Title: Crazy series of events leaves me 99% certain my company is planning to fire me / lay me off. Do I have any legal recourse?

Question:
**EDIT: I'm in California, USA**

Hi everyone,

It seems to be an open secret at this point that my company, Cisco, is preparing for another round of layoffs, possibly a huge round (10,000+ jobs cut globally) going by the rumors swirling. Here are some points that I think are relevant to my basic question:

* Cisco, like many companies, has an annual review process, with grades ranging from "utter shit" at the bottom to "why aren't you CEO already?!" at the top. Of particular importance are the two "middle" grades, "needs improvement" and "strong." Traditionally, anyone ranking below "needs improvement" was likely to be fired at any time, while someone being ranked as "needs improvement" had at least a shot at staying on if they got their act together, unless another round of layoffs happened
* Your rating for your yearly review, in addition to being an important part of avoiding layoffs, is also a huge influence on how much money you receive in the annual cash bonus. The difference between a "needs improvement" and a "strong" rating can be thousands of dollars in bonus money
* Driven by weird rumors I was hearing, I contacted HR and they confirmed that *this* year, they have silently split the "strong" rating into two (secret) categories - "high strong" and "low strong - bottom 15%". This change is not noted anywhere in the employee-facing documentation about how our reviews work
* I had a bumpy start to my fiscal year due to a variety of personal reasons (death in my family) and professional reasons (rapid manager turnover). However, with the guidance and support of my manager, I re-focused on my work, improved my standing on my team, and met or exceeded every goal I was given for the year
* My manager submitted his final review of me with a solid "strong" rating, and only later discovered that *his* manager had, without feedback from my manager, bumped my final rating down from "strong" to "needs improvement." My manager immediately protested this change, including opening a case with the internal ethics team late last week. My manager also advised me to *not* "formally acknowledge" any version of my review that doesn't end with a "Strong" rating, since as far as he's concerned, my performance equals a "strong" (and not "needs improvement" or "strong - bottom 15%")
* I opened an HR case of my own and requested an investigation into the tampering my review seems to have gotten from my management chain, and their official guidance was to pursue this matter with the same managers trying to reduce my grade!
* After I left work today with all this on my mind, my manager called my personal phone to inform me that he'd just been fired, and that I'm now on my own with fighting this bullshit review process

TL;DR My manager gave me a good review, which was then tampered with by upper management immediately before my manager was fired today. I'm freaking out - my annual bonus will be severely reduced and I'm almost certain to be laid off if the reduced review is made permanent, and HR appears to be stonewalling. Do I have any legal options?
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 >I'm in no way trying to be over-dramatic or make undue comparisons, but it feels sort of similar to the horror stories you hear of people in the military being assaulted, and then being "advised" to request help from the same superiors who assaulted them

...and yet you kind of just did.  You compared rape to a performance review, which pretty much destroyed any sympathy I might have had for you.

Absent a contract or union agreement, your employer can fire you for nearly any reason, or reason.  You have no legal claim here.


Title: Doctor didn't remove first IUD, put a second on top

Question:
 In early 2017, I visited my oBGYN in Washington, DC in order to have my 10 yr Paraguard IUD removed and replaced with a new Liletta IUD. I was talked into this after requesting to be steralized. I am not interested in having children and at the time, our insurance was not great and would not cover a vasectomy for my partner.

The doctor talked me out of sterilization citing personal beliefs and instead recommended the IUD. She would remove the old one and she would place the new one. The procedure took place and I remember it was the most painful procedure I had ever had. I cried the whole way home because the pain made me forced to bend over, but they told me I would adjust and this was normal for the first few days.

They took me to have an ultrasound to verify that they had placed the new device in my uterus correctly and removed the old one. They confirmed it had been placed correctly. Because the new Liletta IUD was a 3 year IUD, it needs to be removed before the 3 years are up so that I cannot become pregnant. During this period I relocated to Colorado in the Denver area. I recently scheduled to become sterilized this year in October and my new doctor agreed to remove the IUD while I was in surgery. A win-win because I am scared of the pain I'd had initially, though until now I didn't realize that wasn't normal.

Two weeks ago I began experiencing pelvic pain, lower back pain, headaches, bleeding and cramping. The pain got gradually worse each day since that day. I couldn't have sex, I couldn't exercise and I could barely get from a sitting to standing position. The pain was unbearable - I nearly went to the ER but I didn't want to deal with the bills. I called to schedule an appointment and spoke to a nurse on September 5 days in and she recommended I take a pregnancy test. i took three and they were all negative.

I went to my appointment last Friday and had an ultrasound. The nurse recommended she remove the IUD because she thought something might be wrong with it. It should not be causing pain. I agreed to the removal and she proceeded. During the procedure, the nurse was shocked (she actually exclaimed "oh shit!" when she pulled out the original Paraguard IUD that had never been removed by the previous doctor in addition to the second Liletta IUD that she placed on top of it. (There was a nurse in the room when the original doctor placed the new IUD on top of the old one so definitely a second opinion if needed. Neither caught it.)

When the nurse tried to remove the IUD last week, a piece of the original Paraguard IUD broke off and is now inside my uterus floating around. I had to have a second ultrasound to locate it. It is still in my body. The nurse recommended that they remove the IUD piece during surgery but that if it causes me pain in the meantime, I should go to the emergency room.

I believe that the original doctor was negligent in her practice and either forgot to remove the original IUD or could not find it. She did not confirm that it was missing with imaging or scans so she placed a second one on top of it, putting me at risk. I am also being treated for an infection because during the procedure, both IUDs that had been removed showed signs of a uterine infection. I've not been able to find a lot of documentation on patients who have had the misfortune of having two IUDs at the same time due to error, in addition to having a 13 year old IUD in their system at the same time. I requested copies of my records from the original doctor who I believe made a mistake and have confirmed they will send them in the next 30 days, but they don't know why I want them yet.

My husband wants me to obtain a medical malpractice attorney. I'm not sure I have a strong enough case. My new doctor can't believe this negligence and called to check on me over the weekend. I guess, what do you guys think?
Topic:
Medicine and Malpractice

Answer:
 I'm a lawyer, but not your lawyer. This isn't legal advice.

Most medical malpractice attorneys will do a free consult and take cases on contingency (if you win, they get a percentage). So it won't cost you anything to ask. You will likely need a DC attorney, so you should look for a few and set up consultations.

You should ask about the IUD placement as malpractice, but also the refusal to sterilize you. Medical professionals are usually protected by conscience laws when refusing to provide reproductive care, but it's worth a look.


Title: If a congressperson ignores me and other constituents and I am asked for a meeting and they deny me can I sue them for not giving me the right to petition congress?

Answer: No.  You have no individual right to speak to a member of Congress.


Title: Isn't "am I being detained?" actually a pretty smart thing to say to a cop if a cop wants to search you as a passenger in a car?

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 Usually people say “Am I free to leave?” but sure, “Am I being detained?” is ok too. It just sounds overly “semantic” and is associated with sovereign citizens, but it’s not inappropriate to ask.

edit: refusing to get out of the car is illegal though


Title: Potential future rapist?

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 Maybe don’t get drunk with him anymore?

If someone assaults you, you contact the police. You don’t beat him up, regardless of what race you all are.


Title: A pharmacy tech told their family about a prescription I’m on. What should I do?

Question: My ex is a pharmacy technician at a local CVS. I recently got prescribed a medication that has a bit of a stigma attached to it. (A medication to help with opioid addiction) She wasn’t the one who filled the prescription, but she often told me how she would look up people she knew on their system and would be able to see what they’re prescribed. I found out that she told her mother (among other people I’m sure) that I was prescribed this medication and it has caused me personal and work related issues because the information was spread to members of my work and family. (Small town)  no real damages have occurred,yet, but there is potential for them to arise. what should I do?

Answer:
 Medical provider here. I'm only allowed to discuss patient data where's there's a reason that's for the betterment of the patient or our organization, simply put. And in the latter case, there's really no need to mention your name or personally identifiable information it's just about discussing the case and doing quality improvement and teaching.

If you can't explain to someone rather clearly why you're discussing a patient's info it's a good indicator that you probably shouldn't.Answer #2: Definitely file a HIPAA complaint, don’t let this slide. It sounds like she regularly does this — she has no respect for patient privacy.Answer #3: I dont know how she got away with looking at other people's scripts for so long, but she is done for if you send in a HIPAA complaint. That is a huge no-no for anyone with medical record access, she will lose her job and possibly face big fines or jail time.Answer #4: Quick question, NAL, but did you at all tell your ex about your prescription outside the context of the health setting, or did your ex at all have access to your meds while you were at home? If so, may not be a HIPAA violation. But if she looked it up on your profile to tell her mom... yea thats a violation.Answer #5: I believe CVS uses Epic part of their software. It may be just as part of their minute clinics though so check. Epic can run a report and show exactly who was in your record and when. You are entitled to that information...use it and, like others have said, file a complaint.


Title: For legal advice go to a lawyer not an advice columnist

Answer: I really appreciate the work that that advice columnist put into getting a solid answer for the writer. Holy wow that's a rough situation to be in.


Title: [usa] Is it legal to date a teenager?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > I'm writing a book it's like Lolita but also different.

> And it's just for a book.

Oh really? Because [your last post said this](https://np.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/4amffr/is_it_legal_to_date_a_teenager_as_an_adult/):

> She is about half **my** age.

Emphasis mine.

