Title: [Alabama] Abusive brother, abused niece and pets, overwhelmed mother. What do?

Question:
Before I begin, I should say that I'm not expecting advice that leads to a happy ending. I just wanted to see what options might be available to my family as the people affected are too afraid to seek advice on their own.

I am the oldest of three brothers. My middle brother lives at home with my parents and youngest brother. Middle bro has two young kids, one of which is biologically his. The child that isn't his belongs to his estranged wife and someone she had a short relationship with. Neither the mother or father wanted the kid, so my middle brother became the de facto caretaker. My mother works full time, my father travels for work every week, and my youngest brother works full time and attends a local university.

My middle brother is an extremely violent and irresponsible individual. He has thousands in debt, his car is continually repossessed, and his pay goes to video games and electronics. He does not contribute to rent or groceries, and provides no financial support to his children, as he expects that burden to fall to our parents. He has violent mood swings, and routinely lashes out at our mother and his non-biological daughter (more or less a decent father to his biological daughter), physically abuses the dog and cat, refuses to help with housework to the point that his bedroom is overrun with pests. My mother and youngest brother clean up after them, but my brother will deliberately create a mess again. If they confront him about anything, he attacks them, verbally and physically. My parents won't make him leave because it would negatively affect their grandchildren.

My question is this: is there any action that my parents, my youngest brother, or I could take to cut off my middle brother and make him get his act together without the children ending up in the foster system? I keep telling my mother to call the police when my middle brother gets violent, but she is concerned that if police show up when the house is messy, child services will get involved, not to mention that there will be hell to pay between my mother and brother after the police leave. And I know that legally, my probably has no claim to the non-biological daughter, but her parents want nothing to do with her, and she's been with our family essentially since she was born, so she *is* family.

TL;DR, brother and his kids lives at home with 'rents, is financially irresponsible, refuses to contribute, extremely messy, and extremely violent. Parents are completely overwhelmed with handling the situation, but are afraid to take any action because it would negatively affect their grandkids. What do? I can provide more info if necessary, and thank you in advance.
Topic:
CPS and Dependency Law

Answer:
 Generally speaking, if you suspect abuse, you should contact CPS.

But, without your parents cooperation, there may not be a whole lot that will come of it, and... yes... foster care is a possible outcome.

That said, there are some issues here that can be addressed that I think both your parents and your brother would be open to addressing.

I think that these children would benefit greatly by having formal custody/guardianship/adoption/child support established.

As I am reading this, the biological mother could come and pick up the kids at any time.  And, then put your brother on the hook for child support.

I think it would be a good idea to speak to a family law attorney about getting custody properly established (perhaps by your parents), with the mother paying child support.

Not only will this result in getting things set up legally, with a more stable, predictable environment for the children.  It will also get the situation "in the system" so to speak in a less adversarial way.

There may be a GAL appointed, and home visits and psychological evaluations.

The GAL's recommendations will be considered heavily by the judge in determining custody, and might include recommendations to improve the children's environment.


Title: How should you deal with a female threatening to say you raped them?

Question:
In one of the recent AskReddit threads there are a lot of blokes who have unfortunately been raped by females. The events leading up to which sometimes involve the girl saying that they'll call the police and say that the guy has raped or beaten them if they don't have sex with them (or do anything unwanted).

How should a bloke proceed and best handle this situation?

**Edit:** [AskReddit Thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/3vymnn/serious_men_of_reddit_who_have_been_raped_by/)
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 That isn't really rape. It is blackmail.

If someone threatens you, call the police. Keep any texts or such. Walking away when crazy people say crazy things.

Also, don't socialize with crazy people.


Title: My landlord didn't disclose a death in my unit. WA state.

Question: I discovered today that The previous tenant died in November and I moved in December 5th. The rent was cheaper than the average place around me but i figured it was because it was old and they really didn't clean up the place very well. One of the rooms was repainted and had the carpet replaced so I'm assuming that is where he died.... what should i do?

Answer:
 "What should I do?"

Be grateful for low rent, I guess. There's really nothing else to it. People die. Its a fact of life.Answer #2: WA doesn't have a law saying a death must be disclosed. People die in houses, it's what they do. It in no way impedes your ability to live there.

If you don't feel comfortable, you can break the lease and move, but that's entirely on your dime. Moving costs are almost never covered anyway, certainly not just because you think the apartment is icky.


Title: Neighbors father died, boys need help

Question:
So I am searching out some information to try and help my neighbors (2 young boys aged 19, and 16) their immediate family are all money grabbing and when they realized the father left them nothing, they all left. So its just them two, and a house thats in disarray, and in debt. The father was a clueless man (very nice but not a head on his shoulders to pay bills) and they are in debt on the house. Their mom died of cancer several years back so shes not in the picture either.

My question is kind of multiple. 1) If there is debt owed on the fathers behalf can they reduce the debt? Assuming y/n can they pay it off and keep the house? 2) The 19 is fighting for custody as because hes not an adult he cant be the guardian of his younger sibling. They don't wanna separate obviously so what can we do to help keep them together? 3) Lastly, is there any particular information I might need to know or want to relay to them to help their situation. I am willing to impart more details about the situation as asked but cannot go into too much detail obviously.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! We're just looking for some guidance and direction in an otherwise aimless situation.

Edit: We're in Washington State. I can add more info as I know what per se I should be telling.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 The house is part of the estate.  So step 1 is to find out about the estate.  Was there a will, who is the executor of the estate?

The estate is responsible for any debts, not the sons.  The sons don't have any special right to the house unless they inherited it.  But if the estate is saddled with debt, it may have to be sold to pay debts or may be repossessed by the lender.   Bringing us back to the first issue -- the state of the estate.

Step 1 is find out the state of the estate.

Step 2 is then probably to consult with an estate attorney.

Answer #2: Where is a 19 year old not considered an adult? Answer #3: Washington State. Here, unless you are 21, legally you aren't of "Guardianship" age. According to what the state is telling us.Answer #4: Call legal aid, or a local law clinic. These guys needed a probate attorney a long time ago.


Title: [GA, USA] Someone I know was walking home from a festival without their ID. They were arrested and given a fake name.

Question:
My friend went to a festival and realized she had forgotten her ID.  She was drunk, and, while smiling, yelled an expletive at a car that was honking.

A police officer stopped her whilst she was walking on the sidewalk and asked for her ID.  She said she did not have her ID.  He asked her for her name.  She said it did not matter what her name was because she would be unable to prove it.

The cop arrested her and took her to the hospital, where they forcefully took her blood and fingerprint.  They then assigned her an incorrect name and birth date that is not hers, as she still would not give them her name.  They then took her to jail where she spent the night.

She was never told the reason for her arrest until court the next day (public intoxication).  Also, when she told her appointed defender that her name was not the one they gave her, the defender told her that they would proceed with the fake name.  The judge released her from prison with no fees or community service or anything - free to go.

So, a few questions...

1. If she gets arrested again, wouldn't her fingerprint show up as the fake person?  Wouldn't that cause some complications?

2. Is there any reason to talk to a lawyer?

3. Should she contact the ACLU?  Wasn't this a huge violation of her rights?

edit: a few more facts.  It was her very first time being arrested.  Her fingerprint should have already been on file, as she began working as a federal employee ten years ago (however nothing showed up obviously on their computer).  The arrest occurred at around 7:00pm, and the expletives consisted of just one or two sentences (not standing around shouting for hours).

Answer:
 > If she gets arrested again, wouldn't her fingerprint show up as the fake person? Wouldn't that cause some complications?

Yes. She now has an "alias" of the new name. That's there forever.

> Is there any reason to talk to a lawyer?

Only if she wants to address the criminal issue in some way.

> Should she contact the ACLU? Wasn't this a huge violation of her rights?

If she wants... I fail to see a rights violation with these facts.


Title: Landlord becoming senile, how do I protect myself/valuable data [WA]

Question:
I live in an apartment complex managed by an elderly couple. One of them seems to be slipping into senility and it worries me that he has all my personal info.

When first viewing the apartment I asked for a copy of the lease and he handed me a resident’s completed rental agreement with their SSN and other info on it as an example and left the room. I would have left after that red flag, but it was my only option besides homelessness at the time.

Since then he’s entered my apt unannounced to check the pipes and was shocked a person (me) emerged from my furnished room. He said he didn’t know anyone lived here.

Last night he didn’t know who I was. He followed my SO and I, and stopped me on the stairs to ask who I was and what I was doing here. I thought he was fucking with me, until his wife stopped him to say that I’d been living here for several months. He still didn’t know what was going on but trusted her.

He handles -a lot- of the paperwork and logistics, and he seems like an identity theft risk. Is there anything I can do?

Tl;dr
Apartment manager is slipping into senility and doesn’t seem to understand what’s going on or who I am at different times. Is there anything I can do to protect the personal information (SSN, detailed living history, etc) that he may mismanage?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: Not sure about all of it, but I'd start with contacting the police or your local Adult Protective Services office for a welfare check. If his memory problems are that bad he may not be able to care for himself, and if his wife is just as old, she could be struggling to care for them both.Answer #2: INAL but your first step should perhaps be to talk (privately) with the wife.  While it may well be that he 'handles' the paperwork, it is entirely possible that she just lets him think that.  I would have a nice friendly chat with her, mention the unannounced visits and she might be able to handle the situation.


Title: Disability Access

Question: Can a place that is open to the public restrict access for disabled people? For example if I booked a behind the scenes tour or something similar and I have a disability could they tell me no I cannot do it due to my disability?

Answer: Assuming that you are in the US generally no, but there could be exceptions. If you go to a Porsche tour to drive a 911 on the track then they can certainly deny you that if you're blind.


