Title: [Atlanta, Ga] I got fired because they meant to hire a "different type of strategist".

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 They could fire you for the color of your shoes. They can absolutely fire you for this. This sounds like one of the nicest firings I've ever heard of.

Best of luck going forward.


Title: Towed by city with little warning

Question:
My car was towed this morning for street sweeping. I don't use my car every day, and due to the density of where I live, I am very rarely able to park on a street near my apartment building. I called the 311 number to find out where my car had been towed to, and I learned that the city posts signs about the upcoming street sweeping *only 24 hours in advance*. Which of course I had know way of knowing about. So far as I know, the city made no other attempts to warn residents about the operation. Now they say I have until 10PM today to pay $138 to get my car back or else it will incur even more storage fees. This seems predatory to me.

For reference, I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Do I have any legal recourse? I'd like to think this case has class action potential if it could get off the ground.

Answer:
 While it sounds predatory to you, it is absolutely standard for most cities. This is a known thing you should have looked up. Literally what are they supposed to do? Pick your car up and put it down?

Edit: lol this is certainly not going to be a class action lawsuit against anyoneAnswer #2: Does everyone that gets towed automatically think they can sue?

There have been at least three other posts over the years with the exact same issue in Minnesota and they all had to pay to get their car back. You were given 24 hours notice and you didn’t move your car. It’s on you. You have no legal issue.


Title: I been set up! please help

Question: [deleted]

Answer: The only person who can help you is a defense attorney. Nobody on this sub can help.


Title: Employee health care being cut because employees refused to force their children to move to another insurance policy.

Question:
I know that federal law restricts my employer from removing any child under the age of 26 from an employee health insurance policy without the child's request.  That bridge was. Crossed a few months ago when the manager (holding the highest position under the board) was pressing a plan of his to have 4 children all under 26 to be removed from the company insurance policy as soon as they were eligible to receive insurance from another source.  All of the employees refused and it was eventually brought to his attention that removing them would be against federal regulation.  When the manager found out that he didnt have the lower to remove then himself he told the lower management employees they should force their children to leave the policy to set an example for the other employees.  These employees refused to "set an example" and were then told that because they would not remove the children from the health insurance he was going to cut everyone's insurance benefits.  On at least 3 occasions it was said to lower managment that because they wouldn't remove their children from the policy health care cuts would happen.

We are now facing changes to the health care that would increase our deductable by 200% as well as a plan that will force 100%of deductable before any benefits will be paid.  This will impose an additional cost to the few employees we have of $10,000.  It will create a savings of $7,000 for the authority.  This isn't an issue of savings it's an issue of spite and one man's political views.

Is there anything I can do to combat these changes.  My biggest fear is the format in which this new plan is laid out leads me to believe there will be more majors cuts in the future for the employees benefits.

Answer:
 You can get a new job. It's not illegal for an employer to reevaluate their health care offerings. Answer #2: FYI - I know the deductibles are doubling for a lot of our health insurance offerings in CA due to a change in state law. Unfortunately, with that small of a company you don't have much recourse, besides finding a new position. Answer #3: >We are now facing changes to the health care that would increase our deductable by 200% as well as a plan that will force 100%of deductable before any benefits will be paid.

I'm guessing this new plan is a High Deductible Health Care/Coverage (HDHC) plan. These plans are becoming very common as it puts the costs into the hands of the user until 100% of the deductible is paid in.
Outside of care mandated by the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) as covered you'll need to pay 100% of the costs until the deductible is met, then likely something like a 80/20 split until you hit max out of pocket.

Usually a High Deductible plan comes with lower monthly premiums so the cost is somewhat offset due to that. That said, a HDHC plan is usually cheaper for a company to run, thus they are growing in popularity as health care costs rise.


Title: Neighbour won't pay for damage caused by bamboo plant

Question:
My wife and I called our neighbour for a meeting to solve an issue caused by their extensive bamboo plant that is just the other side of our boundary fence (on their side obviously). We've only been in our house a year and earlier this summer I realised that it was becoming increasingly more difficult to open our garage back door, which is right next to the fence. The reason is that the bamboo is growing underneath the slab under the door, there are visibly 3 or 4 thick bamboo shoots now appearing from between the slab and the ground. Last week it got to the stage where I could no longer open the door. This stuff is basically in the same category as Japanese knotweed and it needs to be sorted professionally, no doubt about it.

Anyway, the neighbour agreed to get a gardener round to take a look, no problem. Great. He came over and said that he needs to take the whole plant out from their side and then come and sort our problem. He said he would quote separately, I fully expected our neighbour- who was present- to say there was no need to quote separately as they would be paying, but she stayed silent.

We were a little concerned so my wife ended up texting her about it, a polite text in which she said that in all honesty we weren't expecting to have to pay for something caused by their plant. She replied "Hi. We think the amount we would be paying (£250) to completely remove something we would have liked to have kept is enough. It's a situation no-one would have been able to anticipate x" I appreciate they don't want to lose the plant- and in all honesty it was there before they moved in- but at the end of the day surely they must see it's their responsibility to deal with?

As much as I don't want to, I am going to ask my wife to suggest splitting the cost on our side, as I don't want to live my life next to neighbours when the relationship has been soured. If my neighbour refuses the compromise offer though, I want to check I am definitely in my rights to expect them to pay for this? Thanks a lot.

Sorry, we're living in England, UK, meant to add.

Answer:
 I'm not sure about U.K. Law but It I can tell you for a fact that bamboo is known for being incredibly invasive and known to cause damage to property. So their claim that it was unforeseeable is bunk, and I think you would have the upper hand in a courtroom if necessary
Also you should probably post this on r/legaladviceUK


Title: Can a rideshare driver be held liable for a missed flight if the rider who requested it didn't allow themselves enough travel time prior to requesting the ride?

Question:
I'll keep it short and sweet:

Picked up a passenger during 5:30 rush hour traffic who was already running late for his flight. His flight was taking off in 30 minutes when I picked him up, but it was a 45-minute trip to the airport in traffic according to Google Maps by taking the shortest, most direct route.

The passenger was possibly intoxicated when he entered my vehicle, and further proceeded to consume alcohol in the backseat of my vehicle, despite multiple signs posted in the vehicle prohibiting the use of alcohol and nicotine products, as per the community guidelines on our rideshare platforms. I also pointed out that this was a violation of state law (Texas). In a typical circumstance, I would have evicted this person from the ride at the next safe location or requested law enforcement to do so on my behalf. However, due to his obvious plight, I made an attempt to get him to the airport on time out of patience and kindness.

Needless to say, we didn't make it, but he proceeded to blame me for it anyways. It should be noted that he clearly didn't allow himself any sort of time allowance for TSA clearance, check in, boarding...the usual common sense stuff when you fly.

My question is this: Can I be held liable for civil damages because a drunk guy missed his flight because he's scheduled his ride too late?

Answer:
 Short answer? No.

Long answer? Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo.Answer #2: > Can I be held liable for civil damages because a drunk guy missed his flight because he's scheduled his ride too late?

No.


Title: [US-NJ] My narcolepsy medication (modafinil/provigil) is $500+ per month ($6000+ per year). I have a legitimate prescription from a US doctor. Is it legal to go abroad in search of cheaper prices?

Question:
My insurance sucks and will only cover a small portion of my medication. $6000 a year on a single medication is financially devastating. If I wanted to go to Canada, Mexico, or South America in search of cheaper generics, would I be within my legal rights?

My goal would be to get a few months worth to maximize the value of my trip.

Answer: Your search term is "grey market."


Title: [FL]Campus has automatic gate with a sign that states "One car at a time, management not responsible for damage to vehicles" but the arm malfunctioned and dented/scratched my hood

Question:
So this is hypothetical.

Hypothetically my campus has a gate arm for the parking lot, and hypothetically the arm malfunctioned as I was going under and dented and scratched my hood pretty good (think when you hit a steel sheet with a peening hammer).

However, there is a hypothetical sign right next to the arm that says "One car at a time. Management not responsible for damage to vehicles"

Let's say this person hypothetical has dash cam footage of the arm failing and falling onto the hood, and then the car backs up, leaving a nice solid scratch.

Hypothetically would management still not be liable for the damages?

Answer:
 I think you mean hypothetical.

Hypotheticals go in /r/legaladviceofftopic.


Title: My brother rented furniature, a TV, a table, and a couch from a local rent to own place, quit paying, and sold the stuff on craigslist. (Oh)

Question:
They have been trying to find him and have been trying to repo the stuff for ages now. They finally called me (something they never have done) and said it was the last chance before using their legal team. My brother is a convicted felon and already has a terrible record. What are the legal implications of what he's done?

Edit: They don't know that he sold the stuff. They just know they can't find him to get their stuff back or get him to cooperate.

Answer:
 Your brother has stolen that property.

The value of the property is almost certainly going to be such that the charge will be another felony.

The legal implications are pretty serious.Answer #2: More prison.


Title: My neighbors electrical service drop goes over my property and through my trees - Who's responsible for tree trimming? My neighbor, myself, other?

Question:
(CT, USA) As I understand it, tree trimming around the service drop is the the responsibility of the "homeowner". But, It's not my service drop and I have no control over where they want the service to enter their home. However, where it enters causes the line to travel over my property and through my trees.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 I'm not giving you legal advice, but I'll let you know of that a friend of mine in a similar situation refused to pay, and eventually the utility stepped in.

And did a horrible job trimming the tree, enough that it's an eyesore.

You might want to keep that in mind; this is your property and if you want to keep it looking good, you can't trust someone else. Answer #2: Have you spoken to the neighbor already and they are refusing? In my municipality, the utility company steps in and does it if the homeowner neglects to do it. But like a poster below said...You want it to look nice on your property. Maybe you could get with the neighbor and discuss splitting the cost 50/50?


