Title: Roommate With Serious Hygiene Issues [FL]

Question:
My girlfriend lives in a student housing complex in the city of a large state school. She's had numerous problems with the leasing company, but it's gotten to a point where her living conditions have become potentially dangerous and just downright nasty.

&#x200B;

GF signed her lease with two other girls for a 4-person unit (would have been GF+2 roommates+random placed roommate). When they showed up on move-in day, one of her friends got placed in a separate unit and the leasing company would not move her; instead, they placed two random girls in her apartment. When she signed the lease she indicated a no-pet preference.

&#x200B;

One of these random girls showed up with a puppy that she didn't declare to the leasing company. Fast forward to today, she now has a total of three animals. This wouldn't be an issue except (1) GF didn't sign a lease because she didn't intend to live with pets and (2) the roommate who owns the pets is a **huge** slob--I mean leave plates with food in the sink for a week to ferment kind of slob. She refuses to pick up after her pets so there is a semi-permanent layer of pet hair all over the apartment. Since she is gone most of the day, the pets hang out in the apartment the entire day wrecking the furniture, walking all over the counter where she cooks food. The couches are full of hair and pee/poop/vomit stains that have since dried up--they've become exclusively for the pets since no one is willing to use them from how dirty they are or how bad they smell. Also because the roommate isn't home most of the day, the pets relieve themselves in the apartment--which isn't picked up by the roommate for days, so the apartment smells very strongly like poop form the minute you walk in--there are turds in corners and places that look like they've been there for weeks. She will openly smoke weed in her room and living room even though on numerous occasions my GF has told her she is not comfortable with her doing this. Lastly, the roommate also leaves the door unlocked overnight or when going to bed, and this complex is located in a less-than-amazing area frequented by transients.

&#x200B;

My GF, her friend and non-pet owner random roommate basically spend their days and nights elsewhere because the apartment is downright disgusting. We've spoken with management numerous times, both in person and through written emails, but they will not do anything. At first, they said if we sent them pictures of the pets they would take care of it, but all they did was fine the roommate and request she remove the pets (lo and behold, pets are still there). Next they asked for more pictures and assured us it would be taken care of and the roommate would be removed from the unit. Finally, they asked us to go into her roommates room and search for "more evidence" of the animals and weed/paraphernalia and **then** they would take actions to remove her form the unit--my GF refused because this seems like a total invasion of privacy and something that management should be in charge of since all four girls have signed individual leases with the company. My GF has even offered the company to place herself in another unit so they wouldn't have to move the roommate with pets, but they also refuse to do that. One of the people in the front office told me it is because they are under their target number of leases.

&#x200B;

At this point, I'm worried that GF will get sick from the uncleaned poop or any of the numerous other disgusting conditions and I feel hopeless that management simply seems to not give a shit about the situation. Additionally, my GF signed a lease for the 2019-2020 school year with the same company earlier last year, and obviously seriously regrets it. What can we do? Keep in mind we are broke college students. We will try our school's student legal services but it seems unlikely they will take the case because there are other students also part of the school who live in the apartment. Any and all advice is appreciated greatly.

&#x200B;

&#x200B;

&#x200B;

&#x200B;

Answer:
 > We will try our school's student legal services but it seems unlikely they will take the case because there are other students also part of the school who live in the apartment. Any and all advice is appreciated greatly.

Legal services like that don't typically "take cases".  They provide some education, references, and help connect you with a lawyer.  It has nothing to do with the fact that the other person is also a student.  Many legal issues on campus are between students.


Title: [OH] Contacted by another lawyer in the same office asking if we were satisfied with our current lawyer

Question:
Yesterday, I was contacted via email by a lawyer who shares a building with our current lawyer. His work is in family law and our lawyer is in real estate law, and while they aren't in the same firm, they share a building and according to the email, they "work together on various matters." He knew some of the details of our case (issues with nondisclosure), my partner's name, and the date we had met with the lawyer. In this email, he said, "I just want to be certain that his work has been completed to this date to your satisfaction" and that I can call or email him anytime. So, I may be reading too much into this email, but I would like some advice on why I might have received it.

Here's a little background information in case it is relevant:

When we bought our house last year, the inspector and previous owners said that the boiler was functional and there were no known issues. This was included in the official inspection report and on the disclosure form (we are in Ohio). Before we had to use our boiler, the city did some work on the gas lines, and afterward, a worker came in to re-light our pilot lights. When he lit the pilot light for the boiler, flames started shooting out and he told us that he had to turn it off otherwise the house with either burn down or we would get carbon monoxide poisoning. Long story short--an HVAC company came out, said that there was no way the boiler had been working in several years, condemned it, and $10k later, we had a new boiler and an HVAC company willing to serve as an expert witness. On their suggestion, we hired a lawyer since this seemed like a pretty clear case of nondisclosure and potential fraud (there are lots of other details about the sale that also led us to getting a lawyer).

We met with the lawyer back in late January, paid a retainer fee, and he said he would be sending out "nastygrams" (his words) to the inspector and both owners (the house was owned jointly between two unmarried elderly folks). Since January, we have only heard from our lawyer once to let us know that he sent the first letters and that he was researching HVAC & plumbers (it's an old school steam boiler/radiator system in a 1939 house) in the area to see if they have any records of our boiler being serviced (he wants to find evidence that it was serviced and was deemed broken from before us taking ownership in addition to the HVAC company being an expert witness). We haven't heard anything else, and the lawyer doesn't always return our calls when we check up. We are, perhaps, naively assuming that these things take time.

Back to the email from the family law lawyer--am I reading too much into his email? Is this something routine that lawyers who share the same building and sometimes work together do? Is this one of those "hey, are we doing a good job?" requests? OR is there perhaps something going on with our lawyer that his other one is investigating? Is he perhaps not doing his job and we are being too optimistic that things must be moving forward? I know there won't be a definite answer since all anyone can do is conjecture, but before I respond, I'd like to know if this is just something routine or more. Knowing at least that will help me decide if it's best to call and not leave a paper trail by responding to his email, or if I should be leaving a paper trail and responding to his email.

Thanks for any and all advice!

Answer:
 That is very odd.  So odd that it may violate rule of professional conduct 7.3 and maybe rule 4.2.  But, maybe since they share office space (which is pretty common), the family law attorney knows something is going on with your lawyer and is trying to help.

I would reach out to your attorney and see how everything is going.  If you are not satisfied, maybe touch base with the family law attorney and ask what is going on with him.  If you think the family law attorney is just trying to poach you as a client, then I would file a complaint with the bar association.  If you believe he is trying to help the attorney and you then I wouldn't file a complaint.Answer #2: Sounds like a little bit of both "are we doing a good job?" and "is this guy doing his job?"

Sometimes lawyers do consult with one another, especially when you're working solo.  Give the second lawyer a call, ask why he sent the letter, and maybe ask if you think the first lawyer is being timely.


Title: [TN] Woman threatening the press charges on my wife for assaulting her son at Football practice.

Question:
Kind of a long winded story here, so sorry for that ahead of time.
My wife and I work with a non profit group in the community to run a youth Football and Basketball program. My daughter also plays on the football team (8u age group). A kid on her team is a real terror, to the coaches and other players, but especially my daughter because she is a girl. Last night at practice the kid bent my daughter's hand back and sprained her wrist - not during active play but on the side lines. Not something that would have bothered us during active play, because injuries happen - it's a contact sport.

My wife (a cheer coach who has field permissions) walked onto the field to talk to the coaches after this happened to see what was going on. The little boy approached her, and she pointed her finger and said something along the lines of "Don't you ever touch my daughter again". This was a bad idea - and escalated the other child's mother to screaming and coming onto the field- and now threatening an assault charge saying she "Grabbed his face mask and jerked him around". Now, the mother was about 60 yards away in the parking lot, and it was dark - I don't think she could have seen anything that would have happened if she wanted to.

The mother promptly removed her child from the field and left - but not before being stopped by the football director to talk about the situation. And saying she would be pressing charges.

Now, my wife did not touch the kid, and there were plenty of people around who can back that up. As far as we have heard so far, the kids dad will have an attorney contact us and they are looking to press charges.

But in reality what are we looking at here? Should I just assume this is going to blow over when the parents cool down? Should I attempt to find an attorney? Should I wait to see if they send us a summons of some kind?

 I can imagine going to court over some "he said, she said" stuff but I guess dumber things have happened.

Answer:
 You have nothing to worry about for now. In order to "press charges" for criminal assault, she'd have to go through the police and/or DA's office in order to get the ball rolling there. I highly doubt they'd take the case at that point without enough evidence that your wife did what the other mother claimed she did - and if you're correct in saying that the witnesses saw that your wife didn't touch the other kid, you shouldn't have to worry about them taking the case then either.Answer #2: She can file a criminal complaint. Will the police investigate? Probably not unless your PD/ Sheriff is really bored and feels motivated. If contacted by their lawyer contact one yourself and look into a counter suit for your daughter's wrist.

You should document things as best as you can. I mean HER kid assaulted your kid. HER reaction was to accuse you of assaulting her kid. Something seems very wrong with the situation.

My advice is to document it. You may need to take legal action or file a police report against her/ her kid in the future.


Title: My son got into an accident with a suspended license while driving my car. What do I do? (More info inside)

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Ignoring all of your son's other problems:

> I'm just wondering if my insurance will contact the police about the truth

Yes, almost certainly.  They'll need it properly documented in order to process the claim

> are they going to prosecute my son or my wife since one of them lied?