Title: [US] What sentence can be handed down for recreational amounts of the deliriant drug BZ?

Question:
In Colorado to be specific.
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer:
 ~~Schedule II http://www.justice.gov/dea/druginfo/ftp3.shtml~~

As a medical professional I highly recommend that you avoid taking this. It's a substance that is historically a chemical weapon and without adequate medical supervision and immediate intervention will result in death.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/833155-clinical#a0217


Title: I just called out a coworker for cheating on his wife and now he's threatening legal action. What can he do?

Question:
I live in Denver, Colorado and I work a typical 9-5 office job. One of my coworkers is this guy who's worked here longer than me and the both of us can't stand each other. He was the employee responsible for training me when I first started and he just got really impatient with me when I was still learning. He called me "stupid" and "slow" and while I eventually learned how to work this job, he still views me like I'm a special needs child and he's constantly giving me dirty looks. Thankfully, I'm not the only one who doesn't like this guy. He has a reputation of the office asshole and the only people who tolerate him are some girls who only like to look at pictures of his newborn daughter.

Last week, I walked into the break room and I walked in on him and another female coworker kissing. By some miracle, they didn't hear me and they just continued to kiss while I stared at them for a few seconds before leaving. And today at work, I called out this coworker for cheating.

Everyday at work, we have a team meeting where we all huddle around and talk about our goals for the day. We also have what's called "Recognition" where we recognize other workers for doing something good. It's usually something like "I recognize Josh for helping me file my paperwork last night." Today during recognition, I spoke up and said "I recognize David for cheating on his wife by making out with Maddie in the break room." Immediately, this David guy grabs a glass cup from a nearby desk and throws it at me. It missed me and shattered against the wall and other employees had to hold him back once he started to charge at me. While he was being held back, he starts yelling at me that his brother is a lawyer and how he's going to "come after me". I was merely wondering if there's legally anything that he can go after me for. Or is he just blowing smoke? Did I actually do anything that can get me in legal trouble?

Answer:
 I would fire both of you.  Probably no legal trouble for you thoughAnswer #2: Well, you've definitely made both David, who you have prior beef with, and Maddie, who you apparently don't, more likely to get fired, and made both of their personal lives substantially more difficult. While I understand your motivations, I think less of you for your actions - I hope you at least apologize to Maddie.

Legally speaking, as long as your remark was factual there's not much he can do. This may be a violation of company policy, and any or all of you, David, and/or Maddie may be disciplined or fired over this situation. If you're let go, file for unemployment.

You can file a police report about David's attempt to assault you if you like.Answer #3: That was really not a very good thing to do career wise. But if you are sued, truth is a defense. That said, if they both deny it, then you can't prove you told the truth and didn't make the whole thing up.Answer #4: I'd be shocked if you don't get fired for this.

I would not be surprised if Maddie was talking to an attorney about bringing a sexual harassment claim against the company over this.


Title: My wife left with our kids (AL)

Question: I came home from work tonight and my wife had written a note saying she and my 2 sons (5 and 9 yo) are staying with her parents for a week and that I need to find somewhere to live while I get counselling (depression and alcohol). I'm not sure if I want to reconcile things with her or not because honestly I feel she exacerbates the problem. Any advice? I texted her and told her I'd be willing to get help and that I don't blame her for leaving and now I feel like I shouldn't have done that. Before I do anything else stupid what do I need to know?

Answer: Get an attorney and don't move out of the house


Title: [AB, Canada] Daughter starts school one year from now and I can already tell it will be a pain.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >As far as my question goes, what should I do to ensure that my daughter goes to this school?

You enroll her into the school of your choice.

> I have had primary custody since she was 6 months old.

Either you enroll her yourself or fight back if your ex wants custody. Other than that, not much else can be done.Answer #2: If your goal is to convince her to not take you to court, this is really more of an /r/relationships question than an /r/legaladvice one. But honestly, given that she knows that avoiding court is a huge goal of yours, she'd be crazy to not demand MORE concessions from you than she could ever get in court.

Get your daughter in whatever pre-K you and your ex can peacefully agree on. Don't bring kindergarten up again until you need to. And in the meantime, work on getting help for your anxiety. You can't be the kind of great parent your daughter deserves if you can be easily manipulated with the threat of court, or if going to court leaves you unable to function.Answer #3: Since you have primary custody, go ahead and enroll her yourself.  If your ex has a problem with it, let HER start a court case.  Answer #4: Enroll her and make sure your school knows who has custody and who makes the decisions, and put it in her record. Schools tend to contact mothers by default unless otherwise told.


Title: [NY] Can my landlord really prevent me from eating in my room?

Question:
I needed a cheap place, signed the lease without really looking, etc.

It says that no food is permitted in the bedrooms or living room. Is that at all enforceable?

I know it's probably a ridiculous question, but I really like eating while doing homework...

Answer:
 Don't sign contracts you haven't read.

"I didn't read it" does not invalidate your acceptance of the contract.Answer #2: They can evict you out for violating the lease.Answer #3: Does the landlord step inside the residence often?  It's likely that this is included in the lease because he's had problems with tenants and food.  But you could try to talk to him about it as long as you can remain clean while eating food.Answer #4: Any chance the landlord is your mom?


Title: I worked as unpaid intern / contractor programmer for 5 months in NYC, just found out it's not legal?

Question:
First it was my friend. So I'm investigating for him.

He worked as a software developer for American Express through another contracting company. He didn't get paid and worked for 5 months. He was told there was opportunity to get hire after internship. They didn't hire and he was let go few weeks ago.

I have just learned that in 2015 it was made illegal to have unpaid internship.

Does it still apply if you were on contract?

Should he contact a lawyer? how much will it cost, and would pro bono work? Are there organizations that can help?

Answer:
 He can file a claim with the New York State Department of Labor. Answer #2: > Does it still apply if you were on contract?

Well, yes.   He obviously can't be an intern for a company whose whole purpose is to contract his services out to another company.

He was scammed, pure and simple.   He needs to make a wage claim right away.


Title: If a bank robber tripped on spilled liquid or fell down because of something that should have been put away, would he have room to sue?

Question: Watching a show about a bank robber called "Fumbles" because he was a klutz and joked to my wife about OHSA safety violations in the bank. If a bank robber was convicted of robbery, and then ended up suing the bank for injuries sustained because the location he was robbing wasn't properly maintained or cleaned or secured, would he be able to win? Or does someone waive the possibility of restitution (right word?) or legal help for a business not providing a safe environment when they do something illegal that a person not doing something illegal would have had the same issue?

Answer:
 Yes, they likely would. The commission of a crime by the plaintiff doesn't void the defendant's liability for an unrelated bit of negligence.

See for example the suit brought by [Terrence Dickson in 1998](http://www.law.northwestern.edu/faculty/fulltime/diamond/papers/HarvardPublicPolicy.pdf) against the homeowner of the house he had just burgled: the homeowner's negligence in not ensuring that people trapped in the garage could exit safely lead to a half-million dollar initial award at trial.


Title: How is it constitutional to have a waiver/arbitration clause ? [US]

Question: Because the bill of rights guarantees the right to a jury trial for matters exceeding $20, why can contracts include arbitration clauses that require parties to use an arbitrator instead of suing?

Answer:
 The US Constitution has very little to say about contracts between private parties. Constitutional rules largely constrain the government.

Those rules _can_ constrain how the courts enforce contracts like this, but there's no constitutional problem with the courts choosing to enforce a private agreement to seek arbitration before resorting to litigation: the courts have very broad discretion in when they can dismiss suits.

As a thought experiment, which section(s) or amendment(s) does the enforcement of such a contract appear to violate?


Title: hidden fees

Question:
i just learned that my bank has been taking about 50$ a month from me in hidden fees for years which have to have equaled up to a few thousand dollars can anything be done to get this back? the hidden fee was for using my debit card on purchases and the bank is scotiabank which is a canadian bank
Topic:
Canada

Answer: What do you mean by hidden? Are they not on your bank statement?


Title: (Maine) Living in a residential development that has covenants. Now some of the residents are being cagey and forming an HOA. What are my rights? what arguments might I make to other residents to discourage this?

Question:
At the time that the development was built, the builders wrote up a covenant that is designed to prevent the devaluation of property, and to make the residents responsible for the upkeep of common areas.  I'm not aware of an HOA being in place at any time, nor have My spouse and I ever received any communication in 10 years.

The covenants aren't unreasonable, and I'm not too concerned about that, but there is mention of an HOA in that the development may form one in order to enforce the covenants. There are no guidelines for how officers would be selected, or any kind of limitations in the covenant paperwork.

I received a letter in October that was unsigned, but listed a street address, suggesting that everyone meet regarding the establishment of an HOA.

I wasn't available for the meeting, and no one has brought it up to me since then, but I just received another letter, again with no names listed on it, giving the 'minutes' of the previous meeting where it states that the people gathered there agreed that the HOA is in place, that it was established as part of the original subdivision, and that they are following the guidelines in the articles of incorporation.(I wasn't given a copy of the incorporation paperwork)

Because of some bullying and intimidation that some of the residents did against another neighbor who opened a daycare against their wishes, I'm concerned that this is an attempt by the same neighbors to create an HOA and grant themselves the legal power to interpret the covenants however it benefits them.

for example: if they write the rules and say it's their responsibility to maintain the common areas(no one currently does this, because it's a field that's next to a bunch of power lines) they can grant a friend or relative, who will grossly overcharge for the work, a contract to mow the grass.

If there is no way to avoid the formation, what are some suggestions for protecting the residents from them?

