Title: My father died and his estate passes to me and my sister. I don't know what to do.

Question:
My father has passed and left behind no will. Nothing. In the state of KY that means that all of his estate passes on to his children since he didn't have a spouse. Now, my grandparents want to handle the estate. By that they mean to take it and do what they want. In order to do this they need permission from US.

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Is it possible for be to give this permission conditionally?

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What I want to do is have them take over the estate on the condition that all of the estate and assets are liquidated and the proceeds are divided between the three of us. Is this possible?

Answer:
 I would suggest that you and your sister get your own attorney who will look after your interests. Do not sign anything your grandparents give you. Your grandparents could do anything they want with your estate if you've given them power of attorney. A verbal agreement with you is legally worthless.  Answer #2: Don’t do it!

I understand your grieving, my father passed a few years ago so I get it. I understand that Dealing  with the estate is not easy and maybe the last thing you want to deal with right now. But, don’t give up control of the estate - you and your sister could lose financially if you do.

If your grandparents want to help you manage this process. Great! But, you and your sister are the beneficiaries of his estate, which means you receive what we asset where his, and you don’t want to give that up.

Consult a lawyer if you can. If you can’t afford one can probably find a free legal clinic to get some advice. But, don’t give up your and your sisters rights.
Answer #3:  Do not give power of attorney to anyone. I can't stress this enough.


Title: PA USA or any USA STATE. Can a driver sue another driver's bumper sticker?

Question: Can a driver sue another driver's bumper sticker for causing them to rear end the other vehicle?

Answer:
 No, because a bumper sticker is an inanimate object that has no standing in court.

Can a driver sue another driver for having a distracting bumper sticker which caused them to rear end the person? No; the person who rear ends the other is nearly always at fault, and can be ticketed for excessive speed or following to closely.


Title: Can a company legally get rid of someone for a medical condition such as anxiety and depression?

Question:
My anxiety has been noticable to everyone at work, to the point where i break down in tears at least once a week. My boss is an amazing person and he talks to me like a friend and a boss, and he is genuinely concerned about me.

Today, things god bad and i had another panic attack and couldn't even form a complete sentence.

He said at this point he HAS to go to HR? What are my legal rights? Can they fire people with a disability? Should I be worried?

Answer:
 [This link may help you.](http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/ada.htm) The key phrase is that you "must meet all requirements for a job and be able to perform its essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations." If for example your job requires you to form complete sentences, then you are not fulfilling that essential function.

>Employers can fire workers with disabilities under three conditions:
>
>1. The termination is unrelated to the disability or
>2. The employee does not meet legitimate requirements for the job, such as performance or production standards, with or without a reasonable accommodation or
>3. Because of the employee's disability, he or she poses a direct threat to health or safety in the workplace.

Has your disability been established by a doctor? Are you seeing a doctor for this?


Title: Would my boss's anti acquittal policy be a problem if I was on a jury?

Question:
After the Casey Anthony trial my boss at the time told me that the jury got the verdict wrong. He went on to say that if any of the jurors came to the restaurant he wouldn't serve them and if one of the jurors worked at the restaurant at the time he would fire them for being as my boss called it [accomplices]. What would happen if I was called for jury duty? This was 1 of 2 part time jobs I was working in collage but what if this was a job I really needed? What if I was still living with my parents and they told me convict or move out? I got jury duty 2 years ago but it didn't go to trial plus I don't use my old boss as a reference anymore.

P.S. I want to clarify. I'm not asking what if I was on the Casey Anthony jury but what if I was on an unrelated jury after what my boss said?

Answer: If you really feel that you are unable to render a fair verdict, answer truthfully to that question in voir dire.


Title: [On, Can] Pregnancy scare and the future

Question:
She's 30, I'm 34. Long story short, 2 weeks after meeting on Plenty of Fish ends with a pregnancy scare because the condom broke (Sept 19th, 11ish pm). Day of I asks her to get Plan B, she agrees.

A week goes by and she slips in a text message "Second one might be on the way soon" because we're on the subject of kids and contraception. I ask if it's mine because I'm concerned she didn't get the Plan B. Takes her a while to actually get back to me and actually answer the question, but I got told "don't worry" and her answer to my question "so it's not mine, right?" was Nah.

Another week goes by and some friends and myself are now getting facebook messages from random people congratulating me and telling me I'm a dick for denying I got this girl pregnant.

So now here I am, having text messages from this girl saying that no it's not mine, yes she got plan b, a text from her saying it is indeed someone else's and she loves him because he's a super nice guy, and finally "Also just in case you misteriously drop off the face of the planet in 9 months I have your brother, sister and mom's page all saved to my desktop to inform them if it comes down to that."

On top of that I have a Facebook message from some random guy showing me pictures of positive pregnancy tests dated 4 (Sept 23rd 10pm) and 5 (Sept 24th 9am) days after the deed.

Finally, based on the events of the past 48 hours, there's a distinct possibility in my mind that she might also report me for rape (it's not, I have text messages from her stating she wants to "snuggle" and we can be "cuddle buddies".

So, there's a possibility this kid is mine. There's also a possibility this is a hoax. What I want to know is if this kid really is mine, do the texts I have from her saying it's not mine matter? Can I demonstrate its not mine based on them rather than getting a paternity test?

I also went to the police station this morning to try and make a report just in case she does decide to accuse me of rape and they refused to do anything.

Tl;Dr - Pregnancy drama that puts high school soap opera to shame.

Answer:
 You don’t know you’re pregnant 4 or 5 days after sex. There’s not enough hormones in a woman’s body for it to come up positive on a test. Stop talking to her. Block anyone that messages you. I doubt she’s telling the truth. Answer #2: If the only time you had sex with her was 9/19 and she had a positive test 9/23-9/24 it’s 100% not your baby. Block her on everything. If the day comes where you’re ordered to do a paternity test go ahead and do it because you’re not the father.

It’s a MINIMUM 10-11 days before you’ll get a positive test, and even that’s considered early.

If you’ve had sex with her anytime prior to that (think about 2 weeks prior to the 23rd) then tell her that you’ll take a paternity test once the child is born but until that point tell her you don’t wish to have any contact with her - but seriously if the only time was the 19th you’re 100% in the clear.

Instruct your friends/family members to block her as well. Consider maybe deleting social media for a few weeks.Answer #3: Do not talk to this person in any way. Not via social media, in person or through a third party.

In 9 months, if there is a baby, get a paternity test. If the baby is yours, get a lawyer and work out visitation and child support. If the baby is not yours, continue to never talk to this person.


Title: 4 month till 21 D:

Question: Hi guys so I live in North Carolina and went to atlantic city in New Jeresy to get away from the hurricane. I was at the casino (20 yo) and got caught drinking and gambline. I got two tickets one for "underage drinking"(2c 33-15a) and gambling under the age of 21 (cca 5:12-119a) . The cop who arrested me said it's just like a speeding ticket and I shouldn't worry about it . He also said I can pay online but now my uncle, who is a cop, told me I have to be there. Is my uncle wrong. Is there a way I can plead guilty and pay online without having to go back to New Jeresy. I really don't want to hire a lawyer since money is tight. I know i'm stupid.. is there any advice you guys can give?

Answer: You're an adult, and these are criminal charges. Pleading guilty will result in a criminal record. You need to consult a NJ criminal defense lawyer.


Title: Crack Down on Neighbor's Landscaping Business

Question:
Central NY

I'll keep this as short as possible.

What's the best evidence I can gather to prove that my neighbor is illegally running a business from his residentially zoned home? What's the nail in the coffin that could bring it to a stop?

There is an enormous secondary structure, snow plow equipment, multiple work trucks coming and going but which reside on property overnight, employees parking personal vehicles and picking up work trucks, lots of mess and equipment lying around, pallets of who knows what, etc. There's even yellow page listings for a company called "[XXX] Property Maintenance" with the address in question referenced.

Seems open and closed but I'm having a hard time getting the zoning folks interested. Feeling like I have to take matters into my own hands.

Any advice? I'm completely open to submitting my own evidence in court. Thanks!

Answer: Try Code Enforcement, not zoning.


Title: If my birth certificate says I'm a boy and my old drivers license says I'm a girl can I apply for a new license that says I'm a boy?

Question: I'm from a liberal west coast city that will let me change my birth certificate to male (I'm trans). But my current DL says I'm a girl. If I present my old DL and new birth certificate at the DMV where I live now (the bible belt), will they give me an ID that says I'm male?

Answer: That *really really* heavily depends on where you're located.  "The Bible Belt" isn't a specific location.


Title: [MI] GF is verbally and emotionally and emotionally abusive. We have a 4 week old daughter and the verbal abuse has already started with her too. Help me please.

Question:
Title says it all. I'm not being dramatic about my abusive partner. Frankly the only thing protecting me from physical abuse is being so much bigger than she is. Unfortunately our daughter won't have that same advantage.

The only reason I'm in the relationship is so my partner can't damage our daughter to the extent that her mother damaged her.

What are my options for getting my daughter out of this situation? If I record the verbal battering I receive on a daily basis, would that sway the opinion of whoever ultimately determines custody?

I just want to do right by my child. I was raised in a stable and loving home. She deserves the same. Please tell me what will give me my best chances.
Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer:
 Leave. Take your daughter with you. Get in touch with a domestic abuse shelter. Get a lawyer. Establish custody and support orders. Comply with them. Continue with life.

Follow your lawyer's advice. Don't record people without their consent: Michigan requires consent from all parties.


Title: Its been 6 months and no Trash can, when can I sue?

