Title: [Illinois] Venue with a contract to host our wedding shut down, advised us to find another venue but won't return $3,600 deposit

Question:
In March, my fiancé and I signed a contract with a local brewery to host our wedding ceremony and reception in November 2018. We worked with the company's dedicated events planner who had done weddings in the space before, it fit our capacity needs and budget, and also produced and sold a fairly popular beer in local supermarkets, so we figured it was fairly reputable. We paid a deposit upfront equal to 25 percent of the rental cost and open bar tab that they would be providing - about $3,600.

Fast forward to early June. I come across an article in the news that the brewery has suddenly closed its tap room and ceased beer production. We call the brewery's events person who explains that some sort of deal to sell the business did not go through as planned, so the business had to close and find a new buyer. It just so happens that their liquor license expired at the same time. She tells us over the phone that she has no idea if or when the business would reopen and renew its license, and so advises us to begin looking for another venue to host our wedding. This also happened to be the day that the next 25 percent deposit payment would've been due, but she says we don't need to pay it and that we can probably get our money back if we cancel, but she isn't the one who can make that decision (only the owner can).

The contract we signed with them only says that if we ("the client") cancels within 90 days of the scheduled event, we forfeit our deposit. However, until a couple weeks from now we are still more than 90 days out. The contract does not say anything about what happens if the company, not the client, has to cancel, which would seem to be our situation. In fact it says "The Company shall handle the management and planning duties for the Event in the manner described on Schedule A attached hereto" which to me says they are beholden to honor the contract unless we cancel.

While we initially considered waiting for a sale to go through, we immediately began searching for other venues and found one a couple weeks ago. We stayed in contact with the event planner letting her know our situation, and eventually two weeks later we informed her that we wanted to cancel and have our deposit returned. She was understanding but said she could not get ahold of the owner who was the one who could authorize a refund. She gave us his email address which we have sent numerous messages to and heard no response. Calls to the brewery's listed phone number have also gone unanswered. The event planner emailed me just a few days ago to ask if we had heard from the owner about our deposit, because apparently she has not been able to contact him either.

The deposit in question was paid with my fiancé's Chase credit card. Since we have been unable to contact the venue owner, she filed a dispute on the charge with Chase a few weeks ago and they now have a temporary credit on her account for it. However we are not sure if this is enough to actually get our money back, especially if the company ends up declaring bankruptcy or something.

We attempted to file a pro se small claims complaint at our county courthouse but were told we didn't do the forms right or something. They are not very helpful, but I understand this might still the best option. We do have the name and contact info for the owner of the business (or at least his home address, no phone number) as well as its registered agent via a search on the Secretary of State database.

So basically my questions are:
-Is the credit card dispute claim enough to get us our money back? What if the company declares bankruptcy? Can that credit be revoked later because we are considered an unsecured creditor? Or because they don't think our claim is valid?
-Should we just file a small claims complaint immediately?
-Or should we just be finding a lawyer?

Answer: it sounds like they went out of business.  so you'll have to sue them.  but you likely won't recover anything.  when an entity goes out of business the creditors get paid in order from largest to smallest.  and your 3600 is likely no where near what other people are owed.  your credit card company might be able to help you, so you can pursue with them.


Title: Hypothetically, what should you say to a police officer when pulled over on suspicion of DUI [Texas]?

Question:
This is an ongoing debate between my roommate and I. Neither of us would ever drive under the influence, this is just a hypothetical question. But, we are strongly disagree on what someone should do in the following situation, and we're hoping you guys can shed some light on the issue:

>Say that Bob is driving home after a night out on the town. He had several drinks over the course of the evening, but afterward spent an appropriate amount of time sobering up. By the time he got in his car, which was several hours after his last drink, he is no longer intoxicated at all, as far as he can judge of himself.

>On his way home Bob is pulled over by a police officer. And of course, the first thing the cop asks him is, "Have you been drinking tonight?"

>So, what should Bob say in this situation?

My roommate believes that honesty is the best policy. He believes that Bob's best chance of going home that night without a DUI charge is to explain the situation truthfullyand earnestly: Bob should say that he had a few drinks earlier in the night, but has since recovered, and is now going home.

While I agree the above response is the one that's most likely to get you off with a warning, I also think its the wrong policy to have. If the officer smells alcohol and decides to arrest Bob, then Bob has just incriminated himself. In court, when he is charged with DUI, the officer can testify that Bob admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the evening; and if the defendant asks him to elaborate on what Bob said, the prosecutor can object to that testimony as hearsay (I think I have this right).

I think the wiser decision is for Bob to exercise his 5th Amendment right and simply say, "Officer, I'm happy to provide you with my license and registration, and any other information you may need. But with all due respect, I must decline to answer any questions that might incriminate me." or something along those lines.

My buddy thinks is a stupid thing to say, as it will aggravate the officer and make sure that Bob gets the full police treatment: backup and drug sniffing dogs will be called in, Bob's car will likely be searched, and if Bob declines a field sobriety test (we both think this is the correct decision, since fields tests have a false positive rate that is not 0), he will be taken down to the station where he will be fingerprinted, forced to take a sobriety test, and probably detained overnight.  I still say its better to endure all that than to incriminate yourself for DUI.

What do you lawyers think? What would you say in this situation?

Answer:
 DWI Enforcement Instructor here.

I don't advocate giving the police needless incriminating statements if you choose not to do so.  But I have never seen a DWI case which was made or lost based on an admission of drinking alone.  If there is reason for the officer to suspect that a driver has been drinking (such as bloodshot, watery eyes, odor of alcohol, slurred speech, impaired small motor function, slow responses to questions, etc.) then an admission isn't going to make a whole lot of difference.

And if none of those clues are present, an admission alone isn't going to lead to an arrest.

An admission of drinking can be used against you in court.  But I'm unaware of any cases where denying drinking alcohol or refusing to answer kept someone from being charged with DWI when they otherwise would have been.

I make more than my fair share of DWI arrests.  But I don't make every single one that I could.  The people who get a break (sometimes) are the ones who are honest with me.


Title: Landlord sent me to collections after informing me that there was no balance owed.

Question:
This morning I received a call from a debt collector informing me that i had been sent to collections by my previous landlord. I told the collector that I would any records that he has and those are being sent to me now.

My landlord has never informed me of any balance owed and I have been reaching out to them regarding my security deposit and they told me that it has been applied to my balance and they amount to refund me is to small to write a check for. I have never had this happen and I don’t know what I kind steps to take. I reached out to my landlord this morning and asked for a detailed record of my accounts but besides that what should my next steps be?

Answer: If you’re in the US, send the debt collector a letter requesting validation of/disputing the debt. Send it via certified mail within 30 days of the debt collector’s initial contact with you. The onus to prove you owe the debt is on them. Until such a letter is sent and fulfilled, you have no idea if this caller is even a debt collector at all. The letter is called a debt validation/debt verification letter and you can find examples online : https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-if-i-believe-i-do-not-owe-the-debt-or-i-want-more-information-about-the-debt-en-1403/


Title: My neighbor got caught with a ton of CP. We suspect he's been collecting it since before he turned 18. Is the law more lenient on kids downloading it?

Question:
http://mobile.philly.com/news/?wss=/philly/news&id=334667741&

This creep was my neighbor. We grew up living next door to each other. His house was raided not long after he turned 18. Hindsight is 20/20. He always had his own money and would hide expensive gadgets from his parents. My family began to speculate when he was arrested that distributing was how he made that money.

Anyway, if that's the case it means that he was downloading this before he was 18. Playing devil's advocate, if that were true, does that mean he'd get a lesser sentence because he was a minor? Obviously it's highly illegal and sick, but is it illegal across the board or just over a certain age? We've been trying to settle this debate out of curiosity.

Answer:
 If he was an adult and had it then it's irrelevant. He needs an attorney. Most of these end up with a plea for at least 5 years. Answer #2: Well, he clearly continued after he was 18 so I don't see why there would be leniency. "I've been committing arson since I was 14, I can't be tried as an adult!"Answer #3: Age is irrelevant. It is illegal and he is going to prison for a multiple number of years. Answer #4: >My family began to speculate when he was arrested that distributing was how he made that money.

Man I certainly hope so. That means the cops now have both him AND all his skeevy contacts and they can go get them too.


Title: [SC] Can a college withhold all my transcripts, when I only owe money for a single semester?

Question:
I attended a particular school for 5 semesters. The first 2 were completely payed for with cash from a trust fund. The 3rd and 4th were payed for with federal student loans, scholarships, and grants. Only the 5th semester has an outstanding balance.

The problem is, the money I owe on that semester is quite substantial considering the tuition of the school. I'm unable to even think about paying off my debt unless I finish my degree or get an associates degree somewhere. However, I'm unable to attend school anywhere because they require my previous school's transcripts before they will admit me. I can't get those transcripts because they are being withheld on the grounds that I owe money.

If I could get my first 2 years worth of transcripts, or even just the first year, it would solve a lot of problems, and I could work towards paying off my debt. I would think they are obligated to release transcripts for what I have already payed for, especially that first year. I'm not asking for a diploma or anything, just proof that I completed the classes I attended-- and payed in full for. I'm considering seeking legal counsel, but was wondering if it's worth it.

Answer:
 Your college doesn’t have to provide transcripts until your student account is in good standing. Answer #2: Generally, yes, they can withhold them.  They generally don't do it on a "per semester" basis - they do it on an "account" basis.

If they hand over the transcripts of people who want to go to other schools, those people lose a lot of the motivation to pay the debt.


Title: Possible Suspended License; Please Help!!!

