized and my ex still resides.

"Sorry for the late reply. Being how it's Christmas, I tried to not think about this. I sincerely appreciate your response! A little more back story: my ex and I have been fighting back and forth over custody for the better part of 14 yrs. Finally things became deteriorated over my ex's house that she could not handle my son, so he came to live with me. During that time he lived with me I had placed in various counseling programs. But every counselor suggested that he was beyond their capabilities and he needed some form of higher level of care. I attempted to place him in intensive outpatient therapy, he's been suspended for sexual harassment, tardiness, and other behavioral issues at school. He also attacked me and his behavior at home had been deteriorating more and more with breaking his bed, blatantly lying, stealing, and violent outbursts. While living with me his grades were (and still are atrocious) did not warrant a phone, tv, or anything fun for that matter. Finally he got fed up with basically being grounded and having to live by rules, he ran away back to his mother's. Who immediately got him a phone and did not place any rules for him nor hold him him accountable for anything. While he was in my care he was diagnosed with ADHD, Oppositional defiance disorder, Depression, and binge eating. In October I officially gave custody to my ex since it was advised by my attorney at the time to basically concede and let him stay with my ex. Even though everyone chicks see that she was using this as money making venture. If I put up a fight there was the strong possibility my son would just run away again. I had also finally reached my end to dressing with both of them. After going to court approx 3-4 a year for 14 years I decided I could not expend any more energy into this. It almost ruined me mentally and since I focused so much on my kids, my relationships during this suffered. Fast forward to now to me getting a notice that my ex now wants to go BACK to court to seek an extra $70 a month. Even though she is already getting $690 a month and lives in an area which has a considerably lower cost of living. The basis for this is she is wanting me to pay for out of network counseling. She has made every excuse in the book as to why our son isn't on meds and the counseling is some faith based form which he has only attended 3 times in the last 6 months, and as I mentioned before out of network. Hardly suiting his needs. Again I appreciate your comment and will take your advice and post this in legaladvice. Thank you again."

Answer:
 If she's taking you to court for an increase in child support, then your options are to appear without a lawyer and probably pay the increase, or appear with a lawyer and maybe pay the increase. The basis for the increase seems sound - your son, by your own words, does need fairly extensive counseling, and if you can get that done for $70/m then you might come out ahead.

However, if the counseling is not accredited and if your co-parent isn't working with your son's existing counseling services and medication programs, then you've got a fairly good argument that she's welcome to try it but it's her problem, not yours, to pay for it. This is not an argument you should undertake personally: you're just plain too close to the situation to make a level assessment or present it to the courts.

Since you already have an attorney, working with him or her is almost certainly your best chance to avoid paying for non-accredited psychological care.

Be careful with r/mensrights. There's a fair number of regulars there who will, for one reason or another, play into your sense that this situation is unfair and that you should be able to get out of. That feels good, but it doesn't actually help you much, or help your son. Your son is rapidly approaching adulthood. In at most four more years, this will be over barring any higher education obligations your divorce or support orders impose on you. Since you've been compliant with your support obligations, you're not looking at an ongoing problem after your son reaches adulthood. You've done the best you can.


Title: [TX] My employer (oilfield) has a very explicit policy that talking about pay rate will cause immediate termination.

Question:
My understanding is that that is incredibly illegal, but in my research I also saw that some industries are exempt (airlines, agriculture, etc., but the oilfield wasn’t mentioned). I have no interest in leaving my company or reporting them, but it would be nice to be completely prepared if something happened so I just wanted to see if there was anyone with legal experience who could definitively say whether the oilfield is exempt.

Thanks!

Answer: Are you all truly employees or are you independent contractors?


Title: Would it be legal to let a company know that by registering me as User, they accept my End User Agreement and Privacy Policy?

Question:
I wonder if this would be legal or admissible in courts.

Location: Worldwide/US

Answer:
 maybe. but their TOS probably already says something preemptive about their obligations to you. Answer #2: It would be hilarious and meaningless. A contact is an agreement between two parties. They did not agree at any time. Answer #3: You will need to do quite a bit of research into adhesion contracts and admissability into every jurisidiction which exists to answer your question.

Generally though?

Not likely.


Title: Self Defense Question

Question:
I keep getting assaulted at work and I work for myself. It's someone I work around. The person I work around is a defense attorney and I want to know how to defend myself legally?

Also I live in Los Angeles and I don't want to spend nor can I afford $450 an hour for a attorney what are my options?

More information added:
We are both Entertainment photographers and we photograph people at events, he runs over and slams into me pushing on me and he uses the excuse he's just trying to get in there to get photos, which is BS since he never acted like that before our argument. I have not called the police trying to avoid it because it's awkward and I look like a wimp if I do that. Also the guy acts nice to me until we start shooting then he turns into a football player and only make bodily contact with me.

Answer: If you are being assaulted, call the police.


Title: 2017 Justice Gap Report–Measuring the Civil Legal Needs of Low-income Americans

Question:
Good morning, I'm your friendly neighborhood, Sarah! I am the Institutional Advancement Associate at the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and will be posting daily over the next two weeks with issues that LSC is focusing on. Some LSC staff and I will pop in periodically to answer any questions that may come up related to the daily topic.

Our first issue is the Justice Gap Report, which is central to our mission at LSC. *The Justice Gap: Measuring the Unmet Civil Legal Needs of Low-income Americans* report explores the “justice gap,” the difference between the civil legal needs of low-income Americans and the resources available to meet those needs.

The phrase “with liberty and justice for all” in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance represents the idea that justice should be accessible to everyone. In criminal cases, legal assistance is a right. However, **there is no right to counsel in civil matters**, and most low-income Americans are forced to go it alone without legal representation.

Seventy-one percent of low-income households in the country experienced at least one civil legal problem in the past year. One in four low-income households experienced six or more civil legal problems, including 67% of households with survivors of domestic violence or sexual abuse. Eighty-six percent of the civil legal problems reported by low-income Americans in the past year received inadequate or no legal help. Legal problems included critical issues such as veterans’ benefits, domestic violence, disability access, housing conditions, and health care.

LSC is the single largest funder of civil legal aid programs in the United States, supporting 133 legal aid organizations across the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the territories. LSC-funded legal aid programs will serve an estimated 1 million Americans this year but will be able to fully address the civil legal needs for only about half of them largely due to a lack of resources. Meanwhile, Americans spend virtually the same amount each year on federal funding for civil legal aid and Halloween costumes *for their pets!*

In total, low-income Americans will approach these organizations for assistance with an estimated 1.7 million problems, but will receive only limited or no legal help for between 62% and 72% of their problems.

Learn more about the crisis in civil legal aid from our [Justice Gap Report](http://www.lsc.gov/sites/default/files/images/TheJusticeGap-FullReport.pdf) and [Executive Summary](http://www.lsc.gov/sites/default/files/images/TheJusticeGap-ExecutiveSummary.pdf).

Answer:
 One thing that really leaps out is how even small things snowball on low income households - and even the **perception** that civil legal aid or any sort of government help is unavailable ends up causing a swath of unnecessary damage.

For example, [wage theft](http://www.epi.org/publication/employers-steal-billions-from-workers-paychecks-each-year-survey-data-show-millions-of-workers-are-paid-less-than-the-minimum-wage-at-significant-cost-to-taxpayers-and-state-economies/) results in more losses annually than [burglary](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/11/23/cops-took-more-stuff-from-people-than-burglars-did-last-year/) (which is less than civil forfeiture), and affects **17%** of low income workers.

Those lost wages lead to more evictions, and low income people are obviously more likely to be illegally evicted.

And [people with lower educational attainment are more likely to divorce](https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2013/article/marriage-and-divorce-patterns-by-gender-race-and-educational-attainment.htm) (financial stress is notorious for exacerbating relationship issues and leading to divorces).Answer #2: Other than donating to LSC, what is the number one thing that lay persons can due to help eliminate the Justice Gap?


Title: I operate a blog where I review fetish videos - Legal action is being threatened against me for my opinions. [NY]

Question:
Hi,

So basically I operate a fetish blog where I review clips that ladies have made and I comment on the industry as a whole. Today, I woke up to a phone call from a lawyer (I have no idea how he got my number/real name) who was calling about my blog but I clicked on him because it was a phone call and it seemed really unprofessional as a first method of communication because I had no idea of knowing if he was a real guy or not. Upon further review, it looks like the guy is a member of the DC Bar, but it's odd because the guy has no web presence: He has social media that doesn't have any followers but has been around since 2011, he has a law firm but all of the members on the site don't show up on the internet. It's very odd.

This afternoon, I received an email from a major fetish clip site that accused me of harassing members of the site and revealing personal information (none of which I have done) and threatened legal action against me. I asked the site for proof of any wrongdoing and to date, they have provided none, because I haven't done what they have said. This fetish site also mentioned specific details about my life, which indicates that they have looked up my LinkedIn account.

So my questions are: What kind of lawyer even deals with my situation? Internet/IP Law? Was the website out of line by mentioning specific details of my life in the email? Or is that up to what it says in the Terms and Conditions? Is it possible to sue someone for refusal of service on a website? Is there any legal recourse if I decide to document this situation on my blog?

