Title: Refused refund for bad dental work, any legal action I can take?

Question:
Back in March '14 I began seeing a new dentist to have a lot of work done. 1 extraction and 3 root canals to be precise. Part of the dental plan they laid out was to have a partial denture put in place to fill and empty area where my rear molar was extracted. Based on priority I had the root canals done immediately after the extraction and then in late May/early June of '14 began getting fit for the partial denture.

After numerous delays, repeated steps (they had to redo my moldings half way through the procedure), and what can only be described as horrible communication from the office, I finally got the partial denture in late October '14. I immediately complained at the first fit up because it was painful to keep in or to bite down with on one side. They attempted numerous times to "fix" it by grinding away at the formed "pad" of the denture. This did not fix the problem. Around mid November '14 they discussed possibly talking to their lab to have it redone, and after a few attempts to get an answer I didn't end up making legitimate contact with them until early March '15.

Because of the service up to this point, which included the denture problem as well as two of my root canal crowns fitting odd in my mouth (obvious gaps at the base on both of them, and odd shape/sharp ridge on one), I've decided I don't want to work with them anymore. I especially don't want to start over from scratch and have to wait another 3-5 months for my denture to get finished. However, they refuse to refund me for the denture. I returned to the office because they wanted to attempt to get it to fit well, at which time they filed and ground the base of the "pad" down to the metal mesh assuming that I would believe that was an adequate fix. I attempted to dispute the charge (only for the denture) with the credit company I used when I purchased it, and the office lied about the communication and problems I had when I received it...and state they only heard from me just last week.

Do I have any legal grounds to do anything at this point? It was over a thousand dollars and no insurance was used for it, I bore the entire procedure cost. The credit company did not ask for any information from me to dispute (which I thought was strange) and just took the offices word without an option for me to provide any documents to prove them wrong. I still want to have the work done, just elsewhere, but I cannot afford to take another $1,000+ hit and I don't feel I should have to pay for the denture that doesn't fit and I cannot use.

Edit: This is in Connecticut

Edit: See comments for photos of the denture for reference.

Answer: If you feel they did not live up to their side of the bargain, you can certainly file suit.  Your success is dependent on the services you were promised and the actual care given.  You feel it was inadequate or improper; but, based on the situation, it may not have been.


Title: Is it legally sound to make someone work 20 hours without pay?

Question:
Hi all, not sure if this is the right place to post this - it's probably a question as opposed to advice i guess. Anyway, i'm 16 and i've been looking for a job for about a month now (sent 44 applications) and finally got a call back from a local Pizza takeaway in my town. The chef rang me and asked me to come down the following day to meet with the owner, I thought this would be an interview or just running me through how it all works. I got there and he asked me no questions other than what my name was an how old i was, then sent me to work - i had no idea what i was doing but that's not really relevant. I'd been there around 3 hours before asking when i was working until, the owner replied "you aren't working, you're training" and then told me that he couldn't pay me a wage until i had completed 20 hours worth of 'training' before he could decide if i get the job or not, despite me being basically fully trained after this 3 hour initial shift. I told some of my friends at school today and my teacher overheard and said she was pretty sure that was illegal. Furthermore, someone in class went for training at the same place for 2 weeks before telling her they didn't want to keep her.

If not illegal it at least seems immoral.
Topic:
Non-US

Answer:
 It certainly is illegal. This is called wage theft.Answer #2: IANAL But it is not legal in any shape or form to make someone work for 20 hours without pay. Unless you had a contract  for a unpaid "training" if you can call this that.   If the pizza place is apart of a chain call corporate.

You should also call your local labor board if it exist and report it. Don't let this go it may not be the first time they did this


Title: Negligent Driver Causes Collision & Long Traffic Delays, Is He Liable for Damages to Me (3rd Party) for Me Missing a Big Client Meeting?

Question:
A negligent driver rear-ends another car on the interstate causing a major traffic back up due to the undrivable cars blocking lanes, the police and emergency services blocking more lanes, and the mechanics of traffic jams.

I left 15 minutes early to make a trip to the office that usually takes 20 minutes, but the excess time for traffic cause me to still be 30 minutes late and I missed a client meeting.

Not only did my firm lose the client account, but I could lose my job, on top of the time I had to sit in traffic instead of be working and the additional wear and tear on my car and extra gas used by being in stop and go traffic.

It also caused me emotional damage with my severe frustration at the situation and fear about the impact to my career.

If I can find out who the driver that caused the accident is, and he's admitted liability for the crash, and resulting traffic congestion is provably due to the consequences of the accident, could I reasonably claim damages and sue him successfully? Could a lawyer turn it into a class action law suit for anyone impacted by the crash?

*(I know you can sue anyone for anything, but I'm curious if my suit would be reasonable or laughed out of court.)*

Answer:
 Nope. Accidents & delays should be factored into your travel time. The onus is on you to get to your destination on time.

You left home too late. You had an important meeting so you should have given yourself an hour to 45 minutes lead time. That time could have been used to prep, review your notes, calm your nerves, etc.

You are also assuming the driver was negligent. If people were allowed to sue because they were late for an appointment due to an accident, that would add more frivolous cases to the already backlogged system due to excessive frivolous cases.

I'm not an attorney. I'm just a former commuter bus driver with impeccable time management skills & being stuck on the highway for more than 2 hours in Metro Atlanta interstate traffic.