Answer: It depends on the language in your deed. *Generally*, as an owner, you cannot be forced to join a newly-formed HOA. They are claiming to have already existed based on language from your deed, which - fishy as it sounds - may or may not be accurate. You should hire a local lawyer to review this issue on your behalf and if necessary, send a letter saying you decline to join (or tell you that they're right, or tell you something else entirely...). Good luck.


Title: BS traffic ticket after K9 unit drug search

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Sounds like you committed the crime you were charged with. All the rest is not relevant to the ticket. Answer #2: It would be an amazing coincidence that just after your cream soda explodes in your car, a cop pulls you over for erratic driving / illegal lane changing, when in fact you didn't do any such erratic driving.  Answer #3: The ticket is not bs and the police are always looking for illegal things, like drugs, during traffic stop


Title: [US, CO] My mother has a package that is being held by the post office for the remainder of the year.

Question:
My mother ordered a brace for her back online to help with some pain her job is causing her.  The package was delivered to the local post office but when she went to pick it up the key does not work.  Long story short, they have told her that they will have to have a contractor come drill the lock to retrieve the package however they are unable to create any more "work orders" to do so for the remainder of the year.

I'm only hearing the story 2nd hand from my mother but it sounds like they are going to hold her package until next year.  This seems strange.  Does she have any options?

Edit/UPDATE:  I'm going to strangle my mom.  Apparently her package is at her apartment in a USPS owned mail locker.  She has spoken with the post office supervisor and was told they had to wait until the end of the fiscal year.  I've told her to contact them again since the new fiscal year started this week.  Waiting for her to do so...

Answer: Yeah, that’s not a thing. Assuming your mother is relaying accurate information, she needs to elevate it if the regular mail clerk isn’t going to help her. Your mother should speak with a supervisor or the postmaster.Answer #2: The fiscal year ends for USPS on September 30.  If this was late last week, there is a possibility that they meant they couldn't put in a work order until this week (which is the new year).  She might want to check back and see if they could start the work order process now.Answer #3: That's kind of odd.  it's a post office box?  They should be able to open it from their side to get the package and hand it to her over the counter.    And talk to the postmaster, not the supervisor.  Get her to have the postmaster write down their conversation so she has a record somehow.


Title: Red light ticket in company vehicle (FL)

Question:
A couple weeks ago I ran a red light (not intentionally though I doubt that matters per legality) in a company vehicle. Today, HR handed me the citation for the violation, but never explicitly stated that I had to pay it (though the act of giving it to me might imply that?).

Am I legally bound to paying it?

Answer: Yes.  You're the one who ran the red light, not the company.


Title: Contacting a judge

Question: I’m not currently involved in a court case, but the judge in my last divorce proceeding (one marriage/20 years, three trials) retained jurisdiction.  Question:  can I contact the judge via email/snail mail?  My ex is now, a year later, making $10,000 to $20,000 per month more than he made last year when his lesser income factored into what he was ordered to pay me per month, which is not even the entire INTEREST payment for the large amount he owes me.  I need advice on this please.

Answer:
 <can I contact the judge via email/snail mail?

Absolutely not! I cannot emphasize to you how bad of an idea this is. Ex parte communication between a party and a judge is a big no no in the legal field. ANY time you speak with a judge, the other party should know and/or be present in that communication. At a minimum, it could cause the judge to have to recuse him or herself from the case. In a worst case scenario, you get sanctioned for trying to do it. I repeat. Do not attempt ex parte communication with a judge.

Furthermore, that is not how you do what you're wanting to do procedurally. If there's something that needs to be brought back up in front of the judge, you schedule a hearing and properly notice the other party.


Title: TX got a felony for destruction of evidence for throwing marijuana pipe out of cat

Question:
Basically I turned a class c misdemeanor into a felony by throwing out my pipe while getting pulled over. Just seems so harsh, ruining my life with a felony convinction. Is there anything I can do? Honestly it's hard to stay positive with this looming. Any ideas?

Thanks all

Answer:
 Hire a criminal defense attorney and hope for the best. That's all you can do.

And avoid throwing evidence out the window while getting pulled over next time. Do you really think the cops are that dumb?!


Title: Was told to post here: Name spelled wrong on a ticket. Anything I can do?

Question: (US) Got a basic citation, gave them my id and everything. Read over it and it appears they decided my last name sounds cooler with a z in the middle. Is it still valid?

Answer:
 Clerical errors are not a basis upon which tickets are invalidated. Pay your ticket. Answer #2: >Anything I can do?

Absolutely! You can mention it in court if you're arguing the ticket. They'll gladly correct their error.


Title: When Frodo destroyed the one ring out of a sense of duty, did he knowingly convert stolen property to his own use?

Question: Ignoring the times he actually wore the thing.

Answer:
 No. There's a scene in RotK (book) where the Mouth of Sauron- the closest Mordor has to an ambassador- confronts Gandalf and Aragorn outside the Black Gate to file a grievance. First, he's clear that an open state of war between Mordor and Gondor exists. Second, Mordor considers any and all Hobbits equipped with trappings of war  inside Morder as foreign agents subject to the justice of Morder for their espionage.

In short everyone (even the bad guy) agrees that Frodo is acting as agent of a nation engaging in mutual hostilities with another nation. His nation sanctions his activities as legitimate wartime actions, and if caught his enemies will be way too busy torturing and executing him to worry about "conversion of property".


Title: What do I do if I think a Private Investigator is watching me on my street?

Question: So the last few days, I've gone out to my car late at night(we are talking 12:30AM) to go grab midnight snacks and I've seen this man just sitting in his car looking in my direction. At first I thought I was being paranoid but I left my place tonight at around 8:30PM and the same man was there sitting in his car in the neighbor's driveway. When I turned to look at him as I was pulling away he just looked straight ahead and sat still. Again I've only noticed this strange man twice  but now I've made mental notes of the vehicle he drives. When I go inside my house now, I turn off all the lights and close all the blinds to the windows. The only light that is on is by my desk now. What do you guys think? PI or just a rando man that likes to sleep in his car in the neighbors driveway at night. I'm not going to state the reasoning on why I think a neighbor might have a PI watching me because I don't want them to look up this post on reddit. Are there any other clues or signs I should be watching out for and things that I shouldn't be doing if I think I'm being watched? If someone is building a case against me, should I find a lawyer?

Answer: If you think the guy is suspicious, call the cops. He could actually be a would-be thief watching the neighborhood.


Title: Pulled over in my drive way after being followed

Question:
Im in Illinois. I was coming home from grabbing some carryout. A mile away from home I made a right turn. I passed a car to get into the left lane to prepare to make a left turn into my neighborhood. I hit a max speed of 55 in a 40 and proceeded to coast back down to the legal limit. An officer pulled a uturn. I  coasted for a half mile, turned into my neighborhood and took a second left turn onto my street. I pulled into my driveway, turned my engine off and am greeted by an officer pulling into my driveway and busts me for speeding.

I haven't had a speeding ticket in years and this would crush my record as I have been driving for a living for the last three years. Can I contest this in court this Thursday?

Answer: I don't understand on what grounds you would like to contest this.  You self admitted to going 15 overAnswer #2: If you drive for a living and can't have a ticket on your record, hire an attorney to help. Although I don't know what your defense would be. Getting to your driveway doesn't mean you are "safe" from getting a ticket.


Title: [UPDATE] Jeweler Lied...What can I do???

Question:
Based off of the advice from my previous post, I've tried to contact the jeweler twice to get a copy of the receipt but they are not responding to me. Are they legally obligated to provide me with a copy? I only sent emails so I could keep a paper trail (lesson learned) of my interaction with them. Should I try to go in person? I’m worried they will refuse to give it to me and ask security to make me leave -_-

Original Post:

https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/73jwao/jeweler_liedwhat_can_i_do/

I live in Los Angeles and I got a custom engagement ring setting made. We wrote up a receipt with the specifications (stone size, clarity of the stones used, price ect). When I was in the process of designing the ring the jeweler ended up changing prices on me towards the end TWICE...charging my fiancé and I MORE money for SMALLER stones because they "made a mistake" when calculating the cost of the ring. I was so upset because I could tell they were lying, but I felt pressured for time because I had a feeling my fiancé had planned a proposal so we agreed to pay the extra money.

When I went to pay for it only the assistant was there and he demanded we left the receipt with him as proof to show his boss we paid for the ring in full. This turned into quite the argument but I took a picture of the receipt and reluctantly let him take it. Needless to say our experience with this jeweler ended very negatively and it still irks me to this day.

Fast forward a few months I just got my ring appraised and the diamonds in the setting that were supposed to be VVS1 (top notch) turned out to be SI1(okay, not the best)....this was specifically stated on the receipt...which I didn't get to keep!!!

I haven't been able to find the picture I took and I'm SO mad at myself for not taking that receipt no matter what hoopla that assistant came up with. Is there ANYTHING I can do about this?

Answer:
 You can sue them in small claims court for the difference in value. They'll have to provide the paperwork showing your request if they want to win.

Or you can let it go? Leave a mean Yelp review and move on.Answer #2: Do you have a certificate with the diamond? Saying something is vvs1 is pretty much up to the discretion of the grader, and each of the grading services have different standards, and an EGL will not be nearly as good as a GIA of the same grade.


Title: [Indiana] Neighbor has been harassing us for the last 10 years

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 1. You can't stop a shitty neighbor from being a shitty neighbor.

2. You can't force her to pay for the survey or fence installation (and you didn't indicate in your post that there was an agreement otherwise).  You want a fence, you pay for it.  Emergency services might forbid her from using them, but that isn't your business.

3. You possibly could through a FOIA request, but having those wouldn't get you anything in the long term.  You can go to the police station in person and speak to the sheriff to see if anything can be worked out diplomatically.Answer #2: Good fences make good neighbors.