Thank You!

Answer:
 >but it's odd because the guy has no web presence

A lawyer certainly doesn't have to have a web presence.  And one engaged in a private practice for a porn company reasonably may choose not to.

>What kind of lawyer even deals with my situation?

A lawyer who practices in whatever area in which they make their claim (if they sue you).  It sounds like that may be defamation or may be something else.  You likely want a lawyer who has a familiarity with internet law issues.

>Was the website out of line by mentioning specific details of my life in the email?

Probably not.  Attorneys almost always to some extent look into the people they may advance a claim against.

>Is it possible to sue someone for refusal of service on a website?

Who is refusing service to whom?  In any case, likely no.  You can't force someone to do business with you.

>Is there any legal recourse if I decide to document this situation on my blog?

You should discuss that with your lawyer before you do it.  You may not to choose to retain an attorney unless they make good their threat of legal action.  In that case you might hold back from discussing it on your blog for a bit.  Obviously people have made other decisions about this course of action.


Title: (FL)My sons teacher keeps reporting us to DCFS(CPS) because of his food intolerances.

Question:
My sons nine. He's lactose intolerant and issues with potatoes(they make him vomit instantly).

His teacher has reported us to CPS twice because she thinks he's malnourished. He's in the 95th percentile for height and weight that's the opposite of malnourished.

How do we know that it's her? She told us. My husband and I spoke to the principal about it but she suggested that my son "just drink milk and eat potatoes at school to stop the reports".

Is there anything we can do to make the reports stop? We're moving him to a private school after summer.

Answer:
 The Florida Department of Education has a department that enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act and the plans that you already have in place. [This page has the contact information for compliance officers.](http://www.fldoe.org/contact-us/americans-with-disabilities-act-ada-co.stml) If the School Board is not listening, call in the state regulators. This is one of the few areas where they have power.Answer #2: Not a lawyer, but have experience with 504/IEP/all that stuff.

If you *really* want to get into it instead of waiting it out until you switch your son's school, then you need to bring a social worker with you to a meeting with the principal, teacher, superintendent, guidance counselor... whoever they'd send for one regarding the 504 and/or IEP.

Also, it may be worth noting that you may not have to pay for your child's private schooling. If the school refuses to accommodate his conditions, they're generally required to pay for him to go somewhere that will.

I'm from NJ, so YMMV.Answer #3: Turn it around and file a CPS complaint against the teacher for trying to get your son to eat things he is allergic to.  For all you know there might be other kids the teacher is putting in danger.Answer #4: IANAL

Maybe you could try to get the principal to tell you that in writing. It may scare him into understanding the seriousness of the situation.

If it doesn't, you have evidence with which to crucify him.

Any lawyers know if Florida is a one-party consent state or how FERPA may come into play with an audio recording?


Title: Boss scheduling me for 2 shifts in a school night

Question: I live in Indiana and am 17 and currently work in a nursing home in dietary.  My boss scheduled me for a 7am-3pm shift (with at least a 30 min break) and then again at 4:30 till 8pm (those shifts usually end around 7:30-45 though). I'm wondering if this is ok or not because my mother has told me that it isn't legal and I am currently looking for somebody to cover my second shift that day as I have school work and other things to do.  I would probably be working around 10 hours that day.

Answer:
 What day of the week is this shift scheduled for?

Check [this](https://www.in.gov/dol/files/Teen_Labor_Laws_2009.pdf) out for more info.


Title: Got two books. Only ordered one. What do? (WA)

Question:
I ordered a textbook for an English class from Amazon. Ordered one, was charged for one. When the UPS guy showed up, there were two copies on my doorstep, in separate packages. Am I under any sort of obligation to attempt to return the extra? Or is it on Amazon to attempt recovery if they even want to?

Edit: Called Amazon, they wanted it back, and gave me a shipping label. I'll send it out next chance I get.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: You didn't pay for it. It is not yours. You cannot keep it without them saying you can. Notify Amazon. They will either pay for it to be returned or tell you to keep it.


Title: (CA, Los Angeles and Orange County) Got In An Accident While Driving With A Suspended License

Question:
Backstory: Got a DUI in 2012 in Bellflower court, paid all fines and legal penalties.

Got another DUI in 2014 while driving with a suspended license. Sentencing closed in 2015 in Westminster court, also paid all fines and legal penalties.

For years I was at a job I could walk to. I started job hunting for a new career in the beginning of the year and landed a great new job, but requires driving into the office.

I was/am eligible for a restricted license with the interlock device, but for no reason other than my own stupidity have not done it. Thursday I side-swiped a car on the freeway while switching lanes and the police showed up. Accident was in LA county. The person I hit seems like a really nice, calm woman but I did not tell her my license is suspended. The car is registered and insured under my mom.

The officer was nice enough to let me call my parents to pick up the car so I wouldn't have it towed, but I was cited for driving with a suspended license and not having the interlock device.

While I have done many stupid and irresponsible things in life, I somehow have managed to put away a big savings of money. I will more than likely be able to pay out of pocket for all expenses and fines. My questions are below:

* What can I tell her insurance company? I don't want to tell them I am uninsured and have a suspended license. I would like to tell them I do not want to involve my insurance and will pay out of pocket. I spoke with the woman again and she made no mention of needing medical attention.

* Should I now go get the interlock device put on my car? Will it show proactive-ness to the court and get me some leniency in sentencing? Or is it pointless because my license will be resuspended, I assume.

*I assume I will also be cited for probation violations in my first two cases. What are the possible penalties for driving with a suspended license, no interlock device, and this probation violation in Bellflower and Westminster court?

For those who want to lecture me: I understand I am a bad, irresponsible human being. I have done so much to screw up my life and future yet I somehow manage to have a good career, loving family, and amazing girlfriend who deserves so much better.
I quit drinking in 2015 and have tried to live life as a better person. I recognize I am slightly depressed and was working on a to do list of self improvement. I am trying to remain positive and see this as another speed bump in life rather than another fuck up to add on my list of why I ruined my life.

Thank you to those who took the time to read and comment below.

Answer: Just keep quiet for now. Fix your mom's car. When you do get the tickets, consult with a lawyer so you understand all the possible outcomes. When the lady's insurance company contacts you, see how much they want and negotiate it down as much as possible. Your mother's insurance isn't going to cover you anyways.


Title: Punched and cut by my dentist during oral surgery

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >Do I sue?

What tangible loss did you suffer?  Did you require medical treatment?

Guessing that you didn't really lose anything, you can file a complaint with the office, or with the dental board in your state.  Though you might also note that dentistry is a practice where force is often necessary and sometimes things happen.


Title: My crazy (ex)wife is blatantly slandering me on YouTube. She uses my full name, the name of my employer, the names of our children, etc... Can I get these removed?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 https://www.youtube.com/reportabuse

Also, download these videos if you can. Use them as evidence as to why she should be denied custody. I wouldn't worry too much about the embarrassment factor: She's sounds wacky. The most important thing here is to maintain your composure, don't get baited into retaliation, and keep your focus on what matters most: your kids and your livelihood.Answer #2: Go to the judge and ask her for a gag order.

Also once again, your LOCATION MATTERS.Answer #3: Have you talked about it with your lawyer?

Your divorce is public record.  Anyone can go to the courthouse and see your file with all of your names in it.

Anything that she says which is an opinion is not defamation.  Anything she says that is false and presented as factual truth can be defamation.  In those instances, you need to prove damages.  Out of all you said though, the only thing that sounds like it could be defamatory is her claiming abuse.  If she's alleging emotional abuse you won't be able to disprove that.  If she's alleging physical abuse that you can prove didn't happen, then you may have something. Other than that it just devolves into both parties slinging shit in a messy divorce which, sadly, is typical.

You can try to flag the videos or report them or whatever the youtube process is, but that probably won't get them taken down.  Answer #4: Everything you are stating sounds like opinion to me. That being said:

1.  Show your lawyer who should show the judge.  This will make her look crazy and benefit you.

2. Nobody else care.  Literally.  Not a single person in the world is going to watch these videos and think she is anything but a psycho, so don't worry about it too much.


Title: Cows

Question:
Good afternoon,

My neighbors' cows are not effectively fenced in. So they are out daily.
They frequent my yard, they frequent my neighbors' yard. They frequent whatever they want.

They eat trees, bushes, damage lawns, mailboxes, decks, etc.

When out, the typical response from myself and neighbors is calling the local sheriff's office, who then tells the neighbor to get his cows.

I don't have hard numbers, but I would guesstimate the sheriff has been called triple digit times over the last year.
The sheriff started at some point they could take the cattle to the sale barn; this doesn't happen though...

Live in KS. Fence in state. Outside City limits. Acreage.
Letter from a lawyer won't scare/deter/change behavior. Owners of the cows don't care.
What advice do you have?

Thanks so much,

Answer: You can sue them for the damage the cows have caused.


