Title: Wife quitting her job on a managerial promise of rehire into better job within same company... I'm worried.

Question: My wife is applying for a new position within the company she works for. However, the position for which she is applying is in a different department.  She currently works in customer support but is seeking a sales position within the company's sales department. For her, it's a step up the ladder leading to professional development, better pay and benefits.  She has spoken with the director of the sales department for whom she wishes to work, and was told they want to hire her but she still needs to apply for the position.  She was told that the hiring for the position is being contracted out to a third party hiring agency.  Since the position for which she is applying is within a different department within the company, and since the actual hiring for the job is through a contracted third party hiring agency, she was instructed by her current manager of the customer support department to provide him with two weeks’ notice if she is to leave his department so he can fill her position.  She is in a position where she is leaving her current job within the company on a promise by the sales department manager, that she will be hired through the third party hiring agency.  This is my question concerning reliance: If the company fails to rehire her into the new position, and given she left her job within the company to apply for the job within the same company under a different department on the basis of a promise by the sales department manager, does she have any basis for legal recourse if she is not hired? After all, she left her current job within the company in good standing, and in good faith on the word of the sales department director, that she would be rehired back into the company under the sales department in a sales position upon her application.

Answer: Maybe I'm missing something, but why can't she apply and keep her current job?  If she gets hired, have her new boss and current boss figure out when she needs to transfer to sales.  If she doesn't get hired, then she still has a job.


Title: Is sending bra pictures to a 17 year old in the UK legal? I'm 19F Canada?

Question: Pls I really need to know.

Answer: Blanket rule: don't send sexy pictures to kids, clothed or not.


Title: Ability to refuse cops from entering store?

Question: I own a business, cops occasionally come into it. They always harass me and my customers. What is my legal ability to deny them from entering my business?

Answer:
 Sure you can.

They would need either a warrant or some kind of exigent circumstances to circumvent your ban.Answer #2: Enforcing and communicating the ban will be the annoying part. Once informed they are not allowed a person who returns is trespassing.

Amusingly you'd need to report the names of persons not allowed in your store to the police so their "ban" would be a matter of record.

And unless its always the same cops, any new police that comes would not be trespassing.

You could put a sign up at the entrance - something to the effect of "No Law Enforcement past this point without a warrant" but I imagine for most businesses that would be off-putting for potential customers that wonder why cops aren't welcome.
Answer #3: This probably isn't a fight you want to start.  Addressing this with the local supervisors might be a better way to handle it.  Are you allowed to record voice and video in your jurisdiction?  If so you might want to consider setting up a security system and then taking some videos to your local ombudsman or police Lt.  Be respectful and polite  and tell them that you're just a local small businessman who is sick of law enforcement harassing his customers.

If that doesn't work you can try your local city council rep or police oversight board (if your jurisdiction has one).  Answer #4: Are they entering as officers, or as customers?Answer #5: What type of business? Does it involve sale of alcohol?Answer #6: Yes you can, legally, but I wouldn't be attempting this without CCTV.


Title: I came a across a disturbing trend in a Redditor's post history that suggests they may have secretly forced someone into having a medically induced abortion.

Question:
I'm not sure what to do with this information but I kept screenshots of there posts and username. This person has been asking questions regarding how to slip someone a drug/pill without the other person knowing and questions about medical abortion medicine. I will happily hand this information over to someone more competent.
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer:
 You can report it to the reddit admins, and you can report it to the police. That's about the extent of it.

If it's the poster I think it is, they've been here asking about it, too.Answer #2: I suspect we've encountered this person before. They had a legal "question" here that read more like a hypothetical. It read like they were wargaming what they were trying to do and trying to see the legal pitfalls they might fall into and how to avoid them.


Title: Sexting and minors

Question:
Just so you guys know I have no clue if I’m meant to put this here or not so sorry

To put it briefly a man (14) sent nudes to one of my friends (11) without her wanting them, after further investigation I found that he lives in Minnesota, so my question is am I able to get him in trouble with the law because of this?

Answer:
 Is he 14 or 41? Either way, yes he can get in trouble

If he's 14, he can be charged with distributing child pornography. It doesn't matter it's of himself.

If he's 41, he's in a lot of trouble


Title: I dropped my car off at a repair shop. They caused more harm than good. Do I have a case?

Question:
Location: Military base in Japan under U.S. Jurisdiction

Here's the situation:

I dropped my car off at a repair shop. My fuel tank was leaking, and I wanted them to fix it. I don't know much about cars, and I'm sure I made that impression - he patronized me quite a bit after I handed over the keys.

I get a call a week later. They say the fuel tank needs replaced (reasonable) and that the radiator will also need to be replaced. I ask why, because I at least know that those two don't have anything to do with each other. The receptionist gives me a shoddy answer so I decline the radiator, and get the fuel tank.

When my car is ready, I pick it up, and the driver and passenger doors are both broken. The only way out is through the backseat. I tell them and they fix it on the spot.

While it's being repaired, I notice a steady leak coming out - coolant. The radiator had never been a problem before the car was in their hands.

I'd like to go back in and threaten to make a complaint to their higher management, unless they fix it for free, but if I have any sort of case, I think I'd like to make one.

Granted: I don't have hard evidence that they broke it, and I have already paid for the fuel tank and driven it off their lot. I might have screwed myself on that, but didn't think of my options until I'd already left.

Do I have any options here?

Answer: if you want to sue them, you will need a mechanic's professional opinion stating that the damage was done by these people. I would start by getting the car looked at by someone else.


Title: I bought a new car this past weekend and they sold me optional rustproofing service. That wasn’t done when I took the car though, I was supposed to setup a date to have that done later. I’ve decided I no longer want that done. The dealership is acting like I will still have to pay for it.

Question:
This was in NY

The rustproofing was an extra $799.00. This cost was added into my loan. Like I said it hasn’t been done though, and I don’t want it done now.
I asked my sales guy how would I get the refund, from the dealer, or through Toyota financial, who I have the loan through.
He replied “Since I signed the contract, it was funded already, so it already technically been paid for, but I’ll ask and see if there’s anything we can do.” That’s word for word his reply, this  was done through email.

I could totally understand them saying it can’t be refunded if the service had already been done, but since it hasn’t, can they legally keep that money even if I don’t have it done?

Answer: You agreed to have it done, the contract to have it done and to pay for it is enforceable.


Title: [US] [Indiana] Marrying my boyfriend, who overstayed his 90 day visa waiver. Will he be deported? How to prove marriage is bona-fide?

Question:
I should firstly state, as I'm unsure about the law. But our relationship is a same-sex relationship. We were in a long distance relationship for quite some time. He came over with a round-trip ticket, intending to go back. We decided nearing the end of his stay to get married, and have him stay here. I'm aware that this was a stupid decision, but it happened nonetheless. What are my options?
Topic:
Immigration

Answer:
 Contact an immigration attorney.  It's a thorny field and a thorny process.

~~I imagine that he'll need to leave the US before he gets caught overstaying, and then try to work his way back in using the normal process.  If he gets deported, it will be very difficult to come back.~~

But this isn't my field.  Hire an attorney who knows the ropes.Answer #2: You need a lawyer.  If you do this wrong, you can mess it up for life.


Title: Trying to get information on competitor for work. They gave me a custom info pack. Is it legal to share this with my coworkers/employer?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: This is the one situation where that confidentiality notice might actually mean something. You obtained that info under the guise of a customer. Using it as a competitor would likely mean you committed fraud to gain that information.


Title: Leasing office has lost my ESA paperwork twice and is threatening to send my fees to collections if I don’t drive 3 hours to my hometown to get the paperwork again

Question:
I’ve been harrassed on a near every day basis by my leasing office to go home and get my ESA (Emotional Support Animal) paperwork.  I finally go home & get it for a second time, drop it into their mailslot in the door and forget about it. A month passes by and I get a text saying that if I don’t bring the paperwork in then my fees will be sent to collections.

due to their negligence, rhey’ve lost my paperwork twice. I don’t have time to drive 3 hours home just to retrieve more of the same paperwork. Is there anything I can do?

Answer: Registered mail sign on delivery, confirmation receipt.Answer #2: why not keep a copy of your papers where you live? Answer #3: Can't you ask your doctor to fax it directly to them?Answer #4: Have doc mail you two copies. Hand-deliver one to the leasing office. Never release the second copy; use it as a master document and copy it as needed.Answer #5: Keep a copy of it in the first place. Making yourself a copy should have been the first thing you did because chances are you will need that paperwork again. They shouldn’t have lost it but at the same time you should have made sure it was received. Answer #6: If you have a smart phone there are apps that allow you to take a photo of a document and it cleans it up and converts it to a PDF.  This would allow you to email them the docs each time they ask for them.  It would also allow you to keep copies for yourself.


Title: (Georgia) In a car accident where other driver was completely at fault, their insurance company only wants to pay 80%, next steps?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You could sue in small claims if you do not feel 80% is satisfactory.

You could try to cross post this in r/insurance.


Title: Default judgement was entered against me and now my Illinois driver's license is suspended. How can I get my license back or if possible the judgement overturned?

Question:
A few years ago I was t-boned crossing through an intersection.  The other driver blew threw a red light and was proven to be at fault by video from a red light camera.  My passenger was taken by ambulance to the ER and was found to be uninjured and released a few hours later.  She went to an attorney and he sued both the other driver and I personally even though our insurance companies were on the accident report.  At the time of the lawsuit I had lost my job and my mother had recently passed.  I became depressed and developed severe anxiety problems.  I was so bad that the idea of picking up the phone to call someone (my own lawyer or insurance) to help me seemed impossible and scary.