Probably

> What should I do guys? Any and all help is appreciated. EDIT: We are in the state of California and my biggest worry is that my son will face jail time.

What you *SHOULD* do is rat out your son so he actually faces a consequence.  Because it sure seems like he never has and doesn't really give a shit about other people or their physical safety.


Title: California: Insurance agent misinformed me of (or misidentified) collision clause or

Question:
After purchasing a new car and speaking to my insurance agent to update information, the insurance agent asked me if I would like full coverage and framed it as protection against earthquakes, floods, or other acts of god. I told them I would take my chances. However, they did not inform me that part of full coverage was collision protection where I, the driver, would receive coverage if I get into an accident and was found at fault. My previous car was worth less than $2k and was my first car, so I assume I opted out of collision at the time, which was a while ago (and I had since forgotten the niceties of all the types of insurance). Any significant collision on my first car would have been a total anyway.

Well, guess what happened? I know I'm partially at fault here for not going over the paperwork with a fine tooth comb, but I also feel that the lack of suggestion (and misrepresentation) from my agent constitutes some culpability of the insurance company. I feel that they were not acting in my best interest (are they not mandated to?) Had I been given an accurate description of the policy I would have taken it without question. May I have a case here or is this caveat emptor?

Answer:
 Are you kidding me? This is common knowledge. Your insurance agent is not responsible here. You're supposed to tell *them* what coverage you want, and it sounds like you did.

Take some personal responsibility.


Title: My family wants me to state that my grandmother lives with me and my family so she can receive benefits.

Question:
My grandmother is a US citizen. She currently resides in Mexico. My side of the family put down my address in California as my grandmother's residence so that she can receive Social Security payments as well as healthcare.

I obviously asked them to figure something else out but they are really laying it on thick with the guilt trip. Is there any article/document I can provide to make them realize the severity of this? Or am I overreacting?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer:
 Well it's probably [fraud](https://oig.ssa.gov/what-abuse-fraud-and-waste) and thus a Federal crime. Will your family care though? This sort of scam is quite common in a lot of places.

Edit: In case it wasn't obvious no you shouldn't play along with this plan lest you want to potentially spend time in prison as an accessory to fraud.Answer #2: She can receive SS payments while living in Mexico.Answer #3: It's easy for them to lay on the guilt trip when it's you who would be taking the legal risk.


Title: Need help. Former employer keeping my property.

Question: I got arrested for grand theft. I got bailed out. My dad worked it out with my boss to drop the charges if I paid him the $4000 (I had stolen $4000 over a few months of fraudulent returns) and returned the stolen merchandise.  I go to my court date and was sent to the DA who showed no case. I now have property in the store that he is keeping, a $2000 computer, tools, amongst other things.he says that there is other stuff thats coming up so that is how he is taking his payment. None of which has been linked to me or that i was charged with. Is there any legal way to get my items back. I'm in calufornia btw

Answer: I think you should count your blessings that you're not going to end up with the criminal record you deserve and move on.


Title: [NC] Mandatory court appearance for a reckless driving ticket. Halp!

Question:
Some background:

I'm a 29/m driving from MD to NC to move in with my Girlfriend. It's 10:30pm, I've been driving for 6 hours, and Google maps just took me off 95-s (I think?) to send me on some other crazy road that will apparently get me to my destination quicker than staying on the interstate. So I'm driving down this road, thinking it's still a 70 mph speed limit, and sure enough,  I get pulled over. Cop said he got me doing 80 in a 55. Says it's a mandatory court appearance.

As someone who's never been to court before, except for jury duty, I'm a little intimidated to have to go to court for this. I've got a clean driving record and this is the first speeding ticket I've got in probably, 6+ years. I saw there was a guy in a similar situation on this sub who got the same ticket in NC, and everyone advised to get a lawyer. But at the end his lawyer fees and fine came to $800.  What can one do if they don't have $800 to spend on a lawyer? If you don't have a lawyer, do you automatically get the criminal record and the points and the jail time and the fine and the classes?

Anyway thanks for reading and any advice is appreciated.

Answer:
 1. **GET A LAWYER.** This isn't beg for forgiveness territory, this is actual criminal record territory.

2. Thinking the speed limit is the same on a interstate as off the interstate isn't going to get you anywhere.

3. If you cannot afford an attorney, beg and borrow from family and friends, the $800 is going to be a drop in the bucket compared to what will happen without one.

EDIT:

**GET AN ATTORNEY** I dug a little deeper into NC laws. If you were driving in excess of 75 MPH on a non-interstate it is an AUTOMATIC loss of license, even for the FIRST offense.

EDIT 2:

Wow, plus it is $30 for every MPH over. OP you are looking at a $750 ticket + court costs + loss of license. **GET A LAWYER**


Title: "Trespassing" on public land

Question: Earlier today, a friend and I were fishing on a pond that is located in property owned by the city I live in. We live in Flushing, MI. The land is marked as "Owned by the City of Flushing" on various mapping apps that show property lines, private land, etc. There are signs that say "Not for public use; users assume all risk" posted in various locations around the property. The property is accessible through a network of trails all starting on public land (parks). There are even development plans made by the city to develop the property into another neighborhood or nature park. The pond we were fishing at also butts up against a neighborhood, and of course those pieces of land are private, we stay away from that side. Today, a lady stepped out onto her deck and yelled at us to leave or she was calling the cops, also said there were signs telling is to keep out (not for public use signs). We access the pond via city-owned land, and we fish on city-owned land. Was she in the right? Or are we able to fish this pond? If "Users assume all risk" shouldn't that mean public use is not the intention, but if you use it and get hurt, that's your own fault?

Answer: Ask the city if you can fish the pond. But it sounds like they don't want you to use it and don't want you to sue them if you do anyway and get injured. Going on public land absolutely can be trespassing, just because something is owned by the public doesn't mean the public can just walk around on it (the classic example is the White House).


Title: Given Bogus Trespassing Citation at EDM Festival - Need Advice!

Question:
I need advice on how to handle a trespassing citation. I believe that it was given to me unfairly as a result of security guards/cops on a power trip but I’d like to hear some others’ take on it. Some back story:

About 2 weeks ago, my friend and I attended a 3-day EDM festival at Chicago’s Soldier Field. After the last set ended at 11:00pm on the last day, we (along with 30,000+ other festival-goers) were leaving the stadium to get on with our night. As we’re leaving, my friend’s shoe fell off somehow. So we start to make our way to the side to get out of the way of the stream of thousands of people so that she can put her shoe back on and we can continue leaving. At this point, security sees us not moving with the crowd and immediately swarms us while screaming at us to “get the fuck out of here”, etc. We tried to explain that we are indeed leaving, just let her put her shoe on and we’ll continue out. However, they decided to forcefully grab us and take us into “detainment” - basically a small jail with several holding cells. So my friend and I are put in separate cells while they decide what to do with us. We ended up staying in there for around an hour, so some genius decided that we would be given trespassing citations to justify them wasting their time detaining us. Their grounds for the citation were that “we didn’t leave when asked to do so.”

So here’s what I need some help with. The whole thing is just ridiculous since we WERE leaving, just needed to pause to put a shoe on. Is this stupid enough that a judge would  throw it out? Is it worth hiring a lawyer for? We both have to appear in court (on separate days) and I don’t really have the funds to hire a lawyer. In my mind it is so stupid that any halfway reasonable judge would throw it out. But there is no video evidence or anything like that, it’s just my word against the cops’ (festival security originally took us but Chicago PD wrote the citation). The time stamp on the citation is 11:07. Since the concert was over at 11:00, it is pretty ridiculous to assume the stadium would be empty by 11:07. Also, I am not sure if it matters but the ordinance they wrote on my ticket is actually the wrong one. They cited 8-4-050 (a) when (according to their shitty logic anyway) they should’ve cited 8-4-050 (b). Ordinance is quoted here:

8-4-050 Trespassing.
A person commits trespass when he knowingly:
(a) Enters the property, or any part thereof, of another when, immediately prior to such entry, he receives notice, either oral or written, from the owner or occupant that such entry is forbidden; or
(b) Remains upon the property, or any part thereof, of another after receiving notice, either oral or written, from the owner or occupant to depart; or
(c) Enters upon property open to the public, or any part thereof, and remains thereon with a malicious and mischievous intent after receiving notice, either oral or written, from the owner or occupant to depart;
(d) Wilfully defaces, mars, injures or destroys any building or part of any building or any property of another with paint, tar, acid, grease, oil, or other such substance which would detrimentally alter the outer face or substance of such building or any property of another, or any fence, tree, shrub or plant appurtenant thereto.
Any person convicted of trespass shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 Technically, the moment someone tells you to leave their property and you refuse, you have committed trespass.  Section (b) that you quoted above covers that.  Though they cited you for (a), that's probably just oversight/clerical error, which won't invalidate anything.

You can make the argument you have, but given the total lack of evidence, I wouldn't hold my breath.  And given the maximum fine, it's definitely not worth hiring an attorney.  It may not even be worth fighting, taking a day off work will cost you more than the fine.


Title: Former boss won't pay me out.