Question:
I live in a city of about 250,000~ residents. 6 months ago my trash can that the city uses to pick up my trash went missing. I assume it was stolen.

Here is my time line:

* Mid-September: I discover my trash can for the city has gone missing, I call the non-emergency line and a few hours later a cop comes out and takes my report. The very same day I find out who I need to contact to request a replacement trash can. I do so
* A month later (mid October) I contact the same person and confirm that my order has been placed I am advised it will take some time.
* Mid Nov: I'm told that no trash cans have arrived and none are aviable for me
* Mid Dec: I escalate this to the head of the department in charge of trash for the city
* Mid Jan: I escalate this to the mayors office
* It is now Mid Feb and I still don't have a trash can, I feel as if they aren't taking this seriously enough.

So I would like to sue my city, all I want is a trash can. I also don't feel like paying a lawyer to file the suit for me, nor do I think this issue is serious enough to warrant a lawyer (I just want a trash can)

Where do I start?

** Found Solution **

Was browsing Linkedin, the Mayors brother is an attorney specializing in civil cases. I've reached out to make an appointment on suing the city. My goal is not to actually sue the city, but get trash cans. I'll update you guys.

Answer: Does this mystery city not let you purchase your own trash can from Home Depot, Lowes, or other similar stores?


Title: (TX) Is a flight attendant, in uniform, traveling on a flight as a passenger to a different airport to get on another flight to actually work as a flight attendant, "on the clock" or working during the passenger flight?

Question: A close friend was personally injured by a flight attendant in the above scenario and the airline is claiming no liability. I am under the impression that generally speaking travel time is not considered work time for most jobs. However, the flight attendant was in uniform and she was on the flight exclusively for a work-related purpose (to make it to the next airport so she can work a different flight). Any advice or a point in the right direction resource-wise is greatly appreciated; I just want to let her know if she should focus her attention on the individual rather than the airline.

Answer:
 Commuting is not paid/on clock time for flight attendants. They’re on the clock from Gate-to-Gate on their assigned leg only.

This is as far as I know from my FA friends. Deadhead crew are just commuting. Answer #2: I think it may come down to the specifics on what happened.  If they were both going to the bathroom and he tripped over her, then it may really just be on her.

If she was demonstrating the seat belt thing to help out and hit him in the head with it, then he has a stronger case against the airline.

What damages does he have?


Title: Sex in backyards

Question:
My neighbours recently told me that they filed several complaints; me and my gf had sex in our backyard, very loud noises during the night and not closing our curtains before having sex.
Personally i think this is ridiculous.

Answer: What exactly is your legal question?


Title: [Tennessee, USA] Going to court for contempt for not attending a parenting class after my divorce. If I explain that I forgot, and take the next class, will I be okay?

Question:
I'm going to court today to defend myself against a contempt charge from the court for missing a required parenting class after my divorce. I legitimately forgot about the class; between trying to find a place to live, getting on my feet, trying to find a job so I can pay child support, going to counseling to overcome the abuse and domestic violence in my marriage, and getting an order of protection against my ex husband, it slipped my mind. Going to explain that to the judge today, and hopefully he won't hold me in contempt if I promise to take the next available class and present proof to the court. Do you think I'll be okay?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 I wouldn't use the phrase "I forgot." I'd explain what you were going through in detail, say that you were unable to make it that day, and say that you are more than happy to attend now that your situation is more stable. Answer #2: >Do you think I'll be okay?

No one here can guess what the judge will do.


Title: 15 year old pregnant girl in CT with deadbeat ex boyfriend

Question: My friend (who's 15) lives in Connecticut and got pregnant from her now ex boyfriend (also 15). She's about 3 months into her pregnancy and he decided to leave her because of that. They were hanging out, and then he told her that they're done and he hasn't talked to her since (this happened around a week ago). Is there anything she could do to make him pay child support or something like that? Thanks!

Answer: After the child is born she can file for child support. She is not going to get a lot of of a high school student.


Title: What are my rights regarding getting fired over a bad review?

Question: So if I got a bad yelp review or a bad customer service complaint and my manager fired me over it is that grounds to sue? What about if the customer blatantly lied?

Answer:
 Assuming that you are in any of most parts of the US and you don't have an employment contract or are not part of a union, your employer can fire you for no reason or almost any reason. Firing over a bad review is not an unlawful reason, so have no remedy against your employer.

In theory, if the reviewer lied about facts, you might be able to sue for defamation. In practice, that is challenging, expensive, and usually not worthwhile.


Title: The DEA investigated me and now I can't be a firefighter anymore. Thoughts?

Question:
This is kinda a long story but bear with me.

A few years ago I was cleaning up some of my dads old things and one of the things that he had that I don't have a use for was an old Colt 1911. I sold it and shipped it to a dealer in another state. The guy who was buying it from me was super nice and I threw in a bag of some beef and venison jerky I picked up on a work trip in Wisconsin to be nice.

The gun gets to the guy, he calls me up and says thanks and I ask him how he likes the jerky. There's no jerky. I was like WTF. Did someone steal my beef jerky? In the midwest that's like a death penalty offense.

Next thing I know, I'm getting a visit from an ATF agent and a DEA agent on my front porch here in Minnesota. They asked me where I got the jerky and I showed them the credit card receipts from the place I purchased from. The explain to me that the dealer called the cops when he saw the beef jerky in there cause he thought we were smuggling drugs or something and the ATF field test kit says that there were drugs in the beef jerky.

I tell the DEA and the ATF they're wasting their time and my tax dollars. They don't believe me. They both left their card and I called their boss and demanded an explanation and they said they'd let me know how the investigation goes. I resist the urge to make firefighter/cop jokes, which is very difficult for me.

Four months go by and they tell me you're good to go, no drugs, just beef jerky. We believed you all along but we have to follow protocol. Yeah, sure. Whatever.

I've since moved to FL and I decided to apply for a volunteer firefighting position - I have all the certs, and one of the questions on the application says - HAVE YOU EVER BEEN INVESTIGATED FOR A CRIME?

This is a small town in FL and I tell them yes, I've been investigated once. They ask by who. I say the DEA. They thought there was drugs in my beef jerky.

The application gets back to the fire chief and they say - DENIED - CRIMINAL HISTORY.

I called them up and asked what gives?

The investigating detective said and I quote: Just because you weren't charged, does not mean you didn't do anything illegal. The DEA does not investigate innocent people. You're not squeaky clean because the DEA didn't arrest you. Everyone's guilty of something, they just didn't have enough evidence to arrest you.

The DEA said and I quote "There are no drugs here, our lab confirmed it - case closed"

Being a small town, no fire department in the area will accept me as a volunteer because now word has spread through town that I'm the worlds worst drug mule.

On the one hand I don't want to file a complaint against the detective, because all they're going to do is take it out on the fire department and reject every single one of their applicants because the chiefs do not get along.

What do I do?

Answer:
 If I were driving down the road and a cop pulled me over and asked "Have you been drinking tonight?" I suppose the purpose of that question would be to investigate drunk driving.

But if I were filling out a job application later and it asked me if I've ever been investigated for a crime, I would say no.

By the way, it's unlikely the DEA field tested your beed jerky and showed the presence of drugs. What is more likely is they just told you that to see how you would respond.Answer #2: Get fingerprinted and order your own FBI criminal background check. It costs around $40 the last time I had to do it for overseas visa applications. It also took 6 months. It does give you some documentation. In the best case it comes back with a simple no record found out similar. Alternatively, of you have no criminal history, but a gun for the instant FBI background check for faster response but no documentation. Good luck.Answer #3: It sounds like you weren’t investigated for a crime, because no crime was actually committed.

IANALAnswer #4: Maybe see if the DEA agent would be willing to call and tell the fire chief/investigating detective that you were innocent? Being in Florida doesn't help because their negligent hiring statues are very oriented towards requiring background checks which can bring up arrest records.

NAL but HR


Title: Did my employer cheat me out of heath insurance? (Maryland)

Question:
My employer sent me their health care plans when I was first hired. The only option was a platinum care plan for 600+ dollars. I replied asking if this was monthly and if it was their only plan. They replied to the email saying it was the only plan available at the moment and it was per pay period.

I declined 1200+ a month insurance.

Fast forward 5 months and I find out the other people at my job got offered a bunch of plans ranging all the metal classes of health care.

My employer is a government contractor. I'm paid on salary. Myself and 4 others are all working on the same contract. I'm the IT guy. There is also a cyber security, tech writer, and programmer also on the contract so it's hard to say we fall under different classes of employee.

My theory is he intentionally offered me only the highest health care plan in hopes I would decline and he wouldn't have to pay his portion. I'm the only one of the 5 who had that happen.

Is this illegal? Should I do anything?

Answer:
 We need to know the truth of “only plan available at the moment” statement to have any idea what’s going here. It’s possible that your employer did something inappropriate. It’s also possible plans available at the last open enrollment aren’t available now.

At $1,200 it doesn’t sound like your employer is paying much of your premium. So that may not be a compelling motivation for deceiving you. Answer #2: It depends on how much money you earn, but technically under the ACA an employer plan is considered unaffordable if the premium exceeds 9.5 percent of your annual income. You should be able to go on the exchange in November and get a plan (possibly with a subsidy depending on your income). This is a very loose explanation of that standard, so I’d talk to an insurance professional to double check it or cross post on r/insurance.

If your employer has more than 50 FTEs, they’re legally required to provide you with insurance that meets the affordability standard - however, penalties for that are levied through the IRS) which is currently under the control of an administration that has little interest in enforcing the penalties laid out in the ACA) so I wouldn’t bank on that having much weight behind it right now.


