Title: Transporting kids between parents

Question:
Tldr: is it illegal for me to drive my ex's kids from one state to their mother in another state?

Details: my ex is now my ex because of his ongoing drug use. He'll get clean and then use again, classic. I have had enough and am leaving. However, I am very worried about leaving his kids here with him. I have been raising and caring for these kids for 6 years. Their mom wants them back, and we both know the ex will make this as difficult as possible. Can I get in trouble for driving them from here to their mom in another state?
I don't think it would be kidnapping as I have their mother's permission.
The parents are still legally married. No legal separation. No custody agreement.
Not sure if it makes a difference, but it would be a daughter and a son. The daughter is 12, nonverbal, and nonambulatory (and the sweetest little girl you've ever seen). The son is 10.

I don't give 2 shits about pissing him off.  And I wouldn't even mind him trying to press charges, as long as I won't actually be charged with anything.

Thoughts?

Answer:
 You can definitely get into MAJOR trouble if you transport children across state lines without the knowledge and consent of their custodial parent.
Don’t do that.

Edit: even though the parents aren’t bound by a custody agreement (as far as you know) *you* are not mom or dad.  You removing or concealing the kids from their dad would be a BFD, even if the mom is telling you to do it (and who even knows if she’ll stick up for you if shit hits the fan).    Furthermore, the kids legal home state is Florida and the mom could very easily be ordered to return the kids to Florida *immediately* upon the kids dad getting the police involved.  So you’d likely put the kids through a multi-state road trip for nothing.

If the kids are being abused, call CPS.  If you just think the kids would be better off with mom, help her find a good lawyer, or help her arrange transportation for herself to pick up the kids.


Title: MN parenting time - out-of-state vacation?

Question:
My boyfriend has two children with his ex, and he wants to take them to Ohio for a road trip this summer. His ex told him he can't because he cannot take his children out of state for his vacations. It is not specifically mentioned in their custody agreement anywhere that he may not leave the state, but she says there's a law.

Is there? Or does he have every right to take them anywhere he wants during his court-appointed vacation days?

Answer: If the court order is silent, he most likely can take them out of state as long as it is during his parenting time. A quick call to his lawyer to confirm is a good idea, though, as we don't know the details of his order.


Title: [Virginia] Can you physically remove someone from your car if they refuse to leave?

Question: Assume that it is in a non dangerous area.  Can you pull them out or do you just have to call the police if someone won't leave?

Answer: Call the cops. You can't use force except in self-defense, defense of others, or defense of your home (and sometimes occupied vehicle) in some areas.Answer #2: No, but you can drive to the police station so you don't have to wait for them.


Title: I was involved in a bad wreck last week and broke my arm and leg. I have nobody to drive my daughter to practices and work.

Question:
So last week I was involved in a head on collision. (Not my fault). I won’t get into the details because they are irrelevant to my question.

My daughter has a job and will have soccer practice all summer. I have to drive to these places as she only has her permit and cannot drive. She cannot get her license until the very beginning of August. We live out of town so she does not have any friends that could pick her up. She’s a good driver so the easiest way out would be for her to drive.

Is there anyway she can get her license early. We live in TN. She is also 16. I was hoping there was some sort of course she could complete and get it early.

Answer:
 Contact the DMV and ask about hardship licenses. Some states allow these, some don’t. I have no idea about yours.Answer #2: Are you not able to ride with her and allow her to drive on her permit?
I
There is not way for her to receive her licence early I Tennessee.


Title: Someone used my name when getting arrested 3 years ago.

Question: A couple days ago I applied to join the US navy. They ran a background check and saw that I was arrested 3 years ago for aggravated assault. I’ve never been arrested for aggravated assault. They showed me the police report and the report literally has nothing but my name and charge on it. No drivers license number, no fingerprints, no description of the individual, literally nothing. To make matters worse the assault happened the day before my 21st birthday. Which just looks bad on my end. I’ve never even been to the city where the crime took place. The court was closed when I tried calling them. I’m not even sure what I’d say to them. I’m going to call back tomorrow to talk to them. Any advice on what to say or do would be appreciated.

Answer:
 Unless they also gave your ssn, what is more likely is there are two Adam Smith's (or whatever your real name is) who are about the same age out there.

Normally they should give you the name of the background check company they use so you can challenge the results.

As a precaution you may want to check your credit reports. If someone gave your name once, you will want to double check they didn't do worse / that you are not the victim of identity theft.Answer #2: Your recruiter gets credit for getting you enlisted so they are the most motivated person to help.  If they got the police report maybe they can request the mug shot, too.

The report should have a date of birth, too.Answer #3: Why does the Navy think the person named in the report is you? Lots of people have the same name. It's the job of anyone doing a background check to get to the bottom of whether the report they are looking at involves the applicant. A mere name match isn't enough.

Did it happen in your hometown or somewhere you have never lived? Does the report describe the perp's height/weight/race?  Maybe you can talk some sense into the recruiter.

Definitely try to get the mugshot. You may be able to do that online by googling your name + mugshot, your name + arrest, etc.Answer #4: There is another person with your name who was arrested.


Title: Incurring massive data overage charges with cellular provider

Question: I apologize if this isn't very thorough, I'm writing this on my phone at work. Anyway, my mother and I (we live in the US) have a shared account with a large phone network and are finding ourselves maxing out our 40gb data allowance within the first four or five days of our billing cycle, which results in subsequent overage charges of $15 per gigabyte, which stack up quickly. We've turned off all of the various little settings that increase data usage. This has been happening for a year now and I've done everything I can to limit my data usage, just as my mom has done. I'm convinced we are being scammed by this phone company. I want to know what type of legal action I can take to address this, and possibly invite others who are dealing with this to do so as well. Please ask me any questions you may have to clarify my issue, and thank you in advance for any advice.

Answer: 40gb is a massive amount of data to blow through in 4 or 5 days.  you need to get clarification on how this data is being spent, what devices are using it, when they are using it, etc.  Your phone provider can get all of this information.  Without knowing specifically where the problem lies, you don't have anywhere to start in terms of going after them.


Title: Got pulled over with revoked license even though I have my work permit (ND)

Question:
Hey guys yesterday I was driving home from my sisters wedding and got caught speeding down a hill. The cop charged me with speeding and driving with a revoked license even though I have a work permit. I realize I wasn't going to work but it also says I can use it for life maintenance needs. He pulled me over literally right down the street from my house and my work permit was in my other car so I didn't have it in my possession at the time of the arrest.

My permit is valid and nothing on it says if I'm restricted to only one car. I'm thinking of pleading not guilty

Answer:
 You need a traffic lawyer.  You didn't have your permit and your definition [of life maintenance needs for a wedding](http://www.legis.nd.gov/information/acdata/pdf/37-03-04.pdf) may not meet the definition per ND law.Answer #2: You drove on a suspended license, didn't have whatever document you needed on you and you weren't going to work.

Sounds like you should contact a traffic lawyer but I don't think it will help muchAnswer #3: You need an attorney and to stop plotting to perjure yourself on social media.


Title: My ex is actively sabotaging any relationship I try to start.

Question:
Edit: Location is Ontario, Canada

I have made some very big changes in my life in the last 5 years.
I used to be a major drug addict, however I never stole, cheated, or scammed to support my habbits, I've always been able to hold a job despite my addictions.

Anyway, almost 5 years ago I woke up one day and decided it was time to get my shit together and got as clean as I can stay with the methadone program and have been doing great.

Part of getting clean was cutting ties with bad influences, my girlfriend at the time was and still is a major addict. She was not interested in getting clean so I had to end things.

It took me many years to get myself in a good place and during that time I was too unstable to have a relationship. During that time my ex still tried to contact me but not being overly crazy.

This year I finally decided to start dating again, I met someone and we hit it off right off the start, I live in a small town so I have no choice but to be upfront and honest about my past but I find most of the people I've dated so far don't want the full details of what I did, they are just concerned that I am not that person anymore.

Anyway,  out of the blue she stopped answering my calls and texts.. Found it a bit strange but figured things just didn't work out.

I went on a few more dates with a different girl and the same thing happened, this time I sent a text saying I thought things were going good and asked why she stopped talking to me. It turns out my ex has been contacting anyone I start to date and telling them I am a huge drug addict and all kinds of stuff from my past.

Can I take any legal action against my ex? She is being careful not to tell any lies, so it is not liable or slander but it is screwing things up for me big time.

I live in a small city as well, so when she tells one girl it spreads to all their friends and is starting to make it really hard for me to meet new people since they all think I am a drug addict.

When I started the methadone program I was tested for every major STD / contagious diseases and not surprisingly passed all tests. I was always very careful and never took any risks, I was a fully functional addict. I am not putting anyone at risk of anything, and I am honest about my past but like I said most people don't want the full details, and when my ex tells people it scares them away.

I am sure once I meet the right person and they get to know me better my past will come up in full detail, but I hope by that point they will understand I am not that person anymore. My ex is forcing this info onto people right away, and I don't really blame them for being scared away since they barely know me... Pretty big red flag for most people.

Really sucks, I was finally getting past all the depression and into a good place now I have to deal with this.

Answer:
 Have you considered "heading her off at the pass?"

I know you're looking to specifically avoid drama, but if you're being up front about your past, you can also say something to the effect of, "And I have a crazy ex who is stalking me." Or maybe, "I'm trying to move on with my life and leave my crazy ex behind me."

You can work on the wording, exactly, but giving some sort of heads up right off the bat might cause them to filter out her bullshit. By putting your words in their head first, you can maybe create some sort of buffer against what she says. If they're expecting a crazy ex to show up, and then she does, they'll be less likely to listen.