Question:
Edit: Sorry for the wall of text. There is a TL;DR at the bottom. Also this occurred in Alberta, Canada

So about a year and a half ago (June 2014) I needed to finish a month long practicum so I could get my diploma in video production. I found a small production house that worked perfect for me. There was only the Owner/Executive Produce (I will refer to him as "Boss" now) myself, and another young part time intern. I enjoyed working there because I wasn't shoehorned into one job and got to work on all parts of production. Video editing, animation, audio, camerawork and more. Even though we were not getting many jobs or contracts it was still a good learning experience for me because I had access to the software and could practice.

After my one month practicum was over my boss decided to keep me on as an assosciate producer. He couldn't afford to pay me much but I was fine with that as I was more interested in the experience. We agreed to start at $1500/month while I worked there full time. We still weren't getting many jobs but there was plenty of work to be done around the studio. I ran many errands around town picking up supplies. I answered all the calls to the studio. I helped set up a web T.V show with him and even helped out with renovations (building an editing suite, soundproofing the room, switching offices around multiple times, painting, ripping up carpet, wiring internet and speakers).

Over the course of this time my boss kept on assuring me that I would get a pay raise as soon as we got more jobs and he was very appreciative that I was helping him out for so little. A couple times he couldn't pay me on time as he was waiting for a cheques to clear and I didn't complain. He said he was very thankful and wouldn't forget how helpful and understanding I was being. He would talk about the future of the company like I was a part of it and that we we're building something together. (I had no money in the company so I knew I wasn't fully in it, but he led me to believe that I got in on the "ground floor" as he stated many times)

I started to feel a little insecure about the money about a year into working there as I felt I had no real financial security and since I had been making so little not a lot of savings to really fall back on. I addressed my concerns and he agreed and said I would get a raise to $1650 a month. That was nice but I was more worried about the security aspect and asked for him to draw up an employee/contractors contract (I had been getting paid by cheque and cashing it in as a contractor). He said of course He'll get his lawyer to draw one up, but he assured me it wasn't really necessary and I could trust him.

A few more months rolled by and we still weren't getting any new contracts. He brought on his "Actor" friend (I use the term loosly because he really hasn't done anything) to be a Producer and writer. He then cut the other young part timers hours back but my assured me he was keeping me on. Finally my boss let go the other young guy over a pretty minor thing (borrowed a tripod and put it away wrong). This wasn't the first hasty firing I had seen him do as he'd had falling outs with 2 D.O.P's (Director of Photography) he hired and with two seperate marketing companies we were supposed to be partners with. After the firing he still assured me that I was being kept on and I was helping build something. He even raised my pay to $1750

About a month later we had a shoot for a commercial. I packed everything up the day before as my boss and his "actor" friend sat in his new office that I just finished fixing up doing nothing. The next morning (Saturday) of the shoot we get there and it turns out I messed up. I forgot to pack a microphone cable. That could've been a big deal but the shoot didn't start for another hour and we were close enough to the studio that the "actor" could run back and get it before it was a huge problem. So he went back and got it and the 18 hour shoot went smoothly after that.

After the shoot we had a brief conversation about it where I apologized and accepted blame, I did fuck up after all. He agreed that I fucked up but it still worked out and we went back to the studio, unpacked and he said he'd see me on Monday.

Monday (Oct 19)  rolls around and I show up in the morning. He calls me into his office and said he has to let me go as things aren't working. I'm obviously rattled as I thought I had some sort of job security, compounded on the fact that I was getting major knee surgery in a week which he knew about, and didn't think I fucked up that bad. He assured me he would pay me the rest of my monthly paycheque.

A week later I texted him asking if I could come in and get a post dated cheque because I wanted to have all my stuff together before my surgery as I was gonna be out of commision for a few days/weeks. He said he would e-transfer me the money on Nov 1. I said I would rather have the cheque but he insisted on the e-transfer.

Nov 3 rolls around and still no e-transfer. I send him a text and he has a little freakout telling me to be patient and not press the issue. He says I fucked up the camerawork so bad he had to push the completion date for the commercial back (He never said anything about this before when he was reviewing footage or the first time I texted him over a week after the shoot) He said as soon as the cheque for the commercial clears he will pay me out.

I was very patient after that. I waited 6 weeks until I texted him again. When I texted him I got no reply. texted him again no reply. Finally on the third one he replys "The busniess has gone belly up. Sorry man." Now I feel bad. I didn't think I messed up the camerawork at all but maybe it fucked up the whole contract ad put him out of business. That guilt quickly faded though as that night him and the company uploaded the commercials to facebook, and the camerwork looked fine!

I text him the next day asking what was up. The commercials were completed and the cheque was obviously cashed but I still haven't got paid. Radio silence. I have texted and tried to call him but have gotten no response since he uploaded the commercial.

Even if he is going out of business I worked on that commercial and if he got paid for it he has to pay me out. I know I shafted myself by not getting anything put in writing but I can prove he was paying my salary through my bank statements and have text messages from him saying that he would pay me as soon as the cheque for that commercial cleared.

TL;DR

I worked for a guy for a year and a half. I got paid a meager monthly salary. Since it was a small operation and since I was assured that I would be taken care of I never pushed very hard to get an employment contract (I did ask for one though and he did say he would draft one up). I made a minor mistake on a commercial shoot on Oct 17 and was fired on the 19. He said he would pay me for the whole month of october on Nov 1. Nov 1 rolls around and no money. Text him on nov 3 asking about it and he says as soon as the cheque is cashed for the commercial I'll get paid. Text him 6 weeks later on dec 17 and get a reply saying the business went belly up and he cant pay me. That night he uploads the commercials I worked on onto facebook and since then he has gone radio silent. Not returning calls. Not returning texts.

Am I entitled to anything or since I have nothing in writing am I fucked? I knew I was being naive but I didn't expect to get taken advantage of like this.

If you read the whole thing thank you! Any advice is much appreciated.

Answer: All of that text and you don't include a location? This stuff is state specific.


Title: Open container in detached camper

Question:
My friends and I are planning on road tripping in the US and have a small detached camper/rv we will be bringing along with a van. The driver will never be drinking, nor will there be any alcohol within the van. However, we were hoping on having a few beers in the camper while we are not driving, obviously giving ourselves enough time so that there is no alcohol in our systems by the time we take the wheel.

Is this legal? We will be driving from the Midwest, starting from OH, to the west coast and back.

I can't seem to find anything about detached rvs and campers online, so any help or advice you could offer would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Answer:
 In most places it is illegal to ride in a trailer/camper being pulled by a vehicle with a ball hitch.

If it is a "saddle" type hitch, it may be legal.Answer #2: As others have mentioned, whether or not you can even ride in the trailer will vary depending on state law. For basic information on the different state laws regarding this, see the website below.

http://www.rvtripwizard.com/rv-info/state-road-laws.html

Beyond that, as far as I know, as long as there is separation between the driver's compartment and areas where passengers are located, there is no problem with having an open container. This is the same reason that in all states (as far as i know) you can have alcohol in a limousine.

If you plan to do this, I would highly recommend investing in a quality portable breathalyzer so that you can make sure that whoever is driving next is able to do so safely.


Title: Landlord never removed snow and 7 people are missing work. Do I have any legal grounds here? [Massachusetts]

Question:
I live in the heart of the giant snowstorm that just hit the east coast. Our landlord assured me that we had a plow coming. I texted him last night to be certain. No one came. Calling this morning he told me he doesn’t know why the plow guy never came and that there’s nothing he can do. Then told me we should have had the foresight to expect this to happen. Now 6 people are missing work today.
What can I do from here? We would have shoveled all night to get out of our 20 yard long driveway but now we’re screwed since he insisted someone was coming. Can I withhold a portion of rent for time lost? Is it worth bringing to small claims court? Should I just suck it up and hope it doesn’t fall apart on us next time? Help!

Answer: Unless your lease guarantees plowing within a certain amount of time you probably don’t have recourse. Sometimes delays happen.Answer #2: You have 6-7 people who can’t get to work right now. You’re able to shovel. So, are any of you shoveling right now?


Title: My spouse forged my signature as co-signer for a vehicle

Question:
Some background information for context:

* All events occurred in the US state of Georgia.
* There are two vehicles involved in this situation. The first vehicle in this situation I co-signed for, in person, at the time of sale, at the dealership. The second vehicle, however, I did not co-sign for. My spouse traded in the first vehicle at a new dealership and applied the remaining balance for the first vehicle to the contract governing the second vehicle. I was not present at the dealership at the time of sale, nor did I receive a phone call from the dealership on the day, or any day before or after, the transaction occurred. The total value of the new contract is in excess of $50,000.
* I voluntarily re-possessed the second vehicle to the second dealership approximately nine months after the contract date due to spouse failing to make payments.
* I have possession of original contracts for each vehicle. Included in the paperwork are both hand-signed signatures as well as print-outs of electronic signatures. The difference between my signatures in the first contract and the forged signatures in the second contract is extremely apparent.
* The spouse and I are currently in a contested divorce.

To date, I have filed a police report in the same county the second dealership is located in and made an identity theft report to the FTC. The detective who took the report advised that I had enough to take my plea to the magistrate court and issue a warrant hearing against my spouse. I have notified the three major credit bureaus of the fraudulent activity and that the negative reporting is not valid. I have spoken with the entity for which payments were to be made to and notified them of the situation. After learning that I did not sign for the vehicle and that I was not their customer, they refused to speak further with me, but did say they would remove the negative reporting from my credit report. To date, they have not removed the negative reporting. My divorce attorney has advised that I pursue a criminal case against my spouse, though I have not done so at this time.