Title: (CA) Mother wants me to somehow get emancipated and I agree with it.

Question:
I'm currently 16 years and I'm graduating this upcoming June. As a child, my mother and I have had multiple encounters were we do not agree and she's a bit hostile towards me as i "favor" my father. Though we have a lot of problems, she has allowed my boyfriend (18) to come live with us since his mother had residential problems. He has been with us for 5 months.

 Ever since I've started with the early graduation process she has been stating that she's tired of me living in the house and if she could she would pack away and leave, that since I already have a "husband" (cultural thing), she doesn't see the need for me to be there as I do not spend time with her and she feels that she needs to be free. As horrible as that sounds, I too want to be emancipated. Me and her don't see eye to eye on many things including political and moral values. We argue daily and I'm pretty sure that if we had a casual relationship we would get along better because distance and space is needed. I am already applying to jobs so I can start working full time during summer, I'm taking a year off school. I already do all the budgeting at home and I do taxes, all paperwork is taken care of by me. I was forced to grow up fast as I'm the only child and she suffers with multiple mental health problems (anger, depression, maternal problems) and I can take care of myself.

I was wondering that if we brought this up with court or a lawyer what the possible outcome could be, and what other choices I have besides emancipation. I know they're always the choice of marrying said boyfriend to get emancipated (which is what she implied, as women in our culture marry young, have babies young), however I think it's too soon and crazy even though our relationship is healthy and we are compatible, and I believe that we need to develop our relationship more and see if we truly are compatible and what we need for each other.

Answer:
 You don't want to be emancipated, you just want to move out.  Which you can do without emancipation, with your parents' consent.

So move out, go have a life, and don't go through the legal system.


Title: Can a relatives criminal record effect me being granted an american citizenship?

Question:
Im from a european country and am thinking of moving to america in the future. My criminal record is clean however i have immediate family members who have drug convictions. One for just having weed on him but another one has been convicted for drug smuggling. But what really worries me is my cousins who have been involved with violent islamist groups. Iv'e only met them when i was a kid.

Do the immigration authorities take this into account when making their decision or is it only my criminal record that matters? I also have a cousin living in america who's well off and has sponsored other people and would be willing to sponsor me to. I don't know wheter that makes any differance or not.

Answer: Authorities do investigate family histories.


Title: I believe my friends car was illegally searched by a forest preserve ranger

Question:
I'm from Illinois and the other day, at the forest preserve, me and 2 of my friends were given tickets on possession/ consumption of marijuana. The ranger approached us as we were walking to the car, and asked us to sit down before getting to the car. She said she was called on "suspicious behavior" when we got to the park, there was already a ranger there but we didnt think much of it and continued down the trail. It was upon leaving the preserve that we were questioned. We asked if we did anything wrong, if there was a reason and if we were under arrest, she said no, and she was just going to ask us a few questions. At some point the question was brought up if the car was insured, and my friend said yes and she asked him to show her. I don't know the law that much but he opened the car and she stood next to him, and she asked why the car smelled like weed. It didn't. We went to turtle wax earlier and they gave us a black ice car scent and the car was thoroughly cleaned an hour prior to going to the park. We didn't smoke in the car, the car straight up didn't smell like weed and I know for a fact she was just saying that. she saw an empty sandwich bag, it was empty with no marijuana residue and did not smell like weed because there never was weed in there, and said it smelled like weed. That bag was the bag my friend had a sandwich in and he didnt throw the bag out of the window because he ate it on his way to the preserve, so it couldn't have smelled like weed. There was weed in the back of the car and she found it after she searched it and she said it was okay for her to search the car because of the sandwich bag smelling like weed, which I stress, it really did not, and neither did the car. 100%. I feel like our rights were violated and we were searched because of our age/demographic and since nobody said the weed was theres we all got possession/consumption tickets. I'm currently on court supervision so this is terrifying me. I don't know what to do
Edit: the reason she suspected us of having weed was because in my friends pocket there was a lighter and eye drops, I dont know if thats enough for reasonable suspicion or probable cause though

Answer:
 She smelled weed and you just happened to have weed in the car? Dont you think those 2 things could be connected. Maybe its hard to pin what exactly the smell was radiating from but she could still smell itAnswer #2: >she asked why the car smelled like weed

The odor of burnt marijuana has been held as probable cause to search a car. Your issue is whether or not the ranger *actually* smelled marijuana, which is something a court would need to settle.


Title: Clerical error and repossession (Kentucky)

Question:
Hey everyone,

So my car has been repossessed due to my lenders clerical error and now my lender is asking for the rest of the balance to get it back.

After the repossesion happened (at my work), I called my lender immediately. I was told after 45 minutes on hold to call back in 24 hours as the computers had not updated my info yet.

24 hours later I called back and was told that I had fallen 3 months worth the payments behind. December, January and this month Febuary.

Being ready for this type of answer, I had in hand 5 months worth of receipts (bank statements). I informed the representative this and was prepared to read her the information she needed to clear this up.

After hearing that I had proof, the rep then says "Sorry, it's September that you didn't pay." I tell her that I have September's proof too. She says she needs everything faxed to her. Understandable as I'm sure that she hears this all the time.

I get in my rental car, drive through the snow to Kinkos, fax about 10 months (just in case) worth the proof to the lenders HR and go home.

I call back the lender and get a different representative, explain my entire ordeal again only this time I am pretty much told, we don't care, pay off the rest of the loan or you'll never see your car again (twists evil mustache).

I obviously don't have the remaining balance still owed floating around so I'm about to loose my car and credit over my lenders clerical error.

I have proof for just about the last two years sitting here that I will fax them. The problem is that they're not even listening to me. When I bring up my proof of payment, the date that they give me changes. At one point they even said that I mailed them a personal check in January which was returned. I didn't as I NEVER use personal checks, don't even own any, and had the withdrawal information right in front of me.

I pay my car and insurance on time every month. I have proof and these guys won't accept it. No one believes me. The repo man even said as he was loading up my car, "big lender would NEVER do that, it would be a lawsuit waiting to happen".

Any advice on how to save my car and credit?

Extra info:

This is a big lender.
I have gone through my bank statements looking for any returns and have found none for the last 9 months.
I have 5 days to do something or my car and credit are gone.

Answer:
 Non-legal advice. Call one of those Angry Hank On Your Side fellows that most TV news stations have. If the lender is at all concerned about bad press, they will look into your case more thoroughly.

Source: Got a $3K repair under warranty after calling an Angry Hank fellow.

EDIT: Just to let you know what happens when you call these guys. They call the company's media contact and explain the story they are hearing from a consumer. Etc. In my case, things happened pretty fast. I got off the phone with the guy at the news station and had a call from the auto manufacturer 3 hours later.Answer #2: Also, make sure you keep a detailed record of all the extra costs you have incurred and a notebook of each time you interact with the lending firm, including names and a description of the phone call. If it goes to court, this will be very helpful to you.Answer #3: You can also sic your [state attorney general](https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/AttorneyGeneral/ConsumerComplaintForm) on them via this form.  Answer #4: Keep a log of all costs related to this, e.g. your rental car, lawyer fees, faxing costs, etc. If you end up suing them, you'll be posed to ask for those costs to be covered. You'll also be prepared to take them to small claims even if they give it back to you.

Maybe also talk to The Consumerist...


Title: Landlord's maintenance guys left bathtub running for 2 weeks. iowa

Question:
I recently went out of town for 2 weeks. The day before I left I noticed that there was a drastic lowering in water pressure and I let my landlord know about it in case there was a problem.  (There had recently been a pipe that burst in the building so I wasn't sure if there was a continued problem).

I returned two weeks later to find my bathtub running at full volume. The drain was not plugged and was in good condition so fortunately there wasn't a flood.

I called the landlord thinking they were CURRENTLY there checking things out, maybe looking at pipes elsewhere or something for a leak.  He said they had actually been there two weeks ago, the day I left.  So, my bathtub faucet was running for 16 days straight.

I called the utility company and they said that they notified the landlord of unusual usage on the second day and the landlord said everything was fine.  They also said that so far in this billing period I owe about $1600 for water/sewer costs.  My highest bill ever before this in two years was $51 (average only $38).

I asked the landlord to take responsibility for this because it was his maintenance guys who left it running, and he ignored the company's inquiry about abnormal usage.

He said no on the grounds that they were there specifically to look into a complaint I made, and that if I had not been gone for two weeks this would not have happened.  I disagree, I think they were negligent to leave the faucet on and ignore the company saying that there was something going on in my unit.

Does anyone have any advice on what my next steps should be?  Thanks

Answer:
 Absolutely go after the landlord. There's nothing negligent about being out of town for 2 weeks. Leaving a faucet running full blast, then ignoring a call from the utility company is negligent.

If he refuses to pay it, then pay it yourself and sue him in small claims court. If he used a maintenance company, name them in the complaint as well. Answer #2: The way he is acting tell him either compensate me for this or we will be going to court, and you will be paying the bill plus court costs.Answer #3: Are the utilities in your name, or his?


Title: Is being threatened grounds for getting out of a lease in CA?

Question:
Hi everyone,

My partner and I recently were threatened by our neighbor across the street saying "If you knock on my door again I will get my gun and shoot you". We've had problems with this neighbor in that he allows his dogs to be outside all day and night resulting in them barking for hours at all times of the day. We looked up local law (Berkeley) and found that he is disobeying the nuisance law we have in place. After knocking on his door once to ask him politely to bring the dogs inside at least at night time we then had him flipping us off, shining flashlights into our windows. He then approached us multiple times when we have arrived home asking us why we called the cops on his work truck (which we didn't). We told him it wasn't us and walked away.