Title: Bank made a mistake and cashed a check twice which seriously overdrew my account

Question:
TL;DR: About $10,000 is still missing and the bank is yet to return my money. 12 days later...

I live in Ohio and got my driveway re-paved two weeks ago and paid the company with a check. When the company submitted the check for deposit the mobile system processed the check twice. So what should have been ~$10,000 withdraw from turned out to be ~$20,000. This severely overdrew my account because we only keep enough in that account to cover bills. I was charged $36 overdraft fee as well which I had to fight to get back.

I got an alert on my phone that the account was overdrawn and got the mistaken withdrawal returned to bring my account back to positive which took three business days. Fun fact: if an account is overdrawn you can’t use it.

I got a call from the driveway company stating that the check bounced and they did not get paid which is puzzling because the original amount (~$10,000) is still missing.  I called the bank again and they said “no the money did not go to the company and it will be returned to your account following an investigation as to what happened. This should take two business days”

My wife and I discussed it and we wanted to pay our debt so we transferred from our savings account the money to cover the cost of the driveway and told the company we would deal with the bank.

It has been 6 business days and still I do not have my money from the bank back in my account. Every time I call the bank I have to explain all of this to someone new and then they “contact a manager” and I get the run-around about the process and it should be resolved soon.

I am by no means rich. We get by and this new driveway payment took quite some time to save. Is there anything that I should be doing other than calling the bank every single day until I get my money?

Quick update: I finally spoke with someone that has decided to bird-dog this thing for me and try and get some answers about everything. She has called me almost too often to ask questions and give updates. She said she would call first thing in the morning if she has more to update.

Answer: Hi to a large branch, and politely and firmly refuse to leave until you have resolution, this generally encourages them to resolve it, rather than have a disatified person standing in the lobby. Try to refuse to go in to the office to resolve the matter and to resolve it at a teller window or cubical. Again they don't wish to show publicly there incompetent. Be polite, and quiet but firmAnswer #2: File a complaint with the CFPB [here](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/).


Title: [VA] Cop wrote a ticket saying I was going a speed our car can't even hit.

Question:
I was on my way back home from work last night and was tailed by a cop over the JRB (Carrollton to Newport News). Was stopped when I got off and was told I was stopped because I was going 104 mph in a 55.

I drive a '94 Camaro. The car is in decent shape, but it gets finicky going 70 and on a good day will push 75. There's no possible way for it to hit 104. Especially in 4th gear when it yells at you for going 45.

* Other cars PASSED me. While he was tailing me. *In what world would there be multiple cars PASSING someone going 104 and something not be wrong?*
* The cop *sort of* admitted that he didn't use anything to gauge speed other than his eyes.
>"I could tell how fast you were going by how the car look in the windshield." was his answer when I asked how he clocked my speed. ^wat.
* The car is literally as old as I am. The thing would have blown up if it went that fast. I didn't buy it in pristine condition.

I don't know what else to write.
>this is a throw away account. we are going to try and fight it in court but i don't want it tied to my real account.

Answer: The best way to go about this would be to hire a traffic attorney and take it to trial. Just be aware that Virginia takes reckless driving very seriously.


Title: Street gangs are a cancer on the inner cities. Why aren't we doing more to eradicate them?

Answer:
 1) gangs are far far less of an issue than the media make out.

2) effective means of reducing petty crime are not popular with many ( poorly educated) voters. Extra policing and stiffer penalties have very little impact on petty crime.

3) holistic ways at reducing crime start with basics like access to contraceptives, paid family leave, higher minimum wages and stronger social services and free childcare. Although cheaper than policing and incarceration in the long run, the American public does not see thatAnswer #2: Gangs are not nearly as big of a problem as you think they are. Especially with the rise of cellphones, street level activity (drug sales) has decreased, because most people get their drugs by texting their dealer (not everyone, though).

Also, often what the police term "gangs" are more like a disorganized group of people who know each other from school, hang out together, and sometimes commit crime together.

So how do you stop that? You give alternatives. You provide people with opportunities, good schools, decent housing, and proper care for physical and mental health, including substance abuse.

There are many wonderful organizations (often grassroots) that are trying to offer alternatives to "gangs" and criminal activity and help people access the help they need. Answer #3: Citation needed. On both claims.


Title: Not 100% sure, but pretty certain parents cashed out life insurance I was named as policy holder on.

Question:
*My* current location is **California**. My parents current location is unknown, but they have lived in **Pennsylvania** and **Rhode Island**. I am not sure what state any forgery was committed in.

First things first, I don't have a good relationship with my parents. I have been largely no contact with them for over five years. Just before the holidays I got a piece of mail from Prudential stating that they needed to confirm that my current address was my address. Apparently some things from me sending in a change of address form finally hit them or something...? One of the pieces of mail they sent to an address in Rhode Island came back to them, I guess that is when they went to the databases or something.

Anyway, I called them and got the policy number and all the info I needed to take over the account that I didn't have. My parents had this life insurance on me since 1989 and it got about a $3000 cash value over time. I do not know really where to find this info out, but looking at some of the PDFs online it looks like that $3000 might have been drained. It's a variable life insurance plan. I have absolutely no idea what any of this means!

The policy shows as being in my name the whole time as a policy owner. Additionally, there are addresses on the PDFs I've never lived at. I don't really know if I want the policy, but if I do keep it I'd at least like that $3000 for myself to draw out on my terms, you know?