My questions for the community here concern my legal options for the second dealership. Because of the negative reporting, my credit score has nose-dived. I am employed by the U.S. military and due to the nature of my job I have an information clearance which is being adversely impacted by this as well. Given the above, do I have a case against the dealership? If I do, which type of attorney should I be looking for?

Answer: Pursue the criminal case, and have your attorney write to the dealership to get their heads out of their asses and clear up your credit.


Title: 3 year flip house major plumbing issue

Question:
I bought a flipped house (built in 1952) three years ago. It looked wonderful and all new from the outside. Little did we know, soon after we lived in the house problem after problem began to pop out. Today a major plumbing issue popped and we have to knock down partial of the wall in the bathroom. The water had to be shut off for hours and hours and the problem is still not solved. Will we have a case against whoever is responsible?

More details:
1. My father-in-law, who has experience fixing sinks and plumbing issues, is helping us solve this problem in hopes of saving us some plumbing costs.
2. Mold is growing, because of leaking water. It was hidden to us (out of sight), seemingly on purpose by the developing company (don't have proof but that looks like the case).
3. A lot of the parts used are not up to code (this was pointed out to us by my father in law, he is very upset).

Any advice would help! Our purpose is not to harm or necessarily trying to sue anyone, it is to protect ourselves and for justice. Thank you!

Edit: Location is in California, San Diego

Answer:
 I can't believe you got into flipping houses without understanding the basic concept of buying an as-is house.

No, you cannot sue some theoretical person who 3, 5, 10, or 50 years ago you think caused your current plumbing problem.

You should have gotten an inspector who would have looked at these things before you bought.


Title: Been working for years and no my company is asking me to sign a non-compete

Question:
Hello,

I have been researching on non-complete clauses. What I learned so far is that it's been a gray area. I will have a lawyer's consultation soon to review my options. I'm curious on your opinion of the non-compete and what I should do (i.e. sign a non-enforceable and move on, or contest the specifics, etc....)

My situation: I have been working with the company for a few years with a non-disclosure. The company is in TEXAS. I do and have been given access to "trade secrets" (i.e. pricing, costs, rates...) to perform my job (engineer). The company has recently require a non-compete because they believe that it's becoming more enforceable in Texas and it would be a disadvantage for the company (compared to their competitors) without a non-compete.

I'm reading this and it's so broad I'm not even sure if I want to sign it. Here is the relevant clause for the non-compete (i'm sorry for the long text):

**Edit 1:** Some folks has been asking about the "Consideration". The consideration is "access to trade secrets" (read section (i)). Apparently legal after Marsh vs. Cook 2011 (See analysis [here](http://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/199302.pdf)). Also, there was question about "Continuing employment" is acceptable as consideration. The answer I found was that it depend on the State (It's a NO for Texas). See this survey [here](http://www.beckreedriden.com/50-state-noncompete-survey/) with paper:

http://www.beckreedriden.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Noncompetes-50-State-Survey-Chart-20130814.pdf

**Edit 2:** Some folks pointed out that since I already have access to trade secrets, offering that as consideration is not appropriate in my case. Though I wonder "CONTINUING access to NEW trade secret" is sufficient? Will check with lawyer.

----

#Separation; Severance

(a)	Employee is employed on an at-will basis and thus may be terminated by Company at any time for any legal reason. Conversely, Employee may resign from their position at any time for any reason. In either case, it is referred to herein as a “Separation.”

(b)	Except  as otherwise expressly provided herein, all of Employee’s rights to salary, bonuses, fringe benefits and other compensation hereunder which would otherwise accrue or become payable after the Separation shall cease upon such Separation (other than those expressly required under applicable law, such as COBRA).

#Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation

**(a)**	For purposes of this Section, the following definitions apply:

“Service Area” shall mean the domestic and international areas in which the Company provides its services during the term of Employee’s employment with Company. Domestic Service Areas shall be defined by that country, parish, or borough in which the services are provided.  International Service Areas shall be defined by the equivalent to domestic counties, parishes, or boroughs.  Employee’s job duties will relate to the Company’s business in all of these counties.

“Company” shall mean the Company and any affiliates of the Company, including any entity that is under the control of the same entity controlling the Company or under the control of the Company of itself.

“Competitor” shall mean any entity, individual, or business that provides services similar to those provided by Company or services in an area in which Company  has taken affirmative action to provide, whether such services are actually being provided or not, and any and all affiliates of such Competitor.

“Restricted Client” shall mean any entity, individual, business or client affiliates that Employee has performed project work for during employment with the Company.

**(b)**	Immediately after Employee signs this Agreement and begins work for Company, or, if Employee is currently an Employee, Company will provide and will continue to provide Employee with access to Company trade secrets and confidential information, including new trade secrets and confidential information.  Employee acknowledges that in addition to being provided immediate access to Company trade secrets and to the newly developed trade secrets, that in the course of employment with the Company Employee will become even more familiar with the trade secrets of the Company and its Subsidiaries and with other Confidential Information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries and that Employee’s services have been and will be of special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and its Subsidiaries.

Therefore, Employee agrees that:

[...]

**(e)**Employee shall not, during employment and for a period of twelve (12) months following Separation:

a.	accept employment (whether in the capacity of an employee, officer, director or independent contractor) with any Competitor within the Service Area or with any Restricted Client, absent a written request from Employee to Company and approval of such request by the Company, which may be denied, approved or approved with additional terms, at the sole and exclusive discretion of the Company.  (In the case of any such approval, the Employee’s other obligations herein shall remain unchanged);

b.	own (in whole or in part) any Competitor within the Service Area; or

c.	provide services as an independent contractor or consultant to any Competitor in the Service Area or and Restricted Client.
 [...]

**(i)**	the provisions of this Section 6 are in consideration of: (i) Company providing immediate and continued access to trade secret and confidential information, (ii) Company providing immediate and continued access to newly developed and in progress software, services, and proprietary information, trade secrets and confidential information and (iii) additional good and valuable consideration as set forth in this Agreement.  In addition, Employee agrees and acknowledges that the restrictions contained in Section 4, Section 5 and this Section 6 do not preclude Employee from earning a livelihood, nor do they unreasonably impose limitations on Employee’s ability to earn a living.  In addition, Employee agrees and acknowledges that the potential harm to the Company Employee of the non-enforcement of Section 4, Section 5 and/or this Section 6 outweighs any potential harm to Employee Company of its enforcement by injunction or otherwise.  In addition, Employee acknowledges that he or she has carefully read this Agreement and has given careful consideration to the restraints imposed upon Employee by this Agreement and is in full accord as to their necessity for the reasonable and proper protection of confidential and proprietary information of the Company now existing or to be developed in the future. Employee expressly acknowledges and agrees that each and every restraint imposed by this Agreement is reasonable with respect to subject matter, time period and geographical area.

Also, there is a severability clause as well.

Thank you for your help.

Answer: You don't have to sign it, and they don't have to keep employing you if you don't


Title: [NY] Can I sue my roommate if he gives me MRSA?

Question:
I share a two bedroom apartment with this kid I'm sort of friends with but never really see or hang out with due to opposite schedules and lack of common interests. We had a rare conversation recently in which he mentioned off-hand that he had contracted MRSA six months back from his (now ex) girlfriend. The point of his remark wasn't to warn me but in the course of telling an anecdote about his poor taste in women.

We have lived together for a year, so he caught it within our time in the apartment and only told me about it six months later. I have never seen him clean the apartment and he almost always leaves dirty plates and cups around the apartment, which isn't cool to begin with.

He seemed casual about it, and I didn't know what MRSA was, so I did not freak out until I did some research about a week later. That was Saturday, and I am moving out on Friday.

At no point did he seem to take any extra precautions around the apartment to be cleanly or warn me that he has an incurable and highly contagious bacterial infection. He's a messy kid, which never bothered me until I realized his carelessness is putting me (and my girlfriend) at risk.

In a text conversation he stopped replying when I gave the real reason for my sudden departure (wanted to do it in person, but he was blowing me up with angry texts). He then texted a group chat (that I am in as well) asking "who want's to party?" and I found him blackout drunk the next morning. Needless to say, he is unrepentant and refuses to acknowledge the issue.

I am going to a doctor this week to get checked out. If my tests come back positive for MRSA, can I sue him? I am paying for school by bartending. Will I have to quit my job if I'm putting others at risk?

Edit: My apologies for asking a question about the law in /r/legaladvice

Edit 2: I spoke to an actual attorney who told me to move out ASAP and that I can sue if I contract MRSA but it's only worth it if I think he can cover a judgment. So... I guess thanks for your opinions and whatnot.

Answer: It's more likely you have an acute case of hypochondria than MRSA. If you had a staph infection, you'd have known 6 months ago.


Title: [New York] Bartending in NYC, no hourly wage?

Question:
My boyfriend recently got a job bartending in NYC, and he is not paid any kind of hourly wage at all. He is paid solely through the tips he earns throughout the night. Legal?

If it matters, he makes roughly $100 in tips per 8 hour shift.

Edit: clarity
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 You're receiving 100% incorrect advice for some reason. In NYC the minimum wage for tipped food staff is $5.00, if your boyfriend does not touch food, it is possible he could be paid $5.65 instead.

Source: http://labor.ny.gov/about/services.shtm


Title: [X-Post from r/needadvice] Attorneys of reddit, what advice would you give Bob for his situation?