Title: Gf moves in an apartment but it's already used by an unknown Guy

Question:
This is my first post so i don’t know if this is quite the right place for it. Second this takes place in Germany so i don’t know if this is equivalent in USA/Elsewhere. Third as you might guess my English isn’t that good so please offer corrections so i might improve my english skills and so everyone can understand what i am writing here.
My Girlfriend should moved in an student dorm (Studentenwohnheim) today and had an appointment with the apartment manager - he was 45 min too late and then the situation became weird. They both noticed that someone is living in her room and it came out that the leader of that Place let someone live in there 'for private reasons' without any protocols about this happening.
She already paid 1000€ caution and ofc prepared for this. The apartment manager had no idea of that happening and just said that she have to move in later now. Is she allowed to offer the caution back since she there’s obviously no opportunity to live there at the moment?
Can she claim another room?
What’s if the guy messes sth up and it stands out later when she moved in? As it seems the households have zero information about that man living there.
She waited 1 Year for this because they are really popular through the really low rent. This just happened minutes ago and she texted me about this so maybe it appears a bit unclear i will update as soon as i get more information. Thank you for reading

Answer:
 First, she should be asking the apartment manager for the dorm to either remove this person or assign her to another room. Personally I'd take another room.

If he refuses to handle the situation professionally, she should be able to go to someone above him. Does he have a manager? Is there a university office for housing? Contact them immediately. She put down money to have a place to live. It is their job to find that. Answer #2: very well written and understandable. since you asked for corrections:

My Girlfriend should moved in - my gf was supposed to move in/my gf should have moved in...

he was 45 min too late - he was 45 min late

the leader of that Place - the manager (probably)

1000€ caution - (security) deposit

Is she allowed to offer the caution back - Is she allowed to get the deposit back

What’s if - what if

and it stands out later when she moved in? - and it comes out later when she moves in?

the households - the other tenants

really popular through the really low rent - because of/due to the really low rent

good luck.
Answer #3: If the appartment manager refuses to do anything, try to find out who his boss is and then go to them.

Is this through the Studierendenwerk? You can also go and try to find info of anyone higher there (Impressum maybe?).

ETA: Maybe also try to contact an Ini or the AStA, they should be able to help her whom to contact.


Title: Arrest warrant under my name

Question:
Hi, I am in Massachusetts - This weekend a police officer ran my plates as I was parked in a public lot. The results came back with an arrest warrant for someone with my name but different middle initial.

I spoke to the district attorney and clerks office of that county court this morning and they said I need to come in and speak to a judge about it. I’m a little thrown off as to why I would need to speak to a judge for a matter that isn’t my own and seems to be a clerical issue.

Does anyone have have any experience with something like this or advice on what to do? My concern is this warrant showing up on a background check as I am currently in the process of finding a new job.

Answer:
 >This weekend a police officer ran my plates as I was parked in a public lot. The results came back with an arrest warrant for someone with my name but different middle initial.

Why did he not arrest you on the spot if there was an arrest warrant for "you"?

>why I would need to speak to a judge for a matter that isn’t my own and seems to be a clerical issue.

Because a judge can quickly clear this as a case of mistaken identity.

>My concern is this warrant showing up on a background check

Your concern should be to avoid being arrested.

Have a quick chat with a criminal defense lawyer if you are worried about showing up to court by yourself, but if you are sure that this is a clear case of mistaken identity, there seems to be little reason to retain legal counsel.


Title: Giant pants with gold fringe: Jared's gone SovCit.

Answer: He's starting his own country, with kiddie porn and blackjack!Answer #2: Thought you were talking about Kushner until I saw the document.Answer #3: Amicus brief by a fellow inmate. I know jailhouse lawyers can be pretty knowledgeable about certain things, having a lot of time to review their own cases, but I don't think I'd want one filing briefs in my behalf.


Title: Received Non warranty from distant relative

Question:
This is a kind of long so please bear with me.

Last Year around November I was contacted by my deceased great uncle's wife.  She approached me with the interests of having a relationship.  We have spoken a lot since then.

I'll quickly explain the relationship.  My great grandmother had property.  When she died that property went to my grandfather and my great uncle.  The great uncle was deceased so his portion of the property went to his daughter, which is the daughter of this relative.  My grandfather received his portion.  When my grandfather deceased his interest in the property went to my mother.  My mother is however deceased and so her share of the property is divided between my brother and I.

I didn't know of the property or that I had any legal interest in the property until last week.  Last week this distant relative contacted me again but this time told me of the property.  She explained that she felt I should get something since my grandfather robbed me of my inheritance or something like that.  She said she had paperwork for me to sign and that she would pay me to sign it.

I received the paperwork, and it was a non warranty deed for 47 acres.  Myself and three other people with interest to the property are listed as the Grantor.  She is listed as the Grantee.  She offered me $1000 to sign it.

I did some research and found out that the assessed value of the property is $15,000 and the market value of the property is $250,000.

I also found in my research that she signed to lease the property for ten years to a solar company, to house their solar photovoltaic power array. With the option to renew two times every ten years.
 I also found that leasing property to these solar companies in that area goes for about $700-1200 per acre.  She signed this lease with this company about the time she got in contact with me, with the promise of a relationship.

She called me today, asking if I signed the paperwork yet.  I told her I was going to have my lawyer take a quick look at it.  I didn't tell her any of the information I found out.  When I mentioned lawyer she offered me $2500 more to sign the deed.  Then she got kind of nasty saying I do not want to take this to court as it could get expensive.  She also claimed that my grandfather sold her his portion of the property many years ago.  But I couldn't find a deed to support this.   I apologized for upsetting her, and played cool and got off the phone after she basically threatened me that it could get ugly.

Sorry that was so long, but I just don't know what to do?

EDIT:  I am located in New Mexico.  This property is located in North Carolina.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  Here is some more information and exactly what was provided to me in the paperwork sent.

EDIT 1.  My great grandmother died owning the subject property.  Her will never probated in the county, so the property passed intestacy to her son (my grandfather) and the daughter and son of my great uncle.  The son of my great uncle died intestate and left no surviving spouse or children when he deceased, leaving his portion to his mother.  This is the woman who sent me the paperwork.  The daughter or my great uncle is listed as a grantor, along with my brother and I and my grandfathers other son (my uncle).

EDIT 2.  I found out about the solar company leasing the property searching through county records which showed a property card.  At the bottom of that property card it stated a book and page number for the county registry.  I looked that up and found the lease.  It was a whole day worth of research that proved to be fruitful.

EDIT 3:  UPDATE:
Since I posted she has called me multiple times which I ignored most. The one time I answered one time and was calm and didn't tell her what I knew at all.  I spoke to her like I had been for months, happy to talk to my long lost aunt.  She immediately told me that the property is worth $15,000 (assessed value) and offered me $2500 more dollars.  She asked if I signed the papers yet and I told her I was going to take it to my family attorney (which I don't have) to get it notarized and she got very nasty.  She told me that giving me money is a one time offer and that she will open up the estate and have a judge order it if she has to.  She seems very desperate.  Our "relationship" meant nothing which I knew was coming.  I will be contacting attorneys Monday and get some free consultations.

Answer: It certainly appears that she leased something that she did not totally own.  It's time to see a lawyer with at least some background in real estate.  You might want to contact the other two and let them know.  You all might wish to use the same lawyer.


Title: My mom might not have been paid correctly for daylight savings. [NYC]

Question: My mom works as a nurse in a nursing home. During the 1st daylight savings event (1 hour back), she only got paid for 6 hours of work. But for the 2nd daylight savings event (1 hour forward), she only got paid for 7 hours for work, even though she got technically worked 8 hours. Is this legal? We live in NYC.

Answer: No, it's not legal. They need to pay her for the hours she works. Has she brought this to her employer's attention? What did they say?


Title: NY: Bought an Xbox One using LetGo, seller wants it back, threatening to call the police.

Question:
Hi guys,

This is my first time on this subreddit and I am in a bit of a pickle. Yesterday I bought an Xbox One on the phone application LetGo(similar to Craigslist) I've had it for a day. The sellers (mother?) has been calling me from a blocked number, leaving messages saying I need to meet up with the seller and return the console in exchange for the money I payed him. I am not interested in this exchange, as I am satisfied with the purchase. The sellers mother keeps leaving me voicemails saying she is going to call the police and get both me and her son arrested because it his HER Xbox. At the time of the purchase I had no clue that the Xbox belonged to her.

Am I at any liability here? I am enjoying the Xbox and see no reason to return it as this conflict has nothing to do with me and all to do with the son and his mother.

Any help would be appreciated, thank you in advanced.

Edit: He is over 18.

Answer:
 > Am I at any liability here?

If she's telling the truth you are in possession of stolen property. In that case you should return the Xbox to her, and get your money back. Do it in the parking lot of your local PD for safety (and if she refuses this condition tell her to fuck off) and when you have your money back walk right inside and file a report against the guy who sold it to you.Answer #2: I just called my local police department, they were very helpful. The desk officer told me that the only way she can take it back from me is through court, but she would have to charge her son. I'm sure she will not do this. Thank you for all the help guys, I will let you know what the end result is.


Title: [Medieval Europe] [Commercial] Landlord wants to evict my business although it is against contract.

