Title: Landlord Tenant Advice

Question:
I'm in Los Angeles, CA.

I am currently renting a house which my wife and I signed a lease about 7 years ago.  The lease has since expired and we have been on a month to month for the past 2 years. My wife and I are divorcing and I would like to stay in the house. The Landlord is one of those that I will have to take to court to get the full deposit back. I've sued pretty much every landlord for the past 30 years and won every case.  I'm very knowledgeable about Landlord Tenant Law and I know exactly what can and can't be deducted from the lease. I am trying to be reasonable with the guy and ask to make a new lease with a room mate, leave the current deposit in place and he doesn't have to do anything else. No refurbishing for a new tenant and all of the expense and hassle  of doing so.  We have always paid our rent on time and there has never been an issue. I keep meticulous records and I have every email, picture, video I've ever sent him. I always communicate in writing. I don't want to threaten him with that yet.  I'm trying to keep it civil.

But if he refuses,  because he's kind of a dick, what are my options? Am I still bound by the original lease since it expired years ago? We never signed a new agreement.

If I have to play hardball,  I can say I will see you in court over the deposit,  you're going to have to pay to clean and paint the house,  find a new tenant,  etc.  And I will sue you over the deposit and if I can't move right away,  you may have to evict me,  another time consuming and costly process on top of the above.

So what are my options?  Thanks in advance.

Answer: Well if you're going to put it that nicely, why on earth *wouldn't* he want to voluntarily renew your lease?  Every time someone threatens to sue me I think, "I should really extend my business relationship with that guy."


Title: I have video of a party guest stealing a bunch of stuff from my house. Can I get in legal trouble for sharing this video or making it public? - Illinois

Question:
I have a 7 minute video of a girl creeping around my house at 5:00am gathering a large pile of loot.  She was a guest at a party in my home, and another guest filmed her and sent me the video.  Can I get in legal trouble for showing this video to people?  For example, posting it publicly to shame her, sending it in a message to her mother, or notifying some of her friends to be wary of the thief?

Edit:  Although I appreciate it, I'm not here for advice of whether or not I *should* do that; only whether or not it is *legal*.  I know we all have our personal philosophic views on what means justice, but I'm here to understand the law and how it is applied to cases like I described.  Sending the video out is just a hypothetical situation from my curious mind.  I want to understand the eavesdropping and two party consent laws, the reasonable expectation of privacy for someone who is a guest in my home, and any other relevant legal information. Obviously I'll go to the police when I get robbed!

Answer:
 Simple answer: your guest had no expectation of privacy, so any video is fine.

If you're in a place that has other people, unless you have some reason to think you're screened from them (e.g. a closed bathroom door), there's no expectation of privacy.  The fact that another guest was able to film her helps prove the point.

Other potential sources of trouble:

* If the facts aren't as you described them, e.g. if the thief had some reason to think she could expect privacy, the answer might change.  That gets a bit complicated (see: http://blogs.findlaw.com/blotter/2013/05/are-nanny-cams-legal.html for a "reasonable purpose" standard) and that's beyond my knowledge.
* Audio recordings would apparently violate Illinois's wiretapping act (two-party consent is required).
* Extortion is bad; don't go "give me a zillion dollars or I'll turn you in."
* If you embellish the story, you might run into issues of slander.  Stick to the facts.


Title: I am a United States citizen. My co-worker and friend is here on an H-1B work visa, and in the process of getting a green card. We are working on an app together want to form an LLC. Would this jeopardize his visa or green card process in any way, and if so, how?

Question: Essentially the title.  We both work for a software company full time.  He is here on a visa while I am not, and the company is helping to get a green card.  We are working on building an app together.  I know he can not work other side jobs, but can he be an equal partner in an LLC with me?

Answer:
 Your potential partner's visa is based on their employment. They cannot take other employment or risk their current job by spending too much time on a side project.

Other than that, LLC away.

Once they have a green card, the employment link goes away completely


Title: Warner Inc. takedown notice for a poster of a public domain image.

Question:
I manufacture and sell posters and art prints, all from public domain images.

One product is a picture of a drawing that, in an altered form, [is an iconic album cover from the 70's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grateful_Dead_(album)). The original drawing that I reproduce is the ["skeleton and roses" drawing by EJ Sullivan](http://www.johncoulthart.com/feuilleton/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/rubaiyat04.jpg) (d.1933) from "The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam" (pub.1859).

The poster is an unaltered reproduction of the drawing. The product title in the online ad states that it was the "inspiration for Grateful Dead album cover."

Warner is demanding that it be taken down, referencing trademark registration number 4785985, the description of which can be found [here.](https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=4785985&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch)

Is Warner within their rights to demand this be removed from sale?

Thanks very much.
Topic:
Intellectual Property

Answer:
 > Is Warner within their rights to demand this be removed from sale?

Yes, of course, people and companies can demand virtually anything. And you are within your rights to fight them in court if they sue you to remove it. But before it comes to that, hire an attorney to right a response with your reasons (that you stated above) that this is not a violation of their trademark. Note that someone can trademark something in the public domain, trademark and copyright differ, and it's telling that they have not issued you a DMCA (correct?) for copyright. In any case, review with an IP attorney and have that attorney compose a response.Answer #2: Not a lawyer, but it seems their trademark is for the specific Grateful Dead logo version not the original public domain version, so unless they have a trademark on the original drawing as well, I would think you could fight this. But you will want a consult a lawyer who specializes in this sort of thing since WB has very deep pockets and even if they are in the wrong, could afford to make things miserable for you.


Title: House is in our name, but we are divorced, she can't afford it anymore. Washington State.

Question:
We were married for 4 years, divorced and I gave her the house and the HELOC and walked away.

Over 10 years later, she is saying she doesn't want the house anymore, wants to either sell or have me and my new wife buy her out. My name is still on the house, although court documentation states it's no longer my financial responsibility. In fact, she says that I'm the primary, and she is the co-signer - if that matters.

I floated to her that we would pay her mortgage for a few months, let them move out and my wife and I would move in. Then do a quit claim deed to get my ex-wife off the house.

Can I do this? We don't have extra cash to 'buy her out' and she doesn't have any money to fix the place up and sell it - which I can do all the work, it will just take a little time.

Not sure of the best way to handle this. Looking for incite, thanks!

Answer: If she will agree, probably. But keep in mind that a quitclaim won't take her name off the mortgage. Only a refinance or similar can accomplish that.


Title: Advice on blowing the whistle on three managers at a state agency.

Question:
I work for a state agency in the United States and there have been a lot of shady dealings in the IT department ever since I got hired.

The agency I worked for before this one was in contrast very open and very honest people. This is what I believe we should expect from a public agency. The IT management at my current agency is very secretive, does a lot of shady activity, lies to me and my co-workers constantly, and plays games. The conclusions everyone comes to when I explain the details are there is corruption in the form of kickbacks and favors.

My co-worker and I plan on going to the state auditor and local media. We don't know how far the level of corruption goes because our Agency's Director (above the IT Director) left last summer because of several scandals. I have never done this before (never needed to) and figure legal experts would be the best place to start asking. We tried reporting this to all levels of management but they either are too scared, are part of it, or have their own corruption going on. Is there a better subreddit to ask this in? Does anyone have any advice on what we need to get for evidence? Are there any good examples for writing a whistleblower document that my co-worker and I can use to frame all of the issues? Are there any other people besides the state auditor & media that we should go to? We would rather talk to a lawyer/auditor who is 3rd party and doesn't know anyone in the state. I don't know if anyone can do this pro-bono. Are there other questions I should be asking? Any advice or answers to my questions will be appreciated.

If you'd like a 1 page summary of what has been going on, let me know and I'll post it in the comments. I don't want to list the location because it may be obvious where I work.

Answer: I will give you my thoughts as an attorney who is in charge of HR and most employment related issues for a giant governmental entity. If you were to approach me with these issues I would certainly listen. But you don't have anything except your own allegations of "corruption." Well sorry but what bullshit. If you have evidence of corruption then report it. If you don't, shut up. You can ruin a lot of people's lives by making these allegations without proof. And gossiping about it to other low level employees does not prove that it can't be anything else but corruption. I think you are cooking up a world of hurt for yourself. Good luck.


Title: I bought a computer at the direction of my company who reimbursed me-who owns the computer?

Question:
So my company was previously a bring your own device company, but they switched to issuing PC’s. My boss (CEO of the midsized company) wanted me personally to have a Mac. Getting a company issued Mac through the channels IT set up was going to take a few weeks, so instead he just sent me out to buy one and fill out an expense report to get it reimbursed.

Is this computer considered company equipment? When I joined I signed a contract saying anything created with company equipment is the IP of the company, but I did buy this Mac on my own, it’s in my name and I put it on my credit card. Conversely, it was at their direction and they reimbursed me for it.

Answer:
 If they reimbursed you then they paid for it. Think of it like you asked a friend to pick up a limited edition shirt at a concert and you would pay him back for it later. You wouldn't think your friend still owned the shirt after you paid him back the cost for it, would you?

It's company property. Don't use it for personal stuff.Answer #2: Look at it this way :

You bought the computer from the store, and then the company *bought it from you* when they reimbursed your expense report.

Therefore the company owns the computer, not you.


Title: Someone is trespassing in our house while we are on vacation.