I ignored everything and retreated into a "shell" and a default judgement was entered against me.  Soon after the default judgement was entered I received a letter from the DMV stating my license was suspended.  I'm leaving out allot of details and summarizing everything.  I would like to get my license back but cannot pay the judgement.  I tried negotiating with my former friends lawyer but it was one of the worst experiences of my life.  He basically berated me, called me names and tried to intimidate me into paying.  I could not deal with a person like that and just hung up on him.  I honestly felt like crying after talking to him.  Any advice would be appreciated.

-How can I get my license unsuspended?
-Will the judgement ever go away? Are judgements ever sold off like other debts to collection agencies?

Answer:
 - you can see if you qualify for a hardship license

- you can pay your judgement.

- It will never go away. If you get a job, taxes, or any legit money it will likely be seized or garnished.

Ignoring court always ends badly. Your insurance would have provided you an attorney and would have paid anything within their policy.


Title: [FLORIDA] - My landlord is putting a food truck in my front yard. Is there something I can look for in my lease agreement specifically to see if this is legal?

Question:
Thank you in advance.

I live in a house near the beach and have been renting for about 9 months now. They just passed a law this month to allow Food Trucks to park in the area on commercial property. My land lord is working an agreement with a few different food trucks to rent the space in the front yard. He already has sent people out to mark areas for them to pull up and park as well as hired a landscaping company to remove all the trees. Is this legal? What recourse do I have if any?

Answer: Assuming he's zoned properly, then this depends solely on your lease.  You need to see what it gives you the rights over.  If it gives you the yard, then he can't use it without your approval.


Title: Restaurant in Idaho confiscated son's Florida ID saying it was fake. Couldn't get it back in time, ended up missing flight. Anything we can do or just crap luck?

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 ~~Nope.~~

~~It was on you to allow enough time to get to the airport, given you were fully aware that there would be extra screening.~~

>At this point we were in Boise and the last leg of our trip was back to Miami.

Never mind. Our troll strikes again. Nobody flies nonstop Boise to Miami, therefore it could not possibly have been the last leg of a trip.


Title: (Des Moines, Iowa) Rented a house to a woman, her check bounced and she was arrested today while moving things in. What now?

Question:
A woman signed a lease to rent a house I own with the lease start being today (3/1). She paid deposit and first month's rent with a check, and the name matched her photo ID.

I met her at the house today to give her keys, and her boyfriend was there also (though he is not named on the lease). He started moving boxes in while she and I did a walk-through inspection. Police arrived at the house during the inspection, she ran out the door and down the street. While police were chasing her, her boyfriend got into the truck and drove away, leaving three boxes in the house.

One of the officers told me that she was using an ID stolen from her sister, and the check was stolen from her grandmother (sister and grandmother have the same name).  They had paperwork for the stolen checks and said the check she gave me would fail.  Sure enough I returned to my office to a voicemail from my bank about the check.

Meanwhile, when I gave them keys she gave them to her boyfriend asking him to put them in his pocket. When he left, he still had them.

What now?  I have been through the eviction process with another tenant, but I am wondering if I need to go through it considering that her check bounced and she had not even moved in (just three boxes.)  If I do not need to go through the eviction process (a) can I change the lock any time and (b) what do I do with the three boxes, which appear to contain clothing?

Thank you for your advice.

Answer:
 You got super lucky and got a few good lessons in the process.

1) Wait for the payment to clear.

2) Do background and credit checks.  These can be acquired for as little as ~$50-80 combined.

3) Read points 1 and 2 again.Answer #2: Hey OP I'm gonna be a contrarian and suggest you do the following, assuming that you won't find a new tenant for a month or so anyway:

(1) leave the boxes in the house for now

(2) start an eviction now

(3) go through the formal process

It might be unnecessary, but there's no reason not to do that unless you have a new tenant lined up to move in before April 1. That way there's no possible dispute that she doesn't live there.

And change the locks, obviously. Sorry you got screwed.


Title: Spider stuck inside my television. No damage is done to it. Have owned for less than a year.

Question:
Small Claims. Sue Samsung or Fry's electronics. Fremont California

There is a spider, an insect inside the screen of my new television. I recently purchased this tv, november 2016. Still covered under warranty and both frys and samsung refuse to exchange the television.  I purchased extended warranty with fry's but they said debris isn't covered under warranty. The technician from samsung that inspected my television for damage said there were no holes  or damage done to the unit for it to crawl into. The tech suggested I complained because samsung is at fault. Their own employee suggested this.

https://ibb.co/bHRknk
https://ibb.co/gXFd7k

My question is, which process should I go about suing either one of these companies. Would it be possible to get a refund? What are my options.

Answer: I see a couple problems, first it will be hard to get a process server inside the TV to sue the spider, second the spider probably doesn't have any money.Answer #2: Unless the spider was in the TV when you bought it, I don't see a claim for you.  Bugs crawl into things sometimes.


Title: [FL]

Question:
Hello,
I am an 17 year old (will be 18 in 15 days).
Currently I am on my parents insurance. I have gotten into several accidents and I am required to have certain insurance policy or my license will be suspended.
I am going to be joining the navy in August and I don’t want to pay insurence while I’m in, neither do my parents.
What should I do?

Answer: Not have a drivers license while you're in the Navy.


Title: Two Years After My Father's Death I'm Being Served with Foreclosure Papers -- Am I Responsible?(IL)

Question:
Hello
I live in Illinois. Two years ago my father died. He lived in CT. I found out after the fact. I received some court papers and a copy of his will and found out I was written out of the will. All of his property and assets were dissolved to cover his expenses or turned over to another woman who I will call A. I have never met A. A (as far as I know lives in NY). A year later I received documents that the executor of the will my aunt who I will call B had died, it listed me on a list of descendents who had also received a copy of her will and notified of her passing.

This morning I received court documents concerning the property from his will which is located in FL. Within the court documents they list me as MAY HAVE CLAIM TO THE PROPERTY in addition A and a relative I'll call E, listed after me. The documents state that the property has fallen into foreclosure after no mortgage payments for two years.

In the court documents received today it says that A paid the mortgage for six months before she stopped paying.

Can I be held responsible for the foreclosure debt and the property because I'm considered an heir/descendant?

I've had nothing to do with the property or him since before he died. I received no documents about the property when he died besides the copy of the will.

Thank you in advance for your responses.

Answer: No you are not responsible for the foreclosure or any of the debt.  You actually can decline the inheritance


Title: [NY] Do I need to make a will?

Question:
I’ve looked at the intestate rules and am curious about two things [here](https://codes.findlaw.com/ny/estates-powers-and-trusts-law/ept-sect-4-1-1.html), namely items a4-5, since I believe only these could potentially be applied to me:

>(4) One or both parents, and no spouse and no issue**[/children]**, the whole to the surviving parent or parents.

This is my main question: I want everything to go to one parent. My parents are divorced and I am estranged from my father and feel no duty towards him. I don’t want anything of mine to go to him or for him to even hear the news of my death. I wish to be sure that everything I own will go to my mother, with no need for her to fight for it. I have no debts.

>(5) Issue of parents, and no spouse, issue or parent, the whole to the issue of the parents, by representation.

I have siblings but do not maintain a relationship with every single one. Assuming my mother is alive at the time of my death, everything should be distributed to her, right?

Will I have to draw up a formal will to ensure my wishes are carried out? My gut says I don’t but I’m also not willing to risk my father getting a cent out of me/my mother. We’re estranged but he’s the type to drag things to court if it means he will get something out of it.

Appreciate the help.

Answer:
 >Will I have to draw up a formal will to ensure my wishes are carried out?

If you want your assets given to a specific set of people when you die, a will is the only thing that achieves this.


Title: Fired Due to Retaliation in an At-will state(Virginia)?

Question: On Friday, April 27th close to 1 pm, one of my coworkers and the GM of this particular restaurant got into a verbal argument, and I attempted to mitigate it. Things quieted down for a moment, but murmuring was still continuing between the two, which re-escalated the arguing. The owner intervened and discussions occurred between them, for which I am not aware of.  Shortly after, The owner approached me with an Icehouse beer in hand and asked if I knew anything about it. I replied, "No, that's not mine and I don't know who's it is." Then, my coworker was asked about the beer, to which he denied ownership. To my knowledge, all three of them all had discussions and then I was approached again by the owner to inform me that the coworker had been fired due to drinking on his property during work hours and that "[I] should take him home if I need to". I was skeptical if the party was actually responsible, because I personally picked up said coworker to transport him to work and I hadn't seen him drink anything alcoholic, so I asked the owner if someone else could be the culprit. This did not go over well with him, replying that he had already done his investigation and came to a decision. After that, I was then pulled aside to the banquet room and an attempt was made to convince me that the coworker did in fact drink on his property. No evidence was presented to me other than hearsay, so I politely reserved my opinion on the coworker's discharge and told him that I was in no way trying to reverse his decision, rather I was concerned that if someone else was involved, this might happen again. He reasserted that the coworker was responsible, the meeting ended, and I continued working. The coworker at this moment is waiting in my car, but I still had so much stuff to do so I stayed until 3 pm (1 hour before my shift ended) working and finishing up my tasks, then I approached the owner in the front of the restaurant and asked him if it would be OK to take said coworker home now that business is slow and I’ve cleared the necessary work on my list. He replied, “Well that’s just not going to work”. I’m confused, so I state that he said it would be ok earlier to take him home and the reason I chose this time is that my relief(p.m. chef)would be at work really soon in addition to the reasons already mentioned. He glared disappointingly, so then I said, "I could just ask the coworker to ask another friend to drive him home”. The coworker followed my request by calling a friend, but to no avail. I’m a person who values their promises. So I told the owner that I should drive him home since he couldn't find a ride. He got even more frustrated and restated [It’s not going to work] in some fashion, then proceeded to tell me that he’s just going write me out a check for the week. After returning from his office check in-hand, he ushers me to the banquet room, where I state that I'm kinda confused as to what is going on and that if driving my coworker home would result in my firing, that I would just stay until the end of my shift. He continued walking to the banquet room, so I followed him back to the banquet room and then he told me I wasn’t improving my culinary skills, how I have no experience, how it annoys him that leave the restaurant during my breaks, lastly telling me that I wasn't worth my salary. I then let him know that he has never addressed me about my work output, he reviewed my resume before he hired me, and finally that I am free to go wherever I want on my break per our arrangement. He then went on to say that I’m not working the hours I said I would work and that we agreed upon. I worked 55 hours last week and the week before that. 5 hours past my max of 50 hours. In fact, I have consistently exceeded my cap of 50 hours since I’ve worked there, with excluding the payroll week that included Easter, for which we were closed. The discussion ends. He signs the check, hands it to me, and then we say our professional goodbyes. I have spoken to 1 lawyer since the incident, but I don't have the funds to hire them atm. Looking for honest advice. Thanks.