Question:
I read the sidebar and it is not technically against the rules so I tough I could try to ask here...Maybe some will find this case amusing.
I play D&D on Friday night. My players (BadCompanyCorp, BCC) just bought a mine. The previous owner of the mine signed a contract with demons (Cthulhu, Melkor an Co, Services for Agnostics CMCSA). The contracts states that CMCSA would guarantee good operation of the mine for 10 years (ie., high production, no employee injured or dead, which is incredibly rare for a salt mine with medieval technology). After 10 years, CMCSA has the option to rent the mine free of charge for 10 years. CMCSA is now 5 years into the lease and they are using the property for the purpose of torturing souls.
BCC, being the new owner of the mine, decided to evict CMCSA. I expected them to just fight the demons, but they decided to after CMCSA through legal means... The contract specified that disputes have to go through arbitration.
What could CMCSA use to defend themselves? BCC is going to request help from a lawyer for next Friday. As the dungeon master, I need to be ready to be the arbitrator and to represent BCC.

Answer: Are the people being tortured randos, [employees, or independent contractors](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-or-employee)?


Title: CA - What's stopping people from "giving away" marijuana and then getting "tipped" or "donated" to?

Question:
In California, Prop 64 allows anyone to "give away" marijuana to anyone over the age of 21 as long as it is given away for free. What's stopping average people from giving away their homegrown marijuana in exchange for donations or a tip?

It seems like this is a major loophole in the law right now. Can anyone give any insight?

Thank you

Answer:
 >  What's stopping average people from giving away their homegrown marijuana in exchange for donations or a tip?

The fact that this would be selling marijuana, and the courts aren't composed solely of dumbasses.


Title: Could a game show refuse to give you the prize?

Question: If you go on a game show like Deal or no Deal and win a large amount of money, could they just refuse to give you the money or is there some law that says they have to give it to you?

Answer: It entirely depends on the terms of the contract, of which you (as a participant) will inevitably sign to go on the show. I could imagine some circumstances that would cause the participant to forfeit their prize winnings, whether they mean to or not.


Title: Is It Bad if My Parents Have Access To My Bank Account?

Question:
Is it bad if my parents have access to my bank account with my my life's savings in it?

I'm only concerned if the money gets spent by someone other than me. If so, should I change the bank's password or take higher measures?

I'm nearing 20 years old btw

Answer:
 Open your own account.

Transfer your money that is legitimately yours to your new account.

Problem solved.


Title: Erroneous Debt After separating from the Navy

Question:
Currently in Arizona

Hello, I have been fighting a false debt claim for almost a year now, I have contacted my congresswoman but it takes forever to get a response.

I separated from the Navy in December 2014. I did not receive my last paycheck until January 20th 2015. Around the beginning of summer I checked my credit score and saw it was much lower, I've never had a single issue so I was surprised. I ended up calling the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) and they sent me a letter of debt saying I received my last paycheck twice. They said I received  $5,447.28 on jan 15th and $5,447.20 on the 20th. But in reality I only received $5,447.28 on the 20th. So they got the dates/amounts wrong and my bank statements show I only received one deposit.

It has been almost a year because DFAS, the Department of Treasury (DoT) and the Navy has been sending me in a circle for months. DFAS and DoT claim they cant remove the debt because they arent the debt originators and the Navy claims they dont see what DFAS is talking about and they also say since my account has been closed for more then 20 days they cant make changes anyway. So I have talked to people around the world, every command Ive been associated with. I filed a dispute with DFAS and they denied it. I was never given a solid answer as to why. My account has gone to a third-party debt collector and they added $1500 in fees. I now have a dispute open with them but I they just send me paperwork with my original denial letter so Im assuming they are going to deny it.

What the fuck can I even do at this point? What type of lawyer handles these kinds of federal agency cases?

I am now a full-time student and I cant afford to pay this bullshit, I appreciate all your advice

Answer:
 Christ, we went through the same hell. Same thing happened when I separated from the Navy. I actually worked it out through my Congressman. I contacted his office and they said they would send my paperwork to the right people. I had it all solved in about 3 weeks from first contact. Try contacting your Congressman or either Senator on Tuesday (Monday is MLK Day). You're in AZ, start with Sen. McCain since he is former Navy.

Side note: DFAS can jump up their own ass and die.

EDIT: I no grammar good.


Title: bf assaulted me, court tomorrow, what will happen? he also had some guns

Question:
So I had my bf removed from the home after an assault toward me along with entrapment. I went and filed the restraining order against him that same day and I know that I have to appear tomorrow, which I am doing, to keep the order in place..
but what about the assault, how does that get handled?
He also does not have a gun license and had 4 total gun properly locked up but not registered. This is in MA. which had strict gun laws.
What will happen tomorrow, will there be more court dates, does the police or courts explain anything to the victim?
Will I be able to find out if he serves time for any of those charge? How long does a restraining order last?

Answer: What are his actual charges? There's too much speculation to give a valuable answer.


Title: Is it legal to require renters to have $100,000 worth of renter's insurance coverage in Arkansas?

Question:
When I first moved in two years ago this was not in my contract. Now they are requiring us to purchase personal liability insurance on our apartment ($100,000 worth). This apartment is not worth $100,000 in any way. My question really is, is this legal of them to ask of us? Should this not be something that they provide for their own building?

Please see attached image for the posting they had outside the apartments.  (https://imgur.com/Nc9wMFK)

Thanks for any help that you can provide!

Answer:
 If the current lease does not require renters insurance, you don't have to purchase it. However, if subsequent renewals are requiring it, you will certainly have to get it if you wish to continue living there. Renters insurance is an extremely common requirement, so I'm surprised you're just being introduced to this.

>Now they are requiring us to purchase personal liability insurance on our apartment ($100,000 worth). This apartment is not worth $100,000 in any way.

It pays to read the fine print. The liability portion covers damages suffered to others (i.e. medical bills). If you want your belongings covered, you must also include property damage limits in the policy. I have  $100k liability and $25k property limits through USAA, and I pay $88/year. It's dirt cheap.


Title: [PA] Big Box Store accidentally refunded appliance order on in-store card after delivery. Just now realized mistake a few months later and have management team calling cell-phone.

Question: I could truly write a novel on the amount of things that went wrong after ordering new appliances at this store. But to cut a long story short, after a long back and forth of missed deliveries, accidentally cancelled orders, and appliances leaving "in stock". All appliances I ordered (4 items) including a fridge were delivered. However I noticed after the delivery for some reason the fridge was refunded. So I cleared the balance and ignored it. Statements have been showing a $0.00 owed balance. At this point the store must have realized their mistake and started calling. What are the repercussions of ignoring them? I have money set aside to clear the balance if needed.

Answer:
 > What are the repercussions of ignoring them?

You could be sued for the money, or potentially charged criminally for theft.  The former is likely; the latter much less so.

You got the refrigerator, you owe them the money.  That's not really a difficult concept.


Title: ADT Security truck hit my mother while she was walking on the side of a road with no sidewalk. /lawsuit

Question:
The area was clear of obstructions and the adt truck hit her at 5-10 mph. She has no broken bones, but 12 swollen/herniated disks and one torn ligaments in both of her knees. She has to have injections for her spine in the future along with surgery to repair her knees. She had a cerebral hemorrhage 10 years ago and was hit in the head by the truck. I am very worried that this lawsuit won't address the danger she faced getting hit in her head again, after barely making it out alive when she had her brain bleed the last time. I was wondering what type of settlement she is looking at because her medical bills are going to be much higher for the rest of her life with 4 weekly chiro visits and more.

ANY help is HELP. Thank you. Located in Central Fl.

Answer:
 Your mother needs a personal injury lawyer. She can sue the driver personally, and probably ADT Security as well.

>I am very worried that this lawsuit won't address the danger she faced getting hit in her head again, after barely making it out alive when she had her brain bleed the last time.

She can recover actual and expected future costs of treatment. The liability of the driver/company will *not* be reduced because of her prior injury. Answer #2: >I am very worried that this lawsuit won't address the danger she faced

Right, it won't. They owe your mother compensation for the damage she's actually suffered, not damage she could have suffered but didn't. An increased risk of future injury does count as damage she's suffered, but that kind of thing is hard to prove.

>4 weekly chiro visits

I'm not intimately familiar with chiropractic, but this sounds excessive. They will probably dispute that she actually needs this many visits.


Title: (Iowa) Accused of a hit and run fender bender this past August, which I was not involved in. Police said there was not enough evidence and I thought the case was dropped. My insurance agent was contacted today by their attorney that they are moving forward with the case.

Question:
First, a little back story. Last August I was accused of being involved in a hit and run with another car which led to some damage on their rear bumper and gave them some neck problems. I was contacted by the local authorities about the incident and they came to check out my car for evidence of the accident. They couldn't find any because I was not involved in any kind of accident and I assumed someone had gotten the wrong license plate number or something. I was told that the accuser also had video evidence of the supposed accident and was looking to press charges. I was informed by the police that there was not enough evidence to move on with the case and I assumed that the video footage had never come to fruition.

Today I was contacted by my insurance agent (state farm) and he informed me that he had been contacted by the accuser's attorney and they would be seeking monetary reimbursement for repairs to the vehicle and for the injuries they sustained. I don't have the money right now to afford an attorney and I'm not really sure what to do. I know for a fact that I was not involved in this accident, and I assumed that it was done with. What do I do now?

Answer: If you had automotive insurance that includes liability coverage on the day the accident is alleged to have occurred your insurance company must handle it. You don't need to hire a lawyer.


Title: Canadian Mum might have assaulted American in US

Question:
Hey everyone, this is kind of strange and anxiety inducing and I need advice ASAP. My mum and I are on vacation in the US right now, but we are Canadian. Tonight was our last evening of the vacation so we went out to a fancy dinner and my mum over indulged in red wine; i.e. she was pretty drunk.