Other than that, I would definitely start keeping any and all correspondence with her, because eventually she will overextend herself and then you can nail her with a paper trail of harassment and abuse.

For whatever it's worth, this sort of thing makes me furious, that someone can be so petty and stupid. I wish you the best and give you massive props for turning your life around. Hang in there friend.Answer #2: your reputation is something you have to live with. but your story doesn't seem very plausible. it's hard to believe that two separate women would ghost you, after you were honest with them about your history (you claim) based on some dirt spread by your ex. also how do you know what your ex told them if they ghosted you?

maybe get off of social media so gf doesn't know where you are and what you're up to. maybe be **more** honest with the women you date up front so they're not surprised.

but I don't really buy this.


Title: My (24) father left our family before my mother died, how to prove this so he does not have any rights to the estate?

Question:
My mother had surgery and passed away due to what is believed to be medical malpractice. Currently seeking an attorney to take the case. However prior to her death my father has been absent well over a year from our home and following her death he has been "around" for what I believe is just for a payout once the case settles.

My youngest brother is 15 and I am seeking custody of him as my father has failed him as a parent. He is only home maybe a day a week, and from what I have seen is obviously taking better care of his girlfriends kids then his own.

I have plenty of evidence from texts of my mothers before she died, texts off my fathers phone, pictures of him and his girlfriend, ect... My question is how well will this hold up to prove he isn't entitled to any settlement or any other assets of the estate?

Edit: in Pennsylvania

Answer:
 IANYL and don't practice in PA.

Usually the surviving spouse takes their share of the estate if there's no will. According to NOLO, in PA that looks to be $30,000 + 1/2 of the balance. http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/intestate-succession-pennsylvania.html

It does appear that there's a provision allowing for forfeiture by a spouse under Chapter 21 § 2106.

The text is set forth below. For how it applies to your situation, you'll want to talk in detail and in private with your own attorney.

> § 2106.  Forfeiture.
> (a)  Spouse's share.--
> (1)  A spouse who, for one year or upwards previous to the death of the other spouse, has willfully neglected or refused to perform the duty to support the other spouse, or who for one year or upwards has willfully and maliciously deserted the other spouse, shall have no right or interest under this chapter in the real or personal estate of the other spouse.
> (2)  A spouse shall have no right or interest under this chapter in the real or personal estate of the other spouse if:
> (i)  the other spouse dies domiciled in this Commonwealth during the course of divorce proceedings;
> (ii)  no decree of divorce has been entered pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 3323 (relating to decree of court); and
> (iii)  grounds have been established as provided in 23 Pa.C.S. § 3323(g).


Title: (South Florida) Someone drove into our gate and wants to sue us for the damage to their car.

Question:
My husband and I have a house with a horseshoe shaped driveway. It has a fence with gates on both driveway openings. There are No Tresspassing and Private Drive signs on the gates/fence.

I left one gate open when I got home,the signs were still visible, since my husband would be home soon.

Some dumbass decided to use the driveway to make a u-turn.

He came in through the open gate and drove into the gate on the other side of the horseshoe claiming he didn't see it and now he wants to sue for damages to his car.

Are we liable for anything?

Answer:
 I can't imagine how.  In states that allow trespassers to recover for injuries, the standard is usually that the hazardous condition be "latent" -- that is, not visible to an ordinary person approaching it in an ordinary way.

Unless your gate is invisible, it's not "latent".  It's "patent" -- obvious.

For more on "latent" -- a WA state park added speedbumps one day without warning anyone and without painting safety stripes on it.  A bicyclist who used that road every day was injured when she struck the speedbump.  She was not able to recover, because despite not having safety stripes, a person standing next to the speedbump would have seen it.  It wasn't concealed, hidden, difficult to make out.  It was right there in plain view.  Thus not "latent", thus no recovery.

If you get a court summons, just refer it to your homeowner's (or renters) insurance. Answer #2: why are you not suing them for ruining your gate?Answer #3: You'd be surprised what people can sue for. Whether they'll win is another matter. Fortunately, you have comprehensive homeowner's insurance, right? You should be covered.


Title: [Ontario, Canada] I am a woman living in a house with three extremely sexist, racist, and homophobic boys -- is there any way to break my lease?

Question:
I am signed into a 12 month lease of which I am 5 months into. I live in a house with 6 people, and three of the people I live with are bigots. They say awfully sexist things, have on one occasion made weird remarks about what kind of Halloween costume I should wear as a woman (saying I need to look really sexy), make racist, homophobic, and islamaphobic comments to the point where I don't feel comfortable having people over since I don't want my friends to be targets of their hatred. I avoid the kitchen because one of the boys lives directly off of it and tries to start conversations with me when I'm there, which has lead to me literally not eating because they make me so uncomfortable. I have tried to bring up how disgusting their comments are but their response is always along the lines of "You're choosing to be offended, be less sensitive and us saying these things won't bother you"

Unfortunately, one of the boys dad's is the landlord making it harder to simply report these things without it getting back to his son and the other two boys. Is there anyway to break this lease?

Answer:
 > one of the boys dad's is the landlord

That's an immediate member of the owner's family, and since you share a kitchen or a bathroom with him, the Residential Tenancies Act likely doesn't apply to your tenancy. This is a bit of a mixed bag for you - it means a lot of Ontario's tenant protections are unavailable, but it also means your landlord's options if you break the lease are a bit more expensive.

If you're a non-RTA tenant, then your lease largely governs. If it contains language allowing you to terminate, use it. Otherwise, negotiate: your roommates and landlord may be willing to let you out of the lease for less than the full remaining rent, or you may be able to sublet for the remainder of the lease if you find someone to take it over.

Unfortunately, asshole roommates aren't a legal issue as such. Personal offence isn't a crime, and isn't the kinds of domestic abuse that would normally justify terminating your lease early even if you were an RTA tenant. If you can't see eye to eye and can't negotiate, then you're left with the choice of keeping your head down and giving notice 60 days from the end of your lease, or breaking the lease without cause and leaving it to your roommates and landlord to decide whether to take you to small claims.


Title: I had a Wells Fargo Savings Account that was closed for being inactive without any notification. The problem is I was grandfathered into the type of account I had so I didn’t pay any service fees

Question:
My parents started the account for me as a college savings account at some Florida bank (I forget what they said it was called) that then became Wachovia that then became Wells Fargo.  As a result I had a savings account with no minimum balance or service fees. The problem is I’m starting my senior year of college and the account had been at $0 for the last 2 months so yesterday they closed the account. They never notified me that this was going to happen and I didn’t find out until I checked my account this morning.

Do I have a recourse? I spent an hour adamantly arguing with customer service and end by telling them I will be closing my checking account and consulting lawyers if they can’t either reopen my old account or give me one with identical requirements. Is it worth actually consulting a lawyer?

Answer: No balance is different from inactive.   It was inactive and empty for a period of time. They can close it.  Answer #2: No, you have no recourse. Answer #3: So they closed a bank account with nothing in it. What are your damages?   they have the right to change the fees they charge so long as they provide adequate notice. You wasted an hour you will never get back over nothing.


Title: (CA) IRS is withholding my return without explanation. Is there any action I can take?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Contact the IRS Taxpayer Advocate.

They literally exist to help with stuff like this.


Title: [USA] If someone maliciously destroyed on-person medical equipment of a disabled person e.g. an insulin pump, oxygen tank, or wheelchair—would that be assault or only destruction of property?

Question: This is a hypothetical scenario prompted by this question: when personal property is medically necessary (and possibly life-sustaining) and its purposeful destruction causes direct and immediate bodily harm, is it more than destruction of property?

Answer:
 It would be an assault, aggravated assault, or possibly attempted murder depending on how vital the equipment was to that person's survival. It all comes down to the defendants understanding of the importance of that equipment or what they reasonably should've known. If they knew tampering with an external pacemaker could possibly lead to a deadly heart attack than the act of tampering is attempted murder if they didn't know, it's reasonable to say they should have know so it would be a different degree of murder.

TL;DR it all depends on how vital the equipment is and if that suspect/defendant knew or should have reasonably known of its importance.Answer #2: Assault covers an unwanted touching to the person, or to the things within the person’s immediate control. For example, if I was holding an iPad, and you walked up and slapped it out of my hand without actually touching me, it’s still considered assault. Same principle would apply with lifesaving devices. That being said, I would expect some enhancements or additional charges to stem from this, most probably attempted murder or manslaughter if the defendant was aware the devices were used to sustain the victim’s life.


Title: Brakes gave out on my work truck and I rear ended someone. Today I'm feeling the effects. Any legal action I can take?

Question: [Chicago] I was driving home in my work truck when the brakes suddenly gave out. I have a feeling the brake line burst, but still waiting to hear back from the mechanic. I felt fine yesterday but today I'm feeling sore in my lower back and my neck. Is there any legal action I can take towards my company for the accident?

Answer: You can file a worker's comp claim.


Title: Do I have any recourse in legally challenging HR in their decision to not provide accommodation for my disability? US, Arizona. xpost /r/askHR

Question:
I have Major Depressive Disorder, Extreme Social Anxiety, OCD, and am being evaluated for Autism Spectrum Disorder - Aspergers. I am in treatment for all of these. On medications, but they do not completely stop my symptoms. I have been on several FMLA and medical LOAs, missing anywhere between 1 to 5 months of work.

My doctor and I have requested accommodations but the companies HR has decided to not grant them. They claim that an essential function of my job is to move to other departments, from my home department, due to volume and business needs. I suggested that there are many other workers who can be sent to these departments, as I do not perform any specialized functions nor have any specialized training in these other departments, so they can send anyone with the basic training instead and that it should not create undue hardship nor great expense for them. I am fully able to work in my "home" dept., without any special accommodation. I am just asking to not be sent to other departments.