Regardless, the answer is maybe. If there's no sex, that's good but you're still treading a fine line and her parents could likely make your life hell.

> Is she allowed by law to sleep over?

You're creepy.


Title: Can my boss force me to quit?

Question:
I work at a small hair salon in Chicago, less than 7 employees, where I have endured several forms of harassment over the past 5 years. A few years ago, my boss fat shamed me in front of a few coworkers. When I stood up for myself and informed her that it was considered harrassment/bullying, she basically mocked me. My coworkers also stood up for me and eventually it stopped.
Earlier this year she got into a big argument with everyone at the salon, in which she threatened our job security. I panicked and took down some of my clients' information, which she confronted me about. During that conversation she threatened to sue me because all client information is confidential. After talking to the other owner and clearing the air, I deleted said information and apologized. Since then, she has made a joke of my personal life since I don't have kids.
Last Friday, she asked me to pack my makeup and bring it home since I am not promoting the service. I quietly grabbed a box and packed my makeup, as I was putting it in my locker, she walked down with the other owner and loudly told him she had told me to take it home. Later he approached it with printouts of the amount of makeup services I had done over the years, I simply said it wasnt necessary because I was already aware of it and I didn't argue when I was asked to pack my makeup. My coworkers asked me why I packed my makeup, and I explained that my boss asked me to take it home since I'm not promoting the service. Later that night, she asked the rest of the employees to stay for an announcement where all she said was that I enjoy taking part in gossip and complaining, and that I'm rude. I was pretty mad by that and said I was leaving for the night. Since I had seen that they were writing down the number of days called off and requested off, after I left I checked my schedule online and backtracked to the beginning of the year and counted all my off days.
The next day, the other owner began going off on me about how I was unprofessional and disrespectful on Friday night, and that if I'm that unhappy there I should just leave. Some other words were said, and I began to get a panic attack and while struggling to breath i said i couldn't talk about that now; he continued until I blurted out that I was having a panic attack. He responded by brushing it off and leaving the room.
Today, we had a meeting with all the employees where she mentioned the copied client information, and claimed that I checked my schedule Friday night to copy client names in order to steal their information. I was completely thrown off by this and explained that I had witnessed my other boss counting requested days off and called off, and I was trying to confirm if he was counting my days. She insisted that I was lying and began asking my coworkers what they suggested she did because i had "proven" that I wasnt trustworthy and unprofessional. At this point, my coworkers all expressed feeling uncomfortable from being put in this situation and that she was publicly shaming me and they felt this was a conversation that should've been between she and I. She then dismissed everyone expect me and the other owner, and began accusing me of stealing client information on Friday. Eventually my client had gotten there, and I started getting very anxious and began having bad tremors and began crying. They said I had to take the client or pack my things. Since I knew I couldn't pull myself together in 5 minutes, I said I was leaving for the day. At this point, they began saying of I didnt take the client I couldn't come back, but I was leaving out of my own freewill and they werent firing me. Eventually my other boss realized I wasn't going to be able to pull myself together, and rescheduled the client. He came back to me and again said that if I wasnt taking clients today, I was leaving out of my own freewill. After an hour of saying I couldn't stay the rest of the day but would be back tomorrow, they let me go home.
I'm planning on leaving the salon when I find a new job, but am wondering if theres anything I can do about this. I would hate for someone else to endure what I did.

Answer: They can't force you to quit. They can fire you for taking client information and refusing to work on clients.


Title: If somebody were to attach guns to a privately owned airplane, climbed into it and shot down a commercial airliner as an act of terrrorism, where would they be tried?

Answer:
 Under the _Paris Convention on the Regulation of Aerial Navigation_ and ensuing international accords, aircraft in international airspace operate under the laws of the country where they are registered, much like ships.

If both planes are registered in the same country, or if the attacking plane is unregistered but originated in the same country as the airliner, then it would be handled by that country's legal system.

If the planes are from different countries, then the attacking plane's country of registration (or origin) would be expected to deal with it. If they choose to allow the attack, the country of registration for the airliner might well treat it as an act of war, or at least as a major diplomatic incident.


Title: Man (30's, NY) solicited naked pictures and harasses my cousin (15, California) when she refuses, police say they can't do anything.

Question:
Hi LA, sorry if any of this comes across as unclear or disjointed, I suffer from APD which makes communication a little hard, I'll do my best to state facts.

My cousin a few months back began talking with a man in New York. From what I understand this began as a Facebook Friendship that enchanted my cousin, as she was suffering from bullying at school (as well as other mental health issues I won't get into here).

Soon he began to solicit naked pictures from her, and sent her money (which obviously shocked my family). I am unclear if she did send him pictures, but I fear her self-esteem was low enough that she did and she just doesn't want to admit it.

When she told him she was uncomfortable with this arrangement and didn't want to talk with him too anymore (probably due to the entire family lecturing her about talking with older men once we discovered), he contacted all her schoolmates online and instructed them how to harass her various ways, telling them personal facts about herself she had confided in him. She attends a smaller school, so nearly every student was informed, and a great many began to bully her even more severely.

She told the school about the situation and a police officer came to talk with us. He told us because the man is in another state there's nothing they can do, but that my cousin should cease all contact with the man. Obviously this has taken place, but the man is still contacting my cousin's classmates.

Is there anything we can do? I'm not sure, but I believe my cousin has his address, if so, can we contact the authorities in NY?

I honestly don't know what to do, but I figured I'd ask the experts if there was any hope for the situation. (I know many would suggest changing schools, but she unfortunately is attending a special school that helps her with her issues, if we put back into a normal high school she is almost definitely going to flunk out.)

Answer: It's across state borders meaning it's a federal crime now. Get in contact with the FBI. I would think soliciting child pornography is a federal crime.


Title: Legality of animal traps [FL]

Question:
This type of trap in particular:

http://i.imgur.com/tT4EHwD.jpg

Our cat got caught in one of those.  She's lost two toes for sure, and the vet is waiting until tomorrow to examine her for further damage.  Our cat had been missing for two weeks so we don't know where the trap was originally or even how long ago it had been set (it's definitely rusty).  We mostly want to know if this is something we ought to tell the police about.  The vet tech said these traps were technically considered humane, as opposed to the types of traps with teeth, but we'd welcome a second opinion.

[Obligatory cat pic.](http://i.imgur.com/cF5fCjp.jpg)  She's the one on the right.

Answer: Cat tax paid. Please await your legal advice to be dispensed.


Title: [CA] Parking by fire hydrant. $162!

Question:
I got a ticket for, as stated on the ticket, parking 6ft from a hydrant. I've looked into this a bit myself, you cannot park within [15 feet](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/vctop/vc/d11/c9/22514) of a hydrant, which I think is measured along the curb, so they got me there. My issue is that the hydrant is on a corner and is very easily accessible, is there anything about hydrant accessibility that I can argue? Also the curb is not marked in any way, I don't know if that 's of any consequence.

[Pictures](http://imgur.com/a/GFro5)

Answer: It's a strict liability offense.  Actually obstructing access is not required -- just the presence of your car within the zone of exclusion.


Title: (Georgia, US) Can insurance company convert my vehicle title into a "salvage title" while Im in the process of disputing their claim that it's a 'total loss'? (Xpost r/legal)

Question:
Edit: I currently have full possession of both the vehicle and the title.

(Georgia, US) A young lady ran into the rear end corner of my parked bus. Her insurance wants to declare it a total loss even though my vehicle is in excellent running condition and has only cosmetic damage. It also has only 36k miles and they compared it to vehicles with 120k-250k+ miles. The repair estimate is $2,200 and comparable vehicles sell for in between $10k and $20k, depending on the condition.

For obvious reasons, I dispute their valuation, and let them know it verbally and in writing.

My question is; can they turn my 'clean title' into a 'salvage title' before an independent appraiser comes and looks at the vehicle due to my objection of their valuation?

Topic:
Insurance

Answer: Something isn't right. HUGE difference in mileage in yours and comps and $10k difference in price of comparable vehicles? They want to total out a vehicle you say is worth between $10-$20k (again that's a huge difference on a vehicle in that price range and just because someone is asking $X doesn't mean they'll get it or anything close to it. It's just their asking price), on a $2200 repair. What are they valuing your vehicle at? Btw  cosmetic damage CAN total a car out. Recently had an Infinity G35 that was totaled due to scrapes down one side only


Title: [MI] My friends and I ran for precinct delegate as write-in candidates and received the votes to win, but we were told that our county doesn't actually tally up the write-in votes

Question:
\[MI\] So the title pretty much sums up the situation, but I'll go more into detail. My boyfriend and I live in the same precinct, 3 slots available for Democratic precinct delegate with no one running on the ballot. My friend ran in a different precinct with 4 slots available and 2 candidates on the ballot. All 3 of us filed a notice to run as a write-in at the Board of Elections.

While I was able to look up online at election results, I saw there were 11 votes for precinct delegate write-ins in my precinct, and in my friend's precinct there were 7. Doing the math and knowing my boyfriend and I got at least 3 votes each, even if 1 or more other people ran in my precinct my boyfriend and I must have won at least 2 of the 3 slots. We didn't hear anything or get anything in the mail, so I tried calling the Board of Elections and after getting transferred a few times to no one who knew the answer, someone at Campaign Finance was supposed to ask her Assistant Director but I never heard back.