When we returned to our hotel at around 12am, there was a woman in the entrance lobby. She asked us to buzz her into the main hotel, as she could not find her card, she then randomly called us rookies (I don't know, just a detail) I was looking for my own entry card when someone ( I can't be sure who, either my Mum or the hotel lobby staff) buzzed us in. I was right at the door so I went in first, followed by my mother. I was still looking in my bag for my hotel key card ( to get us into our room.)so I didn't see what happened next.

According to this woman, my mother assaulted her by pushing her away from the entrance and telling her she didn't belong in the hotel. I literally did not see a thing, and I thought this woman had just been locked out so I let her through the door after me.

Upon all of us entering the lobby, she immediately started saying that my Mum had assaulted her. My mum was drunk and indignant so I sent her up to her hotel room while I tried to sort this out.

The woman wanted an apology for the claimed assault, she kept yelling about it at me, but because I was looking down and distracted ( and frankly a little tipsy myself) I didn't see my Mum do anything to the woman. I was also worried that an apology could be interpreted as an admission to guilt. I did tell her that she should call the authorities.

So, the hotel manager was called; he took  both of our contact info ( address, email phone) and said that they would be in touch with us, with video footage of the entrance way. I was completely honest and told them all of our information and that I didn't see what happened.

I don't really know what to do now; the woman was clearly upset, but when I talked to my Mum she claims that she just denied the woman entrance because she didn't have a key.

I don't know if my mum assaulted this woman or not, but I'm really stressed. I like to think I know my mother well enough to know she wouldn't assault a person, but because I didn't see anything I can't be sure.

I just want to know, what is the likelihood that this woman (an american) could sure my Mum (a canadian)  for assault; and what should we do from here forward?

Tldr; my Mum might have assaulted an american in America. We're Canadian, I don't know how to proceed. Do we need a lawyer?

Answer: The hotel may have security cameras aimed at the doors and entry areas.


Title: New York County NYC. Wrongly charged due to confusion/laziness.

Question:
So my friend got in a fight in Union Square NYC and the Cops rolled up as I was trying to break it up and for some reason my friends all ran and I followed. We hopped the subway stile and stupidly tried to hide down there. Me and my friend got booked and they found a Xanax in his wallet as well. I went to my Desk Appearance I was expecting just to pay the fine for jumping the turnstile but somehow the Assault charge (Which is probably getting dropped regardless even for my friend who fought) and the Xanax was put on to my charges too when the cops clearly took it out of his wallet and were telling the other cops about my friend specifically having it. If these charges weren't dragged on there I would have been in and out on that first date without even having to think about having a lawyer. My next appearance is August 12th and I'm not sure what my next step is because there are charges on there that I have nothing to do with and want to try anything I can before having to spend 2k+ on a lawyer.

EDIT: Well aware of how stupid it was, not here for your judgment.

EDIT: What can I expect on my hearing after the Desk Appearance?

Answer: Guilt by association + stupid decision to run & hide = expensive legal problem. You won't be able to talk the cops or the DA into dropping anything. You need an attorney. Get better friends.


Title: [New York City] On what legal basis could the NYPD arrest you for being out in the snow?

Question:
"Police threatened to arrest anyone found driving in New York City or parts of the state after 2:30 p.m."

What was the legal basis for this? Martial law? Governor decree?

Source here: http://wgntv.com/2016/01/23/travel-ban-announced-for-new-york-city/

Answer: The governor banned all traffic in some parts of the state. They have that power. It happens quite often. Answer #2: Police close roads all the time when there is too much snow (or flood, construction, mudslides, wind, etc).  I don't know why people are freaking out about this incident.


Title: Landlord served eviction stating her mother is moving in - I know for a fact this is false

Question:
This is in Maple Ridge, BC. My landlord owns a horse farm with a main house and a cottage on the same property. Back in March, she got in a personal dispute with the tenant in the 1 bedroom cottage, and served her an eviction notice stating that her mother was moving in. Her mother never intended to move in, and in fact had recently purchased a million dollar home - she was definitely not going to store 5 bedrooms worth of stuff to move into a 500sqft apartment, and the landlord told me what she had done intentionally (getting rid of "that crazy lady by saying my mom is moving in").

She offered me the apartment, and because rent was so cheap and I figured I could stay under her radar, I took it.

Well now I'm not under her radar anymore, we've had some personal disputes, and she has served me with the same eviction notice (parent is moving into the unit). On the notice it states that if the close family member she intends to move in does not take possession of the property, I am entitled to 12 months rent in compensation.

So, I could either fight the eviction, as she is not acting in good faith, and the previous tenant who was evicted is willing to provide evidence that she was evicted for the same reason immediately before I took possession. OR I could move out, and come back for the 12 months rent when the landlord's mother does not move in.

If I move out, though, how do I prove that her mother has not moved in, besides showing up to the property and knocking on the door of my old apartment with video camera rolling and document who answers? I could certainly try this once, but if the landlord sees me on the property, she will kick me off and I would be considered to be trespassing if I went back.

Is there anything else I'm not thinking of or should be careful of? Since this will go through tenant branch remediation rather than small claims court, do I still need a lawyer? Thanks in advance for any advice!

Answer:
 Unfortunately, arguing hypothetical situations is difficult, because the minute you file a claim against her, she has very good reason to move her mom in, and her mom can comply, and your case collapses.

Your best situation in this case is to comply with the notice.  If it's true, (or could be made to be true) you lose anyway.  If it's false (as you suspect it is), you get a windfall.

You also don't have to file a claim immediately.  BC has a two year limitation period.  So you can spend some time and hire a PI (or two) to establish who lives there.

Crazy Old Lady also has a claim of false eviction.  It turns out that you are a perfect witness for her, because you actually lived there.

The two of you can both file a year from now.  And the good news is, if you win, it sounds like she has assets you know where to find, describe, and seize.  These are cases where revenge is best served cold.


Title: Return of motorcycle of Deceased brother

Question:
My brother recently passed away. Filed with probate with court. I am now the executor of his estate.
His motorcycle is stored at a friends home. The tile has been transferred to the estate.

The person that has the motorcycle will not answer phone calls or text messages that I have sent requesting that I be able to pick it up.

Any advice on what I should put in a letter requesting the release of the motorcycle? I would like to try this before taking legal action. I need to sell it to pay for the funeral.

Answer: Why is the motorcycle at the friend's house?  Is it simply for storage purposes, or are there issues of co-ownership, payment, et cetera?


Title: What do you do if a person refuses to move if they're standing behind your parked car, refusing to let you back up and exit the parking spot?

Answer: You call the police. Take the keys out of the ignition and call the police.Answer #2: Here's what you're not allowed to do -- back up and attempt to hit the person.


Title: My work posted this in the break room. Are they legally allowed to force us to stay?

Question: So I came in to work this morning and [this](https://i.imgur.com/kQnOe9Y.jpg) was posted in the break room. My question is are they allowed to require us to stay beyond our scheduled shift time? If we are scheduled until 4 and our replacement shows up at 4 that’s no big deal but my work has a problem with people being late. Our managers expect us to stay until they show up but I don’t see how it’s my problem that someone else is late and I don’t feel I should get in trouble or get an attitude from the managers because I choose to leave when my schedule says I’m done. If this is the wrong sub I’ll remove. Thanks.

Answer: They can't physically force you to stay. You can walk out at any time. They can fire you for doing so.


Title: [California] What legal rights protect people with mental health records from being required to disclose that information to attend a [religious] event by a nonprofit?

Question:
Hi everyone,
I've been involved in some heated debates and I'd like to get some advice. Let me explain. I have a friend who has a mental health history that would be considered a disability under the ADA. This friend was interested in attending a meditation retreat but found that the registration form that required mental health disclosure. After consulting their psych they decided to just lie about it and not disclose any information. Through some research I've found this is not a rare occurrence and I'm concerned for a number of reasons. My questions are:

1) Is this legal? Can [religious] nonprofits or individuals require disclosure and discriminate against people with past mental health histories?

2) In the case of an emergency is a person liable or at fault for not disclosing that history if they had been previously asked?

3) Are people protected by the ADA so that nonprofits must be able to accommodate people with mental health histories (whatever that may mean)?

4) If health histories are required and kept is the organization required by law to abide by HIPAA laws?

5) What recourse do people have when they feel discriminated against and denied entry?

6) What can a nonprofit do legally when they feel a person may be a danger to themselves or others or psychologically ill-suited during a retreat/event?

Thanks for your insight, the internet has not been fruitful for answering these questions.

Answer:
 Let me boil this down.

Anyone can hold any private event they wish to.  Anyone can have an application process for that event, and require disclosure of anything they feel is reasonably relevant.  They cannot discriminate based purely on qualifying disabilities under the ADA or state law, but they are only required to provide reasonable accommodations.  That means you don't have to let someone whose disability keeps them from sitting quietly come to your silent meditation retreat.  They don't have to let someone whose mental illness has previously included violence come to their private event.  Unless they are a health care provider they are not bound by HIPAA, but are still bound by state level privacy laws.

If a person feels discriminated against they are welcome to take any legal action they wish.  Finding a lawyer to take the case on a contingent fee basis may be more of a challenge, especially if the event is small or doesn't repeat regularly, or the organization sponsoring it has no assets.


Title: "Final Motion and Order of Dismissal with Full Prejudice" -- What, if anything, happens next? (Louisiana)

Question:
In 2015, my husband and his parents had a (frivolous) lawsuit brought against them and their home insurance company. We have just received a letter from our insurance company's attorneys that the suit has been dismissed, and they attached a copy of the recorded dismissal.

My question is in regards to some of the wording. What exactly does "Order of Dismissal with Full Prejudice" mean? Also, in their letter they have a paragraph that essentially says "lawsuit dismissed, we consider this file closed", but the paragraph ends in "However, should you receive service of any documents from the court or correspondence from any other party involved in this litigation, please contact us so we may properly respond." What sort of communication might we receive? Can we exhale yet, or could they try to come after us again?