**IF** they did some form of forgery, what would I need to do to take action? The only reason I am suspecting something of this nature is because they did it before to un-enroll me from college when I moved away.

Answer:
 I'll assume you were a kid , under 18 in 1989. Back in the day Geber Life used to sell contracts like this saying they could be used for college,gain cash value , blah blah blah. My Mom had one on me as well. You can take a policy out on someone else. So to me based off personal experience I think that is what they did. But I can't be sure.

If you know the company call and ask :
Who is the beneficiary ?
Who took the policy out?
Are payments still be made on this contract?

If you parents took the policy out on you, you might not be able to get the money, it just depends on how it was set up.


Title: My 2004 Toyota Sequoia has a rusted frame and was recalled. They say the repair will cost us $5,000. [MA]

Question:
I have a Toyota Sequoia from 2004. It's very lightly used and in good condition besides the issue with the frame. I was looking forward to using it for a few more years. I just got a recall notice and a phone call about it.

It got recalled for having a rusted frame. There was a class action and Toyota agreed to reinstall all of the frames on the cars. I went in to have the car fixed.

They told me that the frame was rusted and the brakes were rusted (related to the frame apparently). They also said that when they remove the frame, there are parts that almost always break when they do it and that I'm on the hook to pay for those. They also told me that I have to pay to replace the brakes. They gave me an estimate of $5,000 to replace the frame and fix the parts they'd break while replacing the frame. They said it might be a high estimate but told me I should expect it to cost that much money.

I didn't want to pay $5,000 to fix a car that's thirteen years old. They offered me a trade in value of $3,000 so long as I'd buy a car with them. I can't sell the car by myself because the frame and brake line is rusted and I think it would be unethical if it's not just impossible.

I know there was a class action and that replacing the frame is all they agree to do. But I am also feeling angry and upset that the car that I took care of is worthless because of them and they are saying that I have either to pay $5,000 to fix it, accept a trade in value and buy a new car from them, or accept that the car is useless, scrap it, and buy a different used one. Either way, I'm paying money, and I'm really upset because I just didn't expect having to replace a car I thought was fine.

I guess my question is if there is anything I can do about it. I know the answer is probably no, but I'd really love some advice on how to handle the situation if there are any tips. Thanks in advance, everyone. I really appreciate you reading.

Edit: Sorry, I made a mistake. The Sequoia is 2005—I think of it as 2004 because I bought it in 2004. Not sure that changes anything, but that's just a detail thing.

Answer:
 Are you being told this story by Toyota dealer? Or corporate?

Sounds like the dealer is trying to pull a fast one. Call corporate. Answer #2: /r/MechanicAdvice the folks in that sub might be able to give you an idea of what's reasonable, and if removing the framing really means breaking a bunch of stuff


Title: My Doctor won't hand over my medical records. They have them most certainly, but it's been longer than the minimum time required by state law for them to retain them since I last saw the doctor. How do I get my medical records?

Question:
My doctor is refusing to release my medical records. The policy of their institution shows that they keep medical records for seven years, however the minimum retention time required by state law is three years. It's been five years.

Backstory:

I made a call to my doctor's office and spoke the clerk who told me that they still retained my records.

I then made the mistake of disclosing I suffered personal injury after getting treatment there.

I got an email about a month later in which they claim to have disposed of my medical records two years ago, which I doubt is true.

How can I get my medical records?

If it's any help, they told me over the phone when I spoke to them the dates/times of when I had my doctors appointments five years ago and the doctor who I saw. From what I understand, that's electronic PHI (private health information). Why wouldn't they have disposed of this if they disposed of my medical records? I record all my calls.

State is District of Columbia.

Answer:
 This is at least the third time you have posted the same problem.

If they don't have your records then they don't have them. If you need medical records you should have requested them before the point that they were allowed to destroy them.


Title: [Update] Follow up Questions: Parents passed and we are managing the estate. MassHealth sent us a letter saying they were making a claim on the estate. We want to know if they can take the house and the whole estate (Massachusetts).

Question:
Original post here: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/9yhyk6/parents_passed_and_we_are_managing_the_estate/?st=JOPZ5M3E&sh=6b776e69

First off I would like to thank everyone for the excellent advice. I learned a lot from the responses yesterday and our situation has greatly changed.

I found out that the MassHealth bill is $350,000, and consulted a lawyer who informed me that that we do not qualify for hardship or any way to erase that debt. As much of it that can be taken, will be taken from the estate, and the remaining balance will be settled. With roughly $100k in home equity, this means that they will be taking everything. We can have this deferred until the house is sold.

I did learn, however, that MassHealth is actually 6th priority in terms of who gets paid out from the estate. This changes our strategy, as we are now looking to get as many reimbursements from the estate as possible before MassHealth takes the rest.

In Massachusetts, funeral expenses are the number 1 priority in payout.  I paid for both parents funerals ($20k) out of my mom’s life insurance policy payout, which I was the sole beneficiary on, and received a check in my name for after her passing. I do not think I was required by the life insurance policy to spend the benefit on funerals, as after they sent me the check that was the end of our interaction (I didn’t give any receipts). Moms benefit was enough to cover both hers and dads funerals.

My question is, because funeral expenses are number 1 priority, can the estate reimburse me for the funerals?

Also, there was $8k in a savings account, can I put that all towards the mortgage so the house isn’t foreclosed on (would keeping the house in good standing qualify for estate admin costs, #2 priority)?  Thank you!!!