After he didn't do anything with the dogs we wrote a letter to him saying if he doesn't fix the problem we will alert Animal Control Services about it. He then taped the letter on our complex door and flipped us off when he saw us later. When he didn't do anything we filed a complaint, a day or two after that he approached me and started telling me to "tell my boyfriend to stop calling the cops", I was civil and walked away, he started following me to the front door where I assessed the situation and saw I could safely get inside. My partner then came outside to talk to him. I decided to video tape the conversation for security, this is when the man threatened my partner.

&#x200B;

tldr; is someone threatening to shoot you grounds to be able to break a lease in the state of California, with receiving our security deposit? (specifically Berkeley, CA)

&#x200B;

I appreciate any advice you can give us, so we don't have to make this a huge thing with cops involved. We just want to move and feel safe.

&#x200B;

Thank you!

Answer: No. If somebody threatens your life you report it to the police. It’s not a way to break your lease.


Title: Canada. If a female willingly has sex with a male, then she calls it a rape..what happens? The male has no evidence....

Answer: The male does have evidence: his testimony. The same evidence the female has. It would be investigated, possibly prosecuted (although if it comes down to only testimony v testimony the odds of this are...not too high), and go from there. This is for the USA, but that's generally how crimes are investigated.Answer #2: The police investigate, and have the option of recommending that the crown prosecutor file charges.


Title: I'm a 19-year-old college student, what happens to my assets when I die? My mom says I need to write a will designating her as my inheritors before she'll cosign a lease for me.

Question:
Ok so, maybe this is /r/relationships material, but I want the legal perspective on this lol.

So I'm going to be signing a lease with 2 friends soon. My mom says that she won't cosign/guarantor the lease for me until I designate her as my transfer-on-death beneficiary on my checking/savings account.

I'm wondering, if I were to die, would this really be an issue? She says that "everything is complicated, and so I need to do this."

Also note, my mother is kind of insane, but not a narcissist. She's just anxious about the potential financial liability.

Thank you.

Answer:
 The legal answer is that intestate succession in most jurisdictions would cause your assets to pass to your parents, until you get married or have kids. The specifics do vary by location, though.

The real answer is that your mother can put more or less whatever conditions she wants on her willingness to co-sign your lease. In her position, "no" is a complete sentence. Personally, I think she's being unreasonable, and in your shoes I _absolutely_ would not put my estate plans on the line over this, but at the end of the day if you want her signature on the dotted line, you need to negotiate with her.

The big issue for you is that you'll likely need to re-do all of this if you get married or if you have kids, lest you unwittingly leave them with nothing in the event of your unexpected death.Answer #2: In most (all?) states, if a person dies without a will ("intestate"), and is not married and has no children, then everything goes to the surviving parents.


Title: My friend told me she wants to kill herself. Do I legally have to talk her out of it?

Question:
She has depression and anxiety so she refuses to see a therapist and I called her mother and she said she'd keep an eye on her and make sure she was safe, but if she tries to jump off a bridge or something, or she tries to overdose whole I'm there, do I legally need to talk her out of it?
Topic:
Disability Issues

Answer: No. It would be a bad idea to encourage her though, and definitely *do not "help" her!*


Title: Social Security wants my roommate to fill out a form detailing his household expenses in order for me to receive SSI. Is there an alternative?

Question:
I'm on Social Security Disability, and have been for seven years. I only receive $540 from SSD, so I get an additional $200 (roughly) from SSI. I've moved to a new state, and in doing so, I've been told that my roommate needs to fill out a Shared Household Expenses form.

I've never had to do this before. He and I are both on the lease. I pay $500, he pays $950. I pay the gas and electric, he pays the internet. I fear binding us as one household on a legal document, and I also fear that since he pays twice what I do I will be seen as receiving "Extra Help", and my SSI will be reduced.

The woman at Social Security told me that my SSI might be revoked, which would effect my Medicaid, as well as my ability to pay rent and keep my apartment.

I think I may have averted this form in the past by having a sub-lease, since in NYC (where I was living), it's pretty difficult to get on a lease as a poor person. When I asked Social Security about getting a sub-lease, I was told that I had to fill out the Household Expenses form.

What else can I do?

Answer:
 He isn't just your roommate he's your boyfriend and he supports you, you've said so in your other posts.   You've also been trying to receive benefits from a state you don't live in.  You've created a quite a tangled and complicated situation for yourself and if you don't fix it carefully you are going to end up owing the government a sum of money.

Honestly at this point I think you are beyond internet help, you need to go speak with a lawyer in person and give them the complete story and don't try and game the system with them.


Title: [Calif] Help! Our Boss is requiring us to start work at 5 PM. We're in a shelter-in-place and our work is non-essential. What to do?

Question:
Hello there,

We are in California. We work at a gymnasium with members and children.

Our boss texted all of us stating that we have to resume work at 5 PM today. It is mandatory.

In our area of California, we are in a shelter in place order. Our work is also non essential and it is the last of the categories to reopen.

Our boss said that because she got the paycheck protection loan, we are required to come back or quit. If we quit, we lose our unemployment. We get paid more on unemployment.

How can she require us to come in and reopen if we are mandated to close and what can we do about preserving our unemployment? Do we have to go in and accept the work?

Answer: Have you established that she actually plans to reopen? Could be that she wants you to come in for some sort of admin/prep/maintenance work while still remaining closed.


Title: Landlord Lost our Money Order!

Question:
Recently my apartment complex came under new ownership that only accepts payment by check or money order. Before, we always used cash (I'm a waitress so it's easier. We always paid in person and got a receipt). Being younger and not owning a checkbook or really knowing how money orders work, we went to Walmart for a money order, googled how to fill it out, sealed it in an envelope with our names and apartment #, and dropped it into the locked "after hours" dropbox provided by the owners. Today, 5 days later, I recieved a notice from the state and the owners saying we have 7 days to pay or be evicted. Clearly there was a misunderstanding, so we went to the landlord's office.

The property manager was not there, but an employee was. He says every day that week he checked the drop box and would have recorded and deposited our money order if it was there. But he said they had no record of it. He seemed like he genuinely believed us, and also a little nervous, worrying that he would be held responsible for it being missing. We emailed him a screenshot from my bank account showing the transaction at Walmart, but that's just about all the proof we have of paying it.

Here's where it gets tricky. The people of the internet suggested calling Walmart or the money order company to trace the money order, see if it was deposited or get a refund, etc. With it being our first time using a money order, we didn't know that there was a stub attached that was meant for us to keep that had the tracing number on it (Don't hate, it's not like they teach you this stuff in school). So the stub got turned into the drop box with the rest of the money order.

Without any more proof than the bank statement, we are at a loss of what we can do. Is it the landlord's fault for losing it? Is there a way for me to prove I actually paid it? Is it my fault for not keeping the order stub or waiting to pay it in person? How can I fix this without paying twice for one month of rent? The employee is going to brief the property manager tomorrow and then they are going to give us a call.

We are newlywed college students, nearly all of our money goes to bills or saving for car expenses/student loans. What can we do if they don't accept the responsibility of losing it and want us to pay it again?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 > we didn't know that there was a stub attached that was meant for us to keep that had the tracing number on it (Don't hate, it's not like they teach you this stuff in school).

Every money order I've ever seen has instructions printed right on it, and they say to keep the stub.

> Is there a way for me to prove I actually paid it?

Ask the money order issuer if they have a record of the transaction. If so, you can use that to trace the money order to determine if it was cashed. They can also tell you what options you might have.

> What can we do if they don't accept the responsibility of losing it and want us to pay it again?

You'll have to pay or risk eviction. Money orders are only slightly safer than cash, and only if you use them right. Sorry.


Title: Case or no case: Giving a ride as a favor, get in an auto accident, person receiving ride held accountable?

Question:
Have been voluntarily giving a co-worker rides to/from work for a couple months as he is fixing his car.  It's becoming more annoying as the car issue isn't resolved. There is a substantial amount of road construction between both points with changes in lane location weekly on a busy road to begin with. The chance of an accident on this road is much higher than average.

All of the employees here are giving the employee in question rides voluntarily. The route taken to get the coworker home takes me out of my normal route home, into the construction mess.

My question is, in the event of an auto accident giving this coworker a ride home, would there be any degree of recourse or accountability on the part of the coworker receiving the ride or would I be left to whatever costs/damages that result?

Answer:
 Unless the coworker grabs the wheel out of your hands, not only wont he be liable in an accident, but he can sue *you* for getting into one in the first place.

No good deed something something...


Title: [South Carolina] Obnoxious rural neighbors don't live on their property, but use it as an invasive weekend party spot.

Question:
I'm pretty convinced there's nothing we can do about this, but I figured it was worth asking.

A year ago, a family purchased a large parcel of land across the street. We live on a narrow dirt road out in the country, so their property line is very close to our actual physical residence. They don't actually live on this land. There's no house there. They recently got electricity, but AFAIK, there's no plumbing/septic. So they use it as a weekend party spot. They have signs up that say "[Family Name] Getaway Acres". They have a small shed on the property, but that's it. They--for some reason I can't really suss out--have a dozen or more security cameras all over the property.