Question:
Hi all! This is my first ever reddit post, so I’m sorry if this isn’t proper!
I’m a New Jersey resident and I was driving to Niagara Falls, NY. I was pulled over for doing 100 in a 65 (terrible, I know) and tailgating.
If you’re familiar with NJ drivers, tailgating is basically an art form (Jokes).
My problem is, the speeding ticket totals 8 points and the tailgating totals another 4. 12 points total which means my license will be suspended. And the state of New York issues out a 300 fine if you go over 3 points and 75 for every point after, which leads me to a 750 dollar fine and a 978 dollar ticket.
I have a pretty clean record Except for another speeding ticket I got 2 years ago for doing 40 in a 25.
I know I’m guilty of these offenses but I can’t be without a license, is there anything I can do?! I’m 22 years old and not familiar with this at all, especially with out of state. The money is overwhelming but I’ll do anything to keep my license. Please, any input helps. TYIA.

Answer: You can speak with an attorney about possibly having the charges downgraded or dismissed, but ultimately, you don't deserve a license. You are too reckless and don't respect anyone else on the road.


Title: [Fl] Secondary parent wants to dictate which high school child goes to?

Question:
So to put all cards on the table, I am writing for my mother. She is the primary custodial parent of my little sister who is currently 14, and has plans to go to a high school her father does not agree with. He instead insists she goes to a school almost 45- 60 minutes away and completely out of our (her primary residence) school district, but in his.
He has a history of being controlling, manipulative, and generally not a nice person. He's accused both my mother, me, and my sister of ridiculous things doesn't like the fact he doesn't have complete control over our house.
He's also quite well off and has threatened to sue for custody as he owns his own company and has his own lawyer, while knowing we'd have to resort to public defenders or something similar. (Nothing against public defenders, lawyers are lawyers)

So basically we're asking if there is any legal standing he has as to forcing my sister to go to a school out of the district of her primary residence? And where does my mother stand as to her rights?

In addition she's basically terrified of her father, and breaks into a panic attack when ever we drop her off for visitation, my mother is also looking into getting visitation reduced, and if that is anything viable. She sees both a therapist and psychologist and they've basically said from her accounts that what she goes through there is verbal and emotional abuse.

We're just looking for some advice before we go about contacting lawyers.

Answer: What does the court order say about education rights?


Title: What is r/legaladvice stance on considering plea offers prior to a motion to suppress hearing?

Question:
Currently facing two felony marijuana charges in the state of Arizona. I have retained a lawyer and he has drafted and submitted a motion to suppress. Without going into too many details my lawyer thinks we have an argument and the prosecutor even agreed we have a point. However the prosecutor goes on to say he doesn't think we win will the motion and will be happy to litigate the motion.  I also believe the motion is more likely to be denied than granted.

Should I consider a plea offer to avoid jail time and a permanent felony given that I have a argument to suppress the search warrant?

Answer: You have an attorney.  This is why.  Talk to him about this.


Title: Personal property damaged & stolen in apartment building. Management won't help.

Question:
[Los Angeles]

I live in a reputable, highly sought-after apartment building downtown. On Monday Jan 27, I had property (rather expensive clothes) stolen from a laundry room. There are many cameras throughout the hallways. After notifying management of the theft, they reviewed the camera footage, but said the angle was such that it did not see who was in the laundry room at the time of the theft.

The following night, my upstairs neighbor's dog urinated on the floor, which leaked through my ceiling and dripped onto family photo slides from the early 1950s. It didn't ruin the whole collection, but several slides are now marked and carry an odor of dog urine. I notified management, and they said they'd look into patching the hole. That hasn't happened yet.

While management has apologized via email, they've offered nothing else. I've considered small-claims court, and while I still have the soiled slides, the only proof I have of the stolen clothes is my email to management.

Basically, I feel like I have to eat crap here, say Thanks, and write another rent check. Meanwhile a thief continues to live in my building with no recourse.

I'm screwed, right?

Thank you so much for making this subreddit!

Answer:
 >I had property (rather expensive clothes) stolen from a laundry room

Call the police and make a report.  If these clothes were very expensive consider a claim to renter's insurance (if you have it).

> The following night, my upstairs neighbor's dog urinated on the floor, which leaked through my ceiling and dripped onto family photo slides from the early 1950s

If there is a value to the slide you can sue the upstairs neighbor in small claims.  He is probably the liable party -- not the complex.


Title: Someone else made a complaint to HR about an abusive boss, but cited me as a victim of the abuse. What are my rights when they investigate? [CA]

Question:
This is in California.

Basically, I work under a verbally abusive supervisor, who nitpicks errors even when there are none. He'll demand I finish something in 15 minutes, and right when it hits 14:59, he'll call me and demand to know if I finished it. If I haven't (because I wanted to double check the accuracy before submitting; I work in a field where accuracy is more important than efficiency), he'll demand to know why I haven't, and lecture me about it, wasting more time.

He also yells and bullies other coworkers, such as making older employees (who are close to retirement age) stand with a notebook, writing down his words, and lecturing them about not understanding new technologies. He has made numerous people cry. He also regularly uses his "privilege" of being able to access employee emails, and will go through your emails, replying or deleting them if he sees fit. He also has "spies" in the office who will tell him if you talk to someone, and then demand to know what you talked about. If you go to the bathroom more than once, he'll ask about that too.

He also will regularly lecture you about what you're suppose to do, regarding a particular method of doing work, then when you do it his way, he'll later change his mind, and then tell you you're doing it wrong. He always insists on you writing down his words, and that you're not allowed to deviate from his methods, even if his methods aren't the best.

I'm better at Excel than he is, but he won't let me make shortcuts that will make the work a lot more efficient. He also will sometimes accuse me of making an error, when I did not. Sometimes he was the one who made the error, but he will say I did it, and make me apologize for it.

Nothing you do is ever good enough; he will find a fault somewhere.

I could go on so much more, but the important parts are: he has made numerous people who used to work in this department leave, either through transferring, retiring, or just quitting. But he seems protected because his boss thinks he is valuable.

One such person who quit decided to air this out when she was leaving, including complaining to the boss, and later to HR. She has cited some of the things I suffered as evidence, without notifying me first or getting my permission, and I have been dragged into the investigation. I know from before that the last time someone complained about him, nothing was done, and I know he is vindictive, and can make my life worse. Even if he is moved to another unit, his boss may feel I rocked the boat and caused the unit to look bad, since my "evidence" is looked at more because I have a really good employment record.

I just want to know if there are any specific steps I should take to make sure I protect myself, and not get used my others, either through making me the focal point of the investigation, or get blamed for something going wrong down the line.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: You don't really have any rights.  Your employer isn't the government.  You can cooperate or refuse to, but you can be fired for refusing to cooperate.


Title: Help with GFs mom who’s been taken advantage of by a home ran, but DCFS certified daycare.

Question:
     My girlfriends mother has been working for an at-home daycare for approx. three years.
     The women in charge has not only been verbally abusive to her but frequently doesn’t pay her for days she works when only one kid shows up, even tho my gfs mom picks up the dogs shit, cleans the house for the women and does laundry and takes out the trash.
      The gfs Mom has came in early, and stayed late yet only get paid $25 a day (except days the employer sees as unplayable). The employer has had DCFS violations and blame the workers even tho it was not having a changing station in the bathroom which is out of the hands of the employees.
     Often times she drives and runs errands for the women and won’t be paid for the money she spent on the items she wants her to get (fast food, groceries)
     Were not sure how we should approach this situation, but we are trying to find her a different place of employment. She has worked at McDonald’s and Walmart previously so it isn’t as if she is unhireable, but what can be done about this employers actions?

Answer:
 For ease of reading

>  My girlfriends mother has been working for an at-home daycare for approx. three years.
 The women in charge has not only been verbally abusive to her but frequently doesn’t pay her for days she works when only one kid shows up, even tho my gfs mom picks up the dogs shit, cleans the house for the women and does laundry and takes out the trash.
  The gfs Mom has came in early, and stayed late yet only get paid $25 a day (except days the employer sees as unplayable). The employer has had DCFS violations and blame the workers even tho it was not having a changing station in the bathroom which is out of the hands of the employees.
 Often times she drives and runs errands for the women and won’t be paid for the money she spent on the items she wants her to get (fast food, groceries)
 Were not sure how we should approach this situation, but we are trying to find her a different place of employment. She has worked at McDonald’s and Walmart previously so it isn’t as if she is unhireable, but what can be done about this employers actions?


Title: Banned from Using Apartment Amenities in Fort Worth/Texas

Question:
Howdy my name is Colby,

I have been banned today from using the gym and the internet connected computers in my apartment complex until further notice.

The reason that they banned me was because I was sitting on a exercise mat in the gym so I could use the free wifi offered by the apartment complex without getting insect bitten. They asked me not to do this but the reason was because people were breaking in and moving the security cameras. I don't remember how they connected me sitting in the weight room with that  but I was asked to not sit in the weight room and use my laptop.

Whenever I have done this, the weight room is almost always empty and I am not stopping anyone else from using the weight room.

This seemed really unfair because I wasn't doing anything wrong.  So I did it anyways.  I could sit outside the weight room and use the wifi but the last time I did that I ended up with at least 12 mosquito bites all over my arms. Also it's Texas so its really hot outside most of the time.

The apt people only asked me one time not to do this.

Is there anything I can do to resolve this, preferably without having to go to court?

I still have my leasing contract and I will be reading it over later today.

Thanks for reading my post : )

TLDR - Apt banned me from using office computers provided for residents and the weight room because I sat in the gym to use my laptop so I could escape the heat and mosquito bites; after they asked me one time, not to. Is there anything I can do to resolve this without going to court? I don't make much money.