Title: Golf cart theft

Question: So about 3 months ago some friends and I were messing around and stole a broken golf cart off  the grounds of a public school. A few days later my friends were caught with it and confessed telling the whole story along with my name. After receiving a court letter I found I was being charged with "burglary" and "car theft" which are both felony charges. The reason for the burglary charge is because they are claiming I broke into a shed on school grounds which did not happen and one witness says I did not. And theft is only a felony if the property is worth (I believe) $1800 or more. However according to the police report the cart was worth $1200 ten years ago. And the cart was broken putting the worth by my estimate around $200 definitely well below felony charges. At this point I have yet to come to an agreement and have denied the charges. I have a court date set for December 1st. I can still make a deal with the prosecutor and they generally want to for juvenile court. (I am I minor and the crime was committed in Utah) and advise would be great.

Answer: Get a lawyer, and then listen to them.


Title: Is store return fraud a thing?

Question: So I bought an item  (valued at 70 dollars if it matters) from an online retailer. When the item arrived I found it to be defective. I attempted to go through the manufacturer warranty claim process, but its giving me some issues. Home depot has this same item, albeit at a higher price. Hypothetically,  if I bought this item from home depot, then returned the defective item inside the new items packaging in order to get my money back,  have I committed a crime?

Answer: Think about it a moment: did Home Depot sell you the original item?Answer #2: Yes, *fraud in general* is a thing. That thing is a crime. Answer #3: Don’t do it. It is more serious crime than you think.


Title: [Georgia] I provided recipes photos of meals to a friend for a group diet bet 2 years ago. He’s now using those photos and recipes to sell a book.

Question:
Two years ago a physical trainer I’m friends with started a diet bet (not through the official program, just a Facebook group) among a group of ~45 people he trained or knew. He came up with a food list. The only payment in the whole thing was that we all paid him 10$ and the three winners got $250, $100, and $50 respectively.

I got very into it and regularly posted recipes and photos into the FB group. There were probably about 100 UNIQUE photos (like I set them up and plated them nicely and uniquely, not just a generic photo of a chicken on a plate). I also included recipes, but I know I can’t claim that I made them up because some of their were just fairly basic things you could find with a google search.

Well a few days ago my friend posted on FB that he was selling a e-book of diet tips with recipes and ideas. He posted some previews and I was began to think they looked very familiar. I contacted a mutual friend who bought the book and lo and behold, all of the photos in the book are photos that I posted to the Facebook group 2 years ago, accompanied by the recipes I posted (which once again, I understand I can’t claim ownership or a recipe).

My question is, my friend is selling these e books for $20 a shot and at least 200 people have commented that they bought the book or wanted to buy it. Maybe it sound greedy, but I’m extremely annoyed that he didn’t at least ask me if he could use the photos first. And to be honest, I feel like I’m entitled to some compensation here. I’m not looking to sue him for thousands or anything. But do I have a right to any of the profits he’s making off of my photos?

Answer:
 A couple of things here....
If you created a recipe yourself, then it is in fact your intellectual property, unless is something obvious.

For the pictures, unless you agreed to turn over rights to them (and check the Facebook TOS to be sure), those are your intellectual property as well, and this is certainly actionable.Answer #2: Facebook has a perpetual license to any content. You still “own” the photos, but not in any meaningful way.

It’s the same issue with the recipes.

You could probably sue in small claims court, for acting in bad faith. What’s “legal” doesn’t matter as much in small claims or “justice” courts.

If you can convince a judge that you were stolen from, you might be able to get his profits. Small claims is up to $15,000 in some places.


Title: [US-MA] auto insurance company claimed to represent my mom, tried to get a recorded statement from me regarding an accident I was not involved in. When I found out they were not my mom's insurance company I stopped replying to them, and now they are harassing me on my phone at home and at work.

Question:
I got a voicemail at work from an insurance company in late July this summer  saying that they were calling in regards to an auto accident that happened in mid July. I freaked out because as far as I had known my car had not been in an accident, however several family members had been borrowing my car and maybe they had been in an accident without telling me. After contacting everyone who borrowed my car, I found out that no one had been in an accident. I called the insurance company back, and they said the accident had happened July 2016, and gave me the plate number or car model (can't recall which) turns out it was my mom's car they were calling about.

My moms car had been in an accident last July, but I was neither he driver nor on her insurance at that time (although I am now and at the time of the call, which is why I assumed they called me). I told the person that I thought it had been resolved, and she said it was, but now the other driver is coming after us for more money.  She asked if I could make a recorded statement, and I said no (bc I didn't have time and wasn't even in the country when the accident happened anyways). She started the recording anyways and after the first question I repeated that I did not agree to make a recording, and I will call her back when I have the time. I planned to call her back after work. I went home and asked my mom about it and she said that this company wasn't even her insurance company, and that neither party had been found at fault for the accident.

Normally I would think maybe I misunderstood the person on the phone, but because of the confusion with the dates and the fact that this happened over a year ago, I asked a lot of questions, and the woman on the phone made it very clear that she was my mom's insurance company, and made it seem like the other driver was coming after them for more money.

I didn't call her back and didn't reply to her phone calls. Eventually I got a letter in the mail asking me to call. I starters getting voicemails from a man with he insurance company. This same man  came to our house when we were not home, and left their card and a message relative was visiting. He's been sending me phone calls, voicemails and texts, to the point that I blocked his number.  Last week, I saw he viewed my LinkedIn profile, and today I come into work and my supervisor gave me a message saying he called because he is trying to track me down and wants to know if I am still an employee.

I do not want to talk to them after the initial caller misrepresented the situation and themselves, and tried to push me into giving a recorded  statement. I do not know why the keep calling me specifically, though I assume it is because they have my contact info. This insurance company was my insurance company last year, so I assume they saw the same address and knew they could contact me about it. They also know I was not the driver because during the initial phone call, the woman said the name of the actual driver (not my mom or me). At this point I am also assuming they represent the other driver.

What can I do to stop them from harassing me? If they have an issue they can work with my mom's insurance but I do not want to talk to them or give any recorded statement.

Edits: for clarity
Topic:
Insurance

Answer:
 Are you sure they're actually with an insurance company?  Because no insurance company would do that.  It sounds more like these are the other people involved in the collision who think that they are going to trick you into admitting liability so that they can get some money.

I'd try to find out exactly who they are and then report what they're doing to the police and file for a restraining order against them.Answer #2: You don't have to talk to them or give them a recorded statement.

If they really want to talk to you, they can get a subpoena issued and force you to give a deposition or otherwise testify in an official proceeding.


Title: [FL] Car was stolen and found, now at an impound lot.

Question: My brother's car was stolen a few days ago, and the police found it last night, and had it towed to an impound lot I guess. Now the tow company/impound lot is trying to charge us $200, and demanded the spare key from us until we pay for the car. Is this standard practice for stolen vehicles???

Answer: You don't have to give them your keys but you will have to pay to get your car back. Impound lots aren't charities. Answer #2: Yes, aside maybe from the spare key, which yoi don't have to turn over. Your insurance will cover the fees or you can sue the thief.


Title: Is reshipping illegal?

Question:
Hello.

After coming across several articles about reshipping scams, I'm left wondering whether reshipping is illegal in all cases, or only when it involves fraudulent purchases.

Let's say, I live abroad and ask a friend in the US to reship me some items from eBay. After getting his address and consent, I buy a few items on eBay using my own PayPal account and his address as shipping address. Is this prohibited regardless of whether the purchases are fraudulent or not? Likewise, is the friend at risk for accepting to reship?

Thank you.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 It's not *illegal*, but usually part of the Terms of Conditions of an online store are (expressly or implied) that you reside in the jurisdiction that they're selling to.

You're not likely to run into any legal trouble that I can think of.


Title: Court ordered to paint roof

Question: My grandmother lives in a lower income neighboor hood in South NJ.  Over the past few years they have been trying to "clean up" the city and with that has come raises in property and other taxes to a point where a lot of the residents are forced to leave.  This past week my grandmother was taken to court for failure to paint the front porch roof and the judge ordered her to paint it or face heavy fines.  She owns the house free and clear. No housing associations. Nothing like this has ever been heard of in the area in the past.  Does the city have the authority to force her to do this?  If not what can be done here?

Answer: Likely. There are still city ordinance that can mandate certain stands for housingAnswer #2: Cities and towns can set standards of upkeep for properties, so it's likely legal. The fact that a judge has actually ordered it also points to it being legal.


Title: If someone gets mad and punches a window, then dies from a loss of blood, is it classified as a suicide?

Question: Just wondering

Answer: Suicide is the *intentional* taking of one's own life. Answer #2: Accident.


Title: My mom passed away while collecting a victim settlement.

Question:
In **MICHIGAN**: A friend we hired to help manage the office at our small family business embezzled $18k in 2007 while my step father was dying of lung cancer. They were prosecuted and was ordered to pay restitution to my mother in full.

April 2019 my mother passed away of ovarian cancer and $11007.xx is still owed. They say to transfer the payments into my name I'll have to go through probate.

I am executor and my two brothers and I have settled everything without the use of probate court at this point and wanted to avoid it. The clerk also said call a lawyer which we also wanted to avoid. Can I do this myself? Is it like small claims and just pay for a hearing with notarized signatures of my brothers blessings? The live in AZ and NC respectively and believe it or not we all trust each other and I'd like to save them a flight.