My friend did her own calling and tried calling Lansing as well, I'm not sure who she got in touch with but essentially the person said that's why they encourage people to get on the ballot because otherwise the write-in votes are usually not counted. My friend asked if it was someone's job to do this and the person said yes, but it's typically not done. The machine was able to count write-in votes (which is how I could find the numbers online), however when it comes to the actual tallying of who got the votes as a write-in, that part doesn't really happen.

They said we needed to get a hold of the Democratic chair of the party in our area and if we wished to file a complaint to do so at the Board of Elections.

I feel like this is absurd and a form of disenfranchisement. This can't be legal, can it? I plan on filing a complaint with the Board of Elections as well as contacting the Democratic Chair--are there any other steps I should take or any advice on how to navigate this situation?

Answer:
 Does the board of elections even oversee Delegate elections? Answer #2: Looks like Michigan only counts write in votes if they are registered write ins. Unless one of the candidates dies or is disqualified.

>Write-in votes will be counted only if that person has filed a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate as required by law.

http://www.lwvmi.org/voting/FAQ/writeInCandidates.html


Title: Got a citation for unlawful possession of marijuana while visiting New York City. The court date assigned to me is on September 16th, but I am no longer in NYC & cannot afford to return to it. What can I do?

Question:
I'm from San Francisco and a few weeks ago in August was visiting some friends (all from California as well) who were staying in NYC for the summer so we met up and got in a spot of trouble. We were caught filling our one-hitters (tiny pipes) with weed in the street. Didn't have more than a gram on us. The police caught us and all four of us received these little pink citations for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. The cops said that we should go to the courthouse Monday morning and the consequence would likely be an ACD as none of us have any past offenses and are young students and whatnot. Basically, we'd just get something like a $50 fine and if we don't get into any trouble in the next 6 months, we'd be fine and it'd be off our records as if it never happened.

We thought this would be fine, but we failed to notice that the cops wrote on our pink sheets that our court date was for September. When we went to the courthouse, they told us they could not change the date, and that it could only be served on the specified day in September, but we could maybe write them a letter and request a postponement or something. This doesn't really benefit us that much, because none of us can really afford to come back to NYC anyway. So we're wondering what our options are. Can we have a lawyer represent us because we'll be out of state and can't really afford to fly back to NYC for the trial? Can we sort this out by mail? Would we need lawyers for this or would we want to just show up and request an ACD? Do we all need to show up or can just one of us represent all of us? None of us have very much experience with the law whatsoever, and while the cops led us to believe that this would be a relatively simple trial, we want to ensure the most desirable outcome for us (an ACD, we think).

Any comments or clarifications would be greatly appreciated, as we're pretty lost with what to do and would like some guidance if possible.

EDIT: Some specific details that seem important

- We were in violation of New York penal law 221.05 - Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

- The marijuana was not burning and it was less than a gram.

- There was no unlawful search and seizure, we cooperated with the officers, but also there was no evidence of intent to sell.

So what do you think, reddit? Will we need a lawyer? Could s/he represent more than one of us, or would we each need our own lawyer? How much would a lawyer probably cost for this type of thing?

Answer:
 You should probably get a lawyer, since you live across the country. They will tell you the next steps.

In the meantime, contact the court to ask for a continuance of the hearing. Explain that you live in CA & are in the process of obtaining local counsel. Answer #2: Call the court and ask if it's okay to have a lawyer appear in your stead. If it is, hire a lawyer and have them appear for you.


Title: How is it possible that people get convicted of paying hookers for sex? How is "I was just giving her money for her time" not a 99.9% full proof defense? (California)

Question:
I was watching the show "cathouse" about prostitution in Nevada where the profession is highly regulated and legal.

It got me thinking, how do people get convicted of paying for sex?  If you meet somebody from an online ad, and you give her money as a donation, or to pay her cable bill, or just because you are a nice guy, and she happens to blow you because she felt like it, how could you get convicted?  Seems like generally people get convicted because they specifically state this money I am giving you is for this sexual act to be performed.

Lawyers, how easy/hard is it to defend somebody who gets charged with this?

Answer:
 Lady Justice might be blind, but she isn't mentally deficient.Answer #2: Yes!
Your Honor. My client simply has an established habit of visiting hotel rooms. No law about that right.

And, Your Honor! The fact that there are women who meet him at those rooms to initiate sex with him is just a series of  rare, but plausible, outcomes. An Act of, and I respectively grant that His grace fall onto this court, God you might say.

Due to the very circumstantial nature of the evidence and the established history I have provided of my client's visiting of these hotels, I demand that these charges be stricken!


Title: EMT hit me in the ambulance because I'm an IV drug user.

Question:
Right now I'm in the hospital for infection throughout my entire body in my blood and my heart. I went to the hospital via ambulance and I was in so much pain I asked the EMTs if they could "knock me out".
One of them decided to put his hands on me and hit me in the temple on camera I'm guessing since I was inside the ambulance at the time being rushed to the emergency room for sepsis among other things. Immediately the other EMTs made him ride up front and made him apologize to me once I was inside the hospital. They tried to tell me it was because he's frustrated that they couldn't do enough to help people in my area with the problems that I have (New Orleans has a high rate of IV drug use). I feel as though the apology was forced and not truly felt, and I don't really think an apology is sufficient in this case. That man does not belong in the healthcare industry. What should I do guys? (I'm not normally a litigious person, however I believe litigation may be the only recourse here. What does Reddit think?)

Answer: If you were actually assaulted and suffered injury as a result of the assault then you could contact an attorney to determine whether it is worth bringing a case against the company that employed the EMT.


Title: Landlord asked us to move out 2 months early for new tenants then reneged

Question:
Kind of a weird situation, but our landlord offered us the opportunity to end our 12 month lease 2 months early because they had tenants who wanted to sign and move in on June 1st.

Myself and my 3 other roommates had graduated college and were enthusiastic about the opportunity to save 2 months rent over the course of the summer.

The landlord initially told us we would have to be moved out by the 29th of May and we asked to have until the 30th. We got all moved out and cleaned up the house very well by the 27th (trying to get our damage deposit back--good luck right?). On the 27th we had them come do a walk through of the house to make sure everything was good to go. Later that day they e-mailed us saying that the new tenants decided not to sign a lease and move in and that we would still be responsible for the rent.

I know its a longshot as one of their emails stated it would be contingent on the new tenants signing a lease, but is there any way that we would be off the hook for rent after taking the time to move out? Also its a big rental company that owns many properties and in general are pretty scummy with quite a few bad reports to the BBB.

Thanks for the help :)

*Edit-Idaho

Answer: You definitely have an arguable case. If your landlord makes a promise and you take steps in reliance on that promise then that promise is binding. This is called promissory estoppel. In this case your landlord promised that you could move out without paying rent but reneged, which is really similar to a famous case in the UK about promissory estoppel called the [High Trees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_London_Property_Trust_Ltd_v_High_Trees_House_Ltd) case. I don't know where you're from so I would look into legal advice, but based on my knowledge you have a decent argument.Answer #2: INAL - Did they sign anything on the day of the walk through to say everything was sweet, or that they had undertaken an end-of-lease walk through?


Title: (FL) terminated for taking afternoon and next day off that were approved. Now employer is stating different reason for termination

Question:
I worked at a software company in Jacksonville Florida. Very relaxed environment. Company had "unlimited" pto and ability to work from home. I was on a personal improvement plan for being late to work. Our time off policy was to check with team and if ok we could take off. I asked my teams if I could leave early for my son's birthday. I was told no problem. The next day was a team event and was told I could miss it to travel with my family.

When I returned they said I took an inexcusable absence and that violated my pip and let me go. They then denied unemployment because I was fired with cause. I was fine with all of this and just decided to move on. I found new employment and was fine.

I recently spoke to another former employee and they informed me that everyone was told I was fired for smoking pot at my desk. I never would have done that. I was a senior rep and was even promoted while on my pip.

My question now is since it's a very small industry and several people have moved to other companies what recourse do I have for defamation. If these people end up working at my new company or a potential employer and they decide to not hire me or fire me due to incorrect termination information and just generally speaking ruining my reputation in the small tech industry. Also how can they discuss my termination with employees.

Answer:
 If you have evidence they have specifically lied to other employers, accusing you of smoking marijuana at your desk, speak to an attorney.

Otherwise, nothing you've said is actionable if you were an at will employee. File for unemployment.


Title: Previously used fake ID to purchase alcohol at stores in hometown, recently turned of age. How can I shield myself from criminal liability?

Question:
This is in New Mexico.

The title pretty much sums it up. I obtained a fake ID a few years ago and used it in my smallish hometown probably on the order of two or three dozen times to purchase alcohol at various locations.

I have not used the fake to purchase alcohol in many months (definitely less than a year I'd say, however), in anticipation of hitting the legal drinking age.

My questions:

What laws might I be guilty of, and what kind of statutes of limitations am I looking at in terms of being prosecution-proof? How best can I limit any kind of criminal liability for these actions?

Should I just avoid purchasing alcohol altogether until any SOLs have expired?

(I realize the odds of a clerk remembering my birthday from many moons ago is miniscule, but better safe than sorry.)

Thank you.

Answer:
 Destroy the fake ID and if the cops want to talk refuse to answer any questions. If this really really bothers you, buy alcohol in another town.Answer #2: I'll admit, I don't know what the clerks at liquor stores around you are like.