Answer: Probably not. You should check your lease but I am willing to bet that they have a policy that allows them to do this. You might not have any recourse.


Title: New commercial landlord not honoring lease with previous landlord. U.S.A.

Question:
A little background:  I have rented a small space seasonally for 15 years.  Three years ago I signed a five year lease with the previous landowner.  In January of 2016 the business next to the shop I rented purchased the land and building I am located in.  The new owner told me he wanted me out but that he would honor the lease for that season (2016) year 3 of 5.  I knew he wanted me out but I never signed anything saying I would break my lease.  Now he has changed the locks and all of my stuff is still inside.  I sent him my rent for this season but he called to tell me he is returning it.  I am still paying the utilities as well.  What can I do?

Edit: Wisconsin

Update 1:  We are meeting early next week with his two partners (He owns they land, the three of them own the businesses).  He said he wanted me to be aware of what they were thinking.  Two options they are going to present.  Option one is just flat out kick me out.  Option two is let me stay for the season, with perhaps a higher rent payment, but have me sign a document agreeing to vacate at the end of the season.  Now if they pick option one, then I suppose I introduce option three, litigation.  Lets hope it doesn't come to that.

Update 2:  Met with the Landlord on Monday.  He offered to double my rent this season and have his lawyer draft a document saying I had to be out at the end of the season.  I decided to hire a lawyer who drafted up a real nice letter telling him that we would not accept his generous offer of doubling my rent.  In fact he has my money for this year, he can do whatever he wants with the check, cash it or not, and that we intend to occupy the property immediately.  I went ahead and changed the locks as he had not changed the locks as I previously thought, but he had keys to the old lock.  My landlord called me today irate, demanding a meeting so he can "view" the property.  My lawyer told me I did not have to meet with him.  Oh the tangled web we weave.

Answer:
 He is required to honor the previous lease. Contact the police (non-emergency line) about the lockout. He really, really shouldn't have done that. What should have happened was he took you to court to evict you. He didn't want to because he'd lose. If he doesn't cooperate take him to court for compliance plus tasty, tasty damages. Answer #2: You should edit your post to include the state (landlord/tenant law is state-specific).

Call a locksmith, show them your lease, and have them change the locks again.  Provide your landlord with the new keys.

You can sue your landlord for the cost of the locksmith (You might be able to withhold this from your rent instead of suing, or not, depending on state-law).


Title: Can I watch R-rated movies with a minor?

Question:
Me and several of my friends are 19-22 years old and in college, and one of the guys in the group (I'm the only girl) is 17 because he started college early. I have a few other underage friends as well. My question is, is it legal for us to watch R-rated movies with those minors? We are in Arkansas if that makes a difference.

I normally don't watch stuff like that, but I know the others have watched Wolf of Wall Street with the 17 year old present. We have talked about watching Game of Thrones together. Or sometimes we will facebook message each other weird fanfictions, or articles on cracked.com, or flip through romance novels for a laugh, all of which contain sexually explicit stuff and probably don't have any value outside of that.

Could I be prosecuted for distributing harmful material to a minor? This stuff is all available for purchase/access to people of any age so I know it isn't obscene, but I'm not sure if that makes it okay. The issue is that something harmful to a minor might still be okay for adults-- all the cases I've found pertaining to this have been adult men sending dick pics to underage girls, or watching porn with a toddler in the room.

I personally don't see the appeal in super gory/sexual movies so I don't normally watch them anyway, but I read plenty of Stephen King and romance novels and Cosmopolitan magazine before I was 18 with no issue, so I guess I don't really know where to draw the line.

Answer: You're fine.  The association that assigns the ratings is not a governmental agency.  The ratings are guidelines and do not carry any penalty for transgressing them.  Unless the 17 year old's parents make a stink, there are no legal consequences to what you're doing.


Title: Could Logan Paul be extradited to Japan?

Question: Logan Paul went to Japan and filmed a corps. I think in Japan [desecrating a corpse] is a crime and Japan has an extradition treaty with the USA. Would Japan be able to get justice?

Answer:
 In order for extradition to happen, whatever he's charged with must *also* be a crime in the USA.

I didn't watch his video, and I won't either, but unless he actually physically did something to the corpse, I don't see an extraditable crime here.  Answer #2: Let's be honest, it almost seems like a joke how people freak out. I don't understand why or how the video is in bad taste. Except that he mentioned horrified "it was going to be a joke" when it became clear it was no longer a joke.

He filmed a corpse (with blurring so no one is able to identify the corpse) then freaked out a bit. That's it, nothing more. I cannot see why people would even think it would be some kinda criminal action. Makes me wonder if everyone that is screaming about it actually watched the video?


Title: Hit a pothole on the interstate

Question:
Illinois, hit a pothole on the interstate going 70mph (Limit is 70) and popped my tire and bent my rim. Also ripped open my rear tire. Rims are 20"s with low profile tires so they're not cheap to replace at all. Will the city pay for it and towing? And who do I get into contact with? Thanks for the help
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: Contact your insurance. There is almost certainly no liabilty elsewhere.


Title: [FL] Girl is a con and lying about me getting her pregnant

Question: I hooked up with this girl who ended up being crazy once I ended things with her because now as revenge she is claiming I am the father of her baby. I am pretty sure she is lying as revenge because I ended it after we hooked up even though she was looking for a relationship. The reason I know she is lying because #1) both times we hooked up she was on her period so it is impossible for me to have gotten her pregnant and #2) she told me she wants to do a paternity test to prove the baby is mine but the baby is not even born yet. I have seen her and she is pregnant but she says the due date is February but she wants to do the test now. I am going to call her bluff and also go to the police about her fraud but I just wanted to check and get advice and to see if I should get a lawyer to protect myself before I do it.

Answer:
 OP, think about this for a sec. If she IS pregnant, and you are NOT the father, how is she going to 'con' you by getting a paternity test? If, like you claim, you're not the father, the test will show this and you're off scott free.

Could it be that you knocked her up and are claiming it's a con to get out of any responsibility? Surely not.

Use a fucking condom.


Title: [NC] Buying Non-Prof Board Member new tires?

Question:
I "control" the finances for a non for profit organization. Control is in quotes, because I am the treasurer, however the creator and president still has access to the accounts. He reached out to me today asking if I could authorize the purchase of tires ($800) for our Board Member that is a secretary. The President and secretary work together outside of the organization and use his truck for that work. There has been a time or two where they have used his truck for the organization (e.g. going to buy groceries for someone and driving it to them) .

The president asked since they use his truck for work and have in the past used it for the organization if we would be able to write the $800 off as write off, or if we couldnt do that, if we could just write it off as a donation to someone in need.  He then asked since he is president, I am treasurer, and the other guy who needs the tires is the secretary if we could keep it between us rather than going to the board.

I think the 2nd option, if any is the best way to proceed if we do, but I think it needs to be passed by our board. I don't know how to proceed as this all feels kind of fishy to me and I don't want to get in any legal trouble.

Answer: IANAL but it sounds like misappropriation of fundsAnswer #2: Has to go through the board. Don’t do it.


Title: ISO legal advice regarding an employee

Question:
I recently became manager of a retail shop. An employee changed my time sheet, crossed off my name and put hers, then changed my clock out time.
I'm not sure exactly what to do at this point, as I am new to managing a group.
Are there any legal consequences to her actions?
This is in Colorado.

Answer: The first step is typically to have a conversation with the employee to ask what on earth she is doing.


Title: [CA] is it a NDA violation to talk to 3rd party lawyer?

Question:
I used to be an employee of a company, but quit when I found out they were doing some illegal things.  Before I quit, I wrote an email detailing the illegal activities that had happened and sent it to the executives of the company.  This email is extremely bad for the company, and would be key evidence if the company was ever brought to trial.  It lists exact times and dates that laws were broken, who they were broken by and details where evidence of this can be found.  It also cautions against destroying the evidence as that might be spoiliation.

An executive, let's call him Bob, was recently fired.  Bob was one of the recipients of the email.  Bob is bringing suit against the company for wrongful termination because he was not willing to sweep the illegal activities under the rug.

Bob's lawyer has contacted me and asked for a copy of the email in question.  After I told him I don't have a copy, although I remember the contents, he asked if I'd be willing to give a written statement about the email at some point in the future, if needed.  He didn't say what exactly he'd like to be in the statement.

Now here's the issue; both Bob and I are under NDA.  Would giving a written statement to Bob's lawyer, absent a court order, be a violation of the NDA?  The contents of the email could be considered "Confidential Information" covered under the NDA, but Bob was a recipient of the email when he was an employee.

How much can I give in a statement to Bob's lawyer without violating an NDA?  Can I say that "I wrote and email detailing some activities and cautioning against spoiliation", without disclosing what the activities were?

If Bob's lawyer was also representing me, would it be legal for me to disclose everything to him?  Is there a way that he can also represent me, without me actually being involved in the case?  (can I give him $1 and suddenly the rules change?)

Answer:
 If bob's attorney issues you a subpoena, typically a well drafted NDA has a provision for this instance where you simply have to notify your former employer that you've been asked to testify.

IF push comes to shove Bob's lawyer will figure out a way to get you to testify.  You sent an email that should be found via discovery, getting you in to testify to that if the company hasn't produced that email should be very important to them.

Bob gains by having you talk here, I'm not sure you gain much.  Let bob do the work of getting around your NDA.Answer #2: I don't know about talking to the lawyer but if your company is/was doing something illegal and you haven't reported it, you're possibly complicit in that crime as well. One step you could take is to report the crimes to the police (which you could do even with an NDA).