Will they give us shit for not using the court to settle the trust?

Thank you in advance.

Answer: Having been executor for my older brother's estate, which got pretty complicated, I found the assistance of our lawyer invaluable. Probate (at least in Iowa) costs aren't that much and my brother's estate, much less than $11007, easily covered the costs.


Title: Assaulted three months ago

Question:
Three months I was in a year gay relationship. We lived together and his sister got moved in with us cause she had an abortion and had all these issues. She would make comments all the time of sorts. One morning I wake up to her yelling at my boyfriend "how fucking embarrassing you're with he needs to go!" I get up out of the room pass her she says "to need to go!  " I get a glad of water drink back to my room ignoring her then says before I pass her "I'm trying to get rid of you!" And I respond walking by "like your abortion? " next thing you know from behind in my head I get punched about five times to wich turn and respond with "wtf" and throw the water at her at a attempt to back her off. Then she starts pulling her hair and shirt and loudly yelling " fuck you Faggot I'm going to kill you!" I rush into the room as my boyfriend walks out grabs me and yelling "wtf you do to my sister" as he grabbed me with her phone she starts hitting me full force screaming "fuck you" over and over till I managed to brake off my pushing him into room closing door. I tell him what's going on and he's just crying telling me to leave I get out door and I see her rush tords me I throw water in a cup and close her door as she rushes tords me she is pounding kicking door yelling that she's gonna kill me. I run to car park away from house when I see the cops coming. Right here I knew she was setting me up. I go to police station make report they ask me if I want charges I said I'm to emotional at the moment.
A week later me and him are good a week after I get a restraining order with lies. Be coincidence court for the hearing was a day after mothers 55 bday. Stressing me disturbing my peace everyone asking what's wrong. I go to court she lies saying I broke in stole that she's scared of me. Note:she's as mall blonde all American girl I'm 6:0f male mustache gay she out "Hispanic" in the order I'm American. The judged looked at me and said it's my turn I keep it simple "1. The police report states she admits I didn't hit her 2. I've been kicked out of places for "hitting a woman" / her workplace told my cousin I hit her(my cousin use to work there. 3. I have a letter by her brother staying she committed purgury notarized"    She is told that there sorry they can't place one on me And judge looks at me and says "don't think you've won" case dismissed. What can I do now I lost my relationship moved out she told a salon I hit her(I work on hair)  she made a mutual friend make us encounter with guys dogging me and I knew I just had to turn back. The judge final words got to me I need some advice on what to do in Location:Palm Desert California

Answer:
 Let me TL;DR that dramafest for you, since "abortion" could just as easily apply as a description of that wall 'o text:

* OP is in a gay relationship, partner's sister moved in after an abortion
* Drama ensues! Sister wants OP gone, OP makes an abortion joke at her, sister goes haywire.
* OP leaves. Speaks to police, declines to pursue a complaint.
* Sister tries for a restraining order.
* Restraining order denied at hearing.
* OP upset. OP single. OP wondering what his legal options are.

"Not much." Move on.

Have I nailed the salient points, OP?


Title: Meeting a film producer next week to sell my life rights for a movie. What should I be aware of, what are my life rights? [NY]

Question:
Hi, I did an interview about my life for a newspaper a few years ago. The film producer recently purchased the published story from the newspaper for a film. Now they want to meet me to purchase my life rights for the film. I feel woefully unprepared for the meeting. Any advice?

Right now my game plan is to listen, ask a ton of questions, and not agree to anything until I get legal advice from an entertainment lawyer. Not sure I can afford the consultation but I might have to have one at some point.

Thanks!
Topic:
Intellectual Property

Answer:
 > Right now my game plan is to listen, ask a ton of questions, and not agree to anything until I get legal advice from an entertainment lawyer.

That's the perfect plan. Just keep in mind that film producers aren't generally out to screw over people when trying to buy life rights-- it typically works out better for anyone to make a fair deal at this point.

That said, *also* keep in mind that right now the amount they're paying you is for a gamble. They have no idea if the movie will be successful, will tank, or will even get made. This means that the amount they're paying you will seem like more than what's fair if the movie never goes anywhere, but less than what's fair if the movie is wildly successful.

If you're not okay with that arrangement, make sure that is reflected in the deal. EG you can ask for additional payment if the movie is made, and if it's successful (you can ask for % points if you want-- get gross, not net-- but a flat fee at box office mile stones is best for you) but be aware this means you will have to sacrifice a significant amount up front.

But your lawyer will go over all of this with you. Just keep in mind the deal can say literally anything you want it to, you can be as creative as you want. Figure out the best format for payment to make sure you won't feel screwed in any event.


Title: Turkish couple applying to rent property next door to Greek nationalist; if I disclose neighbor's views am I discriminating?

Question:
My rental property applicants are a Turkish couple. The man in the house next door is a Greek nationalist. They don't have to socialize but will cross paths taking out trash cans, parking cars, and so on. What is my disclosure situation here? If I disclose by saying, "By the way, just so you know, there's a Greek nationalist next door," am I violating racial discrimination law? If I do not disclose, am I failing to report a hazardous situation?

I have no problems with the Turkish couple, who are polite and well-heeled professionals.

Answer:
 Say nothing to anyone.  You have no obligation to disclose and disclosing can only cause you problems.

Hope the Greek guy comes to like them and you can write a script like Gran Torino only it will be called Farmobil


Title: Significant issues found 2 months after closing. First home. Who is responsible for what? [US, MN] [X-Post r/realestate]

Question:
[U.S., MN]

TL;DR: Plumber found significant problems in our new home that weren't disclosed by seller or inspector. Who (if anyone) is liable?

We closed on our first house at the end of January. The house was built in the '30s and we bought it as a flipped house. We used our agent's recommended inspector who, among other things, discovered signs of water in the basement. We proceeded to close.

After the last big thaw of winter and first rain of spring, we discovered a pretty significant amount of water in the basement (up to half an inch in places, and covering about 30 sq. ft.). We called out a plumber because the area affected is around the water heater, and we wanted to rule that out as an issue.

The plumber confirmed that the water was coming in through the foundation and that the problem was compounded when the previous owners (who flipped the house) dug a trench to run electricity to the garage and left the ground loose. No major surprises so far.

Here's where the real issues begin. While looking around the basement, he also noticed several problems, some more severe than others.

* Water heater is not properly vented, presenting a Carbon Monoxide hazard.
* The chimney is unlined, and the flue gases are degrading the mortar.
* Numerous (non-hazardous) plumbing code violations.

I've looked back over the inspector's report, and I don't see any of these issues mentioned. In fairness, the report is poorly formatted, so I may be misunderstanding something.

QUESTIONS:

* What were the seller's obligations to reveal these issues to us prior to closing?
* What expectations/obligations are there for the home inspector to discover and report these issues?
* Considering that we used our agent's recommended inspector (he may even have been an "in-house" inspector, though I'd have to check), to what extent is the agency liable?
* Is anyone liable for the water in the basement? We were warned that there were signs of water, but I don't think anyone warned us of the extent of the problem. I'm guessing this one is a bit of a stretch.
* How do we proceed from here? Our first thought was to reach out to our buyer's agent, but if this is going to end up as a legal matter, we want to get our ducks in a row first.

Thanks in advance for your feedback. Just trying to get the lay of the land.

EDIT: Formatting & clarity.
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer: An inspection is a snapshot of the house in its current state. Flippers don't live in houses so they don't see leaks. You were warned about water intrusion.


Title: I'm fairly certain I found a sexual predator while at a park today, not sure what is the right course of action.

Question:
Today my friend and I were at a local park, we arrived at the same time as another car and out of that car came 5 people, 1 older looking guy (mid 20's to early 30's) and 4 young girls (about middle school aged). We didn't think much of this other than it seemed a bit odd and continued prep for our hike. We did smell a strong odor of weed when we got out of the car and could only be coming from their vehicle the way we were parked.

I'm a professional photographer by trade so I had my big camera with a big zoom with me. I was shooting portraits of my friend with this setup. A little into our walk I see the group again and notice that all the girls seemed to be dressed very provocative for that young age, one was in a bikini top and very short shorts (mind you, this is upstate NY and the park was high up, it was roughly 55-60˚ there so not that type of clothing weather). I also noticed that these girls seemed to be acting very strange, almost as if they were drugged (laying on the ground randomly, staring at random objects, jumping on people and things, just acting very strange and not like normal hyperactive teenagers).

At this point, I still haven't had the ability to get a good look at the guy so I still thought it was maybe a father or something of that nature... that was until we were further into the hike and saw him taking pictures of the 4 girls back sides and hugging/kissing on one of the other girls as the others take pictures of it.

At this point, I pulled out my camera and pretended to take pictures of my friend when I was really taking shots of him and the kids, once I zoomed in he did not look like an 18 year old or father, he looked as if he was in his mid 20's to early 30's. I talked to another guy there about it and he said he noticed the same thing. A little while after hanging there a bit sneaking photos he seems to catch on, the whole time he was very suspicious of his surroundings too, always looking around to see what was going on.