Answer: I didn't read all that because it's a big block of text. Unless his was retaliation for reporting something to the government then it wasn't illegal. File for unemployment and look for a new job.Answer #2: There was nothing illegal about firing you for wanting to clock out early to bring someone home.


Title: Accused of stealing money from customers

Question: I'm 20 years old and I deliver pizzas in south Florida. Recently I showed up to work and my manager told me that I allegedly stole money from one lady 3 times adding money to the receipts tip. There is no evidence but he was looking through my receipts and told me he would write a report to the police. What are the penalties if I'm found guilty and what should I do?!

Answer:
 Well obviously your boss doesn't believe you. So you are likely going to be looking for a new job.

Whether you are innocent or not. DO NOT TALK to the POLICE without a lawyer Answer #2: If your job is worth fighting for. Stick around. Otherwise leave. Your boss would of already involved the police if he didn't want to give you a chance to explain.


Title: What protections do consumers have when their driver's license is scanned?

Question:
In CA, Target and BevMo both scan my driver's license when I purchase liquor. I'm trying to figure out what protections the law provides around how long they can retain that data and what they can use it for. Google results mostly show unofficial answers and public statements like "[Target only retains the data that is relevant to the type of transaction](http://www.theblaze.com/news/2013/03/19/why-does-target-require-a-scan-of-your-drivers-license-to-buy-nicotine-patches/)", which really isn't a protection at all.

I'm fine with them doing it if it really is just a local check and the information is immediately discarded. However, [knowing Target's data collection and mining capabilities](http://www.businessinsider.com/the-incredible-story-of-how-target-exposed-a-teen-girls-pregnancy-2012-2), I am not really that comfortable with giving them my name, address, gender, weight, height, and eye and hair color.

Answer:
 Nothing on your license is private information. Someone can look at you and see all the genetics. You're name, address, and birthdate aren't private.

What exactly are you trying to protect?


Title: Fake speed trap

Question:
Location: Florida

On my way to work the other day, traveling down a road I've taken countless times over the years, I happened upon 3 minivans in the grass, off to the side of the road and up against a tree line and at least 15 feet past the sidewalk. All 3 had their lift gates open and several people (7+) as well as children were milling about. When I was close enough to see the people clearly I saw a man with a device to his shoulder aiming it at oncoming cars. He was holding it as one would a rifle. I do not think it was a firearm however I'm not an expert on them. If I had to guess I'd say it was a radar gun but it was unlike any I've seen before (larger than a  hand held one you'd see at a baseball game). I was not speeding so it didn't concern me much. I am however curious if it is illegal for private citizens to set up an operation like that. I would like to clarify that there are no homes directly on this road but there are subdivisions off of it so there may be bus drop offs. There are also no school zones in this area.

As a parent I understand wanting to protect your children from reckless drivers but this seems risky. Aiming something at cars in what is obviously not a police action doesn't seem wise to me. Would the police sanction this kind of thing?

Answer:
 NAL. Biggest question to me is WHY is he radar’ing the car’s’ speeds. If he’s not a police officer, he’s not in a position to issue speeding tickets, and I’m pretty sure that information can’t be used in court.

I’ve heard of radar guns being used by civilians in a few limited situations:
1) gathering information to convince the police that they need increased traffic enforcement at a particular street/intersection
2) gathering data for traffic engineering


Title: Parents Getting Divorce in Illinois + Mom Stole My Identity - Can The Divorce Affect Me? *Please Read

Question:
I'm gonna try to shorten this as much as I can

I am 22 years old and live with my SO.
In 2004 my mom used my credit (also used my brother's and grandma's but I don't have proof) and used it up until 2010. The due amounts is near 2000 and is in collections.

My parents NEED to get divorced. My mom ran away for 2 or 3 days earlier this month and when she came back had an order of protection put on my dad because he "threatened" her but there was absolutely no proof of that yet my dad had to leave the house for 21 days.

My mom is someone who wants everything handed to her. She has not worked in probably 15 years and has absolutely no social life. Family hasnt talked to her for many many years due to her ways. My dad never divorced her earlier unfortunately because he couldn't afford a divorce.

Both of my parents have mental illness and addiction problems. However my mom has been more mentally abusive and manipulative than any person I've ever encountered.

Because of my parents bullshit I wanted to move out asap but because of my mom's destruction to my credit my home and my car are in my dad's name but me and my SO use our money to pay the mortgage and car/car insurance and have been doing this for a year.

I am afraid that the court will give her co-ownership to my home and car. The reason I am afraid is because she WILL find some kind of way to take everything from me because I am "not on her side ".

I don't really know how the laws regarding this work in Illinois so any advice would be appreciated

Answer:
 Did you report the theft of your identity to the police? If no, why not? If your mother tanked your credit score this will have repercussions to your life and financial well being for years. You need to report it in order to begin the process of having your credit history corrected. Not reporting the theft is fucking your future and enabling your mother.
I agree with a previous commentor, your father will have to discuss with his divorce attorney about what can be done to protect your property under his name.


Title: (ME) can I go after the builders of my house because the poor craftsmanship is causing damage and costing money?

Question:
House was built 10 years ago, it was inspected and my husband bought it when it was only a few years old, before we were together. The builder ran out of money at some point, prior to the sale, and we have been finding problems overtime that the inspector missed. These are just a few:

The ground wasn't properly prepped so the porch started to sink, when we had it repaired, I'm a contractor told us that it wasn't properly attached to the house. The boards that supported the porch had been pre-drilled with 3 holes at each end but only 1 screw put in.

Today the toilet overflowed and we discovered that the tub and toilet weren't sealed so toilet water poured into the kitchen and the ceiling is wet.

I know it has been a while, but is there any responsibility from the builder or inspector for cutting corners or missing problems?

Answer:
 Did you buy directly from the builder, or from a previous buyer?

If from the builder, check both your contract and state laws regarding mandated warranty/habitability. (After 10 years, any warranties may have expired).

"Builder ran out of money at some point" - is builder still in business, or gone?

Check your contract with the inspector. The possibility that s/he has liability in any event, let alone years after the inspection, is exceedingly remote. Your contract probably limited liability, Statute of Limitations may have expired, difficult to prove that these conditions existed then as opposed to having started/worsened over time. Answer #2: Your money and time would be better spent fixing these problems than suing the builder. Not only would they possibly be bankrupt but you may have passed your states statutes of limitation on filing a legal claim against the builder for building defects (if there was one in the first place).

File with your home insurance and let your insurance deal with the paper and legal headache.


Title: (UK) A bad rented chair has caused broken my computer screen, do I have anything?

Question:
I moved into this property a month ago, will only be here for another two months. Immediately flagged up the chair as being faulty which was acknowledged by the handyman and he said he would look into it.

I feel backwards on the chair, kicking the desk and causing about £300 of damage.

Is there anything I can do? Will my landlord have insurance for this kind of thing?

Thanks in advance

Answer: Is there anything that can be done about your decision to continue to utilize a piece of equipment you knew to be broken?


Title: [Alabama] If you go to a doctor in a medical marijauana-approved state and get prescribed legal cannabis, is it a) legal to take back to your home state and use and b) how would you go about refilling your prescription at home?

Question: Alright, thanks for the replies. I figured it would not be allowed but had to ask.

Answer:
 You abide by the laws of the state you're in.  If the state you are in does not allow for medical marijuana, then you are breaking the law and have no defense.Answer #2: A) No that would be a federal crime.

B) Depends on the state laws buy I highly doubt that you can do it.Answer #3: The moment you cross the border of that state you can be arrested for drug trafficking. No matter what your state says, marijuana is still illegal at a federal level.Answer #4: A: No

B: You don't.


Title: [UK/US] Can I use GoDaddy.com 'Whois' data in my blog?

Question:
Here is the sum of the situation. I have been investigating multiple websites that have been created or registered over the last couple of years. What I wonder is, can I share the information I retrieve using the GoDaddy 'whois' service?