But, around here, even if they DO remember, they'll probably think to themselves 'If I turn him in, there's a good chance I'll get a ding on my liquor license for having sold to a minor.'Answer #3: Trust me, you're fine.  There isn't a liquor store in the world who is going to think "Hey, I just realized we've been selling booze to a minor!  I should contact the police and report him!"  The liquor store is going to get in more trouble than you will.  Not to mention, in the unlikely event that they do contact the cops:

Cop:  Hey, this liquor store clerk says you had a fake ID and bought booze.

You:  I refuse to answer questions.

End of inquiry.Answer #4: Did you get caught?  If not- don't worry about it?  What are they gonna do - and who cares?  Especially now that you have a legit ID, nothing that can be done.


Title: Normal Massage

Question:
Context: Male 20, Spa with dim lights, Airconditioner, they provided me with extremely loose shorts (which is probably the norm in spas), Sports massage

I went in to a massage place/ spa and booked a sports massage. I left my underwear on and didn’t use the extremely loose shorts they provided me. Instead, I used my usual shorts (w garter). They also provided a robe.

The massage therapist (G) asked me why I didn’t use the loose shorts they provided. I said it was too loose. Anyway, the massage started with my back then she pulled down my shorts to slightly to where it was probably before my ass crack and massaged my upper glutes.

Is this normal? I know people will say they massage therapists should ask before exposing areas especially if I left my underwear on. And that would be nice, since I know have mini-PTSD from this and confusion about what really happened. But, given the context: sports massage including at least upper glutes, providing me with extremely loose shorts and robe, dim lights and airconditioned, do you think what she “fine?”

Answer: The way you're choosing to use the term PTSD is incredibly offensive to diagnosed survivors. Nothing is amiss here.


Title: Friend sent a nude video to a fake account and account threatening to post for money

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Posted where?  Flag the video and notify the website of underage inappropriate material, and it will get taken down quickly.


Title: Lead paint everywhere

Question:
I'm in New Orleans, LA.

Last week my next door neighbors had a contractor remove the siding off their house. Now our houses are really close together (I can lean over my fence and touch their house) so the workmen were dumping the old siding into my yard.
I picked up one of the paint chips and tested it (since their house is ~100 years old). It's lead paint. At this point they'd done 2 sides of that house. I informed the contractors, tested some in front of them and they didn't stop - they even started dry sanding knowing there was lead paint present.
There is lead paint chips and dust all over my kids outdoor toys, in their sandbox and all over the place they play, even on my porch and car. The work men swept it up but there are still chips everywhere with move to come since they have the front still to do. I talked to the neighbors (they have little kids too) but they don't care.

Now in the course of this I decided to test the outside of my house (I rent). The whole outside of my house is nothing but dusty cracked lead paint. Had my kids tested and they both have a lead level around 22. My landlord (who is very scummy) never told me this house had lead paint (when we moved in she had just finished renovating it too) and there wasn't one of those disclosure forms in my lease.

I need to move like yesterday but I have very little money. I feel like my landlord should be coughing up something for the expense of me having to move and the contractor should be coughing up something for me to replace all my kids toys.
Advice? What do I do? I really don't have the cash for an attorney.

**Update: Woke up to them power washing the peeling paint off the eaves of the house. Called the EPA and sent them all my videos and pictures. Suddenly all the work stopped over there. So hopefully until I can GTFO of the this house there won't be new lead dust floating around.**

Answer:
 You can contact the local building department and explain what is happening and ask them to make the contractor clean up the lead they have released. Then you should consider contacting an attorney who does personal injury work re lead exposure. This sort of attorney is going to work on contingency so don't let money stop you at this point. Answer #2: In 2010, the EPA's fairly strict regulations for removing lead paint (the RRP rule) became effective.

You can read about it here: [RRP](http://www2.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program-rules).

Based on your description, it seems fairly obvious that the contractors are ignoring the rule (which requires masking, etc.).

I would contact both the EPA and your municipal building inspector to report this.Answer #3: Lead paint is everywhere, if you live in or near old buildings there will be lead.

You should have been given a disclosure form and EPA pamphlet http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/healthy_homes/enforcement/disclosure but odds are your new place will have lead too if you move into another old building, NOLA is an old city.

When you say 22 do you mean 22mcg/dl if so that is quite serious you should look to move to new construction, the old CDC level for considering someone exposed to lead was 10mcg and now they use 5mcg


Title: hit by a car. im fine, but what do i do next?

Question: A few days ago, I was hit by a car while crossing at a crosswalk. In the report, it is stated that the crossing lights were on, and also that the driver was on his cell phone, under the influence of alcohol and speeding. While he denies all of this in his statement, multiple witnesses and the police themselves state these things, which I assume means I'm safe in that regard. Not sure where to go from here? Do i contact the driver personally? I assume they're liable for my medical bills at least, but anything more? tryna pay my tuition here EDIT: Sorry! I'm in California.

Answer:
 They're liable for any realized and verifiable expenses you incurred.

Medical bills? You betcha!

Missed work because you couldn't walk? Oh yeah!

Saw a therapist because your deeply rooted emotional trauma (cause by the event) was interfering with your day to day life? Probably!

Phone got run over when he hit you? Definitely.

That's it though. If it's not a bill or a clearly related loss of income, it's not ever going to be granted to you by a court.


Title: Boss didnt pay me???

Question: Hey i work at mcdonalds and i biked to work today to get my check and when i asked for it he grabbed all the envelopes and looked for mine but couldnt find it, they said they had lost it, idk what that means but they said theyll call me when they have it, i really need that check and also work later today, can i not show to the shift? What can i say to my manager? Im 16 and this is my first job but ive worked here for 4 months now so sorry idk much but direct deposit is not an option at mcdonalds

Answer:
 Just wait for the call.  They have to pay you, but if they lost your check then they'll have to print out another one.

Not showing up for work will get you fired.


Title: If ever ordered out of a vehicle....

Question:
It's my understanding that if pulled over, one does not have the right to stay inside their vehicle if ordered to get out. I have seen people say, "They [law enforcement] still don't have the right to search your vehicle. Roll up the window, take the key, and lock the car behind you."

It's also my understanding that, "an unlocked door is an open door," meaning if the door is unlocked police can legally open it without issue.

What's the truth and legality behind all of this?

I can't imagine an officer being okay with one saying, "I'll get out, just give me a second to roll up my window!"

Answer:
 > It's also my understanding that, "an unlocked door is an open door," meaning if the door is unlocked police can legally open it without issue.

That's not accurate.  In order to enter a space, the officer must have proper legal cause.  It can be because that space is public, or they were invited, or they have search authority, or lots of other reasons.

No, the cop doesn't have to let you roll up your window.  More, there's no point.  If he has authority to search, he'll use it regardless of your window being up.  If he doesn't, the window isn't stopping him.

Follow instructions on-scene and if there's a problem, fight it later.


Title: Fired - Can I Collect Unemployment? [IN]

Question:
Question: Do I have a chance to gain full unemployment?

I was recently fired from my job for poor performance (in Indiana).

A week before the firing, I was told they were unhappy with my performance and offered me 2-3 months for me to find a new job or improve. I informed them that I appreciate it and would not be offended if they looked for another applicant while I continued to work for them. We all knew I was unhappy because I wasn't able to succeed in the role, even given the extra work I put in and time spent. (I was told months before this (2 months before, of the 8 I held the position) that I needed to improve. I did, and was even emailed saying that I had since brought my "A Game" and everything is good.)

The following week--last--I was abruptly let go and offered a part-time position at the company instead. I of course took this role, as I need a job, but now I want to know of my eligibility for full unemployment benefits instead.

I have not received anything in writing about being fired (no cause or reason) or of this new role and what is required of me. Nothing in writing as to pay, hours, or job responsibilities, etc. Only verbal. I start part time next monday, the 17th, and was asked to finish out this week as a full-time employee.

I do know that my employer was not happy with my performance, but it was my understanding that others in the same role as I were having issues with performance as well. Until the week before I was fired, I did not know that I would be fired (although I often joked about it to close co-workers).

Answer: The only way you can really find out is to just apply. It seems like not though because you're still employed. I've been dealing with the whole process in NH so I don't know any specifics for you, but you really just need to apply and see what they say. Just so you know, its a giant headache and you might not see money for a while. I applied in early January and still haven't received any payments for various reasons. I will, but honestly I might be employed by then.


Title: Can I be charged if the cops found mushroom spores in my fridge?

Question:
About a month the cops came to my house with a search warrant (apparently I was selling marijuana) they found a scale some baggies and bud. There were also about 4 syringes with mushroom spores in them.
I was not charged for it , only for "intent to sell" but I got told if they send the spores to the lab I could be charge for them as well.

Answer:
 As far as I know, psilocybe cubensis *spores* are not *explicitly* illegal most everywhere in the USA, since they contain 0 psilocybin.  Actual psilocybe cubensis mushrooms are generally what's explicitly illegal, but the legality of the spores is a gray area currently, as some jurisdictions have laws regarding the *manufacture* of illegal drugs, and your syringes of spores may fit into that definition.

Once the testing comes back, you'll know definitively, and if you're charged, you'll want to retain a criminal defense attorney.


Title: Sexting with underage girl in Norway

Question:
 Hello, so there's this girl I met on a math forum and she's super cute and just turned 16. I'm turning 18 in two days. The conversations usually pretty tame, but sometimes I say lewdish things like "yeah I'm hungry, I could go for some of your fresh buns" or "I'm gonna grab a handful of that ass when we meet".