Thanks for any help!

Answer:
 You can exhale. The case was dismissed with prejudice- it precludes the plaintiff from bringing action on the same claim again. It's final judgment.

The other part of the letter, they are saying that if you receive any other legal action from these people again, you should notify your insurance company.


Title: Can my apartment management start a new service and charge monthly if it was not in the contract I signed?

Question: Hello, I live in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. My apartment complex started a new service where they pick up your garbage once a week from your door. They charged $5 a month for this. When I signed my contract for this apartment, there was no mention of any service like that that I would be paid for and I only signed to pay the monthly rent. Can they legally add this new monthly charge?

Answer: they can't charge this without your agreement.  If they say they will do this for $5/month and you take advantage of the service, then it is fine.  If they automatically charge you, then it is not fine.  If they were offering the service before, and are now charging for it, it would depend on what your lease says.


Title: My dad passed away last week.

Question: My mom's convinced my brother we need to get all legal aspects takin care of immediately and my brotber wants me to sign a paper giving her control.I'm still grieving and don't trust my mother.besides being crazy shes lied for years about her and dad having wills.[if he wanted that he would've taken care of it] What happens now? Will I need to prove my mom unfit to decide how to deal with his estate? Will I need to go before a judge? I'm so confused and tore up. Any advice would help. Edit: I live in kentucky.

Answer:
 I'm sorry for your loss.

Nothing needs to happen immediately. You don't have to sign anything you don't want to.

If there's a will it will name an executor. If not the estate will be probated out.

Your location can help people here provide more information.

If your dad was at a hospital they will also have resources to help you get started.


Title: [Berkeley, CA] Subtenant is saying I have to give her 24 hours notice to enter the unit where I also live.

Question: I feel like I'm taking crazy pills.  There's no merit to this, right reddit? She's claiming that since she pays rent that includes access to the common spaces, I need to give her written notice and written proof of entry if I let another person into the unit to show it to them.  I'm not letting them into her room without her permission or written notice, but I am showing the common spaces.  I don't see how I don't have the right to do this, given that I have the right to come and go as I please and to have people over whenever I want.  So wouldn't that cover people who might want to live with me?  Again I live IN the unit. She's a renting a room from me.

Answer:
 she only has exclusive use of the room she rented, not the entire house.  so you only need to give her notice (baring emergency or whatever) if you plan on entering her room.  Answer #2: You can let people in to where you live whenever you want, for whatever reason.  (With some exceptions regarding illegality and police searches and objecting co-tenants, etc, that don't apply here).

That being said, she sounds like she's a crazy tenant who is only going to be more of a hassle from here on out.  Rarely do people start out as a crazy annoying tenant and then become no problem at all.


Title: 3rd DUI in Colorado. (Refusal)

Question:
Before I say anything; I know I shouldn't have done the crime.
I'm not a horrible person, I'm an addict and I'm working on it.
I'm purely looking for legal advice.

I have an interlock restricted license.
The other night I had a few beers and decided to drive my other vehicle that didn't have an interlock in it to the gas station.

I was pulled over by a sherrif that had a headlight out. I got him to admit on bodycam and dashcam that it was out. I wasn't 100% sure if that had an effect on the case but I tried to put that out there.
He said he pulled me over for speeding but said it was an illegal lane change in the charges he filed.

I refused all chemical tests and didn't admit to drinking more than the legal limit.

My charges are:
DUI opinion
Evading interlock
Improper use of lanes

I do not have enough money to retain an attorney. So I'm trying to equip myself with everything I can before I get a P.D. so I can help them the best I can. (I know they have limited time and large case loads)

Thanks in advance for any help and I'll reiterate: I know I was dumb for doing it but it's already done.

Answer:
 Oof, so you're in trouble. Lawyer trouble.

Because you've been convicted of previous DUIs, you may actually *have* to consent to roadside testing (called express consent). In fact, by refusing there's a good chance that will be taken as evidence of your guilt, and you will be charged with another DUI. This can get you 60 days to a year in jail. This all depends a little on the circumstances of your arrest, but circumventing the interlock probably doesn't help you any.

Now, with regard to circumventing an interlock, that's a class 1 misdemeanor. There's a pretty good chance you will get mandatory jail time out of this (looks like a minimum of ten days, maximum of a year).

There is also license suspensions, license revocations, fines, community service, probation and vehicle impounds you may get to deal with, not to mention the improper use of lane charge, but all of that... honestly... may be the least of your worries.

This is absolutely lawyer territory.


Title: I slipped and broke my finger at work (NC)

Question:
Typing is a little hard.

I'm a dishwasher and yesterday I had a little accident. The floor is always really slick, even with no slip shoes. people have complained about it and even slipped before. I'm just the one who actually got  hurt.

I went to the ER and turns out my pinky is broken. My work had me fill out an accident report. Workers comp wasn't mentioned. I'm pretty sure they give you a drug test for that and I'd probably show for pot. I was sober when the accident happened.

There's gotta be something I can do. I have to stay out of work for a while. I can't get my cast wet. I'll have medical bills. But if I push my employer to actually help out, i'm afraid they'll drug test me and fire me when they see I smoke.

It really wasn't my fault and my supervisor knew the issue with the slick floor. I can't afford to be out of work for weeks. I guess i'm going to have to work with a broken finger.

any advise?

Answer:
 >There's gotta be something I can do.

Yep, file a claim with your employer's worker's comp insurance. Your employer can provide the info, and is obligated to do so.


Title: I a roach stowed away in my gym bag and now I have roaches, can I sue for the cost of fumigation? California.

Question:
I am not actually going to sue because my management is paying for the fumigation, but I am irritated at all the work involved on my part so the thought crossed my mind.

A couple of months ago I came home from the gym and as I was cleaning out my bag (like I do after each trip) a cockroach ran out and I could not catch it to kill it. Now my townhome is infested. I talked to my neighbors and none of them have them, it is just me, so I am pretty sure it came from the gym roach.

So if I owned my home and had to pay for it, would I be able to sue and win for the cost of it? Once again, not something I plan on doing, just curious.

Answer:
 Short answer: no.

Long answer: *noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo*.


Title: Storage company lost a check I sent them, can I invoice them for the time I spend dealing with the issue?

Question:
Just got this email from a storage company I use in San Antonio, TX:

>Dear tenant Thornsten,

>I'm emailing you in regards to Check 0000996031 $155.00 dated January 29, 2015  Our bank notified us that this check was not found in our deposit we made.  If you would please provide us a copy of your statement of cleared check,  If your check was not cashed we will need you to re-issue another check.

>If you have any questions or concerns please contact our office.

I understand mistakes happen and I have no problem sending another check, but what chaps my ass was that there was no "sorry for the inconvenience" or anything like that. Can I invoice the storage company for the time I spend dealing with this since I've already fulfilled my end of the obligation and this time spent is solely due to their incompetence?

EDIT: I guess my real question is if I do invoice them are they obligated to pay it?

Answer:
 **STATEMENT**

/u/plugmefulloholes
redditor at law

Bill to: /u/Thornsten

    Balance forward: $0
    Date: 03/11/2015
    Description: Reading a silly post, responding with a dumb invoice
    Time (hours): .02
    Rate: $250
    Balance: $5.00

Please remit payment within ten days. Thank you.Answer #2: For heaven's sake. What do you think?


Title: Did I screw up?

Question: Hello all. I own a mobile home, was going to gift it to a friend. We signed a b.o.s.stating he would pay me $100 as he was too cheap to pay a gift tax. Well, I've changed my mind and want to stay in my home. He, of course is furious and is threatening to sue. He never gave me the $100 for the trailer so, he did not hold up his part of the bargain. I sent him a certified letter stating that since he did not hold up his end of the contract I was now deeming our arrangement void, effective immediately.  Am I at risk of losing my home to this guy? Thanks!

Answer:
 The bill of sale created a contract with consideration on both sides;  $100 from him, a mobile home from you.   He didn't hold up his side of the bargain, which generally allows you to rescind (cancel) the agreement.

It is very, very unlikely that a small claims court (wherever you live) would compel you to complete the sale.


Title: CO] Seller left stuff after closing and possession date. Now claiming he's going to sue for damages when we removed it from the property.

Question:
We're first time homeowners, so sorry if this doesn't make any sense.
Our possession date was yesterday at noon, but the seller contacted us to let us know he needs more time to move out. There is a clause for that in our closing contract, so we agreed and had the possession time moved to today. We got to the house today to discover the garage is still mostly filled with junk. The seller was there with a moving truck and said he had "a few more things to pick up and would be back this afternoon." This was a little before noon, and we said that was fine, and started putting all the stuff that needs to be in the garage on the lawn.
After several hours, we contacted our real estate agent and he said that the house was legally ours, so just put it in the driveway and get our things in, since we have things that couldn't be left on the lawn overnight. So around four, we started emptying the garage, finishing around five thirty with three people. The seller contacted us saying he'd be around at 530. Then six. Then around 7. Then he finally showed up at almost 8, shouting and screaming that this was his stuff and he's going to take us to civil court for anything that was damaged.
Does he have any leg to stand on? He had over 24 hours extra time after the possession time to clean everything out, in addition to the 48 hours after closing before possession. There was so much stuff that I wouldn't be surprised that things broke because of how much weight was out there, but there wasn't really anything out there that could get broken.

Answer:
 He can sue, yes. Whether he'll win or not, I don't know; your odds would be better had you given him the full day to get his things out, rather than starting to remove his property, but on the other hand, his odds would have been better had he returned promptly rather than leaving a garage-ful of things around until late in the evening.