Do I have any recourse in legally challenging HR in their decision to not provide accommodation for my disability?

More specific details can be provided on request.

Answer:
 You realize the key to accommodation is it has to be *reasonable*, right? You're really pushing the line there, and actually probably passed it a long time ago.Answer #2: Get a job where you can work from home OP. No job is going to accommodate you by letting you miss half a year of work.

Plenty of people have depression and social anxiety and manage to go to work every day. Including me.


Title: got a "leftover" financial aid check from a community college i'm going to attend, but I never even attended yet. please help. better description inside.

Question:
I was planning to attend this community college in the summer, but decided to go in the fall semester instead and I had already signed up for classes, and them dropped them.

i ended up getting a check that I though was to pay for the classes that I was going to take in the summer, so I went to return the check

but here's the really weird thing.

they handed me back the check and said "this is your to keep, it's your leftover funds from the spring semester"

but the thing is, I NEVER ATTENDED CLASSES EVER AT THE COLLEGE.

how did they make this big of an error? they literally have in my record saying I attended in the spring. I have no idea how.

now, you will probably all hate me for this, but money IS tight and I need to move into a 1 bedroom to afford the deposit.

so my question is,

can I possibly cash this check (that is addressed to me) and not face any legal trouble?

knowing that the college made the error, and me knowing I did not attend, will I face any consequences?

i am sorry if this seems really selfish

has anyone ever seen this happen before?

edit: yup. taking the check back and telling them again. no point in risking it.

Answer:
 Yeah don't cash the check.  Bring it back to the school and get them to update the records of your attendance.  They will eventually figure it out and then you will show up on the federal loan records as a "never enrolled" and the loan immediately comes due for payment - in full.  If you don't pay it within 30 days it's considered in default.  The only other thing I would worry about here is if you didn't notify the school properly that you weren't attending that semester.  If that's the case you may end up owing them a balance for that semester (but you still need to return that loan). Answer #2: When they discover the error they'll want the money back.

Try again to return it. If they don't take it you have two options:

1. Just don't cash the check. They can't make you repay if you haven't actually taken the money. And taking the check ≠ taking the money.

2. Deposit the check and throw it in a savings account you don't touch. Collect the interest until they ask for the money back. Obviously only do this if you can 109% guarantee that the money won't be touched.

I'd go with option 1.


Title: Is my brother breaking the law

Question:
Okay this is how it started... he had the gym key and I needed it.. so I went to the park about 30 minutes where he was at... when I got there I saw he had my gym bag so I took it away from him... then he threatened to beat the fuck out of me.. I said I’d call the cops on him and called him a pussy multiple times

Fast forward I’m at the gym.. he shows up... he demands I give him the key and I say no and start walking towards the bathroom.. when I was at the hallway going to the bathroom he grabbed my shorts threatening me asking if I wanted to get beat the fuck out of.. I told him he doesn’t want me to call the cops and he walked out and left

Then as my dad comes to pick me up from the gym my brother is beside him with a whole gang of people.. I told him I will call the cops multiple times.. he said he has 5 people right here who would easily beat the fuck out of me.. he continued to threaten my safety.. I continued to tell him I would call the cops.. his friend said it is way more illegal to threaten to call the cops than what he is doing.. is his friend right? I’m scared. He just arrived home.  I’m in Georgia btw.

Answer:
 You guys are living in a vortex of stupidity. Stop it and grow up.

Yes, it's illegal to steal personal property (key) from someone.

No, it's not illegal to threaten to call the police when someone threatens to assault you in an act of domestic violence.

I wouldn't be so flippant in getting the cops involved in everything. That's a great way to make a short term problem something with life long consequences. Understand that once they come, the outcome is squarely out of your hands.Answer #2: It's not illegal to threaten to call the police when someone is physically threatening you.

How old are you and your brother?


Title: [Georgia] School bus hit my parked car, taking off a good chunk of the front. The police didn't take sides because I was "illegally parked." What are my options?

Question:
Johns Creek. This morning, a school bus driver taking a turn in my cul-de-sac hit the front left of my car with its right rear wheel and took off my bumper and light (I don't know if there's engine damage. The car's just sitting outside still.) There were no kids on the bus. And I was in my house sleeping. Part of the reason is that there was also a giant trash truck in the cul-de-sac and the driver decided not to wait for the truck to leave before making a turn. The police officer scolded me for illegally parking too far from the curb and told the driver to be more careful next time...

No one got a ticket. The police officer isn't taking sides. Fulton County insurance dispatched someone to take pictures. My car is not fully covered by insurance, so since it wasn't my fault, they're not involved. What happens now? My car is just sitting outside where it was. The police report comes out in 3 days, and I'm worried that the driver is getting away scotch free and I'm going to have to pay for all the damages. What's the best that can happen? What's the worst that can happen? Is there anything I can do now?
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 You contact the school bus company and ask them to pay for your damages.

If they don't you can sue them in small claims court.Answer #2: Hitting a parked car is the fault of the moving driver. It may take a few days but they will fix your car. Whether or not the bus driver faces any discipline is a personnel issue that is not your concern.


Title: I created a fake tinder account with pics of a model for 6 hours or so.

Question: Very worried cause he has an insta story up saying that a lot of ppl have been complaining about fake dating app profiles. He said he would normally not do anything but ppl have been posting pics with his son. I haven't done so and I was wondering if I will get into legal trouble. The guy is in a different country. I didn't ask girls for anything but just talked to them

Answer: Why not stop being a creep and catfishing other people?


Title: Bought a house, do not believe that the listing accurately represents the state of "the basement." [North Carolina]

Question:
I just bought a house which, except for a few things, I am really happy with. To be clear, this house was purchased with an FHA loan which I understand has some very strict requirements about what the sellers are required to fix in order to sell.

The house was built in 1940 and has a basement which is part basement, part crawlspace. That is to say that the center of the basement is tall enough for you to walk and stand in, has brick walls, a cement floor and a sump pump. The circuit breaker panel is down here along with the water heater and heating unit. The rest of the area around the basement under the house is a crawlspace.

The listing of the house which you sign once you start the purchase process listed the basement as having leaks during excessive rain but that "the sump pump takes care of it." (this is a direct quote from the sellers)

I am fine with the leaks given 1. the age of the house, 2. that the walls are actually brick (not cinder block), and 3. that the sump pump actually does its job when water gets to the sump pump drain. As long as the sump pump does what it is supposed to, the leaks don't bother me mostly because I respect that a house this old with original brick construction in the basement is going to leak at some point. I respect the age of the house and have no expectation of the house being perfect.

The problem is that the cement floor is not properly graded and so there will be an inch or so of standing water before the water level is high enough to reach the sump pump.

**The question**:

Does an inch of standing water that I have to push towards the sump pump fall under "the sump pump takes care of it" or is it unreasonable to expect that there should be no standing water? Should I push on the sellers to fix this?

Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 Generally house purchases are "as-is" unless otherwise specified in the contract. In this case, the grading of the cement is something you could have spotted before you purchased the house, since it's visible even if possibly hard to notice.

You may have a better claim against your home inspector. Does their report say anything about the pump setup?


Title: Cops handcuffed, detain, took fingerprints, mouth swab and photographs without reading my rights after finding one of MY prescription pills in bottom of my purses

Question:
Greater Columbus area, Ohio

  Yesterday a ‘friend’ (more like someone I’m friendly with) we ran into had asked if myself and boyfriend could give her a ride home later day, we agreed trying to be nice and help her out. We went separate ways and about our days. Around 8pm we head to the shopping center she’s at. We go inside the store I see her at check out assuming she’s making a purchase and wave, calling to her that we’re here whenever she’s ready. I should mention before going any further, there was a marked police car in the parking lot when we arrived, I didn’t think much of it at the time. We finally go to leave what happens next is a complete shit show that I’m still trying to process. There’s 15-20 uniformed officers from two different departments, probably a dozen cop cars/SUV in the parking lot, from behind I hear “all of you! stop right there!!” from one of the several plain clothes officers that had evidently been inside. We’re told that this girl, the ‘friend’ is on video shoplifting from multiple stores in the shopping center, they searched her person and bags, they found a dozen or more Xanax.  At this point I’m beyond confused, pissed and trying to figure out how the hell i ended up in this situation. An officer informs my boyfriend and myself that a K9 had sniffed around his car and hit for narcotics while we were inside the store, mind you we couldn’t have been in there more than 15 minutes and the alleged dog was nowhere to be seen tho, only the K-9 unit patrol car. I’m pretty sure they were lying and using that as probable cause to search the car, even tho it wasn’t needed my boyfriend is on probation and can’t refuse a search anyways. At this point I’m not worried, we didn’t have anything or done anything illegal. The detective asks if I have any personal belongings in the car, I tell him yeah, my purse is on the passenger floorboard. They TORE the car, determined to find something, anything. My purse gets dumped and out falls a loose suboxon. I’m a recovering addict and have a prescription for them (save your judgement) I didn’t have my bottle tho.

  I’m beside myself, sobbing, trying to explain, as they cuff me, put me in the back of a patrol car and my boyfriend in an unmarked car that it’s mine, I have a prescription but I don’t always wanna carry the entire bottle around. I’ve never been in any kind of legal trouble, not even a parking ticket but these cops were acting like me and my boyfriend were part of some big drug ring/shoplifting conspiracy. Asking for names, if I know whose buying and selling in town, where they hang around, etc. They take us to a sub station that is literally less than a quarter mile from the scene, still keeping us separated. I have not been read the Miranda Warning, told I’m under arrest or being detained at this point nor did they ever read the MW, but eventually said I was being detained, I was finger printed, photographed and had a mouth swab done. They finally let us leave around 4.5 hours later telling me to come back in Tuesday when they get the lab results confirming that it was suboxon they found and “see what I have to say then” I literally don’t know jack shit about who’s doing what these days.