Bob should probably be doing that as well. It'd have to happen anyway to show that his termination was wrongful - he'd have to prove the illegal things actually took place.


Title: A company I owed money to came to my place of employment and let employees there "He needs to pay me my money"

Question: (Ms.)I had some work done at my house. Guy 1 was not doing a good job, so I had someone else (Guy 2) come over and finish the job.  Guy 1 got pissed and left.  The next day he showed up at my place of employment and told the secretary to call me and that I owed him money. I did pay him the same day (after he came to my place of employment) eventhough I feel he did more damage than anything else. Told my friend this story and he said its illegal to come to a place of employment to collect monies owed.  Wanted to get input on this. I apologize if I am not following the rules on this, its my first time posting here.

Answer:
 >Told my friend this story and he said its illegal to come to a place of employment to collect monies owed.

No.  It may be for debt collectors, but not for private debt.


Title: Friend's business wasn't doing well. His partner bailed on him. After the business failed, the partner opened the same sort of business in the now vacant location.

Question:
This all occurred in Massachusetts.

Last year, my friend(who we'll call Steve) opened a comic/gaming shop along with his wife and a friend(who we'll call Trevor.) The store didn't do well despite a great location(near 3 schools, no competition) and they decided not to renew their lease in November.

Come September, Trevor abandons Steve, leaving him to run the shop with just his wife for 2 months. Steve and his wife both have other jobs and kids, and the store had no other employees. Trevor blamed Steve and his wife for not putting enough time in despite knowing that this would be a side thing for the two of them from the onset and saying they didn't do things his way despite the fact that Steve and his wife also put up all the starting capitol.

Flash to less than a month after the closure of the store, Trevor has opened a new store of the same type in the same location.

I ask you, reddit, is there anything legally actionable here? Would there be if there was evidence that Trevor had, in his frustration, sabotaged the store to cause it's closure? I suspect not, but I hope so, because fuck this guy.

Topic:
Business Law

Answer:
 > starting capitol

Capital.

Not legal advice, but this sort of speaks to the business acumen of everyone involved.  If you're going to go into a business partnership, non-compete clauses in partnership agreements are pretty standard and would have gone a long way to protect Steve and his wife from a business partner with nefarious intent in his heart.

Steve and Wiferino could try and sue Trevor anyways but even if they won what kind of settlement exactly do you think you can get out of a guy that owns a comic book store?

Answer #2: What does the partnership agreement say?


Title: Employer sent me a text saying he would contact me the night before if he wanted me to come in from now on. That was almost a month ago.

Question:
I'm in Washington state and work for a small family owned septic tank pumping company. Originally the job started as a seasonal position doing maintenance in the summer until the owners saw that I was a hard worker and they told me I could stay on until winter when things slowed down, at the very least.

So, weeks go by and winter approaches but I don't look for a new job because the owner and I had a conversation where he told me that he would be giving me a job as a driver(drivers work year round).

Then, I kid you not, completely out of nowhere I show up one day and the owners son is training one of his friends for the job they said they were giving me.

The next Monday I showed up at the shop and I could tell everyone was trying to hurry out of there so they didn't have to talk to me and the owners son told me there wasn't much going on and that he would text me soon, which he did on Friday to work for four hours. Then Sunday night at 11 o clock the owners son sent me a text that said from now on he would text me the night before if he had any work for me, and that was three weeks ago.

Is there anything at all I can do besides file for unemployment? I apologize for my grammar and was really nervous to post this but my girlfriend recommended it since I've been pretty sad about it.

Answer: You've been constructively dismissed (effectively fired even though you were never fired).  File for unemployment and look for a new job.


Title: Medical marijauna dispensary sent a group text about their specials?!

Question:
Okay so I was a MMJ (medical marijauna) user up until last November or so when my recommendation expired. My main shop that I went to is about 15 minutes away. So, I stopped going about 2weeks after my rec expired, they hadn't noticed but I did so that was the end of it. I have an upcoming job I have to piss clean for so I really have no choice.

Anyways, today I received a group text from this club, with 9 other members numbers, detailing the clubs sales. So my phone number is now leaked to these individuals as an MMJ user an I have no idea who or what they are! I feel like my rights and HIPAA have been violated! What can I do?

-from california. Any advice would be appreciated.

Edit: seems most advice says even if a HIPAA violation, that it's a federal violation makes it inadvisable to pursue legal action. Guess it's cool for them to broadcast my number as a member of the club and there's nothing I can do. Thanks for all the input!

Double edit: thanks for all the downvotes I guess? Not sure why I get all this hate.

Answer: Your weed provider is likely not bound by HIPAA. The doctor who recommended marijuana for you is, but dispensaries and such are likely not. Medical marijuana dispensaries aren't receiving or sending any health information, aside from the doctor's *recommendation* (note: It's not a prescription) required to obtain marijuana. They run a storefront and fill requests for medical marijuana on a cash-only (often times donation-only) basis.  Because no health or claim information is transmitted, the dispensary wouldn’t be a HIPAA-covered entity.


Title: Michigan Secretary of State Selling Driver/Vehicle Information to Third Parties

Question:
Hi /r/legaladvice,

As the title says, I'm inquiring on the legality of the Michigan Secretary of State selling bulk Driver/Vehicle Information to Third Party Companies. Primarily this is in regards to an opt out clause which doesn't seem to be available. More on this in a minute.

Background: I work in car sales, and recently purchased a vehicle of my own. I started receive mail (Presorted Standard, Never first class) indicated that my "warranty was about to expire" and that I'd be liable for "Tens of thousands of dollars in repairs" should something go wrong. Well, being that I work in car sales and I know what I'm doing, I purchased and extended warranty on my pre-owned vehicle that will last me another 6 years/75000 miles after the factory warranty which still is active. The mail is obviously spam and to those less informed, it seems legitimate unless you really look into it. It seems they're just trying to scare you into buying a warranty from their company or whatever.

The reason I'm seeking information on this is that several of my previous customers have come to me asking about it, thinking that the dealer is at fault here, but my dealership doesn't give out or sell information about our customers. That leads me to believe it's the secretary of state based on several conversations about it with other staff members.

I'm concerned that what they're doing is a violation of privacy, selling information to Third Party companies that are using this information to solicit business. I'm also concerned that there's no method available to my knowledge to opt out of this, and as such my personal information has been sold without my consent, and it's obviously happened to others. While I'm not the most private person, I absolutely do not consent to companies that I don't do business with having my personal information. Frankly, this just seems wrong what the SOS is doing.

So with that in mind, I have a couple questions:

* If it is the secretary of state, is what they're doing legal?

* Is there a method to opt out of having my information sold to other companies, and if there isn't, should there legally be one?

* Is a class-action lawsuit a reasonable thought here on the grounds that many people have had their privacy violated without their knowledge/consent?  (If so, who should I speak to, is there something already ongoing, etc)

Thanks in advance for your advice! Feel free to ask me any questions you need for more details about this. I'm at work today so I'll try to respond as quickly as I can.

Answer:
 If you don't like the SoS selling this information, you are free to complain to the SoS, or complain to their political opponent and support them. If their opponent doesn't agree, you are free to run for SoS in the next election.Answer #2: The Secretary of State can release [non-personal information](http://www.legislature.mi.gov/\(S\(l0rksnlzvairk1usc0ajt4hy\)\)/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-257-40b) about any driver or vehicle they want.

They can release personal information to anyone who certifies a [permissible purpose](http://www.legislature.mi.gov/\(S\(l0rksnlzvairk1usc0ajt4hy\)\)/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectName=mcl-257-208c) under state law, which largely tracks and is consistent with the Federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act.

One of those permissible purposes is:

> For use in connection with matters of motor vehicle and driver safety or auto theft; motor vehicle emissions; motor vehicle product alterations, recalls, or advisories; performance monitoring of motor vehicles; motor vehicle market research activities, including survey research; and the removal of nonowner records from the original records of motor vehicle manufacturers.

It wouldn't surprise me if someone hawking warranties was trying to shoehorn themselves into this category.

So...

> If it is the secretary of state, is what they're doing legal?

Yes.

> Is there a method to opt out of having my information sold to other companies, and if there isn't, should there legally be one?

No, no.

> Is a class-action lawsuit a reasonable thought here on the grounds that many people have had their privacy violated without their knowledge/consent?

I'd start by asking the company where they got your information from and on what authority, and then going from there.Answer #3: They can legally sell it, the DMV sells it all the time. My roommate is a customer of it, even.

No, and that's a debate for another sub.

No, a class action lawsuit is not a good idea. There's nothing illegal about the government selling your information.


Title: [Anycity, Anystate] Just out of curiousity, what parts of the whole 'soverign citizen' bs is actually valid?

Question:
Are there actually 'code words' that you can use to get out of trouble?

Edit for the bot: Washington State

Edit 2, the reediting: thent you all for your words! I would lime to re declare that this is purely hypothetical, and I have no intention of becoming a soverign shitizen.

Answer:
 The "citizen" part, assuming they are US citizens.

Code words are great for tree houses. Answer #2: Personally, I like to use the secret politeness code words. Sir, ma'am, please and thank you.


Title: Well... today I got busted.