Once he catches on he quickly starts to leave but not until approaching me, the conversation went as follows:

Him: What type of camera is that?
Me: It's a Sony

At this point he is very close to me and begins to grab my camera.

Him: Can I see it?
Me: No, I can't let you do that, sorry

He now just lets go and begins to walk away, after a short distance he turns around.

Him: I hope you didn't take any pictures of me on that, right.
Me: Nope

Then he just leaves. At this point, I'm certain something is up and go into full "I have to catch this guy mode". In my 7 years of being a photographer, not once have I ever been approached by someone... and I shoot pictures of people with me blatantly in sight all the time, I was hiding it this time so he couldn't tell.

I trail behind him slightly and end up being able to get a picture of his license plate, it is registered in NY. He left very quickly.

I've tried contacting 2 local police stations but have been unsuccessful as it was at 9pm on a saturday, I'm going to attempt going to one tomorrow morning.

My question for you is, is my suspicion justified and legally am I allowed to make a complaint like this?

Answer:
 I would call the Human Trafficingn Hotline.   This situation seems exactly what it was made for.    They’ll know exactly who to call to get traction on this case.  Answer #2: >go into full "I have to catch this guy mode".

It is generally ill-advised and dangerous (not only for you, but to others in your location) to do this kind of thing. Unless you believe someone's life is in immediate danger, you can contact law enforcement with information you know, and should not do anything more. Answer #3: Sounds kind of like human trafficking too.

1 (888) 373-7888
National Human Trafficking Resource Center

SMS: 233733 (Text "HELP" or "INFO")
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a weekAnswer #4: “Older looking guy mid... 20s to early 30s”

Ugh. Soul crushing phrasing right there. :(

However, if you are suspicious of what you saw, of course you’re within your rights to make a police report. Maybe nothing comes of it. Maybe dude is already on the run. But either way, there is nothing wrong with letting the police know what you’ve seen.


Title: Minor in Possession of Alcohol in South Carolina

Question: I am a minor (20) about to turn 21 in september, and I was recently pulled over for speeding, I had a case of beer in the back of my car as well, so the cop pulled me out and made me pour out the beer all that, ended up with a speeding ticket for going 9 over the speed limit and a MIP, normally in South Carolina you can take a diversion program called AEP (alcohol education program) but I have already had to do this for a prior minor in possession ticket from about a year ago now, my question is what are the chances I can come out of this with a clean record, I doubt I can take the AEP class again, and the first ticket I received was expunged from my record, I plan to hire a lawyer or look into PIT just not sure what to do and/or what is best

Answer: Talk to an attorney, but it's pretty likely that you won't get out of this one. The thinking on the part of the state is "you didn't learn your lesson the first time we granted diversion, so why would we do it a second time?"


Title: Parents wanted to adopt distant relative (10 yr old girl) after mother's OD, father initially agrees but then becomes erratic/constantly contacting my parents. Kid is living in a dump with her grandmother's ex-husband. Is there anything we can do to help this girl get out of this situation?

Question:
(IL)

I realize this sounds like a Jerry Springer episode, but I'm curious about what can be done regarding the child's living conditions.

Long story short- My mother recently reconnected with her birth family after being abandoned on a doorstep as a baby. Family from her blood side almost all have struggled with drugs/poverty, but most of them now have their lives mostly together.

My aunt from that side struggled with heroin addiction before turning her life around. Her daughter unfortunately also had the same problem and recently OD'd, leaving behind 4 kids (two teens, a **10yr old girl**, and a 7 yr old boy.)

These children now live with the ex-husband of my aunt, who I think they have no blood relation. Teens are already troublemakers, both younger two seem well adjusted still. Another aunt approached my mother about taking guardianship of 10 yr old, and they brought the idea to the father. Father does not live with kids, and actually does not believe the girl to be his and thus often leaves her behind when picking up his actual kids. The father initially says he is all for it and they begin arranging to move the girl into my parents house (*way* too earlier for such a move but I digress)

After a weekend at my parents, the father starts contacting my parents incessantly, constantly changing his mind both for the adoption and against it. He sends texts of some condo saying he has a nice place, even though his kids don't live there. They live in a roach infested dump with an old man who can't keep up.

My mother is contacted by the girls teenage brother who tries to intimidate her. A post is made on the girl's fb profile (I guess 10 yr olds have those now) saying she wants to go home, even though she had no internet access at my parents. Turns out her siblings know her pw. Come Monday morning, the psuedo-grandpa picks her up from school and takes all her stuff back. Then my brother gets a fb msg from girl's fb asking why they sent her back (who knows who sent that though).

I mention all of this because I'm fairly certain there is not much to be done regarding adopting the girl if the "father" is not 100% on board. I'm more curious what options might be available to ensure this girl is cared for. The father's behavior was so all over the place and odd that my parents had to block his number. Not to mention he was fine with letting her stay with her heroin-addict mother. I worry he's not completely stable, on top of the fact that he's not even really caring for her. The man she's staying with is trying but of ill health.

My mother already contacted DCFS and there already was some sort of case file, but the contact was not even aware of the horrid living conditions so we don't really know if that will go anywhere.

Is there anything else we can do to help save this girl from growing up neglected in a dump?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 Call DCFS to follow up.

Other than that, not much. You can go talk to an attorney but right now I don't see that you have any standing to remove this child from the father. Let DCFS do their thing and see what they say


Title: Work harassment

Question:
This is the second time I am asking for advice about my job situation. I Work at a recycling center and I LOVE my job and I am really good at what I do, there are creative parts with education and what not, and it shows in the community. But my supervisor is a monster with zero ability to manage her anger. On a regular basis she yells at me in front of customers, yells at customers, enters my building and disturbs my peaceful work with explosive anger about small or non-issues, she has talked to MANY people about my mental health and substance abuse history and about my medication, she has attempted to use drug testing as a sort of black mail to keep me from standing up for myself (after standing up for myself and being right she sends me for drug tests, disturbing my work day, leading me to not want to speak up, my list goes on and I honestly can't keep up.

Oh, there is the time I forgot to log out of my Facebook and she read my messages and messaged as me thru a message thread I had with a friend "I know you think I am a terrible boss etc etc" and signed her name on it.

So, this weekend she completely lost it on me for something so minor I almost laughed. And I honestly didn't understand what she wanted from me so when I said that I needed more info she said "you're too smart for that", implying that I am stupid for not getting everything right away always. She said to me "okay well you can leave" and I didn't think that was a real order so I went back to work and it turns out she clocked me out and I worked for 2 hours without knowing I was not clocked in.

The next day I arrived at work at my scheduled time and she said "I don't even know why you're here" even though I wasn't told not to come. If I didn't come she would have called it a no-call-no-show. She said "don't clock in" but I did anyway because I was supposed to work that day and she had no reason to send me home. She then said she was calling our supervisor, her boss, because I am so insubordinate for wanting to work and then came in to tell me that he okayed her calling in an escort to get me to leave if needed. A cop. So I asked her to calm down and just simply explain to me what is going on and through some conversation she "let" me stay at work.

I emailed our supervisor all of this in more detail and I have been emailing him about past events and he told me that I have no place as a part time worker to be making a fuss, she is my supervisor and I have to do whatever she says... Which doesn't even really make sense because my issue is with her inflammatory, discriminatory anger.

She also told me that I don't belong there and has before. Because I am an alcoholic. I am in treatment and everything is fine but they found out about my problem because I got a DWI so now she uses it against me. I was never drunk at work and it never got in my way as a worker, she just hates that I am an addict and isn't afraid to make it known that addicts are less than.

I don't want to leave my job. At this point I am wondering if there would be a lawyer that would have any interest in a case like this or if I need to just continue to be bullied at work and have the town supervisor ignore my complaints. I am just afraid that this will end with me being fired. Would it be smarter to just resign?

Answer:
 Generally, what you describe doesn't sound like illegal harassment.  Companies can legally employee angry jerks, that's there prerogative.  If this person's supervisor isn't willing to take action there isn't a whole lot you can do.

&#x200B;

Discrimination is only illegal if it is directed at certain protected classes, like race or gender.  Having subsistence use issues is not a protected class.

&#x200B;

The only thing here that I see that is specifically illegal is clocking you out and having you work unpaid.  You need to be paid for all the hours that you work.  If they refuse to pay you for the time that you work, you can report the issue to the appropriate labor agency.


Title: [Michigan] I thought I was Smart

Question: To begin with some pertinent personal information. I am 17 and  I just fucking bombed my first semester in community college. I graduated high school an entire year early by testing out of 1.5 credits that were all i had left for my senior year. Anyway the plan was to go to a CC for a year and transfer to a real college the next year. Things ended up getting slightly more complicated. There are a variety of reasons that I did so poorly this past semester  mainly being that I just wasn't ready. This was first year that I had a real job and it started the same time as my classes. I also had a problem with the scheduling of my classes and not getting up at the same time every day and taking medication for ADD its very hard to remember to take the pills to help you remember and focus when you can't remember to take them. Anyway for that and many other reasons I just did absolutely horrible the first semester. I failed every class mostly because I was doing so poorly that the I freaked out and gave up. Now the legal part. I do want to go to college I want to go into info sec or systems administration and I want a degree from a real school. But the problem is that no college is going to accept me as a transfer with my grades from this community college. If I were to just apply as a freshman at another school and not inform them that I had attended another college would that be a problem from a legal standpoint. I don't know if this is even the right sub for this but I really need help and I'm not sure who else to ask in my life without disappointing these people who were so excited I graduated early and thought I was so smart please help.

