Title: Texas (Dallas County) notice of driving suspension for driving with expired license.

Question:
My license expired on October 8th. I was pulled over for right on a red light on November 25th, and got a letter from the place on Jan. 4th. The charge is driving on a state highway with an expired license. It was incredilbly stupid of me and I have no valid excuse, in November I was trying to get a new license but I've been really busy lately. Last night I paid off surcharges and they said they are mailing me a new license while giving me a temporary.

The suspension is until January of 2019, but that's what it said if I don't request a hearing. I sent in my request last night. I make my living as a caterer and delivery driver so if I lose my license for a month, much less a whole year I will lose my apartment, job... nearly everything.

I have never been in a wreck or crash, never gotten a DWI, and only sped twice. Are they really going to take my license away for a year after the hearing or is this sort of thing a way to scare me so I get my act together and out of their systems? What should I do? Should I hire an attorney? Will they just charge me a fee and say "don't screw up again?"

Answer:
 If you lose your license for a year (which is highly likely), it will be because you could not be bothered to renew your license on time and drove for months without a license... then ran a red light and got caught.

Given how much you have at stake, you should absolutely hire a traffic attorney and see what they can do for you... but understand that there are no guarantees when dealing with legal matters.

Good luck, and stop breaking the law already if you want to have a happy life.


Title: Can legal folks expand on the issue of privacy when being filmed by a TV show? Saw this piece on NY Med (TV show) airing an episode showing a hospital death without family consent, lawsuit against show and hospital was thrown out.

Question:
There's plenty of folks in this piece saying that this is against hospital (I assume HIPPA) ethics... and apparently the hospital was citied.... so why couldn't they be held liable?

I got the impression the family didn't even know that a film crew was recording the attempts to save the man's life, eventually recording his last words and death.

http://www.propublica.org/article/when-a-patients-death-is-broadcast-without-permission

Answer:
 Tldr To save people time who don't want to read the article:

Medical TV show recorded guys death and aired it with no ones permission.

Hippa complaint filed and dealt with

Civil suit: " The conduct "was not so extreme and outrageous" to justify a claim of intentional infliction of emotional distress, the judges wrote. ". Appeal  has been filled


Title: I'm in Indiana, is it legal for me to ask my applicants what their political persuasion is and not hire them if I disagree with it?

Question:
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 It appears that protections for political affiliation **in Indiana** do not extend to hiring decisions.

Other states do offer that protection.


Title: [Upstate NY, USA] My roommate is trying to get out of our lease

Question:
I'm living in upstate NY in a 3 bedroom apartment with 2 other people. One of those roommates is trying to get out of the 2nd half of our one year lease. I have no problem with the place and would like to stay but am worried he will take off and leave me and my other roommate with that extra financial burden.

What repercussions does he face for leaving and what can I do to prepare/defend my finances? Yes, we are trying to find a subletter but I am worried he will take off regardless of how the search goes.

Answer: Getting a replacement roommate here is the best solution. What does your lease say about subletting? If you are good tenants and your landlord is reasonable he may agree to let you get a new roommate even if your lease says you can't. Get this agreement *in writing* in case he changes his mind later.


Title: [PA] Survey showed neighbor's fence is on my property

Question:
I had a survey done yesterday to mark my property in anticipation of installing a new back fence. Unrelated to that, the survey showed that the existing fence on the right side of my yard is actually on my property (I believed it to have been my neighbor's), and 5 and a half feet of the land over the fence, in my neighbor's yard, is actually my property. I have lived in my house for 6 years, the fence was there prior to my buying it. I was not informed of this by any party when I purchased my house.

I am actually fine with leaving things as-is, I don't have a desire to make them move the fence and reclaim that property. But I want to ensure that when I go to sell my house later, or if my neighbor sells theirs, that neither of us gets screwed. Like I'd want to have something to show to a prospective buyer stating where the property lies, and I'd like to have some kind of arrangement as to who is financially responsible for moving the fence should that event arise.

I plan on speaking to my neighbor about this soon, to see if they had any kind of arrangement with the previous owner of my house. But if there is nothing written, what is the best way to proceed? I don't want to make an enemy, but I want to ensure I am covered.

Answer:
 I am in a similar situation. I like my neighbors on both sides, and both of them have fences encroaching my property by a few feet.

I wrote up a form granting them a **temporary** easement to use the property for the fence. The easement terminates whenever the fence is rebuilt, which would have to be on the actual property line.

I didn't consult with a lawyer, so I'm not certain if it will work 100%, but the theory was by giving them permission to use the property I'm staving off any adverse possession claims.


Title: Brother is a minor in florida, subway makes him work 45 hour work weeks with no overtime, and no breaks. This sounds sketchy, is it lawful?

Question:
Title says it all. I just want to make sure he's not getting jipped. Any advice helps guys, thanks in advance!
Topic:
Labor Law (Unions)

Answer: If he is working 45 hours a week and not receiving overtime pay that is a violation of  the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).


Title: Making up a business card and have a great pic of my 2 year old boy throwing rocks. He is naked but you can only see his back side. Can I use it?

Question:
Ontario Canada

I'm making business cards for my plumbing company and he has been photo shopped onto another photo. He is faded and you can't really see that he is naked plus it's only his bum showing. Would this be considered child porn or any other legal issues with using the photo.

Edit. He's not faded he's transparent with water and rocks behind him. You can only tell he's naked by putting effort into looking at him and then just about nothing is visible.

Answer:
 This isn't legal advice, but:  You're unsure.  Therefore, you can expect some of your potential clients will be unsure.  Therefore, you can expect you will drive away some clients with this image.  I'd use something else regardless of the legality.
Answer #2: You really want to give the world all they need to Rule 34 your kid?


Title: (ON, Canada) Ramification of co-signing a mortgage with my mother?

Question:
I didn't know where else to turn to answer this question but I have a weird one for you guys.
Basically, my mom and dad hate each other and haven't spoken to one another in over 7 years despite living under the same roof (long story). I haven't lived at home for over 3 years. My mom finally disclosed to me that she's interested in purchasing a home but because her name is on the mortgage for my parent's current home, she won't be granted a mortgage for a house for her to move into. She asked me to co-sign this mortgage. That she would handle all the actual expenses and costs and that my name is on there purely for the sake of application.

My question is, how potentially horrendous is this for me? My mother wouldn't intentionally do anything diabolical to me but I just don't know enough to do this. Do I owe anything more in taxes? Will this effect me financially in any other way?

My gut feels very uneasy with this and I just need to know if this is a horrendous idea or not.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

Answer:
 Co-signing is almost universally a bad decision.

Are your parents still married? Because this new house could get dragged into the divorce. If she stops paying for any reason you will be responsible for all of the payments. If you try to get your own mortgage then your liability on this mortgage will make that harder. Answer #2: Potentially very horrendous. Don't do it. Read threads here about co-signers in trouble.


Title: (FL) Is what my boss is doing legal?

Question:
My boss recently said that he's switching everyone over to a salary. What he didn't tell us is that it works out to 8.05 an hour if we worked 40 hours a week. But since he's put us on salary he expects everyone to only take one day off every two weeks. He doesn't pay us overtime and he says he doesn't have to.

Is this legal?Working 8 hours a day for 13 days in a row for $322?

Answer:
 [Absolutely not](https://www.dol.gov/whd/overtime/final2016/?platform=hootsuite).  You cannot be classified as exempt (salaried) unless he pays you $47,476 annually.  This is a new rule, which takes effect December 1.

However, the current rule requires you to be paid at least $23,660.  The sad part is that your boss isn't even meeting **that** threshold, as your pay would work out to $16,744 per year.Answer #2: right now the FLSA threshold for exempt salaries is $455 per week. He's not even doing it right under the current law.

Plus, you can't just say "you're salaried now" like some kind of patronus charm against overtime. Your job has to meet the qualifications for exemption to be legal for that in the first place.

Here's a quickie from the DoL: https://www.dol.gov/whd/overtime/fs17a_overview.pdf

If you have a broad description of your job, it might help folks here. IANAL, but I have started getting more educated on the HR stuff.


Title: California - service dodge question

Question:
My ex was ordered to pay child support and has not. I tried to file for contempt but since my ex does not live in the country and since I didn't serve them personally the case was dismissed. My ex only uses a mailing address and I have no clue their actual whereabouts. They only work contract work and have never had a steady job. I read another thread similar to this where the answer seemed to be hiring a skip tracer and then if that turned up empty to then ask the judge to make an order allowing for alternate service (e.g. by publication). What are my options in this scenario? My ex has video chat visitation also, so is that something I could ask the courts to remove since visitation modification is something I can serve by the mailing address? I know the two are unrelated but I'm wondering if I can get the visitations removed since they are not paying child support, if that is a valid reason.

Thanks in advance

Answer: You can't take away visitation because of unpaid child support, but someone much more clever than me might be able to figure out how to serve him if you know that he will be in a certain place at a certain time to chat.


Title: Landlord claimed apartment had AC and laundry. Upon moving in I discovered it has neither.

Question:
Hello /r/legaladvice,
For context, I live in Los Angeles, which makes an apartment without AC completely untenable. While neither of these amenities were guaranteed in contract, I do have emails that said they would be installed. While I don't want to start things off on the wrong foot, and I do need a place to live, I want to put all possible pressure on the landlord to install AC as soon as possible. The landlord said they would install the AC in about 6 weeks which is obviously not as soon as possible, and I'm guessing he will try to wait out the heatwave and in an attempt to get me to forget about it. What are my options?
Thank you

Answer:
 >For context, I live in Los Angeles, which makes an apartment without AC completely untenable.