 I might also ask for nudes and get them. Is this illegal? I'm in San Francisco. Who exactly would come after me? The family if they have a problem with it?

 Thanks.

Answer: Not only is it illegal, but incredibly creepy in how you’re texting her. Having possession of it in America could get you in a lot of trouble. Either her parents could contact the authorities or anyone else that knows you have them.


Title: [North Dakota]

Question: Last night I overdosed on a non scheduled drug (4-ACO-DMT) and had heart palpitations. I called an ambulance and was taken to the hospital. The officer charged me with consumption. Can I legally be charged for this?

Answer: I'm confused; What do you think good Samaritan laws have to do with your situation?


Title: The vet killed my lizard (NSFW)

Question:
I am in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and i took my baby bearded dragon to the vet today for a swollen hand, he just started his first shed and i felt that had something to do with it. The vet said some skin was constricting his wrist and they would remove it and they took him into the back room. When they brought him in he was bloodied and doing nothing but breathing, but they said he was very tired and needed to recover and i thought he was in the good hands of professionals. He didn't make it another 6 hours. They tore off all the slightly loose skin they could find, literally ripping off his back: (warning) http://imgur.com/wUuBX76,wJDhOJc,uPuB1Gn,cZ1jVEm
I didn't sign any waivers or anything just had to pay them $200 to tear my lizard apart. Am i entitled to compensation at the very least? Is there anything i can do to prevent this from happening to a poor animal at that clinic ever again?
Topic:
Medicine and Malpractice

Answer:
 I'm a vet, but I don't usually do reptiles, so can't really comment on the medical aspects of this. We have a couple herpetology people over in /r/askvet, so you might want to cross-post there. In any case, take your dead lizard to a reptile specialist, ask them for their opinion and have them write a report if they think this is your other vet's fault, then go from there.

Keep in mind that bearded dragons aren't exactly worth a whole lot of money, so chances are you are not going to get rich from this.Answer #2: IANAL but wouldn't it be reasonable to check with another vet to see if the procedure they did is somehow standard or not? Maybe if there are issues with shedding, it's standard to just tear off all of the shedding skin while you're at it. Maybe it was too early in the shedding process to do so. Maybe the death was unrelated, and while it looks bad (skin torn etc) it actually wasn't as bad as you thought?

I imagine a lawyer would need to know more about the case in order to give you proper advice. I understand you have to be very upset, I know what it's like to lose a pet, but we can't really be completely sure they did anything wrong.Answer #3: I can't help you because I know nothing of Canadian law, but why were they ripping skin off his back when the wrist skins was the problem?  Also, sorry about your pet.  I had a bearded dragon once.  All I remember about them was that is was cool watching them eat crickets, and their shit is the worst smelling stuff on earth.Answer #4: Please remove the name and website of the vet you're having a dispute with.


Title: Landlord trying to collect rent when there was no lease

Question: I had a very rocky situation with my landlord last year. Basically he let me live on the property without a lease (which I did not wish to do, I thought I was under a signed lease for 6 months) and one of the rooms in the apartment was unlivable. I have moved out and there never was a signed lease, we just struck a deal. The last month's rent has not been paid and I'm wondering if there is any course of legal action he can take against me since he is threatening me with that if he doesn't get the rent soo . This is in PA by the way. Thanks in advance

Answer:
 Without a lease you're a month to month tenant. You have to give proper notice as such. It looks like that isn't actually stipulated in PA, though 30 days is common.

If you didn't give proper notice he can try to pursue you for rent.Answer #2: You were likely a month-to-month tenant. If you didn't give proper notice as to you leaving, you're likely responsible for another month's rent.


Title: Tested positive for THC after car accident (Tx)

Question:
So yesterday on Thanksgiving I was driving southbound to my wife's family's house from work. There were two box trucks waiting to turn left. I was driving on the lane alongside them when a van appeared ahead of me and came into my lane. It was a older couple with kids in the back. I could not leave the car the check on them. Emergency services picked me up before I made a statement for a police report. Was helicoptered to San Antonio to see a neurologist. Before my discharge a San Antonio social worker came by to offer counseling, I had tested positive for THC. I had cannabis in my glove box (for when I got to our family's) but I had not used it since the night before around 11:30p. Blood was drawn from me immediately after entering my local  hospital (around 2pm). They did not notify me of a presence of THC.

My question is is there anything I can to help my case? I was not impaired and I firmly believe I was not at fault.

Answer:
 > to help my case

What case? You haven't indicated what you've been cited for / charged with.

Regardless, from the rest of your story ("van appeared ahead of me"), it looks like you'd be considered at fault if you rear-ended someone.

More details, followed by "Contact your insurance" as the case may be.


Title: I'm overdue for the draft. I signed up but way late. What should I do?

Question:
So let me explain. I turned 18 in the middle of the summer and didn't vote this year. I'm going to college out of state and that among other things lead me not to vote. Anyway, I never realized I wasn't signed up for the selective services until about four days ago. I signed up online right away. This all happened when I was at my mom's house. Now, a few days ago the selective service sent a letter to my dad's house telling me to register. He didn't tell me about it until today. Today is the deadline they wanted me to send mail back. I registered online within the time frame, but didn't send in the letter. How do I avoid getting in any trouble or what do I do to make sure I am okay?

Edit: I'm in Colorado. This is the first piece of mail they sent me.

Answer: Don't worry, you're fine.Answer #2: This is the obligatory "we do not have a draft" post. You are required to register with the selective service - which it sounds like you have done.


Title: I am not being paid for a small assistant job I work on the side. What to do? [MA]

Question: I took on a small assistant job on the side. The guy told me $300 per month and that the job would include sending letters on my own time. The job turned out to be nothing like he said and he made me pay for things upfront. It has been almost 3 months now and I have been paid about $80. He told me I could cash one of the checks that I was supposed to send out, which I did, and it never went through. He also only wants to pay me $400, even tho I deserve at least $520 for 2 months, if not more, since it's been longer. I incurred debit card debt because I needed money that I thought I was going to get from the check. Now he is not replying to any of my emails. What can I do?

Answer:
 This "job" sounds like a classic internet scam. Have you ever met this guy in person or has all of your interaction with him been on-line?Answer #2: This is a scam.

Stop working for free. Don't try to take/cash ANY of the "checks" you are sending out as they are fraudulent. This person is making you do all the work and setting you up as the fall person for scams they are running on other people. Stop doing it.


Title: (NYC-Brooklyn) I'm living in a house that isn't legally mine - have questions

Question:
I'm married to my wife. Her aunt bought us a house. We've been living in it since April. The title is in her aunt's name.

Our marriage has broken down to where the aunt is putting pressure on me to move out citing she owns the house and she wants me out.

1. Can she legally force me to leave if I'm unwilling?
1a. Can she call the police and have them forcibly remove me from the house?
1b. Or does she need to go to court to remove me?
2. If I leave the house willingly say to go to work and I come back home and the locks have been changed do I have legal authority to break the lock and enter the house or call the police and gain access to the house?

Any other advice that you think would help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Answer:
 You are a tenant. She has to give you appropriate notice to vacate, then proceed to court if you don't do so. This will probably make it harder for you to continue to rent in NYC

Do not break the lock. Call the non-emergency line and have the police deal with the illegal eviction. If they say it's a civil matter, escalate, but you may ultimately need to bring the issue to housing court.


Title: Can anyone just pull your credit report?

Question:
A company was going door to door knocking, trying to book appointments for hurricane impact windows in my neighborhood.

My wife, just by happenstance, requested her credit report today and we saw that company made an inquiry.

Can any company just pull it like that? How would they have been able to when all they had is public info on her? No ssn or even birthdate.

Answer: I would think this violates the FCRA.  There are definitely limited reasons in which your report can be pulled.


Title: Sold my car now he has buyers remorse

Question:
I sold my car a week ago to a guy I met on Craig list in California. A week after he calls me saying that the car has a blown head gasket. He assumes that it will not pass smog which means he cannot register the car. He is claiming that it is the buyers responsibility to ensure that the car will pass smog. I did have the car smoged last year.

Is it my responsibility to fix the car? We both signed a bill of sale.

Answer: Based on [this](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/vr/smogfaq) it looks like you need to provide a smog certificate that was issued within 90 days of the sale.


Title: [TX] My girlfriend just got pulled over and had a warrant out for her arrest that she did not know about

Question:
My girlfriend had a crazy roommate that confessed her love to her and when not reciprocated, sought to start stealing her things. Her roommate stole car keys, prescription meds, clothes, jewelry, etc. Also managed to hack onto her cloud and see my girlfriend's personal information for weeks.
My girlfriend finally went to the police and made reports for invasion of privacy and theft. Well, apparently her roommate went to the police and tried to claim that my girlfriend stole things from her. Two months pass without calls from the police, and my girlfriend gets pulled over for speeding. The officer told her that she had a warrant out for theft and began to arrest her. Turns out, her birthday on the warrant was off a few days so they let her go and told her to just turn herself in and pay bail because they are correcting the warrant in the next few days.
We both have no idea what to do now. How can a warrant even be issued if she has never stolen anything from her roommate? Should we be hiring a lawyer? Can she be arrested if she has not been formally served the warrant?
It has turned into a he said/she said with the police station, and I guess that they sided with her roommate, but I am unaware of how they could have possibly issued a warrant without any evidence of theft.

Answer: Don't talk to the police. Get an attorney, and yes, public defenders are good choices if she qualifies.