Every weekend, they come in a pack. Starting at about 9am, the party begins and doesn't stop until midnight. It begins with just a couple car loads of people, but can sometimes grow up to ten car loads. They begin target practice at 9am. Constant gunfire until about 3pm. Loud music in the evening. On top of that, they have a bevvy of 4-wheelers and motorbikes, which they've carved out paths in the land to ride on. This path is directly in front of our house. I consider myself a really chill person, and I don't really mind most of the stuff they do, but even I have to admit the 4-wheeler engine-revving is just excessively obnoxious. We can't really go outside when they're riding because they kick up so much dust that there's barely even any visibility, which is not to mention the breathing issues. You can't even hear yourself think, anyway, the engine noise is so loud.

Naturally, I'm of the mind that some diplomacy is the best way to solve this. Welp, my in-laws (who also live here) completely ruined any chance of that. There was a confrontation. My parent-in-laws stirred them up into a froth by *demanding* they stop riding their ATVs in front of our house, "or else". So as you can expect, the neighbors have kicked their obnoxiousness up about thirty notches in response. These days, if they see one of us outside, they'll ride in front of our house, stop, and peel out in the dirt, kicking as much dust up as possible while revving their engines. It's all visibly deliberate. Oh, joy. A pissing contest. I'm already exhausted.

Like I said, I know this is flimsy and there's probably nothing to be done. They're excessively obnoxious, yes. No question. They're not kind and they make our weekends miserable. But to be fair, it is their property. I don't see how anything can be done. But IANAL, so who knows, maybe I'm missing something.

Answer: You'd need to check both your local ordinances and your state laws.  There are probably violations of the noise laws as well as those prohibiting the reckless discharge of firearms.  If they're entering your property, it's possible that could be trespassing.  If they're doing so for the sole purpose of bothering you, possibly harassment too.  Answer #2: Are you in any sort of incorporated jurisdiction? There may be laws about gatherings.


Title: Apartment refuses to return personal info

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You turned in the application, they aren't obligated to give it back. They were extremely nice to offer you the rest of the stuff.


Title: [NYC] My father is being accused of stealing a laptop while doing some handyman work for a customer.

Question:
Hey Reddit,

My father has been a handyman for 15+ years in New York city and has never had anyone complain or accuse him of anything illegal. However, 3 weeks ago he was accused by a customer of stealing a Mac laptop. The guy called him a couple of times accusing him of the theft, has told other people that my dad is a thief and has been threatening my dad with legal action. Last night he called 2 more times and even had his wife call my dad's phone threatening legal action. The last call was today at 5:04 AM while my dad was asleep so the customer left a voice mail calling my dad a thief and telling him that he will go to jail, will have his record tarnish and will have my dad give him the laptop.

My family does not have the monetary means to seek legal advice from a lawyer so I would like to know what are our options. I had the idea of calling the customer and telling him that a Mac laptop can be traced with "Find my Mac" but upon hearing his last voicemail, I am angry and my dad is emotionally unstable due to the situation.

I drafted a cease and desist letter but have not sent it yet. Should we go to the police or what steps do you guys recommend?

Answer:
 This sounds like a scam in the works.  However, assuming it's legit, then it is vitally important for your father to document everything.  He needs to write down every date and time, and corresponding event.  He should start by stating what work was done etc.,  Then he needs to write down a log of every call, and - to the best of his memory - what was said.

Your dad also needs to find out who he told, and what they were told, and when, and by who.  Better yet get it written down.

Your dad could possibly take legal action right now due to slander, but ABSOLUTELY get a lawyer to send a cease and desist letter.  This would probably only cost you $100 or so.

Then I would tell your dad to call that person back and tell them to either file charges or shut up before HE files charges for slander.

You may want to pour a drink and read this:

https://www.hg.org/defamation.html


Title: Question about Army Corps denial of DAPL easement

Question:
[North Dakota] From a non-political perspective, how was it determined to grant the easement originally, and how has the easement now been denied?

Personally IANAL, am a supporter of the water protectors, and my favorite r/legaladvice posts are about property law and easement cases (second are liability cases between civilians).

Answer:
 I don't have time this morning to write a full overview of the permitting process, but [the original court decision](http://earthjustice.org/sites/default/files/files/order-denying-PI.pdf) might give you some interesting info.

Here's the complete memo from the Army which [should answer your question directly.](https://www.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/459011.pdf)


Title: My coworker sexually assaulted me and my job is basically making me work with him

Question:
Not to get too graphic but earlier this week my coworker tried to rape me. He was drunk I was drunk but I distinctly remembering saying no and crying and yelling and I fought him off. This did not happen at our workplace. I stupidly washed my clothes and took a scalding hot shower after so there’s no physical evidence.
This is the second time (different workplace) that this has happened to me. The first time, I told my boss and the boss asked the rapist to leave and not come back, and that’s what I thought would happen in this situation, but I was wrong. I reluctantly reported it at work and the managers assured me they would take care of it, but now are saying they can’t fire him, and if I want to make money I HAVE to work with him. I tried to work the other day but I just couldn’t do it.
This is my only source of income and I have no savings. I need to pay student loans back soon and I have almost nothing to my name. I NEED this job but seeing him puts me in a state of panic.
I filed a police report, talked to HR, upper management, and a company lawyer and they all basically said they can do nothing.
I’m fucking pissed and I’m terrified. I have to see the guy who assaulted me to pay my bills and rent. I have no idea where to go from here and would appreciate any advice

Answer:
 Your employer isn't obligated to fire him. Their only obligation is to make sure any harassment you report stops going forward. Basically, "Hey, stop trying to rape BentNeckKitty" will suffice until or unless you are able to get a protective order.

Additionally, they can take disciplenary action, including termination against you depending on your conduct. So refusing to work or calling him names (just hypothetical examples) could end up being an issue for you, tread carefully. It probably wouldn't hurt to start looking for another job if you think you're going to continue to have issues at work going forward.Answer #2: What did the police say? If they press charges then as the victim in case he will be barred from contacting you which would mean he can't go to your place of employment.

You can also try to get a protective/restraining order on him in the meantime.


Title: Sister was attacked by dog while biking, 3 months later and homeowner refuses to give any information (KS )

Question:
About three months ago my younger sister was out cycling near her house, when she was attacked by a dog, and in falling broke her hip. The dog was chased away before she was bitten, and she was immediately taken to the hospital where it was found she had two hip fractures.

The problem lies in the following:
First, the dog is not owned by the homeowner, it is owned by his brother who was temporarily staying with them and has since disappeared, the homeowner refuses to give any information on him.

Second, the homeowner refuses to provide any information about their insurance, or even to speak with the lawyer my sister has hired. Her lawyer claims that because the dog did not bite her she has very little legal recourse.

The police say the dog has been out and caught by their dog officer multiple times in the past, it escaping was not a one time thing.

What is the proper way to proceed from here? What do we do now? Obviously I believe a new lawyer is past due, but are there any special procedures to make sure that this gets handled correctly?

Answer:
 I'm confused here. Your sister hired a lawyer (as she should, based off your post alone, this is a big case). Just ask them.

They don't HAVE to have the homeowner's information to proceed forward. They want it, because they want to try and settle the case first. Your sister's lawyer, if they just flat out refuse to give up their homeowner's information, can just file a lawsuit. During discovery, her attorney is going to ask for this information, and it MUST be given then. If they try to say no then, motion to compel. If they still say no then, they go to jail for contempt. So chances are, your sister's attorney will just find out during discovery, dismiss the lawsuit w/o prejudice, contact the homeowner's carrier, and then try and settle the case.

It's more of a hassle, but it's not some insurmountable loophole. Why do you think this warrants having a new attorney?


Title: Age discrimination? (Oklahoma)

Question: I work at a government contracting job where the majority of people are retired. I am 26 and jist waiting for me response to enter into the field as most of my experience is from the military. Sometimes I will work 16 hour shifts and the odd chance I get a break I'm forced to give my break up so one of the other people can take a break (even if they are only working 8 hours.) When I ask why the response is usually "because you're younger and they have done their time." I understand this completely and I have big respect for the older generation, but sometime I'm extremely exhausted and an hour break during a 16 hour shift is nice. The kicker is that the retires individuals are allowed to take leave whenever they want, but when I put in leave, sometimes even months in advance I've always been denied due to "staffing issues" when the older gentleman who put in his leave for the same day was approved. This might juse be me letting out steam, but is there anything legal I can do?

Answer: Age discrimination protects older workers.


Title: [MD] small business withholding any hours over 40 and adjusting time that was worked. is this illegal?

Answer:
 The rounding is standard as long as they apply it consistently (both in and out of your favor). If they always chose a manner than benefits the company then you likely have a claim.

Are you an exempt employee?  If so, moving hours from one time to another is valid. If you are non exempt - look into overtime rules and regulations with regards to what counts. Make sure they are paying you the correct overtime.Answer #2: I had a company that did this after they bought out my old company.   I was always about 5 mins early and I was always paid on that time until Confie stepped in.   They played the 15 minute card.  So I played the 8 minute card.  Clock in 8 mins early and 8 mins late 99% of the time.  Turned that 1 month of 5 mins not paid to about a year of an extra 30 mins per day.Answer #3: The real question is how 234 unread text messages doesn’t give you anxiety 😆Answer #4: I would really advise you edit the post, take out the picture, and paraphrase it instead. Having the image with exact words makes it 100% clear to the person you texted that it is YOU if they see this post somehow. If you paraphrase, they do not know for sure that it is you that is discussing getting legal representation but just that it is someone in a similar situation.

(I am not a lawyer, this is not legal advice.)


Title: Got hit in the head with a beer bottle at the casino

Question: I was out having drinks with a friend and got hit in the head with a beer bottle.  I did not provoke the gentleman that hit me and did not see it coming. The person was arrested and I am pressing charges.  I had to go to the ER because my wife thought I had a concussion.  I am wondering if there is anything I need to do.  All I want is my medical bills paid for.