Untrue and not required by code.  I understand it's hard (lived for the past 10 years without one installed in an apartment in LA) but it's not terms for not living there.

It's quite possible the business he has contracted with is not available to start before 6 weeks (it is the middle of a heat wave).  You can ask if he could consider another vendor or if there was any way to move it up.

Edit: clarity


Title: Sigh, wife is very pregnant with somebody elses. Live in ohio

Question: Title reads correct as can be. We havent lived together for over a year but remained married because I figured making her pay for legal costs was enough. Well she never went through and I just figured nothing would happen. Shed come back or something. Well she got preg with her new boyfriend, I couls careless. But shes due soon and ive heard all different things what this means for me. I cant see myself having no rights here so I'm just curious where to start...

Answer:
 If you're married, you're [presumed to be your wife's child's father](http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3111.03). You, your wife, or her boyfriend can [contest this](http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3111.04).

You, your wife, and her child's biological father need to figure out how you want this to play out. If none of you contest you being the father, you'll have the rights and responsibilities that go with it. If any of you do, you won't and he will.Answer #2: What's your question?  Do you want to raise the child?  Not want to raise it?  What are you going for?


Title: Underage involuntarily on 'HotOrNot'-esque website.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: I would send a note to the ISP letting them know that they have a very serious problem & need to shut down the website to avoid liability.


Title: Earlier today, I was discharged from a physical rehab facility. They left the IV drip hardware in my arm. Do I have grounds to take action against them? (FL)

Question: I was not happy with my stay at the facility, but probably can't document the verbal promises that were made to me. This, however, seems to be pure negligence/incompetence, and the physical evidence is right there hanging out of my arm (at least until tomorrow morning; I arranged for a nurse to visit. What steps should I take now?

Answer: When you asked someone to remove it before leaving, what was the response?


Title: Rented a room from a couple for 3 months. On move-out day they informed me they would be keeping a large part of my security deposit for "excessive use of electricity". Is this legal? (US, California)

Question:
They never mentioned anything about how much electricity I was allowed to use. They never said I was using too much. In the contract it explicitly states that electric and all other utilities are included in the rent. Their justification is a part of the contract that said 10pm-8am is quiet time, and I stayed up late (quietly) studying, using electricity. They showed me that the electricity bill went up during my stay. Yeah no shit, another whole person uses electricity.

They withheld $50 PER MONTH of my security deposit. What should I do?

Answer:
 Oh no no. They can't do that if it wasn't in the lease, plain and simple. You need to give them your new address IN WRITING. You should also send an email. Don't quote the law at them, don't bother. They spent the deposit and just don't want to give it back. Just give them the address, wait 21 days after you move out, and if, after 21 days, you don't have your deposit OR an itemized list of deductions, including receipts, you need to send them a letter, return receipt requested, demanding your deposit. Make sure you send this letter by certified mail with a return receipt so you can prove they got it. After 21 days, regardless of what they think you owe them, if they haven't provided an itemized statement, they forfeit the deposit.

If, after this, they still haven't returned the deposit, you need to go to small claims court. File a suit (it is inexpensive) for three times the cost of the deposit. In CA, you are entitled to recover three times the deposit if the landlord withholds it in bad faith, and I doubt you'd have a hard time proving that.


Title: CA Hit and Run.

Question: This dumb mother fucker made an immediate right turn after a double left turn and rolled me and drove away. I have a dash cam. I want this fucker to get a felony instead of a misdemeanor. I'm going to lose my job thanks to this fuck.

Answer: Do you have a question?


Title: Sister being abused by Son's Father, forced to have sex with his drug dealer or she gets beaten, what can we do about this?

Question:
In western Canada

Very serious situation that has been going on for the last 8 years. My Sister had a baby with the abuser, she left him after a few years of being physically and emotionally abused. Over the years she has continued a cycle of going back to him, getting abused and leaving.

Child Protective Services have been involved and as it stands now, should they become involved again her children will be taken away. my family has come to the conclusion that she is an unfit mother and is endangering her child by continuing contact with him. My parents would take over guardianship if possible.

Recently it has been revealed that he forces my sister to give him money for crack, when she has no money left he forces her to sleep with his dealer in exchange for crack, she has to comply or he beats her severely. She does not want to get the police involved as child protective services will in turn take her children. She threatens suicide at the instance of losing her children.

we fear that any action that is taken will result in more severe circumstances regarding her physical safety as she is unable to stay away for long. Our bottom line is that the situation is damaging her son and that must come to an immediate end.

We are afraid because of his control over her, his addiction and his irrational violent outbursts that he will attempt to get his son back and I am terrified at the thought of my mother being home alone if he were to try. he has multiple warrants for his arrest, a long history of police related incidents and this recent situation of forcing my sister to sleep with the dealer has not been reported and he will most likely have crack in his possession so ideally he would be arrested, but he has evaded arrest for the last while without issue and we all feel unsafe with him being a drive away.

what steps should we be taking to fix this situation and keep everyone safe?

Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 > should they become involved again her children will be taken away.

Sounds like the kids should have been taken away years ago.  You have a moral obligation to notify the authorities both of what you've described here and of your parents' willingness to assist in the care of their grandchildren.

Your sister may have a death wish, but that doesn't mean she has a right to subject her children to an abusive environment that will destroy their futures.

>She threatens suicide at the instance of losing her children.

Notify the police that you heard her threaten to commit suicide and ask that she be taken into psychological custody for evaluation and treatment.

>he has multiple warrants for his arrest

If you know where he is, why not notify the police?


Title: [CA, USA] Ex-Girlfriend Unexpectedly Moved In and Changed the Locks.

Question:
I've spend the past four months remodeling my investment property. I just finished, posted an ad, and scheduled appointments to show it to potential tenants. A family member who helped with the remodel called to ask me why the locks had been changed and my ex-girlfriend is now living there. This was the first I'd heard about it. I haven't heard from her whatsoever for months.

We were never married. Neither of us ever lived there. All of the debt is solely in my name because she couldn't qualify for a loan. She is however, on title.

Part of our agreement is that if she and I don't get along, her father will represent her. He spoke with her last night in person, and she stonewalled him. She only said that she'd be contacting me about it. Because of that, he says that he's not sure how to represent her anymore.

Communication wasn't productive between us because she would always change the subject to personal matters, which is why I channeled communication through her father.

What are my rights? I could turn off utilities, or make it unpleasant to be there, but she could return as soon as I get it in presentable condition. Even if I do rent it, I can't risk having her do this to my tenants. I wouldn't put anything past her at this point. Is it possible to get a restraining order so she couldn't go on the property? I'm going to be living in a different area on the same property in a few months.

Edit 1: Our ownership is based on what we've put into the property, which leaves her with less than 1%. We had already agreed months ago that I'd be buying her out for what she had contributed, which was very little.

Edit 2: It's complicated. Her father loaned me the down payment, and he asked that she be put on title. She has since become unreasonable, so he wants me to buy her out. I know I fucked up by not buying her out when we first agreed on it. I'm posting in /r/legaladvice/ instead of /r/tifu/ because I want legal advice. Thanks to those who are giving it.

Update: I suggested that the three of us meet in person for discussion. She refused to meet with him present, only her lawyer. So much for good faith attempts at reconciliation before hiring lawyers. I've begun the search for my own representation. Thanks to all the helpful posters.

Answer:
 >She is however, on title.

Why, in the name of everything holy, would you do this or even consider doing this?  We tell people here on a regular basis not to buy property together unless you are married.  You GAVE her half the property and she has no liability for the mortgage.

You are going to have to reach some settlement with her in exchange for her deeding the property back to you.  Right now?  She has just as much right to possession as you do.Answer #2: > We were never married. Neither of us ever lived there. All of the debt is solely in my name because she couldn't qualify for a loan. She is however, on title.

You have potentially made a very expensive mistake here. I'd suggest talking to an attorney immediately. Any recourse you might have depends on the specific property rights she has outlined in the title, which is information we do not have here.Answer #3: If you disagree about how to use the house, and both own it, you really have two options.

The first is to negotiate. The problem here is that she seems pretty unreasonable(from the context) and your and her struggle to communicate like adults enough that you chose to talk through an intermediary like kids on the playground might.

That does not bode well for negotiating, but I would try. You and her could sit down and attempt to talk this through.

If you two cannot come to an agreement, you can also sell the property. Either one party buys the other out, or a full sale to a third party.


Title: Divorced parents, want to be in custody of my other parent. Am still a minor.

Question:
State: NY
Divorced happened about 4 years ago. Mom tooked my little sister, and my dad took me. I want to be in my mother's custody instead. Providing as little details as possible so people don't give useless consolation for me. Any way I could do this? If yes, what are the criterias?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: Your mother would have to request a custody change. Assuming your parents went through the courts, she (and her attorney) would have to petition for that change. Depending on your age, the court would likely take your wishes into consideration.


Title: Can boss tell me when to use vacation time?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Yep.


Title: Probably SOL but might as well ask...my boss is requiring volunteer hours during the holiday season, MN

Question:
My boss is requiring that every employee log volunteer hours at various local charities during the holiday season. He says 8 hours per week will be mandatory, but recommends 12 or more.

I can't afford to commit 8 hours a week to anything right now that isn't a paying job.  I know, volunteering is important but I'm in a position where I need to take care of my own family first.

I am assuming that he can't force me to do this without pay but if I choose not to he can fire me.  Correct? Or is there some miracle out there?