An example would be I found some websites created by Russians to appear as genuine US news sources and push false information. Using the service I can trace the phone number the website is registered to, an address and *in some cases* a name.

Can I share this information?

EDIT: here is the service https://uk.godaddy.com/whois

Answer: Yes. It's not private information, and it doesn't even belong to GoDaddy--it's just running one of many lookup services. It is no different than information you would find on the website itself, in fact it is less protected, because it's not something the author would have a copyright interest in.


Title: My car was searched when I crossed the border into Canada. When they searched it, I was told to wait in the office while they did it in their garage. Am I allowed to stay and watch if I request to do so?

Question:
I originally posted this to r/nostupidquestions and got some good answers there but I was told I could probably get a better answer here.

link to original post:
http://reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/3ofdag/my_car_was_searched_when_crossing_the_border_into/

basically i just want to know what my rights are in Canada as an American citizen in a situation like that. I have nothing to hide, have never and will never take contraband across the border, so i'm not worried they are going to find anything and i'm fine with them doing a search because i assume it's totally random. My girlfriend and I have crossed the border 10 or so times in the last year and this is the first time we have ever been searched. I just want to know if I can request to watch while they search. If not I won't even bother asking the next time I get searched because I would like it to be over as quickly as possible. I'm not worried that they are going to steal or plant something on me, it would just ease my mind a little if i knew what they were doing.

edit; wanted to add, my girlfriend is a Canadian citizen, would she have more rights in that situation than I do? I mean i assume she would, but what would those rights be?

Answer:
 You don't have any legal right to watch the search happening, and being a pain in the ass when trying to enter a country that you aren't a citizen of is not advised.Answer #2: you have no rights as an American citizen in Canada other than courtesies that Canada extends you (such as entering their country in the first place).

If there is a Canadian law that permits you to view a search, you'd be covered by that. There is no such law in the US. Probably isn't one in Canada either.


Title: [IA] "friend" lied to me about being on parole for a ride out of town.

Question: My friend lied to me about being on parole and asked me for a ride to a different town to bail on parole. I didn't know this until after the fact will I be considered an accomplice for helping him bail on parole?

Answer: No. Being an accomplice requires intent to assist in a crime. It doesn't sound like you had any intent. That said, if you are arrested (highly unlikely), don't say anything except to ask for an attorney.


Title: DPPA - MI

Question:
Hi, I'm a licensed PI with no vehicle information on my claimant. I have an address but have no idea which car is his.

As a PI working a case can I legally look up a license plate under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act for "business" reasons?

Answer: If you are a PI should you not know what you can and can't do. I think it would be a good idea to cover your own ass so you don't make a mistake


Title: (North Carolina) If someone dies because of laced drugs, is it possible to file a lawsuit?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 There is probably little point.  Even all the other problems aside, it is very unlikely that a low-level drug dealer has legitimate assets to go after.

I'm sorry for your loss.


Title: California-Subrogation for Car/bicycle collision. I'm the Cyclist.

Question: So to make a long story short, I was struck by a car from behind while I was riding my bike.  I was relatively uninjured from the accident but the car's mirror and front left fender was damaged.  The driver's insurance company found me responsible for this accident and liable to pay $1,841. I'm a struggling post college person and this is a huge sum of money to me.  In my mind I am not responsible for the damages to  the drivers vehicle.  They offered me a settlement of $1,200.   I still think this is an absurd sum of money considering I didn't do anything wrong.  Should I take the settlement to avoid the insurance company taking me to court in the case I am responsible to pay for the damages and legal fee's?  Or continue doing what I'm doing which is basically ignoring them, and if I continue doing this will things like my credit be affected?

Answer:
 A couple of things - first, do you have Renters or Homeowners (or SPOKE or any of those insurance clones) coverage?  If so, that's your first stop.

Assuming that you're uninsured, the insurance company has to prove that you were at fault. They have to do that in court, and they have to overcome the usual rules of the road that state that the vehicle behind is *almost* always at fault in a rear-end accident.

They can't just turn this collections because you'll be able to legally say "this is not my debt, I have no relationship with this company."  They're going to have to sue you, after which they can engage a debt collector if they want.

You didn't share enough about the accident, but it seems unusual in a bike vs. car accident where the car struck you from behind where you would be at fault.


Title: [pa] Hit & run, driving without license, DUI, posession of meth, xanax

Question:
I crashed my car into a parked car and the side of a plant shop as I was making a turn. I didn't know what to do because there was heavy traffic and I thought there wasn't anyone in the car so I kept driving. I honestly didn't think there was anything I could do about it since I thought no one was around and I didn't want to block the street.

I got pulled over 2 miles away. And then I was asked about the car and shop I hit. I said that I'm sorry but I can't talk to police without a lawyer present. Then he asked if I did any drugs, and I said that I do drugs, but I hadn't done any since 3 days ago. He field tested me but I passed, but he said I was still under the influence. Then my car was searched and they found set of works with heroin residue, empty bags, around 2g of meth, and 7 xanax. And I forgot my license at home, so I got charged with driving no license too. So I got arrested and then charged with all that.

And that's basically everything. I don't have money to pay for a lawyer. I'm behind on rent and owe parents money so I can't ask them for help. My mom is also sick so I don't want to be telling my parents about this. My friend bailed me out and I've to pay him back too. So I don't know what I'm going to do about this. I feel like I'm gonna go to jail and if I'm gonna go to jail, I might as well get really high until I have to go and then eventually OD when I get sent to jail, or I'll leave the country and go to a spiritual place like India for example.

I appreciate all your help but please don't just focus on my drug use because it's not proactive. I know I probably do too much drugs, but I need to focus on cleaning this problem up.  Thanks

Location: Bucks County, PA

Answer: What's your question? You don't really seem to be seeking any advice here.


Title: Message from stranger claiming I'm father of her child

Question:
I received a message on facebook today from a woman I can't recall ever meeting claiming that we had drunk sex about 2 years ago on vacation and she wants me to take a paternity test. I did in fact visit the vacation spot she claims we met at around the same dates she mentioned to me, but I truly don't recall ever meeting this woman, let alone have intercourse.

Can I disregard this message or would this woman have the abilities to sue me if she continues to claim I'm the father?

Answer:
 Disregard the message until you get a court order for a paternity test.Answer #2: Ignore until served.

If you got the message through FB, it could be someone trying to scam you. It they have, or ever had access to your profile and you had pictures on there, it would be pretty easy to give you the dates and location.


Title: [MA, USA] Piano dealer not honoring a reversal of sale.

Question:
I signed a sales agreement to purchase a grand piano, but having a change in work and living situation, can no longer accommodate it in my living space.  I politely requested the sale be cancelled and requested a refund but they are ignoring the situation.

What can I do?  I was thinking of 93A demand letter, but what would be the unfair or deceptive business practice here?  Or do I do a simple demand letter?  Not sure what my options are.  About $12,000 is on the line so this exceeds small-claims territory.

Answer:
 You signed a contract, you can't just force them to drop it. This is not an unfair business practice and you are not entitled to a legal remedy.Answer #2: What does your contract say about sale cancellations?  On purchases this large there is often a percentage that is nonrefundable.

Also how did you make the refund request - in person, on the phone, email, snail mail, or ?


Title: Injured by unmarked snowmaking equipment at a ski resort, do I have a case?

Question:
This happened in Vermont at a ski resort I had never been to before. Every mountain I've ever gone to growing up had clear markers on their snowmaking equipment and barrels covering any pipes that hook up the equipment. I've been skiing/snowboarding for over 15 years and I'm at the expert level.

I hit pipes that were not only unmarked and uncovered, but also buried by deep snow.

In my random googling I happened to see some Massachusetts laws regarding ski resorts and one stated that all resorts must have clear markers or barrels covering snow making equipment and pipes. Is there anything like that in VT? I had more trouble finding it myself.

Additionally the ski patrol guy was very unconcerned with my injury and was almost making fun of me for not wanting to go back out and snowboard since I had "just a bruise". I really sprained/partially tore my MCL and couldn't even walk when he told me that.

Answer: They may be liable for your actually incurred costs (lost wages, medical, etc) provided you can demonstrate they were negligent and the costs were directly linked to their negligence. If your insurance covered everything then just give the facts to your insurance company. If you paid out of pocket you can likely take them to court, but proving negligence isn't easy.


Title: (IA) Is it breaking a discrimination law if your employer says you aren't allowed to speak Spanish to customers?

Question:
I work in Sales. My employer has made racist statements before about Hispanics and does not know I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I am black, as is he.

He told someone else not to use basic Spanish after the customer left, because "we don't want to give them the wrong idea."

I'm fine with using English only at work, don't get me wrong, but this is very off putting and seems to be motivated only by racism.

Is this legal?

Answer:
 [Here are the EEOC guidelines on this issue.](https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/immigrants-facts.cfm)Answer #2: >** Speak-English Only Rules

> [The EEOC has stated that rules **requiring employees to speak only English in the workplace violate the law unless they are reasonable necessary** to the operation of the business.](https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/immigrants-facts.cfm)

> A rule **requiring employees to speak only English** in the workplace at all times, including breaks and lunch time, **will rarely be justified.**

> An English-only rule should be limited to the circumstances in which it is needed for the employer to operate safely or efficiently.

> **Circumstances in which an English-only rule may be justified include: communications with customers or coworkers who only speak English; emergencies or other situations in which workers must speak a common language to promote safety; cooperative work assignments in which the English-only rule is needed to promote efficiency.**

> Even if there is a need for an English-only rule, an employer may not take disciplinary action against an employee for violating the rule unless the employer has notified workers about the rule and the consequences of violating it.