Tl;dr: MassHealth is taking everything from the estate but is #6 priority, can I reimburse myself for the funerals #1 priority from the estate, even though I used a life insurance payout to cover them?
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer:
 Get a probate attorney.  You are trying to play a shell game (completely legal one, but you dont really know the rules).  You need an expert.Answer #2: You need a Mass probate attorney. Can you take a fee as as serving as the executor/personal representative?
Answer #3: You absolutely need a probate attorney. Do not attempt to do this yourself.


Title: Fluctuation of light in a row within 5 seconds caused my expensive new tv to "poof"(?).

Question:
So the title basically says it all. I am from India and there are rarely power cuts in my apartment but when they are they last for a long time. So basically yesterday there was no electricity for 4 hours and after coming home from work I was extremely exhausted. When the power came back I got excited cause it's hot here and the ac was finally working. So then I grab something to eat and switch my new TV on which i bought last week. Mind you it was quite expensive. Almost 6 lacs rupees which is apparently around $8,700
So I'm sitting there tired planning to go to bed as I was tired and all of a sudden the power goes and comes back 4 times within the span of 6-7 seconds. Then the power was gone again for half an hour. After it came back my mum texted me telling me to watch the news cause of some stupid political speach going on. When I try to turn the TV on it won't for some reason. So today I called the guys from Samsung and the guy told me the internal wires were burnt which most probably happened cause of the fluctuation. Now they are asking for a lot for repair charges and apparently this isn't covered in the warranty. I don't mind paying the repair cost but then it's also not my fault so I'm trying to find a way I can avoid this and get my TV fixed for free.

Answer:
 It's unlikely you'll find anyone here familiar with Indian law.

Samsung doesn't have any responsibility for the damage to your TV - if you have a claim, it would be against your electricity provider. The odds of you being able to get any money from them are likely very low.

If you purchased your TV with a credit card, you may have coverage through the credit card company.

In the future, if you have expensive electronics and are prone to power fluctuations/outages, use an uninterruptible power supply.


Title: Power Company and Department of Transportation ran power lines directly over my property cutting off two thirds of the land.

Question:
I live in Maine and my home sits on two acres of land.  The property is longer than it is wide.  At the tree line the power company had run power lines to the department of transportation building located next to my home.  These lines run directly over my property with 2/3rds of land on the other side.  When I bought the house the lines were there but I didn't see them, it was summer and the tree's had leaves.  I also received no information regarding an easement on my land.  It wasn't until the winter that I saw the lines and how it would made it unsafe to expand my yard as I had planned.  I feel that this greatly devalues my property and I was not made aware of the impact.  There are regularly workmen on my property without my knowledge.  They cut down trees and limbs without permission as well.  My question is do I have any rights in this situation?  Do they just get to do this because the state building needs power?
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 Talk to a lawyer or to your title insurance. This is the kind of usage that there's generally an easement for, and it should have come up during the purchase. If there is an easement and your title insurance missed it, they may reimburse you for the difference in the value of the land. If there's honestly no recorded easement in any records relating to your property, you may be able to negotiate with or sue the town or county to have them pay for the way they're using your land.

You're relatively unlikely to be able to force them to relocate the lines, unless they were installed quite recently.


Title: IL: I have the same name as my father, a convicted felon. Advice on legally changing my name?

Question:
Hello, everyone. Was hoping someone might be able to provide me with some guidance with on a pretty sensitive issue.

I share my first and last name with my father, which is obviously not uncommon. However, roughly 8 years ago he was charged and subsequently convicted of a VERY unsavory crime that I would rather not go into detail on, and served a pretty lengthy prison sentence, though he was recently released. Regardless, if you were to search my legal name on Google, the first results are his picture, news articles regarding the crime, and the location of the incident (which is my hometown where everybody knows I am from). Now, I recently moved away from my home state to Illinois, and have been using an alias (my legal middle name and mother's maiden name) ever since. It has not been much of an issue, aside from someone occasionally seeing my legal last name on credit cards, bills, insurance info, paychecks, etc., and that is always an uncomfortable situation. I have admittedly been hesitant to officially change my last name to my middle name, but at this point, I am committed both professionally and personally to the name I currently use, and honestly prefer it. My employer also knows of the situation, so while I use my alias in the office, my pay stubs still come with my current legal name.

With that said, I was hoping to get some advice on how I should go about the name change, but mostly what I should change it to. I have a lot of history (obviously) tied to my legal name (diplomas, awards, etc.) that hurts to lose completely, but I am willing to make the sacrifice.

So, the options I have come up with are as follows:

A) Drop my last name for my middle name (which I currently use) and either make up a middle name or just not have one at all.

B) Hyphenate my middle and last name so that my current legal last name still shows up, but I don't use it in personal/professional situations. (If I were to do this, would the order of the names matter?)

C) Not change it and continue using an "alias," which again is still technically legal and on my birth certificate, but is not my actual last name.

Apologies if this is somewhat incoherent, but it is a very sensitive issue for me, and I have heard conflicting opinions on the process, as well as it's legal ramifications. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Answer:
 >C) Not change it and continue using an "alias," which again is still technically legal and on my birth certificate, but is not my actual last name.

You'll find that more annoying than it's worth.

There's no legal impediment to changing your name beyond the temporary pain of having your documents reissued. Were I in your position, I'd do it. What you change your name *to* is [entirely up to you](http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2012/01/07/beezow-doo-doo-zopittybop-bop-bop-30-arrested-on-weapon-drug-charges/).