Answer:
 Time spent on charitable purposes at your employer's request is working time that you must be paid for. [29 CFR 785.44](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/29/785.44) ([More details in this DOL opinion letter](http://www.dol.gov/whd/opinion/FLSA/2006/2006_01_27_04_FLSA.htm))

Being fired for refusing to work unpaid hours would be wrongful termination. The only question is really whether you think it would be worth your time and trouble to get fired, find an employment attorney to take your case, and go through the months- or years-long process of a lawsuit.

(You could also work the hours and then file a DOL complaint for the unpaid hours. Your employer might be a little more cautious about a retaliatory firing after you've filed a formal complaint.)Answer #2: Mandatory "volunteer" hours must be compensated.

Can he fire you for refusing to do something illegal (work off the clock)?  No.  Can he probably find a pretext to fire you anyway?  Almost certainly.

If you do get fired of this, file a complaint with the DOL.  And get unemployment too.Answer #3: I'm assuming that the hours you spend volunteering do not reduce the hours you need to work for your employer?  And you're not being compensated for the volunteer time?  Are you salaried or paid hourly?


Title: [TX] Was given drug test for reasonable suspicion after an illness

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Wall of text aside, you a.) work in oil, b.) consumed marijuana.

Idiot.  If you get terminated for testing positive for THC, that's 100% your own fault.

I'm no HSE guy and sure, you might get off on a technicality, but come on man, you should know better.Answer #2: Unless your contract dictates that you can't be drug tested except in narrow circumstances they can drug test you. You're also mixing marijuana, benzos and opiates while operating heavy machinery... the company is perfectly justified in firing you.

If fired, file for unemployment. If they say no, appeal... but you might not win.


Title: Countertops installed an inch too low - do I need to get a lawyer involved?

Question:
[Seattle, WA] We've had a terrible experience with a contractor during a Kitchen remodel - shoddy work, constant mistakes, lack of attention to detail. We had just decided to suck it up and get through the renovation and get him out of our lives - all that was left was to install the dishwasher and the stove. But when we came home - the slide-in range was 7/8 of an inch above the countertop. "Can we lower it?" you might ask. Nope, at least not anymore than he already did by drilling half dollar sized holes into our new floors. Turns out he installed the cabinet boxes too low and our countertops are an inch lower than everything was designed for.

**What should we be thinking about here from a legal perspective?** It doesn't seem like a quick fix and even if it was, it's completely on him. He hasn't returned our calls yet but I'm guessing we will end up needing to get his insurance involved because we aren't paying him to fix his mistakes.

Answer:
 >What should we be thinking about here from a legal perspective?

It depends. You have two options here small claims and civil court. You go to small claims if the cost to repair the damage is below the threshold (I dont know Washington's threshold). If it is above the threshold then you need to file a civil lawsuit and this is when you need an attorney.

You should call a separate contractor to come and inspect the work and determine if it was done correctly, safely and by the contract which you and the original contractor agreed to.

It won't hurt you to contact his insurance and determine if they will cover it. I can see his bad job causing property damage and I can see their insurance covering that.


Title: [NJ] Am I obligated to let tenant use security as part of last month's rent?

Question:
I rent a room in my apt (I am the owner). My tenant gave me 30-days notice, but told me he would be staying until April 5. I told him he would be responsible to pay the holdover penalty for April 1-5.

He paid 1/2 month's security when he moved in. He wants to give me a check for 1/2 month's rent and have me use the security to fulfill March's rent. I do not want to do that. I was under the impression that security was for damages incurred by the tenant. I especially don't want to agree to this because he's staying an extra week. I don't want to take the chance he'll skip out on paying the holdover penalty.

As a landlord am I legally obligated to accept this? Do I have a right to ask for a full-months rent? Per our agreement, I have 30 days to return his security upon him moving out (there is nothing in the agreement stating he can use security as last month's rent).

Answer: No, you are not obligated. The security is to cover damages, not his rent shortage. Tell him he needs to pay you rent and you will return him the security in the timeframe allowed by law.


Title: Used my deceased father's credit card, it has $4,672 of debt and now can't pay it back (self.personalfinance)

Question:
I was using the card before he died and I have always paid the bill and was the only person to make charges

After some months of paying and buying I ended paying just the minimum now I can't continue doing payments, neither my name nor address or number are on the card so I was thinking on throwing the card away and no longer do the payments and forget about it.

I am outside of the US

I know this isn't ethic but I cant continue paying the debt so I just need your opinions

Answer: What is the question?  Will they come after you? they might try. Are you actually liable for this debt since it isn't in your name? Not really but since you made the charges if this were brought to light then yes you would be liable. Is this illegal? Yes. Could you be charged with a crime if you were found out? yes. Is it possible to just stop paying the card and walk away? Possibly but there might be something to come back from this to his estate or his spouse in the future.


Title: A rock bounced off my car and busted another car's passenger windshield.

Question: This happend in Maryland yesterday. I was driving home from lunch when a rock bounced off my car and broke the car next to me passenger window. The guy flagged me down and accused me of throwing the rock at him. I gave him my insurance information. He said he was going to file a police report saying I intentionally threw the rock at him. What can I expect from this and how can I prepare a defense if this goes to court?

Answer: Your defense would be that a rock bounced off your car and hit his windshield. It would be up to him to prove that you intentionally threw a rock at him.


Title: Is it legal to give an employee a personal check on their last day?

Question: I quit my job and my chef told me to expect a personal check on my last day (tomorrow). I said I really would rather have an actual payroll check, that has my hours/taxes. Plus, places charge more for personal checks. He said he would tell my boss. Do I have to accept the personal check? I gave them 72 hour notice.

Answer: Not a lawyer, but work in payroll. California has rules that employees must receive their final pay on their last day. If you’re saying you gave them 72 hours notice of quitting, it’s quite likely that’s not enough time to process the payment via normal methods (running an off cycle pay, doing bank transfers, etc) so they are writing a cheque to meet their obligations to pay you on your final day. Not sure if that helps, but it might explain the why.


Title: curious: USA legal code vs. 'fairness'

Question: I'm in CA, USA, and I was wondering why what's legal is often so far from what seems fair to most people (aka those without a legal degree). People serve jail time for relatively harm free crimes like marijuana possession, it's nearly impossible to get someone convicted for molesting you as a child in IL without a lot of continued suffering through cross examinations.... what exactly is it that our laws are supposed to do? clearly fairness is not the goal. or, possibly, it was the goal but due to case after case, it's rarely achieved without a lot of suffering alongside it?

Answer:
 The law isn't always about being fair and you must also remember that there must be levels of fairness on both sides. Laws aren't always just and some seem completely unjust, but many that seem that way are protecting the rights and process of someone or something that you might not have considered.

For instance, on your child molestation question, it is the job of the defense attorney to instill reasonable doubt in the juror's minds because a man's life and liberty are at risk if the witness is lying. So while it is not pretty to nit pick and make a witness recall every graphic detail, it is often necessary to prove that something happened outside of other physical evidence. You also have the right to face your accuser and point out that they might be lying, misremembering, or etc. It is a process that is important to make sure that the rights of the accused are properly upheld because he is innocent until proven guilty.

Very few people go to jail for a first recreational pot offense. But just because something looks harmless on one side doesn't mean there isn't public policy and laws against it, and whether or not you agree with the law, you are expected to follow it and not help other break it. You don't go to jail for smoking pot. You go to jail for doing something illegal.


Title: Houston, TX - Cannot Reach Former Landlord for Security Deposit Refund

Question:
Hi Everyone,

I am having some issues getting my security deposit back from my former landlord. My lease expired on July 31,2016. Per the lease agreement, I was to give notice 30 days prior to the end date. I submitted my Notice of Termination via email on June 27 to prevent automatic lease renewal. In the email, I listed a forwarding address for my security deposit as well as a request for a walk-through appointment on the last day of the lease. Two days later, I received a phone call from his realtor asking to leave a lock box on the door. I gave her permission and signed the lock box release. During the next month, nobody contacted me so on July 31, I sent an email to both the landlord and the realtor that we had officially vacated the property, all keys were left in X location, and I checked to ensure a key was in the lock box.

Fast forward to today. I have not received my security deposit refund. I sent a follow up email last week (again with my forwarding address), but I have not received a response. I'm dead set on collecting my security deposit so I have been reading up on tenants' rights in Texas. However, after doing some reading, I am slightly confused. If the landlord does not submit to me an itemized list of deductions within 30 days of the final day of the lease, I am entitled to the entire security deposit, no questions asked. However; on Nolo, I found this specific statement: "Landlord need not refund deposit if lease requires tenant to give written notice of tenant's intention to surrender the premises." Just want to clarify, "Surrender" in this context is different from me sending in a Notice of Termination at the end of my one-year lease, right?

Am I missing anything else? I understand that that even if I have done everything right, I still may never see that money, but I want to make sure I'm covering all my bases. Thanks for your time.

Answer: Send a letter certified mail to the address on your lease.


Title: Tired of father taking advantage of mother and treating everyone like crap.

Question:
Californian here, Hello.
I moved in with friends (of which i have known for 3 years) to escape abuse. Sleeping on the couch is alright, but what makes it unbearable is their Father. He drinks himself almost to death every day, smoking weed late at night. He always tries to harass the mother for money (Always a different need, gas for car, haircut for the dog) and is a complete dick to her. The woman works 16 hour days to support the family. ( one 18 year old daughter, 19 year old son, 23 year old son, and me, another 18 year old girl) He tells her to cook for him, pick the daughter up from work, clean the house, all while drunk. This man has gotten a DUI and works at a high school, so this kind of behavior shouldn't even be a thought in his mind, right? A few months ago he was smoking with a friend of his daughters, turns out he has been giving his daughter and her weed. Hes creepy as fuck and I can hardly stand being here alone with him. I can't take it. I want to call the cops and make a report but the mother and sons fear that they will be jailed for not reporting sooner.