Title: [NY] A few questions about marrying someone who isn't a US citizen.

Question:
Hello LA!

My long-term partner and I (we're both men, if that matters) want to get married. However, my partner isn't from the US and isn't a citizen. He wants to become one so that we can eventually adopt a child. So, my questions are:

* Would it be better for him to apply for citizenship before or after the wedding?
* Would applying after the wedding be cheating the system? I've heard that it's a common way for non-citizens to get citizen this way. Is that true?
* Would it help him that he's been living here for nearly ten years (legally, of course) and we have a house together, along with several pets? He also has a job here which he has been working at for six years.

Thanks in advance!

Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: You should go talk to an immigration attorney, today, to discuss these issues.  Chief among the issues will be your fiance's home country, his existing status in our country, and how gay marriage differs from traditional marriage in the immigration process(I don't think it does, but I don't work in that area and can't say for sure).


Title: 5th Circuit Court of Appeals

Question:
... (pro se/ impoverished)

Panel ignored Abuse, Fraud & Waste of the trial court -
     •Mailed Petitions were Concealed / Destroyed - though opposing counsel & Case manager were receiving the pdf files.
      •both courts refused to provide Transcripts & Audio (waived fee)
      • etc, etc

Panel dismissed the case for wanting jurisdiction --
--Would not Honor A Notice of Motion and request for more time .
--Would not Honor common law;
US Postal Service’s marked Envelope as timely.
--Would not honor or acknowledge a protective petition on threats of criminal incarceration by the Magistrate
-- ignored audio of abuse judge.
--refused to investigate  - even the received date on Notice of Appeal
--5th Cir Clerk would not process post-decision motions
--Panel ignored the progressed past issue of jurisdiction actions of both court’s Clerks, with no opposition placed on jurisdiction, to use their OP of Discretion to Dismiss the case -motion for correction/reconsideration
held in limbo UnFiled -  2calls & messages requesting status-reply for nine days disregarded

How can I get myself to my Home district/circus (3rd) or any another district?

What are some options to stay order and/or rehearing?

TY

Answer: Federal courts are very picky about their procedures. It sounds like you’re getting bitten by these procedural rules, and I’m sorry to say that the best answer is just “talk to a lawyer.” The Fifth Circuit’s [rules of procedure](https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-documents---clerks-office/rules/federalrulesofappellateprocedure) are a total of 168 pages long, and they’re written to make things easy for the court instead of making things easy for pro se litigants. Lawyers can be expensive, but one of the issues with not having one is that you have to figure out all the procedural rules yourself.Answer #2: Wat


Title: [US]Are funeral processions an etiquette issue or a legal issue?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: it's a legal issue.  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2004/rpt/2004-R-0303.htm


Title: Won in small claims. They still refuse to pay.

Question:
Sued management company who collected money from my clients but didn't pay me from it. Won maximum judgment plus interest. Management company confirmed that they received the judgment but still refuse to pay.

I have no information on who they bank with and I highly suspect they keep their accounts overseas in the UK. Is there no way for me to collect?

They rent an office in NYC, should I subpoena their landlord for the bank info (likely had to provide it in applying to rent). If they do bank if the UK, is there no hope? Can they really just ignore debts at no risk by banking outside the country?
Topic:
Small Claims Procedure

Answer:
 Where are they incorporated?

Where was the case filed?  Did they even show up for the hearing?

Assets are assets. You've got a claim against them, so you can put a lien against anything they own.

Here are the [guidelines for New York](http://nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/smallclaims/collectingjudgment.shtml), since you mentioned NYC.


Title: As a pedestrian, my Mom was hit by a car. Very serious accident. I want to be sure we take the correct actions.

Question:
Hey legal friends,

Have experience with accidents? Want to lend some advice to an accident/personal injury noob?

**The situation**

My mom was in a very serious accident in Key West, Florida and we'd like to approach the legal aspects of the matter as thoroughly as we will approach her rehabilitation.

**Goals for this Post**

* What should I look out for from the other party's insurance? (State Farm)

* What is the BEST way to qualify a lawyer? (What are the qualifications and experience that do(es) *actually* matter?)

* What information should I be gathering *now* in order to gather information that will be crucial *later*?

**Our Main Concern**

1. I think my mother and my family would like to make sure my mom is not going to be paying for the effects this accident may have on her 2-30 years down the line. Whether that's losing working time, hiring rehabilitation help, or any negative effects on her health and well-being in relation to the accident; we believe that her and her insurance company should not incur any costs.

2. Prevent this type of thing from happening in the future. The fact that someone DIED in the *same area* within 48 hours of my mom being hit should tell us fairly clearly that whoever is responsible for the safety of this road was not been diligent. In articles written about the accident, there are many comments from local citizens who have pointed out how dangerous that stretch of road is for both the **pedestrians and the drivers**.

**More Info**

Her friend who was with her (he was walking behind her on his phone (when distraction helps)) said the accident was extremely violent. She was launched around 20 feet horizontally and he thought she was around 10 feet vertical. He was told by the police/paramedics that she "had a pulse and is breathing". She was air lifted to Miami from the location of the accident in Key West.
He also had 2 witnesses that stayed to give their testimony. One man was stopped in his car in the right lane allowing my mother and her friend to cross the street, and the driver of the car that hit my mother swerved around him to make a pass, the driver either did not have his eyes on the road or he completely did not see my mom.
Speed limit on this road is 35, crosswalk has no signals, only signs, and this is a main highway artery from mainland Florida to Key west. Dangerous.
Right now the injuries she sustained are extensive and very serious. Thank god/who/whatever she was fortunate to not have lost her wits but she suffered a very serious concussion and was unconscious for around 5 hours.

Ultimately her injuries are the following:
*Broken tibia/fibia - she had surgery day after accident
*A serious concussion
*1 tooth knocked out, 1 broken tooth, many fractured/chipped teeth
*Many stitches/flesh wounds

We were lucky she survived the accident, let alone not suffer brain damage. The following day a man was hit in the same area and was killed! My heart certainly goes out to this family and I can hardly imagine the pain they're going through. If I would have lost my mother in this accident I would be *extremely* mad.

TL;DR: Mom hit by a car as a pedestrian. Guy driving dangerously. Dangerous road. Very serious accident. What should I be prepared for?

Edit: Formatting, removed articles

Answer:
 > I want to be sure we take the correct actions.

Understandable.

> What should I look out for from the other party's insurance? (State Farm)

Nothing, unless you have POI, and even then, this should be handled by her attorney.

> What is the BEST way to qualify a lawyer?

Personal referrals. [Here's a general guideline](http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/find-lawyer-how-to-find-attorney-29868.html) with more options.

> What information should I be gathering now in order to gather information that will be crucial later?

Really, this is what the personal injury attorney does. It's clear you want to help you mom and want justice, and wish I could just say "go to this location and do this checklist of things" but there isn't anything specific you can do that you probably haven't already done. But see if the hospital has a case worker/social worker who can be of assistance.

One thing to be wary of: don't start interviewing witnesses yourself. That could potentially be used against them when they give depositions or otherwise testify about what they witnessed. Give that information to the attorney, of course. Let the police do that, let the attorneys do that, you don't want to hurt your mother's case here. Best to mom.


Title: [Ontario Canada] my friend, A, asked me to babysit her daughter Mariana for a weekend, and never came back. Is it possible for me to retain primary or sole custody?

Question:
So my friend had a little girl named Mariana. I’m white and Mariana is half-English-half-Latino. A, the mother, is a decent friend but a crappy person. She has a history of running away with boys she meets - she left college to live with a drug dealer in Florida for 2 years, cheated on him with Mariana’s potential father, and came home. While Mariana was a baby she frequently went out partying, brought strange men home, and always seemed to have no patience for her daughter.

She’s now 4. I often babysat her because I’m a close friend from elementary school, and even if I don’t approve of her actions currently A values me.

Ever since January A was bragging about her new boyfriend in Atlanta, a tall black man, a little chubby, with lightning bolts in his hair named Jericho. Late April she messaged me and said “hey, my sitter bailed, can you watch Mary (our nickname for Mariana) from friday to Monday (April 27-30)? I’m going to Atlanta to meet my boyfriend and I can’t bring her.”

I agreed to babysit. She told the school and everything.

So Friday morning she dropped off a bunch of clothes and a stuffy at my apartment. It was literally every single piece of clothing Mariana owned. Then she sold her car and left the country.

I went and picked up Mariana from school, and took her home (for the record I don’t work, I receive compensation and disability from a work injury that left me with a bad knee). I took her to the park across the street from my building and played with her until dinner time, we cooked dinner together, we cleaned up, watched a movie, and then I read her stories (on my phone, the mother didn’t have books and never read to her). I got her changed and put her to bed on the couch, and I went to sleep. We had a good weekend, we went to the library Saturday for half the day and played at the park, and Sunday was kind of a lazy cuddle day - we did some crafts, put on a movie, and napped all day.

Monday after school the mom was supposed to have come to gotten Mariana by 5. She didn’t show. I spammed her phone with calls and texts and got no answer.

I didn’t know what to do so I just kept doing what I was doing. Tuesday, there was still no contact. Mariana was starting to get upset and asked where mommy was.

Wednesday I went to A’s house but no one home. I contacted all of our mutual friends but still nothing. Her mother said she was away and would be back soon.

Wednesday night was hard. Mariana had a really bad tantrum, crying and screaming for her mommy. It was so bad she didn’t sleep and I had to tell her school she wouldn’t be in. The school, for the record, wasn’t asking questions yet. They were told A might be gone until the start of next year.