Title: [OH] Pregnant GF Won't Give Me Time/Date for Appointments / Custody Conscerns

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: You have no right to be present at the doctor appointments of the birth. You have no rights to the child at all until (including visitation) established so by a court.


Title: My girlfriend's brother hit somebody for making lewd comments about my girlfriend, who is under 18. He's facing charges. What does he do? (Colorado)

Question:
I realize that this is probably a lost cause, but whatever.

For context, my girlfriends brother, called Eric for this story, works in a family-owned restaurant in a mountain town in Colorado. My GF, called Jane for this story, was going to the town to meet up with her brother, as they hardly ever see each other. He is 27, Jane is 17. Eric has been working in a restaurant to finance his wedding to his fiancé, Jordan (fake name). He also works in ski patrol during the winter and does odd jobs around the town during the summer.

The incident began when Jane arrived in town. Jane and Jordan were waiting outside the restaurant for Eric to get off his shift, and both of them go inside to ask Eric how long he has remaining in his shift before he's off. Jane goes to wait outside while Jordan talks to the manager. Jordan comes back outside, apparently looking really creeped out and distraught. Jane asks what happened, Jordan says the manager asked how old Jane was, saying "what is she? 19? 20?" Jordan relies and says, "no, she's 17, why?"

The manager responds with "well when she's wearing shorts like that she might as well be 20. She's got an ass like a 20 year old" and then made a gesture where he made a circle with his thumb and index finger, and inserted his other index finger into the hole repeatedly. (This is obviously a sex gesture).

It should be noted here that the manager of the restaurant is not the owner, and is a 42 year old man.

Jane and Jordan wait for Eric to get off work, and when he does, they tell him of the situation. Eric replies with "I'm going to fucking beat his ass." (Eric is very protective of Jane. For the first 6 months of our relationship, our dates were always me and Jane… and Eric. Were like brother now though.)

Jane and Jordan tried to hold him back from going into the restaurant, but they're small girls while Eric is 6'4" 250 lbs of pure muscle. He walked back into the restaurant, and Jane and Jordan followed him. He asked the manager what he said about his sister, and he, strangely, told Eric exactly what he said, with gesture and all, and added at the end "she's a dirty little girl, isn't she Eric?" And winked after the last question.

Eric uppercutted the manager so hard he left the floor briefly before hitting the ground. The manger was driven to the hospital by Eric, and has a concussion, a broken cheekbone, and brief amnesia.

I should say now that this is all 2nd hand. I didn't witness any of this, but Jane and Jordan saw all of it and relayed it to me.

Is there anything they can do to keep Eric out of jail and not bankrupt him/the entire family? Is it even possible for him to win cases like this?

Answer:
 He gets an attorney.Answer #2: >Is there anything they can do to keep Eric out of jail

Maybe, maybe not. He needs an attorney, but "dude said my sister is hot" isn't a defense to battery/assault.

>and not bankrupt him/the entire family?

The family is under no obligation to pay for his legal defense. Answer #3: The only options here are for Eric to hire an attorney and to get anger management counseling.


Title: Pregnancy scare and liability

Question:
Throw away account for privacy.

Location: iowa
Females location: Illinois (she already has 1 child)
Age: 25(m) 23(f)

Sometime between November 2-10 I had a one night stand with a woman. She claimed to be on
Maline (unsure of spelling) birth control and plan B. We did not use a condom but I did pull out.

We hadn’t spoken since the night and she contacted me last night saying she hasn’t had her period in 2 months. I had her go and take a pregnancy test. She took one last night and one this morning. One positive and one negative. She went to have a blood test done and was told that they will send the results later today or Monday.

We have spoken, and I offered to pay for the abortion is she is positive. She said 100% no way she was doing that.

In the event that it is positive i will be getting a paternity test ASAP. She claims I am the only person she has slept with in that time period, but I don’t quite believe her.

I make substantially more money than her. I’m afraid of what will happen in court if I am the father. I am going up in flames for saying this, but I do not want a child. I travel for work and work long hours. It has never been a goal of mine to have kids.

She keeps saying “I will just say I don’t know who the father is and raise it on my own” and “I don’t want to ruin your life I’ll deal with it”

That’s sounds like a recipe for disaster to me. Since we are in split states, what are my options? Can we sign off all my rights on the child if it is mine? (Assuming she is ok with it).

I’m lost in all this. Nothing she says lines up. What can I do to protect myself?

Answer:
 >? Can we sign off all my rights on the child if it is mine? (Assuming she is ok with it).

No. That's not a thing.

> That’s sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.

For you right? If you really are going to be a father you have to start thinking about more people than yourself.

> What can I do to protect myself?

Protect yourself as in not have to support your child if a baby is born and it's yours? You can't. Or did you mean something else by "protect myself"? That term is used a lot on this sub and it usually means "how do I shield myself from the consequences of my actions?"Answer #2: You will be liable for child support if the child is yours, you cannot sign that away. First thing to do is get a paternity test after the baby is born.Answer #3: If you are the father then you are on the hook for child support. You can't force her to have an abortion nor can you sign anything that will protect you financially.

The time to have thought about this was before you had sex.


Title: New employer is asking for 2015 W2 after I've already accepted and signed offer letter.