What do I even begin to do in this situation? I love this family (aside from him). I dont want to see the mother suffer. I dont want him getting his daughter anymore into drugs than he already has. I just..want it to stop.

Answer:
 > What do I even begin to do in this situation?

Get your own place so you don't have to concern yourself with their family drama anymore? Problem solved!Answer #2: Absent a court order staying otherwise, splitting finances before adults are their own business.

>What do I even begin to do in this situation?

Stop mooching off a family with 3 other kids. These parents are supporting their own kids (including a goddamn 23 year old), they don't need you as well.


Title: Kids dumping McDonald garbage all over my parents front yard.

Question: So let me explain the situation. I'm 18 I live at home with my parents but currently my parents are out of the country on a 2 month cruise and left me in charge of the house and my little sister. So for the last few days some kids have been walking by our property and throwing their McDonald's garbage on to my lawn it's a group of 5-7 middle-schoolers. So after It happened I cleaned it up and thought it would be a one time thing but it has happened 3 times now after they leave school. I set up my cell phone to record them doing it and have them two more time's dumping litter on my parents lawn is their anything I can do to stop this or will nothing happen because their minors (Canada) (Ontario)

Answer: call the police and report them for littering. when the police come you can show them the videos and if they can find the kids then the police will likely talk to their parents


Title: My doctor prescribed me the wrong medication for 8 months

Question:
Hey guys roughly 8 months ago I saw an endocrinologist for low testosterone symptoms.

I had blood work done and confirmed that this was indeed what I was experiencing. My doctor then prescribed me "Clomipramine", a medication often used to treat OCD behavior instead of "Clomiphene", med used to treat low testosterone.

For about 8 months I've been taking and paying for refills for OCD medication and going insane wondering why progress has been slow.

I would at least like to be reimbursed for the wrong medication but is there something more I should be demanding? Where do I start, who should I talk to first?

Answer:
 Former pharmacist here. I've seen similar situations before (phenobarbital versus pentobarbital, for example). If the wrong medication is written on the prescription, then the physician is at fault. If not, then the pharmacy you obtained the medication from is at fault. Whatever the situation is, your health insurance carrier would be interested in this information. Answer #2: Not a lawyer, but I work in a pharmacy.

First thing to do is get in touch with the pharmacy that you’re getting your medicine from. Explain that you’ve been getting the wrong medication. They can look at the original prescription that the doctor gave them and see if the doctor wrote it wrong or if they filled it wrong based off of what the original says.

If the pharmacy filled it wrong, it’s a reasonable request to ask for the money back that you paid for the wrong medication. Depending on the laws/policies in your country/state and at that particular pharmacy it might take them a few days to sort out what they can do for you.

If the doctor wrote the prescription wrong then you’ll have to try to seek damages from them. Best to get advice from someone else on that matter.


Title: [WA] Received Debt Collection Letter for Previous Employer

Question:
Last week I received a letter from a debt collection agency for around $2000. The debt was accrued by my previous employer through one of the distributors we used at the time. I have not worked for this company for 2 years. The company was/is a sole-proprietorship and I have no stake in it.

It looks like I received the letter because I setup the account through the distributor for my boss so my name was on the application. I was an authorized signer on the account when parts were purchased in the absence of my boss.

Am I liable for this debt?

EDIT: Thank you for the comments so far. [Here](http://imgur.com/a/XpHyy) is a copy of the letter I received; identifying information hidden. My SSN is nowhere on here, but the owner's is. The language on the last page concerns me, but I am not smart enough to properly decipher it.
Topic:
Business Law

Answer:
 Were you an authorized signer as you or as an employee of the company? If you signed as an employee, you should be okay. If you signed as you, agreeing that YOU are accepting liability etc., it could get a bit tricky. You may need a lawyer to help you.

Write a letter (send it certified mail and cc as an email if you wish) to the debt collector and request the debt be verified and that it belongs to you. Tell the debt collector all further communications are to be in writing and not to call you.

In any event **DO NOT ignore**. You do not want to have to deal with the judgment that the debt collector will get, cleaning that up and what it will do to your credit report.


Title: Emancipation

Question: I'm looking to be emancipated from my parents, but I have no idea how. Can someone help me?

Answer: One of the criteria for emancipation in Maine is that "the juvenile is sufficiently mature to assume responsibility for his own care and it is in his best interest to do so." If this is something you're serious about but you haven't managed to Google "how to emancipate in Maine", I don't think this is the right avenue to be pursuing. Emancipation requires a level of self-sufficiency and maturity that questions like "would my job need to be full-time?" should not be necessary; bottom line is that you need to be able to support yourself, whatever the hours may look ilke.


Title: Can a landlord charge me for parking, even if the lease says that it is free?

Question:
[https://imgur.com/a/9S96jws](https://imgur.com/a/9S96jws)

&#x200B;

Here is a picture of that part on the lease. I have a 12 month lease. Anyways, I got a text from my landlord asking to pay an additional $60 per month for parking, however on the lease it says that it was $.00 per month. Can he charge me for parking, thanks!

Answer:
 That section doesn't say parking is free.  It says you can't park **at all** except in a designated spot.  Since no spot was designated, you don't get to park on the property.

If you want to park on the property, you have to negotiate that separately, and they can certainly charge you for that.Answer #2: We need your location.

Regardless, if you lease it has a parking space # which is left blank. Where are you parking right now? Because if you're in a numbered spot, or otherwise parking unauthorized, you could get towed.

It looks like parking wasn't on your lease, based on the photo you provided, not because you were getting it for free but because you aren't renting a spot.


Title: Is threatening to put a bullet in some ones head grounds for any charges?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Yes. Go to the police now.


Title: [Minnesota] Employer has doctored my payroll over the last 6 weeks, culling between 10-15 hours from my checks.

Question:
I have screenshots of what they've changed it to; 2:15 pm and 5:00 pm for my evening shift with no variance. My written start time is 2:05 and my shift frequently runs past five. There have been other changes too. I do not, however, have records of when I actually clocked in and out.

Should I talk to payroll first? What's the best course of action? I'm scared because in my experience the squeaky wheel just gets replaced.

I do have a lawyer (on the middle of a divorce) but they're pro bono and I would have to file separately for this case to get representation.

Answer: well you can talk to payroll, but I would continue to gather proof. see what payroll states for the reason. update after you get a reason. then consider filing a claim with the dept. of labor in Minnesota. you don't need a lawyer to do that, you can do online or by mail usually.


Title: Child custody case Idaho/Montana

Question:
After "winning" multiple child custody cases in the last 9 months, my girlfriend and I received a call from the principal of our kids (5 years old) school.  We showed up, were served papers, and informed that the biological father picked her up. We had zero warning.

We've gone through all our court paperwork and are fully confused as to how he managed to do this.  Our last court date was Sept 7, and the judge once again ruled in our favor. We have received no mail and have not been served paperwork since then other than at the school after the fact.

Anyways, the question is, how do we go about figuring out what happened and how?  The paper work we were served doesn't say anything other then details on the new order.  A lawyer is not an option currently as our savings has been drained from prior legal fees from this mess.

My girlfriend and I live in Idaho and the biological father lives in Montana.  The court cases were all in Idaho.

Thanks for any response, if more information or context is needed, please ask.

Answer:
 A lot more info is needed.  What do you mean you won?

What rights does dad have?  Is he keeping her from mom?Answer #2: I would contact the court and make sure these papers are legitimate


Title: Would my husband be in more trouble for keeping our dog in a cage around 8-12 or so hours a day or abusing me to the point I have to call Adult Protective Services.

Question:
I am in Cook county Illinois.  My husband has been blocking me into one room for about 4 years for no reason I can figure out.  I had been put into hospital for severe depression and grave disability 4 years ago next month.  When I was released I lived in a motel for 4 months so as not to come back to the house.  I eventually did which was a big mistake.  I suffer from heart problems, some undiagnosed balance problems, back/spine problems, Agoraphobia and panic, depressive disorder, and meds hardly help and the ones that worked I can't take because of my heart condition.  I am not being treated currently.

For the last year I can't get to the kitchen and have had to have shelf stable food mailed to me so I can eat. I just found out I'm allergic to this food, and no longer have any food. I can't even order a pizza because I can't get to the door.  Once in a while he cooks, but rarely anything I can eat.  I have mobility issues and would need a wheelchair if I have to stand for more than 10 minutes.

He got in trouble with the city 4 years ago for the condition of the house when I could no longer clean it due to my health.  He does not clean.

He has taken my clothes and boxed them up and refused to give them back. He says he can't find them.  He threw out my contact lenses.  I bought new clothes but cannot get to the washer to clean them.  That area is also blocked.  I am basically living in a room filled with boxes and only have access to the bathroom.  The floors get littered and I fall, since I am a fall risk person.  I fill trash bins, but most of it ends up back on the floor when he attempts to take the trash out.  I don't have the strength to keep picking up what he spills.

I can't get to the kitchen or back of the house to get to the dog.  He locks up the dog when he goes to work.
If I or the pets have no food for the day, he leaves for work anyway.