Answer: You can sue the other person for the cost of your medical bills, and/or you can contact the prosecutor and ask that restitution be a part of any plea bargain or sentence that is given.


Title: Assaulted by my older sister and my mother sided with her

Question:
This is a first post. I apologize in advance for any mistakes. I'm not sure if I'm doing it right but here's the story.

I am a college student and I'm currently living in NY with my mother and sister. Yesterday my sister barged into my room demanding money for house utilities. I only got back to work recently after finishing up with the semester. I gave a small amount of money in good faith, previous to the altercation. I verbally stated that I would contribute more when I got a check since I am paid bi-weekly. My sister forged on ranting and raving that she was to be paid immediately. She then proceeded to try and damage my property. When I tried to stop her from doing so by pushing her away, she hit me in the head multiple times with a ceramic statue. After pushing her off me I went to my room where I had pepper spray. Once I saw that she had grabbed another weapon I sprayed her and the situation died down a bit. All the while my mother did nothing to stop her.

While I wish I had called the cops, my only thoughts were to ice my head and deal with any swelling before I had to go to work. My job does not allow for last minute call outs and I literally cannot afford to miss.

I have talked to a few people and researched online to see what my options were moving forward. I was told I could not get a restraining because we live in the same house and my mother usually sides with my sister. I also realise I lost a lot of leverage when I didn't immediately call the cops.
I don't feel secure living with her because she has a history of being violent. She has threatened to change the locks to the house. I have no other places to go and am living in a state with expensive housing. I have been trying to move out for some time with very little luck.

My question is, would there be anything I could do to protect myself legally in the future or if there was anything that I could do now.
I took pictures of the bruises she left and I'm going to the police station tomorrow to file a report if possible.
In the future I will most definitely be calling the authorities.

Tl;dr My older sister assaulted me while my mother stood by. I fucked up by not calling the police.

Answer:
 You can try to get a restraining order that would require her to move out.

https://www.nycourts.gov/forms/familycourt/pdfs/8-2.pdf

https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/family/faqs_domesticviolence.shtml


Title: (Texas) Girlfriend's car has been wrongfully repossessed twice, both times the dealership made her pay $100's to get her car back despite being ahead on payments.

Question:
Hey everyone,

My girlfriend has had her car repo'd twice because of errors on behalf of the dealership that they admit to being wrong in doing, but then force her to pay money to get her car back. It's a small independent car dealership in Denton, TX called North texas Autos. She did the in house financing with them.

The first time, they stated that the person entering payments in the system forgot to add payments in and had her flagged as behind, so they repo'd her car. It took her 3 days to get her car back, and they made her pay $600. This was about a month and half ago.

It just happened again overnight, and she is $900 ahead on her loan. When she called them they stated they had her phone number wrong in the system, and as a result they had her as missing payments. When she called them the guy told her it was $400 to get her car back even though they made the mistake. She agreed to pay it, but then an hour and a half later the same guy stated it would actually be $700 to get her car back.

I believe they are running some kind of scam wit the towing company. She has all documentation showing she's made her payments on time or ahead, and both times the dealership admitted fault as to what had happened. She is not very good at being stern when someone is in the wrong, and I believe they have made her a target since she agreed to pay the amount the first time. And since the price all of a sudden went from $400 to $700 without an explanation after she agreed to pay $400, that to me is a major indication they are running a scam. When she tries to contact them, they will often hang up on her, then communicate via text, or do other shady things.

I helped her file a complaint with the BBB today asking for a refund on the money she had to pay them for her car, but I'm wondering if there's any other advice or something we can do to help her not have to deal with this anymore. She only owes about  $2500 on the car and will have it paid off early next year, but this is causing her a ton of stress and obvious money problems.

Any insight anyone can provide would be great.

Answer:
 Your girlfriend should have a contract with the dealer.  The right to repossess should be contained in the contract.  Get the contract.  Find this section.  If they did not have a right to repossess, point of to them that they have violated the contract.  Answer #2: NAL, but I was actually looking at cars on their lot a week or so ago and considering them. Thank you for this post, I'll find someone else.

But, I'd contact a contract lawyer in the area. Make sure you'd read your contract as well. As others have mentioned, there will be a section regarding reposession rights. If they've violated, which they almost surely have, then file a claim in small claims courtAnswer #3: The BBB has no teeth, they are like yelp or google reviews. if you are being defrauded I would contact a lawyer and ask about suing them to recover the fraudulent charges. I have no idea why she would pay anything in the first place if they are admitting it was their mistake.Answer #4: Is it the dealership or the bank that’s repossessing the car? Seems like you need to talk to a manager and demand they reimburse you. Worst case scenario you may need to sue them in small claims court. Record any conversations with them, document everything that happened, and put together all of your evidence Answer #5: What are they saying the money is for?


Title: Found a metal washer in my “Cookout” milkshake, is there anything I can do about it?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You can probably get a replacement milkshake.


Title: Where can I put my Moms money so my brother can't take it?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: If he's on the account he can access it. If you want it unavailable to him she needs to deposit it into her own account. Answer #2: Brother talked her into opening the account? She's pushing 80? I'd check with adult protective services - sounds like your brother is trying to worm his way into your mother's finances.


Title: A robber transferred money INTO my account.

Question: [removed]

Answer: What did the police say about the deposits?


Title: [NJ] I’m being told that I need to vacate my current residence (apartment) because I am a “danger to other tenants”. What can I do ?

Question:
I was notified by mail and through a phone call that I would need to vacate my apartment by October 15th 2018 at no later than 10:00am.

In short the letter briefly went over an incident which occurred 1 week ago at my apartment in which I walked away from unharmed and on the right side of the law.

In summary, two men approached me as I was coming home at around 3am asking if I lived in the building. Once I pulled the main door open (key card entry only) they rushed in and held me at gun point. I ran upstairs towards my apartment door and one of the guys fired 2 shots behind me. Me being armed as well I returned fire. The men left and the main door to the apartment complex was shattered (glass door).

It was also mentioned that I have an extreme amount of traffic in and out of the building which “disturbs other tenants”.

The phone call I received notified me that I owe repair costs of the main door valued at $7,500 dollars and that I have to vacate due to putting other tenants at risk.

I pay almost $2,400 a month in rent and have lived here a total of 4 months out of my 9 months lease. Will I be able to get this money back ?

To my knowledge I have not violated the terms of my lease and would like to know what can I do to fight this.

Answer:
 > Me being armed as well I returned fire.

Then you're likely on the hook for any damage you caused to the property. That you were acting in what's arguably self-defence is not a get-out-of-liability-free card - it's a defence to murder charges, but not to the repair bills. If your shots travelled through other units, then you absolutely did put other tenants at serious risk, as well, and the landlord may have good reason to end your tenancy.

However, an eviction under New Jersey Stat. Ann. § 2A:18-61.1(b) (for disorderly conduct and damage to the unit) requires that your landlord give you written notice to _cease_, first. You cannot be evicted if you cure the defect. The same applies to evictions under New Jersey Stat. Ann. §§ 2A:18-61.1(d) and (e) (for violations of the lease). A blanket notice that you must leave should be treated as an offer to let you out of your lease.

Given the sizable bill and the complex circumstances, I would be very tempted to speak to an attorney before responding, but there's very little harm in calling the landlord to see if you can negotiate. If you have a copy of the police report for the break-in, that might help as well, and you should find out if your renter's insurance covers the damage.


Title: [Massachusetts] Best friend caught in fraud – stealing money from the grocery store he works at.

Question:
Hello,

My best friend was just suspended from the grocery store that he's been working at for 4-5 years. He had been making copies of bottle-return slips to cash in for himself. Essentially, he was making money out of nothing. Loss prevention caught on, and, with the store manager, informed my friend and suspended him today. They are aware of about 50 separate accounts of this fraud. He will most likely be terminated the next time he speaks with the manager. There was no mention of taking legal action against my friend, but he should be prepared in case this happens.

**What can he do to prepare for any legal action that may be taken against him?**

I told him to completely ignore the company, and to not talk to them, until he's consulted with a lawyer. Is this solid preliminary advice?

Please advise anything that may help him out. He is my best friend and he doesn't have anyone else to talk to. I'm doing my best to get him to focus on getting through this. He has no record, and is only in his early 20s. Any advice will be tremendously appreciated.

Thank you for reading.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 Yes, he'll be fired.  No, he shouldn't speak to the store at all about the matter, nor should he sign anything.  If the store contacts the police, he shouldn't speak to them either.

"When can I pick up my last paycheck?  Do you want me to drop off my uniform?"  Nothing else.

If the police charge him, he should get a criminal lawyer.  If the store sues him, he should get a civil lawyer.  Other than that, he should get a new job.


Title: Crazy cat lady neighbor...

Question:
My neighbor two houses down is not mentally stable and has about 25+ cats (the ones I have been able to count, probably a lot more) that she feeds every day. They are not sheltered or provided any other care other than food (I am in AZ so it could be cruelty to not provide shelter to them in the summer).

The cats have spilled over into my property creating property damage, foul smells and driving my dog nuts.

In the past 60 days our car on the carport has been pooped on twice (it's a brand new car) and last night some cats got into a fight on it and now has several deep scratches on the roof.

The entire front East side of my property all the way up to my front door is covered in cat feces.

The cats have also been fighting on my car under the carport which resides next to my sons window (also resulting in scratches to my brand new car as well).

The fighting has woken my 3 year old son up several times now. They have gotten in fights on my back patio, waking me up at 3 and 4 am respectively.