Question: Why do they need it? I'm hesitant to share for some reason. The job offer is already a done deal. My first day is next week. I feel like that is between me, my former employer, and the IRS. Is that legal for them to ask? (IL/CA)

Answer:
 They are fee to ask you for it. You are free to decline to provide it. They are free to rescind your job offer if you don't provide it.

It's possible they're using it to verify your income.


Title: [Florida] I was in a collision with a vehicle while riding my bicycle.

Question:
3 weeks ago, I was in a collision with a vehicle while riding my bicycle. I was riding north on the east side of the street and the vehicle backed out from in front of me and to my right. I collided with the rear passenger side light and bumper.

A field service technician arrived on the scene and took her statements. The local store from which he was backing had security cameras. The officer watched the video and from all of this, she determined that I had the right of way and he received a citation for 'improper backing'.

I was in pain in lots of areas and had many scrapes and abrasions so I went to an urgent care the same day. I used my health insurance at the time.

I began filing a claim with his auto insurance the same day. They informed me that their insured does not have bodily injury insurance and so, if found liable, they are not responsible for any medical bills I have. They sent a 3rd-party to take pictures of the bicycle and my clothes for appraisal. An employee of the auto insurance company performed an appraisal based off the images and my records of purchase. The bike was deemed beyond repair. They gave me an appraisal that would be paid out if they were found to be liable.

The claims adjustor needed the police report, so I obtained a copy and faxed it. I kept calling to check in on the claim and they said they needed a copy of the video and each time they told me they would have it in a few days, but did not. Finally, they told me that the insured was retrieving the video. That day I was served a subpoena as a witness in the State of Florida vs the insured defendant, as he was contesting his charge. I called the pawn shop and asked for the video, at which point, the employee told me that the video was released to the police and he would not release it to anyone else. I called the claims adjustor back and mentioned this to him and that he needed to do a public records request. At this point he mentioned that they would need to also wait for the results of the civil court case before determining liability.

So I have court on Thursday, 10/1/2015, at 9:00 a.m. Meanwhile, I have been without transportation (only had a bicycle, no other source of transportation) for the past 3 weeks. It is costing me a lot of time. I have to walk 20 - 25 minutes to a bus stop and wait anywhere from 5 - 20 minutes (generally speaking) to catch a bus to work, and this is likewise for the return trip from work. Additionally, I have to walk or ride a bus around town for any other thing I need to do.

Does the insurance company have a responsibility to determine liability in a timely manner? Can I be compensated for the lost time due to having no transportation? Will I need to sue the insured policy holder for compensation for medical bills not covered by my health insurance? Is there anything I should be prepared for as a witness in the civil court case? What if the state fails to provide the video at the case or the officer does not show up?

My employer is currently doing his best to accommodate me but I don't know how long he will be okay with my situation.

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. This whole situation is causing me to lose so much sleep.

Answer:
 "I began filing a claim with his auto insurance the same day. They informed me that their insured does not have bodily injury insurance and so, if found liable, they are not responsible for any medical bills I have."

Texas lawyer here: Their insurance company are lying bastards. Your first stop should be to find a local attorney to file suit for the property damage, personal injury, and (if the cause of action exists in FL as in TX) for a bad faith denial of an insurance claim.

From the below website:
"What type of automobile insurance coverage is required for a person causing a crash?

The Florida Financial Responsibility Law requires that any person at fault in a crash resulting in bodily injury and property damage to others must have in effect at the time of the crash full liability insurance coverage. This coverage includes minimum limits of bodily injury liability of $10,000 per person, $20,000 per crash, $10,000 property damage liability per crash, and personal injury protection limits of $10,000 per person per crash."
http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/frfaqcrash.html

They're denying any claim because you haven't the slightest idea about the law that applies. It's douchey and unethical, but it's often effective. Since they already want to play fuck-fuck games I wouldn't even bother with a demand letter unless the law in FL requires it for some reason. Their cost to pay your medical bills would have likely been very slight, and I wouldn't be surprised if you would've accepted a lowball offer just to get something immediate to cover your costs. But since they want to be retarded go full retard. For them to defend themselves and their insured driver against a claim will cost vastly more than simply paying. MAKE THEM PAY!


Title: Is using snapchat to create filtered images (saved to the phone) of disabled clients as a nurse or caregiver a HIPAA violation?

Question:
In Idaho. I've seen a lot of my coworkers do this. Only one admitted to sending an image or filtered clip off and was fired because of it.

But theoretically all those images and clips get saved to your phone and your phone isn't compliant at all right? I hope no one is taking these images and showing anyone outside of the direct caregiving staff for those specific patients, but I can't verify that isn't happening.

Should I be reporting these entry level staff and how should that process go down? It makes me insanely uncomfortable imagining images (even if the filters make some of the patients giggle or whatever) floating around and being shown to nonstaff, whether sent or saved.

Answer:
 Having patient images on personal phones isn't necessarily a HIPAA breach on its own. It could be a violation of the security rule, but that is very fact specific. It is likely a violation of your security policies.

You should speak to either your supervisor or the security officer.


Title: Vaccines legally required now?

Question:
Firstly, I know, vaccines are important why would anyone not vaccinate their kids is beyond me...unless they had a medical reason.

Long story short, my 4yr old is not *yet* fully vaccinated (for good reasons that don't need to be discussed here). I purposely chose a day care that did not require kids to be vaccinated.

Suddenly this month my daycare in New Jersey told me that the NJ inspector came and claimed that it is now NJ law that all kids must be vaccinated in order to attend school. I looked into the NJ website for child services and saw no such thing.