Question:
We currently are allowing my sister to stay at our house which we have approved. Although, her boyfriend who has been abusive and caused a car crash because he was drunk driving. He is currently alone in the home as far as we know and the cops are on their way. Can we charge him with trespassing even if we’ve given the person who gave him permission a key to the house? Sorry if that is a little confusing I’m a little shaken up. If you have any questions I will answer them to the best of my ability.
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer: No. He's not trespassing if the person you gave permission allowed him in.Answer #2: If he has permission from your sister to be there he's not trespassing. Did you instruct your sister to ask him to leave?


Title: [WOODVILLE, OH] Is it legal to visit a toll road service plaza if you are not driving on the toll road?

Question: I live in Woodville, Ohio and we don't have any fast food places nearby. However, we are right next to the  Wyandot Service Plaza on the I-80/I-90 Ohio Turnpike and they have Hardee's. Would it be legal for me to walk to the service plaza without entering the toll road, and eat lunch at Hardee's, and go back to Woodville without entering or exiting the turnpike?

Answer: Unless you are tresspassing on someone else's property to get there, it's not illegal. Eating Hardee's should be though.


Title: Early 2020, Los Angeles, California. Drove my car (drunk) into cars, drove away, didn't leave contact info. Assuming cameras caught me. After, filed fake insurance claim -- made up unrelated incident to get lease fixed // got a letter in the mail for me to call cops // What type of lawyer do I hire?

Question: I basically did a hit and run, then lied about it to insurance, and got caught. What type of lawyer should I get? Google keeps bringing me to hire lawyers to support the victim of this scenario and not the one who can best defend me.

Answer: Criminal defense attorney.


Title: What's the purpose of dissenting opinions?

Question: I'm reading some US Supreme Court decisions and it made me wonder what the purpose of the dissenting opinion is. Are they ever used by lower courts as a basis for decisions (I don't understand how they could be)? Or do they show the help narrow the decision somehow? Is it just an exercise in futility that allows the dissenting justice(s) to voice their thought process?

Answer:
 Dissenting opinions from SCOTUS can influence state courts, or the reasoning can compel lower courts to interpret the majority decision more narrowly. As far as I know, that sums up their immediate practical effect.

Long term, however, dissents can gain influence and win the day further down the line. One obvious example could be Harlan's dissent in Plessy. Although this hasn't happened yet, I bet a majority of the court would adopt Scalia's dissent from Morrison v Olsen if the same or similar issue were to come before the court.

Also, in a nonlegal sense, dissents can inspire public action to fix problems that the dissenting justice predicts as a result of the majority opinion. In a recent dissent, Ginsburg called on Congress to fix arbitration laws.


Title: Police took $1500 from me in a traffic stop, how do I get it back after charges were already dropped?

Question:
Hey there, thanks for reading this.
-I'm in a little bit of hard place, legally, right now. in May of 2017, I was stopped by a state trooper on the interstate for riding in HOV lane without a passenger.
He immediately smelled marijuana on me, and proceeded to search my car. He then found marijuana in my car. This was in Maryland, a decriminalized state. Everything under 10 grams is decriminalized, but I had more than 10 grams, so he arrested me for "intent to sell". He searched my car and took about $1500 from me. The money was in my wallet, as I had cashed a check and used that money to buy my weed.
Fast forward a few weeks. I'd gotten a private attorney, and went to court. All the weed charges were completely dropped, and I was under the impression (from my lawyer) that the traffic tickets were also cleared.
Fast forward, again, and I just was pulled over last week and the state trooper informed me that my license was suspended because of these traffic tickets in May.
So now, here I am, with $1200 in the OLD tickets, as well as all the new tickets from driving with a suspended licence. (he gave me 7 new tickets.) After the first court date, my lawyer told me that the confiscated money would be returned. I had planned on paying the rest of my lawyer fees off with the confiscated money, but it never showed up. I just assumed that the lawyer had received the money directly from the county and everything was peachy. Now i'm stuck thinking if I can I get that $1500 so I can pay my lawyer, my tickets, and get this squared away?

Answer: You're extremely unlikely to get the money back without the support of an attorney and an attorney is likely to cost more than the money in question. It may make sense to speak to a lawyer and have them shoot off a demand letter, but anything past that may not be worth your while.


Title: [FL] Mom's crazy ex that calls and texts hundreds of time is now posting pictures of her on his facebook.

Question:
So just as the title says, my mom's crazy ex is posting pictures of her on Facebook as if they are still together. She has record of all the calls, emails, and texts and he's harassing the crap out of her for months.

Is there any law in Florida that we could reference to have these photos removed?  I really appreciate any advice - this is stressing us both out.

Answer:
 Provided the pics aren't pornographic (FB doesn't pick these up that easily), it is perfectly legal to post pics which you took of other people. If the photos were taken by your mom, she can try issuing a DMCA takedown request through FB.

If she's being legitimately harassed, she should also call the police and ask about a no-contact order.


Title: I got served with papers today to appear in court....I really need some advice

Question:
I will start from the beginning.   Last summer before I got my second job I was buying phones from Craigslist And Facebook marketplace and fixing them up and selling them for more.  Well I bought a nice phone off of Craigslist that said it had some software problems and that's it.   When I got the phone I simply master reset it And it was working perfectly.....so I took it to gamestop and sold it for a $50 profit.  Well two days ago I got served with papers to appear in court.  Apparently this phone was stolen and they think I did it.  I really don't know what to do I don't have much money and can't go to jail over this but when I went to look for the post it was gone.  I've had two cellphones since then so the guys number is gone as well.  I can give a description of the guy but it probably won't help much.  Please help I don't know anything about how this works

Edit: I researched the charges and they are charging me with Barratry. Can anyone explain what exactly this means?

Answer: A civil suit is for money damages—you won’t go to jail. If the phone was stolen then you probably  need to refund the buyer. If you knew who sold it to you have then you could go after them for your money back.


Title: [Florida] My employer & CEO made a fool of himself on social media, which damaged my career. I resigned immediately and attempted to distance myself from said company, however, now the CEO says I can't quit.

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 Florida, like most states, is an at-will employment state. That means that both the employer and employee can terminate the employment at any time for any cause or no cause at all.  Unless there is a contract for a specific period of time or for a specific piece of work you can generally leave any job you want at any time.  It's important to remember that contracts do not have to be written or signed.  Verbal contracts can be enforced so long as they meet the general requirements for contracts and don't involve something that would fall under the statute of frauds.Answer #2: Slavery went out a long time ago.

You cannot be forced to work where you don't want to work. Answer #3: IANAL. Typically things like relocation expenses or training expenses are the only things you can be on the hook for. Answer #4: You can always quit. Nothing can ever legally keep you in any job.

In very rare instances, there will be a clause in a signed contract stating that damages/penalties must be paid if the employee terminates the contract early.

If you don't have this clause in a signed contract-- if you don't have a signed contract at all-- you can walk away and never have any repercussions.

(besides the obvious technically they can sue you even if they don't have any grounds, which could be annoying)


Title: I struck a man in a wheelchair at Walmart.

Question:
[FL] I need advice on how I should handle my case.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 With your car?  Call your car insurance.

Not in a car?  Find a lawyer.Answer #2: While we really don't like life stories, I think you need to give us a bit more to work with.Answer #3: Don’t punch people.   Anger management is my advice.


Title: having a son (chile)

Question:
this is question is gonna be weird,but i really wanna ask it.So i dont wanna get maried,nor have girlfriend and that kind of thing,but i do wanna have son.I dont wanna adopt,i want it to be mine,with my dna,so i just thought going to another country,and ask to a prsotitute or any other girl the weirdest question they will ever hear.Would you have my son ? i would pay you a lot,like ten thousand for each month you have him in your belly.I dont wanna do it here in my counry because i have my own reasons,anyway i was thinking about trying it in any country of europe maybe,or usa maybe. Would it be that simple? or there would me many legal problems,i mean if the girl says yes i will have your son but its yours not mine,i am just going to do you that favor.
Imagine a situation that i do have the money,and i can afford everything for the child.
thank you.

Answer:
 That is literally one of the worst ideas I have ever heard on this sub (and that's saying something).  There are so many things that could and probably would go wrong I can barely count them.  The fact that you would even think this is a viable idea suggests you are nowhere near ready to be a parent.

If you want to have a child alone, you go to a legitimate agency that does surrogacy and you go through that expensive process.

BTW, no guarantee the kid would be a son and no reputable agency is going to expect a surrogate to abort based on the kid being the "wrong" gender, if that is even legal in Chile.


Title: My dog ran into a neighbor’s sprinkler tonight and broke/damaged it. [CA, USA]

Question:
Hi /r/legaladvice,

I was walking my dog in my neighborhood tonight and somehow she managed to jump into a bush and break the homeowner’s sprinkler. It’s pretty late here and I didn’t know what to do, so I left it sitting broken in the bush and walked a few streets back home. A few questions:

* I’m unfamiliar with sprinkler repairs - is this a quick/cheap fix or pretty difficult work?

* Can I get in trouble if I leave the situation as is? I don’t know if they had a video camera recording but I didn’t see one. I’m reading some horror stories right now of people causing accidental damage and the property owner taking advantage and overcharging them for a new system etc.

* What would the proper course of action be? I really can’t afford to repair a whole sprinkler system (I’m reading it might be $1000+?)

Thank you in advance. I don’t know the homeowners if that makes any difference, or this would probably be a lot easier.

Answer:
 The cost depends entirely on the type of sprinkler and exactly what your dog did to damage the sprinkler.

Write the person a note and walk over and give it to them.  Either leave it on their front door using tape, or put it somewhere noticeable.  Give your contact info.


Title: Do you think SCOTUS will hear challenges to 197 US 11?

Question: Why or why not?