I was told to call adult protective services for myself, but I am afraid of having my life turned upside down even more than it already is.  I am told I am most likely elgible for disability, but received money in an inheritance.  I don't know how that new money would effect any services I might be elgible for. I want to protect the money so I have something to live off, or lawyer fees, housing etc.

He used to have a well paying job, but was laid off in 2006, was on the dole for 4 years and has been working minimum wage jobs under 40 hours with no benefits until the last year.  still low wage, but full time with benefits.

When I was out of the house I lost a lot of personal property that has yet to be returned.  I am afraid to leave the house in his hands again, because I fear I will lose more property that I could possibly sell to support myself if I had to.

I would prefer to keep the city out of my house and find someone to help me clean it. I would like to get my husband out of the house due to his mental, emotional abuse.  He has periods where he will not see me or speak to me, this last one went on 6 months.  He talked to me but only on the phone.  One time lasted 2 years.  I have stayed due to lack of any family or support.  I am completely isolated which is causing me major distress.  I panic on the phone or when it rings.  I hear a car engine and i panic thinking I'm going to be hauled away again.  I had to go to hospital, but other than cleaning the house he had no repercussions.

What are my best options in this situation?  I will not leave the house with no clothes or cash he has taken, so I can't just call a cab and leave.

Answer:
 [Here](http://www.cookcountysheriff.com/socialservice/socialService_EmergencyShelterWomanAndChildren.html) is a link to Cook County's Women and Children shelter.  You need to get out of what sounds like a horrible situation.  From where you are situated, you are climbing uphill.  You need to protect yourself and get help!!Answer #2: No one is this story has their stuff together. Everyone is being hurt by the status quo. Your life is upside down as it is. You need help to live in anything that approximates a healthy situation.

It is 100% in your best interests to go. You should go. There are people who are qualified to help you walk through all the questions you have when it comes to disability. There are people qualified to help you with assisted living. Help is available, but they don't know you exist. *Tell them that you exist*.

Just go. If you don't this situation will kill you. It's really that simple. Call, get help, and build a place for yourself.


Title: Philly- We were awarded $2,400 in small claims. It's been 30 days and they haven't paid.

Question:
Philadphia- Should we contact the defendants attorney and see if they plan to pay or should we immediately just fill out the paperwork to go after the money ourselves?
We didn't have an attorney so we can't ask them to be the go-between.

Answer: You have to go back to court and file a motion to compel execution. The defendant's attorney can't make them pay and is likely no longer representing them, as the case has concluded.


Title: 17 year old girlfriend was hit/raped by a "friend" she knew since kindergarten

Question:
About 2 months ago before she was dating me, she was hanging out with this kid she was friends with since kindergarten.  He pinned her down and hit her a couple of times and he raped her while she was blacking out. She went to the hospital and got lots of rape kit tests done, all coming back positive. She also filed a police report, but that didn't do shit since they're garbage at their jobs and just gave him a "stern talking to" and let him off the hook. Her mother is very controlling and doesn't believe her despite the evidence from the rape kit, making her scared to take this further. She still gets scared when she sees him school. I just want this fucker to be imprisoned for a few years at minimum so that she could have justice and peace of mind, I'm just wondering how to go about it as her boyfriend.  Any advice would be appreciated.

P.S - This event has taken place in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.

Answer:
 Lots of rape kits? I've worked with victims services before, multiple rape kits don't happen. The ER does one rape kit, the police are notified, sometimes an officer will come speak to the victim, and the investigation begins at that point. Hypothetically I guess she could have gone to multiple hospitals, but a rape kit is pretty invasive, and with a police report on file, I'm guessing this isn't the case. Answer #2: >She went to the hospital and got lots of rape kit tests done, all coming back positive.

A rape kit isn't like a pregnancy test. It isn't a positive or negative thing. It's a collection of evidence thing.

I'm sorry she is going through something like this. You didn't say where you are but she should look up rape counseling services.

If you are still in school she can go to the guidance counselor and ask for help.Answer #3: If the police officer in charge did not follow through on a reported rape - especially one with a positive rape kit attached to it - you (your girlfriend) needs to go above their head to their supervising officer and/or your district attorney to ask for an explanation and for the case to followed through on appropriately.

Answer #4: It's really, really difficult to believe that there was a positive rape kit and the police did nothing. Before you level any accusations, I'd be checking out the story a little further.


Title: "Building a Case" (USA)

Question:
Out of curiosity I read the r/shoplifting subreddit.  I don't shoplift and have no intention of doing so.  I just enjoy reading about what techniques they use.

One of the things that come up frequently is stores like Target building a case against someone to have people they caught with a felony rather than misdemeanor.  For example, Joe shoplifts five times items that cost less than the felony amount.  Then, the sixth time, the amount added together exceeds felony level.  So, they're arrested for a felony instead of 5 misdemeanors.

Is that possible?  My understanding is that they'd be charged for the five counts as separate crimes.

This probably varies between states but different posters mention the same thing.

Answer:
 > I just enjoy reading about what techniques they use.

Everyone here definitely believes this.

> Is that possible?

Of course that's possible, depending on the state.  Actions that comprise a "continuing course of conduct" can be charged as one big charge instead of the smaller ones.Answer #2: I'm a cop in California. Yes this can and does happenAnswer #3: My SO worked in security at Target and they absolutely did that here, especially with employees who were repeat offenders. I was told of an employee who worked in the "Starbucks" there caught on video giving free drinks to friends. They let the person in question continue for some time before having them arrested for felony larceny. Answer #4: Sounds like a smart move - gets rid of the shoplifters for good instead of having them just come back in a month or 2 when they figure you've forgotten about them.

Also less cost to Target calling the police and dealing with it once than 5-6 times...


Title: New Laws in 2017!

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Missouri makes possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana a no-jail offense.

We also had a Supreme Court decision in the summer that held our felony stealing statute to be unconstitutional. So there has been no felony stealing in Missouri from then until Jan. 1 when the new criminal code took effect.
Answer #2: I'm in Dallas, and the Texas legislature surrounding the legalization of marijuana is just confusing me at this point.  I was trying to keep up with or last year after we moved here, and I'll be honest I just kinda gave up.

I was just wondering if someone could link me to the current information on the compassionate use program (medical marijuana).

Disclaimer:  I don't smoke pot, but I've got MS, and I've been told by several people across the country over various forums, that it severely lessens the related pain.  I would however, rather be in pain than in jail, which is why I don't currently smoke.


Title: Can I file a police report on him?

Question:
My friend has been hitting my internet offline non-stop for no reason. After I cut him off he continues to do it. He doesn’t stop. What can I do?
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer: What do you mean "hitting my internet offline non-stop"?


Title: I am somewhat interested in what lawyers here have to say about the TSA arrested me guy who hit the front page. Is this perjury? Unlawful arrest? Or nothing? Link in comments.

Answer: If anything, it would be filing a false police report by the TSA agent.  And possibly some variation on misuse of emergency services or something to that effect if it exists in Philly.  Probably perjury assuming the story is correct that the statements in court are demonstrably false based on the video evidence.


Title: [WA] Roommate moved out "unofficially"-- what can I do?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Do you have separate leases? If not, you pay the full amount and will have to sue the roommate for your losses.


Title: Can I sue my abuser?

Question:
My younger sister and I were physically, sexually, and verbally abused by my mother's ex-husband 15+ years ago.

My mom and my older sister signed a tort agreement that included never being able to sue him for damages and that they would *strongly dissuade* us from suing, but my sister and I were minors and I'm under the impression we are not legally bound by this agreement.

He was never jailed for his abuse against us, but I know that he was found guilty of the physical abuse (we had documentation of that) and he got probation, but there was no evidence of the sexual abuse so those charges were dropped.

Both my sister and I have PTSD among other emotional issues, and though I have come to terms with the abuse and lead a healthy life now, my younger sister still struggles with the past.

Now my mom has suggested that we could sue him in civil court, but my questions are what sort of lawyer would we get and what is it that we would sue for? Emotional damage? If so, on what grounds might our case stand?

I don't want to do this for the money that I might receive, but rather to help my sister and I finally get some sort of justice. This man committed horrible acts and has since gone on to live a very successful life, whereas my family has struggled for so long because of him. If there is a way to knock him down a notch before he leaves this earth, we would like him to know he doesn't deserve all that he has.

Also, all parties involved are Native American but enrolled at different tribes. Some of his abuse against us occurred on both reservations where he is enrolled and where my sister and I are enrolled, but most of it did not happen on a rez. I'm not sure if that complicates the case, and if that means we should go through state court, our tribe's court, or his tribe's court. If you have advice with the Indian law aspect, please let me know that as well.

Thank you so much!

Answer:
 > My mom and my older sister signed a tort agreement that included never being able to sue him for damages

How and why did they do this?  What were they given in consideration?


Title: Friend was arrested for rape at work.

Question: So how much of a determining factor is this? I've had another co-worker who was also accused of rape also but the cops only stopped by work and told him about a restraining order. However, my friend was flat out arrested and put in jail. I recently found this out and looked it up online and he has court tomorrow. Is him being arrested a strong indication that they have solid proof to sentence him? I wasn't there when anything happen and barely found out through a mutual friend. I don't believe he'd be capable of something like that but him being arrested makes it seem like his situation is really bad. Could I speak at the court about who he is as a friend and how he's never given hints at such accusations?

Answer:
 You don’t know anyone as well as you think, people with other good qualities are capable of rape.Answer #2: > Is him being arrested a strong indication that they have solid proof to sentence him?