Finally I got her to calm down. I told her her mommy got a lil lost on her trip but until she came home I’d take care of her.

She started to have nightmares about being abandoned and became anxious and clingy. After a week of being woken up by her screaming through the night, I let her sleep with me, which helped tremendously.

So that lasted 5 days until I bought her a little futon and put it beside my bed, so if she wakes up she can see that I’m still right beside her.

Before Mariana was in my care she was moody, malnourished, and always seemed tired. Her clothes seemed to smell like sweat and fecal matter. She owned two pairs of shoes, one had a hole in the sole right through, the other pair was two sizes too small.

I would cook healthy or healthy-ish meals for her every day, breakfast lunch and dinner. She lived off of pizza and slim Jim’s and beef jerky so she absolutely loved the vegetables I made for her. She’s the only 4 year old I have ever heard of picking carrots over candy.

Eating healthier and not drinking sodas, her mood improved, she seemed less sickly and more active and healthy, she was energetic instead of lethargic.

I bought her new shoes, and I threw out her old clothes and replaced almost everything spending nearly 3 grand on her in a week (I get 2 grand a month for rent and groceries from the government so it was big for me).

She no longer looks exhausted 24/7 and she eats regular meals every day and smells good.

But we ran into an issue. I took her to get glasses, and the eye doctor said I couldn’t sign for her or make appointments for her since I wasn’t her legal guardian. The school began asking “where is A?” And I have no idea.

I have been by the house multiple times. I have asked the grandmother and A’s brother B. They don’t want to take Mariana from me and they won’t tell me where A is.

I told my mom that I would be going to the police and asking them what to do, but what she told me made me stop.... now it’s been 2 weeks and I know I can’t just keep her but... my mom told me if I went to the police I wouldn’t be able to keep her. They’d take her away and try to find the mom or give her to another relative of hers - Mariana would likely go to my friend’s mom who used to beat her.

When I was getting ready to go with Mariana to the police station I burst into tears and I hugged her and I told her I loved her and she said “I wuv you too daddy” without any prompting or that word ever being said around her.

When she called me that my heart melted. I love her so much that before that moment I can confidently say I never knew what love was.

I don’t want to lose her... out of everyone in her life I’m the only one who wanted her. I love her. I want her. Her grandmother knows I have her. Her uncle knows. Neither of them offered to take Mariana. They don’t want her.

I have decided to report the issue to child services Monday, no matter what. But I feel sick and depressed at the thought that I will likely never see her again.

A’s mother was abusive but no legal records exist to prove it, so Mariana will likely go to a woman who would hit and neglect her.

I have to do the right thing and report this to child services but the thought of me being torn from Mariana’s life makes me sob dramatically. I get panic attacks thinking of how she will feel if she gets abandoned by me too.

Is there any way I could retain permanent custody of Mariana, in the event that the grandmother is told to take her or the mother A resurfaces?

Based on how I have cared for her since April and that I love her and she considers me her father, could I, if full custody is denied, get visitation rights?

Answer:
 TLDR:  Child was abandoned by mother and has been in OP's care since April.  Mother's family uninterested in caring for child up to this point, including the child's grandmother who was abusive to the mother.  Child needs glasses, but can't get them because OP is not her legal guardian.  OP would like to get custody or visitation.

Most of your post is irrelevant.

You need to get CAS involved.  It might help you to get a lawyer, but you are unrelated to the child and it's likely that the child will be placed with family or an approved foster family, and you have no standing to pursue legal custody or visitation.  You can apply to become a foster parent, but it is not a quick process.  There is no guarantee that you would be approved, or that you would be able to foster this particular child once you are approved.

I understand that you have become attached to this little girl, but this situation cannot continue.  It's bad for her.  She's becoming attached to you, and the longer you put this off the more painful it will be for her to be separated from you.  And your separation is inevitable.  You can't take her to the doctor or get her any of the medical care she needs.

Please call CAS.


Title: I cyber bullied but she assaulted....

Question:
I’m in high school, 11th grade and 17 years old. So ya I made a mistake.

So about 5-6 months ago my best friend was cheated on. Once he told me, I got so upset I decided to make an Instagram and posted a couple of witty jokes about her. She didn’t care about it too much but her friend (fake name is Jane) definitely did. So I made one post for Jane with another witty caption. (These two girls go to another school in the area by the way)

This all happened within a few hours. I also deleted the post within those few hours.

Next day a school resource officer talked me about it. Basically said I could’ve been charged for cyber bullying but the girl decided not to press charges because she wasn’t upset about it and nobody saw the post because of how fast they went up and back down.

Over these past few months I haven’t spoken or seen either. I know her best friend Jane was still very upset about it. She tended to make rude remarks about me to anyone that would listen. (With good reasoning)

I learned a BIG lesson here trust me.

Fast forward 5 months later to tonight

There was a big school related party and she happened to have been there. She came running right up to me and hit me in the face. I looked at her after she hit me and once she started to run after me I bolted out the door. She ran after me but I got away. Wasn’t about to fight her in front of my peers. Also I didn’t do anything or say anything to instigate this.

So my question is, if I pressed charges for assault could she also press charges for cyber bullying still?

What should I do? I don’t want to let it go because she did assault me in-front of my school and after multiple apologies and months after it happen she is still mad enough to hit me.

Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer:
 Don't take advice from a 'school resource officer'- one of which is allowed to lie to you like any other LEO- to scare you, or to get incriminating statements. It's most likely that you would not have been charged for 'cyber bullying' and that this was once again, meant to scare you. 'Jane' is also incapable of 'pressing charges', as only the DA is capable of doing that.

One crime [assuming you even committed a crime] does not erase a crime committed by somebody else [in this circumstance, assault] so you're free to make a police report about it. Answer #2: Firstly, it wouldn't be assault, which is the threat or intimidation of physical violence - it would be battery, which is when physical contact occurs.

There are a few factors here, namely that you're both minors so your respective parents WILL be involved in the process and the school will likely be brought into the loop as well.  As 'Jane' was the subject of one of your posts, she could pursue legal action, the consequences of which will differ based on where you live. There is also the possibility that her friend may change her mind about legal action as well if she sees you going after Jane.

Legal advice aside, you need to realize that the legal route will bring the entire story to the attention of your peers.   I'm not saying you should let it go, but I think you should ask yourself if it is really worth the trouble and the hassle of taking legal action.  The caveat, of course, is if she continues to harass you or attempts to hit you again.


Title: [Tennessee - Rutherford County] School no longer offering bus service; can I show them that this isn't allowed?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Charter schools don't follow the same laws as public schools--tats how they can be choosy about the students they accept.

https://www.tn.gov/education/article/charter-school-faq

You are owed a free public education--the charter doesn't have to offer bus service if you have the option of another school that does.


Title: Got a speeding ticket in Florida. Looking to see if I have a way of getting out of it.

Question:
So I have a 2018 Dodge Challenger and let me tell you the thing is a cop magnet. But I received a $204.00 ticket and yes this is my first one so I'm unsure about the process. However there were a few things I noticed and I'm wondering if it is disputable. If I need to pay the thing it's whatever I'm just curious.

1. The cop couldn't pull up my registration claiming "the system was down"

2. He didn't ask me to sign it. Is that still a thing? Do I need to sign the ticket? Like I said this is my first one

3. He didn't have a radar, he said I "blew by him" but I'm sure speedometers are just as valid which is what I'm sure he used to judge my speed

4. I was on the highway this cop wasn't a state trooper or highway patrol etc (again I'm just putting everything out there) he was just a regular JSO officer.

5. He asked me how fast I was going and I said 75 mph. The speed limit is 65 mph 🤦🏽♂ I'm dumb I know

6. I asked him if I could pay it online and he said he didn't want to "lead me on" or "give me wrong info" and asked me to "call this number" (I know I'm digging here)

Any advice would be great thank you

Answer: None of those will help you. Officers can give tickets based on visual estimates.


Title: Sister forged mom as co-signer, mom removed it with a Lease Amendment, but two months later sister's lease debt went to collections and my mom now owes for it... can she dispute it?

Question:
Hello, and thank you for any advice. For reference I'm in Florida.

My mother has a delinquency charge on her otherwise flawless credit report from a collections agency for 6k. This is not her fault. A few years ago my sister forged her signature on a lease contract, since her credit wasn't good enough to lease on her own. Luckily, I caught the hard inquiry back then and my mom went personally into the apartment complex to claim it as fraud and remove her signature. She has the "Lease Contract Amendment to Add or Change a Roomate During Lease Term" that lists herself as the "Old resident" as well as the signature of the owner confirming she was "moving out." Two months later, my sister's unpaid account went into a collections agency. Is my mom free from the liability of this whole debt fiasco with the Contract Amendment?

I have concerns about using it as evidence though, for reference, here is what an empty form looks like:

[https://www.bluemoonforms.com/?previewPDF&cat=NV&formId=ROOMATE&size=legal](https://www.bluemoonforms.com/?previewPDF&cat=NV&formId=ROOMATE&size=legal)

The areas that describe her obligations have not been communicated. For example: it says that the "old resident \[EMPTY BOX\] is or \[EMPTY BOX\] is not released from the obligation to perform under the Lease Contract," and that if they are not released they will continue to be obligated to perform under the Lease contract if the new or remaining residents fail to perform their obligations. This was clearly done on purpose or out of negligence, since the security deposit section \*does\* have an x in one of check boxes, or did my mom have to be the one to "check one"?

If my mom checks the correct box does it serve as evidence to demonstrate that she does not have any obligation for the Lease Contract and no obligation to pay the debt? What about the previous unpaid months while she was 'technically' still a tenant?--Because 5k (went up to 6k from interest since she has yet to pay anything for it) did not happen over the span of two months...  We don't want my sister to go to prison, so before declaring fraud we want to figure this out.
Topic:
Contracts

Answer: Your mom isn’t getting out of this obligation unless she goes to the police and disputes the validity of the debt on the fraud basis.