Answer: It's unlikely. The precedent from then very much still stands today. Public health > your freedom to refuse a harmless medical procedure.


Title: How can I protect an idea that I shared with someone

Question:
I shared an idea and concept drawings (of a mobile application) with someone (not under NDA). A company now committed over $500,000 into developing the concept & it is going into the early stages of code writing.

I'm concerned that the individual may share the information and drawings with someone to pursue the idea, himself. I understand it was stupid of me to share the concept, but this was before I knew what I had. At the moment our relationship is friendly, and he's given no indication that he will share the information.

What can I do to protect myself?

Location: Texas

Answer: you can't patent an idea...you may have a claim to design/drawings.  You protect yourself by having an ironclad non-disclosure agreement before speaking with people about your idea


Title: If I want to quit a job before I start but they still have to pay me can I turn that down too?

Question: I want to quit my job already but they made me do these online training courses that I’m supposed to be paid for. If I just ghost them or email them that I don’t want the job after all, what will they do? I really do not care to get that money and would prefer to not even get paid rather than go through the hassle of giving them my direct deposit info just to get a little bit of money.

Answer: I doubt they would compensate you. Send an email saying it's not the right fit and you are fine with not being paid. Don't provide direct deposit info and if they mail you a check don't cash it. Be professional enough to at least send a brief email.


Title: [Texas] Friend needs help getting out of a bad marriage.

Question:
I'm writing on behalf of my friend (who gave me permission to write this). She is in a bad living situation with her husband. This is in Texas.

Background is she has been married 8 years, and has two young children with him. Over the past few years he has badgered her into having open relationships (he already had someone picked out), cheating on her, and lying about where he was/ who he was with, being verbally abusive, etc.

The situation as of now is he does not want a divorce, but he wants her to be ok with him sleeping around/dating. She no longer cares that he does this (to her, the relationship is over) but he is holding her hostage in a marriage. She does not make enough money on her own to support the kids, her vehicle, living expenses and whatnot, so she is still living in the same house with him. He has threatened that if she moves away to a different county, he will divorce her, essentially FORCING her and the kids to move back in this county, all the while she would not be able to make enough to support the kids/ herself. He has also threatened that if she divorces him, he will drag it out as long as possible. I'm sure she could get the divorce but in the meantime, figuring out the children could be difficult, especially since he makes more money. She would be hard pressed to find a lawyer/ money for living if he kicked her out...which he has also threatened. She is worried if she goes through with the divorce, he will kick her out and the courts will NOT give her the kids because she is homeless, or very poor.

I am worried for her. She is sticking to her guns and is a strong woman, but this guy goes out of his way to make sure that she doesn't have much money, and can rarely get out of the house, thanks to her watching the children most of the time while he is out. On top of that he yells at her and calls her names. (Kids hear this). But this guy seems to hold all of the cards. He is control of the majority of the money, the house is in his name, and he knows she won't fight him if it means she is separated from the kids.

Any possible information would be helpful. She is trying to get a pro-bono lawyer, but it's taking a long time and she still may not go through with it. Any resources, or advice, is appreciated.

Answer: He can be ordered to pay for her lawyer, and ordered to pay child support. He still has to support his children.


Title: How do you enforce a freezing injunction?

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: Should we bill you directly, or your firm?Answer #2: You work at a law firm. Walk down the hall until you get to the office of the guy/gal whose name is on the front door, go in and ask that person.


Title: [PA] Trespassing/Breaking and Entering

Question:
I may be facing possible breaking and entering charges and eviction from my apartment before my lease has officially begun. I am just trying to see what legal moves I should make in the immediate future to avoid serious repercussions.

Yesterday, I had a meeting scheduled to obtain keys and do a walk-through of my apartment (lease begins on September 1st). After the meeting, I would have the opportunity to move my furniture into the apartment. I arrived 30 minutes prior to the meeting. I initially checked the door to my new apartment and it was unlocked so I thought I would just begin to move my stuff in to save some time. Obviously this was not a good idea. When the property manager showed up, I was completely oblivious to how thoughtless I had been in entering the property (stress of the move, maybe?). The property manager told me that he would be reporting the incident to the realtor and that my lease may be voided. Furthermore, he told me the realtor will be free to press "breaking and entering" charges.

FWIW, I have been prompt in everything that has been asked of me: returning lease/guaranty, security/key deposit made, both first and final month's rent paid, utilities in my name. I am really hoping to not be a homeless criminal so any advice is appreciated.

Edit: typo

Answer:
 First, a realtor cannot bring criminal charges. They could file a police report, and then depending on facts/ evidence it's possibly a matter for the police and DA to investigate.

I guess I don't understand why you were moving stuff in weeks before your lease begins. Were you mistaken? Some part of the story is missing here. However, if you've paid all rent and fees required so far, it's doubtful that the lease agreement can simply be "cancelled."

EDIT: call your landlord to see what's up... the realtor has no real role after a lease is signed. What happened after this conversation? This all seems pretty sketchy to me.... But I'd call their bluff and carry on as normal.


Title: [FL] I am in desperate need of help to help my parents evict their oldest son. He has no lease and doesn't pay rent. He is 35 years old and a major alcoholic, he breaks things and makes messes, my dad is on his death bed and can't deal with this. We tried calling cops but was no help. please help!

Question: [FL] I am in desperate need of help. I live with my parents near Tampa Florida, My oldest brother also lives with us, he is 35 years old, he is also a major alcoholic and is in and out of jail. My mother and father have been trying to kick him out for a long time now but from what we understand, we would have to get an eviction notice from the court but then after that we would have to wait 90 days before he would be forced to leave. My parents are worried he will destroy things in the house after he gets the eviction notice. Also my dad just got diagnosed with cancer and can't handle my brother drunk all the time and making a mess and breaking things.    Is there any way that the process can be done faster? Or cheaper than the $300 for an eviction notice? My father is dying and he needs some peace. Please any advice would be very appreciated.

Answer:
 They can serve him with written notice terminating his tenancy, then after the notice period, they can file for eviction in court if he hasn't left on his own yet.

There is no way around this. Answer #2: To be clear, because no one's spelled it out all the way, you call the police the moment he becomes violent. You or your parents then apply for a restraining order. A restraining order will keep him away while the eviction clock is also ticking down.


Title: Amazon package delivered to next door neighbor. They seem unwilling to give package back.

Question:
So my mother-in-law had our apartment number incorrect, and the package delivered to the next door neighbor (on Wednesday). We were out of town until today (2 days later, Friday). Of course we have no package on our doorstep. The apartment number was 1 off, and the name was in our own.

I knocked on their door earlier in the day and got no answer. I left a note explaining the situation. I noticed a few hours later that the note was gone.

At this point I guess Amazon is sending another package to the corrected address, but should I just chalk this up as a loss? As far as I know this is a ~$200+ gift and I'd hate for my neighbor to just "steal" a rather expensive item, but I see no real recourse and don't want to be super pushy.

Wish someone would "drop" a few hundred dollars at my door sometime :/

Answer: You can both report then to the police and had Amazon not replaced it you could have sued them for the value of the gift.Answer #2: Is it not a felony to open somebody else’s mail?


Title: [VA] Uncle out of prison, showed up at my mom's house. Police won't remove him without eviction.

Question:
About a year ago my uncle broke into my mom's house while she was out.  He refused to leave.  Unfortunately, my mom made the poor decision not to call the police and have him removed.  He lived with her for six months before being arrested for a parole violation.

While he was behind bars I was able to get my mom into therapy and she's starting to make better choices.  Unfortunately, my uncle just got out of prison and showed up at her house.

My mom called the police.  They listened to her side and then his and ultimately told her she'd need to have him evicted.

I'm understandably pretty scared.  He isn't physically aggressive but he is psychologically abusive.  She wants him out as soon as possible.

Is there anything we can do besides a 30 day eviction process?  To make matters worse, my uncle has worked in real estate management for a long time.  He's no lawyer, but he does know more than most about tenant rights.

I'm wondering if his parole officer would be able to help us out.   I just don't know how to find out who his parole officer is.

Despite the terrible example my uncle has set, I have a law-abiding and good family.  We don't know how to deal with this at all, and I don't know if my mom can afford a lawyer.

Answer:
 Since he lived there for 6 months prior to being arrested he has tenancy at your mother's home.

Give him a written notice of eviction. Keep a copy for yourself. Give a specific date 30 days in the future that he must be out by. If he signs it, all the better, but not mandatory. If he is not out by 30 days, call the police. If he threatens you or comes back file for an order protection.

 Answer #2: Hind sight is 20/20. She should have carried out an eviction while he was locked up.

Now she'll still need to evict him after providing notice to vacate.


Title: Alimony Ruling has put me in serious financially binding position.

Question:
Going to try and keep it simple Reddit. The judge ruled that I’m to pay my ex alimony. The alimony combined with child support for one child is around 40% of my net income. This leaves me without enough money to live.  What are my legal options here?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 To file a motion for reconsideration if there are new facts or appeal the decision. If you didn’t have an attorney before now would be the time to get one.Answer #2: Appeal the order or move for reconsideration or change in circumstances.   Without knowing the judge’s reasoning no one can predict if either of those options is promising.  If you can only pay one pay the child support in full and write child support on the check memo.   Long term you need find a way to try to adjust your budget to meet these obligations.Answer #3: I work in child support in a different state but it’s very common to file for an order modification of alimony/child support or both. Generally you can do that on your own or with legal aid if you don’t feel like you want to use the same lawyer. Sometimes you can find the documents you need to file available for download on the family courts website.Answer #4: That means you are getting 60% of your income, and your spouse + child are getting 40%. Unless your spouse is working also, a judge is not likely to award her less and award you more.