  Aside from getting a lawyer like yesterday, what should I do next? Do I go in Tuesday with or without a lawyer? What circumstances would allow them to collect dna, finger prints and photographs without being under arrest or read my rights? I’m furious with myself for letting this happen. I’ve been thinking about it a lot today and I’m starting to wonder if the girl who was shoplifting, is she is a confidential informant. She allegedly got charged with felony possession, no theft and is in jail but when you search jail record online no charges of any kind show up. If the cops thought someone was just shoplifting even from multiple stores, they wouldn’t of responded like that, 2 departments, plain clothes and uniformed officers, K9s, detectives being so close to a sub station would they? and does that change my situation at all if she is a CI?

Answer:
 The Miranda Warning bit is unnecessary. Unlike TV, the cops only need to Mirandize someone if they intend to do a custodial interrogation.

You need a lawyer ASAP. Do not go in on Tuesday without one.


Title: (MA/PA) I've become a target of online harassment/cyberbullying. I do not know these girls and are states away. Please help?

Question: The other night I woke up to an onslaught of harassment from a few girls that are in PA, while I'm in MA. I had written a "joke" on Twitter 3 years ago about Chinese food. The exact like is "waiting for Chinese food might as well be waiting for a heart transplant". Whether or not that's in insensitive joke isn't the matter, but I received threats of violence and a death threat for this. These girls stalked that tweet somehow, took it way too seriously/personally, and ganged up on a viscous attack against me. I blocked them, but one girl took to her friends accounts to continue to stalk and harrass me. I have filed a case on Twitter. I even emailed the principal of their school, but he could not help as the main aggressor turns out to not attend that school. However, he did advise me to call the police about this matter. I'm not sure what I can do. I'm only 20 and I have never in my life been targeted like this and been viscously attacked online before. I would like to defend myself. These are kids in highschool threatening my life over a 3 year old tweet and they are complete strangers to me. Please help :(

Answer:
 A viscous attack sounds like a sticky situation.

In MA cyber harassment can be a [crime](http://www.mass.gov/courts/case-legal-res/law-lib/laws-by-subj/about/harassment.html). It can't hurt to report death threats to your local police department along with the evidence you've collected. They may not do anything but it can establish a record if you decide to pursue civil action.

cyber harassment could also, potentially, give you a civil cause of action. If you have the names of these girls find a way to contact their parents and let them know what's happening. If the parents aren't inclined to discipline their little assholes hire an attorney to file a harassment law suit and sue the parents for negligent supervision or something similar.


Title: Lawyer Represented me Without permission. What's my recourse?

Question: My father's wife represented me without my permission against a student loan collector. I was not made aware of any hearings, signed no letter of representation and only found out about 4 months ago when i found out i have a judgement against me. Do i have any recourse?

Answer:
 Wait seriously?

Can you go to the court house and pull the documents that were filed?  Because lawyers file documents stating that they are the representative, quite specifically.  And that would be a hell of a disbarment case.

One question.  Was your father a co-signer on these loans?  Because if so, maybe she was representing him?Answer #2: Whoa! That's not good. Your recourse against the lawyer is to contact "Bar Counsel" in your state and file a complaint. You can sue the lawyer directly for any damages he caused you (malpractice / negligence). If you talk to a lawyer, she may be able find a way to get the judgment overturned-- but no promises. Answer #3: You and your Dad took out a student loan.  BOTH of you failed to pay said loan, which went to collections.  You are angry about having a judgement against you, but would that really have changed if a different lawyer ?  I am not being facetious, I really want to know.

I think you are really angry with Mrs. father's wife, and yes, she may have stepped out of bounds.  But is this anger more personal towards her, and also frustration with the judgement?  I mean, you don't deny you had the loan, or that it went to collections.

What is the outcome you are hoping for here?


Title: Bidder on Ebay didn't refund my friend and re- listed said item. What action should be take?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Did they already launch complaints/claims through eBay and (I assume) Paypal? Also let your friend know that when they see someone trying to sell a Bentley for $100 it’s either a scam or the seller is too dumb to make a proper eBay listing. Answer #2: Call eBay.


Title: Massachusetts Tenant - old landlord is threatening eviction proceedings if I don't remove some property from vacant apartment.

Question:
Massachusetts renter here.

I recently had to vacate long time apartment due to sale of the home. Had lived in apartment for 8 years, and was in a month to month agreement with landlord. Received 30 notice to vacate on July 6th, found new apartment and moved out on July 28th.

Prior to moving landlord made some comments about his eagerness to retain my security deposit, which came out of left field, as I've been a model tenant for the entirety of my time renting (rent paid in full/on time every WEEK for 8 years)

When I left the apartment I left 5 larger pieces of furniture (bed/frame , bureau, hutch, love seat, and computer desk) that I had no room and/or use for in my new apartment.

Landlord had previously reached out to me and told me he would be away from August 5th (date I needed to be out of apartment) until some time this week.

He called me yesterday to confirm that I was out of the apartment, I told him I was/had been since the 28th, and also explained about the larger pieces of furniture, and suggested that he used the security deposit to pay someone to remove them.

He had since called me multiple times (I have not answered) and left 2 aggressive messages, threatening to file eviction proceedings if I do not remove my property.

I am not living in the home from which he is threatening to evict, I have up to date rent receipt  for the past 8 years showing I do not owe him $$, and I believe I am well within my rights to leave the property and abandon my deposit. I have spent well over $3000 on moving expenses over the past month, and frankly cannot afford to spend several hundred dollars to dispose of my old property, especially without knowing whether I will recoup my security deposit or not.

Am I within my rights, or could I possibly lose an eviction case, despite not living in the property?

Answer:
 Eviction is a court ordered and enforced removal of a tenant from a property.  You moved out already.  There isn't a tenant to evict in this situation.  Besides, the first step in almost all eviction processes is to send a cure or quit notice.  You have already "quit" the premises, so that is a non-starter.

As far as your stuff, get it out of his house.  Not only is it a dick move to just leave it, but you would likely be able to donate it and get more of your deposit back.  Depending on your states laws on abandoned property, he may have requirements to store it for a certain amount of time before disposing of it, and he can always sue you for the storage and removal costs.  At the end of the day, it may well cost you more to push this off on him than if you just take care of it.  There are a lot of organizations that will come and pick things like this up for free if you donate it to them.


Title: Father died and wife (stepmother) attempted to have me sign document to give her administration of estate.

Question: My father passed, did not leave a will, and his wife wants me to sign her into power of administration but both she and her lawyer refuse to provide me with inventory of estate items or even give me a breakdown of how she plans to disperse the estate. Furthermore, she has already given away items (gave a vehicle in his name to her nephew). I am his only child and they resided in South Alabama at the time of his death. I have little money. What should I do?

Answer:
 Without a will, it follows state intestacy lines - - she can't play with that. Read NOLO https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/intestate-succession-alabama.html

The car she gave away could come from her end of what is inherited. The process has court oversight, so you aren't alone - - Let her be the Administrator, you will get paperwork covering everything done (unless you want to file and be Administrator).Answer #2: The inventory is something filed during the course of probate. It wouldn’t be done before an administrator is appointed.

If she doesn’t get appointed administrator, it isn’t her responsibility.

She shouldn’t be giving away property belonging to the estate.Answer #3: If it’s a sizable estate and she seems to be acting shady it’s time for you to get a lawyer to represent your interests. Contact the bar association for your state and ask for recommendations, go to a few consults (often free), and get one you are comfortable with.


Title: [San Diego, CA] Just moved out, received statement from Complex saying we won't get our deposit back.

Question:
A week and a half ago, my boyfriend and I moved from our individual apartments, into an apartment together. While I moved from a different landlord to this one, my boyfriend just moved to a larger unit in the same complex.

I had no problem getting my security deposit back. My boyfriend, however, received an itemized list of deductions from his deposit, leaving him with only $65 of the original $500.

Along with this, they sent a number of receipts for the deductions that strike me as specifically related to 'wear and tear' and part of the cost of doing business as a landlord, or at least, what this landlord would think of as the 'cost of doing business'.

Here's a link to pictures of all of the pages sent with names/addresses scrubbed out. (if i missed one let me know): http://imgur.com/a/iZbX2

I asked my boyfriend after he received this statement if he took pictures of the old apartment upon moving out, he said he didn't, which is on me for not reminding him, but when I was over there last (the morning of the day he moved out) there was no significant damage to the apartment save things performed by the complex themselves, which they noted in his file, and are not mentioned in these deductions.

Further, upon looking at the receipts they sent, the receipt for the paint and for the 'drip pans' are dated before he moved out, in March and April, while he moved out on June 6th.

The deductions were for cleaning, replacing the carpets, repainting the apartment, and replacing the 'drip pans' though i'm not sure if that is part of the painting, or some part of the apartment that needed to be replaced.

I guess my question is, are these things permissable deductions from a security deposit, or the 'cost of doing business' as a landlord? And if it's the latter, how would we go about contesting it?

It's not really about the money, but this is my boyfriend's first time moving without his mother hanging over his shoulder telling him what to do, and he's taking the deductions as a 'personal failure', so I am trying to find the best solution for him.

Answer:
 All of those items *can* be permissible deductions if they were in fact damaged during your boyfriend's tenancy to an extent greater than ordinary wear and tear.  His failure to take pictures burdens his ability to suggest otherwise.