Question:
I am a college student, in Blacksburg VA, freshman (19), at Virginia Tech. Today, there was a knock on my door, i asked "who is it", and it was the police. They said that someone had placed an anonymous tip that I had marijuana and alcohol. They asked to search my room, so I asked if they had a warrant. They officers said "no, but we could get one, it would take about an hour, and you can't be in the room during that time." So I complied and gave up my stuff, a few grams of marijuana, some weed cookies, my bowl, grinder, and my alcohol (two half empty bottles of liquor). They took the stuff and had me pour the alcohol down the drain. One of the officers was part of the new river "narcotics task force" or something like that and the other was just  cop in uniform. Then they said to me that for now i would be getting 2 conduct referrals with the university, one for alcohol, one for pot. They also told e that they want me to help them help myself and that they are "always trying to move up the ladder". I told him i would need time to think so he gave me his card. he also said that if i didn't contact them to help them within a week, i would be getting a court summons to be charged for the alcohol and for the weed.
Basically, I am having the biggest moral crisis of my life, i don't wanna snitch on my friends but i also don't want to be charged. I'm and A student on the deans list with a 3.51 GPA trying to transfer into the engineering program. I have never had any prior arrests or charges, not even a speeding ticket. I don't know what to do.
Any advice would be appreciated. Also if you could just explain what options i have and what the procedure and outcomes from those would be i would be really appreciative. Thank you so much

Answer:
 Get a lawyer.

My personal opinion is you man up to your charges.  You are an adult and the one who chose to have those things in your room.  If you are going to be a *****, /u/JohnWesleyFitzgerald is right - you better make sure your deal holds up.


Title: [MI] Rental company forgot to charge us for utilities the past six months, now wants us to pay $750 for past bills

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Did you agree to pay utilities?Answer #2: That may seem unfair but you agreed to pay it and didn't. (assuming the bill is for what you agreed to pay) The statute of limitations for written contracts is years.


Title: [PA] Just found out my boss is (and has been) stealing from me, lying to me and committing fraud

Question:
I've been at my current job (in PA) for just about two years. I've also been at my current apartment for just about the same length of time. My lease is up next month and I've chosen not to renew, and thus have been apartment searching for the past several weeks. Last week, I applied for an apartment that had a monthly income requirement that had to be met - which I thought I more than qualified for. I found out today that I got rejected because my income wasn't enough, and the leasing agent noted that my noted income didn't align with my paystubs. I did the math, and she was right - I'm being paid approx. $11k less than what my salary is supposed to be.

&#x200B;

My company is a very small business (there are only 3 of us who work there) with no HR department, no accounting department, etc. There has always been some sketchiness with the paychecks - they "don't come on time" or they're given to us in the wrong amount, etc. I'm an absolute idiot for never checking that my monthly income aligned with my salary, and I realize that now, I've just never experienced such a thing before.

&#x200B;

So, during my time at this company I have received two raises that were granted in phases, basically. When I was hired, I was making $45k, then after 3 months it jumped up to $50k then after 6, up to the amount of $52k, which was agreed upon when I was hired and is noted in my contract. My boss was a little difficult about giving me these raises when noted, but I eventually got them. Earlier this year, I got another raise - up to $61k. But she once again wanted to "phase" it - effective immediately I would received $55k, then 1.5 months later, I would jump up to $60k. Now, I saw all of these increases in my paycheck occur, so I didn't double check it (again, my mistake) until today, because of the apartment rejection. I did the math and immediately realized my gross annual income is only $51k. This has me thinking that this isn't the only raise I didn't get, as there was always an increase in the paychecks when there needed to be, but that she's been underpaying me for the duration of my employment. I'll be looking at old paystubs tomorrow to confirm.

&#x200B;

Now, this isn't the only issue. In addition to the underpaying and the late checks, she is also committing some form of insurance fraud, I believe? Following 6 months of employment (so late summer of last year) I was supposed to received health insurance. I went through the process of selecting a plan, submitted all of the paperwork and was told that I would have insurance by X date (I think it was October 1, 2017). Never received a card, asked about it, boss said it must've gotten lost in the mail but would call and request another. A few more weeks go by, still no card. Emailed her, she responded assuring me I had insurance it was just a matter of getting the account information. More weeks pass, still, and she says the insurance company has been giving her problems, she's moving everyone to another provider and would have the insurance to us asap. Cut to early 2018, I have several assurances from my boss that I have health insurance set up, the card is on its way, my address was wrong, blah blah blah a million different excuses. At this point, open enrollment has passed, I'm no longer a new employee and don't qualify for individual/out-of-pocket insurance coverage. I got sick later, needed to go to the doctor, asked for the insurance company info so I could just call and sort it out myself. She said since it was through her I wouldn't be able to access it. I ended up just calling the company she said she'd enlisted us through myself and asking for information. They said they had no record of me in their system, nor has an application ever been filed. I have now been without insurance for the past year because she lied about it and prevented me from being able to enroll myself.

&#x200B;

Additionally, she had been taking insurance payments out of my coworker's paycheck, but my coworker found out while doing her taxes this year that she didn't have coverage and hadn't for several months. We do not know where these payments that were being taken out of her checks went, but assume boss was just pocketing them. She got hit with a fine, which my boss said she'd pay. She also essentially forced this coworker out of the company immediately after, and refused to give her her last several paychecks until legal action was threatened.

&#x200B;

The moral of the story is, this man has a history of lying, stealing and ripping off his employees. I have several former employees who have told me similar stories of final, late or incorrect paychecks, and can only imagine there's much more illegal activity going on below the surface.

&#x200B;

Moral of the story is - I don't know what to do. My apartment search has now been negatively impacted, my boss owes me at least $9k-$10k at this point, but I'll probably discover it's more when I check old paychecks, plus the whole insurance situation. I've received different opinions from different people, but none of them are lawyers. Please provide any thoughts or insights you may have, I've been having anxiety attacks about this and going to work tomorrow all day. I don't know what to do.

&#x200B;

TL;DR: Boss has been paying me late and incorrectly for two years, in addition to committing a great deal of other illegal activity

Answer:
 First, start looking for a new job.

Second, you mentioned you had a contract.  Do you?  Is your salary amount in your contract?  Does the agreed upon amount include benefits? Do you have the raise requests/approvals in writing?  If so, you can file a [wage claim](https://www.dlisecureweb.pa.gov/BLLC/Pages/CTS/LAW_WP_detail.aspx).

Did your employer take money out of your paychecks for insurance without giving you insurance?  If so, file a [wage claim](https://www.dlisecureweb.pa.gov/BLLC/Pages/CTS/LAW_WP_detail.aspx).


Title: [FL] My friend wants to sign papers stating that if I lose my small claims case for $1,250 he will pay me what I was sueing for. Is this possible?

Question:
He just wants a paper that we both sign stating that if I lose my small claims case for $1,250 that he will take responsibility for paying me the $1,250 instead of the defendant (if I lose). Is this possible?

EDIT: I still haven't really gotten an answer. HOW DO I DO THIS?

Answer:
 Is it possible?  Sure.  Is it likely to work?  Not without you giving up something on your part.

Why would he agree to do this?  What's his connection here?Answer #2: If the other party trusts you, perhaps they can front you the money and you agree to pay them back if you win the suit? It's the same agreement, but the risk is reversed. Make sure you both agree what happens if you get awarded less than the full $1,250.


Title: [England] Hypothetical: if a burglar came into my house and I personally gave them my car keys, is the car still covered on the insurance?

Question: I would say it is, as you are giving the keys under intimidation, but my friend disagrees. Just trying to settle a debate. Cheers!

Answer: Funny, in the U.S. we talk about shooting a burglar who unlawfully enters our house. In England, apparently you guys give him your car keys.


Title: Why are lady gyms legal?

Question: I live in Germany and the gym i go to has a few locations in my city. One of them is a ladys only gym. I'm wondering why that is legal. They clearly discriminate against men. Would it in theory also be legal to have a gym just for white people? How is that discrimination different?

Answer:
 The AGG (the general equal treatment-law) establishes that companies can only discriminate if they can bring forth a reason for it. For example, to give extreme examples, a strip club can dicide only to hire female employees and allow male guests to enter as a gay club can dicide only to have gay employees and guests, something that would be illegal in most other cases.

For gyms, the reason woman can do that is that it happens in normal gyms that guys try to hit on woman that are there, or that, being exposed like that and working on maschines, they feel like being watched on a silver plate for guys to oogle all over them.

In contrast, your example of an only-white people gym is that black people don't do anything else than to exist to make you uncomfortable, which is not an excuse for segregation.

Edit: to make it clear, in german law, the question is why you discriminate, and if you can give an accaptable argumentation that is not only based on "we don't like them", than discrimination is possible.


Title: I haven’t been paid for homework I have done for another individual.

Question:
Sorry for formatting/grammar I am on mobile.
I am a college student at a university. I was looking to make some extra money during the semester, so I logged on the the app 5 mile. On this app I saw someone posted an ad looking for someone to do their homework in exchange for money. I accepted the offer and completed multiple modules of online homework for this individual. In the beginning everything was running smoothly. I was paid on time for the modules I completed. Until I finished the last module(note this was the longest and hardest module in which I charged more for).  It is also important to note that this was an online course to obtain your HS diploma in Texas. I also only completed the modules for Math and English. When it came time to pay me I was given “oh I forgot” and “ hold on let me pay you when” etc etc. I have made multiple attempts to remind them, but have no luck. I wanted to make sure I make the right moves before I attempt to write the app or write their school. Could this also affect me at my school? I have all of our conversations screen shotted and was only paid through Apple Pay. I also realize it is shitty to do someone’s homework for them, but I really needed the money. Overall my concern is, should I let this go or try to get my money?

TLDR: I did some online modules for money . Online modules where for a HS diploma. Competed modules. They have not paid me.
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer:
 > Could this also affect me at my school?

Yes, you'd be admitting to academic dishonesty at minimum. Could also have a dash of fraud thrown in there.

> Should I let this go or try to get my money?

You should let it go and be smarter in the future.