Also, what is the time limit on the alimony, if any?


Title: (Texas) Package delivered to wrong address returned days later, but already in process of a claim.

Question: I recently ordered some clothes from Zara and was constantly looking at the tracking provided by FedEx for when it was to be delivered. The tracking said the was to be delivered on Tuesday, January 26th, and on Tuesday it said delivered on my front porch, no signing required. I went and checked the by the front door, all around the outside of my house and even my mailbox, but there was no package. I assumed FedEx delivered it to the wrong house and decided to wait to see if it would be returned. It was the next day around 7 pm and it had still not been returned, so I decided to email both Zara and FedEx to start the process of fixing the issue. Today, Friday the 29th, my package was returned to me. I was wondering if I could get into any legal trouble for continuing the process of making a claim, in hopes to get compensated when my package was delivered to the wrong house but was returned to me.

Answer:
 >I was wondering if I could get into any legal trouble for continuing the process of making a claim, in hopes to get compensated when my package was delivered to the wrong house but was returned to me.

Yes, you could. Notify whoever you started the process with that you've received the package and enjoy your new clothes. Don't attempt to fraudulently take money from these companies.


Title: What is the legality of taking psychedelic truffles and boarding a plane in Amsterdam?

Question:
I am 21 years old and from the U.S. I may have a chance to visit Amsterdam soon. For those unaware, not only can you buy marijuana in Amsterdam, you can also purchase psychedelic truffles. I haven't researched them in a while but I believe they are very similar to shrooms (may even just be shrooms surrounded by chocolate.)

When it's finally time to come back home, what is the legality of ingesting a truffle or two before entering the airport and boarding the flight? Let's assume my flight is out of Amsterdam. I would not overdo the truffles to the point of losing control, aiming to be more coherent or at least *as* coherent as someone who knocked back a couple of drinks before their flight. Security, flight attendants, and other guests could possibly tell I'm high as my pupils will be dilated and my actions/voice/smile may give it away.

Could security reject/detain me even though the truffles are legal in Amsterdam? What if another person complained that I looked intoxicated? Would security's response to the complaint differ from their response to a complaint against alcohol? What about the police's response? Would ingesting the truffles be equivalent to drinking before the flight? If they could tell I was intoxicated, could police charge me with public intoxication inside the airport?

If I get on the airplane with no hiccups, can a flight attendant or other worker kick me off if they suspect I'm high? If they only notice once we're in the air, can they take action against me when we land in the U.S.? By the time I arrive to the states, I'll only be experiencing the afterglow of the truffles and will be able to act/function completely normally. In case it isn't clear, I do not plan to draw any attention to myself in the airport or on the flight, so in this whole scenario assume I am not disturbing the people around me.

I know very little about laws in the Netherlands.

Answer:
 This is a terrible idea and you should not do it.Answer #2: Worst case they divert the plane and you're arrested. Awful idea.Answer #3: Do not do this.

You ever taken psychedelics? They’re great in an open field when you’re relaxed and feel safe. In an enclosed space with strangers that you *can not* leave, when you’re already slightly paranoid that people may suspect you of something? Oh my god, that sounds like hell. You couldn’t pay me to take mushrooms in an unfamiliar, enclosed space.

Best case is you’re fine. Medium case is you pull a whitey and spend the flight throwing up and sweaty and anxious as hell. Worst case is you freak out because you feel like you need to escape, and they restrain you and arrest you when you land.

This is one of the dumbest, teenagery I’ve ever seen. Have a blast while you’re there, by all means. Don’t mix nonlegal drugs and airports, ever ever ever. Please listen to us. Don’t do this. Answer #4: It’s a common misconception that drugs are legal in the Netherlands, they aren’t. Authorities just tend to tolerate soft drugs such as marijuana. Schiphol, the airport you’re probably flying to and from, have a zero tolerance policy for all drugs though. If drugs are found on you at Schipol you will be arrested and potentially prosecuted. Answer #5: Dude... seriously.

First... it would be a violation of FAA regulations for them to allow you to board the aircraft if you appear to be intoxicated.

Here's what it looks like:

http://fsims.faa.gov/WDocs/8900.1/V03%20Tech%20Admin/Chapter%2033/03_033_006.htm

And, more practically, the LAST thing I can imagine you would want to be doing is tripping balls on a long flight.


Title: How does anonymously tipping off the police work?

Question:
So I'm in a predicament.

Long story short I want to tip of the cops about someone for drugs. This person almost always carries drugs around with them. However I only want to give the police enough to search this person or their car. I don't want them searching this persons house because their housemate is a dealer and a good person and doesn't deserve to get in trouble for this shit.

IDGAF about the drugs - the only reason I'd consider doing this is because the person got away with raping a friend of mine and the cops couldn't/didn't do shit.

I wanted a way to make the tip anon, make it so that the person would have no idea that the cops were tipped off.

I know this person is going on a road-trip soon (and taking large amounts of drugs with them). If I sent crime-stoppers an anon tip with the make, model and rego of the car along with the date and location they were going to go on the road-trip and the cops pulled them over, could they search the car and find drugs? would they tell the person that they got an anon tip or would they just pretend they got lucky?

Location: Victoria (Australia)

[Also i can't just warn the housemate that they are going to get raided]

Answer:
 > I don't want them searching this persons house because their housemate is a dealer

They're going to search the house regardless. Either because they want to follow-up on if there are more drugs or he rats the dealer out.


Title: Landlord is threatening to sell the house my roommates and I are living in if rent is not paid in full.

Question:
Obviously under normal circumstances I would recognize his right to claim what is owed to him under our rental agreement however I think I can safely say our current situation is not normal.

Here is the background information:

I live in a house in Oregon that I have been renting a room in since last May (2019) along with four other roommates. In March both myself and another roommate were laid off due to our businesses  (two different bars) closing in response to the COVID-19 Epidemic, the other three are still employed though one has severely reduced hours. Initially when I spoke with my roommates we agreed to approach our landlord with a unified plan with which to move forward regarding our rent, however after the landlord continued badgering one of the roommates with what our plan was to pay him his rent in full they suggested paying a partial amount of rent until either the stimulus check arrived or unemployment began to pay out. In Oregon, Governer Brown passed executive order 20-11 which includes clauses for renters to defer their rent until a future date when they once again have financial stability (the time frame is 6 months to pay, three months past the date the order went into effect, I think), provided they have proof of lack of income due to the virus in the form of a letter from their previous employer before the date rent is due (which both myself and my roommate have provided). Our landlords initial response to the roommate he had contacted essentially was 'sorry to hear that, rent is due in full at the normal date (the 15th of each month). Once I had done more research on the matter and spoken to some people including someone who is a property manager I composed an email citing the executive order and providing proof of my lack of income and that my roommates that are still employed would continue to pay their portions of the rent and that myself and the roommate that was laid off would defer our rent in accordance with the executive order and pay back the amount owed once we were able.

Instead of contacting me either by email or phone, the landlord instead calls the roommate he had been speaking with, tells her that he needs the rent in full otherwise he will be forced to sell the house. Strangely he added that he would allow up to four additional weeks to pay this amount which is... better than nothing I suppose.

This was a week ago. On the 15th the other roommate who had been laid off received his stimulus check and has since paid his portion of the rent. The IRS and I are not on great terms, in fact I had finally paid off garnishment with the second to last paycheck I received from my last job, however I have not filed my taxes for this year because it would require me paying nearly one thousand dollars in combined state and federal taxes (this is a recurring issue that I have yet been unable to resolve though im sure it is due to some simple mistake in how I've previously filled out my W-2, as all my jobs have been simple food service and retail jobs at mostly middle of the road establishments), which obviously I do not have.

On Monday (4/20) I finally received an email response from my landlord stating he would be forced to sell the house if rent was not paid, saying nothing of the four week grace period he had mentioned to my other roommate and only saying that he was available to talk on the phone that afternoon. Since then I have been reading the COVID FAQ on this subreddit and looking for answers and if I have overlooked something I am sorry but I am at a loss. I have an email draft which I hope to send him soon once I have a better plan of action as to how to address the situation as opposed to stating my current situation which has not changed since our last correspondence.

My claim to unemployment was finally processed  last week and I have claimed several weeks though I have yet to receive any money either by mail or electronic deposit which I have additionally applied for. I'm hoping that things will finally shift gears and money will finally start coming in however it is an uncomfortable position not knowing how precisely the situation will be resolved. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated, thank you so much for your time, I hope you are well and stay safe out there!

Answer:
 > Governer Brown passed executive order 20-11 which includes clauses for renters to defer their rent until a future date when they once again have financial stability (the time frame is 6 months to pay, three months past the date the order went into effect, I think)

That's not what that executive order says at all.

Your landlord can sell his house if he chooses to, whenever he wants to. Your lease carries with the house and your new landlord will be the new owner if it sells.


Title: Abandoned, Neglected Neighbor's House - Washington, D.C.

Question:
My wife and I have lived for five years next to a house that has been abandoned since we moved in. One time, a guy came over to mow the lawn, and since then, I haven't seen him. I hear that the people who used to live in it were nice, but irregardless, the house is crumbling, and the kudzu is creeping into our property. I mowed the lawn once and my wife is actually trying to put a dent in the kudzu on their property so it stops coming into ours and we are getting nowhere.