Title: [Missouri] A manager stole deposits from our restaurant and bailed last night, owner wants to hold me financially accountable unless the thief is caught by police.

Question:
Here's the deal Reddit, I work for a Chinese restaurant in Southeast Missouri. I was at home one night when a delivery driver from my store phoned in and told me that the manager on staff and all the money in the store was gone (safe and register). The amount of money he got away with was a little more than $2000. I'm a manager as well but I was off of work that night.

The business' policy is to only have so much money on hand at a certain time, but because of holiday closures, none of us (multiple managers) could make it to the bank on time to make the deposit. The night before we were going to make it, the one manager went rogue, stole all the money and left. They have him on camera and the police are on the case.

In the meantime, now the owner of the store has told me and other managers with stolen deposits that they have to work an extra 10 hours a week (or pay the amount of their stolen deposits out of their own pocket) for 8 weeks on the clock, but that they will deduct 10 every week from my paycheck. Once the guy has been caught, they will release that held money back to me. I asked what would happen if he didn't get caught and they would only say "don't worry, he will be caught".

What the fuck can I do about this, Reddit?

Answer:
 Hey,

I practiced law in Missouri (but no longer live in the state or practice there).  Missouri has substantial protections for employees whose wages are wrongfully withheld.  There is no provision in MO law, to my knowledge, that would allow for the employer to withhold your wages in this situation.  Nor is there anything that would allow the owner to compel you or the other employees to work without pay.

Do not agree to any wrongfully withheld wages. You and the other employees should demand, in writing, to be paid for all hours worked.  If the hours are wrongfully withheld, you are required to submit a written request for the wages. If they aren't paid within 7 days of the request's receipt, damages start to accrue.  If you're fired and not paid proper wages, substantial penalties apply under RSMo 290.110.

A labor attorney in your area would likely be willing to speak with you free of charge, as the law requires that the employer, not the employee, pay all reasonable legal fees in connection with the collection of wrongfully withheld or unpaid wages.Answer #2: Not legal. Don't agree to any payroll deduction. If you are fired, file for unemployment.

https://labor.mo.gov/sites/default/files/pubs_forms/LS-29-AI.pdf


Title: My GF's mom has a warrant out for her arrest, what should she do?

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

Answer:
 INAL but it sounds like all the players here officially qualify for (D)umbass status.

I hope they throw the book at your GF's mom. She deserves it and is seriously lucky nobody was killed or hurt as a result of her negligence and poor judgement.


Title: Help me warn others...?!

Question: Is it illegal for me to let a business know they are promoting artwork of a man on trial for rape?

Answer:
 "On Trial For" and "Guilty Of" are two completely different things.

Also creating controversy might have the opposite of your desired effect.


Title: My therapist and my mom’s therapist talk to each other (Kentucky)

Question:
This is my first post ever so bear with me as I’m on mobile. So I’ve been seeing a therapist since September, and my mom’s therapist happens to be in the same office as my therapist, but they’re two separate people, separate practices, etc. I go into therapy today and my therapist starts the appointment by saying my mother’s therapist told her that she was concerned about XYZ issue about me. I paused for a second and thought, how does she know this? I asked her, and my therapist said she and my mom’s therapist “talk”. Is that legal? I know client confidentiality exists, so my therapist and my mom’s therapist should not be allowed to share information with each other, much less share it with other clients. So basically, my mom told her therapist something, her therapist told my therapist, and my therapist told me. This is not the first time it’s happened. I’m now worried that anything I’ve ever told my therapist might not actually be private and my mom has a chance of finding out, so obviously I don’t want to tell my therapist anything. However I really, really like my therapist and would rather not get a new one. So is this legal? Note: both therapists are LCSWs, not PhDs, if that makes any difference.

Edit: a word
Topic:
Medicine and Malpractice

Answer:
 They can definitely share client info back and forth for supervision purposes. Supervision allows therapists the opportunity to process through complex cases and to get professional feedback on their own approaches. It’s basically group therapy for therapists.

However, they can not share information outside of supervision so if they’re socially engaged and discussing clients that’s a big no no including texting PPI. Additionally, whatever is discussed in supervision stays there. You never take it outside of that meeting, let alone inform the client about it. This is highly unethical. I’d report both of them to the Social Work Licensing Board in your state . Social workers take the Code of Ethics very seriously and these two have violated it.

   - I have my MSW and work as a therapistAnswer #2: That's a violation of patient confidence. They can lose their license. They can talk about cases but not the patients names. If I am not wrong that violates HIPPA rules.Answer #3: Are you a minor?Answer #4: They can share information with each other, that's totally kosher. Especially if it's for supervision purposes. Can they share that information with clients? Definitely not. That's a breach of confidentiality and a HIPAA violation. Unless you signed an ROI, and your mother as well, they cant even confirm you're even in therapy.
File a complaint and talk to your therapist about your discomfort.

I am a therapist. The rules are pretty straight forward about privacy rights.


Title: I have a couple of questions about the adoption process. Please help!

Question:
So I don't know if this is the right place but hopefully someone can answer a few questions.

My biological father left before I was born and my mom married my step dad when I was a year old. He's been my dad my whole life and I've never considered him anything but that. His birthday is coming up in a few months and I wanted to surprise him with adoption papers.

Now for the questions. I'm twenty years old and living in Ohio. Is this possible since I'm over the age of 18? Does my biological father have to give consent? How would I go about starting this process?

Now I realize it's just a piece of paper. I'm still his son and he's still my dad but I know it would mean the world to him. I may even get to see him cry. :) Thank you so much in advance guys!

Answer:
 (1) Yes. Ohio allows adoption of adults in certain circumstances, and yours fall into those categories.   See link below.

(2) Your biological father does not have to give consent.

(3) You would contact an attorney who deals with adoptions.  You're generally looking for smaller law firms who largely do "family law" (which is mainly divorce), but have one or two attorneys who specialize in adoption.  With adult adoptions, there's very little that can go wrong (because you don't have to get consent or terminate anybody's parental rights), so the attorney should be able to give you a good feel as to cost.

Note that your step-dad's consent IS required.  It's likely that you could have the attorney draft the papers to a certain point.

http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3107.02v1


Title: I got into a fight last night. The guys wants to press charges against my friend. What should I do?

Question: So I my gf’s friend rented a party bus for her birthday. I was DJing, playing music, drinking a beer. I see this guy I don’t know grinding on my girlfriend with his junk in her face. I quickly approached him and tapped him on the shoulder. The music is loud so admittedly I am in his face, and I say “Hey you know she’s got a boyfriend. What are you doing??” And immediately this results in him pushing me away. I fall and pull him down with me. He pins me down with his knee and gets ready to swing. My friend comes to back me up and pulls him off of me. My friend pins him down while people are now breaking up the fight. I see the guy on top of my friend and I broke loose and pushes him off of him again and now the fight is broken up. We are both on opposite ends of the bus screaming at each and eventually things settle down. I decided to man up and apologize because I wanted the night to go on. The guy and I made amends and we both apologized. His gf who was also on the party bus and happens to be good friends with my gf (they both work together) calls my gf and informs her that the guy wants to press charges against my friend because apparently he could barely walk today and he thinks he has a slipped disc? But when his gf called mine she said she was at the bar with her where she works. So I’m doubting this. What do you think I should do? I don’t want any legal action out of this on my part or his because of our gf’s relationship. He said he does not want to press charges against me because he understands why I did what I did? That doesn’t make much sense to me but I feel like I have more of a case against him than he does against me or my friend but again, I don’t wish to take legal action. Does anyone have any advice?

Answer:
 If you are contacted by the police you should politely decline to answer their questions and retain a lawyer.

Your friend should do the same.


Title: (UT) Landlord took more than my usual rent without telling me.

Question: I currently live in student housing, and as part of our lease we have monthly cleaning checks. If we fail said cleaning checks they send people in to do the cleaning and add it on to your rent. So this last month, they came and checked as usual only didn't tell us if we passed or failed. My rent including utilities and Internet is $343, and I have it set to auto e-check that amount on the 1st of each month. I just checked my email and got a receipt for $418 (which I don't even have in my account mind you). Shouldn't my landlord at least tell me if my roommates and I failed our cleaning checks and the amount for each thing? Also nobody came to clean our apartment so I shouldn't have gotten billed for it. I know I purposefully set my auto debt to be exactly $343 and not the 'full rent' amount.

Answer:
 Putting aside the issue of whether they can add cleaning charges like that (that will depend on Utah law, potentially) - you've paid for a service you haven't received.Answer #2: You can ask for an invoice for cleaning services. If they are unable to provide it, it's time to start looking for another place to rent.Answer #3: How did they manage to take more out of your account without your permission? I'd be taking this up with the bank, unless there's something about 'e-checks' I don't understand.Answer #4: > I know I purposefully set my auto debt to be exactly $343 and not the 'full rent' amount.

Call your bank about this part.  If you signed an agreement to automatically deduct $343 they don't have the right to bill you for more. Double check that you didn't sign something authorizing them to auto bill you for more in special circumstances.


Title: Crashed a car, just found out they put out a recall, can I get some kind of compensation for it?

Question:
Hoping I put the right flair on this, please change it if it's wrong!