Title: On porn names and copyright infringement -"Herminoe Banger"?

Question:
Hey there LAOT,

Hypothetically, if I wanted to become an indie porn star, could I choose a name that is a play on an existing name? Like "Hermione Banger" or "Scarlett Ho-handson" or something ? Does it matter if the name being modified is a fictional character or a real person?

Thanks in advance. Asking for a friend.

E: JFC TYPO IN TITLE - now you all know I'm Viktor Krum.

Answer: You can, as this would be considered a transformative use of the copyrighted work. But I would work on the name a little more before you roll it out tbh.


Title: Underage daughter has been regularly served alcohol on the job - NJ

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > I plan to report this to the police and complain to the Corp HQ for the restaurant chain but wanted to ask what else should I consider? I am furious and want everyone involved to answer.

Sure you can do that, but be aware that your daughter will not appreciate it in the slightest and will probably never speak to you again.

If you *really* want to get her life back on track then getting the law involved is **absolutely not the way to do it**. Best case sceanario if you do is that she gets hit with a MIP and then she gets fired. Neither of which gets her back into college.


Title: Father-in-law dying from cancer soon. Owns a business but never paid taxes on it. Is there any way for him to leave anything to his daughters before the IRS seizes everything?

Question:
We all live in Texas.

I remember hearing somewhere that husbands and wives or parents and children can make a one-time gift to each other that isn't taxable? I don't know really if that's relevant or if it's a strategy that would work, but it makes me think there might be something we can do.

Answer:
 Yes there are gift laws. But that doesn't allow people to hide money from the IRS. They will get their money no matter what.

You can try /r/tax alsoAnswer #2: The gift tax isn't the issue - he could transfer $5 million in assets before or after his death without paying any gift tax.

The issue is that all creditors and lien holders have to be paid before that transfer can be effected.

The actual mechanics will depend on how the corporation was structured: sole proprietor, S-Corp, LLc; whatever. But the end result is going to be the same - the IRS will get the money before the family will, and the family will get what's left.

If they just decide to transfer the money and hope no one notices, it'll be seen as a fraudulent conveyance, and the daughter will get a bill equal to the amount she received.

A CPA or tax attorney can help you figure out the total liability, and offer a settlement or payment plan to fix the past issues. But it's going to hurt.

Don't forget the state and local level taxes will want in on the action too.


Title: Someone claiming to be from the FBI is threatening me. Is this legitimate?

Question: So a couple of days ago I was involved in an online scam where I very stupidly gave someone my credit card information. As soon as this person deposited $2500 into my account, the bank noticed and automatically cancelled my account due to suspicious activity and this deposit was cancelled. Today, someone claiming to be from the FBI contacted me asking me to give them this amount or else I will be reported to the IRS and arrested. I contacted the police and my bank already and the police told me that the FBI and IRS cannot context people directly threatening them. However, this person explicitly told me that since I am not responding their texts? They will report me to the IRS and warrant my arrest. I’m am extremely scared and paranoid right now.

Answer: The FBI won't call you like that. The scammer is trying to scare you. Block and ignore.Answer #2: It's just another scam. That's not how the FBI works.


Title: Dog Breed Restrictions - Apartment Rental (MA)

Question:
My boyfriend and I are renting an apartment that has breed restrictions for dogs.  Our dog is an English Bull Terrier/Border Collie Mix.  We plan on bringing a picture of him with us when we apply for the apartment and submitting it with the application just in case.  The apartment complex restricts Pit Bulls.  Our dog looks like it has some pit in him but he's not pit.  How would we prove that he doesn't have pit in him if the landlord were to try to kick us out  due to him being part pit?  We've heard of the dog DNA tests but I don't think those are really considered scientifically accurate.  What legal grounds would they have if it's impossible to prove that a dog is part pit?

We're just trying to avoid any potential obstacles since it's so hard to find large dog housing (especially under short notice).

Answer:
 An english bull terrier:

http://creditworksusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/english-bull-terrier.jpg

looks nothing like a "pit bull". (which isn't even really a breed type).

http://www.baltimorenewsjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Pit-Bull.jpg

I would just say your dog is a mixed breed.


Title: Can you sue the beneficiaries of a stolen will?

Question:
To make a long story very short, my great great grandfather's will was stolen and destroyed.  This allowed his other relatives to claim his fortune, leaving my great grandfather and his siblings penniless.  Is it possible to sue the estate, despite the fact that the perpetrators are long dead?

This took place in Georgia.  I currently live in Kentucky.

Answer: Statutes of limitations.


Title: Cuba travel

Question:
For quite some time, my serious girlfriend and I have been  planning a trip to Cuba to visit her family there. Of course, now I have some questions, since he who shall not be named announced new policy in this area.

I understand that she is covered as having relatives there. The law also says that someone allows someone "traveling with them who share a common dwelling as a family." We are in a committed relationship and have lived together for over a year and a half. Doe this constitute "sharing a common dwelling as a family?" If so, should I get something in writing from State Dept or Treasury or whoever stating as much?

edit: I am in the United States and am a United States citizen

Answer: Family visits are still allowed under the 12 Obama stipulations.


Title: Can I just not pay? Bought a food truck with someone, he wanted out so I said I would buy him out but I don't want too.

Question:
Hey Guys,

Context: I bought a food truck with an ex-friend of mine - he gave me ~6k towards the purchase, a few weeks went by and he wanted to sell the truck but I said I would buy him out instead. We never had a partnership agreement, we don't have any agreement stating I would buy him out, we never really agreed on a price for me to buy him out.

Ive already paid him 3k - Can I just skip out on the remainder?

Location: Austin, Texas

Answer:
 A verbal agreement is enforceable, and the fact that you've started satisfying it is pretty strong evidence that the agreement existed.

You could stop, and he could sue, and the two of you can let a judge decide… or you can finish buying him out and probably put the whole episode behind you without having to go to court.


Title: Employer is Forcing Android Phones Which Have Tracking Software On Employees

Question:
I work for a public sector organization in California.  Recently, our employer has given us Android phones on which we must install Citrix Secure Hub.  This app is essentially monitored/controlled by the IT Department and phone activity, location can be checked via servers at work.  I have no issue with using the phone at work, but I am not comfortable taking this device home (as we are supposed to have these phones with us at work and take them home with us daily).  The phone is my dedicated work cell phone and I am expected to keep it around me as needed.  I sent the following email below to the IT Department expressing my concerns.  I was later told that I must install the app.  So, today, I will install the app.  However, I can't help to wonder that something does not feel right.  Please advise.

>Hello, <Name of IT Admin Asst>
>
>The application permissions of the Secure Hub are a little disturbing, especially the ones bolded below for off-hours, after-hours, holidays, and weekends.  I can install all of the apps separately provided by the Secure Hub and would rather not install the Secure Hub.
>
>Sources:
>http://docs.citrix.com/en-us/categories/solution_content/implementation_guides/xenmobile-deployment/assess/management-modes.html
>
>http://docs.citrix.com/en-us/xenmobile/10-4/policies.html
>
>https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zenprise
>
>Citrix Secure Hub Version 10.4.10 can access:
>
>
>Device & app history
>   retrieve running apps,
>   read sensitive log data,
>
>Cellular data settings
>    change/intercept network settings and traffic
>
>Identity
>    find accounts on the device,
>    add or remove accounts,
>
>Contacts
>    find accounts on the device,
>
>Location
>    **precise location (GPS and network-based)**,
>
>Phone
>   read phone status and identity,
>
>Photos/Media/Files
>    read the contents of your USB storage,
>    modify or delete the contents of your USB storage,
>
>Storage
>    read the contents of your USB storage,
>    modify or delete the contents of your USB storage,
>
>Microphone
>   **record audio**,
>
>Wi-Fi connection information,
>    view Wi-Fi connections,
>
>Device ID & call information,
>   read phone status and identity,
>
>Other
>    force stop other apps,
>    **press keys and control buttons**,
>    update component usage statistics,
>    read frame buffer,
>    close other apps,
>    modify secure system settings,
>    receive data from Internet,
>    view network connections,
>    read battery statistics,
>    pair with Bluetooth devices,
>    connect and disconnect from Wi-Fi,
>    full network access,
>    close other apps,
>    run at startup,
>    set wallpaper,
>    draw over other apps,
>    control vibration,
>    **prevent device from sleeping**,
>    modify system settings,
>    install shortcuts,
>    uninstall shortcuts,
>    read Google service configuration,

UPDATE: Formatting changes for easier readibility

Answer: If you want to be available but not have to carry that phone with you you can use something like google voice to forward that phones calls to another phone you own.


Title: Are College Professors in Florida allowed to discuss their political beliefs with you?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Sorry, I don't think you have any criminal or civil recourse here. On the bright side, you may have a case for suing the principal of your high school for negligence.


Title: [ Wisconsin] Is this considered considered stalking behavior?

Question:
Basically, I think I'm stalking my crush and I'm willing to stop if this is considered illegal and/or harassment. I don't want to become a crazy person and I'm willing to take some harsh advice. long story short, she has blocked me from facebook, phone, and snapchat after some stuff happened. I have been creating alt snapchat accounts that are obviously me, and she continues to block those as well. Sometimes I will wait long periods between creating them, believing that she will "cool down" and eventually accept them, which she has done in the past when she was upset with me temporarily.

Is this illegal?

Answer: Legality aside, you should probably just take the hint dude.