I have spoken to my neighbor with zero resolution. I have called animal control (they said they would call me back after investigating and that it would take 2 weeks, that was over 3 weeks ago with no phone call back)

I have given my neighbors information on trap, neuter, release but in her words "We won't neuter all of them, a couple of them are my babies" which basically makes that entire strategy a failure.

I have two options as I see it now. Civil suit or just trapping these cats and moving them to another area.

Has anyone else dealt with something like this? I am a first time home owner and this is driving me nuts. Do I have any legal backing here?

Someone please help. I love animals but at this rate ill do anything to stop the problems.

**Edit to add:** Thank you everyone. You guys are AWESOME! Animal control led me to about a half dozen agencies in town including the police non-emergency line as she is considered a "hoarder" at this point and is breaking laws.

List of Agencies and phone numbers in case anyone else has to go down this crappy road (literally)

City of Phoenix:
602-262-6011 - Ask for: Code Enforcement and/or Neighborhood services (they opened a case for me today, hallelujah!)

Department of Public Health:
602-747-7500 (In my case I can file a health complaint because the smell of ammonia is so bad on my front porch, it's affecting my son and I)

Phoenix Police Non Emergency: 602-262-6151 (In my case she is breaking the animal hoarding law as well as causing physical damage to my property and our vehicles)

And a last ditch effort for "Neighborhood Preservation Department" no idea what these people do but raising hell at every possible angle seems to be working today. 602-262-7844

Thanks again for the kick in the ass to keep going with this. Hopefully this gets resolved!

Answer:
 Keep calling animal control. Answer #2: I'd call animal control again. Are there other neighbors who could also call animal control? That's still your best bet and more complaints might make them move faster.
Answer #3: > (I am in AZ so it could be cruelty to not provide shelter to them in the summer)

Outdoor cats are perfectly legal in AZ, she just has to provide them shade and plenty of fresh water.

I am sorry you have to deal with this, animal hoarding is a nightmare for all involved.  Does she have any family you can get ahold of?  I know there's treatment programs for hoarders, but I've never heard of the state forcing someone into one, it's usually family who stage some kind of intervention and force them to go.

> I have two options as I see it now. Civil suit or just trapping these cats and moving them to another area.

I wouldn't waste time with moving them elsewhere; *technically* she could go after you for theft, and besides, animal hoarders can basically acquire animals indefinitely.  I can almost guarantee you after she stops searching for her missing cats, she's going to come home with new ones.  Especially if she has unspayed females in there, she won't even have to go and seek out new kitties, they'll find her.

tl;dr: your neighbors' home is a cats' respawn point.Answer #4: She is likely an animal hoarder, which is an established mental illness. Calling Animal Control on her is the right thing to do; Adult Protective Services might also be an alternative.


Title: [CA] Why is my attorney pushing for pain management?

Question:
Roughly six months ago, I was rear ended. I hadn't intended to lawyer up but the at-fault driver's insurance was dragging their heels paying for stuff and I ran out of money (car rental, urgent care visits, etc).

I accidentally hired a lawyer out of my region. I didn't recognize that their website and business location was a satellite office so every conversation with them has been over the phone.

I saw the nurse practitioner of a dr who also has a satellite office in my area. They ordered MRIs and without going over my results with me, they assigned physical therapy.  The PT took me 4 months to complete on account of only being able to make it once a week.

PT ended and I was sent some paperwork to wrap up my case. I was still in pain and also having frequent headaches and neck tightness so I asked for a third MRI. It turned nothing up but I was told by my lawyer's aid relayed to me that the dr said a bulging disc (first I heard about that) was causing me pain and advised pain management. However, because of travel limitations (mainly my cost of traveling there) they had to find someone local that would issue the shot. That local dr was a chiropractic center.

Now I was deathly afraid of chiropractors, 100% convinced I would tense at the wrong moment and be accidentally killed. When I brought up pain management, they said that it was available but why don't I give treatment a try? They promised to only use the clicky adjuster tool and no manual adjustments. I agreed.

It's been one month and I feel so much better. I get headaches only 1-2x a week and I can bend over and touch the floor more than just a few times a day. Sleeping on my own bed is far less painful. I am sleeping longer, and I can even almost pick up my daughter (age 7 so not exactly pick up age but I was able to before the accident and I MISS that). Also during this time, I had an appointment with the facility's nurse practitioner and was - finally  - treated like a real patient. She patiently went over my MRIs, explained the healing process, and assured me I just needed time and to take it more easy.

I just learned today that my lawyer is pissed. They called the chiro, absolutely irate, and all but demanded I see their pain management specialist and to slow down treatment. The 2-3 conversations I have had with the lawyer between now and then (my initial request for the third MRI), they have insisted I talk about pain management options and also that insurance adjusters get finicky when treatments seem to be continuously ongoing.

I have a feeling they just want to close my case and want me to stop racking up medical bills so that it doesn't infringe on their profit. They revealed my PT bill to me in a tone that suggested I needed to stop.

I do understand that I am taking too long. My PT took place over winter in an area that was far across town and at night. My therapist only worked 3 days a week. My husband had meetings on one of those days. I worked on another. So I was only able to go once a week.

The lawyer also discouraged me from spending too much money on accident related care. I am trying to begin an Etsy type sewing business and was supposed to have my very first clients over the spring but I could not spend enough time leaning over a table to make my creations. I was going to purchase not only the two PT tools I felt helped the most (a foam roller and stretch bands) but also a new, ergonomic chair and a wait high table but the attny warned me against it. Specifically, against spending too much money overall.

My chiropractor needs at least another 4-6 weeks with me, if not more. The lawyer's assistant told me the lawyer, who I have never spoken with, will probably want to talk to me this week. How do I keep him from limiting my chiropractic care?

Answer: Ummm, he works for you. Direct him to do what you want. Unless you’re asking him to do something illegal, he must follow your instructions.


Title: She gave me the keys back

Question:
A year ago I was pulled over for a dwi while under the influence of medication.
While working I had taken medication that was going to impair my ability to drive and had given a coworker my keys so she could drive me home after work.   Prior to leaving work she had given me my keys back stating she wanted to go to the bar to meet some guy instead.   I clocked out of work unable to drive and chose to sleep it off in my car being that I did not have someone to take me home.   A few days later I woke up in the county jail for a dwi.   I have no memory of driving at all nor being arrested.  I apparently did attempt to drive but did not get very far.
Is this person responsible in a way that she volunteered to keep me from driving so I wouldn't hurt anyone but reneging on it instead by giving me the keys back?

Edit: location:  Dallas, Tx.

Answer: No, you experienced what you experienced based upon choices you and you alone made, not by anyone else's actions.  She had no duty of responsibility for your well-being.


Title: The police took my pistol while I was away from home. I need advice on how to try to get it back.

Question:
A few weeks ago I was away visiting a friend. In my absence my mother (schizophrenic) was convinced there was a black man underneath our house who was going to kill her. There were two HVAC techs at our house working on our ac unit at the time. She armed herself with my pistol and went out behind our house, and asked the two white guys to come out from underneath the house so she could shoot the black guy (figment of her imagination). My dad had tried to stop her from going out the door, but she was able to get past him. He put his shoes on and hurried out back and took the pistol away from her without a struggle. I've been told she never pointed the gun at anyone.

After the ordeal my dad called crisis intervention and they sent out 3 police officers, and an ambulance. After filing an incident report She was taken away to the hospital for an examination, then carted off to a mental hospital where she has been for two weeks. After she gets out, she will be taken to jail to face two felony charges I have been told. The police never gave us a case number and my father didn't get any names or badge numbers. I've been told it's up to the judge to decide whether or not I will get my gun back.

The pistol is a family heirloom, and was my inheritance from when my grandfather passed away. It is very dear to me and If I have to drain my savings to lawyer up at a chance to get it back, then so be it. Anyway if anyone might be able to shed some light before I go ahead and seek legal advice that would be much appreciated.

Also I wasn't trying to come off as a racist by saying 'the black guy' or 'the two white guys'. That was just to differentiate the real people from the figment her mind had cooked up this week.

Just an afterthought: The two HVAC techs did not press charges and this took place in Tennessee. This happened on private property and there are no neighbors for at least half a mile.

Sorry in advance for terrible formatting etc.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 Since the pistol was used in the course of a crime, they are going to hang on to it until the trial is over or the matter is otherwise settled.  After that, you may be able to get it back depending on your local laws.  If it's important to you, I suggest you talk to a lawyer about it earlier rather than later.Answer #2: >She armed herself with my pistol

You have a mentally ill person in your home who suffers from bouts of delusional paranoia and you gave her access to a firearm? You're a moron.

The gun I'd evidence of a crime. You won't get it back until the end of the trial, at the earliest.


Title: I've essentially inherited a small cannabis farm [UK]

Question:
A family member passing has resulted in me inheriting the estate. It turns out said family member had a secret grow room used to cultivate cannabis, though I was only made aware of this afterwards.

All drugs were removed before the incident, but the equipment still remains. Sell? Destroy? Hand it in?

What are my options? It's in my interest to avoid it becoming public and family knowledge. Only myself and one other family member are aware, plus a close friend of the deceased who revealed the information.

Answer:
 If the equipment is legal to own (hydroponics is legal as long as you're growing a legal crop) then you can just sell it. It's just his weird gardening stuff for all you know.

Or start growing some amazing indoor tomatoes I guess.Answer #2: Sounds like he's left you some hydroponics which are more than legal to sell and own. I'd advertise it for a reasonable price in the local newspaper/online.