Answer:
 *Not legal advice

I did exactly what you did at 17. Two years later I enrolled at a new school as a true freshman, as I didn't try to transfer in the credits I did earn at the first school. Talk to an admissions officer at the school you want to go to. If you find that impossible, it's not that difficult to repair a poor semester, and you can remain at the CC for a few semesters taking courses to improve your GPA. Admissions folks understand that people have difficulty adjusting,and a personal narrative that includes fewer excuses, and accepts responsibility, will help.

These are tough life decisions. I teach mostly freshmen these days, and many of them struggle with the same things you do. Don't worry about this, really. Take the semester to work, and get your life in a good place. Start working on a personal schedule to keep you organized. Take a MOOC or other free class to keep up with schoolwork.


Title: [TX] How do I divorce someone who is here illegally and currently in jail?

Question: I'm not sure if this is a stupid question and the process is exactly the same if he's here legally and not in jail. I haven't been with my ex in over five years. I'm in an amazing relationship right now, he's the best dad and partner anyone could ask for. I don't know if we plan on getting married one day but we definitely plan on being together forever. So I would like to get divorced from my ex. I stayed married to him for so long because I was hoping I would still be able to help him become a legal citizen. He wanted to be legal so he could have steadier work and help contribute more for his kids. But now he's in jail and it doesn't look like he is getting out for a long time if ever. Please tell me what I need to do to start the process of getting divorced? Also, if I try to get a divorce while he's in jail will that make him look worse to the court? Sorry if this is confusing!!

Answer:
 I think the process is the same. You've been living apart for over three years, so you've got that part covered. You'd have to get him served in the facility he's at.

Jail-related divorces are very common. It sounds like he's doing felony time, so I'm not sure you can make him "look worse."


Title: Renters have been served eviction notice, haven't left after deadline

Question:
Eviction papers have been issued by the court to tenant. Does a forced eviction need to happen in order for them to no longer be allowed on the property? No trespassing orders have been set, but landlords have yet to post the actual sign. If one were to call the cops for still being on the property, who is in the right?

Thanks for your time.

Answer:
 The way to evict somebody is a little bit different everywhere, and it's important to follow the rules for where you are exactly.

Because you don't say where you are, nobody can tell you exactly what you need to do.  You can Google the eviction process for many jurisdictions.Answer #2: Just to be clear what stage you're at: when you say "eviction papers", do you mean a "notice to quit?"  Or do you mean they were served with a notice to quit, you went to court, sued them, won, and now the court has issued a "writ of eviction?"  Usually after a court issues a writ of eviction, it needs to be executed by the sheriff (or by the U.S. Marshals if you live in Washington, D.C.)


Title: UPDATE 3:[Florida] My neighbor is trying to start an HOA. He's harassing people and demanding money.

Question:
https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/463azh/update_2florida_my_neighbor_is_trying_to_start_an/

My crazy neighbors *landlord* , turns out that he and his wife are renting the house, came over to apologize for the trouble that my neighbors been causing and to tell me they're being evicted due to violating the lease(no dogs allowed). So they should be gone in a week or so.

Fortunately no one had CPS stop by after he reported them for not having air conditioning.

Answer:
 So this guy wasn't even a property owner? Hilarious. Thanks for the update. Answer #2: hahaha!!!! so he wasn't even a **home owner** and he was trying to start a **home owner's** association.

love it.
thank you!!Answer #3: The full saga:

[\[Florida\] My neighbor is trying to start an HOA. He's harassing people and demanding money.
](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/43ueow/florida_my_neighbor_is_trying_to_start_an_hoa_hes/)

[UPDATE:\[Florida\] My neighbor is trying to start an HOA. He's harassing people and demanding money.](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/446qru/updateflorida_my_neighbor_is_trying_to_start_an/)

[UPDATE 2:\[Florida\] My neighbor is trying to start an HOA. He's harassing people and demanding money.](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/463azh/update_2florida_my_neighbor_is_trying_to_start_an/)


Title: I bought a truck in miami fl i need legal advice please much appreciated (story in comments)

Question:
I bought a truck 1 month ago from a dealer with 90k miles on it, clean title no crashes. The airbag light went on or was on at the time i bought it I don't remember. I went to carmax to have it checked out says I have 5 owners 4 crashes and the odometer was rolled back from 165k miles. I am devastated I want to see if I can return the car or if I can  sue. Please and thank you to all reading this.  UPDATE!!!!!!!!
GOT ALL MY MONEY BACK AFTER TALKING TO DEALER! THANKS ALL

Answer:
 If you can prove that the odo was rolled back by the person you purchased it from (and not his predecessors in title), maybe.

Carfax first, purchase second.  Don't get the order wrong next time.


Title: I forgot to fillout my W-2's today is the day there due, how can I get an extension?

Question:
Kind of freaking out here, I wasn't even aware that I needed to fill these out. I was told that I could actually be arrested if I didn't get my W-2's in time. Is this actually true? or just my friend giving me grief?

=

(for the record) this is my second job, and with my first job I didn't have to fill out W-2 forms. But this job I have to apparently.

=

Can someone please help me out here?
Topic:
Tax Law

Answer: Are you an employer? Do you think today is the 31st?


Title: [Virginia, USA] Mechanic did 6 hour, $550 diagnosis without authorization

Question:
I took my scooter in to have it's vbelt swapped out, and wanted them to do the oil and the spark plug too since their labor minimum is one hour.

**The dirty details for anyone interested:**

First, they said there was a lot of carbon buildup - so much carbon that they had to clean it out to even fit the new spark plug in. Next thing I heard, there was no compression. They were, in their own words, expecting total carnage in the top end based on their preliminary examination.They took it apart and discovered that the rings (?) that help move oil into the bottom of the engine had fused to the piston, and the oil was staying in the top of the motor and burning. That carbon buildup was the only thing holding the motor together.

**TL;DR of the dirty details:**

So they pulled it apart and will have to replace the piston and piston rings. That isn't really an issue. The issue is the exploratory surgery they did... And the labor cost.

All in all? $550 in labor - just diagnosing. They haven't fixed anything yet. I didn't sign anything. They never asked me if it was ok. I went in for a spark plug change and they spent 6 hours tearing my entire engine apart. They just told me they were going to do it. I realized after the fact that they should've had to ask me. I can't afford that.

##**So my real question is:**

I found this bill: http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title59.1/chapter17.1/section59.1-207.3/

How does diagnosis fit into that, when they spent 6 hours diagnosing it?

Answer:
 >They just told me they were going to do it. I realized after the fact that they should've had to ask me.

They told you they were going to do it and you didn't object?Answer #2: From a practical perspective, I'm having trouble believing they needed to remove carbon buildup before putting the new spark plug in. It's a standard size, maybe run a tap through carefully to clean up the threads but the plugs end sits in an open space. What needed to be cleaned up?

My guess is they stripped the threads being careless in putting the new plug in and the resulting chaos resulted from them trying to fix it. No compression after the fact confirms it in my mind.

I've seen some screwy things working on motors but this one doesn't pass the stink test. You brought in a working scooter for a vbelt, plugs and oil- basic maintenance items and now it won't run?

Don't know how you'd prove it OP but this shop screwed you with the work and is trying to double screw you on price.


Title: [WA] I was hired to do a job at $12/hr. After the first week, I was paid. My stub said $11/hr.

Question:
Hello! Thank you for reading.

I started a new job, and was hired for 12 dollars an hour.

A week goes by working, I get my paycheck at the end of the week. I noticed I only got 11 dollars an hour, and in addition, I clocked into work a few minutes early and on several occasions stayed more than 5 minutes late to help with this and that.

My pay was changed to 11 dollars an hour, and these minutes were not properly counted- my shift was from 1:30 to 5 and I only got paid for this time, not the minutes around it.

When I asked my boss the following monday, he said he "changed his expectations" for the job, and said I needed to come in the mornings for work instead of the afternoons, then I could get my 12 an hour. I insisted nothing had changed since the interview, where we discussed my schedule. I already explained, at the interview, my availability and such. Apparently my boss got cold feet after the first week.

My boss did not/has not pay me for the difference from my first week of work, as of today, wednesday. He also had me come in on the 4th of july without holiday pay, but I don't know if I'm even entitled to that anyway.

He then went on to say "You can work for me for 3 more weeks at 11/hr, then I will reconsider this job. If you pass my expectations I will give you 12 an hour"

I don't know if this is legal, which is why I'm posting here.

I am aware I am being taken advantage of, and I'm looking for new work. explained my case to my boss very passionately. I said "Boss, you agreed to pay me 12 an hour, what changed? I work <20 hours a week, an extra dollar an hour is only 20-30 bucks a week extra and I make under 10 grand a year, this money is how I am kept fed!" but he ignored this.