Question:
Bob has his arraignment in one week, and is undecided on whether he should plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. He was arrested for shoplifting, and is being charged with two counts: misdemeanor petty theft, and felony burglary. Bob is from the southwestern region of Los Angeles County in California, and he has never been arrested before. The bondsman who bailed Bob out advised that he should plead not guilty so as to pile on more and more paperwork for the DA to be burdened with.

Bob's not particularly knowledgeable about the justice system, and feels that he shouldn't plead not guilty, even though he obviously committed the crime. He even signed paperwork from the store he stole from that states that he shoplifted. The bondsman assured Bob that even his public defender will advise him to plead not guilty.

Attorneys of reddit, do you agree with this advice?

Also, he's not sure if this is of any relevance at all, but back in 2009, he was charged with drug possession, for which he pleaded no contest. The charge was reduced to misdemeanor disturbing the peace. The misdemeanor has since been expunged, but he's pretty sure the record still shows that it was originally a drug charge. Bob is afraid that this may somehow work against him when the time comes to actually go to court.

EDIT: Included location.

Answer: Since Bob is facing a felony charge, he definitely needs a laywer.


Title: Can I sue for defamation of character

Question:
Guys this is a throw out for obvious reasons.

I sold a guy an iphone 6s, I met through aa facebook sale group.
 We met up and he tested the phone, and everything was ok, we deal and we went our separate ways(this was about 2:00pm sunday). Monday morning he msg me telling me that he charged the phone and went to his bed and when he woke up the battery died, and that he wanted a refund, I told him no, and that my phone was working good, and I will have nothing to do with him. He then proceed to post in the facebook group " thief thief thief - my name. anyone know the location of this thief/crook". He took the post down in two days. How much can I sue him for, and do I have a good case to make a good hefty sue?

Location: cayman
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer: What are your damages?


Title: Lie detector in court?

Question:
My lawyer asked me to take a lie detector test tomorrow to help me in my court case. I thought lie detectors arnt allowed to be used in the court room? This is supposedly the best criminal lawyer in town. Im confident I can pass the lie detector, but recalling the story of my charge gives me anxiety and stresses me out, so Im kind of scared from not being be able to pass because of that.

This is in Texas

Answer:
 The recent appeals court opinion in  Leonard v. Texas ruled that polygraphs are admissible in TX for probation revocation hearings, but polygraphs are also known to be notoriously unreliable. They are only as good as the person administering the test, and at best they only detect variations in things like your heartbeat rather than whether or not you lied.

When you take a polygraph you're asked a bunch of control questions to get your baseline. These things can be your legal name, address, date of birth, where you went to elementary school, how many pets you have, etc. Stuff that you'd be highly unlikely to tell a lie. Theoretically, when you tell a lie your vitals should deviate from the baseline, but this is easy to fake as well. I can make my heartrate spike by tightening my sphincter or all the muscles in my legs.


Title: SD - Mother holding car title in my daughter's name hostage

Question:
In South Dakota. My mother bought my high school senior a car in May 2014 before my daughter R even had a job.  She "bought" the car in that she took out a loan, and R would make payments to my mother.  My mother put the car title in R's name.  The car is a 2007 Nissan Maxima.  Not affordable at all.

My daughter is in school, working part time and can barely scrap car insurance and payments by.  She wants to sell the car but my mother refuses to send R the car title so R can sell the car and get out from under it.

Can we legally sell the car and get an affordable car?

Answer: You can [request a replacement title](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB4QFjAAahUKEwjElsb1r5rJAhWEMYgKHYuoCmA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.state.sd.us%2Feforms%2Fsecure%2Feforms%2FE0863V8-SDApplicationForADuplicateCertificateOfTitle.pdf&usg=AFQjCNFTQQ_SBZfCTq7u2fGAOHhZmYhx5A&sig2=VWosiI7QYeywGxVKzua7ZQ) for the car and then use that title to sell it.


Title: Why is consensual fighting between individuals (ie, a two-person fistfight rather than a brawl) illegal, while various blood sports are not?

Question: Just for the record: I've never been arrested, I've never been in an actual fistfight, and I don't intend that either of those should change. I'm just interested in the legal reasoning.

Answer: Blood sports, ie UFC are regulated.


Title: Mil refuses to take down child's pictures (OK)

Question: [deleted]

Answer: If she took the photos, she's the copyright holder and can do with them what she would like. If you took the photos, you can try a DMCA takedown with Facebook, but your chances of success are... very small.Answer #2: Who took the pictures?


Title: Board game legalization

Question:
Ontario, Canada

I want to make a digital version of a game, and I may want to profit off of it. How can I do this without incurring any trademark/copyright trouble?
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer: Make a unique product or get the creator of the game to license it?


Title: My dad got a bill in the mail for an ambulance ride and ER visit in my name.

Question:
The supposed time this took place was two weeks ago. It’s over $2000 and I certainly was not in an ambulance or at the hospital then. I’ve only been in an ambulance once in my life, four years ago after a car wreck and my insurance covered that. We did just settle in court with the drivers insurance company though, about three months ago. Not sure if that could be related.

But anyways, is this fraud? Is it a scam? It looks legitimate and it’s from my hospital. My dad is going to call tomorrow, but I’m anxious about it.

Answer:
 Does it have the date of service/ride on it?

I doubt it is a scam. If you sued and won money for your medical expenses then some of that money may be owed to reimburse your insurance


Title: A Canadian severe pain sufferer who cannot get medication due to the strict policies of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (BC)

Question:
I had an infection which destroyed my spine and the damage is irreparable.  Because of this I am in pain that nobody should ever have to deal at all times.

I can't stand for more than a minute or two, sit for more than a few minutes, walk, shower, shop, cook, take care of myself at all.

So I was wondering if it would be possible to approach this from a legal perspective... Can I sue the government, college, etc.

Do I have any legal recourse from my suffering do to policies made by the College?

I honestly can't keep living like this and am desperate to find help or a solution.

Thanks.

Answer: No, there's nothing to sue for. However, I'm very sorry you have to live like this. If you need medical treatment, please seek it out. Do whatever you can to make you as comfortable as possible. Even if you have to keep showing up every day because of a new complaint of pain.


Title: Can my employer retroactively remove paid days off?

Question:
I requested paid time off (which I've accumulated over the last couple months of working) about a month before the actual days off. The request was approved so I obviously took the time off.

Now, two days before pay day I receive an email stating that my request for time off has been denied and on the latest paycheck I didn't receive payment for the time I took off.

Is this legal? Thanks for any help!

Edit- I am a fool for forgetting to say I live in the USA and work in Pennsylvania, thanks for the heads up swalsh411

Answer:
 Speak to your boss and HR about this, and just play dumb.

"I don't understand. There was some mistake. My PTO for this was approved on this date. See?"

Just keep repeating that.  Over and over again.  They will either fix the mistake, give up on whatever scam because it's easiest, or double down on doing the wrong thing.

Your best option right now is to just play stupid and ask them to fix it.


Title: Someone came in to my office and claimed to be from the IRS while I was out.

Question:
I was out of the office today but someone came in claiming to be from the IRS and was asking for me. He was wearing khakis and a polo and driving a minivan, did not leave his name or card and had no paperwork with him. My employee didn't know if there was anything in particular to say to them so he just told him to try back later.

My question is this -- would this be an expected start of an audit? I don't have any reason to be worried because I have my taxes in order, but this seems extremely unprofessional to me. Can they just walk in unannounced like this? I thought they normally send a notification? I'm wondering if someone was trying to play a practical joke.

Regardless, if it's a real thing I'll just send him to my CPA.

NC.

Answer:
 > My question is this -- would this be an expected start of an audit?

Likely not an audit.  If he is actually IRS CID, then it's a criminal investigation of some sort.

> Can they just walk in unannounced like this?

Yes.

Answer #2: An IRS agent will have a badge and other credentials. You are not obligated to speak to them.


Title: Question about alcohol purchasing in Texas.

Question:
My wife tried to purchase a bottle of wine today. She is of legal age. Walmart decided to deny her purchase of the wine because a 20 year old was with her. The reasoning was “we had an incident where a cashier sold a minor alcohol”. Does this make any sense, or are they just being crazy?
Topic:
Consumer Law

Answer: They have the right to deny sales at any time. Most places do not allow a group of people to purchase alcohol if only one person is of age. (I worked in a grocery store chain and know this from experience).


Title: Pizza Thief

Question:
I live in an apartment building that you need to be buzzed into if you don't have a key. Tonight I placed an online order for some pizzas (paid with credit card), and after nearly two hours and zero pizzas, I called the place to see what was up. They told me that my pizzas had already been delivered, and then contacted the driver to see what had happened. Apparently, another resident had been hanging out in the lobby, let the driver in (which is why I was never buzzed), signed the receipt, and took the pizzas for himself.

Now there's the obvious (and heinous) crime of pizza theft here, but would signing my credit card receipt constitute fraud/identity theft? Is the pizza place liable for letting that happen/not delivering the pizza to my exact address? I realize this may seem a bit silly compared to the other issues people bring here, but nobody comes between me and my pizzas.
Topic:
Douche

Answer:
 try to get the pizza place to replace your order or refund you. If they refuse contact your card issuer for a charge back. The pizzanapper is a thief, but the police will not help you, and small claims is may not even be an option to you depending on your location and the total amount paid. If it was an option is would be , almost assuredly, not worth it.