It's evidence that there was evidence to establish probable cause. Whether there's evidence beyond a reasonable doubt is ultimately a question for a jury, not the internet, but a prosecutor somewhere probably feels strongly that they have the necessary evidence to convince a jury, or that he'll plead down rather than risk it.

> Could I speak at the court trial about who he is to me as a friend and how he's never hinted at such accusations?

No. Character evidence is generally inadmissible, because of its tendency to bias the jury without addressing any of the facts at question in the case.


Title: I was assaulted while sleeping in my boarding school dorm room.

Question:
Sorry for the long read in advance.

This happened in October 2016. I was attending an all boys boarding school in a small town in Nebraska. I live in Kansas and would commute home on weekends but live at the school during the week days. After school ended for the day on a Monday I went to my room to take a nap around 3:30pm. I was sound asleep and was briefly awoken by an intense pain in my head. I don’t remember much more after that except being woken up by my roommate who had just come back from dinner around 5pm. I rolled off my bed and tried to remember what happened and why my head hurt so bad. The room was spinning and the lights in the room were extremely intense. I stumbled out of my room and walked down the hall to talk to my RA. I explained to him that I may have sustained a concussion as I have had several in the past and know what they feel like. I asked him if anything happened or if anyone came into my room and he simply told me that I did not have a concussion and that I was simply depressed about my bad test score and that I should stop trying to make up excuses for not studying. I immediately stumbled back to my room and called my parents and explained what happened to the best of my abilities but I really didn’t know what happened I began asking my classmates what happened and if they saw anyone come into my room while I was sleeping. (Note I didn’t keep my door locked as my roommate was very forgetful and often lost his keys.) several people said that they say one kid go into my room and 30 seconds later came running out laughing with a weird smile on his face. I asked him about it and he denied every coming in my room. I was extremely exhausted, dizzy, nauseous, and couldn’t think straight so I decided to sleep it off and went to bed. I told my roommate that we would be locking the door from now on as someone came in he agreed. The next morning I woke up to a banging on my door. I opened my door and it was my RA asking me why I had skipped 2 classes that morning. I had slept through those classes with no recollection of having my alarm go off or anything. I quickly get dressed and go to my next class. I walked into my class or the class I thought I was supposed to be in and apparently it wasn’t a class I had ever been in. I left that class and tried to find my class but had absolutely no idea where I was. After asking around I finally found the classroom and found out we were was supposed to be and I sit down. I see the kid who everyone thought went into my room and he smiled and says “how’s your head faker” and a few people around him laughed. The next thing I know my teacher is tapping me awake and telling me that if I keep falling asleep in his class I will need to leave. I had apparently fallen asleep 3 times in his class. So he told me that my behavior was extremely out of character and that I should go lay down. I head back to my dorm room and fall asleep only to be awoken by my RA telling me to stop being lazy and depressed and to get my ass to class. I go to my next class and am again sent back to my dorm for falling asleep and being out of character. This repeats for the rest of the school day. I call my parents and I tell them everything that is going on they say that they have been in contact with my RA and thar he is telling them a completely different story stating that I am being openly defiant and lethargic. I am later informed thar they asking him to do a basic concussion symptoms check to see if I showed any signs of having a concussion and he assures them that he did in fact meet with me and look me over but in reality he never did. I decide to go to the head of discipline and try to get some help. After hearing that I will be talking to the schools about what happened the kid who allegedly came into my room approached me and told me that it was in fact him but that he was just messing around and did not intend to hurt me and that I should tell everyone that we are friends and this is a joke. I was very out of it and could not really do anything but nod and agree. I did tell the head of discipline that I believe someone hit me in the head while I was sleeping and in turn gave me a concussion. He asked if I knew who did it and I told him about the kid but I did in fact say that we were friends which I still don’t know why I did. After the meeting I go back to my room and and fall asleep still experiencing major concussion symptoms 2 days after the assault including; headache, dizziness, fatigue, short term memory loss, sensitivity to light and sound, vomiting, extremely poor balance and ringing in my ears. I wake up the next day and try to get through the day. The same thing happens where I go to class only to get sent back to my dorm by my teachers to having my RA make me go back to class. I do not hear anything from the head of discipline and noticed that my symptoms were getting more severe. I called my parents once more and told them that nobody was doing anything about what happened and mom was already planning on driving up for parent teacher conferences so she came to get me. After she arrived I was called out of class and into a meeting room. In the room was my mom, the head of discipline, our councilor, and my RA. We sat down and I explained everything to them once again and my mom asked my RA again if he had administrators a concussion test. He said yes and my mom told him that she knows he is lying because she is a pediatrician and could see many of my symptoms by just talking to me for about 30 seconds. The head of discipline stated that they went through security camera footage and that the kid who supposedly came into my room did and came out running 30 seconds later with a smile on his face as others had told me. My mom then said that we are leaving and she took me to the hospital. I was diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury and was instructed to get brain rest. I went to my grandparents house and lived in their basement as it has a very dark room. For the next several weeks I slept 23-24 hours a day only waking up to briefly eat or use the restroom. I began to notice improvements and pretty soon I could stay awake for more than an hour at a time. The doctor suggested that I start progressing back into school starting at an hour or as much as I can handle a day. Once I went back I was immediately given all the assignments I had missed during my few weeks if absences and told to get it to each teacher ASAP. I felt that I was better enough and began working on my make up work only to get a severe headache and became extremely confused and tired. I decided to return to my grandparents house and go sleep it off. I waited 2 days before returning and then was given more homework and still expected to do all of the work even though the doctors had recommended only 1 hour of class and no academic work. This cycle kept repeating until it was close to finals and I was expected to take all my final exams over the things that had been learned while I was not in school recovering. I obviously did not want to fail and saw my only option was to keep going to class and doing as much as I can. I pushed myself to the point that I was unable to do simple things like hold a conversation or eat without falling asleep. When my mom heard about everything that was happening she told the school that they need to give me the grades that I had the day of the incident and excuse the rest of my work and give me a final semester grade. Then she informed them that I would not be returning to the school and would be enrolling in the local high school in Kansas. I stayed in Nebraska for several more weeks recovering and sleeping until I was able to travel back home. I began to experience nightmares of the incident and would often feel like I was reliving the event over and over again. In January of 2017 I saw a concussion specialist who had previously taken care of me for my last few concussions. I was told that my reading and cognitive levels were extremely low and my balance and vestibular functions were extremely bad. I was instructed to start vestibular therapy as well as speech therapy. I went to school in Kansas for only an hour a day as the doctor recommended and did not actively participate. I was just there observing until I could handle actually learning. Several months went by and I was progressively getting better and better. I began to be able to read like I had been able to and hold conversations without forgetting major things and I could walk and balance again. I was able to go to a full day of school by March and was fully cleared of my concussion by late April. I began to notice that the nightmares were getting more and more severe. I would wake up sometimes 5-6 times a night crying. My mom made an appointment with a therapist and we developed strategies to help me avoid having nightmares. I also was started on Prozac for anxiety which helped significantly but there was a few nightmares here and there that still occurred. Fast forward to this year 2018. I started college this fall and noticed that it is much harder to focus and study for tests, I am very forgetful, I heave headaches frequently and still feel that some of my symptoms never truly went away 100%. On top of that I was extremely worried about living in a dorm like living area once again. I talked to my doctors and therapist about the things I can do to help ease my worries. I was given several techniques and practices to try and it seemed to help for the most part. Now fast forward today. I have not slept in 2 days because I am awoken by my nightmares, reliving the attack in extreme detail. I am not sure what to do as I have tried to seek help and manage my symptoms. I called my parents and they talked about the option of taking legal action again the kid who assaulted me. We did file a police report after the incident and it is documented. Now I guess I am curious as to what my options are. I know that the incident did occur nearly two years ago but I am still suffering from the effect of it and I would like to know if taking legal action would be something that I should consider or what other options I may have. (We originally did not take legal action immediately after the incident largely because my dad was a teacher at that school and the abbot was the one who officiated the marriage of my parents. The school and the abbot asked that we don’t sue so that it didn’t ruin the reputation of the school.) I was originally okay with that but now that it has been over two years and I am still suffering over something that happened to me and the kid did not even get expelled. I am beginning to wander if I made the right choice.

TLDR: I was assaulted while sleeping in my dorm room. A kid attacked me with a text book while I was sound asleep and gave me a very severe concussion. The school did nothing to protect me and the kid did not get expelled for his actions. I am still experiencing symptoms of my concussion two years after the incident and have been having extremely vivid dreams of the attack preventing me from getting a goodnights sleep. I want to know my legal options as well as any other courses of action that would be recommended.

Answer: Statute of limitations in Nebraska looks to be 1 year for assault and battery, so no chance of a civil action there. But there could be a civil cause of action under the general personal injury statute, where it looks like the statute of limitations on personal injury is 4 years. Consult a Nebraska personal injury attorney, and he'll give you a sense of whether you have a case.


Title: Students right to Internet Privacy[New Jersey]

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 First of all, censorship is when the government punishes you for expressing an opinion. It's not censorship when a school wants to monitor your internet browsing more closely. You're at school to learn and not to goof off on Newgrounds.com.

It's perfectly legal for them to install cameras in all the classrooms as you're in areas where you have no reasonable expectation of privacy (bathrooms would be an obvious exception). Those cameras can even record audio because NJ is one of 39 states (plus DC) with one-party-consent wiretapping laws.

The Facebook drama will still be there when you get home from school. You can wait.