I know it's not my fault, because my first week was very simple- he placed an order for his warehouse, where I work. It was 13 or 14 pallets of products. They have been sitting on his floor for months. He wants me to move the products into inventory. His "we can look into it after 3 weeks" is, to me, a thinly veiled "Finish putting my inventory into stock so I can let you go after you're done". Therefore, all I've done is listen to my music on headphones and move boxes around. I haven't had a chance to piss anyone off yet, since only my boss and another older man work in the warehouse.

Please help! I am poor, and I need this job to keep the lights on. I have a support system with parents and girlfriend and the like, but they can't offer financial or legal assistance.

I was going to file a complaint with L&I.

Other things : working conditions are lackluster but not illegal, as noted by a redditor already
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Find a new job, when said job is locked down- file a wage complaint and quit.


Title: [TX] Is this a possible defense to running a red light?

Question:
So, I just recently received a red light camera ticket in the mail, and I believe it to be unjust. Now, I know a moral argument gets me nowhere in a court of law, but I hope you can hear me out and possibly inform me if this could be an actual legal defense.

I was driving behind a large semi truck at the time and did not see the light turn yellow. By the time the truck was far enough ahead that I could see the signal, it was about to turn red. Given the speed I was traveling, and the distance I had left to stop, I made the split-second decision to continue through the intersection. My intention was not to run the red light, but to avoid a possible accident due to an ~40mph deceleration in a only a few feet. I did not believe I would be able to stop short of the intersection, which would leave me obstructing the intersection. Since, in my reasonable judgment, it would have been much more dangerous to attempt to stop, I feel that the ticket was unjustly given.

If I have no chance, please let me know so I can just pay it, but if you think this argument seems reasonable, could you help me cite some source that cites safety and a lack of notice (aka yellow signal) as a possible defense? I would be happy to provide further detail if needed, btw.

Answer:
 Absolutely not. You'll talk your way into an additional ticket if you say that in court.

Leave some room when you're following large vehicles.


Title: Friend that is an international student is possibly facing suspension and deportation for false information according to student conduct.

Question: My friend went to an engineering conference to try and find an internship the week after spring break. They informed all of their teachers at the beginning of the semester the dates they would miss due to the event. One class had a test originally scheduled during this time but the teacher pushed it back to the day after they returned from the trip and they did not go take it. When they asked about scheduling a time to take the test the teacher said the original arrangement was void since he changed the date of the test. They panicked and told him they actually flew in on the day of the test and when asked for proof changed the date on the ticket. The teacher checked and caught them lying and my friend immediately apologized. The teacher gave them a zero for the test and a zero for participation which ment the highest grade they could make was a 70. The teacher told them to withdrawal since they will not be able to pass but international students must maintain 12 credit hours or the loose there student Visa. When they told him he said he didn't care and reported them for false information to the dean since they didn't withdraw. They got a letter that they must schedule an appointment with the dean of the school within 5 days of receiving it. It said something about being able to bring an attorney but they were not expecting the punishment to be as severe as a possible suspension. If they get suspended they will loose there student Visa. The punishment and consequences are so extreme for the mistake made by a 20 year old that panicked. Is there any Avenue of approach they can take to help in the situation?

Answer:
 This isn't really a legal question.

It sounds as though your friend is guilty of a violation of any reasonable code of conduct.  Universities have broad latitude in applying their own code.  It sounds like your friend is guilty of a violation that can result in "up to expulsion" in any code I've seen.

Your friend may seek assistance from someone familiar with the school's disciplinary process to ensure they pursue a strategy that gives them the best possible odds at leniency.  Answer #2: Ask very nicely?

Your friend is hosed. He lied, tried to forge supporting documents and then got caught.

All he can really do is express contrition and ask for a second chance. Answer #3: Why didn’t he take the test? What was the real reason?


Title: Is there any way I can bring his rapist to justice?

Question:
Last July, my boyfriend was raped while on a university choir trip abroad (we live in Oregon). The choir he was part of took a ferry from Stockholm, Sweden, to Riga, Latvia. While on the ferry, his choir hung out with a bunch of locals on the ferry. One woman spent a lot of time with his group of friends that night, and he observed her being overly familiar with his female friends. He saw her trying to put something in their drinks, so he escorted his friends back to their rooms to make sure they were safe.

Afterwards, he went back up to the deck to smoke before going to bed and was talking to some locals. The next thing he remembered was waking up the next morning with his friends and choir director in his room feeling absolutely sick. He didn’t know why he felt so bad and it took him awhile to remember what happened. He remembered the woman from earlier raping him and using a sex toy on him to make him erect.

The thing is, his friends weren’t aware of this at first, so they befriended the woman on Facebook. I confronted her, and her response was chilling; I asked why she raped my boyfriend, and her only response was that it was on international waters (which, I don’t think that protects her—I’m pretty sure crimes committed on ships fall under the jurisdiction of where that ship is registered.) This is someone who’s planning to rape people—this doesn’t come off as a first time assault. I’ve looked her up on Facebook and she says a lot of disconcerting things about sex both on her profile and in many groups. She’s blocked me, so I can’t contact her further.

I know the statute of limitations has probably passed, and reporting a crime inflicted on an American abroad last year will probably not see resolution. But is there anyway I can report this person to Stockholm police? There is only one ferry from Stockholm to Riga. I don’t know if that person’s name is real, but maybe they could check the ferry’s passenger list from that day?

Is there anyway I can find justice for my boyfriend?
Topic:
Non-US

Answer:
 Sure, call the police in Stockholm.

I sincerely doubt that the statute of limitations for rape in Sweden is 6 months or fewer.Answer #2: Anything that happens is going to require your boyfriend's cooperation and participation.

So if **he** wants to report it, then he can do so and he can see where it goes.Answer #3: Your post is a bit confusing.  This crime occurred in Latvia?

If so, then the Swedish police likely won't do anything, as there's no jurisdiction.  Same for any US police agency.  You can always report to both, but don't be surprised if nothing happens.

You can report this to the Latvians, and they can take action.  But, your post is about what **you** can do or say or whatever.  If your boyfriend's not willing to do this or to cooperate with this, you should respect his wishes.


Title: 24, Male, 55 over the speed limit, Texas, first serious offense.

Question: Got pulled over tonight for the first time in a long while for speeding, the cop said I was doing 100 and I denied it and said maybe 80, so after talking he writes me a ticket and let's me go and puts 100 on it anyways. He proceeded to tell me I had admitted speeding either way and he has audio and video footage of me doing it, so I said yeah but I never admitted to going 100. What the hell do I do right now, do I get a lawyer, do I do differed judication, do I plea guilty or what?

Answer: Why do you think you have to agree with the number for the officer to put it on your ticket?  You don't.


Title: Coming from r/personalfinance, I was told this post should be here.

Question: I have been hired as a contractor(no experience whatsoever) by another contractor. He wants me to be the face of his company. Find and sign contracts under my name for a 30% commission. He works in construction, he has a crew, tools, and experience. But I am supposed to be going to clients as if the crew is mine and he is just my hired supervisor. I am told this is because I am more likely to get contracts because I am more presentable. How bad could this blow up in my face. It's gonna be a minute before I get his records so I don't know too much about him at the moment other than what he tells me. Please any advice would help. Is this even legal? What is the absolute worst that could happen? This is in Texas by the way.

Answer: Sign contracts under your name? Are you insured? Bonded? Licensed? An LLC or Corp? This is highly illegal and a terrible idea. And if you don't know anything about him other than what he tells you, AND you have no experience, this is a major scam.


Title: Canada - Ex boyfriend loaded my credit card as a second card-holder. What can I do?

Question:
Hi! I was wondering if I could find some advice regarding a course of action regarding my situation. I would appreciate some serious advice. This may be long, so I am grateful to anyone who takes the time to read this.

The last year I (23) was with my live-in boyfriend (now 29) of 6 years, I made him a second card-holder on one of my credit cards. He'd use it responsibly, repay it on time, and in my head I'd have some credit usage and cash-back. I trusted him even though he had been bankrupt at the very beginning of our relationship, as he had proven throughout the years to have built and maintained good habits.

We broke up at the beginning of this year. I should say, he left me and couldn't get rid of me fast enough. During an agreement he offered to leave me on his insurance for a couple months longer (I was a student) but would allow him access to the credit card he was repaying for a couple purchases regarding the moving, which he would repay immediately.

I know that in July he stopped using the physical card. I called to have his card cancelled, and revoke any possibility of him making any demands on my account. I then learned the balance was much higher than expected, around 7 000 $, very near my 9 000 $ limit.

I looked through the statements and learned that he had used the card very, very irresponsibly. The purchases were clothing and fast-food chains. Not at all as agreed, especially that I never needed nor used his insurance he decided to leave me on.

I contacted him regarding repayments and said that I expected him to make the repayment a top priority as I have future plans that he is hindering me from jumping into due to the debt.