However, he'll only be able to sue for his actual damages, at most, and he'll have the singular experience of trying to argue before a judge that items he kept in long-term storage in a garage were somehow damaged by being moved the 30 feet to the driveway, rather than being damaged at some time before or afterwards.


Title: Gatlinburg, TN. Multiple misdemeanor citations. Help

Question:
This happened early Sunday morning at around 3am in Gatlinburg. I am 20 year old from Florida. Was staying in a hotel with my fraternity on a ski trip and the cops came at 3am to kick us out due to noise complaints.

I was picked up outside the lobby for public intoxication and taken to the police station. Ended up being charged with public intoxication, criminal impersonation, possession of drugs (~.2 grams of cocaine), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

This is my first run-in with the law in my life. Never been pulled over or anything. Getting in contact with a criminal defense attorney in Tennessee tomorrow.

What can I expect?

Answer: Criminal Defense attorney in Gatlinburg. get one.


Title: An etiquette question for meeting with our attorney

Question: Do I have to dress up (business casual) every time I meet with our attorney? He's helping my husband and I with an ongoing legal issue so this isn't a first appointment. The appointment is in the middle of the day and I would like to fit the gym in afterwards before I have to pick my children up but I'm not sure if it's appropriate to wear gym clothes to meet with our attorney? He typically wears khakis and a polo so not anything super formal. Thoughts?

Answer:
 You’re paying him. Wear what you want.Answer #2: As an attorney, I really don't care. Just bathe, I really dislike meeting with stinky clients. (I deal with a lot of older people...).Answer #3: I have fielded legal questions and given advise to a naked person.  Not in my office . . . .

Wouldn't worry about it.  Answer #4: If you have an established relationship already the attorney likely won't care. They know you have other things going on in your life.Answer #5: The only time you should worry about this is when you appear in court.Answer #6: You do you boo. Personally, I don’t care what my clients wear. Answer #7: Sure, you can wear gym clothes.

If I were meeting with you I'd take you more seriously if you were dressed at least in jeans and a nice blouse.


Title: (CA) Walmart charging mysterious "tax" on car battery

Question:
I bought the car battery online for store pickup. The battery was $93 and then $20.27 was charged as "tax" (no breakdown). I assumed this was the state-mandated core fee, where you return the old battery and get back the $12. I brought the old battery to the store, and they said I was not charged a core fee, so no refund. They couldn't tell me what the $20.27 tax included, as walmart.com is somehow different than Walmart. Chatting with walmart.com, they claimed:
"This type of item has an extra product fee that the manufacturer charges because of the materials of the battery and the Contained Battery Type"
Doesn't a "tax" have to be local, state or federal? If it's a manufacturer fee, then shouldn't it be included in the price of the item? Aren't retailers required to define what type of tax they are charging, if they call it a "tax"?
EDIT: There is no paper receipt, as this was an online order. But the online receipt is: https://i.imgur.com/gppPoC2.png

Answer: Given that you were buying a lead-acid battery, this may have been a [California Hazardous Waste and Environmental Fee](http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/IDManifest/Fees.cfm).


Title: I just heard that my boss' boss is trying to reduce the pay rate for my promotion after I accepted the promotion...

Question:
So nothing official has happened yet but I heard from a colleague that my boss' boss is trying to reduce the hourly pay rate I was offered when I recently got promoted to full time employment.

I work for the federal government and recently applied for, interviewed for, was offered, and accepted a full-time position after working for a few years as a "flex" employee (essentially part-time). As part of the new position I got a $2.00 per hour raise (rather I was supposed to). The HR lady who explained all my benefits and helped me with my paperwork confirmed the new pay rate last week. I heard from a co-worker that the boss of the guy who gave me the promotion is now trying to reduce the raise to only $1.00 per hour.

My plan is to call HR on Monday, see what, if anything they have to say, but I was hoping for any advice on what else I can do. It feels really wrong that after I've accepted a position that I would immediately be hit with what is basically a pay cut but I'm not an expert on how these things work.

Being a federal employee my relationship to a union is complicated and I don't really understand it, I know that a union exists but I have no clue what it could do for me. Would it be worthwhile to get in contact with the union? If so, should it be before or after I talk with HR? I feel like I should at least find out what is actually happening before I start making too big a ruckus but I don't know.

This raise was supposed to be huge for my family. I had hoped that it would mean that we could stop living literally paycheck to paycheck. Now I'm kinda terrified that it'll be only bearly worth the extra responsibility.

Any suggestions for what I can do other than just calling HR and finding out what's up would be amazing. I've seen so many people get such great advice from here, I hope you smart people can help. Thank you in advance!
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 First things first: nothing substantial has happened yet, correct? It’s all just hearsay? If so, try to relax. Gossip moves faster than anything in an office. You’re right to keep an eye on the situation, but I would recommend that you do not go to HR over whispers.

1. What does your new contract say? If they put it in writing that your promotion includes a raise of $2.00/hour, and you signed off on it, they can’t renege on that without your consent.

2. Talk to your union rep about your concerns. Your union and union rep are (or, at least, should be) on your side. HR isn’t necessarily on your side. If you meet with them in person, bring any paperwork related to your promotion. If you speak with them over the phone, keep all paperwork handy so that you can refer to it as needed.

Please try to stay calm and collected. You’re in a really stressful situation, but your best défense right now is silence. You aren’t making a mountain out of a molehill. You have valid concerns that need to be addressed. That being said, don’t talk about this to anyone except your union rep. Just try your best to do your job well and not get caught up in what may or may not happen. If your boss’ boss does end up trying to reduce your wages, you have your union and union rep to turn to. You’re not alone and things will hopefully turn out just fine.


Title: Boss is threatening to fire everyone

Question:
I am 17 and work at a fast food restaurant, it is a fairly popular franchise but for privacy reasons I won't name which one. In the past 6 months, there have been a few reoccurring events that have taken place involving other employees on the night staff not doing their job properly, where customers will complain about bad service or the cleanliness of the restaurant. A week ago, i was getting yelled at by my boss about the drive thru time of that day, and he was swearing quite frequently.

We go into his office and I tell him right away that I don't appreciate being sworn at in a verbally harassing way. He said that he understood, but that the rest of night staff has pissed him off so much that "he is going to start being a real asshole now" and he also said that he will have to "clean house" soon, meaning that he will fire everyone on night staff and rehire an all new staff.

Most of the people on night staff are teenagers/young adults and most have done nothing wrong, it is just a select few that have messed up and the entire group is being blamed for those peoples actions. Does my boss have the right to do this? If he does, what legal action should be taken? I live in Ontario, CA. Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Edit 1: Ontario *Canada*, not Ontario California.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 There are a few reasons your boss would not be legally allowed to terminate you, but this isn't one of them. He can fire all of you. Unless he's firing each of you, individually, for cause, he owes each of you [a minimum amount of notice, or pay in lieu of notice](https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/guide/termination.php), based on your length of service. Anyone who's been there for at least five years is also entitled to some amount of severance pay, but given the low wages paid by fast food, I wouldn't expect that to amount to much.

(I'm assuming your restaurant is not going to fire 50 or more people at once.)


Title: NH Wife hiding money, now wants divorce.

Question:
NH - About four years ago my wife started withdrawing money from an investment account, post-tax money, not retirement.  At the time she was handling our finances so I didn't notice at first. By the time I noticed it she had taken out over 100K.  She said she needed it to pay our expenses because I had been laid off.  This doesn't add up because she started withdrawing the money the day I was laid off despite  having full severance pay and benefits for the next 3 months.

Now she's demanding a divorce, and suggesting shes going to be very aggressive about it.  It seems pretty obvious she was siphoning off money to somewhere else (another account, cash?)  preparing for this .   The account and the funds in it were mine and existed prior to getting married.  She never discussed withdrawing money from this account.  No Prenup.

&#x200B;

Is this legal ?

Assuming it's legal what options do I have for recouping this money, does someone  have a right to know about all assets and bank accounts their spouse has?

Any general advice ?    Thanks!

Answer:
 Get a lawyer, today.Answer #2: NH is a “community property” state.  All assists are supposed to be split 50/50, regardless of whose account they are in.

However, you need to retain an attorney ASAP.Answer #3: You need to get a divorce attorney.  Was the account in both of your names after you were married or did you leave it in just your name?  If it was in just your name I would call the broker and ask for an explanation as to why they let a non-account holder withdraw the money.

Judges hate spouses hiding assets in a divorce.  Look up H. Beatty Chadwick.  He is the record holder for spending 14 years in prison due to being held in contempt of court.  He hid money from his wife during their divorce and refused to produce it when ordered by the judge.  He was only released because they decided he had spent 14 years in prison and *still* refused to produce the money.Answer #4: >does someone have a right to know about all assets and bank accounts their spouse has?

Yes.

You need a lawyer.Answer #5: You may need to get a forensic accountant to find any 'hidden' assets. Your lawyer can typically refer you to one.

Since you are not/were not divorced at the time the assets were transferred, there's nothing illegal about it. However, if she tries to hide those assets during divorce proceedings, she will find that won't go over so well with the judge.


Title: Kidnapping and murder

Question:
Let's say I live in Virginia. West Virginia and Maryland are not death penalty states.

If I kidnap and drive my victim to a non death penalty state from Virginia, and kill them, am I likely to be extradited back to Virginia for kidnapping and murder or just kidnapping? Further, will I only be charged with murder in the state where the murder took place?

Answer: You'd likely be charged with [18 U.S.C §1201\(a\)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1201), which is a federal offense, by transporting the victim across state lines. If the victim dies as a result, it's punishable by life in prison or death. This would be a federal case and the state law as to death penalty would not apply.