Title: New York City: Landlord is not heating apt. from 10pm-8am

Question:
For three months. We live above the landlords. They control the house's ancient heating system. They provided us with one space heater that barely brings one room of the entire apartment to a comfortable temperature.

I woke up this morning, the space heater had broken, it was 12 degrees outside, and I am sick.

There are other things too:
- We don;t have our own mailbox
- lack of reasonable expectations of privacy (random social text messages, they leave their door open se we have to walk through their foyer every time we leave and enter the apartment building - they are there every single time and always talk to us about something)
- They chain smoke cigarettes in their bedroom and the smoke comes directly up to ours while we sleep. It's disgusting.

From my research they are breaking the law by not heating our apt. and not giving us a mailbox,

We are starting to suspect the apt is even properly zoned.

We don't even want them to fix the problems at this point. We are massively uncomfortable living there

my question is: How can I break this lease? We are six months in, $2/400.Month

Any advice appreciated!!!!!!

Thank you,

Answer:
 if it's an illegal apartment you don't have to pay rent (though you'll also have to move out).

311 can get an inspector out there. he'll file citations against LL for all problems. but if he sees that it's just an illegal apt, he might notify DOB and the Fire Marshall and then you'll be thrown out.

you can also request an inspection directly from HPD (311 will send the same kind of inspector). Answer #2: 311 is your friend. Answer #3: Certainly you can always call 311.

IANAL, but if the apartment is being illegally rented, then the lease probably would not hold up in court. You cannot enforce a contract based on illegal activity. But make completely sure that it is an illegal rental before pursuing this, or you could wind up really screwing yourself.


Title: Ran a red light

Question:
Hey guys,

I just ran a red light because i wasn’t able to slow down in time, it was by a photo radar camera. What are my options?

I live in AZ, incident happened in Phoenix.

Answer: Why couldn't you slow down in time?


Title: Should I [29M] return my roommate's [30F] gun even though I question her current state of mind? USA TX

Question:
When I moved in she and her husband asked me to keep both their guns in my safe in my room. However, recently they separated and fight a lot. Yesterday, out of nowhere she asked for her gun back which took me by surprise bc she never asked for it in the past year and a half.

I asked if she was okay and she said she was not BUT would never do anything reckless with it. I talked to her husband and he said they got in a fight that day.

I don't think I can legally keep her gun from her. I want to ask her if I can just keep hold of it a little longer, maybe as a favor. I plan on moving out next month so I could return it to her then.

Maybe I'm just paranoid but what can I do to protect myself? Will I be liable for any thing reckless? I can stay at my parents house for a few days but Idk if I can keep her gun from her if she demands it back.

Answer:
 If you'd like to avoid the risk of a criminal record, yes. Whether you have a good reason to be concerned or not, if you keep her firearms without her permission, you're at risk of felony charges.

If you think she's unsafe with a gun and can articulate why, return them, then talk to the police.


Title: [US] Living in a non-permanent structure inside a permanent one?

Question:
I've been sniffing around the possibility of a plan to set up a housing situation and I want to know if it might be viable. I'm sure I'm missing something on the legal side but I'm not sure exactly what.

If you were to build a permanent structure, say a metal building [akin to this](http://www.popeconstruction.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/metal-building-erection_1.jpg), and then put a  building inside that (a yurt or a home on wheels) that was legally considered non-permanent could you actually do this without hitting any code problems?

Answer: If both buildings aren't approved for human occupancy in a location zoned for residential use, yes, you could run into all sorts of code problems.


Title: [MA] I can't end my nearly 3 year long stint of probation because I was laid off in August and can no longer afford to keep up with the costs, fees, mandatory education and restitution.

Question:
My probation is supposed to terminate the 7th of December (2 days from now.)

I informed my probation officer when I was laid off and she said that she would see about waiving some of the above stated expenses in light of my record of cooperation (zero violations in over 30 months) and that I was let go from work as part of a company wide lay-off (according to her if I had been fired I would definitely NOT get anything waived.)

Anyway, I get a call last week from the probation department (my PO is on maternity leave) informing me that I still owe '$xxxx.xx' total and that if I don't pay it by Dec. 7 I have to appear before a judge and request an extension. Otherwise, they'll execute a warrant for a probation violation. I've been to Middleton, done that. Don't need to revisit it.

When I asked if this new gentlemen could see the status of any requests or inquiries into having any of my costs waived, he said he would see it in my file if it ever happened and he didn't see it.

I'm not looking for a handout. I realize I have to pay the consequences for my mistakes so please save your breath if that's what you came here to say.

I just need to know if there is anything worth trying to do in the next 36 hours that doesn't involve an attorney - I can't afford one - which might save me from having to continue my probation.

All I really have as ammunition right now is my official call logs from my mobile provider and my contemporaneous notes (from literally ever single call or meeting I've had with anyone affiliated with the court since the begining of my case. My attorney called me Comey from time to time.)

Any help is appreciated. Even if it's, "Nope. You're f*cked." At least then I can stop worrying about it.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer: If you've had no problems at all with your probation up until this point, I've got no reason to believe that the court won't grant you an extension or waive some of the fees. Just go in there and explain what happened and you should be fine. Answer #2: Looks like you will need to apply for an extension. You haven't been able to find a job in over 3 months?


Title: Someone left a note under my windshield wiper claiming I dented their car, that they took pics of my tags/plates, and demanding i contact them to pay for damages.

Question:
[Washington DC Metro area]
I 100% did not dent their car, and they have no proof even if I did other than a dent they just happened to notice when I was parked beside them. Is there anything I should worry about (them contacting my insurance or police?)

Alternatively, is there anything I can do with their number to absolutely annoy them because they left a two page note how I "dented their brand new car! Not right!!! I have your information!"

Answer:
 >Alternatively, is there anything I can do with their number to absolutely annoy them because they left a two page note

Bad idea.   You may have L33T keyboard commando skills, but you are dealing with criminals who know your car.

Can you post the letter?Answer #2: Classic scam. If you really didn't hit anything just ignore it.Answer #3: Do not attempt to respond or make contact with this person in any way, shape, or form. If you're served with papers, show up to court (of course); it will be up to the plaintiff to _prove_ that their car was damaged, that it was because of your car, that you were driving (maybe), and that the accident was your fault.

It sounds like a scam (as others have said). But if you didn't cause any accident, then you don't have anything to worry about and chances are you'll never hear from them at all. They're probably looking for elderly/timid people to fall for their scam, contact them, and try to resolve the situation; it's natural for people to do if confronted with something like this.

Edit: Echoing what /u/TheElderGodsSmile said: You should definitely contact your auto insurance provider and let them know about the situation. This will help make them aware in the event that these people are serious and try to file an insurance or repair claim against you.


Title: [ON, Canada] If someone shows up for their shift, but no one comes to open the restaurant and no contact can be made, how long are you required to wait?

Answer:
 In the US this would be an employer policy question not a legal question but the employee would need to be paid for all time spent waiting for the workplace to open if they arrived at their scheduled time. I'm nearly certain it's the same in Canada.Answer #2: I mean if you're sitting there, and the expectation is that you're ready to work or are working, you need to get paid in Ontario. That includes the time waiting around for open if the manager is late or whatever.

If this was me I'd wait around for a bit as its easy money. Keep trying your best to contact. The attempts to contact are evidence you were ready to work and need payment.Answer #3: If nobody comes to open the restaurant in a reasonable length of time, the question may be academic, because it may never open again.

(Being five minutes late is no big deal; if you're waiting a couple of hours, temper your expectations of ever get paid. No blood from a turnip, etc.)Answer #4: There is no law in Ontario that addresses this. It would be a company policy issue, not employment law. The only employment law addressing this issue would be your minimum three hour pay. You could wait 5 minutes for the full 8 hour shift, whether or not you are disciplined/fired for such is the opinion of management.


Title: [Minnesota] My girlfriend's abusive mother served me with a restraining order to spite me for helping her get out of the abusive environment.

Question:
I'll start with a little bit of background, I am a 21 year old male living in Minnesota and my girlfriend is a 19 years old. My girlfriends mother who has been abusing her emotionally and sometimes physically for many years.
On June 3rd 2015 things were flaring up between her and her mom again and she had called me and said she needed to leave and find a place to stay. I drove out to her home and parked in the street. I was going to get my phone out to record the incident for my own well being but before I could she was at my car trying to force me into the vehicle. She threatened me with violence and to "ruin me" if I don't drive away right now and never come back. I told her I was going to call the police because she was threatening me. She ran inside after I said this and I got a call from her daughter immediately. She had told me that she was preventing her from leaving the house and pushing her back into her room and trying to take her cell phone away so she couldn't call me. I told her she can't make you a prisoner and to come outside because we're going to the police. She came outside and her mom followed her trying to drag her back inside the house this time I was smart enough to turn on my phone before she got to me and start recording. On the video she was behaving animatedly but not making threats because she was aware she was being videotaped. On the video my girlfriend and I tried to calm everyone down saying we don't want to fight and pleading to talk calmly. She tells us to F off and goes inside. I shut off the video and we make our way over to the police station. We spoke with two officers on the situation who were very kind and helpful and a police report was filed on the incident. They also offered to go back to the house with my girlfriend so she can collect her some of her belongings. I stayed at the police station because my presence would only escalate the situation and I didn't want that at all. They came back with some of her things and told us that if she needed to get back in the house and get more to call 911. The following day she went to the police station with my own mother. An officer accompany them so they could grab some more of her belongings for a longer stay. They ignored her and the officer and pretended not to be home. The officer her tried calling the house phone which they ignored as well. After this I was considering filing a restraining order because her mom might come to my house however I was asked to wait to see if a couple days might cause everything to cool down. A couple days later the sheriff shows up to my house issuing a restraining order filed by her mother for me harassing her. I don't know what she wrote on her application for the restraining order I just know that, because of an email she sent to my girlfriend,  she claimed I came back to the house and harassed her on the day my girlfriend went back with the police officer to retrieve her belongings. I was at work and have a night class afterwards. I can account for where I was however I'm terrified. She's a liar and a very manipulative person who considers herself above the law. She's already called to try to have the police report we file changed because she doesn't like the way it was worded about her. I am semester away from graduating college and I feel like my life is about to change drastically for something I didn't do. I can't afford a lawyer and I feel completely lost on how to fight this. I know I didn't do anything that could be defined as harassment but I don't know what she claimed I did. I have an initial hearing next week with a mediator. I don't know what that entails or how to prepare for it. Or what I'll have to do afterwards. Any advice is appreciated. I apologize for the wall and text and I'm sure I left something out that may be imprudent to know. If you need more information I will gladly provide it.