Title: [FL] Defendant in civil suit is sitting outside in my apartment's parking lot right now

Question:
I had a contempt hearing notice served on him through a process server 2 days ago. That day he knocked on my door and when I didn't answer went into his car parked it across the street where he waited about 7 hours then left. Today he hasn't knocked but he is back.

Just to add he is facing a trial for felony domestic violence and I would assume his life is falling apart over that. While I would absolutely wipe the floor with him in a fight I'm worried he might have a gun or some other weapon. He could also just be here to pay me or discuss things but it seems like a letter would work in that case.

I'm thinking of calling the police and confronting him once they arrive as I don't see any other option at this point. Any advice on this is appreciated thanks.

The domestic violence and my civil suit/judgment against him are not related*

Answer: 911 nowAnswer #2: Take pictures and video too!


Title: Being sued for Demfamation of character MN

Question:
Excuse any mistakes as I am on mobile and frankly panicking.

Back in January I had a friend over for drinks, things escalated, I asked him to stop, he didn't right away, and then refused to leave my house. Because he wouldn't leave and was angry and I was scared I locked myself in my room and called the police. They ended up arresting him for fourth degree sexual misconduct.

The case almost went to trial but was dropped before then with no legal repercussions. Since it was dropped the restraining order was also dropped. I was contacted by a friend of his telling me he is suing me for defamation of character, loss of wages, and a few other things. What I gather from this is that he would need to prove my allegations false, which they were not.

His friend also told me that his lawyer advised him to settle out of court and he would accept $2,500 as enough payment and get it notarized by an attorney, now I don't have this kind of money, I'm not sure if he can even sue me for this or if he is just trying to scare me into giving him money.

I am a young girl, a "victim" and I'm scared. I don't have this kind of money. I don't have money to even consult a lawyer to see what he could do. I am terrified. I was terrified after all this happened, scared at every noise in the night, scared to go out when it was dark, it went away after awhile, came back when the court case came back. How can he sue me for emotional damages and defamation I lost so much sleep over this and was terrified to be alone. Now I might be facing legal repercussions for doing the right thing.

If anyone has any advice, please help me. I am scared, I can't afford an attorney or lawyer and I definitely cannot afford to pay him $2,500 to make this go away. Also I apologize for the scattered mess of text, my head is everywhere.

Answer:
 Your "friend" is a dick.  And I'd give really good odds that he never talked to a lawyer, because no lawyer would advise him to blackmail you (which is what "pay me $2500 or I will sue you for defamation" would be).  Did he communicate this to you in writing?  Because I would take this to the DA.

Tell him to go pound sand, and that if he brings it up as defamation you will prove that it was the truth & it will damage his reputation a hell of a lot more.Answer #2: Lawyers don't communicate with parties involved in a case through random "friends".  If he really had a lawyer, you would be hearing from him/her, through an official letter on law firm letterhead.  Until you get that, don't worry about it.Answer #3: I just got another message from his friend saying they are filing against me and also I will be charged with falsified information to the police. I didn't lie to the police, can I really be arrested for something like that!?Answer #4: Thank you everyone for the advice and tips! It has helped me calm down a little. Guess I'll just have to wait and see if I get a letter from the courts.


Title: Computer Error ruins grades, has me removed. What can I do? [NY]

Question:
This happened some years ago, and I couldn’t find any help or have anyone hear my case out. Asking you guys to see if this has some merit.

I was accepted to a moderately famous and large music school in New York City. While working full time during the summer in upstate New York to afford the schooling. Despite a recent divorce and income below $10k, I was unable to get financial aid to cover my costs completely and had to loan up. This isn’t the issue, but it does come later.

While emailing my advisor over appointments to set up my schedule, she told me it was necessary for me to be there for this process. I opted for phone calls and emails as I could not afford to take time from work, as every penny counted towards my survival in NYC. None of my emails were responded to for 2 weeks, so I reached higher to her chair. My advisor promptly responded with an appointment date and time with her office location, with no regard to my asking for the onboarding to be over the phone due to financial reasons.

I took the day from work, spent over $100 on my train into NYC, and was there an hour early. While waiting, a woman leaves the room and I ask the student working the desk in her office what time I should expect to get in (it was 15 min after my appointment time of 12). He said, “There’s no appointment set for noon today, that’s weird.”

I waited to try and get a “walk in” so to speak, only to find she wouldn’t be returning for the day. This process happened once more before I made the move into my dorm. I ended up *begging* on my second try coming down, to get a schedule made and approved by her, but she, again, was not in her office and had no record of my visits being on her schedule. I went to her chair who sat me with the student in her office to help me sort it out, where once he had a schedule made for me, he would input her code and approve it.

Here’s one of the 3 main problems. I found out through the students in the hall, not my advisor, not financial aid, that my financial aid would not be dispersed to me or paid out unless my schedule was in place and approved, which was not done until the day before classes. Leaving me homeless in NYC with 2 duffels and instruments until the paperwork cleared to prove I was good for the money and good to move into the dorm building on campus. I was homeless for a total of 3 weeks, and burned through what little money I could save from a poverty level full time job from upstate NY.

Moving into my dorm, after waiting so long, was a hassle as my room was broken into by my roommates and was being used as a storage room. Now they disliked me as I am taking the space. This matters because soon into being a resident, an RA pulled me out to the office in the dorm building to sign a paper and asking for proof I was who I say I am. With my room mates unwilling to verify I am who I am, I wasn’t allowed back into my dorm for 2 nights, all of my belongings locked away. Soon after this, one of my loans was processed and all of a sudden my card allowed me back into the building, and was never asked proof of identity again.

While this was happening, I was still attending classes. I had 4 days in and started my first night classes on Thursday and Friday. This is the beginning of problem 2.

Thursday I had “Modern Middle East” which was actually an amazing class with an incredible teacher, but when entering he informed me it was a masters course. I was welcome to continue but it wasn’t particularly easy compared to other courses I would take.

Friday I had a Psychology course. Upon entering this I realized most of the students were incredibly young, to which the teacher pulled me aside to tell me it was a CollegeNow course (the local high school was on the same block and would walk to the class for college credit while juniors or seniors in high school). So I luckily found another psychology course with an open slot and was transferred in.

For a few months, things seemed alright. I was going to classes, doing my rehearsals, etc. until one day before a jury I was approached by one of my jazz teachers and she told me that she typically will mark when someone is absent, and because of a performance I missed a class, so she tried to mark me absent. But she noticed then I wasn’t on her roster, and she looked back from the beginning and saw I wasn’t on her roster from week 2.

I brought this to several departments, admissions said I was fine and that I am still considered a student at the school, and financial aid had on file I was still enrolled as well. So I let my teachers know and they fixed it in their ledgers.

About 3 weeks out from the next semester (over summer break) I receive a letter telling me my GPA was 0.08 (although my teachers gave me their scores and I was 3.94).

To make the technical aspects easier:

- My psychology class was for high schoolers, so when the student enrolled me in it unknowingly, the system (eSims) thought I was a high schooler, and immediately removed me from all collegiate courses.
- Despite being removed, my grades were still tallied, this my GPA being 0.08 because it only registered me being there the first week until I was marked present in a high school college now course.
- The letter I received said I was not allowed to meet or schedule classes, be on campus, or return to my dorm without sending in an appeal letter explaining my terrible performance and what to change to be allowed back.
- The reason none of my financial aid worked or went through was because the college inadvertently told them I was registered as a high schooler. Which is why I had no financial aid and had to prove I was who I was at my dorm. Which led to my family (who was so poor that we could hardly get ANY loan to keep me from starving) had to take out loans to help me survive using money from technically personal loans instead of student loans.

And finally, problem 3.

I wrote a letter basically explaining that I had proof of my grades (copies of all my grades and finals etc. included with letter) being the *opposite* of 0.08, and sent it into the admissions department. I waited and waited until a few days before I had to move back into my dorm, where I finally reached the woman handling my case.

Although I am paraphrasing what was said, she told me the letter was in front of her, she just read it and I didn’t give sufficient reason as to why I should be allowed back. I asked if she actually read it and looked at the attached documents and she said she had several other letters to go over and she doesn’t have the time to fight with me about it, and crushed, I hung up and gave up on fighting.

Why I didn’t fight it:

I made 7.25 an hour working 40hrs a week ima warehouse in central NY. After paying rent, utilities, and eating as leanly as possible, I had about $65 to play with. Consultations for a case like mine cost money with the few lawyers in my area. I couldn’t afford travel to other cities to try and show my case to other lawyers.

It has been over 5 years. Is there anything I can do about this, even after finishing schooling elsewhere and it being so long ago?

TL;DR

School messed up scheduling, causes deregistration without telling me until I get a letter stating I am kicked out, and providing proof this was untrue, I was ignored.
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer:
 You should try looking through a staff directory (or just googling) for an ombudsman for your school.

They may direct you through the proper channels (like a Dean of Student Affairs), before they can help you, but they should at least be able to guide you through the process.

In the meantime, Email your professors from last semester. Ask them to verify that you were, in fact, a student in their class and received (whatever) grade. It's important to do this before they forget who you are. If you can get most or all of them to verify that, then you could also email the Chancellor's (or President, whatever they call it at your school) office. That will be seen by staff and frequently, they have the ability to fix things that are messed up. Although, they also might just refer you elsewhere.

Academia is kind of a shit show. The most important thing for you is to document everything. (Again, so it sticks) Make sure you can document everything. Someone in that school will fix it if you have enough proof that you attended, and passed.

All of this is assuming it's not a for profit school. If it is for profit, you should just start talking to some civil litigation attorneys - because this might not be an error.