Title: Can anyone explain how it is legal to publish a sex tape without consent? (NY)

Question:
Inspired by [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/clevercomebacks/comments/o47ody/let_people_enjoy_things/) in which a man running for NY city council had a sex tape leaked. The New York Post tweeted a link to the tape and has a still from the video in their story. How could this possibly be legal?

R[evenge Porn Law In NY- Penal law Section 245.15](https://michaelarbeitattorneyny.com/lawyer/2020/07/06/Criminal-Law-General/Revenge-Porn-Law-In-NY--Penal-law-Section-245.15_bl40513.htm)

[Senate Bill S1719C](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/s1719) (A5981),

>§ 52-b. Private right of action for unlawful dissemination or publication of an intimate image.
1. **Any person depicted in a still** or video image, **regardless of whether or not the original still or video image was consensually obtained**, shall have a cause of action against an individual who, for the purpose of harassing, annoying or alarming such person, disseminated or published, or threatened to disseminate or publish, such still or video image, where such image:
a. was taken when such person had a reasonable expectation that the image would remain private; and
b. depicts (i) an unclothed or exposed intimate part of such person; or (ii) such person engaging in sexual conduct, as defined in subdivision ten of section 130.00 of the penal law, with another person; and
c. was disseminated or published, or threatened to be disseminated or published, without the consent of such person.

So even if the New York Post didn't publish the tape themselves, this law makes it sound like the publisher would be held accountable too.

&#x200B;

I am aware that "Freedom of the press" typically removes some of a public official's right to privacy, but would publishing images from the sex tape really be protected? After all, they could have just as easily reported on the sex tape without the actual pictures from it.

I would be grateful to anyone that could provide some insight. Thanks!

Answer: Widespread revenge porn is relatively new, and laws are still catching up.Answer #2: Well, it might not be. Gawker pretty much lost their entire company over something similar. The courts are still figuring these things out, and it would be up to lawyers to argue about what constitutes a "reasonable expectation of privacy", what the public has a right to know, and who owns/has rights to a given sex tape.Answer #3: The wheels of justice grind... *checks notes*... slowly?


Title: My Great Uncle was scammed out of his estate

Question:
My great uncle has a longtime family friend helping him with managing his finances. We found out recently my grandmother was going to get control of his property after he passed.

Yesterday my grandmother received a letter stating that the property was forfeit to a lender because of a clause stating that if my uncle didn't live in the house for a year they would take it.

We did some research and found out the loan/reverse mortgage was from the family friend. Also family friend is my great uncles lawyer. Essentially it was the only way family friend could get the property from my grandmother.

It turns out family friend and his son are a board member and director at the hospice my great uncle has been at for the past year and he has been personally blocking, whether it be his clout at the hospice or his place as my great uncles lawyer, his return to the home. Basically ensuring this clause would give the property to him.

It seems like they've possibly committed medicare fraud to keep him there as well.

Do you think we have legal recourse? It stinks to high heaven.

Also, the loan was in 2009 and his "company" wasn't made until 2010. It is based in an empty field.

Answer:
 You should absolutely examine this more closely. Go to your state's bar association for a referral for someone who specializes in Elder Law. After doing a thorough investigation, you can file a complaint with the Bar Association that would likely get family friend's license to practice law pulled.

All of this still seems like it can be fixed, but you need to move quickly and with the guidance of experts.


Title: My employer wants me to sign a contract relinquishing my right to worker’s compensation?

Question: My employer (farm owner) sent me (farm manager) a new contract they asked me to sign today that states that any injury sustained on the farm while at work is my financial responsibility. Isn’t this illegal? The farm is a registered LLC in California. I’m meeting with the owners tomorrow and was hoping to better understand my rights and the exact laws/osha guidelines.

Answer:
 If you are an employee(w4) he is responsible for your work related injuries regardless of any contract. Contacts cant violate the law lest they be unenforcable.

If you are a contractor(1099) he's making it clear his workmans comp will not cover you, contractors should carry thier own policies.Answer #2: NAL, but as a former employer, carrying work comp on my employees was required by law. There is also federal injury reporting laws that they would be subject to, if you are in fact an employee. Answer #3: An employer requiring an employee to sign a workers comp "waiver" would violate public policy and be unenforceable.Answer #4: That’s not something you can waive, but your employer may not have appropriate insurance if they think they can get away with this.
They’re also telling you they are terrible employers and that you should get away as quickly as possible.


Title: Not easily divorced - Illinois

Question:
My husband and I have been cohabiting for 7 years and married 2 years ago. We have 2 beautiful kids under 3 years.

There is nothing salacious - we just are not right for each other. We have different life goals and romantic needs that run counter to each other.

We do have similar parenting styles and as such have agreed to stay married and just co-parent.

I may wish to end the marriage, however, there is one issue. I have a chronic illness and cannot afford to retire on my retirement alone.

When we made a decision to remain in central Illinois - It was  a career limiting sacrifice for me, however, a career enhancing choice for him.  Now he makes 175k and I am tapped out at 60k. My husband has communicated that if I were to divorce and retain custody, I would be unable to leave the area to pursue a better job. While this is fair, I would have limited options to improve my work situation.

I had decided that it maybe best to wait another 8 years and possibly qualify to split his social security. Is this my only option? Is that there another way to approach this problem ?

We were married in Missouri btw.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: If you get divorced there's a good chance you'd be entitled to a share of what he's contributed to his retirement plan to date. You should get a consultation with a divorce lawyer. It doesn't mean you're committed to acting on anything.


Title: Is my friend breaking unemployment law?

Question:
My friend works at a company that can no longer pay him. They told him to take unemployment but to continue working for them as a "volunteer". Against my advice, he decided to do this.

This is in South Carolina. I'm certain the owner is doing something illegal, but is my friend breaking the law?

Answer:
 Short answer: Yes
Long answer: Yes Answer #2: Why not just take unemployment and NOT work for free?  It's illegal and he's literally gaining nothing by doing it.Answer #3: Both the company and your friend are breaking the law. Your friend is because he is certifying each week that he is available for work, looking for work, and hasn't turned down work. "Work" is defined as paid work so he's lying every time he certified for benefits. The company is obviously breaking the law by not paying at least minimum wage. This is a very stupid thing he is doing because he could be made to repay every cent of unemployment benefits he got plus penalties.Answer #4: If he's working, he's an employee and THEY have to pay him. They don't get to have a free worker just because unemployment payments exist. He needs to stop doing this. What happens when he gets hurt at "work"? Also, unemployment doesn't pay nearly as much as an actual job. Suggest to him that he find a new real job.


Title: (CAN, AB) Anon girl has been harassing my girlfriend and I for months, police aren't really helping and unsure of options.

Question:
I'm sorry if this is the wrong subreddit, but I'm not really sure where to turn and we are thinking of getting a lawyer involved.

Here is my story in a nutshell. My girlfriend and I have been seeing each other for about six months now. Throughout the course of our relationship, a girl who clearly does not want us to be together has been harassing me and my girlfriend in a variety of ways, including constant texts and calls to my girlfriend, constantly texting me, showing up at my girlfriends house or threatening too when she doesn't answer. Closer to the beginning, she kidnapped my girl's dog from her farm in the middle of the night, threatened to kill him if the police were called. She has also pulled onto her property and intentionally hit my girls jeep and drove away. It is always extremely late at night and she has never been able to get a license plate but we know what the type of vehicle is. We have tried blocking her numbers, but she just gets new numbers to text us from. I assume she is using some sort of program or something to get all these numbers. We have gone to the police on two different occasions and got the same story both times. They can't really do anything since shes anon, her phone numbers turn up nothing, and they can't start a harassment investigation because my girlfriend replies, which, I can't really get mad at her because the harassment and things this girl will do only get worse when she doesn't answer. Do I have any options here? Like I said, I apologize if this is the wrong sub, but I don't really know where to turn and I'm very upset about the whole situation. Is there any sort of legal action I can take aside from the police since they don't really seem to help? Thank you.

Answer:
 How is this person "Anon" when she physically showed up at your girlfriends house?

Something doesn't add up.


Title: NY State - Contract says that felt tar paper would be put on roof prior to shingle install, husband has photos showing them installing shingles directly on plywood

Question:
Hello,

Our garage burned down in July. We are finally in the middle of the rebuild. The contractor took a 22k deposit to begin work and the building has been demolished and re-framed. They just finished putting on the roofing shingles and installing the windows. My husband, who works from home, has been taking photos every few hours of the demo and build (for an Instagram time lapse, of course). He was looking through his photos and saw that the contractors were installing the shingles directly on the plywood roof edit: without the paper installed underneath. He hadn't noticed at the time of the install that they were doing this. We are worried because this is not common or best roofing practice and 1. will compromise the integrity of the roof over time due to moisture and 2. will void the shingle's manufacturing warranty. Additionally, the contract specifically says,

 "ROOFING:
- Installation of Felt 'Tar' Paper to Entire Roof
- Install 30 year Architectural Shingles to Roof"

My husband has photographic evidence of the contractor and his helper installing the roofing shingles directly onto the plywood. The roofing shingles are now completely installed.

What is the best course of action to remedy this situation? What is our best recourse to protect ourselves legally, without going into a long drawn-out financial conflict? This situation has been a nightmare of getting screwed over and over again by insurance and servicemaster, and we're not looking to get into yet another drawn out financial conflict if we can avoid it.

We are only halfway through the re-build - the contractor is close to getting to the point where we sign over the second half of payment to finish, but retaining 10% for when it is finally completed.

Thank you so much in advance! As stated in the title we are in New York State.

Answer:
 >What is the best course of action to remedy this situation? What is our best recourse to protect ourselves legally, without going into a long drawn-out financial conflict?