The house is an eyesore, their garbage cans are breeding mosquitoes, it's crumbling into our property. Can someone provide some advice on what to do? We have already reported it as vacant to dc, but all I have seen is them throw a sticker on the house - which it looks like someone tried to rip off.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer: Report the property to DCRA.  They have regulatory authority to address public nuisances and dangers to public health.  [The website for vacant housing enforcement is here.](https://dcra.dc.gov/vacant-properties)


Title: My mom was assaulted by my neighbor but police didn't really seem to care (Brooklyn, NY)

Question:
Today, while leaving for work, my mother was attacked by my neighbor in front of our apartment building.

While we have plenty of problems with this neighbor, this is the first time it got physical. I already have a Order of Protection form him when he threatened me with a 2x4 back in January. He's a tenant in the building, and he seperates garbage into differnet bins for the landlord. He placed some old and disgusting garbage on our door today in the morning, not the first this time happened. My mother woke up to notify me about this and so that I can take some pictures of the stuff and notify the landlord, who will probably brush us off again,  as she was in a rush to go. As my mother was leaving for work, she took most of it to throw it into the bins in front of the building while I stayed to clean up the rest. He was there by the bins, and after a short verbal exchange he grabbed and pushed her hard against the wall and  retreated back into the basement.
While I was cleaning, I heard a scream downstairs and panicked, but I heard the apartment bell and answered. She ran back upstairs to the 3rd floor, hysterical, in tears, and panicking and asked me to call 911 .This was probably less than a minute, 2 at most, after she left. She had 2 bumps/bruisers on her head between the ear and the eye , scratches on her arm, a torn shirt where he grabbed her, and one broken nail. Immediately, at 6:19 AM, I called 911, and gave them a short description of what she told me and our address, including the apartment number. At 6:25 someone called me back, presumably police officers, to confirm the address. I called 911 once more at 6:50 to confirm someone is on the way since half an hour has passed. Finally before right before 7 AM two uninformed police officers rang the apartment number downstairs and I let them in.

What followed is still restively incomprehensible to me.  Essentially, in retrospect, it seems he also called the police, and they spoke with him first. He apparently accused my mother of attacking him. They didn't even let us finish the her side of the story (I was translating as English is her 2nd language) before one of cops declared she was lying and the scratches on her arm were caused by "us" and not by the wall of the building she was slammed against. They were rather uncooperative and didn't care about her other bruisers/side of her story and left quickly just telling us to get a complaint number in a couple days.

Shortly after, we left for the local precinct, in hopes talking to someone else. They called in the two cops and the female kept on claiming she is certain my mother's scratches are her own work. My mother was in such a bad shape she just stormed out crying during this as she could not deal with the situation. I kept trying to talk somebody and they directed me to talk to the "sergeant" that was taking care of it.

He stated he already performed an investigation. Though didn't speak to my mother nor me, and I didn't even see him by the building, and I did look for the two uniformed officers after they left. But he was also confident my mother fabricated the scratches on her own, despite not seeing them until we showed up at the precinct, though to his credit he also stated he was sure my neighbor was lying when he claimed she attacked him. In short, he felt this was some sort of a neighborly dispute that has been going on for awhile and that both parties were lying.

He said that since my Order of Protection is about to run out this is likely a set up to extend did, even though my mother was attacked and I was not involved. He also said that my neighbor was doing the same, and that he also has an Order of Protection against me. I don't understand how or why since I was never notified of this, is this even possible?

Then he tried to tell me that it was my neighbor who called 911 and not I, despite the fact I called twice. I asked him to check the 911 records but he brushed me off. He also held it against me that I wasn't downstairs waiting for the police officers and that I should have by a window to look for them. Well I don't have a window out towards the street in my apartment, and clearly specified the apartment number both times when I called where I was waiting for the police.  I also found it bizarre that he expected me to leave my hysterical mother upstairs alone and wait outside the building next to the guy who just attacked my mother and on multiple occasions has threatened to beat the crap out of me.

I don't understand why this guy was so set in stone, I thought his job was to be objective, and he seemed to have "figured" everything out before he ever saw or spoke to my my mother.

Other info: 1) While I wasn't by the attack, I know the scratches on her arm are not self caused, they were far to numerous. Only about a minute passed before she came back after leaving the apartment and she would not have the time to "self-injure" herself. There are cameras on each floor but not outside the building. Since she was in an out of the building in less than a minute, I urged get the camera recordings to check but was brushed off as well.

2) Had a doctor look her over afterwards and officially describe them, nothing outright dangerous but she referred her for a CT scan.

3) Called a few local lawyers, but none seemed helpful.

I really need help, I'm completely at loss at what to do. I have never felt so helpless in my life, it feels like a nightmare. My mother was smashed against the wall by her highborn, brought tears and hysteria and now she's afraid to even leave or enter the building on her own now. Yet the police completely brushed us off without ever even fully letting her explain what happened. Didn't ask her to show the place where she attacked, didn't ask other neighbors about the screams, nothing, just indirectly accused us of some sort of conspiracy. The mental toll this has taken on us is immense.
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer:
 You can file to extend the RO.

But the police have no duty to investigate or to take your side of the story as truth. They talked to all parties and came to a conclusion. It just isn't one you agree with.


Title: [TX] 'Medical' false imprisonment - who to contact?

Question:
The facility someone is at in Texas is violating their civil rights, both as a patient and as an adult citizen of the USA ( see The Patient's Bill of Rights : http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10177 )

Now they have taken away all communication the patient has with the outside world, and since this place is in a very rural setting they effectively no way to check themselves out.

I've spoken with Patient's Advocacy and they say what the place is doing is illegal, but they may not be able to take the case on (they have lots to review at any given time): so who do I contact?? Effectively the person is being held against their will - no medical or court order, told they can check out but without phone or email access so can't coordinate with me on that.

Do I contact a lawyer? If so what variety? The police? Texas Rangers?

Thank you,

A Very Concerned Loved One

Answer:
 It's entirely possible that something happened to render your friend's status from voluntary to involuntary based upon his actions at the psychiatric facility. If your friend was told he can check out, what's wrong with just taking a day or two out of work and driving up there and waiting on him for as long as it takes?

It's not really up to you to determine if TX is "violating their civil rights". That's up to an adjudicating body; whether that's a judge or an attorney assigned to lead a tribunal of sorts as to whether the patient can leave on his own recognizance. You also don't have access to the patient's PHI (personal health information) unless you have a patient-signed HIPAA authorization form, so something could've happened at the facility that caused him to be held there that you don't know about since you do not have access to his medical records.

Regardless, if you go up there, and he's not allowed to leave after you know and can prove for a fact you were told he can leave without some sort of explanation, that's when you need to contact an attorney. To me, it seems as if you're jumping the gun a bit.


Title: Position terminated with only 5 days notice

Question:
Edit for location: [KY]

Long story short, my boss just informed me that *his* bosses have decided to terminate the position that I currently have, and nobody will be replacing me.

I am hearing about this today. My boss knew Friday but waited until today to tell me (either way, I would have only had 1 week notice).

My boss is being kind about it, saying that I can leave for interviews if I need to and things like that... but it still doesn't sit right with me. Is this okay? I feel so cheated.

Answer: Unfortunately yes. The majority of states (really all but 1) are at-will states which means you can be fired at any time for any reason for next to no notice. If you are a member of a union through work or are a contract employee you may be able to fight it. But that's really your only option besides starting the job hunt ASAP and filing for unemployment.


Title: My uncle just died today and his life insurance policy was canceled three months ago by the company he worked for. Is there any way to get any of it back? (AL)

Question: As the title states, my uncle just died today very suddenly. He worked for the company he retired out of for 40 years and had a life insurance policy for 100k. It followed him even after he retired, I don't think he put anything towards this and it was given by the company. Well, three months ago they cancelled it out of the blue, I'm not really sure why as I haven't got the exact specifics from my aunt (she is so upset today I didn't want to pry too much). They weren't very finically stable and now don't have enough money to bury him. Is there anyway to get any of the policy back since he had it for 40 years and was promised it by the company?

Answer:
 well first you need to find out why they cancelled it, then we can give you advice.

but life insurance policies being cancelled is not unheard of.  perhaps he reached a certain age.  and the life insurance policy stated that coverage would only be until that age.  or maybe it only lasted for a time after he left the job and not forever.  find the policy, tell us the fine print.  Answer #2: If your uncle had a union at his company, they might be familiar with the life insurance, what was supposed to happen, and whether what actually happened was kosher.


Title: [TX] I got a voicemail claiming I will be arrested in the next 24 hours unless I call a number they gave me, this is a scam right?

Question: It sounded robotic, and it seemed to have been talking a little bit before the actual voicemail started recording. It says there are "serious allegations" against me. Is there something I should do just to be safe?

Answer:
 Yes, of course it's a scam.  The cops don't call ahead.  They show up with a warrant and haul you offAnswer #2: Yup. Scam. Police aren't in the habit of giving people they want to arrest a head start. Answer #3: First thing is to google the number and see what comes up. If it's legitimate, it will likely pull up with a law office, court house, or similar results. If it's not, you will either see a bunch of "SCAM!" reports, or nothing relevant at all.

Cops don't call ahead, and service isn't valid over the phone. It *could* be a scare tactic or debt collector, but I'm hedging my bets on scam territory.


Title: Tennessee resident looking to get out of a very restrictive lease following my brother's tragic passing. Will a medical note get me out of it?

Question:
A little background: I was born and raised in western massachusetts until my parents passed in a car accident in 2011. My brother moved down to TN to go to school at my aunt and uncle's house, and I followed him down here to go to school. I signed an apartment lease in January of 2014 and also renewed for 2015. In September of 2014 I renewed the lease for 2016 because the rates were the lowest they had been so far and I would have been saving about $30 a month.