I crashed and totaled a brand new vehicle in September, still dealing with the insurance company to get the check, and I just got something in the mail saying there is a manufacturer recall beginning February 1, 2018 saying certain cars may have gotten contaminated brake fluid and that "a reduction in braking performance can increase the risk of a crash." The first step would be to find out if my car is one of the ones that were affected. If it is, can I get some sort of compensation? I wasn't seriously injured and don't have any lasting effects except my back/neck/rib cage always feels like it needs to crack and won't crack, the part of my shin/knee where it was bruised is still a little swollen and bruised over a month later, and driving gives me anxiety now (PTSD?). I'm waiting for a call back from the state bar association so I can talk to a lawyer, but I'd like to know if r/legaladvice thinks this is worth pursuing.
Topic:
Consumer Law

Answer: Maybe, if the reason why you crashed was because of a "reduction in braking performance." If the crash had nothing to do with, then no.


Title: Father on sedatives and possibly dying. Not his legal child (Ontario, Canada)

Question:
Firstly, thank you for your time. I apologize for how messy and confusing the post below is.

tl;dr: Father is dying, not his legal child. Worried my sister and I will be left with nothing. Looking for advice and low cost legal aid. There is no will or legal documentation know to us.

My father is in the hospital on sedatives (unable to respond to anything; unconscious) and has a good chance of dying.
As our only parent it is possible my half-sister (17) and I (20) will be looking at living on our own soon. Our father has little liquid assets but has a fairly successful company. My sister is my dad's biological and legal child but I am not and I share no biological connection to him aside from my half-sister. We are worried because if he passes one of his sisters or his mother will be the executor of his estate and my sister and I will not have enough money to care for ourselves as my dad's plan if he were to pass was for me to inherit his company. in the case of one of his relatives aside from my sister or I does execute the will my sister and I are looking for legal aid.

If possible, could anyone direct me on what questions to ask a lawyer during consultation and the type of lawyer to contact?

As well, if anyone has any recommendations on no to low cost lawyers within the GTA, please let me know.

Thank you in advance.

Answer:
 I'm sorry for your situation

If he has a will, and you are specifically named as inheriting the company, then the fact that you are not his legal daughter will not matter. He can leave his estate (or parts of it) to anyone he wants. The executor must follow the terms set out in the will.

If he dies intestate (without a will), his issue (your sister) inherits everything. Again, the executor has no choice in the matter.

> type of lawyer to contact?

Probate attorney


Title: Crazy question: Treaties with small countries as an end-run around the Constitution?

Question: So, the Constitution says that itself and the treaties made under its authority are the supreme law of the land. Does that mean that treaties whose terms would otherwise violate the Constitution are allowed (that is, are treaties exempt from judicial review)? And if so, is there anything—aside from the practical hurdle of Senate ratification—keeping the US from entering into treaties with Nauru or some other cash-strapped country where we pay them a million dollars to sign a treaty that says "actually, we're not having presidential term limits anymore notwithstanding the Constitution" or something similarly nuts?

Answer: Treaties cannot supersede or contradict the Constitution and are subject to Judicial review.


Title: I have been falsely accused of domestic battery. There is no evidence of anything outside of a testimony. Can I still be convicted?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Cop here. She could have injured herself or put marks on herself in an effort to prove her story.

She could have other witnesses that heard or saw the battery (or claim they did) or neighbors that heard you say something incriminating.

You will need to hire an attorney and/or apply for a public defender if you cannot afford your own.

Answer #2: Testimony is evidence. It's possible. You need an attorney ASAP.


Title: My dad owes back child support

Question: Im 23 now, my dad left the state when i was younger but still owes thousands in back child support. Is there any way my mother or I would be able to sue him for it?

Answer: He owes your mom.  She can sue him if she wants.


Title: [MA] Is there a legally mandated amount of time an employer must release part-time schedules before the start of the work week?

Question:
I am a PT server in MA. My employer releases schedules on Saturday night with the work week beginning on Sunday morning, first shift at 9:30. He has dodged my questions about an official company policy regarding length of time between schedule release and start of the work week. Is there a legally mandated time frame in MA?

Edit: additional question--is it legal for part time employer to "require" employees to quit other part time jobs they have, or prevent them from getting a new one? The manager pulls this as well.

Answer:
 No.

However if fired, you have a hell of a claim for unemployment benefits.

You also have the freedom to look for higher quality employment opportunities.


Title: Got pulled over for "too loud/modified" exhaust in CA. The exhaust is completely stock.

Question:
It's a 2017 Dodge Charger. There is no exhaust malfunction/leak (dealer has check recently in an unrelated service), it's just loud from the factory.

The officer did not believe me my word when he asked if I had a modified exhaust so he put it down just in case. Listed as non-correctable on the citation.

Probably going to speak to SRT support so they can send me some type of documentation of their factory exhaust.

Any tips?

Answer:
 >There is no exhaust malfunction/leak (dealer has check recently in an unrelated service), **it's just loud from the factory.**

And from the Tazer mod that the OP kind of forgot to mention but /u/Paul_Hommala noticed:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Charger/comments/90r7n4/tazer_for_scatpacks_anyone_has_one/

which the OP installed to make the exhaust sound louder by unlocking SRT mods like track mode

https://zautomotive.com/product/tazer/

which make the car sound louder.

It also has a one touch return to factory modes for those awkward times when one gets a ticket for their exhaust being too loud, so the car returns to factory settings. Sadly, that only happened only AFTER the OP was caught and ticketed.

OP, you MAY win in court, but you know your exhaust was too loud and why. And if you could not trick a few Reddit armchair lawyers... good luck with tricking a judge and a police officer who will testify your exhaust was indeed too loud.

Do what you will :)Answer #2: The only real tip is to remember CA is full of ticket clinics who will generally offer your money back if they are unable to resolve your ticket to at least save you money.

Since it is not a correctable violation, it means you must show in court. Since we do not use prosecutors in traffic court, it needs to be ruled on by the judge as guilty or not guilty. If you can show the court it is stock and not violating any ordinances, you would be found NG. You have a much much much better shot with an attorney doing this for you. Most seem to charge about $100.


Title: Last night I lost everything to my abusive ex-gf

Question:
Hello all,

I'm currently writing this on a cell phone while lying on a friends couch trying to figure out what happened last night. I was with my now ex for under a year and she had been abusive throughout the relationship. Last week I broke up with her and ended it, she continued to try and be manipulative and abusive as her name was on the lease.

Last night I called the RCMP [In NB fyi] and said I wanted her out and explained what had happened......upon arrival they spoke with her and within minutes I was taking my stuff out of my apartment and told I cannot go back.....I pay for that apartment ALL of the furniture is my grandmothers from before she passed, and they were asking my friends who were there to support me if I was mentally stable or any signs of abuse towards her on my part.

Reddit was I just a subject of sexual discrimination? I'm already seeking help from legal aid but I want to try and get all my ducks in a row so to speak

Answer:
 >was I just a subject of sexual discrimination?

No. Not even remotely. Police heard two stories. They believed one. Has nothing to do with your gender. Answer #2: > as her name was on the lease.

But was yours...?Answer #3: Is your name on the lease?  If so, you need to talk to your landlord about removing it.  You may have to pay some rent forward for him to help you.


Title: What could I do (both good and bad) with two social security cards?

Question:
USA, MI

Hypothetically, I have two Social Security cards. One person doesn't exist and never has, but the other one is in the books and on paper as a person.

What exactly could I do (advantages and disadvantages) with this? I'm super curious.

Thanks in advance!

Answer: You can commit felonies at a faster rate if you also use fake documents. Answer #2: You could inform the Social Security office of the screwup, or you could commit felony-level fraud by using a number that isn't yours.


Title: [Canada] Facing charges in a foreign country, wondering what will happen if I ignore them

Question:
I was arrested in a foreign country (prefer not to say where) a while ago on non-violent drug charges.  Paid bail and was allowed to leave the country.  Now my lawyer in the other country tells me that I must appear in court soon.  If found guilty (very likely) I am facing years in prison.

I'm considering what will happen if I just ignore the request to appear and never return to that country again.  My home country (Canada) does not have an extradition treaty with the country where I'm being charged.  However I travel internationally a lot.  So I'm wondering:

-Lacking an extradition treaty, am I correct to assume that Canada would not hand me over if it was requested?  Or does extradition sometimes still happen without a treaty?

-Could i have issues crossing borders? My understanding is that the country i'm charged in could issue an interpol red notice which would then appear on my file whenever i travel internationally.  Does anyone know the threshold for issuing these?  Are they only for major crimes like terrorism and war crimes and the like, or is it a real possibility that one would be issued over drug charges?

Basically I'm trying to decide if it's better to lose a couple years of my life in a cell, or have this thing be hanging over me forever.

Thanks for any advice you can provide.

Answer:
 Canada generally won't extradite Canadian citizens, even to countries it has extradition treaties with.

You may be denied entry into other countries on the basis of your criminal record, with or without INTERPOL involvement. If you're convicted of a crime in the Schengen treaty area, for example, there's a fairly high chance their customs folks will share that fact with one another, since it's much easier to stop people at the treaty area border than at the national borders within it.

The right way to handle this is probably to hire a defence attorney in the country you're being charged in to handle the case for you. If you're convicted, your life will get incrementally more complicated, and you'll likely be unable to return to that country until you complete your sentence, if ever.


Title: Domestic Violence in presence of minor / false reporting - Indiana

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Do you have a question?

Generally it will not matter that you recant as many victims of domestic violence recant. The DA still has the option to pursue charges they feel they can prove.