The daycare is terrified of even questioning this inspector. I'm planning on taking them to court of this is the inspector just bs'ing the school. But I'm no lawyer and i can't really afford one, does anyone know if there is an actual law that was passed recently that requires all daycares to have vaccinated kids? My understanding was that all these places can decide on their own.

Thanks in advance!

Answer:
 New Jersey does require age-appropriate vaccinations, for all children going to public school or to a licensed day care center. [This page may be what you're looking for](https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/imm_requirements/).

This is not a new rule. It has been in place since about 2010.

If your child has a bona fide medical reason not to receive vaccinations, you should have no problem receiving a medical exemption. All you need is a note from the child's doctor or NP, stating the reason of the deferral. I can't think of any real situation where a provider would refuse to write you such a note. Answer #2: > (As a side note, yes i know there are medical exemptions but those are harder to get than winning the lottery).

Then that is what you need to get.

&#x200B;Answer #3: A medical exemption isn't that difficult to obtain if you have a valid medical reason. But the actual valid medical reasons are usually like cancer, etc.


Title: [OH] Employer refuses to let me skip lunch

Question:
I started working in a hospital about a month ago. They said before I was hired my shift would be 7a-3p. A couple days ago my boss told me I was leaving a half an hour early (I would leave at 3) and I was required to stay until 3:30 until because of my half an hour lunch. I told her okay, I’ll just stop taking lunch since I don’t even eat anyway and I need to leave at 3 because of child care. She told me I was mandated to take a half hour unpaid lunch and stay late to meet my 80 hour biweekly requirement. Before I start anything with her/ hr, am I legally required to take this lunch and stay late?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: It's legal to require you to take a lunch. If you continue to work through lunch that's insubordination and you can be legally fired.


Title: J1recently married to us citizen. Visa expires soon, nervous about overstay. Need advice !

Question:
Hi everyone!

my j1( not a subject to 2 year return rule) expires at the end of this month, and we just got married and started on the paperwork.

Whats the deal with the overstay when applying for marriage based gc?

We initially thought I’ll have to fly out and come back on k1 visa, but apparently, even out of legal status you can apply for adjusting status and overstay will be no problem. How accurate is that?

We would appreciate your advice very much!

Answer:
 I would post to /r/immigration.

Having said that, the interviews might be a bit more intrusive than usual but assuming you can show that this is a legitimate marriage the overstay should not be an issue. Just get the paperwork in ASAP.


Title: My 16 year-old niece is dating a 25 year-old dude.

Question:
We live in Oklahoma. Her mom (my sister) is against the relationship, as is the rest of my family.
Her dad’s side of the family are a bunch of enablers who never tell my niece no to anything. This has only gotten worse since my sister divorced my niece’s dad. They approve of the relationship, likely as a way to spite my sister and drive a wedge between my niece and our family.

Is there any legal recourse we can take that can end this relationship?

Answer: The age of consent in Oklahoma is 16. Legally, there is nothing you can do, and personally, this is your niece's business, not yours.Answer #2: When she is with her mom, mom can prohibit her from seeing the guy, parents have that right.  However there is nothing that mom can do when daughter is with the dad, and there is nothing illegal about the relationship, even if they are having sex, the age of consent in OK is 16, so its legal.


Title: [IL] Father passed without a Will. I got the car and grandparents got the title. I need the title to own the car.

Question:
My father, who lived in Illinois, passed away four years ago.  It was unexpected accidental death and his body was found three days later.  No Will or anything.  So, since I'm his oldest living child, and he was **not** married or engaged, I get everything he owned due to Intestate Succession in Illinois.  Here comes the confusing part.

Grandparents have the title, as my dad signed a piece of paper (literally hand written) that says "I borrowed $x,xxx and give the title to [grandpa's name] until I pay back the money..."  This is paraphrased, but that's the core of what it says.  It's signed by my father and grandfather.  No witnesses signed, no notary, just grandfather and dad.

Let me add that I live in another state.  Also, dad had a son with his then wife (divorced twice), but since he's under 18, he doesn't have right to physical property, as far as I understood from research.

I have the physical car, but grandparents have the title. I've tried going to the DMV (as I've done some research) to apply for a lost/stolen title, but apparently I needed more information to prove I'm the owner.  My question is this: how do I get the title for a car I physically have and, by law (as far as I know), I should own?  Do I need a lawyer?

I appropriate any info I can get in this matter.  If I need to clarify anything, please let me know.  Thanks again.

Answer:
 The title is not lost or stolen.

Your grandfather has it because it was used as collateral for a loan.

You need to pay back the loan, or ask your grandfather to give you the title.Answer #2: >So, since I'm his oldest living child, and he was not married or engaged, I get everything he owned due to Intestate Succession in Illinois.

Also, this is not true.  All the children share in the estate equally their relative age does not matter.  If your half-brother was a minor anything he received would have to be deal with in a guardianship proceeding.Answer #3: When someone dies, their estate has to pay their debts before the remaining assets can be distributed. Here, your father owed a debt to his parents. It still exists and should have been paid before ANY property transferred to you.


Title: [NY] Boss Constantly States That We Are Salaried, Refuses To Pay Overtime...Only Getting 400/Week Plus Commission...Is this legal?

Question:
Hello R/LegalAdvice!