My brother and his girlfriend were killed in a car accident three weeks ago and now I am looking to get back home to massachusetts as soon as possible. I first went to the office at the apartment complex where I'm living and tried to explain my situation and find any way out of the lease considering my tragic situation, and they would do nothing about it, claiming they had to adhere to policy.

So I then posted on Craigslist looking for someone to take the lease over. I found one girl who was interested and we went to the office together to sign the paperwork. The managers there then informed us of outrageous fees that accompanied a lease takeover: I would have to pay a $500 lease takeover fee. She would have to pay first and last month's rent, which I had already paid, and community fees, which had been waived for me when I signed the lease. All in all, in order to take over the lease, I would be paying 500 dollars and the person who takes it over would be paying almost 1400 dollars up front.

So, now I move onto the next option: trying to get out of the lease by other means. I consulted the help of a lawyer friend in massachusetts and she informed me that if I got a note from an MD saying that a medical condition insisted I be let out of the lease, they would have to honor it and the doctor would not have to disclose what medical ailment was causing this due to privacy laws. I'm just wondering if this is true and if it will work.

Just to add more information to the story, I suffer from nearly crippling depression that has hospitalized me once and greatly affected my performance in school. My lawyer friend explained that if I told my psychiatrist about my brother's passing, the crippling depression, my inability to stay in Tennessee, and the support system I would have by moving back to Massachusetts, my psychiatrist would be able to write a letter such as this.

If this is not true, what are my options?

Thank you in advance to anyone who helps me, it means the world.

EDIT: I realize I'm getting some hate for this post, but I'm grasping at straws here. My life has been filled with tragedy and turmoil and nothing ever goes my way. Maybe I'm playing the victim, but I have no idea what else to do anymore. I'm just doing the best I can here, trying to figure things out on my own. Also, the downvotes are for not contributing to discussion, so they're really unnecessary because I am discussing my questions, comments, and inquiries about my situation. Regardless, thank you to everyone who has commented. The help means the world and I cannot thank you enough.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: What's do restrictive about the lease.  The terms they offered you to get out were more than reasonable,  provided your contract allows for that $500 fee to let you out early.


Title: When people say "I'm gonna call *my* lawyer," what exactly do they mean? [CA if relevant]

Question: I've never really understood this, unless they were some corporate head and had a legal team on retainer or something.  How are they "their" lawyer?  (Let's assume obvious things like they're not filthy rich and can afford to have personal ones, have a close friend who's a lawyer who'd be willing to represent, etc.)

Answer: Perhaps a lawyer they've worked with previously?


Title: A friend of mine wants to use a picture of his ex for an album cover without her permission.

Question: After him and ex broke up, he and his garage band decided to write some songs about everything. He wanted to come up with a solid "TAKE THAT" album cover, so he decided to take a bunch of her old stuff that got left at his house, and some pictures of them out to the country to burn them, and take some pictures of it all. The one he's considering using shows her face clearly, starting to catch fire. However he does not have her permission to use any of her pictures in any way. I warned him that he shouldn't use it for that very reason, to which he said "...I'm not making any threats..." "...it's not defamation of name..." and that its "...an expression of art and freedom of speech." We're in Des Moines, Iowa and I ultimately want to know, if this were to be taken to court, would his arguments hold up without the permission of ex girlfriend.

Answer:
 You spelled garbage band wrong.

He can use pictures he took, a reasonable person could view someone celebrating burning images of them then publishing the evidence as threatening behavior.

You should explain to him that he's literally the only one who thinks that is badass, everyone else thinks is pathetic cringe, and his band will always be a joke if he does it.


Title: VA: Having too much health insurance leads to nightmare.

Question:
My wife quit her job last year when she was pregnant, and I added her to my insurance.

We filed for the charges for my son's birth with my insurance company, and paid all the co-pays, etc, through my HSA.  After 6 months, the hospital comes back to us with a bill for the full, uninsured amount, because unbeknownst to us, her employer never cancelled her insurance, and my insurance considered them primary.

The hospital eventually refiled with the previous insurance company, apparently several months after that, and her previous insurance denied the claim because the hospital took too long to file.  So now her charges are just sitting in limbo at the hospital.

In the mean time, they split off my son's charges and refiled them with my insurance, because he was never on her previous insurance.  My insurance paid those claims, and then the hospital sent me a new bill for the copay for services I already paid for (the itemized charges are identical in the new bill for my son and in my wife's bill that I already paid.)

And now they're claiming they never received the payment from my HSA, even though my HSA has a cashed check that was sent to them, and they're threatening to send me to collections.

I guess my question is -- where do I go from here aside from screaming incoherently at people on the phone.  I refuse to pay for a bill I already paid for.  At this point, I'd rather pay a lawyer ten times as much than send them another penny.

Answer: Hey, I understand you frustration. the system is broke . Have you checked out  r/insurance ? They might have some hints on what to do.


Title: [Colorado] Overtime wages equalling 40+ hours not being paid to multiple employees

Question:
I work for a non-profit, residential treatment center for at-risk youth. We just completed a camping trip that was staffed 24/7 by salary and hourly employees. The trip was held halfway through the work week, Thursday 8am to roughly 2pm on Saturday. After returning from the trip, hourly employees were informed that compensation from the trip would only be enough to bring each employee up to a 40 work week.
This means that myself and a co-worker would be receiving a fraction of the pay owed to us (myself receiving pay for approx. 12 hours of 56 hours that I was working on the trip), while another employee that had already worked a full week will receive little to no pay for the trip.

What recourse do we have to ensure that we are compensated for our hours?

Answer:
 I would file a complaint with the US Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. They'll be able to help you from there.

https://www.dol.gov/whd/howtofilecomplaint.htm

You can also file with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/overtime

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/complaint-formsAnswer #2: As /u/Asus_i7 said, contact the DOL. Make sure everyone who isn't getting paid also files a complaint. The more complaints there are, the better the results.


Title: [CA] Completed and signed an online lease for a very low priced apartment, credit was checked, deposit was taken, renters insurance was provided. Apartment is says that option shouldn’t have been available online and is cancelling my lease. Can I do anything about it?

Question: Apparently the low-cost units listed online were for inclusionary housing (which I do qualify for) but were made available for online leasing through an apparent website glitch.  I’ve passed on some very suitable condos while I waited for a response for the past few weeks; took a dip in my credit score because of their hard check; paid for a few weeks of renters insurance because the required proof to be uploaded on their site. Now they are saying they'll be refunding me the deposit and application fee they debited from my bank and cancelling my account.  Do I have any options to maneuver here?

Answer:
 First of all, was this an obvious pricing error that a Judge would see in two seconds? Like if the market rate was $800 but rent was $8.00 because they made a clerical error?

Second, do you have a copy that they signed either digital or paper? Because a lease is a contract. Both sides have to agree. Simply signing a lease doesn't give you any rights if the other side did not also sign.


Title: [FL] Tried to cancel a water softener contract within the legal 3 business days, seller says they did not receive the Notice of Cancellation.

Question:
We sent the Notice of Cancellation via email, fax (have confirmation) and contact form within the 3 business days allowed to cancel the transaction. Could not send a letter via verified mail as the closest USPS was already closed. The finance company verified all the information I sent and cancelled the transaction on their end, but the seller is now saying they did not receive this cancellation and that we now own them the full payment for the equipment. They keep saying that email, fax or web are not legal notices. However they were aware of our intention to cancel also via phone and voicemail. They asking us to pay an installation/pick up fee (in cash) or they will pursue with their lawyer for collection.
They told the finance company that they received the Notice of Cancellation and that they scheduled an appointment to pick up the equipment, which is not true. They lied to the finance company and their lying to me saying they did not receive these notices. What can I do?

Answer:
 from a legal standpoint the e-mail and web would not carry much weight however the Fax with confirmation is by the eyes of the law considered just as good as mail and the fact you also called not only leaving a voicemail but getting ahold of sombody to talk to means you also made good effort to cancel the company even agreed and cancelled the order.

not many judges will demand you hold to the letter of the contract since you were well understood that you wanted to cancel and used a valid means of contact.

however read over the contract you might still be on the hook for some stuff if nothing is mentioned let them sue you and show up with your proof.Answer #2: >We sent the Notice of Cancellation via email, fax (have confirmation) and contact form within the 3 business days allowed to cancel the transaction. Could not send a letter via verified mail as the closest USPS was already closed.

 How does your contract say the termination request can be sent?

 What does it say about pickup/installation fees should you terminate w/in 3 days?

>They told the finance company that they received the Notice of Cancellation and *that they scheduled an appointment to pick up the equipment, which is not true...*

 What's the relevance of the italicized portion?


Title: I received a Notice of Action from Xfinity/Comcast saying I illegally torrented Wolfenstein on my PC - they're threatening to cut off my internet service.

Question:
I don't know how real this is or what I have to do. I did not download this game, illegally or otherwise. My Wifi is password protected (with the password that came with the modem, so a bunch pf gibberish numbers and letters that couldn't be guessed). Their only instruction is to 'delete' the pirated files, but I've checked my computer and there aren't any. I have a Steam account but no Wolfenstein there either.

Am I really at risk of losing my internet service?
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer:
 You could try and contact comcast customer service and ask if the complaint is real. The xfinity xfi app lets you check what devices are on your wifi so you can remove anything you dont recognize. It does seem like it might be some sort of scam.Answer #2: No, it's still a scam. The fact that the number you called wasn't legit proves this.