Drip pans may refer to the metal pans under the burners on the stove.  If they were soiled, that would be an appropriate deduction.

>the receipt for the paint and for the 'drip pans' are dated before he moved out, in March and April, while he moved out on June 6th.

There would be nothing wrong with landlord maintaining an inventory of those items and using them when your boyfriend vacated his apartment.

I would note that the apartment charged him 40% of the value of the carpet, suggesting they were at least mindful of appropriate depreciation on the carpet.  That puts them ahead of many landlords.     Answer #2: >if he took pictures of the old apartment upon moving out, he said he didn't, which is on me for not reminding him

Kind of off topic, but you need to stop mothering him. Him not taking photos is ***on him*** for not taking photos. Not you for not reminding him, because he's an adult and you're not his mother.


Title: Can I violate Illinois driving curfew laws if I’m going to or from a place of worship?

Answer:
 (a-1) If the licensee is less than 18 years of age, unless one of the exceptions in subsection (a-2) apply, the license shall, as a matter of law, be invalid for the operation of any motor vehicle during the following times:

(A) Between 11:00 p.m. Friday and 6:00 a.m. Saturday;

(B) Between 11:00 p.m. Saturday and 6:00 a.m. on Sunday; and

(C) Between 10:00 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday, inclusive, and 6:00 a.m. on the following day.

(a-2) The driver's license of a person under the age of 18 shall not be invalid as described in subsection (a-1) of this Section if the licensee under the age of 18 was:

(1) accompanied by the licensee's parent or guardian or other person in custody or control of the minor;

(2) on an errand at the direction of the minor's parent or guardian, without any detour or stop;

(3) in a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel;

(4) going to or returning home from an employment activity, without any detour or stop;

(5) involved in an emergency;

(6) going to or returning home from, without any detour or stop, an official school, religious, or other recreational activity supervised by adults and sponsored by a government or governmental agency, a civic organization, or another similar entity that takes responsibility for the licensee, without any detour or stop;

(7) exercising First Amendment rights protected by the United States Constitution, such as the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, and the right of assembly; or

(8) married or had been married or is an emancipated minor under the Emancipation of Minors Act.

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1815&ChapterID=49


Title: Got pulled over in Oklahoma for not wearing a seatbelt. My truck is a registered farm truck. I also got a failure to yield because I pulled into a left hand turn lane to let the officer by since I didn't think I was getting pulled over. Is there any way that the charges stick?

Question: [OK]

Answer: Farm vehicles are exempt from the seatbelt laws in OK, however police are known to ticket drivers/passengers for not wearing their seatbelt if it's obvious the farm vehicle is not being used for "farm duties" when the incident occurred (e.g., using a farm truck to run personal errands about town).Answer #2: Were you using this farm truck in a way that it wasn't supposed to be?


Title: Help! Is this a scam?

Question: I think I’ve gotten myself into a scam. A guy on this dating app wanted to start a relationship, and after consideration, I agreed. Next thing I know he’s asking me to open a bank account so he can put his inheritance fund into it. I asked why he couldn’t open another bank account and he said that his SSN was being held or something like that. I’m super gullible and an empath and his story was captivating. But it seems like there’s some stuff that doesn’t make sense. Help please.

Answer: Yes this is a scam. Answer #2: Yes, that is a scam.


Title: (ID)Neighbor had me charged with disturbing the peace, without evidence and based on hearsay.

Question:
My Neighbor recently had me charged with disturbing the peace, without evidence and based on hearsay. I am hoping to have this dropped I can't believe I was even charged in the first place. The only reason I can even think is the officer and my neighbor are friends. This neighbor and her family have been a nuisance since I bought my house 10 years ago. Calling the police incessantly for my drums, regardless if I was actually playing them or not. They even called when I was out of state in Utah once. My girlfriend was at my house watching a movie on the couch (no surround sound or anything like that) she calls me up and says "Cops were just here said the neighbors said you were playing loud music again" They moved out and posted the house for sale. While it was listed 2 different families lived there over the course of about 2 years and there was never a problem. Well they didn't sell the house and now that the daughter moved back in they have started calling the police again only this time I was actually charged with disturbing the peace.

I have 2 letters from my surrounding neighbors who are both retired saying I am not a nuisance and there is never any loud noise coming from my home. The police report is sketchy at best it says she called the police the night I was allegedly being to noisy at 9:30 she seen the police (drive by). Nobody stopped or knocked on my door or tried to contact me? The next day she went into the police department to file a complaint? and I was served with a Misdemeanor citation slightly after.

I do have an attorney but my faith in him has all but fizzled out. His best defense is "You didn't see my client making any noise did you?" I don't think that is good enough and just might be better off defending myself. I have been to the 1st pre trial where my attorney asked for a jury trial.  I am currently awaiting a second pretrial.

My goal is to get this thing thrown out as it is just absurd and to seek restitution from my neighbor for my attorneys fees and whatever else I may be entitle to if anything. So far I am out a $1000 retainer.

I asked my attorney about seeking restitution in the event it is dropped but he said was that isn't his area of focus.

Answer:
 > His best defense is "You didn't see my client making any noise did you?"

That could be a very good defense.  The state has to prove you were the one making the alleged noise.  Without an eye witness it is hard for them to do that.  Since it doesn't even seem the police came to your house that night, the State may not have any witness that can put you in your house.Answer #2: > My Neighbor recently had me charged with disturbing the peace

Your neighbor can't "have you charged".  He can make a police report and ask for charges, but the officer or prosecutor has to file.

>  I don't think that is good enough and just might be better off defending myself.

That is very rarely true.  You should try finding a new attorney, if you feel this one doesn't meet your needs.

Much of your complaining indicates you *are* making noise, you just feel it's appropriate and they don't.  Reference, for instance, them complaining about your drums.  This makes your defense more difficult - but not impossible.

Letters from your neighbors are unlikely to be allowed.  First, in-person testimony is the preferred method, with rare exceptions.  Second, you're being charged with **specific** instances of disturbing the peace.  Testimony about a general demeanor or a lack of disturbance at **other** times is likely illegitimate.

> I asked my attorney about seeking restitution

You can try.  Unless you can prove that they flat-out made the whole thing up(which you admit they haven't) then you're unlikely to prevail.  And again, you're being charged with **specific incidents**.  Their prior conduct is effectively irrelevant.


Title: Officer made multiple mistakes on speeding ticket.

Question:
Wife got a speeding ticket where the following information was not correct:

\-Model of vehicle

\-Vin number

\-License plate

\-State where the vehicle was registered

\-Also, violation says speeding 1-10 mph over limit but at the bottom it says the speed was 80 and limit was 60 meaning that the violation was actually 20mph over.

Not sure if this matters but the complainant signature doesn't match with the officers name.

Wife also told me the officer didn't ask for registration or insurance, only DL.

&#x200B;

Can this ticket be dropped and if so how?

Answer:
 > Can this ticket be dropped and if so how?

Well, you have to go to court and fight it. But these are usually pretty simple.

your traffic lawyer: Officer, are you really sure it was my client speeding in a <make, model, license from the ticket> and that it wasn't the <make, model you own> in the other lane?

Officer: it was absolutely that car speeding, not the other car.

lawyer: I'd like to present the defendent auto registration for the other car.


Title: How to find relevant case law.

Question:
What is the easiest and cheapest way to find precedent for an upcoming small claims court case? Thanks in advance!

Edit: In California

Answer:
 Unless you are proceeding on some legal theory never heard in small claims (in which case you have a bigger problem), don't worry about making legal arguments there -- it's a waste of your very limited time.

Assuming you have a normal small claims case -- a low dollar tort, breach of contract, nonpayment of debt, landlord issue or whatever -- focus on presenting the facts and evidence you need to prove whatever it is you're proving, particularly your damages.  That is far more important.  The judge knows the law, or will do appropriate research before ruling.  The judge can research the law, but only you can present the necessary facts.


Title: I was staying in an Airbnb and the bedroom ceiling came crashing down. I had to leave my backpack in the room as well as my passport. All of my clothes were also left in the room

Question:
For context I am an American tourist in Germany. I’m currently looking for a hotel to stay at after the ceiling almost fell on my head.

Am I entitled to compensation? Is it safe to wear clothing that was left in the room or should I throw everything out?

Answer:
 Gather what you can and then immediately call Airbnb.  They should put you in another place. Take pics of the last place if you can. Good luck.Answer #2: Take pictures.

Contact AirBNB.

No need to throw out your stuff, just wash it before wearing.

If airBnb does not rehouse you, Germany has many nice cheap hostels, and you can get an international guest card if you are not a member. It isnt age restricted.Answer #3: You should get a full refund for your stay.

Compensation because something bad could have happened to you but didn't?

If you want to sue people for stupid reasons then I suggest sticking to your home country, it should be more profitable. You could almost say it's known for it ;)


Title: Austin, Texas Help with landlord requiring 2 months additional rent after lease ended and proceeding with an evicition of a property where we no longer live.

Question:
Hello,

My girlfriend and I rented an apartment for the term 10-16-2014 thru 10-15-2015 at $875/mo. Our lease requires that 60 days notice be given before vacating. On September 15th, 2015 we were contacted via email reminding us of this clause. At that time my girlfriend responded on our behalf that we were giving our notice effective immediately (dated 9-17-2015) in an email to our property manager. On October 14th, 2015 we moved our possessions into our new rental. Our intention was to pay the remaining months "penalty" while not residing at the apartment. On November 1, 2015 they billed us for a complete months rent, plus a 200 dollar fee for "month-to-month." The amount on our bill was shown as $925 plus the fee. Our lease makes no mention of the $50 dollar base increase or the "month-to-month" fee.