NAL, not from New York, just spent most of my 20s working in an administrative support role in academia.Answer #2: That sounds like gross negligence on there part. You can probably take them to small claims for not providing the service offered. At the least you might get your tuition back. But small claims might have a statue of limitations


Title: Homeless man attacks me violently on metro, what can I do?

Question:
9:20 AM, I’m on the subway station in Pershing Square, Los Angeles, California. I’m standing about 4 feet from the edge of the tracks (note that this is an elevated platform, and there is a 6 foot drop to the tracks). I’m minding my own business, talking to absolutely no one and patiently waiting for my train. Out of nowhere I am violently tackled to the tracks (and fall front first to the tracks). I feel punch after punch landimg on my face, and am fighting for my life and struggling. I manage to shake my way free of the assailants grip, and reach to try to climb back on to the platform. I am violently pulled back to the tracks by this man, but a good samaritan sees my struggle and decided to take action and pulls me out of the tracks. The homeless man takes off running full speed out of the station. Maybe ten seconds after i get out of the tracks, the train comes by. That could have easily been me under it. 5 minutes later the police arrive, I fill out the report, extremely shaken, and so does the witness who helped me out. Apparently after the homeless man left he tried to assault a construction worker, and was beaten nearly to death by him and his friends. I got a good look at the man, he was 5’ 7” (ish) african american, bearded, and i got a good look at what he was wearing too.  At the time of this post he (the suspect) is recovering in the hospital. It is about 12 hours after the incident as well. What charges do we press against him, (we have video evidence as the metro records everything)
P.S. I am under 18, does this change my case?
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 You don't press any charges at all. The police investigate and arrest the suspect, the district attorney decides if and how to charge those accused of crimes. They will handle the court case and what you can do is cooperate fully and express your willingness to testify should it become necessary.

Edit: disticAnswer #2: Although only the district attorney can bring criminal charges, you also have a civil cause of action against the guy who assaulted you.  He may well be "judgment-proof" i.e. without assets or insurance, in which case you would be wasting your time.  But you never know.  You may wish to consult with an attorney (personal injury).


Title: Walmart questions disability

Question: Hi everybody, I was curious as to whether or not Walmart can ask someone what disability they have. Yesterday I was with a friend at Walmart who recently had knee surgery from a football injury and he was in pain so he decided to ride around on one of the scooters. He was stopped by one of the employees and was asked what his disability was. Is that legal? I truly don’t believe it’s their business.

Answer:
 They can ask, you don't have to tell them but they also don't have to let you ride the scooter. Answer #2: I'm assuming your friend was rather young since it was a football injury? Many stores have a problem with kids being assholes and riding around in those things.

Probably the easiest thing to do is just explain that he recently had knee surgery.Answer #3: Asking questions isn't illegal. Your friend doesn't need to respond if he doesn't want to.

No law was broken.Answer #4: Likely against store policy so fill free to call the manager and let them know.

I don't know enough about mobility scooters are retail to know if they are their for ADA reasons or just courtesy's provided by Wal-Mart.


Title: Asshole cop pressuring DA to take me to court on bogus charges.

Question:
I am in Oregon, USA. I was in a minor personal dispute (my music was "too loud", he shouted at me, I flipped him off and left) with a stranger who turned out to be an off duty police officer. I was in a vehicle at the time, and he is claiming that I tried to hit him when I never came within 15 feet of him. He and his fellow officers are now pressuring the DA to not drop the charges or plead this out for anything less than misdemeanor charges, which is of course absolutely unacceptable. I have already spent $1500 in legal fees, but it seems a trial is unavoidable, and I really don't have the money for it. I've also tried going to the local news, but they are sympathetic to the officer, even though I have a spotless record and am a young student. Is there anything I can do to avoid having to go to trial here, or am I taking on substantial debt? Thank you for reading and I appreciate any advice.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 You can take a plea, then you would not go to trial.

You can hire an attorney.

You can go to trial pro se (very not recommended)

Those are your options. You have no ability to make the DA do anything.


Title: School bus hit my parked car and I got a ticket

Question:
Hi guys, for starters I'm fairly young and I want to know what to do or don't do.

&#x200B;

So I left my car parked in front of my home and a school bus hit it. I guess the edge of it clipped the front of my car as it was parking on the street and it took off my whole front bumper. The police and fire department came and issued both of us tickets. I live in the state of Illinois where car insurance is required and well to put it frankly, I could not afford it. I got a court date set for late June to prove I have insurance and I assume tell the judge of my case. In the meantime I'm out of a car. Thankfully I have family who can kind of help me with transportation. The officer (kind of a jerk) rushed me with information and told me to get a lawyer to sue the school. How would I pursue this? Any advice on any of this would be very appreciative. All this happened today. I took photos and recordings of the accident and the officer said more information would be given with the case number.

Thank you.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer: Call the school or the school district, explain what happened and ask for their insurance information that covers their school buses.  You should not have to wait until June to get this resolved, nor should you have to sue.  IL is a fault state with comparative negligence where the driver that caused the accident pays up to the percentage where they are determined liable.  It is a separate issue from you not having insurance.


Title: Police Instigated An Altercation

Question:
TL;DR: A cop made up several different reasons as to why he could arrest me when I didn't say hi to him.  Backup came and revealed him to be in the wrong.  I want to file a police complaint as I am sure he has done this to others as well.  Besides a police report, what else can be done?

Hey guys

I live in Ontario, Canada At 10:45 pm today on September 18th I went to the corner store plaza around my house to get some cigarettes.  As I was pulling in, I noticed a cop car parked out front of the store. After all of the countless police brutality cases and murders where police get off, and especially after this situation, I have a distrust for cops.

As I got out of my car and entered the store, the cop began to stare at me. I stared back and kept walking to the door.  The cop said hello to me and I ignored him as I entered the store to make my purchase.  As I was leaving, I took another scan of my surroundings and I noticed the cop staring at me again while I entered my car.  This time he gets out of his car and approaches mine from the passenger side. I put my window down and he begins to ask me if I want to talk to him (wtf?? Hes coming over to ME).  I reply by asking if I had answered you before when you said hello and I didn't then, so why would I want to speak to you now.  He then asks me what my problem is, clearly offended. I tell him bluntly that I hate him.  He starts to tell me that hes a police officer but before he can continue his speech, I cut him off and say I dont give a fuck who he is, and I tell him to fuck off as well.  I begin to reverse and he tells me to stop, this is now a traffic stop.  I ask him what the violation is and THEN he begins to frantically look around the back of my car, hoping for something to be amiss. I ask again and he has nothing to say, so I tell him to shut the fuck up and to fuck off again.

I get into my car to reverse again and he comes to my passenger window once more and tells me to stop again.  I ask if I am being detained, he says no.  I tell him to fuck off yet again and start to reverse.  He then says hes going to arrest me for public disorder.  Keep in mind this entire time he is raising his voice and making up excuses that are false in order to try and pin something on me. Although I was telling him to fuck off sternly, I made sure to not act in any aggressive manner outside of my given rights.

Anyways, now I get out of my car and ask him what makes this a public disorder arrest and he will not answer me.  He calls in back up and as I wait for them to arrive, I ask again what makes this public disorder.  He then says hes gong to arrest me for threatening him(wtf??).  I ask him what I said or when I threatened him. He gets in my face and continues yelling that I threatened him and hes going to arrest me.  It just so happens as I look around, I notice a Samaritan recording this altercation.  The Samaritan then explains what he saw to the cop and of course this contradicts the cops fabricated statements.  The cop then angrily approaches the Samaritan, but I make sure to let the cop know the Samaritan has every right to record this.  The cop is getting even more flustered and angry and begins to yell at the Samaritan that he wasn't here during the whole altercation.

Back up then arrives and 1 of the responding officers comes and approaches the 3 of us to get a picture of whats going on.  The cop then begins to raise his voice to his colleagues about me not saying hi to him and I immediately point out that that is  what this entire altercation is about - me not saying hi.  Just as I do that, he then begins to add the threatening part and his quote changed twice when he was trying to make up what I supposedly threatened him with.  The responding officer then spoke with the Samaritan and then spoke to myself.  After explaining what I just told you guys, and hearing from the Samaritan, the responding officer then says this was just a misunderstanding and the cop did not know what was going on (Responding officer LITERALLY told me the instigating cop did not know what was going on).  I said this was NOT a misunderstanding, the first cop knew what he was doing and he escalated this situation because his ego was bruised.

Surprisingly the responding officer agreed with me and said "Ok yes, this wasn't a misunderstanding.  What would you like us to do?"  So now I'm actually not sure what to do when he says this because I wasn't expecting that answer lol.  I say I guess I'd like to talk to a supervisor or something.  Turns out bruised ego cop IS the supervisor.  wtf??? This guy is literally making up excuses to arrest people when his ego gets hurt?? So then they say I can also file a police complaint instead, however it was nearing 11 pm and I wanted to go home.  Before I left though I got the bruised ego cop(supervisor) badge number and left.  However now that I'm home and keep replaying the scenario, it infuriates me to know this cop was ready to fabricate stories and ruin lives in order to soothe his fragile ego, and I have no doubt he has also done this to other people so I plan to file a complaint tomorrow.

Yes I know I was a rude ass hole to the cop, however that is well within my right. While explaining my side to the responding officers, I did not leave out the part where I told the instigating cop that I hated him for being a cop.  The responding officers told me they respected my beliefs and didn't hold any bias in assessing the situation.  That is the way I expect all cops to handle the much deserved criticism they receive, instead of the temper tantrum they feel entitled to throw. And although I do not like the police, I do respect the responding officers for their professionalism and showing me respect.