Title: How would one get multiple citizenships say for the USA and Germany/Netherlands/Europe? [Australia]

Question:
Basically, I am an Australian wishing to move and live around the world namely the US and parts of Europe (Germany/Netherlands/Norway/Sweden/etc).

So what would be the best or easiest place to migrate to say if I was a software developer making 'steam' games.

Basically I want to be closer to my community and 'social network' or market that will be mostly gamers living in either the US or the EU. Australia is a very very small country and continent and therefore market for an international games developer and also our internet here can sometimes suck :(

edit: ok thanks guys its nearly 1:20am here now and my grandfather is asking me to sleep haha lol.. p.s. I am 26 so I am of working/legal age etc cheers bye for now.. ill read the rest of your comments a bit later :) keep em coming.. any and all suggestions are good.. and as for by work skillset.. I am technically a software developer but can also branch out to really any field or branch.. (as an example I am currently a waiter and cleaner here now in Australia etc and used to do manual labor and also harvest jobs)

Answer:
 The Netherlands has strict laws restricting multiple citizenship. However, there is little use in obtaining multiple EU citizenships anyways as EU citizens have almost the same rights as national citizens within the EU. In fact, this mostly even applies to EEA countries as well.

To live somewhere you don't need citizenship, but rather an appropriate visa. The conditions on getting a visa are different between each country. Often getting a student visa is easy while getting a worker visa is only possible if you have skills that are particularly in demand and you can find a company willing to sponsor such a visa. Some countries (including the Netherlands) also offer working holiday visas, but they are strictly limited in time.

Most countries offer the possibility to naturalize (obtain citizenship) after living there legally for at least a certain number of years.


Title: [Michigan] Manager trying to force people to stay

Question:
Okay so when I came in to work today the manager asked if I wanted to stay for a cleaning day and I said I couldn't.

And when my other manager was leaving today he was complaining about there not being enough people to clean and the other manager goes “just force people to stay. After they close just refuse to swipe them out so they have to stay and help if they close”

Just wanted to see if they can actually do this

Answer:
 Can they physically stop you from leaving?  No

Can they tell you that if you leave you are fired?  Yes


Title: New apartment, Cockroach infestation, Lease says:

Question:
Signed a lease about a 2 weeks ago, moved in about a week ago (In MO for reference) saw one or two cockroaches. Now though, there are SO MANY. I turn on the light at night and they scatter. I am a clean freak, I vacuum every day, and clean the counter every night before bed and never leave food out. But there are big ones. Small ones. I even see a handful during the day running around, so without a doubt is an infestation and not just a problem. I have used Riad, traps, boric acid, and it does not help, at all.

I am going to call my landlord today and see what I can do, or what she can do rather, but what are my rights? In the lease it only states:

"Landlord shall comply with all building and housing codes affecting health ans safety. Landlord shall maintain the building to allow good and safe working order of all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, HVAC and appliances and proved adequate trash removal service"

Can I do anything? I LOVE my apartment, its cheap, a block from work, and cozy, but these damn cockroaches are seriously making it hard to sleep or even relax after a long day at work. Help.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 Since you have not lived there 6 months, you cannot solve the problem yourself and deduct from rent, per MO law. [Here's a tenant guide for MO.](https://www.ago.mo.gov/docs/default-source/publications/landlord-tenantlaw.pdf?sfvrsn=4)

You will need to contact the landlord, and demand that they get an exterminator. You then need to give them reasonable time to actually get this taken care of, and if it is not taken care of, contact the county department of health.

If it continues to be a problem, you can break the lease based on this issue, and sue for moving costs. You may also be able to get a percentage of rent back from the date you notified the landlord.


Title: [VA] Wedding photographer won't send pictures and takes forever to correspond, want out of contract

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 2 weeks? You need to check your expectations. It can take months.

>  There is NO mention of how many pictures we're guaranteed or anything of that nature in the contract.

If these things were so important to you why didn't you negotiate it into the contract?

No you can't get out based on what you provided here. She hasn't breached. If you don't pay her she can sue you and probably win.Answer #2: All that means is that if she doesn't get a picture of your Great Aunt Helga you can't get pissy about it. And that she'll probably take 500 photos at the wedding and only send you a fraction because not all of them will be great and you are not entitled to every out of focus photo. She will send you only the best.

I would not expect professional photos back in 2 weeks. It is a lot of work to go through photos and edit them. And you are not her only client.


Title: got a letter from the IRS, should I be worried?

Question:
My dad just called me and told me that I received a letter from the IRS. I asked him to forward it to my current address, where I am attending college. He didnt give me any info on it, and is leaving me to open it. I'm not sure if its certified or uncertified, I'm hoping its the later.
I know im reacting fast but im very scared about what this could mean. I'm only 19 years old, and im terrified of what an audit could mean for me. As far as I know my taxes for when I worked summer jobs are fine. The only thing I could think of is that my and my housemates throw house parties that generate a decent amount of money every weekend (about 200-300 cash). We kept the money of course but I did not include that income on my taxes.
if anyone could take the time to answer this, I'd truly appreciate it. im terrified at what this could mean, and the stuff i read about IRS certified mail online doesnt make me feel any better. worst case and I am being audited, what would happen? do I pay the money they think I owe and im fine, or could i be arrested or something?

sorry if this is the wrong place im just panicking right now

Answer:
 Most of the time these are in regards to an arithmetic or technical error on a return, asking clarification on something, or seeking some documentation.

Don't panic. Wait until you get the letter and see what it says. It is probably nothing to worry about. You may even be entitled to some money back.

/r/tax would be worth a visit once you have a chance to read the letter if something doesn't make sense.


Title: [PA] Mother without heat for 7 days, including blizzard

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Heat is considered a basic necessity in Pennsylvania, and the state has the power to compel landlords to provide an immediate fix. Without heat, a residence is deemed uninhabitable.

She should immediately (as in right this instant) contact her local codes enforcement office. Depending on the size of her municipality, this may be lumped in with zoning.


Title: My roommate is in NC for worked and asked me to mail him his Vyvanse from GA. How bad of an idea is that?

Question: My roommate travels for work regularly. We live in Georgia. He left this morning to North Carolina but just called me to tell me he left his Vyvanse at home and asked me to FedEx it to him.  He needs it to work. I said yes, since it didn't seem like a big deal but then I started thinking that the law might not look to favorably on mailing a schedule II controlled substance. Exactly how bad of an idea is it to attempt to mail it to him?

Answer: Right now you're in possession of a controlled substance that doesn't belong to you. Controlled substances are received via mail order from legit pharmacies all the time. You are mailing it to the person named on the bottle.


Title: Ex wife wants me to pay for her kids because the real father (her new boyfriend) is a deadbeat drug addict. Louisiana.

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 >She left me for him a few weeks after we got married.

She made her bed she can lie in it. Legally as well as morally. Answer #2: In Oregon, if you're not on the birth certificate and paternity isn't established (an impossibility in your case, right?) then you have no legal obligation.

Answer #3: It may not matter, but just to be clear on details, was your divorce finalized before her children were born?Answer #4: Don't take this the wrong way but this is not your problem. Just ignore her


Title: Laughably bad hours creating low quality of life

Question:
Just want some opinions on this. I know employers can get away with pretty much anything but slave labor but still want to know my options.

My hours are very sporadic and unpredictable. I'll give you an example.

Saturday 12pm-4pm. I arrive early, it's about 45 minutes from my house. I get there at 11:45 pm only to be called and made to forget about that shift and work 3-8 instead. I'm already there, but they insist I come back later. So I come back later, esstiallt wasting 1:30 minutes of my life to then get home and have to turn around and come back.

So far we are at 3pm-8pm. I have a second shift that night 11pm-3am. The next morning (today) I have a 8am-4pm shift, 11pm -3am, then 6am-10 pm. Sometimes I work 8 am-4 am shifts, then am expected to work 6am-10am. It is not uncommon for me to work 20 hours in a 24 hour period. Not to mention this has gone on for over a month without a single day off. When am I supposed to sleep? I mean I get overtime but in my line of work not being fully aware can be life or death. Just want others opinions.

This is in Durham NC, a fairly dangerous city so I can't be just chilling for 3 hours in between shifts.

Answer: Other than certain industries with hour protections, no states I am aware of have the kind of protection you are looking for. However, a number of states have legislation in the works that might help you. So... keep an eye on scheduling predictability legislation in your state.


Title: Oklahoma, roommate moving out before lease expired

Question:
I'm in Oklahoma. My roommate and I signed an 18 month lease, she was already renting the home and we extended the existing lease in order to add my name to the lease agreement. Long story short, she decided yesterday to move out and has moved the majority of her belongings into her girlfriend's house. We are 4 months into an 18 month lease, and I would scarcely be able to afford this house on my own.

I plan to call the landlord today, but I wanted to know my options and rights in case he has suggestions or demands for me.

Answer:
 The landlord gets paid in full or both of you get evicted. Even if she's not living there the eviction goes on her record. You can pay rent in full to avoid eviction and sue her for any share of her rent you are forced to pay on her behalf.

You should check the leases policy on subletting and see if you can come to an arangment.


Title: My stimulus money was deposited into my tax preparers account. They want to charge me $30 to receive my funds. Is this legal?

Question:
My tax company usually puts their own bank account on the refund part of my 1040 tax returns. When my return comes on they take their cut and forward me a direct deposit from their institution. I know this because my bank statement states their business name instead of IRS.