I was under the assumption that we would be paying a pro-rated amount for the month of November since our 60 day notice would have put our move-out on Nov. 16th. The lease specifies that we are responsible, however, for the entire month that the notice is effective. I have offered to pay this amount, and set up the return of our keys and perform a post rental walk through. They refused to take the payment, stating that we "abandoned" the property prior to our notification and that we now owe 60 days rent plus "month-to-month" fees. We scheduled a walk through and key return for Monday 11-9-2015. We were given a notice to vacate on 11-3 that lists midnight on 11-7 as the vacate date. Today I visited the property with the intention of photographing the condition and thoroughly cleaning the apartment and found the locks had been changed. I have called the number provided on the lease and got no response. There was no posted notice that the locks would be changed.

Reading thoroughly through our lease, there is a provision that states "If we require you to give us more than 30 days written notice to move-out before the end of the Lease Contract term, we will give you a written reminder not less than 5 nor more than 90 days before your deadline for giving us your written move-out notice. If we fail to provide you a reminder notice, 30 days written notice to move-out is required." Since they emailed us on 9-15 which is approx. 45 days before our lease expired, and not more than 60 as we are provided, does this mean that our 60 days notice more than covers the 30 days notice we are legally required to give? In that case 30 days would have been 10-17-2015, and we have already paid till the end of October as required in the notice clause.

How should I proceed? I have no problem paying what we owe, but I feel strongly that we shouldn't be being penalized an additional 60 days MORE rent on top of the 30 days extra we already owe. How do I prevent an eviction from being on my credit record, as they have threatened to report it as an eviction even with payment?

Answer:
 Texas attorney here.

Landlords seem to be almost unanimously shady as hell and intent on squeezing renters for every last dime.

If they do try an eviction make sure you show up to the JP court to present your side of what's going on. As for paying another two months rent (which will presumably be the much greater amount for month-to-month) fuck'em. Don't pay a dime. If you can hire a local attorney to send them a strongly worded letter, I'd suggest shopping for one in Williamson or Hays county as they'll probably be cheaper than an attorney in Travis county. Also, try here: https://law.utexas.edu/clinics/housing/

Really it comes down to them expecting you to just pay without contest. So don't. Make sure you demand you security deposit back, as the property code is pretty strict on the timelines that a landlord has to follow on that subject.


Title: I was involved in a hit and run on my motorcycle last weekend in San Francisco- I'm being told my vehicle is 'totaled' and conveniently the place is charging $700 to 'release' it to me, what can I do?

Question:
I haven't seen the bike, San Francisco is around 2 hours from me - I'm not buying the argument the bike is destroyed beyond the point of recovery, but either way as of today they're wanting $700 to release it to me-

The San Francisco Police Department took it and stored it without my knowledge or consent as I had a concussion upon the other driver. I'm not sure what to do- the fees are still racking up and I don't have the $700 to pay? Anybody know what I can do?

Answer:
 You need to pay ASAP and get it out.Answer #2: IANAL.  I don't think you are going to have much of a choice but to pay the $700.  It appears SF uses a company called AutoReturn to tow and store vehicles. Looking around their site, I found a PDF:

> How much can a towing company charge?
Rates for public tows and storage are generally established by an agreement between the law enforcement agency requesting the tow and the towing company (to confirm the approved rates, you may contact the law enforcement agency that initiated the tow; additionally, these rates are required to be posted at the storage facility).

Source: [http://www.autoreturn.com/app/uploads/2014/11/SF-CA_Towing_Fees_And_Access_Notice.pdf](http://www.autoreturn.com/app/uploads/2014/11/SF-CA_Towing_Fees_And_Access_Notice.pdf)

About AutoReturn: [http://www.autoreturn.com/san-francisco-ca/](http://www.autoreturn.com/san-francisco-ca/)

Of course, none of this applies if AutoReturn is not the storage company.


Title: a friend of mine is being held by her parents for extortion purposes and abused/gaslit into complying with their wishes, is there anything i can do as an outsider?

Question:
I only know this friend over the internet.  i do not know where she is being held exactly (no address), only the state and the approximate region in that state.

&#x200B;

backstory: my friend is ethnically indian, and left abusive parents when she was 18.  she did not have contact with them until the last couple of years, when they found out she became wealthy on her own and have been slowly manipulating her into letting her guard down in various ways, while verbally abusing her and gaslighting her (her marrying a white man and being otherwise sexually independent makes her a whore, periodically using psychedelic substances makes her an addict, etc), while also requesting she support them financially.  they got her to come home to the US (she was living overseas at the time) and they abused her and she left to go home to her husband in another country.  they got her to come home a second time by guilting her over substance use, and this time they took her ID and passports away so she couldn't leave.  (i know all this because she'd post about it on facebook.  before they trapped her a second time, she was clearly going through a lot of internal conflict not wanting to think her parents could be evil people and wanting to take them seriously even though their thinking was very warped and abusive.)  They live in a rural area so she is now very isolated.

&#x200B;

she's now trapped in their home, has been purposely misdiagnosed with schizophrenia by a complicit doctor (she has an rfid chip implanted for household device control in her previous residences, her parents claim she is hallucinating that, but won't let her be xrayed to confirm the chip's existence) and is being forced to take seroquel.  her parents also claim all her previous tech work (software development) was done by another unknown man who was sexually enslaving her; and that her refusing to stop doing drugs at their request means she is an addict, so they are also forcing her to go to NA meetings.  her documentation and ID is all hidden from her.  her mother beats her to the point of leaving marks and bruises, forces her to eat food to make her fat, verbally berates her, does not allow her privacy (she must even use the bathroom with the door open), her mother routinely intimately examines her by force "in case she is smuggling drugs in", and they have coerced her into handing them her financial information.  she tried calling the police at one point early on and the police sided with her parents (she is being held in a rural area). her parents are using the threat of a conservatorship over her, in addition to physical and emotional abuse, to force her to be compliant.  i convinced her to call her lawyer and her parents found out and beat her for 2 days after she did (but her lawyer did confirm that her parents are nuts and wouldn't be able to get a conservatorship over her and would probably not only be laughed out of court but also have to pay her legal fees).  she's posting on fb about what's happening to her (her parents put parental controls up but she can bypass them easily; her using the internet also means she has an "internet addiction") but its clear she's having an extremely hard time holding herself up against the narrative her parents are enforcing (plus even though most of her friends are trying to be supportive and tell her to get out of there, some of her friends are telling her to trust her parents and supporting their narrative, which is confusing for her).

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i am an internet rando who knows her through a group of mutual friends we hung out with a while ago.  i have a personal interest in this because i also escaped from an abusive home and i know how hard it is to get support from anyone in the situation where one's parents are being abusive to that extent.  i can't convince her to leave on her own so far and i believe her parents are abusing her so she is mentally beaten down to the point where she cannot stand up for herself, with the complicity of the local Narcotics Anonymous chapter and some local doctor.  is there anything i can do to help her or otherwise get authorities involved on her behalf?  i have purposely not asked her where she lives yet;  i have her name and a general area.  i'm unsure if this would be considered a federal matter, plus she did come of her own accord (although under duress) and of course if i just managed to find her location and send the cops over to her house it probably wouldn't work to get her out and her parents would just beat her more.  is there anything i can do as an individual, or any bodies of authority that would find this worth investigating?

Answer:
 This sounds VERY similar to a common scam, especially since you've never met this person. I understand your urge to try and help, but PLEASE please don't send any money their way. It would be best if you cut all contact. Answer #2: If she will give your her county, you can call the police for a well person check or even Adult Protective Services and report what she has told you and that she has requested medical treatment (x-ray) and her parents have refused her access to it.

If she will not provide that information, and she claims it is out of fear, please recognize u/anestezija's comment that it is a common scam, because it is.

Not all scams want money from people, some people are emotional junkies who thrive on attention. If she is a millionaire being held captive by her parents, why have they not gotten to her funds yet? Usually, the person being held hostage has their money locked down and will need something or other to unlock it, and that something will need money that will, of course, be repaid.

Maybe it never reaches that point and the person just really needs people to sympathize with their plight, and the attention is all she will ever ask of you. Maybe it is not any type of scam, at all, and she is in need of mental health services and/or substance abuse services.

Most importantly, though, is to not beat yourself up for being unable to help someone who will not give you the information you need to do so.


Title: Government wants to renew Road Right of Way (ROW) lease through our newly acquired property

Question:
Hello,

In July I purchased a property that I am in the process of turning into a hotel / resort. We have a road that goes through the town that leads to a lookout tower for the FAA further away on the property. Our road is the only way to get there.

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They want to renew this lease for basically a few hundred dollars per year.

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How is our grounds for negotiating this? Is there a type of lawyer that does these types of things? Other thoughts in this regard?

Answer:
 IANAL but work frequently with utility ROW.

You may want to find an attorney familiar with property law and seek a consultation.

Also, since you mentioned that you are near an FAA lookout tower, I’m assuming you could be close to an airport. When planning your project, get familiar the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 77. I doubt a hotel/resort building would get tall enough to violate regs, especially if you’re about 10,000 FT out from a runway, but you need to do your due-diligence.


Title: Question About Custody (FL) (NC)

Question:
Throwaway account. This may be a bit lengthy. My ex-wife and I separated in 2012.  The marriage was failing, she began sleeping with her "gym partner", it just went to shit. Anyway, we have two children together and never formally divorced. Custody was shared and I pay child support.