Answer #2: Go with a chargeback. I've had pizzas stolen during Undergrad, and a chargeback was the only way to get the attention of the place. Unfortunately, in my case, it didn't do any good and it took days of others eating my prepaid orders to decide never to order from that place again.

If you're in a position to still negotiate, file a chargeback and then talk to the chain. They're likely full of shit. Answer #3: Yes, both theft and forgery occurred.


Title: If the police got a hold of your saliva or spit anomalously could they use it to track you even if you had no previous criminal record?

Answer:
 What do you mean "track you"? DNA doesn't show up on a satellite, and the police aren't in the business of building up DNA profiles just for the sake of having them.  The tests cost money.

If, on the other hand, you are a suspect in a crime and they see you smoke a cigarette and discard it, they're free to pick it up and DNA test it.


Title: Neighbor verbally claiming Adverse Possession, any grounds? [New York]

Question:
I bought my home in New York in 2015.  While touring the home we saw a small fenced-in yard behind the house and next-door (adjoining) home.  We investigated the deeds for both properties and the County tax maps and all agreed that approximately half of that area belonged to the parcel we were buying.  Basement-level stone steps exist out of my home's basement up into this fenced in area, however they had been covered by the neighboring property's patio decking.  There is no other way to access this space other than these stone steps, so in practice the yard has not been accessible by occupants of my property.

Fast forward, we buy the house (and buyer's title insurance)!

Fast forward to after we've moved in, we talk to this neighbor about the issue and ask them about their use and they claim it is entirely their yard.

Fast forward to 2017, we've been talking more seriously to this neighbor about beginning to use our portion of the yard.  We've pulled 30+ years of both properties' deeds and a survey that had been filed with the County.  They all agree on the property lines and that a portion of the yard belongs to my parcel.  The neighbor has no response and shared no evidence to claim it is theirs.

We have a contractor scheduled for Tuesday to install a ground-level door out of our house into the yard so we may begin using it.  I spoke with the neighbor today and they claimed that the land is theirs due to Adverse Possession laws and that she has lived there and occupied the space for approximately 15 years.

From my reading, in order for her to own the property, she would have had to have filed a claim on the property in court citing Adverse Possession.  However given that she has not done that, my understanding is that she is not the legal owner of this property and it is still mine.  Further, I hope that after Tuesday we will begin using the property and that will negate any claim of Adverse Possession that she may make in the future.

Can anyone weigh in on this issue, specifically whether the laws work in the way in which I'm hoping it does?

Answer:
 Contact your title insurance and get a real estate lawyer.

Do not complicate the matter by altering the property because if their claim to adverse possession is legitimate (though, doesn't sound like it is), then you'll be causing their property damages.  Wait until all the dust settles before you do anything.Answer #2: Sounds like it is time for you to get a real estate lawyer involved.Answer #3: She may be right.

Fenced in, covering your stairs is definitely open and hostile. If that's been like that for ten years, she could be the owner. She doesn't need to have filed anything.

You need a lawyer.


Title: [GA/15] Someone posted photoshopped nudes of my friends (all underaged) on a random Instagram account

Question: All of them are girls in high school, we have no idea how they got the normal pictures from the beach. They photoshopped off the bikini bottoms and tagged them in the caption. It’s super gross and the account has about ten other posts of a similar nature.

Answer: Call the police. This is a child pornography case.


Title: Husband laid off by 3rd party due to a separate lawsuit against a tool manufacturer--getting the run-around.

Question:
Please bear with me.  This is a pretty completed situation to explain in person, let alone through text.  I tried my best to include as much important information as possible while keeping the post condensed.

**Pennsylvania**

My husband is a welding helper and a member of the local welding union.  He has been with this union since November 2013 and has had steady work with “Company A” since November 2013 to present.  This union is contracted through “Company A” and this “Company A” is contracted through “Giant Oil Company”.

In December 2014 my husband had an accident at work in which his hand was crushed by a Pneumatic Torque Wrench.  As a result, husband’s dominant index finger had to be amputated (under local anesthesia) below the lower knuckle.

**Major Players**

* “Company A”  *Husband’s Employer*
* “Giant Oil Company” *Contracts “Company A” to work on their pipelines, refineries and so on*
* “Manufacturing Company” *Manufacturer of a pneumatic torque gun that crushed my husband’s finger, resulting in amputation below the lower knuckle.*

Immediately following the accident, we hired a lawyer from a large worker’s compensation firm and settled that case in May 2015.  We also met with product liability lawyers who decided that we had enough of a case for flawed design/malfunction (and so on) to sue the manufacturer of the torque wrench.  The pneumatic torque wrench in question was actually rented directly from "Torque Wrench Manufacturing Company” leaving my husband's employer completely out of the mix (or so we thought) so we went forward with the lawsuit against the manufacturing company; mainly for flawed product design.

Everything with the product liability case was going relatively smoothly, our lawyer had just sent us Interrogatories from the defendant and my husband and I would work on answering a few each night.

Then, my husband was laid off (April 25th).  He arrived to work and he was pulled into his boss’ office (this boss is employed by “Company A” and is not a union member).  “Company A Boss” says that as a result of husband’s product liability suit against “Torque Wrench Manufacturing Company” the “Manufacturing Company” is suing “Giant Oil Company” and “Giant Oil Company” doesn’t want you working on their property until "all this is sorted out".  (Meaning, until the lawsuit between "Manufacturing Company" and "Giant Oil Company is sorted out.)  My husband was asked to vacate the premises immediately. *"Company A Boss" says to my husband that he could get his job back if he drops the suit against "Manufacturing Company".*

Since "Giant Oil Company" is so giant, that means my husband can't even get another job through the union because "Giant Oil Company" owns practically every line and refinery in the North East U.S.  This has basically blacklisted him from the industry.

We called our lawyers immediately and filled them in.  They were stumped—our lead lawyer said he had never heard of anything like this in his 30+ year career.  Our lawyer consults with an employment lawyer within his firm and that lawyer advised that we have no legal recourse as my husband is not a protected class.

It turns out that "Manufacturing Company" and "Giant Oil Company" had a lease agreement stating that "Giant Oil Company" would maintain tool & assume liability for damages that occur while using the tool.

Our Options Were:

* Drop the case completely

* Discontinue with an option to re-file before the statute (in case is employment was still effected)
* Continue with the case and continue to be unemployed in his industry.

It took A LOT soul searching and the decision was not easy, but **we opted to discontinue without prejudice.**

**Summary Timeline:**

December 2014:  Accident occurs which results in finger amputation

May 2015:  Worker’s Compensation Case Settled

4/7/2016:  “Giant Oil Company” brought in as additional defendant
(It is worth noting that another party was brought in as an additional defendant (3 total).  It is a Canadian company that manufactures parts of or the entire gun)

4/25/2016: Husband Laid Off

(LATER THAT WEEK:  Another person in husband’s union injures the same finger using the same pneumatic torque gun.  Are you freaking kidding me?!)

4/27/2016:  “Giant Oil Company” Served

5/9/2015 Praecipe to Discontinue Filed

5/16/2016 Husband emailed "Company A Boss" and "Oil Company Liasion" with the Praecipe to Discontinue attached; letting both individuals know that he is ready to get back to work.

5/26/2016 Husband receives the following email from “Oil Company Liasion”
> Thank you for your email.  I am not authorized to discuss the litigation.  Please note that “Giant Oil Company” was not your employer and “Giant Oil Company” did not control whether you were employed by “Company A”.  You would need to discuss that issue with “Company A” directly.

By the time husband received that email, he was already set to return to work on 5/31/16.  “GOC” basically said “Company A” is a liar and we had absolutely nothing to do with you being laid off.  If that is the case, then my husband could have sought other work through other companies (this was not attempted as he thought he was not allowed on “GOC” properties.)

5/30/2016:  Husband receives notification that “GOC” legal team needs to review the case and he is not to return to work this week.  Husband is told that he is set to go back on 6/6/16.  (As an aside, my husband works with his father.  This information is coming from his father which is presumably coming from “Company A”).

**I think that is all the information, now for my questions:**

* In general, I just wanted knowledgeable eyes on our situation.  I'm hoping that maybe someone out there has had a similar situation and can appropriately guide us.  So please, no piece of advice is too small!
*
Is there another type of lawyer we should be speaking to?
* Should “Company A” be discussing my husband’s employment with his father?
* Does my husband have any recourse in regards to his livelihood being messed with?
* If our case against the “Manufacturing Company” was going to be against FLAWED DESIGN, what in the hell does the oil company have to do with that?! Is there any way to file a suit based upon only that?
* If "Company A" was solely responsible for laying off my husband due to this situation revolving around his injury, doesn't that break the terms of the worker's compensation settlement?

I think that is it for now.  We are exhausted, and I feel like I am the only person fighting for my husband.  I called the union with no real help.  I also called the Union's recommended lawyers and left a few messages with no return calls.  I also called our worker's compensation lawyer and have yet to receive a call back.
We want to put this all behind us, but at the same time, my husband doesn’t want something like this to happen to another person (he was very upset when he heard his friend got hurt the same way).  There are also very strong indicators that the manufacturing company knew that the torque gun that was rented out to my husband’s company was dangerous; current models of the gun have vast improvements to safety features.

Thank you all in advance.  I just feel like I am taking crazy pills and it means a lot to even feel like I am being heard.