The torrent service your bf used either works with scammers or has been maliciously accessed by them. That's how they knew what was downloaded.

A VPN is still a good idea, but do some serious research before you choose one--there are tons of scam ones out there.Answer #3: I had a similar notice come through, except the things that they mentioned were exactly things that were illegally downloaded on my Internet. Thankfully my brother has moved out.Answer #4: Are you sure it’s a real claim? I’ve gotten 2 or 4 email notices that HBO has made a claim against me for illegally downloading Game of Thrones...which is bullshit, because I get HBO and watch it on TV lolol


Title: Car Accident Fled Scene

Question: I crashed my car and fled the scene on foot because I was scared and panicking. What are the consequences of turning myself in or trying to cover it up by reporting the car stolen?

Answer:
 So you were driving drunk and had a one car accident and you want to double down by making a false report of a crime (itself a crime) and presumably insurance fraud (when you try to get insurance to pay for damages and claim you weren’t driving.

Don’t try to cover up crimes with more crimes. It doesn’t work out. Don’t you watch the news? Answer #2: What state? Possibly looking at a misdemeanor and some fines. Answer #3: Imagine you report your car stolen, and for whatever reason (racism for example), they find a suspect that doesn't quite have a reasonable alibi and has a shit public defender and has to plead guilty to avoid a rougher sentence if he can't convince a jury he is innocent and he gets convicted of grand theft auto and goes to jail. All because you got scared and decided to lie about it. I mean that would be a real shit thing to happen right, and it would be a dick move to do it.

You made a mistake, oops, time to admit it and ask for forgiveness and work on yourself so you don't make that mistake again. The exact opposite of the correct thing to do would be to lie further and make more mistakes, give false police reports, waste taxpayer dollars, and dig a bigger hole for yourself and possibly cause other people collateral damage.


Title: Recent Incident involving 3 people at a park...

Question:
So keep in mind me and two friends are 17. We are driving around to find a good spot to smoke so we pull up to this park's parking lot and we thought it was empty. I get out of my car and go into their backseat. *We are also vaping, not smoking weed* There is a guy walking his dog in front of us and he walks to the front of my car and takes a picture of my license plate and walks to the car we are in and takes a picture of the license plate. We then roll down the window and ask him what he's doing, he ignores it and makes a call. We assume he is calling the police so I get back in my car and we all drive away. What are he chances a cop comes to my house for questioning and what should I say/do? Does taking a picture of a license plate and reporting it do anything?
Edit: We are in Illinois

Answer:
 In NYC it does nothing. In Smallville, USA it may matter be enough for the one cop on duty to come by when bored.

Other than that, why talk to the police? "Hey, I'm busy, have nice day."


Title: Minor sister refused search of belongings at sleep away camp

Question:
The camp staff caught wind of prohibited items in a campers belongings and began a search of every camper. My 16 year old sister refused because in general she's been raised to not simply hand away her privacy and was subsequently kicked out of the Sun-Sat camp today (wed) with no partial refund.

The camp in question is American camping association accredited and their website had this article. https://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/articles/understanding-camp%E2%80%99s-right-search

Their cited article is both a dead link and not an actual case.

I recognize that the camp has the right to act en loco parentis and thus can technically search her belongings if they're trying to prevent harm. However her parents did not agree to any searches, they have no policy indicating the penalty for refusal is expulsion from camp. I also realize as a private entity the likely have the right to expell her at anytime without cause and all constitutional protections are presumably not relevant. I've tried to find more specific legal language on the camps website to no avail. My family has attended this camp for many years and generations there is absolutely no expectations she would be subjected to a search.

What legal remedies do her parents have available if any? Feel free to ask more questions or correct me if I got anything wrong and I appreciate any advice.

Edit: Thank you everyone for the responses thus far this is about what I expected but I figured no harm in asking.

Answer:
 They can set whatever rules they want.

The camp can't force a search of the belongings.

Your sister can't force them to allow her to stay.

Everyone successfully exercised their rights here.Answer #2: The camp is not a government entity. They can remove campers who refuse to comply with camp rules. You have no legal recourse.Answer #3: Ask for a partial refund, review your contract to see if one is possible. (Ask anyway, no harm in asking)Answer #4: You could try to argue that she is due a partial refund but that might only work if their refund policy is ambiguous.  Pretty sure I would also kick out a camper if they refused to let me search their belongings.  Not sure how you expect a camp to enforce their no-contraband rule if they cannot search belongings. Answer #5: I think other respondents are jumping the gun a bit. It's certainly true that on the one hand, your sister can refuse a search and on the other,  the camp can deny further services.

But it will depend on the actual contract between the parents and the camp whether they are entitled to a refund due to that action. Did the camp fulfill its commitments or not?Answer #6: Ask for refund, send a demand letter if you want. This is more of a customer service issue then a legal one.


Title: [OHIO] Hit and run - Why did he get off so easily for this?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: He was released on bail. That doesn't mean the charges were dropped. He is going to have his day in court.


Title: Premarital Property? We purchased a home a year before our marriage but it's under her name. As such, she claims that it's off the table when separating assets during our divorce.

Question:
South Carolina- My wife is seeking a divorce. A month before we were engaged and a year before our marriage we purchased a house which we put in her name as she had a higher credit score. That was 13 years ago and the home is now a rental property. When I mentioned selling the home and splitting the assets she stated that I had no right to the property as the purchase occured prior to our marriage and is in her name. We've paid for the property as a couple. Is she correct?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 No, she is obviously incorrect. It was the marital home, that you both lived in and used marital funds to purchase and pay the mortgage for 13 years.

She'd have a much stronger argument if the house was an inheretence from her family or she outright owned it based off of her families money before you were married.

Get a divorce attorney.


Title: Taking butt pics without consent.

Question: My comments got locked on on the r/uklegaladvice so I’ll ask here. They thought I was trolling. This is not a troll post and neither were my previous. Is it legal in England to take a picture of someone’s buttocks without consent?

Answer:
 Based on the totality of the facts provided, I will give you a definitive legal answer:

**It depends**.


Title: Do I Have a Right to Resell?

Question:
Hey, so I had won a free phone from my phone company about a week ago, I figured it seemed kind of strange to just get a free phone, so I figured I’d back out if it requested my debit information, but all it had wanted was my shipping address. Since I have just purchased a new phone, I have no use for this one, so I figured I’d sell it when it got here, however,  upon arrival it had a piece of paper taped to the back of the phone that said something along the lines of “NOT FOR RESALE, must be activated with xxx company or xxx company, must follow terms and conditions”

Now, after a bit of research I find that the Supreme Court ruled a couple years back that if you purchase something, you have the right to resell it, or do whatever you want with it as you please because it is now your property, where I’m confused is, I did not “purchase” this item, it was given to me by a company for free, is the “NOT FOR RESALE” still valid, or would selling this item be fine.

I live in AZ, by the way.

Thank you.

Answer: “Not for resale” notices generally apply to commercial vendors. Not individuals reselling items.


Title: [Ontario] I had expired pepperspray taken from me at border.

Question: I am a US citizen and had my car searched at the border. They found expired pepperspray. They were nice enough to not seize it, but to just have me declare it and abandon it. Should I worry about this?

Answer:
 If you were allowed to enter the country and were not arrested, you almost certainly have nothing to worry about.

Try not to bring illegal weapons into Canada in the future.


Title: Drug Possession Charge with a Few Snags

Question:
Hey guys, on the 23rd I was caught smoking weed in a parking lot in New Hampshire, so of course this was a huge problem that ended in the entire car getting searched, my friend being let go, and all of my weed getting found. I had about 13 grams of marijuana in my backpack in a stash container (it wasn't gonna fool anyone-- I just used it because it was scent proof), a small amount of THC infused coconut oil, a piece, some papers, and a grinder. The cops came and there was still smoke coming out of my friend's car, so even though my friend thought they could stop him from searching the car that of course didn't happen since they had all the evidence they needed. We were smoking a blunt and I ate the roach because I panicked and when the cop asked what I did with it I initially didn't tell him but he started yelling at me a lot and acting like he was going to unholster his gun... guy struck me as psychotic and I didn't wanna die the night before Christmas Eve so I told him that I ate it. I was pretty compliant the entire time, I just denied having more weed in the car and got caught in that lie. My friend got off without any trouble, I got arrested and taken to the station.

To further complicate things, I had planned to do a study abroad trip to Italy with my school, and I'm slated to leave in one month... except that my court date is for early February so I need to request a continuance until about mid May if I want to go. I've already paid for it and everything. The cop at the station who was taking my mugshot and doing my slaps said I'd have a decent chance of getting a continuance. So my first question is basically how do I go about this with the best way of getting a continuance? I'm planning to call the prosecutor tomorrow and see what happens.

Second, my parents are pretty dead set on me getting an attorney, which I obviously think is the best course of action. We just haven't found a good one yet or figured out how much we could spend, and with the huge uncertainty on when my court date will be, I feel like we can't put too much thought into it. I know that the attorney will try to whittle down the charges to whatever they can be, but should I expect to not be able to escape a misdemeanor charge due to the amount that I had on me? I know to expect a fine of up to $2,000 based on state law but if anyone can help give me some ballparks of what I might receive that would be great.

An important piece of information too is I was arrested for possession when I was 15 as well. I had a gram of weed on me in school, so this is my second offense which probably changes things a bit. I'm 19 now and the prior arrest was just under 4 years ago.
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer: Don't call the prosecutor. Hire an attorney and let him deal with the court dates.