Last year she told me she was going to be moving out of state with the kids, possibly to NC or Virginia, because she has friends in both states and she wanted to get out of Florida. When we were together, we discussed and planned on eventually moving out of the state together, so this was nothing new. I wanted to leave myself; however, we split before that could happen. Anyway, around the time she told me she was leaving I started dating a girl and we got serious. The two events sort of coincided. She was quite obviously bitter and fought with me every chance she could.

Fast forward to March of this year, my ex reiterated to me again that she was going to be moving and went to scout around Virginia where a good friend of hers lived. Seeing that she was serious, I began making plans to move with my girlfriend. We decided on NC since it was relatively close to VA. We made the move. VA didn't work out for her (none of the places she applied to contacted her), and since I moved to NC, she decided that her making a move here would be like "she was following me and my girlfriend". Even though it was a potential location at first. She took nothing about the kids being near dad into account.

She began talking to a guy online who lives in Michigan and she went to hang with him a few times. He convinced her to consider moving there.  She was able to find work pretty easy and at the end of November she moved, leaving the kids in Florida with their grandparents. I pleaded with her to just bring them here and they can stay with me until she was ready to get them but she refused.  At first, she said it would only be a few weeks and she would be back to get them. Now, she is saying she can't get them until possibly mid January.

I indicated I would just drive down and get the kids and bring them up here, but she threatened legal action if I did, stating I would be kidnapping them. She said in no way was I to get them.

My questions are: a) WOULD this be kidnapping? If so HOW, being that they are my children? There are no court orders on custody as we never divorced. b) Is what she did considered abandonment? c) If I were to drive down there, could I be arrested or in any sort of legal trouble?

Thanks, folks.

Answer:
 As you are not divorced and there is no custody in place, she can legally take the kids anywhere she wants inside the US and you don’t have any recourse. Alternatively if you did follow or something she has no recourse to bar you from seeing them.

For the sake of your family, it would be best to get the divorce over with and get a concrete parenting plan in place.


Title: [CA] I have a conference with my boss and the Dept of Labor coming up soon to talk about overtime I'm owed. I've been threatened and retaliated against at work. What should I expect/what can I do?

Question:
Title is most of it. My employer found out through some dipshit lawyer who got the public details of the case and contacted them. My hours were cut and the other day my boss said that the conference "wouldn't end well for [me]" and that I should seriously consider not showing up.

What can I expect at the conference and when/how should I address the threats?

Answer: Keep showing up to work. Do your job to the best of your ability. Document any communication from management you can. If you're fired, go see an attorney ASAP. **Don't** quit or abandon your job no matter what.


Title: [NYC] Passed through a yellow light, got ticket by cops as running through a red. Stupidly din't contest on the spot.

Question:
153rdst and Riverside dr.
Saw it turn yellow a second before while driving at around 35mph and made sure I passed the intersection by looking up and it was still yellow, but could've become red while the back of the car was still passing the light.
Got stopped at the next intersection, two cops walked out and one came to my window and got told I ran a red light and was asked for license, then asked if I owned the car.
Stupidly didn't say I passed on yellow and he went back to car to write down the ticket.
It is my first offense but plan on going to court. ticket is not in the system yet.
I'm going to the intersection right now to time the light, I don't know where the police car was when they saw me (two officers).
What can I use as defense other than my testimony? Never been to court am in my early 20's, how does it work?
The ticket says I can incur bigger fines if I am proved to be guilty. I'm willing to take the chance hoping the cops won't show up.

Answer:
 Why in the world would you argue with the cop on site? That's not going to help. The time to argue is in court.

Now, that said, yellow means "if you can safely stop before entering the intersection, you must do so." Not "plow through and hope you're clear by the time it turns red." The judge will likely take the cop's word over yours.


Title: My EX-Wife called the police on me and I got arrested for assault/ domestic battery we live 3 states away from eachother! what do I do??!?!?!

Question:
So all this happend about 3 weeks ago (i'm on bail/bond). anyways I was at home watching tv/eating diner when all of a sudden police busted down my door guns drawn and arrested me for domestic battery/assault/threats of violence. I told them there was some sort of mistake as I'm single and live alone and that my ex wife lived 3 states over. I got put on some sort of psychiatric hold for the threats they said I made? (I didn't) now i'm on bail/bond.

i'm fairly certain my ex-wife fabricated all of this to get me arrested(her dads a high ranking police officer in the town i'm in) EX-Wife's dad arrested me. she lost custody of her children during divorce for DWI/drugs. She tried to kidnap them during supervised visitation. I had to get a restraining  order against her as she would not stop following me and are kid around town calling at odd hours she even tried picking up/kidnapping the kids from school one day.
I'm a gun store owner and from what I understand is I could lose my gun rights as been on a psychiatric hold and been arrested for DV(domestic violence) even thought we are 3 states apart. This could effect my future significantly. I think she knew this.
What do I do to make sure I dont lose my kids or gun rights. How can I make sure this doesn't happen again.

Any help is appreciated thanks. feel free to ask questions. I need all the help I can get.

Answer:
 You need a lawyer to represent you on the criminal charges. If you have reason to suspect it’s your ex father in law really abused his power in arresting you, you can report him. A sheriffs office can look into the city police or you can talk to your local city representatives. Your lawyer should be able to guide you through that process as well.Answer #2: > what do I do??!?!?!

Hire a criminal defense attorney and speak to NO ONE about any of this except your attorney. Especially not the police.Answer #3: Get a lawyer, three weeks ago.Answer #4: All the other comments are correct. Get a good criminal defense attorney. Someone with a solid background in criminal cases. Don’t speak to the police again until you have a lawyer!!
Also, compile all evidence you may have of conversations with her. Compile any texts or calls you’ve had. Any prior allegations and legal information you used in the divorce proceedings. Absolutely everything that proves your innocence.
When you talk to your attorney, be honest. Don’t lie about any wrongdoing on your part. Your post doesn’t suggest anything, but in case you are leaving things out, make sure you tell your lawyer.


Title: So I've been charged with battery but...

Question:
A while ago I was charged with battery and with a youth diversion program given 20 hours CS and 4 essays.

But I talked to a student at my school that said he did battery as well and gave a kid a concussion. Then he said he got 20 hours CS and 1 essay.

Please help I'm confused.

Answer: Punishments can be different.


Title: [NY] customer refuses to pay bill and is now telling all our patients that walk in we are refusing to serve him 'for no reason'

Question:
This is happening currently, in queens, NY. I work in a dental office. We have a patient that owes us $1400 for services rendered to him. He has already paid $400 previously of a $1800 total bill. He paid $400 over three visits initially, then completely stopped responding to all our calls attempting to contact him for further payment and to make sure the dental work fit his mouth correctly for six months. We did send him over to a dental lab for a fitting fix, and received word from the lab that they had been able to get through to him and he was happy with the fit.

He showed up again today, demanding to speak with the dentist. We told him as per our policy, 50% of the payment must be made upfront, and then he would be able to speak to the dentist. He became incredibly irate after that, began to record us without permission (we told him several times we did not consent to this), and is now camped out at the waiting room despite us telling him repeatedly that without payment, we cannot see him. If a patient walks in, he begins to tell them the story of the dentist refusing to see him 'for no reason', that 'he really screwed me over and i would NOT recommend him for you'. Although we've explained out payment policy to him many times, he is now saying he will NOT pay anything and plans to sue us for the $400.

He refuses to leave, and has been here for about an hour now. How should we proceed?

EDIT: we have called the police to report a trespasser, they are on their way. thank you all for the advice

Answer:
 Dog Law specialist here.

Call the police and report a trespasser. Whatever this person says or does, and this is extremely important: do NOT bite him.


Title: The apartment that my friends and I rented has another person living in it, the landlord cannot find another room that has five available suites, what should we do?

Question: So I moved into my university apartment today. I rented with 4 other people and all of us paid our deposits and such. When we moved in today, there was someone in my room. Turns out the girl lived here last year and she renewed her lease, but the contract was not documented in the computer, thus the double rent. She does not want to move anywhere else, despite the incentives, and we understand that she has rights not to, but the renter refuses to give us five another separate room (says that there are none available), except for the really dirty room on the bottom main floor. We asked for compensation, which the renter does not agree to, and we do not know what to do.

Answer:
 What does your lease say? It may have language that describes what happens if the landlord is unable to provide an alternative.

But it sounds like they may be able to provide an alternative. "The really dirty room on the bottom main floor" may be perfectly fine in terms of satisfying the lease.Answer #2: Location? Country/state.Answer #3: The way this plays out in the end is the landlord pays hotel fees for her or one of you until they find a room for the person.

Double dipping in rent is illegal pretty much everywhere & it's their responsibility that they signed contracts with more people than they are able to serve.

That said, I've had landlords in small towns who just shit on the law because they somehow got every law office in the city to cite a conflict of interest in working against them. One call from a friend's mom who's a divorce lawyer (eg not even a related field) was enough to get them to cut the BS though.

I guess my point is something like "A single phonecall from a lawyer or attorney may fix your entire situation"


Title: [PA] last weekend a friend of mine had a ID (possibly fake) confiscated at a bar. In a drunken stupor I grabbed it off the desk when I was leaving.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Sounds like you and your underage friends need to find new places to hang out.


Title: Need advice: What if ex-friend calls police to report me selling drugs? - USA

Question:
A long-time friend (who is/has been a drug dealer as well, and who has drugs in their house at any given time in small amounts of various substances) became unexpectedly aggressive and angry tonight towards me.

I do not expect them to contact the police or report this due to their own fear of the legal system, but I want to understand what can happen if this occurs.

Older text messages may indicate explicit information.  I have not since seen them (nor do I plan on doing so) but am concerned about what they may attempt out spite and want to explore possibilities of what may happen and find out what (if anything?) I should do to prepare in the event they do report and the police do follow up.