 Informing the contractor now so they don't waste any more time and money on what will have to be undone. Answer #2: Incorrect instalation probably voids the manufacturers warranty. And according to this website it can also shorten the plywood deck life in humid climates.
https://arrowheadroofing.com/news/roofing-felt-its-real-purpose/


Title: Stepfather is illegal immigrant married to U.S. Citizen. Drove without a license just once in an emergency and was stopped. What can/will happen and will it affect his attempt st getting U.S permanent residency.

Question:
I live in Florida , southwest Florida to be exact. My stepfather is an illegal immigrant without a license and my mom is an American citizen, married to my stepfather. My stepfather is currently applying for permanent residence through an I-601 waiver. Recently, there was an emergency regarding my younger brother, and my step father was the only one who could drive. Basically, my stepfather drove without a license and was stopped at a routine checkpoint. This might be the second time this has happened in three years, he's never gotten stopped for any crimes, just routine checkpoints it seems. How will this affect him, and could is I-106 waiver be denied?
Topic:
Immigration

Answer: He's got some bad luck to only drive in an emergency and get stopped twice in three years. For comparison I've driven approx 100K miles in the past three years and I've hit only one checkpoint.


Title: [Georgia] Apartment destroyed by flooding

Question:
Hi Everyone and thank you so much ahead of time for your help. These last few days have been very troubling!

On Thursday of last week, the sprinkler system busted in my portion of the apartment complex causing my apartment to flood and be rendered uninhabitable.

I've had very little communication from my apartment complex, and they've been very hostile through the entire situation.

First thing they told me, was that this exact same situation happened last year when we got a little cold spell in Georgia, they require that you have at least 100k in renters insurance which I did. I called my insurance company and they've put me up in a hotel for the time being until the apartment is repaired.

The thing about the repair process is that the repairs are being done extremely poorly. They are trying to paint over portions of the ceiling that are sagging, and they aren't even replacing the drywall or carpeting after they've been completely soaked.

I also forgot to mention that almost all of my belongings were destroyed with this flooding, hopefully they will be covered by my renters insurance.

That being said, what I'm getting to is that I don't feel safe moving back into this apartment after these "repairs" are being made. There is nothing being put in place to prevent these pipes from freezing and busting again. They are not being insulated, they are not being changed, the one small portion is being replaced and that is it.

So who knows, in just a couple of weeks the pipe could bust again, and all of my new belongings obtained via renters insurance could be destroyed.

The other portion of this, is that I found the following clause within my lease.

"The lease shall end if the premise are destroyed or otherwise rendered uninhabitable due to an Act of God or any other catastrophic event or casualty that was not the responsibility of the Resident or Resident's occupants, family, social guests, or invitees"

My apartment is currently completely uninhabitable, as deemed by my insurance company which is why I'm currently residing within a hotel for the next month.

I'd like to completely end my lease, and find housing elsewhere but my apartment refuses to cooperate or negotiate at all. They don't even want to pro rate me for the month I am unable to stay in the hotel, the contractors are running 5 industrial de moisturizers in the apartment, and they have the head on 85 degrees. They are telling me that I am responsible for the power bill as well.

I feel like I'm getting screwed due to their negligence, and I'm not sure if I should talk to an attorney or how I should proceed.

I'm in the process of purchasing a house, so money is tight an an attorney would be costly.

In the end, I would be happy just having my lease ended, without the additional fees, or 60 days notice, extra months rent, and forfeiting of my security deposit.

Thank you so much ahead of time for your help.

Answer:
 huh-no.  Your city probably has a landlord tenant department-call and ask for advice.

Call your insurance company and ask what they would do in this scenario-they most likely would have ALL frugal removed down to the studs to mold wouldn't grow, Get it in writing-send it to the landlord. Tell them that the apartment is a heath risk unless that happens.

ASking you to pay power costs is asking you to pay costs of repair-thats on them.


Title: Hypothetically, if I, under an NDA disclose confidential information to a reporter, who later publishes it, can i sue the reporter for the damages of me violating the NDA?

Question:
Let's say this happens in California.

Here's the hypothetical situation:

I am under an NDA in order to not talk about my employment at X company. I end up discussing it with a reporter, thereby violating the NDA.

In order to hide my violation of the NDA i make an agreement with the reporter that she wouldn't disclose what i told her, thereby hiding the violation, and in return i would give her information on another "scoop" that i'm not under an NDA for.

Let's assume now, that the reporters take that deal, gets the information on the "scoop", publishes that. And then a few days later publishes the information that violated the NDA, thereby "outing me" as having broken the NDA.

I'm subsequently sued for the NDA violation, and have to pay, let's say 1 million dollars.

Could i sue (and win) the reporter for my damages from her breaking the "I'll tell you this, and in return you won't mention the broken NDA" and therefore getting sued and forced to pay the million dollars?

Answer: Did you, hypothetically, sign an NDA with the reporter that specified that she would be liable for your damages in this situation?


Title: A man was sexually open with me and his wife threatened my safety.

Question:
We had messaged each other.
She didn’t know and left a very very interesting voicemail.  She actually threatened physical violence if she was ever was in sight of me, including many many swears and slurs.
At the start I had not known he was married. I don’t know it was obvious until half in, it was a bit sexual and as I wear a ring (not married or engaged myself) I asked asked if he was wearing a ring that he take it off.

I have the voicemail she left. I have no intention of acting but.... she has images of me that were between her husband and me (who I wasn’t aware was married at the beginning).

If she shares this, I believe I have legal rights to take her to court, is that true Defamation of character and actually almost a blackmail situation? She threatened physical harm if anything became of it.

Answer: She has the right to tell anyone she wants about your behavior. You have the right to ignore her. If she shares sexual /nude images of you, WI has [revenge porn laws](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/942/09/1/d. It's a misdemeanor, fines & possible jail time.


Title: My work has suspended me ' until further notice '. What can I do?

Question:
Happy New Years! I'm a female living in Florida!

I've been working at a hospital owned by a large corporation since April. I'm also a full time student. Between being hired and starting, I received custody of my sister; however I cannot leave the county because the case is still in process. In Octoberish, they started having classes for certifications ect in preparation of the end of the year. We had to do all of our online refresher courses through the company ect. One class that is essentially a terrible version of a self defense class. Its one of those " must obtain within 6 months of hire " things. They kept offering the class on the days I was physically in class. They finally held it on a Monday, but, I couldn't get a babysitter or change my daycare hours. ( because of the situation, she has to be with approved people )

On the day of the 21st, I received a very vague text from our education director saying there was a class the next day. I was already scheduled to be on shift. I was brought into our directors office the next day and she asked me why I didn't attend the class. I told her I was already on shift. She stated that it was her job to keep the place running and my job to keep my certs up, and that I should have gotten coverage. After speaking to the director of security, they didn't suspend me that weekend because he agreed to hold a class just for me the coming Tuesday.

So. Tuesday came. I had been up all night with my sick baby sister. Despite my 3 alarm clocks, I didn't wake up. I didn't even remember it. They finally called me at 11am. I didn't even answer it because I immediately knew what it was about. I did call back, and my director asked if there was a reason I couldn't attend the class that day. I told her no, that I had overslept. I'm suspended indefinitely until the next class.

**But no one can tell me when the next class will be. **

I've already began the process of trying to get back with my old job. I really needed to anyways as I was driving 120 miles a day to that one. ( I had planned to move close with a friend who works there but couldn't because of the baby ) I've had a really hard time with my depression because, Holidays, and stress because the baby's mother was just recently sentenced. A friend mentioned unemployment, but I did notice the line where it said I would not be eligible because of "* Misconduct also includes failure, without good cause, to maintain a license or certification required for the job. *"
Would I have any chance because of the child situation or my depression? I know its a long shot. I don't know what else to do. I don't want to DCF to know I'm not working either, or they might take my sister away, and she would have to go to a foster home. Thank you in advance.

**TL:DR** Didn't attend a class that my work holds, I'm suspend until I attend the class, however, no one will communicate with me when that class will be held again.

Answer:
 You know, we all have hardships and difficulties in our lives. I don't know one single person on this planet who doesn't. But you had 6 months, then your employer goes out of their way to schedule a class just for you, they totally went out of their way just for you...- scheduled a special class just for you, and I guess you slept in until 11am. Lolz. Take off your princess tiara, go down there to your manager office, beg, grovel and get down in your knees and pray for mercy. Swear you'll never ever ever in a million years let them down ever again. And if you're lucky they'll give you yet another chance.

Let's hope this is your only black mark. If you're often late or miss a lot of work then I have a feeling this is their way to get you to quit so they don't have to fire you. Answer #2: Adulting is hard.

But this is adulting.

Did you ever apologize?


Title: Green Card Marriage Thoughts

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 That is fraud and it's a federal felony.

You want none of this.Answer #2: This is pretty much straight-up illegal.  Getting married for a green card?  Felony.  And if you get caught, he will be permanently barred from entry.  "It's a waste of time and money" to go to school, but it's not to pay $15-20K for fraud?  Think it through, and realize that this is a scam.Answer #3: Bid old bag of NOPE.

In the US , when someones reason to apply for residency is a marriage that marriage is suspect , period.  There is no innocent until proven guilty , you must prove the marriage is valid not the government must prove it is invalid.

It's a serious felony for both parties.

Get married cause you want to be married. That's not fraud.  The fact your boyfriend is telling you "Well I may pay a stranger to marry me so I can stay in the country" is a giant red flag , its just reeks of manipulation.


Title: How can I respond to this bad review of my business?