Title: Update - Wife fired from her job for having an anxiety attack. Is there anything that can be done?

Question:
Original thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/4dgses/al_wife_fired_from_her_job_having_an_anxiety/

Wanted to give you guys an update.

My wife decided she was going to go up the chain of command, and possibly human resources. She called the store she worked at and the manager that fired her answered the phone. She asked him three times for a number for human resources and he told her that the stores didn't have human resources. He also tried to tell her that he didn't really fire her and that he was just trying to "Make sure she had time to go to her doctor's appointment" but when she called him out of it, he argued with her and apparently she really is fired, or something like that. She pressed him again for an HR number and he gave her a phone number. It was a number to another store - not HR, though she knew that already because it was a local area code.

She called the number anyway and it was the store where one of the prior temporary managers worked - one that was fully aware of her anxiety and was a fan of her work ethic. The manager contacted the district manager and said he would call her ASAP.

She gets a phone call from him this morning. He seemed genuinely upset over the situation and said he was going to investigate. He told her that she would not be able to return to work, but she was welcome to reapply and that the termination wouldn't be an issue if she was rehired. He said he felt like the chaotic state of the store would probably not be a good workplace right now with her anxiety, but he really would like for her to reapply once things are more stable.

I asked her if she felt satisfied with his response and if she felt it was genuine and not just him giving her the run around. She said yes. She wants to discuss everything with her doctor because she feels like she needs to work on controlling her anxiety better before she starts working again. Her doctor had to reschedule her appointment because of an illness, so she wasn't able to see him yesterday.

Answer: I have a severe anxiety disorder. Honestly, retail is not a good environment. She should try a less hectic job, avoiding customer service. I enjoy secretarial/office work.


Title: [KS, USA] Moved into small apartment on August 15th, since then our electric bill is nearly $400. Need help with confrontation and compensation

Question:
We moved into our apartment August 15th, and recently discovered that over these 14 days, our energy bill has racked up $400.  To compare, last residency's bill in summer was not even $200.

I talked to the energy provider, and they are confident it is the AC which is faulty, and that the landlord should have had it checked/cleaned prior to us moving in.  Likely short cycling which is causing this enormous bill.  He suggested that we should talk to the landlord to get this fixed, and seek compensation for part of the electric bill because it was likely the landlords fault.

How should we go about doing this?  I am very inexperienced with these sort of things (first time roommates and I have leased our own apartment), and could use all the advice you all have to offer.

Answer: First step could be repeating exactly what the energy provider told you....then see what the landlord is willing/not willing to do to investigate/correct the situation.


Title: [Austin, TX] Apartment maintenance workers walked in unannounced on my naked girlfriend, just moments after watching me leave for class, then take their time leaving. They've been watching her for months.

Question:
The maintenance workers in our apartment complex have always lingered outside our door since we moved in back in September of last year. We've had a few tickets put in for minor repairs on some appliances, and the first two times they came, they always knocked because the deadbolt was locked, even though they tried to enter without any prior notification. She noticed, as I'm usually oblivious to things of that nature, that they've been spying on her, like walking by frequently to try to see through her blinds, among other things such as minor cat calls. Today, when I left for class, just about a minute after I closed the door, the maintenance people walked up and unlocked our door without knocking, then walked in on my naked girlfriend, who had just gotten out of the shower and thought I came home to get something I forgot.

She feels like maybe it's her fault because she had a ticket in for repairs, but I feel like this is predatory behavior, and that no maintenance worker should legally be able to enter someone's home unannounced, and that the main office should send and email with an estimate on the time frame in which the repairs would take place.

If any, what actions should we take? I plan on going to the main office to file a complaint, but I worry that it may be swept under the rug or they'll throw some sort of excuse that I'm not prepared for.

Answer:
 Besides what others are saying, lock up your valuables.Answer #2: If the management office doesn't help, & you decide to move, I would suggest calling them out on Yelp, Apartments.com, & Google reviews. Maybe the potential loss of new tenants will pursued management.Answer #3: Not defending their actions but the maintenance crew can just claim they knocked and your girlfriend couldn’t hear because she was in the shower/bathroom/far away from the door.

Both complexes I lived in during college, (in Florida) maintenance was allowed to come in if you had a ticket or request.

Also, since they’re probably the only maintenance guys, you probably will be the last unit helped in the future for reporting them.Answer #4: First thing on my list would be to have the lock rekeyed.


Title: Can I get my old customers/accounts back!??

Question: I sold my company and in the contract there wasn't a noncompete clause in it. Now I want to open another similar business with a different name. Can I try to get my old customers and accounts back? Although there isn't a noncompete clause, there is a non-solicitation in the contract. Can the buyer still sue me for taking his accounts back? My business is conducted in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Please help!

Answer: Non-solicitation typically prohibits **exactly** what you're trying to do here. Get a lawyer to review your documents and the situation before you proceed.


Title: Employee drug tests

Question: Is it legal to test an employee who is not on the clock nor planned to be?

Answer: Without knowing your location; yes.


Title: Went bathroom in bar and they took my ID

Question: I went to the bathroom in some random bar and they ID'd me (I'm 20) so I said okay well I just wanna use your bathroom and they said to show my ID show'd them my ID and said hold it and went into the bathroom. Afterwards they said there was a problem with my ID and I told them I literally went to the bathroom (was not trying to buy a drink I know the law) and I told them I just wanted to use the bathroom and they said they didn't care and to call the cops to get it back. I have an extra ID from DMV because I just renewed it so I just shrugged it off and ignored it and went home (my original plan). I don't really need the ID back but are there any legal actions I can take against this bar? I never once tried to buy a drink from them I just wanted to use their bathroom.

Answer:
 What legal action do you want to take, and for what? If you had a second ID, you had to have lied to the DMV in order to get it, as on renewal they take the old one, or punch a hole in it and give you a temporary paper one at some locations. They don't let people have two valid ones. If you reported it lost, the old one is invalidated in the system, and illegal to continue to use it. So there almost certainly was an issue with yours, and they were right to turn it over to the police.

There's also the fact nobody believes you were just ducking in to use the restroom.

I can't imagine why you think you have recourse in the legal system, but as a minor who used an invalid ID to try to enter a bar, you should instead be hoping the legal system doesn't come after you.


Title: My co-worker is going to kill her dog.

Question:
I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask about this, but here we go.

My coworker came into work saying she had a tough day and said she realized she had to put her dog down. I apoligized and asked what was wrong with the dog, she than said that the dog was "just a bitch" and that the dog was getting snippy with her and pretending like it was going to bite her. I was pretty stunned.

My coworker then explained that the plan was to take the dog to the desert, dig a hole, shoot the dog, and bury it in the desert this Tuesday.

Is there anything I can legally do to stop her from killing her dog?

Answer: You could offer to buy the dog from her. Answer #2: Any chance that that she has determined that the dog really is dangerous and the "just a bitch" comment is dark humor? I am in favor of taking the dog to the shelter, but if it is a dangerous animal, the shelter will do the same thing in less redneck style.Answer #3: If you’re in the position to do so, Ask her that if she’s just going to get rid of him, if you can just have him? Do you know anyone willing to take in a dog?Answer #4: Call and report to Animal Control in her town (not your town, if you're in different towns). She may know it was you that did it, but whether that's a problem or not is up to you.


Title: Death threats and stalking

Question:
Location: California

I have a friend who was sexually assaulted and eventually talked into reporting it to the police. Since then they have gotten a restraining order on the guy, but he has been calling them and leaving threatening messages and emails. They finally just changed their number, but he keeps emailing. Forwarding all emails to the police had them bring him in, but in one email he alluded to having one of his buddies go hurt them and how this week would be their final one alive. While in custody, his friend used the guy's email to continue to send messages. They are watching their house and messaging them asking why she thinks she can hide at X place or why she hasn't left the house yet, but are gone by the time the police arrive to check. The guy is currently out on bail and she is still continually being emailed and harassed.

Are there any additional legal avenues they can take so they can stop looking over their shoulder and feeling like a prisoner in their own home?

Answer: Has she contacted victim assistance at the DA's office? She should ask that his bail be revoked.


Title: [CA University + Drugs] Accused of drug use on campus, university demands hearing, possible diciplinary action

Question:
University police received report of student needing ambulance. On site medical professional believed illicit drug use had taken place, separate student claimed student had taken substance (ecstacy) to university police.

&#x200B;

Student taken to third party hospital, treated, released. Student has limited recollection of events. No hospital records released.

&#x200B;

What is the recommended course of action for said student to avoid/minimize potential disciplinary action?

Answer:
 We can start by ditching the third-person passive voice, for one.

Someone, probably you, took ecstasy. Someone's friends, probably yours, freaked out and called the university police who called an ambulance because someone (again, probably you) appeared to need medical assistance. And now the school is looking at disciplinary action because one of their students was taken to hospital for illegal drug use.

How are we doing so far?


Title: Pretty sure my mom will be arrested for strealing in the next few days. My autistic 6 year old brother lives with her. What happens to her, and more importantly, with him if this does happen?

Question:
I never thought I'd be posting something like this, but then, everybody who posts here probably thinks that. Obligitory "on mobile, sorry for funny formatting or spelling/grammar errors."

I hope this is the right sub for this. I live in Washington state.

In the last week there has been a photo circulating in the news and on my local Facebook police page of a subject wanted for stealing a wallet from a grocery store. I just came across this image today, as my mother called me and told me that someone notified her of the photo and that they think it looks like her.

After seeing the photo, I am 99% convinced that this photo is of my mother.