Answer:
 IANAL.

A restraining order basically means you can't go near her or contact her. It is not a conviction, and as long as you obey the order, it can't send you to jail or impose a fine on you. Even if the order becomes permanent, it won't ruin your life.

Having said that, there *are* some consequences to this kind of thing, and you'll want to fight it. [Here's a page from the Minnesota courts about how to respond to a harassment order (which I assume is what they gave you)](http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Domestic-Abuse-and-Harassment.aspx#respondHRO). If the sheriff served the order today, you have at least a couple weeks before you need to even file for a hearing, so don't panic—you can take a few days to figure out what to do.

Because I'm not a lawyer and don't live in Minnesota, I don't know the exact procedures you'll need to follow and I can't tell you what tactics to use, but [here's a page of free resources](http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Self-Help-Centers.aspx), and [here's one talking about finding lawyers](http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Find-a-Lawyer.aspx), including some who work with low-income clients. Given that you're helping your girlfriend, it can't hurt to ask the domestic violence groups for advice—she can't be the first abuser to try to abuse the legal system this way, and they may have resources to help your girlfriend, too.

I've helped friends get out of abusive situations, and believe me, your girlfriend will remember what you've done for her for the rest of her life. It's one of the kindest things you can do for another human being. Good luck!


Title: Father in law died and his ex wife is getting the life insurance. What are my options? (Colorado)

Question:
I will try to keep this short but bear with me.  I am extremely sad and worried for the immeidate future of my family.

My father in law died after a short battle with stomach cancer around thanksgiving.  In the months leading up to this he made a will specifying that my mother in law and brother in law (MIL and BIL from here on out to truncate this) were his sole beneficiaries.  What wasn't clear at the time of all this happening is that my FIL had never oficially divorced his first wife.  He was a horrible procrastinator, this time to the tune of about 14 years.

My FIL has been with my MIL for the past 13 years and they have a 10 year old son.  They have lived together that entire time.  As common law man and wife.

After my FIL died, his ex wife was contacted and told about the situation.  She agreed to help us since legally I guess she was the beneficiary for the life insurnce policy despite what the will said.  She expressed concern for my BIL  and concern for his future and also understood that my MIL was losing her husband along with the only source of income for her household.

As you can probably guess, she has now gone back on her word and is refusing to give my MIL and BIL the life insurance check which we ALL desperately need.  I am a civil servant, have a wife and three children of my own and after my FIL died I took over their lease so my BIL would still be under the same roof and in the same house he grew up in, shouldered all their bills and living expenses and whatever else you can think of.  I mean, I couldn’t leave them high and dry.  They took my wife and I in a time of great need and I had to help them no matter how strapped I am on my salary as a police dispatcher.  We all sat down and did the math and after talking to my FIL’s ex we factored in the inlux of cash from the life insurance to get us through the next 9-12 months until my MIL and or wife could find employment.  Now my savings are gone and all of my credit cards are maxed.  I have already trimmed the fat by cancelling cable and all other non essentials but our very near future is a very scary situation.  I am not sure which bill not to pay.

Sorry, enough of that sob story.  What i am looking for is some advice on what we can do legally to get my IL's inheritance back.  That was not only his future, it was his right now.  MIL doesn't have a job and I wanted to step in so she wouldn't have to get a job so soon after her husband died.  For her sake and my BIL's.  He is still torn up and his mom going off to work would be a blow to his fragile emotions.  Not to mention us having to downsize and him losing the only house he's known.

I don't read a lot of posts here but if needed I can verify to the mods whatever you need and will answer any follow ups you have.  Also sorry if this is a trainwreck of a post; I am very upset and very scared what the next 2 months will hold for us.  Even with my wife now about to start working I am bleeding money and can't support all seven of us much longer.

Thnks for reading.

Edit: Thanks all for the helpful posts, and sorry to /u/ChuckSirloin for snapping at your comment.  I won't edit it to remind myself that in times of stress it's not an excuse to be an asshole.  I know you were trying to add to the discussion and I just got stuipid and snapped a little.  Thanks again, everyone.
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer:
 if she was a named beneficiary to the policy, there is nothing you can do - the life insurance money bypasses the estate entirely. The will only governs the estate.

Answer #2: I'm confused. Who was listed as the beneficiary on the insurance policy? Whoever that is, that's who gets the insurance money. The will and any inheritance is a completely separate issue.


Title: I'm now out a check and my job because of ex-boyfriend

Question:
I had lived with my ex for little under a year but had to move out recently because he was abusive I was expecting a check to arrive at his address, but when the check arrived he called my job and told them that I no longer lived there without providing them with my new address even though he had been here multiple times, now I'm without my check and potentially my job because of the nature of my job what can I do about this.

--I live in California if that makes any difference

Answer:
 You can contact your job and ask them to resend the check.

In the future, when you move you should immediately change your address.


Title: Expectant Father. Over reaching grandfather?

Question:
I need advice.

Situation: my parents <lets call them $Jones and $Christy> separated in 98.  Custody and child care given to my mother. She remarries in '01, and i am adopted by <Lets call him $Jam> $Jam In '02.  Fast forward past teen angst years and i'm providing a living for myself and my wife 9 hours from home.  Baby due soon, Boy.  $Jones gets my email from his sister, and begins talking with me. Sends me items that may of mattered if i had fond memories of him.<I dont> He procedes to ask if he can be here for birth. I say no for reasons including 0 knowledge of him, distrust of "former" drug addict, and history of violent outbursts.

Commence 9 emails filled with slander against $Christy, $Jam, and I.  I mention blocking email if he continues to harass me.  Final up to date email he mentions Suing me for grandparents visitation.

Question: If he were to sue <he wont> what is the legal standing for this in the state of Texas?

//edit:words and things

For the English speakers among you, I'll post an amendment.

I need advice.

My life is as follows. My parents Jones and Christy separated in nineteen-ninety-eight.  Custody and child care are given to my mother. She remarried in two-thousand-and-one. I was adopted by Jam two-thousand-and-two.  Advancing story somewhat, I work for a living now far from home.  My wife and I are expecting children. Jones starts up emailing me in a way that may of mattered years ago. He asks if he can be here for my son's birth. I reply no, citing a history of untrustworthy habits and exhibitions, but that I would like to create some form of relationship.    **rage ensues**    So I warn him that I will trash any incoming mail if he continues his harassment.

|You can sue me for harassment, but I will counter suit for grandparents visitation.

Question: Though I doubt he will take any action, what is his legal standing for this in the state of Texas?

// hope you guys liked this version much much more.

Answer: Are you capable of writing something like a normal human?Answer #2: [Here you go.](https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/seniors/grandparents-page)  Fear not, it won't happen (I'm assuming you're not divorced or incarcerated, and since the baby isn't born you haven't had an opportunity to abuse it yet, nor has there been a relationship that has been terminated).  And he would still have to prove it's in the best interests of the child to have the visitation.


Title: Previous employer may be withholding my last check from me, a minor. What recourse do I have?

Question:
I quit my job with a GM who didn't  like me at all on december 28th. Payday was new years day. I went in to recieve my paycheck and got "Yeah [assistant manager] mailed in out this morning, should be at your house soon." OK. So I waited. it's been 10 days and I still have nothing. I live in the same zip code as my employer and by no means should it take this long. On thursday, I called the GM of the store and asked where my paycheck was. "We had to mail it to the government so they could take out whatever they needed to and then send it to you." Which is bullshit. I'm 17, I have two deductions from my paycheck normally, and they're very minimal and ALWAYS pre-printed on the check. So now I get the feeling that they're screwing my around on about 100 dollars (waiting tables rules, right?) and I NEED to buy textbooks with it. What can I do?

EDIT: I'm in America. (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Answer:
 Send a certified letter to the business stating "I was supposed so to be paid for XYZ days on ABC date. I still have not received my pay for this work. I talked with JIM/Larry/etc... on such and such dates and was told it was mailed but that does not seem to be the case as I have not received it. If I do not receive my check by (says 2 weeks) of this letter I will have to take further legal action." Something like that. Don't make it personal just the basic dry facts. This letter may end up in front of a judge and you do not want to look childish, just someone that wants to be paid for their work.