Answer:
 This case is far beyond any credible advice from anyone other than a qualified local attorney with access to all of the facts and materials. You should discuss the situation with your lawyer.  If you're not satisfied with that answer you should consider a second opinion.

The big problem that you're going to run into is that the anticipated payout over the injuries your husband suffered may not be large enough to justify the morass of issues here.  But definitely seek qualified opinions.  There are additional factors like the lay off and the flawed design that may make the case worthwhile.


Title: Hit a pothole driving today, ruined the tire. Are the owners of the property responsible for this? Im in Illinois.

Answer: Massive walls of text are no fun to read, so I appreciate your brevity.  However, we need *some* information to give an answer.  More details please:  describe the private property, how the damage happened, why you think landowner is liable, size/location of pothole, etc.


Title: [MO] Kicking out someone who has been crashing on my couch.

Question:
I just want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row because I don't want this to blow up in my face. About a month ago Me and my girlfriend allowed her friend's boyfriend crash on my couch. We told him that his crashing on our couch was contingent on his relationship with her friend. Since he has not been a good boyfriend there relationship is over and its time for him to leave. Is giving him three days ample time to get his stuff and leave since he isnt a formal tenet, and he knew that if his relationship ended that we wouldn't allow him to be on our couch.
Also we want to tell him that anything he leave after the three days is ours is that something we can do or do we have to wait longer.

Answer:
 > since he isnt a formal tenet

He would now be considered a month-to-month tenant and has tenant rights. You have to give him 30 day WRITTEN notice to vacate. If he doesn't leave in 30 days, you can begin an eviction proceeding. Answer #2: >Is giving him three days ample time to get his stuff and leave since he isnt a formal tenet, and he knew that if his relationship ended that we wouldn't allow him to be on our couch.

Nope.  Generally people who stay for 30 days are considered tenants regardless if you do not think he is a formal tenant.

Your state requires you give a 30 days written notice that specifies the date of the notice along with the date you expect the tenant out.

Do not change the locks/lock this person out.  Doing so could be considered an illegal eviction which will lead to your own legal issues.  That is not to say you can not ask if they are willing to leave earlier if they want, but you cannot force them out before 30 days.


Title: (PA) hypothetical road rage scenario. would this still be considered hit and run?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: If you feel your safety is compromised you should stop in a safe, public place, and report it to police.


Title: [US-GA] Kid put my kid in a chokehold and caused what appears to be a fairly serious neck injury. What are my options?

Question:
So my son (11 years old) went to visit his grandma this past weekend. There's a kid that lives in the house next to hers that my kid sometimes likes to play with. Well, that kid has some behavioral issues and for no apparent reason decided to put my son in a chokehold "for fun". It hurt my son pretty badly and almost a week later his neck is still swollen. We took him to a local clinic today and they told us if it doesn't improve in the next day or so that we need to take him to the hospital.

Do I have any options here? Can I make these people pay for the medical bills if this goes to the ER?

I am in Atlanta, GA and this happened a few counties away.

Answer:
 How old is the other kid?

Georgia does have a [parental liability statute](https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-51/chapter-2/51-2-3/), limited to the amount of $10,000, covering willful and malicious acts. If you plan on pursuing that yourself, speak to a personal injury attorney first.

Personally, though, I'd go through insurance.


Title: Advice: Unmarried young couple, uncooperative mother — child custody rights for father

Question:
My 23 year old nephew and his 24 year old girlfriend, against all advice, now have 3 children — boy 2 years old, girl 1 year old, and boy due in February. He is listed as the father for the boy, but not the girl (her mother advised against it for aid issues).

My nephew has assumed total financial responsibility for all of them. He works 7 days/week (to pay an expensive apartment she demanded), takes care of the kids if he ever has a day off, and on top of this, he is expected to clean, cook and pretty much do everything around the house. The girl does not help him at all, in anything. She holds a job a few months a year in between birthing. She is entirely attached to her family and is constantly with them instead of trying to build a home with my nephew. Her mother also had children one right after the other, seven in total. She still wants to spend all her time with her siblings, go to concerts, shopping and essentially still live like a teenager while my nephew slaves away. and when he is home, she doesn’t even acknowledge him.

He wants out. But does not want to lose access to the children. In an ideal world, he would want 50% custody. Is this realistic? I know he would have to establish paternity (beyond the birth certificates) but does the fact that she totally uncooperative have any weight in front of a court?

I advised him to wait until the third child is born and he is a few months old and then he can take action to separate from her. I am financially stable and can help with any legal fees so that he can establish paternity and get shared custody. He loves the kids. And the girl does not care for them properly. The 2 year old was malnourished as a baby and is a little stunted, very skinny and afraid all the time. They feed them adult food at the girlfriend’s family probably because they are lazy to make special baby meals and too poor to buy them made food — his mother and I regularly buy tons of groceries for them, especially baby food, but we fear the girlfriend doesn’t even want to bother with that; instead, she and her family just feed them whenever and whatever they eat. Last weekend, both kids had digestive issues. The 1 year old was in pain all day long because she couldn’t pass her stool, it was an abnormal consistency and my nephew had to get her in the tub and manually pump it out of her (nothing aggressive, just squishing and massaging her buttocks).

It’s all very sad and I need to help him.

Answer:
 90% of this stuff is irrelevant.

He needs to contact a lawyer, establish paternity, and sue for custody.

Unless the mother is wildly unfit (like hurting the children) they're going to want to keep really young children with the mother. Not full custody but partial at least. But a lawyer can help with all that.


Title: Question regarding signatures (Canada) - was told there was a "new law" preventing me from using my formal signature on my driver's licence

Question:
Hey, hopefully this is the right place for this.

I was recently denied putting my formal signature on my drivers license (Ontario) by the woman at the Drive Test center.

My signature is pretty typical except my middle name is drawn as a pictogram (my middle name comes from another language, and is translated into the roman alphabet anyway - I decided to make a pictogram of the phonetic sounds. I have been signing official papers like this for years.)

The woman said it is not legal to do so, despite the fact that my signature on my passport has the pictogram in it. She said its a "new law." I have not been able to find any evidence of this being a "new law."

Is this actually a law? Can I not have a pictogram in my signature? Will I run into trouble because my official signatures on my passport, drivers license, and health card are different?

Thanks.

Answer:
 First: your signature sounds so cool.

Second: I can't imagine that that's true. While I don't think you're likely to run into problems because of the difference, I can't imagine a law that dictates the style in which you sign your name. I'd be calling her superior.Answer #2: IMNAL but can't you declair anything your signature as long as you do it consistantly?Answer #3: There's a similar ongoing issue with birth certificates in the NWT, Canada.

The roman alphabet used on the computers for birth certificates doesn't have all the symbols for one of the local languages.  I think it was Dogrib/Tłı̨chǫ but it could have been Inuktitut.  I saw it on the CBC.

A mother wanting a traditional phonetic spelling of a name on her child's birth certificate is fighting it through the courts.

This is absolutely a legal issue, though there probably isn't a law specifically prohibiting it, just an internal policy. You can try to sue them to get the policy changed, but in the meantime you'll probably have to get a different phonetic spelling or they won't issue you a license.


Title: NYC landlord entered my apt w/o notice or permission today

Question: When I left this morning I closed and locked the door, my wife just got home with the kids and the landlords car was in our driveway (that we pay to use) and the door was ajar. We have recently been having some issues regarding a disagreement about stroller storage (he wants us to lug it up the 3rd floor and nevermind how we get the kids up  what with my wife being alone with them most of the time and we want secure outdoor storage if he wants it out of the hallway) we are really creeper out and want him to just leave us alone. Do we have any recourse to deter him from doing it again?

Answer:
 This sounds like a multi-unit building. I’m guessing you are leaving the stroller in a common hallway/stairwell. You can’t do that. It must be kept clear per fire codes. You’ll have to work something out with the landlord if you want some sort of storage box. Most likely purchased at your expense.

What was his reason for entering your apartment without notice? Did a pipe burst or something? I’m not sure if the hallway being partially blocked by a stroller is a good enough reason to make an emergency entry.


Title: Passenger hit another car when opening door

Question:
Hello,

I am the driver and owner of a car that was carrying a passenger. My passenger opened their door and hit another parked car. The owner of that car claims he is going to go after me if I do not testify on his behalf against the passenger.

Both cars were parked legally.

I am unfamiliar with who is actually responsible for this problem; the passenger or the owner of the vehicle?

If so, is there any advice anyone can offer?
Thank you in advance.

[MAINE- US]

Answer: Notify your insurance. No longer speak to the other driver.


Title: Mobility scooter

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 [Looks like](https://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/bulletins/2003/Scooter_fact.htm) you may not drive a motorized scooter on the sidewalk if that scooter can go faster than 30 mph. Answer #2: >  I am in need of a way to transport myself around town

They make these things called bikes.


Title: TN resident, got phone call naming me a defendant in a case

Question:
On Monday I got a voicemail and the person identified herself with a full name, and stated she was from the "Check fraud investigation division ". She stated she was legally notifying me I am being named a defendant in a case (it was 4 letters, and then 4 numbers, as in Case ABCD-1234). She then said that she would like me or my attorney to call back before they notify my local county so we can settle out of court.

She didn't say she was with any organization other than "check fraud investigation division ", and didn't name any company name. She did say my first and last name. She didn't identify the county I live in, she only said "notify your local county". She gave a toll-free phone number to call back, a 1-866 number.