He agreed and sent me a table including payment dates up until the balance would reach 0, also saying that he didn't calculate the interest. He clearly was not serious in that communication, as I know that he has great, if not better, knowledge than me regarding how credit cards work. Recalculating all together, he expects the balance to reach 0 in 2019.

I am not sure what to do.

At first, I wanted us to plan and agree on a timeline of repayments and make it notarized and official. This has proven difficult as he is not taking my claim seriously and has voluntarily provided me with an inaccurate budget.

I also do not agree with the amounts of the payments, as considering his lack of liabilities since he was bankrupt 6 years ago (no loans, no house, a car paid cash), and his salary, he could very well afford to send much, much more.

I offered him to look into a form of personal loan so that he could repay the amount owed on the CC and then he could do what he wants with that debt, but he refuses to even look into what exists for someone in his situation (bankrupt 6 years ago, get a family member to take out a loan for him, get someone to cosign if he has to). I wish I knew which options would be available to "transfer" that debt to him, but sadly I don't.

His response to my suggestions are basically "Thank you for offering, but I can't do better".

And even if I were to agree that he would send the amounts he decided he wanted to send (around 220$ per two weeks), I would have to find a way to cover myself in case of an unexpected situation (job loss, death, disability), as we are talking about almost two years from now. He has also proven to be unstable and impulsive due to medication he had been taking, so I expect anything.

Other informations that could be useful:

- He should gross around 50k, maybe more. Not a student.
- I should gross 20k if I'm lucky, that's including two jobs. Still being a student in an area with few jobs means I'm not making an interesting salary per hour.
- His only liability is a student loan of around 9k. He doesn't have any assets aside from his work retirement plan.
- He drives an old 90s car paid cash which costs him 20$ insurance per month.
- While not helpful, I know pretty much how much he makes, and how much he spends on necessities/bills/rent, and he could easily afford to send much, much more. If he were very careful, he could be done with that debt in a matter of only a couple months.
- I have communications that indeed corroborate everything I've said here.
- The way in which he spent gives me the feeling he doesn't plan on repaying.

So, all in all, I'm wondering. What do I do? I already have an appointment with a lawyer next week, but I'm posting here to see if anyone has any suggestions. Biting the bullet is not an option. Thank you all in advance.

TL;DR Ex-boyfriend used a credit card in his name under my account (he was second card holder), after we were separated and loaded it. The amount is around 50% of what I plan to gross next year as I am expected to be in university. He is unstable and not cooperative enough to find a solution, but not uncooperative enough to attack him. Is there anything I can do?

Answer:
 You can pay off the credit card, and sue him for the charges he put on it.  When you win that suit, you can garnish his wages from his employer, making sure you get repaid in a reasonable amount of time.

That's about all the legal system offers.


Title: Doctor Didn't Inform Us That My Wife Had Cancer For 1.5 Years

Question:
Hello all, I'm looking for some advice on how to handle a pretty terrible situation my wife and I have recently found ourselves in.

The Story:

About a year and half ago my wife noticed a bump on her outer thigh. We thought she had hit her leg on something, but it didn't go away and instead began to grow. We went in to see a general physician and she was diagnosed with a lipoma, or a benign tumor made of fat. We made an appointment and had it removed in the local office. This was a terrible experience as the operation took much longer than expected while my wife was awake, the doctor answered a phone call on his cell while still gloved, and she was not given any pain medicine for the following days despite the removal being more complicated than expected (instead of one single mass, it appeared as grapes on a vine). The physician said it was a lipoma, but sent a biopsy off to be sure. We were told that we would be contacted if anything was wrong, but it was very unlikely and no news was good news.

A few months later my wife notices a small bump remains at the operation site. We think it might be scar tissue, so we wait a while, but it becomes clear over the next few months that it's growing. We were told this was not uncommon for a lipoma. We finally decide to have it removed again, but we asked to be referred to a plastic surgeon in hopes that they would do a better job. The day before my wife's surgery, she is called by the plastic surgeon and informed that as part of preparing for the surgery the next day, she reviewed the biopsy results and they clearly state that it is not a lipoma, it is a malignant cancer called a sarcoma. The surgery was cancelled and our plastic surgeon made an appointment for us the following Tuesday (this happened on a Thursday) with a sarcoma specialist that she knew.

The weekend was long and very rough as we know enough about cancer to know that 1.5 years can make a huge difference in the outcome and the treatments that can be used. However, our oncologist turned out to be one of the most amazing people we have ever met. She completely shifted her schedule and had her staff assist us in getting an MRI and CT scan that day as well as a pre-op appointment that night. The next day my wife was in surgery to have the sarcoma removed. The scans indicated that there are no signs that the sarcoma metastasized yet and the tumor did not extend into the muscle. Based on this, surgery will likely be all that is needed to treat my wife and we can avoid chemo and radiation, unless the sarcoma reappears or it did go metastatic and hasn't been noticed yet. To ensure that the entire tumor was removed, a radical excision was done that took a large portion of my wife's thigh and then pulled the remaining parts together to fill in. While the surgical team did an absolutely amazing job and it looks better than I could have hoped, it left a scar a little larger than 4 inches and caused a noticeable shape change in my wife's leg that has made her very unhappy. She doesn't want her leg to be seen in public.

Now we're trying to decide if we should contact a legal firm to address why this wasn't brought to our attention when the result was initially received. We were fortunate that the tumor was slow growing and does not appear to have spread, but we're told that we still have about a 10% chance of it returning. Could anyone tell us what to expect with a situation like this or provide any tips for handling it best? Our primary focus is to ensure that my wife has the best health care going forward. In light of the situation, our oncologist went above and beyond to treat my wife and I'm worried that this type of care might stop if we press this legally or if we opt not to and we hit some sort of statute of limitations. I don't think this is likely as our oncologist seems to be a truly amazing person and has made some comments to us that suggest that she really is acting in our best interests only. My wife will require MRIs and CT scans every 3 months for a year and every 6 months or so for the next 4 years after. We're also concerned that if we press forward with a law firm and then the sarcoma returns, we might have limited our options. Also, we want to make sure that this won't put our oncologist or plastic surgeon into any difficult situations. They had nothing to do with the original biopsy and I can't imagine they would be affected, but I'm not familiar with situations like this. My current plan is to contact a local firm in the next few days for consultation to see what they suggest, but I am a little concerned about a legal firm pursuing this purely financially as would be in their best interest and limiting the future health care options for my wife. Any advice on this would be very appreciated and I can answer any more questions in the comments.

UPDATE:

Just heard back from the first attorney I contacted and they are not interested in taking our case. It looks like /u/Cookingachicken and the others who said that this was terrible but not enough to make a strong case were correct. I may contact one more attorney to get a second opinion, but our new plan is to contact the medical board or to file a complaint with the original clinic so that this mistake has to be addressed and to ensure that people capable of making changes are informed. Thank you for all of the advice and support. It meant a lot. I'll update again when we find out more.

Answer: I totally sympathize with what happened to you, but I'm going to play somewhat of a devil's advocate here: you don't know for sure that that doctor is responsible for your not getting the pathology results. Hospitals have many many moving parts, and while the doc is ultimately (chain of command wise) responsible it doesn't necessarily mean he did anything wrong. He sent it to pathology, and perhaps they failed to follow up, or maybe he told the nurse to call you with the results and they forgot. Maybe it would be worth a phone call or visit to give the doc a chance to explain themselves before you dive headfirst into litigation.


Title: Employer trying to fine me 500$ for a first offense underage tobacco sale

Question:
I work at a small convenience store in Pennsylvania that sells tobacco products and this fall I failed to check a minors ID during a sting operation.

I have been working for this company for almost two years now and this was my first offense. According to paper posted in our break room that was distributed by the FDA a first offense should only be a warning and not a fine. My employer told me today that I have to pay a $500 fine.

Is this something that I should take to court or should I try to resolve it through my employer?

Answer: Who is fining you, the government or the employer? The government can fine you between $100-$250 for a first offense (if I understand the law correctly), but your employer can't legally fine you unless you agree to it. That said, if you refuse they have every right to fire you for selling tobacco to a minor. Big old IANAL on this, btw.


Title: Could you be blamed for causing someone to have a heart attack from shock/surprise?

Question:
My mother is very opposed to me taking my fiance's last name after we marry. We were thinking of having "We now pronounce you Mr. and Mr. [fiance's last name]" and joked that my mom would be so shocked she might have a heart attack.

Does thinking/mentioning that count as intent?

Answer: There's a famous case of Hudson v. Schrute that dealt with this issue. I believe the only consequences were issuing a statement of regret and having to step down as safety man.  Answer #2: What you're describing, no.  It's technically possible for that kind of case to have legs, but you'd need to know that she had some kind of serious medical condition such that it was likely that any kind of shock or surprise could cause her serious harm.  Which is to say, it's almost impossible in real life.  You'd have to wander into the Cardiac ICU and start jump-scaring 90 year olds.


Title: How do I press charges against assault? NJ

Question: [removed]

Answer: Reposting your question, but this time omitting the fact that you were shoplifting at the time, doesn't seem like a great plan. The answer is the same. Go to the police station, file a report, hope the prosecutor picks up the case, which he won't.