I called the company this morning and they want to charge me $30 to transfer me my stimulus money? Is this legal? I know $30 isn’t much but how can I be charged to receive federal aid.
Topic:
Tax Law

Answer:
 >My tax company usually puts their own bank account on the refund part of my 1040 tax returns.

That is a complete scam, and you should [report them](https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/make-a-complaint-about-a-tax-return-preparer).  If you filed a state return, report them to your state's department of revenue.

Make it clear to them that they will transfer all the amount, with no fees.


Title: If a crime was committed by a conjoined twin that required incarceration, would the non-offending twin be incarcerated also? Conjoined twins are exceedingly rare, so this may or may not have and historical precedent.

Answer:
 This has been asked a bunch in the past, and the comments are usually pretty interesting. Search the sub for "conjoined"

Here's a good one: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladviceofftopic/comments/ir0qk7/can_siamese_twins_be_incarcerated_if_only_one_of/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share


Title: Was involved in a car crash in my brand new lease, might be a total loss.

Question: I was involved in an accident on the 25th. My dash camera caught it all so it wasn't hard to prove fault. Currently I am waiting on their insurance to give me an estimate, but a few people i spoke to said the car might be a total loss. The problem with that for me is that it is a leased vehicle, that i only purchased in May. I had to put down a large sum of money towards the lease to be able to get it because of my credit. If it is totaled, I wont get that money back and will be out of a car. What should I do?

Answer: This is the exact precise reason why you should not make large down payments on leased vehicles. You will need to receive the value of the vehicle from the other insurer. You will need to pay the lease company the payoff value of the lease. If the value of the vehicle is less than the payoff value of the lease, then gap insurance will cover that difference if you have it.


Title: [CA] Have not fully vacated apartment, Landlord has already changed the locks.

Question:
I had a sublease for an Apartment in Los Angeles. I had been since last August. As per our agreement I was supposed to move out by Friday. The person I was sub-leasing from wasn't available to swap keys and do a walk-through until Monday, so I left some stuff behind I was going to pick up tonight.

I went to pick up my belongings and the locks were already changed. I have not fully vacated the apartment, and that should have been obvious as belongings were plainly visible. I have urgent medical documents I need for my mom, she's getting surgery next week. What can I do to get access ASAP? I have already emailed the landlord but I'm not sure she checks email on the weekend or that she even cares about the law. Am I in the legal right and how can I get access ASAP if I am?

#The email I sent her:

Hi [Landlady]

My sister finished cleaning the apt this Friday, but she couldn't carry everything back with her. I was in the emergency room with my mom so I couldn't help her out. [Guy I'm Subleasing from] told me that we would swap keys and do a walkthrough on Monday. I was shocked tonight when I came to pick up my belongings and I could not access them. [Guy I'm subleasing from] told me the locks were to be changed on Monday.

I have not fully vacated the apartment, and I do not have access to my belongings. I have established tenancy at [Apartment name] and as I'm sure you're aware, it is illegal to remove access from a tenant to an apartment that has not been fully vacated for 30 days after the expiration of a lease agreement. I obviously do not intend to overstay my occupancy agreement with [Guy I'm subleasing from], but I do need access to my belongings. My mom has medical documents at the apartment that she needs urgently, we have surgery scheduled for next week.

When can we schedule a time on Sunday to pick up the rest of my stuff?

Respectfully,
[Tenant]

Answer:
 >as I'm sure you're aware, it is illegal to remove access from a tenant to an apartment that has not been fully vacated for 30 days after the expiration of a lease agreement.

Say what? Are you suggesting that a landlord may not bar entry for 30 days past the day you moved out?

You were supposed to be out by Friday, and you weren't. You can send this very accusatory email, and the landlord can tell you that you are holding over your tenancy, and will be charging you rent on a daily basis until your possessions are removed.


Title: (FL) I'm doing casting for a musical, a woman is claiming she'll sue me for weigh discrimination.

Question:
I don't even think that's illegal outside of California.

Each summer we do the Rocky Horror show. Some of our regulars won't be able to preform this summer so I have to do casting(Our *Rocky* broke his back and *Magentas* pregnant).

A woman auditioned to play Magenta, she was absolutely terrible she can't sing to save her life, does the Time Warp like a senior citizen and stated she wouldn't dye her hair or wear a wig for the role.

I dismissed her pretty quickly, I told her it was because of her singing and dancing along with her refusal to wear the costume if we hired her.

She showed up at the auditions today and told me that she was going to sue me for weight discrimination. I never mentioned her weight and I don't care, if you can play the role properly you get the job. Heck, our *Brads* a chubby guy and he can keep up.

Are there any Florida laws that allow her to claim this?

Answer:
 Reddit LegalAdvice: the Musical

This needs to happen.Answer #2: Honestly you could probably show up at the court case w/o a lawyer and have your opening statement be uproarious laughter and you'd still win. Only exaggerating a little.

Also remember that the vast majority of people who say "I'll sue you" will never actually sue you. Assume she's full of shit until you actually get served with court papers. Answer #3: She can sue you for whatever she wants. Winning is another story though.Answer #4: Weight is not a protected class (that I am aware of), and the burden of proof is on her to show she was turned down for that reason. And to show damages. Unless Florida has laws drastically different from the ones I'm acquainted with, saying "I was emotionally distressed" doesn't count for much.

Dubious liability + no damages = pretty weak case.


Title: Billed for a service we did not agree to have done.

Question:
To condense the situation, our neighbor is trying to sue us for a property dispute. That isn't the issue I'm writing about but it's part of the story. My wife works for a realty company and she has explained our situation to her boss. Her boss suggested we have our property surveyed and he got in contact with a surveying company and explained our situation and got us a quote. The company had quoted my wife's boss and that was the end of it. Well this company decided to go ahead and survey our property anyway. Neither my wife or myself had any direct contact with the surveying company and her boss never told the company that we wanted to go ahead and get it done. We have a copy of the email chain between her boss and the company. Well today I received an invoice from the company for $450. I do not feel as though we should have to pay for a service that we never agreed to get. We cannot really afford to pay it anyway. Does anyone have any advice as to the course of action I should take on this matter? Thanks in advance!

Edit: we live in central Illinois.

Answer:
 Don't pay it, and don't accept any survey or other data or information they try to give you. If they send you the survey and you accept it (or worse, try to use it) you'll have to pay them when they take you to court over it.

If you maintain that you never authorized the survey and simply wanted a quote for the job, they could attempt to sue you. If they file suit do not ignore it.

If they can prove that your wife's boss authorized it make him/her pay for it.

Worst case scenario is they could possibly attempt to place a lien on your property which you'd have to fight, which would probably cost more than $450. That's not an unreasonable cost for a good survey, and if you do in fact need it in your dispute with the neighbor you may as well find a way to pay for it.


Title: Can a bank refuse to release a satisfied lien?

Question:
So I paid off my old car about 4 years ago. I'm now trying to sell my car, but cannot obtain a title because DMV was not notified that the lien had been satisfied. DMV says this is common, and that I should call the bank and request an original lien release letter.

The bank however is refusing to provide a lien release letter because of an unrelated credit card account I had with them is in bad standing and was sent to collections.

Can they really get away with holding my property hostage like this? I can't register or sell my vehicle without that letter, and there is no other way to release the lien to my knowledge.

Bank location: NY
My current location: FL

Any ideas?

Answer: Many banks use loan language that says the collateral is security for that specific loan *as well as any other obligations you may owe the bank.*


Title: [Oklahoma City] I [36M], male neighbor [23M] and his bikini-wearing, my wife [33F] is getting upset by this, and local kids scared away by him. What do we do legally?

Question:
Names changed for privacy.

I'm 36, been married to Jacqui for 7 years now. A new guy, Josh moved into our neighborhood here in Oklahoma a year ago. The dude seems nice enough, we had no problems with him until last month. He's began sitting in our garden in a bikini, even in cold weather, doesn't care what others think, when I caught him I told him to gtfo, he threatend to get "Big Jimmy" on me, and asked me to get a photo of his junk on his cameraphone, said I needed to email it to the POTUS. He said I should email the POTUS, DOD, IRS, Jimmy Fallon with photos of his junk, and mine (wth?)

My wife's become upset by this, as he comes to the door in a bikini when she was on vacation from work for a few days (I had to go out-of-state for business trip), she told me he was asking her to strap her boobs down, shave her head, look more like a dude, she was in tears telling me this.

This dude has also started upsetting the community, kids are too scared to play out, he sits by his big SUV in a bikini, he plays rock music, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles and Carly Rae Jepsen through the night at all hours loudly, we can't sleep, wife's getting headaches.

Confronting him over this was a big washout, he said "Get a hold of yourself man, or I could bitchslap you, you're not very camp, are you, "

I told him firmly this was unacceptable, he told me to be camp, get some camp outfits, stop being so "milquetoast Homer Simpson".

I'm so damn angry with him, he said if I told the police about him he'd get "Big Jimmy" to "knock me out in a sedan" and told me that I should send off bikini pics to malibustrings (he said he'd do that, and I should, said to me "think of the megabucks, us as bikini dudes and camwhore boys!)

Names changed for obvious reasons.

I'm a Canadian guy in Oklahoma City, married to an American, but am 1/2 English, so don't be surprised if my writing doesnt sound very American (my dad is from London, England!!).

Anyhow, what do I do about the whole situation?

tl;dr: Neighbor harassing me, he's camp, and wants me to be, wife scared of him, nw he threatens me with a guy called Big Jimmy.

Answer:
 Are you sure you are 36? Call the police if you feel he is harassing or trespassing.

The "will someone think of the children" approach is not very good.