Specific questions I have:

- Would the police be able to obtain a search warrant on that information alone?

- What specifically would be required in order to obtain a search warrant?

- What other potential dangers (aside from informants and having house watched) may occur?

- What measures need to be taken immediately to get rid of or lower these dangers?

- How seriously should I be considering these options at this time?

Thank you for any advice

Answer:
 The burden of proof needed for a search warrant is "probable cause." In plain language, they need information that would lead a reasonable person to believe that there is evidence of a crime at the location.

If he reports you, the police can investigate. I will decline to detail the "how" of that investigation.

Legal advice: stop selling illegal drugs.


Title: Child Support Question

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Child support is owed for the benefit of the child, not for the mother. If there is a court order for child support then your BF needs to follow it, otherwise he will be in violation. He may be able to petition for another hearing.


Title: Forced shared internet at apartment

Question:
So, I recently moved into an apartment in Cleveland Ohio it’s a fairy large building with around 85+ units and I’ve been having some internet issues...

The internet is offered in one plan only through spectrum but I have to pay the apartment and get zero say in anything, this costs $75 a month.

I’ve noticed it’s a shared connection as there is only one WiFi which you then have to login to, and even the Ethernet port in the apartment appears to be on the same node and is also shared.

Speeds range from 10-50mb/s and has drastically lower speeds at peak times, sometimes even becoming unuseable, basically the kind of internet you would use at Starbucks for free, but worse and I pay 75 a month for it.

The big problem is there is no other option according to my lease they only use that one plan and I cannot get even my own private access from the same company.

In comparison I can get 1Gb/s internet through ATT in my same area for $80 a month.

I feel like I’m literally being scammed as I pay quite a decent amount for rent at this place (1500 for a 1 bedroom apartment) and I can’t even pay for better internet if I wanted to.

Any advice?

Answer:
 Did you try getting your own provider? What did they tell you?

It is illegal for a internet provider to have an exclusive contract with an apartment complex. See [Telecom contract ban](https://www.nmhc.org/uploadedFiles/Articles/Final_Legislation_and_Regulation/FCC%20Exclusive%20Telecom%20Contracts%20Ban.PDF)

File a complaint with the FCC. Answer #2: If you’re not required to pay it, don’t.

Get a mobile hotspot (they don’t require being plugged into Ethernet or lines) through your cell provider. You could also just get a cheap prepaid mobile phone, put data on it and use it’s mobile hotspot.Answer #3: Is this fee listed in your lease?  If so you agreed to pay it for the duration of your lease.  Something to consider when lease renewal time comes up and you have the option to move without breaking the lease.


Title: I reported a violent crime over a year ago. Do you think my case will go to trial? Will I have to testify 3 times against each suspect, or all 3 suspects at the same time?

Question:
I know nobody can answer this for me right now. I’m just curious what your first thought is.

Yesterday, the investigator called me and said something they found was a “game changer” and the state’s attorney “really likes my case.”

He talked me through what it would be like if they press charges and asked if I’m 100% okay with testifying.

Do you personally think this means my case is most likely going to trial? Would you ask a witness/victim this question if you weren’t nearly certain the state would move forward with their case?

Also if there are multiple suspects being charged with a crime, will I be expected to testify 3 separate times? Or will their cases be handled at the same time?

Answer:
 >Do you personally think this means my case is most likely going to trial?

Maybe. Perhaps there will be a plea bargain offered.

>Would you ask a witness/victim this question if you weren’t nearly certain the state would move forward with their case?

Depends on what other evidence they have.

>Also if there are multiple suspects being charged with a crime, will I be expected to testify 3 separate times? Or will their cases be handled at the same time?

That really depends on how the case is handled, like you mention. If it's one case, then you will be asked to testify for that one case.Answer #2: > Do you personally think this means my case is most likely going to trial?

No.  The vast majority of cases are settled via plea bargain.  Even if the investigator's enthusiasm is misplaced, odds are the cases will be plead out.

> Would you ask a witness/victim this question if you weren’t nearly certain the state would move forward with their case?

I'd ask that question prior to moving forward with a case.  But it wouldn't be the determining factor, and I'd likely ask it multiple times as the case progresses.

> will I be expected to testify 3 separate times? Or will their cases be handled at the same time?

Depends on how the case is handled.  Could be three times or zero.  Impossible to guess accurately.


Title: Is it legal to though checkpoints with a flyer, DL, insurance and registration hanging out of a closed window in Florida?

Question:
Is there a law in Florida that requires you to roll your window down at checkpoints if you already have your information available? Please give the statute that says either way.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 You’ve been listening to sovereign citizens haven’t you?

Yes it’s a lawful order for a police officer to ask you to roll down your window.Answer #2: You have to follow lawful orders, so most likely this won't fly when the police tell you to roll down your windows.


Title: May be under investigation for soliciting a minor; may be victim of a spoofing prank. Help.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Read the sidebar.

Though I gotta give you extra (negative) credit for calling the cops and reporting yourself for committing a crime. Jesus, dude. Don't ever do that again.Answer #2: It's all a common scam.  The police don't call you to tell you that you are under investigation.  There was no girl.  You sent a picture of your dick to some guy in Nigeria.  Stop talking with guys who are pretending to be girls.


Title: TIFU by speeding 40km over without insurance and registration in Alberta, Canada.

Question:
I know I was complete idiot for going forty km over with no insurance. (I thought I had 14 days to get insured and registered) But I'm 17 and just bought the car was a bit stressed so I decided to feel the car out, take my mind off things and just cruise to nearby town. It was the middle of nowhere with no cars around, so it was as safe as going 140 km/h could be. And the next thing I know, an officer was pulling me over.

The reason for posting is I need some advice on how I can convince the judge to be lenient and maybe give me some community service instead of paying the fines. Because the 600 dollar impounding fee, 300 to get insured left me with a grand total of 15.06 remaining. And I've gotten "let go" from my job since I had to miss a day for going to the nearby town to get my car back, and haven't been performing well since then due to the stress of the situation, and I was a pretty depressed guy to begin with.

So currently I got this 2875 no insurance fine, 300 ish no registration and 300 ish for speeding. No job, 15 bucks in my bank. And no clue what to do with this, or in life... The only thing in my favour is that I am seventeen and Canada has got this Youth criminal justice act to let judges be more lenient to youth and focus on reparation (thankfully i only burned some rubber and didn't run anyone over) and rehabilitation and stuff.

If anyone's got experience with this or just advice in general, I'd be very glad to hear it.

Also: does anyone know if community service is to volunteer at organizations of my choice or the "community's"?

Answer: Tell your parents. Time to get a job. You'll be working this mistake off for a long time.


Title: As a W-2 employee at a job that tips, is it wage theft to not get paid for hours im there even if im not actively "working"? Meaning waiting around for something to do? MA

Question: Black car company doesnt pay us anynore unless we are driving someone. Effectively turning it into Uber yet we are not independent contractors and the boss has total oversight

Answer: If you are required to be available to pick up a passenger, then you're on the clock and should be paid for that time.  Depending on your pay structure, as in whether you're paid by trip or by mile, your total weekly pay must be equal to or greater than minimum wage for the number of hours you worked.


Title: I'm Canadian, and my boyfriend is American. How can I get him to legally move-in/live with me in Canada without marriage?

Question: I'm Canadian, and live next to the border of the USA, and my boyfriend of 3 years is American and lives next to the boarder on the USA side (this is how we were able to match on Tinder). We are in a serious and commited relationship. Before COVID we would see each other every weekend. We have discussed and know that we want to get married, but we don't want to make that step until we've lived with each other for a while first. This is where my request for advice comes in. Is there anyone familiar with Canadian or USA immigration that can guide me in the right direction, or someone who has been in a similar situation? Thank you in advanced!

Answer:
 Canada doesn’t have a fiancé visa like the US does. Even the American fiancé visa requires marriage within 90 days which doesn’t sound like what you are hoping to achieve.

There is no boyfriend/girlfriend visa in Canada. Absent marriage, his only options would be a work visa or a student visa. He would get no special consideration based on your relationship unless you get married first. Intending to relocate permanently on a visitor visa would be visa fraud.


Title: (NY) I think I may have poached a client

Question:
2 weeks ago I gave my resignation and my last day was on Friday. I quit to start my own company after my ex-employer missed payroll and I saw other signs that the company was going under.

During this 2 week period a "client" called me up and ask what was new and I explained my current situation and my plans. (The "client" is not actually a client. We never bill them for services. They just recommend a company to provide services for their clients and always stipulates that their client are free to use whomever they want for the service. )

When I spoke to this "client" I told them that I could still handle the event for them if they liked. They said they know me and trust me and as long as I can deliver the same service (which I could) they have no problem recommending my new company.

My ex-employer just found out and he is, obviously, upset. My question is if I am in any legal trouble here. Considering that the "client" tells their clients they can use whomever they like and have no obligation to work with me.

Also, I did not sign any non-compete or any other document prohibiting me from soliciting clients.

Answer: If no non-compete, and you can fulfill your duties to your client, then your ex-employer can acquire a 20-ton hydraulic press and a dump truck full of sand and pound on it all the live long day.


Title: Can someone from New York State file a restraining order against someone from Pennsylvania?

Answer: Yes


Title: [Canada] What happens if, during a civil trial for medical negligence, the plaintiff proves that a doctor purposely withheld care and test results in hopes that the patient would die/no one would know about the test results?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: FYI, every time someone asks about medical malpractice on here, the response is generally "MedMal is extremely fact specific and beyond the scope if this sub. Get a lawyer and listen to what they say to do."