Question:
I own a retail store in Minnesota. Today, a couple women and their two kids were in the store browsing and it was noticed by several employees that they were behaving suspiciously. One employee eventually did witness one of the women shove some merchandise in her purse, she saw that he saw her and she quickly turned a corner and once he caught up to her he told her he needed to look in her bag. She got really upset, saying he was racist and complaining about being followed around the store, but she did show him her bag and it was empty (literally empty not a single thing was in there). After they stormed out we found the stuff she was trying to steal dumped on the ground where she had ditched it. A couple hours later we get a 1 Star review calling us racists and saying they will never shop there again. The review came from a man who identified as one of the women’s brother, not one of the two who were in the store.

Now my question is, can I respond to this review and state that we did in fact witness her putting stuff in her purse, race has nothing to do with it and they can consider themselves banned from the store? Is that defamation of character? My employee clearly saw her do it but we don’t have it on camera. I just can’t stand to have a review out there calling us racist and I don’t really feel like apologizing and kissing their ass when I know they were trying to steal.

Answer:
 You can petition the company holding the review, Yelp, trip advisor, google, what ever it is and they will open an investigation to see if the claim is valid. If it’s not valid, they will remove the review.

Over the last few years, Yelp has put together a whole task force for this vary reason as the company was getting a bad reputation for fake / bad reviews.


Title: Tips in Seattle???

Question:
So recently Seattle, WA raised the minimum wage to $11, unless in the tipping industries where it can be $10 and then the gap can be covered with the tips. My place of work never required us to record tips until now, been there for two years.
So I was just informed that I needed to submit paperwork for last months tips, but I just found out that tips needed to be recorded this week. I have no idea how much I made last month and my boss told me to just make some numbers up.
I've been filling out the forms this month, I just have absolutely no idea for last month.

Here is where I am nervous...
I don't want to make up numbers because I don't want to get into any legal trouble if something comes up in the future. I also don't want to get into any legal trouble because she didn't tell me that this needed to be done in the month of April. She didn't even have said paperwork readily available until this month.

I just need some guidance, don't really know what to do at this point...

Answer:
 > I don't want to get into any legal trouble

Possibly too late since you are required to claim that money on your taxes.


Title: Oregon- is my employer required to pay me for time spent working before and after I clock in?

Question:
Specifically, I open and close at work three times per week. When opening, I have to be at work 15 minutes early, to open the building and turn off the alarms according to our security procedures.

Likewise, I am required to stay an additional 15 minutes after clocking out, to ensure that the building is clear and the alarms are set.

Our time clock is in a secured area.

I did the math, and given my hourly wage ($15) / 2 (half hour before, half hour after) = $7.5 x 12 (number of days a month I open and close) = $90 a month of time working I’m not getting paid. That’s a lot of money for me- is there any thing I can do to make sure I’m getting paid for all of my time?

Answer:
 Yup. You have to be paid for time spent working if your employer mandates that you do the work. It's reasonable to round to 15-minute intervals, but that means if you spent more than 7.5 minutes working, you get paid for that 15-minute period.

I think it was a case against T-Mobile maybe 15 years ago that went pretty high up. It clarified unconditionally that "prep work" must be paid. Their argument was along the lines of "we say your shift starts at 8, which means you have to be logged in and working at 8". The employees and courts said "no, that means we begin logging in at 8".Answer #2: Don't work until you're clocked in. Don't work after you're clocked out.

You don't have to be paid for things like hanging up your coat, chatting, getting coffee, etc but what you're describing is clearly work.Answer #3: There's some grey area here that as fought out in court recently. They can have you doing things like going through security check in and out lines (like Amazon) without paying you because you aren't working. But it sounds like you are doing actual work, so you should be paid for it. They're actually opening themselves up to a lot of liability by not having you on the clock.


Title: [CA] False Sexual Assault Allegation From Family

Question:
My female cousin, now 23, claims that she was sexually assaulted by me on one occasion in 2010. Our families are close and have seen each other hundreds of times before and since the alleged event. The accuser says there was no foul play or assault at any other time. She has been depressed, in and out of rehab for alcohol, and on antidepressants for ~4 years now.

She was 15 at the time and claims to have been drunk during the event. What's strange is that this is supposed to have happened in a hotel room with at least 3 others present (including my then long-term gf), and no noise was made by the accuser. Since I'm 10 years older than her, I'm concerned that her family may try to pin other unrelated items like procuring alcohol on me if legal proceedings start. Her family are wealthy and claim to just want closure.

I definitely didn't do this, but have a lot to lose from a legal battle.

Her family are saying if I apologize privately in the family, they won't proceed with a case. I'm considering documenting my current position (that I'm being financially bullied) in a time stamped video, and taking the apology route while making it clear to all that I have no memory of this event. This would allow the accuser's family to save face and legal expenses, killing their incentive to go pursue action.

**Questions:**

1) What is my legal risk/downside in accepting blame within the family?

2) In case the accuser's family don't stick to their word, and pursue action post-apology, is my apology itself admissible or otherwise damaging to my position as an innocent man? Keep in mind that I will have documented my reasons for accepting blame prior to doing so.

3) Other than apologizing or fighting this out in court, are there any other avenues I should consider? The accuser's family aren't being completely unreasonable, but they also haven't left any room for me to be innocent. They claim to be ready to forgive a one-time aberration. I know the claim is BS and have some evidence in hand.

Answer:
 That's probably the stupidest and most ill advised route you could possibly take. You need to *stop* talking to these people, not talk to them more. Zero contact unless and until they reneg entirely and apologize. They are dead to you until that moment.

If the police want to question you, you do not agree and you refuse to answer any questions whatsoever. If you are arrested, remain silent. If you are sued, get an attorney and *do not* skip the court date. Answer #2: This can ruin your life.  Do not accept blame.  Do not make a video.  Cease all contact with this person and her family.  Do not talk to ANYONE about this except your lawyer.

Consult with a criminal defense attorney immediately.  A consultation may be sufficient for now.  If the police contact you, do not answer any questions or say anything to them without an attorney, other than to confirm your identity and maybe to tell them that you do not consent to any type of search.

Seriously, there is no way to get out in front of this.  Anything you do makes you look worse.  Your best course of action is to dig a hole, crawl in, and pull the hole in after you.Answer #3: You say you definitely didn’t do it, but then you say you have no memory of the event, which is a different kind of denial. If you’re not sure which one it is, maybe a criminal lawyer would be your best bet.


Title: Dementia and consensual sex.

Question:
Sometimes early dementia can present as a loss of sexual inhibitions. If a young man had sex with an old woman who propositioned him, and it was later discovered that she had dementia, what would the legal precedent here be (if any?).

Coworkers and I are bored.

Answer:
 Lack of capacity is lack of consent.  Unlike statutory rape however, the prosecutor would likely have to show you were (or should have reasonably been) aware of the dementia and lack of capacity, so a "lucid moment" defense might be viable.

>Coworkers and I are bored.

&#3232;_&#3232;

*Suuuuuuuure*


Title: Pedestrian hit by car in crosswalk and fled. (Chicago,IL)

Question:
My girlfriend was crossing in a crosswalk when she had the right of way and was hit by a car turning into her. He fled the scene right after.

Have two witnesses, their information, and liscencw plate.

Didn't receive medical attention at scene, injuries didn't seem substantial.

We filed a police report and found out the car is a rental.

She is now feeling more aches / pains and were thinking of going to a doctor to look at her possible injuries.

What can I do about injury claims and having the driver take responsibility?

Answer: If there are injuries go see a Dr ASAP! Many states and insurance companies have laws/items is their policies that require you to report injuries within 48 hours of an accident to be able to receive benefits.


Title: CA - Called into work sick and felt better by the afternoon, a fire broke in town and I responded with the fire department and my boss saw me and is threatening to fire me for something I did off the clock and after company hours.

Question:
As the title suggest, I was sick with an upset stomach when I woke up around 7AM. I called into work and let them know i'd be staying home due to the issue. I took some medications, and went to bed and was back up around 2PM. I had checked in with work at 10AM on our morning call to make sure I was in the loop about work.

Come the afternoon I was feeling better and I still chose to stay at home and rest. Around 3PM my fire department received a call for an RV that had caught fire and was burning into the surrounding forrest. I decided to go because I was concerned, but feeling better.

After all was said and done it was around 8PM and I got an email basically saying how angry my boss was that I had called in sick and that I responded to a fire call. In that same email he stated that it 'didn't bode well, and my behavior is not warranted and the option to stay is mine if I choose to improve'.

My question is, does he have any legal grounds to say any thing I do off the company clock?

Answer:
 > My question is, does he have any legal grounds to say any thing I do off the company clock?

He absolutely has the legal grounds to fire you for lying to him about being sick.

You say you weren't lying, but he doesn't have to believe you; and frankly, the evidence is in his favor.Answer #2: Can he fire you?  Yes.

Can he be angry?  Yes.

Can you defend yourself? Probably. But saying "I am choosing to stay home and rest because I don't feel up to working, but I do feel up to being an emergency responder" does sound rather weird, doesn't it?


Title: Can you sue the states medical licensing board?

Question: If I suffered grievous bodily injury as a result of malpractice, could I sue the state medical licensing board in addition to the doctor? Are there any previous cases where this has been attempted or accepted to trial?

Answer:
 What would be the point of doing that?

Do you think that you'll get more money if you sue them? That's not generally how it works. (Unless you think you might not be able to collect the full amount from the doctor, but since they almost certainly have malpractice insurance, it shouldn't be an issue.)


Title: [Update #2] Weird situation with the car dealership.