Title: Got called into court for revocation hearing, should I get a lawyer?

Question:
Location: Austin, TX

Overall I'm not super worried about this, since it's a minor offense, but I'm slightly paranoid since I've never been in front of a judge. I was ticketed for speeding a few months ago and opted with deferred adjudication to avoid points on my record. This required me to not have any moving violations for 90 days and complete an online class. I thought I did everything correctly, but a few weeks ago I received notice to appear in court.

Long story short, when the defensive driving site sent my certificate of completion, it contained a typo that said I took the class for insurance reasons. I got this corrected and have an updated certificate to present to the judge.

Is there anything else I should have? Should I hire a lawyer? Am I thinking too much into this?

Answer: Not a lawyer, or from Texas, but I've had my fill of traffic citations. Seems like they send out these scary letters pretty willy-nilly. One department doesn't know what you've taken care of with another one, so these automatic letters get sent. Show your stuff to the judge, I'd bet you're fine.


Title: Car loan in my name, help

Question:
In 2010 I took out a car in my name for my niece, she would then make the note payments since her credit is bad. In 2013 she started getting traffic fines and late payments on the car note - I found out when the IRS took funds from my tax return and bank account since I'm on the hook for this.

As of December 2015 through March 2017 more fines upwards of $3000+ have been piling up  - this is why I would like to put the car in her name - is it possible to transfer ownership with a date of December 2015 if she agrees so that any tickets/violations after that date go to her?

I'm retired and on a fixed income and do not want to pay over $3000 for fines.

*  With my blessing in 2010 my niece financed a car in my name since her credit is bad
*  Car has accumulated many traffic violations and fines
*  fines have been taken out of my bank account and tax return
*  want to transfer ownership to niece so I do not have to pay the current fines on the car
*  can the ownership transfer be dated two years back say - December 2015 so all fines incurred after that date are the responsibility of my niece?
*  This in the SF Bay Area - California

Answer:
 This was an incredibly stupid thing to do. Tickets and fines/late payments ultimately fall to the owner. Transferring the ownership to your niece will do nothing to absolve your liability, you can sue her for the money back. That's it. Answer #2: > is it possible to transfer ownership with a date of December 2015

No.  That would be fraud.  You can transfer the car now, and/or she can give you the money for the previous fines.


Title: Wife's father purchased a car for her and she makes payments to him. He took the car back without asking. He is now posting slander about us on his FB page.

Question:
My first post here, bear with me on a mobile. (IOWA)

My wife's father took a loan out on a car and gave it to her.  She was making payments to him.  He was not in her childhood (prison) and this was his way of 'making up for it'. It is titled in his name and the insurance is in hers.  He stated he wanted the car back for him to drive and he would buy her a car with cash and gift that to her.  We went to turn the car over and he demanded another payment.  She said she wasn't gonna make this payment if she wasn't driving it.  And that she did not want the other car (it was a $500 craigslist find)  It was not safe enough to drive our kids around in.

She left and went to work.   The police showed up at her work because he reported it stolen.  Asshole.  So he went to her work and took the car.  Now she still has 2 sets of keys that he wants.  She was going to give them to him after she got her things out of the car. (Car seats, garage opener, etc)
He then called the police to get a restraining order on her and said she threatened him.  Him and his wife have been posting terrible things on Facebook about her and I and our children.  Saying I beat her, our kids are retarded and that we are drug users.   None of which is true.  We don't care about the car, I purchased her a new one.  There is a court date for the protective order and the whole key thing.

My question is there any legal recourse for the FB posts and bullying/harassment?  They are all false accusations. The cops said the car thing is a civil matter.

I also forgot to mention her work talked with her about them showing up there as they have done this 3 times in the last 2 days disrupting business. So she is worried about her job now too.

Answer:
 > It is titled in his name

Then it's his car.

> My question is there any legal recourse for the FB posts and bullying/harassment?

If he has posted untrue information that has caused her financial loss, maybe, but from the sounds of it it's probably not worth pursuing.


Title: Virginia - The small business I work for was bought by an incompetent "business man." Please help!

Question:
I have been working for a small business franchise in central Virginia (a right to work state) for roughly 8 months now. Long story short, the new owner we work under bought our five stores within the past 4 months because old owner was not making the profit he wanted. Old owner (lets call him Jack) and new owner (lets call him Evan) have been in the works with this process since February of 2016, still plenty of time to get to know your employees, get together a good accountant, understand how to run your business, etc. In my store, I work with 3 other employees so we all get along pretty well. We have a good system when it comes to opening and closing the store, how we treat our customers, understand when our peak times are and know how to process out customers quickly and efficiently.

End of October or beginning of November 2016, he closes on 2 of 5 stores that he wanted. This frustrates Jack to no end because the original closing date for all five stores was constantly being pushed back from the official closing of September 2016 due to "banking issues". We all give him the benefit of the doubt and don't pay it much mind other than hoping he treats us well as employees. Since my store was not one of the two that was closed on at the end of the year, I did not see Evan except for once when he introduced himself to me. I'm not sure how accurate this part is, but I was informed that in the state of Virginia when buying into a new business, you must be physically within the stores for 100 consecutive days before closing to be up to code with federal labor laws. I was hired the middle of September and again, only saw Evan once out of the time I started working under the company. We get through the busy season like champs and find ourselves brought into a new fiscal year.

Fast forward to when Evan finally closes on the last three stores, end of January 2017, the "official" day still being pushed back by about two or three days since he finalized the paperwork. Again, benefit of the doubt and all for a new business owner (our mistake in all of this). There are not many changes being made in the first two or three weeks from when he has bought the stores but as time progresses, changes start happening more rapidly and aggressively. We begin to be blamed and be called bad employees by Evan and his sister, who is also part owner of these stores. Going back to the 100 consecutive days of being in the store, Evan took his five stores that he bought and grouped them under his sister's stores, about 100 miles east of where we are in the same state, I'm assuming to evade having to be in the stores for 100 consecutive days.

Initially it is hard to adjust to the changes that are being made but we soon realize that some of these changes help both us as employees and our customers. Jack was an amazingly kind individual, both as a business owner and as a person, but it was almost always his way or the highway. He was very cheap so our printers and POS' were not updated or fixed properly, but if we had a confrontation with a customer, he would ALWAYS back us in every way he could. He genuinely cared for his associates and wanted to make sure they were paid and treated well. We received a nice Christmas bonus as well as full time plus overtime hours just before peak season and right before he finalized on our store. If he had an issue with one of his associates or a group of them, he would talk to them personally and try to figure out a solution to the problem. He did not follow the corporate protocol when it came to the small business but we were generally happy and stress free when it came to our job. If we had a problem with something we could talk to Jack about it and get it resolved.

Evan has showed us in the past 2 months that it is "his way or the high way" to benefit him and ONLY him. With the first two stores he had owned, the pay roll for every associate was wrong for the first three to four pay cycles, as in hours and hourly pay, not just the date pay roll was to be posted. Considering he had 8 months previous to consider his accounting options this was completely ridiculous and threw off bills and payments. This happened again with the rest of the three stores bought at the beginning of this year. My hourly pay was shortened and the hours on my pay check did not match up to what I had actually worked, some people didn't even get paid on some pay days. I had called the labor board about this, left a message, and the next day the pay was posted to my bank account so I, mistakenly, let it go for now (although I still have not received the back pay that I am owed for the shortened hourly pay that was on my check).

The second biggest instance that is occurring as of now is our clock in reports as well as breaks. I know that in the state of Virginia, employers are NOT required to give meal breaks throughout the day. If they do offer breaks, they have to be at the same standards as federal law requires: a short, PAID 10-20 minute break and a lunch break at a minimum of 30 minutes. We received an email at the end of February stating his break requirements and in parenthesis next to each break requirement
"this is Virginia law." 15 minutes for 6 hr shift that we do not have to clock out for, 30 minute unpaid for 7 hrs and 1 hr unpaid for 8 hrs. We agreed to the break times but have had points in the day where we do get so overwhelmed with customers that we sometimes do forget to take our breaks. Since that has started, he has began screaming at my manager about how she does not know how to do her job and indirectly blaming her for my mistakes when it comes to little things like clocking in 2 minutes early or not asking a customer if they would like a receipt. Instead of speaking to me directly about something he does not like, he will take her outside in the back and yell and scream at her about a mistake that I had made (I have heard these conversations from the middle of the building, only being about 1,000 sqft all together). I personally am at a split decision with how to confront him, because although this is not a long term career for me I also do not have a back up plan if I do end up being fired.

Since being so uptight about the clock ins and breaks, he even told her that she had to start changing our clock in times if we do not take our breaks, which thankfully she DOES know is completely illegal to do no matter what company you work for. This came after him stating he was going to dock her pay (which he has begun to do) when we do not take breaks because he is fined if we do not take our breaks if they are offered. From that conversation, he told her he has a lawyer and "legally, he can do what he wants because of him." There are other instances in between all of this mess, including obvious favoritism with one employee over myself and indirect harassment to me, which is why I'm in a bind with how to confront him personally and then how to take the legal action. I call a bluff on his lawyer because I highly doubt no matter the amount of money a person has, a central Virginia attorney would not want to touch federal law when it comes to employee rights.

TL;DR: my current owner is a piece of shit, is docking people's pay illegally, says he can do what he wants because he has a lawyer, doesn't know how to run a business without breaking the law. Please help?

Answer: This is way too long and I didn't read it all and what I did read looked like no-issues. Regarding your TLDR, if he is illegally docking your pay, go to your state's DOL website and file a wage complaint, then find a different job.