Also file a complaint with the state right after you send the letter. I think this may be the right page...
http://www.laborcommission.utah.gov/divisions/AntidiscriminationAndLabor/wage_claim_unit.html


Title: Assaulted on NYE. How should I proceed?

Question:
The other night after getting back to my friends apartment after NYE celebrations in downtown Minneapolis, I was hanging out in the lobby with my friend and a few other random people and sparked up a conversation with another guy. After bs-ing for about 15 min and being cool with one another, the conversation turned sour somehow and we started arguing about the most inane topic (watches) thanks to the alcohol. Well, he must have gotten offended by it and started getting more confrontational about a subject and was very much in my face so I said to my friend lets go up to the apartment. He continued to get in my face and I told him to back off and when the elevator door opened he punched me in the face and I went down, landing on my cell phone in my pocket shattering the screen. He then proceeded to punch me repeatedly in the jaw and the sides of my head and on my back and neck. I never touched him once. He got out on the next floor and my friend and I went in the apartment and cleaned up and went to bed. (There was a good amount of blood). Yesterday morning I wake up to bruises on my forehead, a busted lip and a swollen jaw. The guy must not have remembered that while our initial friendly conversation, he gave me his business card which I am looking at right now. So now I am curious as to how I should proceed with this? Should I let it go? Should I contact him? Should I file a police report?

TL;DR - Drunk conversation ended with stranger beating my ass and forgot he gave my his business card with all his information before doing so. Need advice on how to proceed.

Answer:
 Your options are to call the police or to let it go. No one can tell you what the best choice is. Answer #2: When someone commits a crime against you, you call the police.

Or is there some reason why you didn't?Answer #3: Boy, it sure is amazing that every time someones posts here about being assaulted (and they didn't somehow think to call the police) they were just innocently chatting and the perp sucker punched them for no reason at all.

I bet they story would be a bit different if the other guy told it, or any witness there......

It's basic knowledge in America that when a crime is committed against you, you call the police.... but you didn't think of that. Either he knocked you completely stupid or there's again, more to the story.

So.... what really happened?


Title: College is charging me hundreds for their mistake?

Question:
Context: Nearly three years ago I signed up for a college in my state and was told I had to file for financial aid in order to attend, which I did. Two weeks into the school year I was informed the aid never came through and I was to pay out of pocket for the semester.

Once the semester ended, they told me the money I paid for the semester never went through and they were suspending me for the year, and told me I had to pay for the entire year, even though I was only there for one semester

I spent the entire following year paying off the debt in its entirety and paid it off in December 2017. On May 2 2019 (as of typing this, two days ago) that my aid had apparently actually gone through and they filed it wrong and put it into the semester I never attended. They informed me they would be charging me $500 for this. I told them that was two years ago and asked why they didn’t do anything about it until this week. They told me that it was late because it had been apparently filed on their records around 280 days ago.

Which is still over a year and a half after I had left the school, let alone after I had finished paying off more than twice what I had already owed.

They emailed me the paperwork to begin paying again and apparently I don’t owe $500 like I was repeatedly told, but rather $1500.

Are there any grounds I can fight this in court?

Answer: Wait? So you paid for the full year, and they now want you to pay for the financial aid they never gave you?


Title: I left a full paid business trip after my boss tried to buy me a prostitute, what can happen to me and will I still get paid?

Question:
Throwaway account.

So I work for a very small company (6 employees) and have been here for a year. Well my boss John says that after a year you become worthy of coming along the paid business trips. So the business trip came by and we all flew over to the convention. I asked my boss how the pay works because I am living check to check since my ex-girlfriend moved out and the rent is catching up to me hard.

He told me I'll get a 40 hour week check and he was going to pay for every meal during the trip. So this would suffice and I was excited to go to a new state! I didn't pay for the plane ticket there and all food would be paid so I was excited for a one week paid vacation practically.

First day goes by and it was great. I learned a ton if new stuff, however shit hit the fan the second day. On the second day some coworkers were saying I looked down and to get over my ex, just broke up with her two months ago and it was a hard break up. One coworker joked and said they should get me a prostitute to cheer me up. They all laughed and I kind of chuckled thinking it was a joke.

Quick back story of my company: they are the typical "manly-men" workforce. Which kinda helps in the work we do.

So the night comes and the boss spent a ton of money on a delicious dinner. I almost felt guilty eating. Everyone had a few drinks and it was a good time. We call go to our hotel rooms to retire, but an hour later I get a knock on my door. I answer it and some half naked woman is there and she sort of let's herself in. I immediately question what's going on and she tries to make an advance on me but I storm out of the room and go to my bosses door. I asked him if they did this and he said yes and essentially "chill out" but I admit I was pretty pissed off.

I send the girl away and my boss stops by my room maybe thirty minutes later and we get into a slight argument over my attitude and reaction. He was also telling me to be grateful and that he was paying for my whole trip and blah blah blah.

So I bought myself a plane ticket (which drained my savings) back home and left the tpday  without saying a word. My boss and the office have called me but I've not answered yet because I feel like I've fucked things up and maybe I've overreacted, but what my boss did wasn't cool.

Is there anything I can do to get compensated? Will I get paid for the two days I was there or even reimbursed for the plane ticket? Also is there any actions I can take against my boss for buying the prostitute? Please help I'm desperate.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Why didn’t you just decline the prostitute and go to bed


Title: Sooo I was really dumb today and….

Question:
got caught stealing from Target, i'm honestly still not sure why I did it but now I'm here… as soon as the man asked me to go to the back room with him i was completely compliant and emptied my bag. The total of the items i stole came out to be $32 and the man said that since it's over $20 they'd have to prosecute me. So the cops came, read me my rights, search my bag, ect. This was in Florida by the way. They gave me a notice to appear and this is honestly my first run in with the law. I feel so stupid, i had the money to pay for it so I'm not sure why i did it. I have a court date on the 20th and the cops said theres a chance that i could have this wiped off my record. I don't plan on telling my parents about this and have no idea what to expect. Any advice is welcome. I feel so dumb and now i have to live with this but i will accept the consequences they give me because after all i was the one that did it.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer: Are you under 18? If so tell your parents I promise you they will find out since a minor cannot represent themselves in court.


Title: What are my legal rights with apartment viewings?

Question:
I am in the state of Delaware. My absentee landlord put my duplex up for sale so there have been a lot of viewings lately. The issue with the viewings is that no one shows up on time for their appointments. The realtors show up 2-8 hours late turning a key in my door. There have even been times where I've come home to my closets left wide open, things moved around, etc. I've emailed and called everyone I could 101 times but got nothing other than "Get out if you don't like it" or being ignored entirely. What can I do legally to protect myself and my things?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: If you're home, don't let them in if they don't show up at their scheduled times. Tell them "I'm sorry but the viewing was at 3 and it's now 8. Please leave and reschedule". Once this happens once or twice it will stop because it's embarrassing.


Title: Caught With Over 400 THC Cartridges

Question: Earlier today my friend got arrested in his dorm room for selling wax carts. Apparently 4 other kids also got pinched for the same thing. His roommate said there was a search warrant on his bed and he’s currently in jail. We think he had close to 400 carts at either .5 or 1g each. How fucked is he? I am in New York State

Answer: We don't know what country or state you're in, so the answer ranges from "no big deal" to "death."Answer #2: Guessing at averages, .75g x 400 = 300g = ~10.5oz. Going off of [the penalty guidelines](http://yonkerspd.com/penal.law/marijuana-penalties.htm) he could be looking at at least 7 years and $5000 for the sale charge alone.


Title: Relative is not a legal citizen and he crashed a motorcycle into neighbors house; Illinois

Question:
Here's the situation. My relative decided to try riding a motorcycle for the first time so he used my sister's boyfriend's bike. He proceeded to loose control and crash it into our neighbor's front porch, causing major damage to not only the bike but their porch (broken support beam among other things). He does not have a motorcycle license or insurance. The police gave him two tickets. One was for operating a motorcycle without the appropriate license and the second was for not having insurance on the bike. I'm concerned because he is not a legal citizen of this country. He's had a ticket before for not having insurance on his own vehicle and I'm worried this may get him into more trouble and lead to jail time/deportation.

When he goes to court, what are the possible outcomes based on the info I provided? Also, what will happen if the neighbors decide to press charges?

Answer: it's entirely possible he would get deported and I hope that happens.  He acted recklessly and without regard to the law and could have killed somebody. We don't want those kind of people in the country.Answer #2: Hopefully he does get deported. He's shown reckless disregard for our laws. The neighbors can't "press charges". That's up to the DA. But they can sue him in civil court for damages


Title: Dropped car on leg

Question:
I was working on my car last year March 2015. while I was under it the jack slipped and crushed my leg. It wasn't a serious injury but my leg swelled to about 2 times the size. I went to an urgent care the next day and got checked out by the doctor. The doctor said that it was just swollen and that it should go down in about a week. He gave me 3 days off work and that's all he did. It is now august 2016 and my leg still hurts to the touch about a 4/10 on a pain scale and there is still a little swelling that I can feel when I rub it and there is a dent that I can also feel where the car landed. I haven't gone to any other doctor because I haven't had medical insurance until the first of next month September 2016. Do I have a case for malpractice? What should I do?
I'm in California

Answer: I doubt you have a case for malpractice as a reasonable person would have gone to the doctors again after a week of continued pain not waited 18 months.