Question:
Update #1: http://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/2yyhfz/update_on_my_weird_car_situation_with_the/

By the way, this is in Arizona

 Met with the Owner of the company and the G.M. The owner was a lot easier to talk to than the GM. He explained why they were offering what they were and gave more detail on what happened to my title. Though he didn't offer to give me my down payment back, he gave me a few more offers:

 First was to trade to a different vehicle of course. I told them the only way I was going to trade was if they got me what I wanted (jeep liberty)

Second was that they reduce the ridiculously high interest rate, knock off $750 from the original price, and pay for any repairs I can think of.
Overall the repairs comes close to $600 that I had already planned to get done for it.
I'm willing to accept if they reduce the interest rate by 10% with no further complications.

They're also working on getting the title fixed but no promises on a clean Box A title

The Owner was a lot more informative and calm than any of the other guys I talked to which made the experience a whole lot better but I'm still not sure of he's just playing me.

I brought the owner of the company I work for to the meeting. she's really good with money and dealing with these kinds of people and she's really good about helping us out. She said the later was a good deal if I can get them to drop the interest rate by that much.

Answer:
 How can you evaluate their offer with all this gimmickry of paying for repairs and reducing the interest rate?  Figure out how much the fair market value of the car is reduced by having a dirty title. That's what they owe you. Then figure out the dollar amount of what their offer is worth, and see if it's close enough to make you happy.Answer #2: > I'm willing to accept if they reduce the interest rate by 10%

 What kind of interest rates are you paying if you don't mind me asking. Has nothing to do with your situation, just shocked that you could be paying enough interest for it to be possible for them to take 10% off.


Title: [CA] Landlord ok'd addition of new puppy, now complaining about any noise made by said puppy

Question:
Landlord verbally consented to the addition of a new puppy to the household and is now complaining about "excessive noise" every time the dog barks. The dog is accompanied by a member of the household anytime it is outside to reduce barking. We feel he is being super sensitive to these noises as he has an obvious fear of dogs. He is now threatening a complaint due to this "excessive noise" and we believe he is referencing the following section of our lease:

"The tenant's conduct and that of all tenant's guests, family, friends, and visitors is such that it will not disturb, annoy, interfere with or endanger any other person in or around the premises. Noting that this is a residential unit in close proximity to other residential units and that respecting their rights as tenant's as well. (Loud noises, vehicle, car stereos, home stereo systems, conversing, etc. done so respecting the peace and quiet of others.)"

We don't believe any noise generated by us falls outside of a "normal daily living" designation

Lease is up in August and we want out ASAP, but need the place until July 14th.

TL:DR- Landlord ok'd new dog on premises, is afraid of dogs and is now complaining about everyday dog noises

What are out options?

Answer: "Everyday dog noises" can vary quite a bit and it is not impossible that a noisy puppy could disturb the peace and quiet of others. Dog lovers and dog not-so-much-lovers are likely to disagree about what is normal and reasonable.


Title: I've been living somewhere for 4 months without signing a lease. Can I just leave and not be liable to pay rent? [California]

Question:
Some backstory here;

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I am a college student in California. I live in a house with 8 other people and I personally share a room with 1 other person.

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We were all rushed in securing this house to live in the last minute so a lot of the paperwork we did with the landlord wasn't completed (the landlord didn't have a few of the leases for some people living in the house and or their cosingers). We were given the key anyway.

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So I personally, never turned in a signed lease to the landlord I had only submitted an application. Fast-forward a couple months and the house gets sold so we now have a new landlord. This landlord had mentioned that he needed leases from the people/cosigners who's paperwork was missing and that everybody would have to sign an addendum signifying the change of landlord -- none of this has yet to happen.

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So now, I have been living here for about 4 months and I am dropping out of school.

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1. Hypothetically, could I just get up and leave without liability?
2. In reality, I have found someone to take over my spot and I let the landlord know, however, he is being difficult with responding and getting the process moving forward (I have to leave in 3 days).

&#x200B;

Thanks for your help.

Answer:
 > Hypothetically, could I just get up and leave without liability?

No. You need to give 30 days notice.


Title: School group search, illegal?

Question: Today at palisades charter high school in CA, on school grounds, the deans searched the entire lacrosse team after 4 of the players showed up to a game intoxicated. Is this a legal search? also the school plans to continue searching players throughout the year.

Answer:
 > Is this a legal search?

Charter schools are private entities, not governments, so your Fourth Amendment rights don't attach.

Additionally, they are allowed to put more restrictions on athletes than regular students, as athletics is a voluntary activity.

Be pissed off at the four morons dumb enough to try to play drunk, rather than the dean.


Title: Cop following and waiting for me.

Question:
I’m not sure if this is even a serious situation, I just want to know if there’s any course of action I should take or if I should let it go.

We live on back roads. Tonight, at about 9:00 pm, I left my girlfriend’s house heading toward a friend’s house. A cop started following me as soon as I left her driveway (she lives next to a police station). As I’m driving, he stays right on me the whole time, not distancing himself more than 20-30 feet and sometimes getting as close as tailgating.

After the mile and a half between my girlfriend’s place and my friend’s house, the cop follows me down into the cul-de-sac and parks in front of my friend house and stayed there for at least 5-10 minutes.

Now we live in a very safe community, there was no reason for that and I felt somewhat threatened, especially because I didn’t do anything illegal.

I am just wondering, does this warrant a formal complaint? Is there any action I can or should take? Or should I just let this go and forget about it? I feel like I should just forget about it because, like I said, our area is safe and he was probably just bored, but I still feel harassed.

Thanks for any advice you have. I’m not looking to make any big stink in our community, I just want to know if I should pursue this further or just drop it.

Answer:
 Definitely not really complaint worthy. There are plenty of reasons this could have happened. Might have been looking for a suspect or vehicle in that area. Maybe just had a bad feeling about you and wanted to see what you are up to. In any case, other people, even cops, have the legal right to observe you in public.Answer #2: I’m sorry, cops are allowed to follow people, it’s what they do.

Say they suspected you of something or were looking for someone matching your description... They would be entitled to follow you while they did their checks, so that if they had more information or confirmation, they could pull you over.  If you were to make a run for it they could pull you over anyway.

Tailgating is a bit assholey, but there’s not much you can do about that, it’s open to interpretation and I’m sure their interpretation would be more compelling than yours.

I’d probably just get on with my life if I were you.


Title: Please help me understand my deceased dads divorce papers (NY)

Question:
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS: Each party hereby waives any interest which he/she has or may have in & to the value of any deferred compensation plan owned by the other party, which shall include, but not limited to, any pension plan, profit sharing plan, keogh plan, 401k plan or any IRA titled in the name of either party. Upon this agreement, any deferred compensation plan shall become the separate property of the party in whose name the plan is titled.

BINDING EFFECT: The provisions of this agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective heirs, next of kin, executors or administrators of the parties.

I found out that my fathers ex wife is named as the sole beneficiary of an IRA worth a substantial amount of money. Do these terms of the divorce she agreed to mean she has no right to this money, or are we going to have to fight for it? Also, she took a cash settlement, if that matters. Thanks for any help!

Answer: It means he really should have listed a different beneficiary.  Now it will have to be litigated.


Title: [CA] My father and I had our belongings stolen in San Fran several hours before our flight home [OH]. When we got home my father found selfies and videos captured by the criminal in an apartment on my dads iCloud photo album, taken on my dads Ipod. Can we pursue this from out of state?

Question: In the selfies the mans face is very distinguishable, and in the videos you can see some of my stolen items, such as my pair of headphones he has around his neck. My questions are is it even worth pursuing this theft from so far away? And if so how strong is the evidence we have? Thank you for any help you can provide.

Answer:
 You can totally contact San Francisco police and it's probably worth it to do so. They'll decide if it's worth pursuing.

ETA: what you have isn't conclusive evidence that the person in the picture stole the stuff, but it could be evidence that they did, or that they are guilty of receiving stolen property. Plus if you make a report and the police recover the items you'll likely get them back.  Answer #2: You can definitely report it but SFPD is unlikely to pursue it beyond taking the report (which they'll likely direct you to fill out online). Speaking as an Bay Area local, the PD do not investigate property crime and will only make an effort to recover stolen property if the perpetrator or location is handed to them on a silver platter.Answer #3: SFPD is incredibly lax at following-up on property crime.  I'm guessing your stuff was stolen out of a rental car (super common)?  Even for felony level theft, unless they nab someone during the theft or it had more substantial circumstances (robbery at gunpoint, etc.) all they're going to do is take a report.

Do still file a report.  If you have any kind of insurance that can cover part of the loss it'll help substantiate your claim.  You can file online:

http://sanfranciscopolice.org/report


Title: Cops and the smell of weed by my car?

Question:
This is my first time posting and I'm kinda nervous so forgive any grammar or spelling errors , as well as if I break any of the subreddit rules.  So I was at work and a cop entered my work and asked my employees if they knew who owned the car parked in front of my work, it was my car and I was smoking 10 minutes prior to him coming in -- they replied they didn't know, the cop didn't really press on and just left after.  My employees said they saw him looking at my license plate.  There is nothing in my car that would hint at me smoking in it.  No paraphernalia or actual bud.  Only the smell of me smoking 10-15 min prior.  What should I look after now?   Did the cop just leave me be?  I have no records at all, not even a parking or speeding ticket.  I don't even look like I smoke.  Do you guy think the cop just doesn't think it's worth any trouble or will he get me later? Thanks for your help.

Edit: I live in Utah

Answer:
 Sounds like you dodged a bullet there. If he was looking at your plates, there's a chance he'll be keeping an eye out for you. Whether or not smelling ganja by your vehicle at a prior incident gives him cause to pull you over later, I don't know, but he could just as easily come up with any bogus reason to stop you. I'm not a lawyer, but I believe you got lucky, so now it's time to get smart. Don't smoke in your car, don't store anything in your car, and don't drive your car with anything on you.

If you do get pulled over and the subject comes up, you probably don't have any idea what he's talking about and you certainly don't consent to a search.