The point of the story is to inform you all that this is what goes on in the the community.  How the police fabricate stories to arrest anyone who does not bow to their ego trips, even when said person is within their rights and obeying the law. We need to hold these cops accountable. I'm not sure how effective complaint reports are at fixing this situation so, is there any other way to bring this issue and others to light so they get more attention?  And is there anything I should know about filing a police report? I am worried that this cop will try to retaliate against me as I've already witnessed first hand the type of cop he is.  Thanks.

Answer: Sorry but this reads like a trashy novel. /r/quityourbullshit


Title: How far do police go to investigate shoplifting?

Question:
If I stole something from Walmart, and if after I fled the scene my friend who I was with had the license plate of his car photographed, would the police trace the car and question my friend? (Irvine, CA)
Thanks

Answer:
 The police certainly could.

Also, stop stealing shit, it makes things more expensive for the rest of us.


Title: Could I shift civil liability for a crime to a business?

Question:
Suppose I have a little home business I incorporate, and I make myself the sole employee of it. As CEO I send an email to all employees instructing them to go murder someone. I do so, but I get caught. I go to trial but miraculously beat the charges.

Then I go on tv everywhere bragging about getting away with murder. Then the victim's family sues.

Could I avoid personal financial liability here since I was acting on behalf of my LLC employer? Would the business entity then be responsible for damages? If so, would I just need to bankrupt the business and I'd be home free?

Answer:
 > Could I avoid personal financial liability here

No.  For one, the courts would very quickly pierce your corporate veil and give you full liability.  For two, even if you had a true corporation, the corporation's orders are irrelevant.  You hold sole responsibility for your crimes.


Title: Ex Employer Harassing Me and My New Company [TX]

Question:
I am a hospice nurse. I am changing companies, often patients will accompany the nurse to the new company as they enjoy that nurse and the care they get from them. When I first hired on to this company they in fact encouraged me to have patients come over if they wanted to, and that it would be no problem. They fully acknowledged that patients will follow their nurses and assured me it would be okay if any followed me there.

Now that I am leaving they are stating that if a single patient transfers or leaves he will sue me personally. There are patients that want to come with me, it is their choice. I have not offered them any incentives, bonuses, money, or anything at all. Just that they would remain my patient.

I did not sign a non compete clause, but this guy is being very threatening. I told him he could sue me if he wanted, but anyone that leaves is going of their own free will. All that has occured is I told them I am leaving, they asked where to, I told them, and they asked for the number to the new place, that is it. I also told him I have no money, no properties, nothing he can attach a lein onto from a judgment, and you cant garnish wages in this state. (I recently got divorced, thats why I have nothing). I did have some patients come with me, but they signed a statement when they did come over that this was of their own free will and choice.

Anyway, there has been no coercion on my end, however when I was at a patients house I saw the company call and attempt to talk a patient into staying and telling the patient I was no longer with the company. I also had them calling telling the patients I was leaving before I left, some of the calls they made were to patients I had no intention of telling I was leaving, so when I would see them they would ask me where I was going and if they could come with me.

Also, just yesterday they called my current employer and told them that I had been soliciting patients and they had a patient that was ready to sign an affidavit that I had called them asking them to come with me. This absolutely did NOT happen. So their lawyer called and said they aren't sure if they want to sue me, or sue my new company over this. Problem is, this absolutely did NOT happen or occur in any form or fashion. I never called a single patient asking them to come with me. I didn't ask any to come with me. They wanted to. I even told them that my old company was a good place and they would be served well there.

So what are my options? I don't even know what I could be sued for. Just had the lawyer call me and tell me that I was soliciting employees to come to the new place of business I am going to. Which I absolutely have not, even then im not sure what they could actually sue me for seeing as how my state is a right to work state.

How do I get them to stop harassing me? I've not done anything out of the bounds of the law, or nothing they hadn't encouraged me to do when I signed on, which I could have several other nurses come forward and swear he told them the same thing too.

Answer:
 > So what are my options? I don't even know what I could be sued for.

I would stop talking with your old company.  Don't answer their calls and don't respond to their mail.  If they do not leave you alone after this then you can follow up with other options.  Tell them because they are threatening to sue you will cease communication.

I think it would help a lot of your concerns to have a talk with an attorney, if for no other reason than to have confidence that you have done nothing wrong.

In Texas, you can get a 30 minute consultation with a lawyer for $20 from the [Texas state Bar](https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Find_A_Lawyer&Template=/CustomSource/MemberDirectory/Search_Form_Client_Main.cfm).Answer #2: >when I was at a patients house I saw the company call and attempt to talk a patient into staying and telling the patient I was no longer with the company. I also had them calling telling the patients I was leaving before I left

Both of these are fine.  The former company is allowed to try and keep their patients, and they're allowed to tell them you're leaving, as that's truthful information.

Your best bet is to talk this over with your new company and determine what you want to do.  Likely, they'll tell you to ignore the old company and wait to see if they sue you.


Title: [USA] Another redditor is claiming that him giving access of his local network in which he is streaming copywrited movies does not break copywrite law. Is this incorrect?

Question:
* He is using a program in which you can share content in between devices. Its intended use is for playing a movie from one device to another, or viewing it in another location.

* He gives someone else access to his own network, allowing them to view the copywrited content, who is NOT a close friend and is NOT in the same location as him

I found this information about US law.

>Section 101 of the Federal Copyright Act defines public performance as performing or displaying a work at a place open to the public or outside a normal circle of friends and family.

>According to Section 202, ownership of the copyright must be distinguished from ownership of the material object that contains the work. If you buy a movie on DVD, you own the DVD, but do not own the copyright of the movie. Many people enjoy watching movies in the company of others -- and copyright laws allow them to invite a few friends over to watch a movie, provided it is within their own home.

If I am understanding this correctly, what he is doing violates both Section 101 and 202, right?

E: Follow up question. How about if he is hosting them on his local network for family and friends to watch alone in his house? For example, one is watching a movie on his Phone, while inside his house, while the friend is doing something else.
Topic:
Intellectual Property

Answer:
 yeah he’s basically distributing copyright material at that point and you can’t get a much more clear example of what copyright prevents you from doing

using a vpn to make the remote user seem to be on the local network has not impact at all and the redditor is an idiot for thinking it makes any difference


Title: Can I get my old boss in trouble for embezzlement? (CA)

Question:
Background: I'm in California. I used to work for a great company, and with awesome people. The co-owner (President and CEO), however, is a complete ass. He would come in and belittle and berate almost everybody for an hour or so, then leave with the biggest smile on his face at least once a week (plus a load of other deplorable things). He and his business partner and wife (CFO and HR) are splitting ways (and the business), and, literally, every single employee wants him to leave the company as fast as possible, but he keeps changing the terms of the buy out and dragging his feet.

He has had me, and other employees, work on manufacturing projects for his home (to impress people at a party he was throwing there) and many other personal projects on company time.

Is this embezzlement? If so, can said embezzlement be grounds to push him out of the company faster? Can the other employees and myself confront him to hopefully drive him out of the company faster?
Topic:
Business Law

Answer: Nope, that's not embezzlement.  Mind your own business and move on with your life.  You said you "used to work," so I take that to mean you are not an employee anymore.


Title: On 'Last Week Tonight', John Oliver bought $15M worth of medical debt for $60K and forgave it. Did John Oliver trigger a taxable event for the responsible parties of the debt?

Question:
Tax law isn't my speciality but I do know that, generally, forgiven debt is treated as taxable income.

https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc431.html

That would be a fairly nasty surprise if that is the case. Or is it the case that you get a tax bill once it's considered 'unrecoverable' even if it hasn't been discharged. Thanks!

Answer:
 No -- he said as much on the show.

https://www.ripmedicaldebt.org/faq/

"Do I Have to Pay Taxes on This?

The forgiveness of the debt does not result in income to the debtor if that forgiveness is a gift that comes from a detached and disinterested generosity. We will not file a Form 1099-C with the IRS."Answer #2: No, HBO hired an outside consultant to make sure it didn't.


Title: Releasing evidence of sexual assault over social media -- is this grounds for a defamation of character lawsuit?

Question:
A classmate of mine sexually assaulted a fourteen year old while she was drunk after he had turned eighteen. Needless to say, the police are already involved.

Before the news got out about this man, however, he was bragging to a group of classmates (myself included) about what he had done. I live in a one party consent state, so I recorded the conversation on my phone and sent it to the police. Unfortunately, the tape isn't admissible as evidence because it wasn't a formal statement.

What I would like to do is release this tape over social media to spread the word about this person. As far as I can tell, this wouldn't be considered libel or defamation of character because I'm just sharing evidence of his crimes, not making false claims about this person. That being said, he hasn't been convicted of any crimes yet. The police have told me that I'm well within my rights to release the tape, however I'm not sure if he could sue me for sharing an audio recording of him admitting to assault.

I of course talked with the victim, and they've allowed me to do this. I'm not acting without her consent.

So, could I release an audio recording of an unconvicted person admitting to assaulting a minor? Would this open me up to being sued for defamation of character, even though any claims that I would be making are true?

Answer:
 Releasing the tape could make it more difficult to convict him if it taints a jury pool or otherwise damages evidence that can be used.  But no, it isn't libel to tell the truth.Answer #2: As you indicated, defamation of character is only a crime if the statements are false, so you should be in the clear by releasing the tape.  He can sue you if he'd like, but it sounds like he would not win the case, and would likely have a hard time finding a lawyer to even proceed with the case.Answer #3: >Unfortunately, the tape isn't admissible as evidence because it wasn't a formal statement.

Who told you that?