Title: I am a few days away (hopefully) for an offer from a studio for an option for a story I wrote. Someone is claiming the rights (California)

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Have you talked to your agent about the situation?


Title: Drug testing with damage to state property charge

Question:
I was recently charged with Damage to State property (class 4 felony). I threw a rock through the recreational center at my school (SIUc) while I was very drunk. I was just wondering if I will be drug tested at all throughout this whole process because they know it was alcohol related and I need to know if I should stop smoking. I have no priors or any drug related offenses to my name. I live in Carbondale, Illinois.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer: Well considering how many prompts to list your location you missed this might be a good time to lay off the weed as well. Answer #2: Considering your crime was due to alcohol-fueled stupidity probation with required substance abuse education and or treatment and or testing would not be surprising at all.


Title: Professor berated me in front of whole class about my disability (KY)

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Reasonable accommodations should be provided for a disability, though I'm not sure if "not doing the reading/homework" would count as reasonable. You need to contact the office of disability services (or whatever office approved your accommodation) to follow up on this. Answer #2: IANAL, Have been professor/administrator in higher ed for a while.

You have a professor that has deliberately ignored your accommodation and mocked your disability. This is where go to your student services department and the department head/dean for this prof.

That said, the "call on in class" accommodation is odd to me. Extended deadlines, sure.


Title: Discrimination?

Question:
I worked as a "receptionist" for a company for 8 months. Receptionist is in quotations, because I was expected to do the work of an administrative assistant with the pay of a receptionist.
I'm sure I sound like just another disgruntled worker, but that was just the least of what went on.
My immediate supervisor made a racial slur while I was in her office. I texted her, and let her know it upset me. She replied to it with the classic response of "I have an ethnic friend...etc"
The entire work environment was incredibly hard for me. I was expected to do payroll, quickbooks, new hires, all while watching the front desk and cleaning restrooms, washing dishes, and linens.

The former worker who was the admin assistant was paid $14/hour while I made $9/hr.

After the racial slur incident,  I went to her immediate supervisor who was also a longtime friend of hers.
I was told that "this is just part of her personality, " and if I didn't like the work environment, I should find another job. It was humiliating, and I left crying. I even mentioned to her supervisor that I had to start taking antidepressants just to come into work.

Last week, I quit. I had a scheduled day off to take my mom to her liver doctor. It was approved.

My direct supervisor came up to the front to try to talk me out of my day off.
It was too much, and she kept saying, well, can't you just come in anyway?

I couldn't stand the bullying anymore, so I quit.

That job was like being in an abusive relationship.  It started so gradually,  that I didn't realize how awful it was.

Answer: Nothing you describe is legally actionable. Answer #2: Do you have a legal question?


Title: TX - Anonymity problems with CPS?

Question: I recently called CPS in regards to my cousin, her husband, and her children. I never gave them my name or any information about myself and they assured me that I would remain anonymous. However, when they went to investigate the situation, they told my cousin that a family member called. Is this legal?

Answer:
 It's still anonymous, but I have a few questions.

> I never gave them my name or any information about myself

Just to be clear - you never told CPS that you were a family member, but CPS told your cousin that a family member called them? So CPS inferred or made that part up?

> they told my cousin that a family member called

Is that what CPS told you or (more likely) what your cousin told you? Is it possible your cousin assumed it was you and told you a fib to see how you'd react?


Title: My lyrics are being used without permission

Question:
I wrote the lyrics to a song many years ago. I collaborated with a musician who wrote the music. It was just a casual thing; we were not in a band or anything. We did record the song with me as the singer. I do not have a copy of that recording. I have a dated e-mail of the lyrics that I sent to myself back when I wrote the song, so I have proof that I wrote it. I broke ties with that musician and moved on to other things in my life.

Fast forward to now. I have found out that musician has been performing the song at live shows, and has recorded the song in a studio. Also, that musician has been signed to a record label with this song as a single. All of this has been done without my knowledge or permission. I doubt other band members, the manager, or record label are aware that I have anything to do with this song.

I am not in the music business. I don't know copyright laws or how royalties work. I am upset they used my song without my permission. If they continue to use my song, I want credit and compensation. I am not sure how cooperative the band will be since we did not part on the best terms, and obviously the record label thinks the song is good. I live in the U.S. Where should I go from here?

Answer:
 From what you say you collaborated on the song. Absent a contract to the contrary you are joint owners meaning either of you can use the song so long as you give an accounting to the other party. They don't need your permission to use the song.

You need an attorney because if the other owner is signed to a label they will probably have an attorney. Most states have specific Arts related legal aid programs that can offer you low to no cost help with this.


Title: A brat threw a rock at my car when I was driving near a school yesterday? Who is liable?

Question: I was driving by an elementary school yesterday and some kid in the yard purposely threw a rock at my car and shattered the windshield. I almost had a collision with another car because of this but I was able to regain control of the vehicle. I pulled over, called the police on a non-emergency line and reported the incident. They told me that it was a civil matter and that I should speak to the school about it, refusing to write a police report. I had a dash cam on my car that recorded a video of the incident and I brought the tape to the police station. They told me that I should go to the school and show the tape to the principal/administration and that they could find the brat who threw the rock. I went to the elementary school and asked to speak to the principal at the front desk and explained the incident. The assistant principal came and I told her the situation and showed her the brat in the background making a throwing motion and the rock hitting my windshield. The dash cam also recorded the time that the incident occurred. The assistant principal gave me lip service and promised to find who did it on the surveillance cameras. They checked the cameras and said that they have the incident on video but said that they cannot identify the brat who threw the rock. They said that they cannot do anything else and that I should settle this with an insurance company. What can I do to recover the cost of replacing my windshield (I have an estimate for $837)? Who can I take to small claims court? Can I sue the school? This incident happened in the state of Georgia.

Answer:
 You can sue the child that threw the rock but you will have to figure out who it was. You can only sue the school if you show that they were negligent in supervising the child. Answer #2: Let your insurance handle it.  If they feel like it's worth going after the school or the kid's parents then they will do it without your involvement.

Also, in some states your insurance is required to cover glass breakage without a deductible.  I do not know if GA is one of those states.


Title: I was involuntarily admitted into a emergency hospital and then involuntarily admitted into mental hospital. I was told I was not going to be billed by the police and the doctor and I was.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You didn't post your location but probably you have to pay for medical care you received. They were saying that so you wouldn't freak out even more. Police offers don't decide medical billings issues. You should work out a payment plan. Answer #2: A couple issues
1) if you’re suicidal/homicidal you don’t have any choice , you were placed on 941 papers by the police , taken to the hospital and “held against your will” You didn’t have a choice to refuse based on payment . It was a safety issue for yourself.

2) payment- immediately call the billing department of the hospital, you may qualify for Medicaid and the hospital will help you with the paperwork, if not, you can go on an income based payment schedule, some hospitals accept payments as low as $5 a month so long as you pay SOMETHING. Do not ignore the bill, it will not go away and ignoring it will only get worse.


Title: (CA) 15 yo sister just came out about being molested. Can we do ANYTHING legally after 6 years?

Question: Please tell me if there's a better place to post this. So my little sister (15) just came out to me and our mom about being molested by one of my moms ex boyfriend (thy broke up years ago, so it's not an 'I don't like him so making up shit' story and nothing she can gain making this up) my question is, with this happening in 2011/2012, do we have ANY legal grounds, not for mere justice but to prevent this from happening to ANY other children??

Answer:
 In many states, the statute of limitations for prosecution of sex crimes against children does not expire until after the child is an adult; in California, the law says ten years after the child turns 18. Report it to the police ASAP.Answer #2: Thank you for wanting to do something. Pedophiles often target single women to date for the sole purpose of getting access to their children. File a police report. Get your sister into counseling. In so very sorry this happenedAnswer #3: Report. Chances are that the bastard is doing it to others as well, and if he gets the spotlight on him, at least they'll stop him and put him on trial for that.Answer #4: Yes, you should report this. The police can arrest him.  Your sister can also sue him in civil court.

We have no idea if "there's no evidence beyond a 15 year old's word." The police may interview the guy and he may confess, he may get caught in a lie, they may find other victims, they may find him in possession of child porn, he may tell them he was drunk and that she came on to him, criminals are really dumb.


Title: I was accused of sexual abuse.

Question:
I was visited earlier today by two detectives concerning my sister, who I haven't seen or even talked to in several (2-4) years. From what I've gathered my sister has recently been going to therapy and in doing so has apparently said I had sexually abused her when we where kids some 10 or so years ago. This would have been around when she was 4-6 and I was 12-14.

I've never really had problems with the law before this and never something this bad. This is the kind of thing that ruins lives from even being accused of and I have no idea what to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 Don't talk to the police without a lawyer present.

If you are charged hire a lawyer.


Title: Does an employer have the right to ask employees for proof of a COVID-19 test?

Question: If an employee calls in sick to their employer and then later claims to have tested positive for COVID-19, can an employer ask for the test results?

Answer:
 Yes, they can ask. It's actually very rare that there is a situation where someone is forbidden by law to ask something.

On the other hand, you can lie in your answers, refuse to answer or refuse to provide a document.

In your case. You can ask your doctor to provide you with a document that says you can't go to work for x amount of time. It doesn't necessarily need to mention covid. Because, let's be honest, your boss doesn't want proof that you have covid, they want proof that you have a good reason to not show up for two weeks. That's not only legal of them, but quite reasonable.

And, yes, they can fire you if you don't show up for work even if you have a disease that you refused to prove you had.