I Googled the phone number and got no results other than the websites advertising to find out who owns the number,  and that it was based in Boulder, Colorado.

This seems full of red flags to me, and my local police department said it sounds like a scam. I also notified the ic3.gov website of this number,  but don't expect too much follow up from that.

I would like to see what other people think before I notify my attorney relatives and ask for referrals to lawyers who would handle this sort of thing.

Thanks for any help!

Answer:
 Did she offer to 'settle' for cash? Particularly bitcoin, moneypack or some other untraceable form of money? Cause it sounds full on scam. You should notify your local PD so they can get the word out about this.Answer #2: This is a well known scam, don't worry about it and in the mean time block the number.Answer #3: It sounds like a scam. If they sue you, you should be served with papers.

If that happens, you may want to contact an attorney.


Title: Real Estate Eviction

Question:
Hypothetical question here:

1. I own a house.

2. I rent the house to a family.

3. The family has not paid rent in 3 months and refuses to leave. Tells me to take them to court.

My question is, if one day while they are out all of their stuff disappears from the house and the locks are changed, are they entitled to press charges? Does the answer to this question change if there was no lease signed and the family was just paying month to month?

Answer:
 >My question is, if one day while they are out all of their stuff disappears from the house and the locks are changed, are they entitled to press charges?

You mean, are they able to file a police report for you stealling their stuff, absolutly.

You mean, can they also sue you for damages due to an illegal eviction, yes they can.

>Does the answer to this question change if there was no lease signed and the family was just paying month to month?

No a tenant is a tenant even if they are month to month tenants, even a non paying tenant has rights and if this wasn't a hypothethical then I would tell you that you are a slumlord.


Title: Asking for a friend.

Question:
My friend's pit-bull went crazy and attacked his neighbor who was knocking on his door. Poor guy had to get 100 stitches. Legally speaking, what is the best way to approach the situation? What's going to happen to my friend and his dog? This happened in NY.
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer: The friend will likely be on the hook for damages, both physical, and possible emotional. The dog could be labeled as dangerous and put down. New York has a specific dangerous dog law that covers this.


Title: Girlfriend's Dad Threatening to take away Car, Phone, College Fund etc.

Question:
Hey all. My girlfriend has some family troubles with her father, and as the result of some details I won't get into, she (rightfully) doesn't want him in her life anymore.

Her dad, with no way to get his daughter into his life anymore, is threatening to take away the car she uses to go to work, the cars insurance, to cancel her phone plan and even to take away her college fund.

He's desperate. If she had a diamond ring, he'd threaten to drop it down a storm drain just to get her to talk to him.

The car she uses is in his name, the money for college is in his account, the phone plan and car insurance is all from him. She's 18, but we're pretty sure she has no claim.

She wants absolutely nothing to do with him, and she has plenty of reasons for it. Is there anything she can do to legally ensure the money for college goes to her and that he can't hold it over her head while she's enrolled?

I can easily see him threatening to stop paying if she doesn't call him or something.
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer: If it’s his money, no she can’t decide how it’s spent. If it’s his car, no she can’t make him let her use it. If he pays for her insurance, no, she can’t stop him from not making payments.Answer #2: Did she earn the money? Was the money from someone else just placed temporarily in the dad’s account?Answer #3: Sounds like she doesn’t have a pot to piss in. Does she have an idea of the amount of money? Is she sure it’s there? Walk away or face her dad...


Title: In a relationship with my boss, said relationship has run it's course. What are my legal options if he fires me?

Question:
Hello, throwaway account, because - you know...
Anyway, I met a guy online 3 years ago.  I was single and recovering from a life crisis (another whole long story for a different post). We started out as just friends because I wasn't in a place for a full on relationship, but he made it pretty clear he wanted more.  Was a great guy, thoughtful, patient and generous.

I had a pretty decent paying job as an IT consultant, but I wasn't happy.  He is an IT manager at his company and has been there for 20 years. Offered me a job, working for him. I knew this was pretty unethical, knowing how he felt about me, but I didn't see a future at my current position, and the deal he offered me was pretty sweet. I took the job and he assured me that if we didn't work out as a couple he wouldn't be vindictive.  I saw red flags, but the deal seemed too good to pass up.  I was in a financial bind and this option seemed to be the only way out.

I had never really been too ambitious at this job, I was afraid our coworkers would catch on to our relationship and it would cause problems for both of us. He is also kind of a perfectionist, and has a hard time delegating, so he wasn't giving me much in the way of responsibilities.  He also didn't encourage me to participate in anything other than the automatous tasks associated with my position.

We eventually progressed to an exclusive relationship and after about a year finally made it physical.  Another year or so later and my lease at my apartment was coming to an end. He suggested I move in with him.  I did and things were okay for the first few months. Then he started becoming withdrawn and quiet.  Let me state, that he is pretty quiet to begin with, and has never been one to discuss his feelings or address any issues in our relationship.

I asked him a few times if he was happy, if he still wanted to continue with things the way they were.  Told him I would look for a new job if he wanted me to.  He assured me that we should just continue with things the way they were until I had my debts paid off and then I could afford to leave my generous salary for whatever I wanted to do.

Well, things have continued to go downhill in our relationship.  I know he's unhappy, he won't talk to me.  He literally only talks to me to ask if our dogs have been out/fed. He acts irritated whenever I talk to him, his sentences are short and direct. We haven't spoken more than a few sentences to each other in about 10 days - since I mentioned to him that I feel like he doesn't want me here.  He had no response to that.

So, I took that as a hint, and found an apartment to move into.  It will not be available for another 6 weeks, and it will take me a month or so to come up with the money for a damage deposit, moving expenses, etc.  Most of my money has been going to a large debt I have.  My plan is to get settled in at the new place and make sure the dogs have adjusted, then work on finding a new job.  I currently work from home, and have a 1 year old dog that has some behavioral issues we are working on fixing. I am afraid that moving to a new place and immediately starting a new job where I will most likely have to go into an office daily will be too much for her and I can see her being destructive if left unsupervised all day. If I kennel her, I know she would disruptive to my new neighbors with barking and whining, and I would eventually have to get rid of her.

So, basically this dog is my main reason for not immediately looking for a new job.  My plan is to move, get settled and make sure my dog is adjusted, then find a new job.  I'm just afraid he will terminate my employment before that happens.

My question for /r/legaladvice is, what are my rights if he fires me?  I have not had any performance issues documented, and my annual reviews have all been satisfactory.  Do I have any legal recourse if he fires me before I can find something new?

BTW, we are in the US in Minnesota, if that has any bearing.

Thanks for reading this wall of text!!

TL/DR: Been living with my boss for over a year, nobody at the company is aware we are in a relationship.  Relationship has run it's course and I am moving out and plan to find a new job once I'm settled in my new place. If he fires me before I can do this, do I have any legal recourse?

Also, I know it was a bad idea to take the job in the first place, I should have listened to my gut, so please hold your judgments.

Answer:
 You have a right to file for unemployment if you are fired.Answer #2: He can - quite literally - fire you because he doesn't like the colour of your shirt. So there's nothing you can do, unless you're part of a protected class and you can prove he is firing you because of that. It doesn't sound like that is the case here.

Disclaimer; IANAL


Title: TX - Wife's Employer Won't File FMLA for Post-Pregnancy and Won't Put Her Time Off Agreement in Writing

Question:
So my wife is pregnant and is preparing for her maternity leave once the baby arrives. Her employer doesn't offer paid maternity leave so she has saved her vacation days and then once those are gone, we will take the hit financially.

She has attempted to talk to HR about her leave and they have been highly evasive. First, they were going to file FMLA for the time she was not covered by vacation days and then they decided that "wasn't necessary since they are a small 'operation'".

That didn't make much sense until they wanted her to give an exact, not approximate, date of return. Which is understandable but not so understandable when they are demanding it at only 4 months into the pregnancy. Then they came back with "well we need you to call in and let us know along your leave when you will be coming back. We have had too many people just abandon their jobs."

My wife has worked for this company for ~8 years. I pressed my wife to get something in writing that states there will be no FMLA and her job is secure when she returns after a 7 week "maternity leave". They came back today saying they had agreed "verbally" and they will not be putting anything in writing. And then pressed by saying "do you think that we will not keep your job?"

Not only is this highly suspect but it leaves us with no security that she will have a job to return to and that they won't fire her for "job abandonment". She fears pressing the matter will result in her getting fired and with a child coming and the job market her locally absolutely dismal, that can't happen.

I've contemplated getting a lawyer to draw up an agreement but that may be seen as hostile by her employer. I'm at a loss.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Answer:
 Does her employer have at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius?  Has your wife been working at least 1250 hours for them in the past year?

If the answers to those are yes, she should qualify for FMLA, ad her employer is really asking for trouble here.  She *wants* FMLA, and they do not have the option not to give it to her--that's the whole point of FMLA.  If the answer to those are "no," she doesn't qualify for FMLA and the company is, absent a contract, not required to hold her job for her.

In either case, it's worth being strategic; hauling in a lawyer can poison the atmosphere at a workplace.  I'd ask more directly and clearly for FMLA leave--since her employer apparently doesn't have a form, you can get her doctor to fill out the DOL's form from [here](https://www.dol.gov/whd/forms/WH-380-E.pdf)--and submit it in a brisk and businesslike just-getting-the-necessary-paperwork-done-for-FMLA way.