She has told me that it's not her in the photo, but everyone in my family who has seen the news post or Facebook post swears it's her. She mentioned to me that two police officers showed up to her apartment today and questioned her about her whereabouts on that day and at that time.

She said that she told them it wasn't her that stole the wallet. They asked her to empty her purse out and she did. They asked her to come in to the station for questioning later this week. They also said something to her along the lines of "give it a few days, take the time and maybe you'll have a different story for us when we speak again."

She has also told me that she is now looking to hire a lawyer because she is afraid that she will be falsely accused and then arrested, and the police will railroad her into giving a confession if they get her scared and confused enough.

My question isn't really about what kind of charges and problems she will be facing if the police find enough evidence to convict her of stealing the wallet, because that's her issue and honestly if she is guilty then she deserves whatever the law wants to do to her.
(However... if you want to chime in on that as well so I can have some forewarning on what's going to happen, any and all comments will be greatly appreciated.)

My question(s) are mostly about what will happen to my young, autistic brother.

Will the police arrest her in front of him? Will they give her time to call someone to come sit with him and then take her into custody? Will they arrest her and take my brother into police custody and then give him to the state foster care system while she is being apprehended? What if he is at school during the day and she is arrested then? Will the police notify the school, myself or anyone that she has been taken and that she will not be there to pick him up? Because of an arrest like this, will CPS investigate her and is there a possibility that she could lose him?

His dad is not really in the picture, and he works before my brother goes to school and doesn't get out of work until hours after my brother comes home from school.

I am worried that because of his autism, he will react violently towards the cops and/or be extremely traumatized by the situation. He's only six, but he is attached to my mom's hip and always has been. I don't want this to cause further issues. I just want him protected as much as possible, so I need to know what is likely to happen so that I can make arrangements for him the next few days.

Thank you for reading, I know it's a bit of a shit storm. I just want to try and protect my brother from as much fall out as I can and didn't know where else to turn.

Answer:
 Fyi your mom should really not go talk to the police. At least not without a lawyer. NOTHING positive will come of the "conversation". They're only inviting her to further incriminate herself.Answer #2: CPS is unlikely to intervene given your brother still has a parent unincarcerated. The child's father will need to step up and deal with figuring out care.Answer #3: is there a way you can already have him with you when this happens? volunteer to babysit while she goes to talk to them?

if the father lives with her, arranging care for your brother becomes his responsibility.

If there's no reason to suspect any wrongdoing on your part and the father doesn't object then there's no reason for them to remove him from your custody until the situation is handled with your mother. They don't generally want to remove a child from family.


Title: If a person is accused of rape, is the accuser's word sufficient for conviction? (KY,USA)

Question:
Topic:
Alcohol Related Other than DUI

Answer:
 You've actually just detailed why it is so incredibly hard to prosecute rapes and sexual assaults. It is often a he said / she said scenario, and given how high a standard beyond a reasonable doubt is many times the state decides not to go forward with these cases because they will not be able to meet that burden.

Now, many on reddit think there is a epidemic of men being falsely accused of rape and being jailed. This does happen in a small percentage of cases. The reality however is that the accused in a rape case you described will more than likely never be convicted, or even charged.Answer #2: You're asking two completely different questions.

The standard for an arrest is probable cause.  On a single witness' testimony, it's not that difficult to imagine John getting arrested.

The standard for a conviction is proof of each element of the crime beyond reasonable doubt.  It's nearly impossible to convince a jury without at least forensics or medical testimony.  And even *with* other evidence, nearly impossible without the victim's cooperation.

So no, generally speaking, the victim's testimony is usually not going to be enough for a conviction.


Title: Job was made redundant 1 hour after I handed in my resignation, Am I entitled to anything? WA/AUS

Question: Handed in my resignation on Wednesday and 1 hour later they made 4 manager positions redundan (mine included). Am I entitled to anything?

Answer: Nope. You quit.


Title: Backed into brother inlaws girlfriends car..

Question: So i backed into my brother inlaws gfs car. It was in my mother inlaws driveway and no police report was filed and we didnt exchange insurance information. A couple of days went by and now the gf sent me a picture of an estimate of $1000. The bodyshop she took it to was a friend of hers which makes me uncomfortable, what if he agreed to do the job for less and then give her the differnece from the insurance money? I want to fix her car but the damage doesnt equal $1000. It is a 4 inch scratch and a small dent on the drivers door of a 2010 ford escape. What kind of options do i have? (This all occured in Pennsylvania)

Answer:
 >  I want to fix her car but the damage doesnt equal $1000.

Careful there, hoss.  Unless you're a mechanic and have inspected the car, you can't say that.

Your options are to pay her, to start a claim with your insurance company, to negotiate, or to ignore her and risk getting sued.  You can ask her to take it to another body shop for another estimate.


Title: Orderde from a website, now they want me to pay more in order to get my item. Help.

Question:
I bought prescription sunglasses from smartbuyglasses.ca with a coupon code, which gave me 20% off my order. I thought I made a pretty good deal, and they gave me an invoice with the whole price at 20% off.

However, they sent me an email today asking me to pay 25$ more since the coupon was only covering the frame and not the whole price.

I think it's really unfair that I have to pay more than what they advertised me. what should I do? I allready emailed costumer service and they won't do anything.

Edit: goddamn title

Answer: You don't have to pay, but they have the ability to cancel the sale. They do have to either give you the product or your money back, though.


Title: Impeached and Banned from Student Council

Question:
I was an active member of my college Student Government (a regular voting member) for nearly  a year. I have some controversial opinions but I keep them to myself, although I do make offhanded remarks from time to time. This offended other people in the Student Government when they found out, though, and I was impeached on the grounds of "discrimination" and "harassment". Was going through a bad time (lost an election for an officer position) and so I chose not to go to the trial for various reasons. The following semester I went trying to clear my name, and they said I couldn't be a voting member ever again. Eventually they decided to ban me from coming to all meetings altogether because, again, I made them pretty mad. Spoke with the College president and he upheld their decision. There's more details that make my case look a lot less bad than it sounds...

My argument is that it's been such a long time (well over a year) since these events and as I didn't commit a crime, and since they refuse to show the evidence of what I specifically did wrong, I should be allowed to normally rejoin the Student Government.

Happy to answer any questions and, I appreciate the advice.

Answer:
 Your argument is irrelevant. They can ban you from participating in the student government for any reason they so choose.

You have no legal recourse. Answer #2: Their argument is they followed their process to remove you, your appeal was denied, and they’re done with you.

Move on. Answer #3: You have no legal right to be part of a club. Especially a club who kicked you out and followed all formal procedures of doing so (you chose not to go to your hearing). The president of the school even upheld their decision.

It's game over man, find a new club to join.


Title: Got kicked out of my own shop after putting 35K in, what are my possible recourses?

Question:
I had started a shop with 3 partners. 1 of the partners turned out to be a real pain, and he didn't want to work with us either. We will refer to this person as T.

The investment put into the shop by me and my partner exceeded 35K$. T put in 5K$. This money went into part of the business purchase, rent, salary for 5 employees, buying expensive new tools, etc.

Due to not having all the funds at hand (20K for taking over the lease), we paid around half the money, and the other half was due today. I was the point person for everything, including making the deals, arranging the money, creating business connects, etc.

Because of not having all the money at once, a couple of payments to the prev leasees were delayed by 24-48 hrs.

The whole month of December, T is unable to pull up with any cash other than that 5K$.

T goes behind our backs to the prev leasees and  tells them that I'm the reason they aren't getting paid, and he has the whole money for the shop for them, they just need to kick us out.

And that's what they do. Today while I had the last payment for them, and was ready to have them sign the lease takeover (with the landlord fully in the know), they came in with the police and said they have the paperwork for this shop and that we have to go.

What do we do now? We have the entire paper trail, how everything came out of my personal bank account, or through it, how me and my partner were toiling 18 hours a day in the shop to make everything run, text messages and recordings that prove that it was me who owns the business or is the main owner of the business.

Even if the prev. Leasees don't let us keep the shop (can they do that?), don't they still have to pay money back for renovations, repairs, business expenses, salaries, all back to us?

Answer:
 What is the legal structure of your business/partnership? What does your lease contract say regarding payment and eviction?Answer #2: You need to hire a lawyer. Yesterday.Answer #3: As other people are trying to ask, answers depend heavily on your business structure. Did you file a form with the Secretary of State to organize the company into an entity, like an LLC or Corporation? Also, what does the lease say?

If you didn’t, and you were simply conducting business with your partner, you are most likely in a General Partnership. In this structure, what partner does on behalf of the business legally binds the other partner and the partnership to those actions, regardless if the second partner was actually involved in the action.

As you can see, this quickly becomes complicated. Contact a business lawyer immediately and be sure that you’re straight on what type of business you formed (or if you didn’t form anything and simply began operating) and have the lease in hand.


Title: TIL: In Louisiana, you only need 10/12 jurors to vote guilty for a murder conviction.

Question:
Watched an episode of 48 Hours on ID.

To what degree do states have the latitude to change how many jurors are needed for a guilty ~~plea~~ verdict?  Can a state say, 7 jurors?

Answer:
 /u/pottersquash, please explain that Napoleonic swamp you call home. Answer #2: It depends.   As a general rule, SCOTUS says unanimity is not required by the US Constitution.  States are generally allowed to decide.

However, once you get into variables such as total jury size (6 v 12) and seriousness of offense (felony v misdemeanor), it depends.