I currently work at a job in NY State (not the city, but not far from the city), where my boss states that we are salaried and therefore expected to work whenever he tells us to. The catch here, is that we are only paid $400 a week plus whatever commission we may or may not get ($30 every time someone shows for an appointment we set). I work in the office and pay for my own phone, computer (he recently forced me to get a new laptop so he could stay home and video chat with us at the office so he can ensure we are working), second phone line account, and any other things he tells us to buy for the job (we were filed for taxes under regular W-2).
I have read that federal minimum to count as an "exempt employee" is $455 weekly, and it is more for New York, but I am unsure if there are some loopholes I have not found that allow our payrate to be what it is.
He also recently took money from our pay on a day that the business was not open (Thanksgiving) and I have also read that this is not allowed for "exempt employees".

My other concern is that we recently found out that his business model, where we accept commission (the company) every time a person shows for their tour appointment at a school, is illegal if the school receives federal funding if the point is to increase enrollment rates. He discovered this, but shrugged it off because he claims we have nothing to do with enrollment rates...yet when attempting to get new clients he specifically states that we will increase their enrollment rates.

Is any of this legal?

Answer:
 First things first, if you are working more than 41.3 hours a week for $400 dollars, you are being paid less than the minimum wage in NYS ($9.70). I strongly suggest contacting the Workmen's Compensation Board: http://www.wcb.ny.gov/content/main/Contact.jsp

Next, you need to determine whether you are exempt. Check out this document and see where you fall: https://labor.ny.gov/legal/counsel/pdf/overtime-frequently-asked-questions.pdf

If you are not exempt, you should be getting paid overtime. If you are exempt, you should have been paid for Thanksgiving, assuming the business was closed and  you were "ready, willing and able to work.” You CAN be required to use vacation/personal time for a closure.

Second, absolutely report his business model. I'm not familiar with who you should be reporting it to, though.  Answer #2: Not legal advice, but sales advice from a sales guy.

$400 per week is a salary of around $20K. Find yourself a job in inside sales for a legit company. The inside sales reps that worked for me made $35K to start plus $50-$100 per appt set depending on how many they had set that month. My company was in NC where wages are lower too.


Title: (Canada) Will a background check show if you are secretly being investigated by the police?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: No, that wouldn't make much sense would it?


Title: Found plastic in my food

Question: So a few minutes ago, while eating this nice chocolate cake from a grocery/retail chain I frequent, i discovered plastic in my cake as I was chewing it. I knew something was hard when I started, but when I spit it out, there was a clear piece of broken plastic in it. I have pictures that I took immediately after while it was still in my hand. How should I go about this?I've never experienced this before, so I'm not too sure of what to do. Thanks!

Answer:
 It doesn't sound like you experienced any injury. Take the uneaten cake and the plastic shard back to the store you purchased it from and I'm sure they'll exchange the cake for you or refund your purchase price.

If you're lucky, they may give you some additional store credit for your inconvenience.

You don't have a lawsuit.


Title: Dad had an affair, denies when confronted about future plans with a woman. Went to the cops to give a statement. What to do?

Question:
After a recent work trip my dad got weird. Was caught texting someone he called his "colleague". A discussion ensues but everything settles as we believe him, but he did not offer to show us his phone.
After it got weirder. I don't want to give details but we found some pretty damning evidence that showed he has plans to see this woman again, as well as a strange wire transaction that he has not explained.
When confronted he completely denies it, but as of the 3rd confrontation he pretty much said he needs affection, which to me sounds like a admitting guilt, but just hides in the house saying he's being harassed.
What happens next? Leaves and 20 minutes later cops show up asking us for a statement as he has given one.

Have not seen him for a day and don't know if he's coming back. They have joint accounts. House and mortgage in his name. Mom and I are unemployed she gets money from real estate, could we get kicked out (worst case scenario)?
Should she get legal counsel ASAP? Sounds like a dumb question but we are clinging on the house he comes home and lays it out for us and separates amicably.
Am trying to keep it together as my mom is already in a joint litigation with a family member, so she already has lawyer fees.
What should *I* be doing know and how should I counsel someone that is shaken by this?

Answer:
 Based on your other post you mention that your dad went to the police for domestic violence/harassment issues from you and your mother.

Well, leave him alone, so you two don't get into legal trouble.  Your mom needs to talk to a divorce attorney ASAP.

You, since it seems you are an adult, don't need to do anything but stay out of it.Answer #2: Your mother should speak to an attorney regarding her likely pending divorce.

You should leave your parents’ affairs to your parents.


Title: [FL] Property Management Company wants to amend lease without my signature

Question:
I am coming up on my 60 day notice where I am renting and I am currently trying to buy and close on a house.  That being said, I am looking to go month-to-month until I close. They clearly allow this in the lease but they are trying to assign a $300 premium when the lease states there is no change (see below).  They are trying to get me to sign a 60 day packet which gives you three options (renew, leave, month-to-month).  If I go month-to-month they will assign the premium.  The premium increase and 60 day renewal packet are nowhere in the current lease agreement.  In the lease it states:

**RENEWAL TERM**. Either party may terminate this Lease Agreement at the end of the term by giving the other party sixty (60) days written notice, This notice MUST be mailed and received by CERITFIED MAIL ONLY to be accepted as proper notice prior to the end of the term; **but, if no notice is given, then this Lease Agreement will be extended on a Month-to-Month basis with all terms remaining the same until terminated by either party upon Sixty (60) Days Written Notice.** This notice Must Be Provided on the 1st Day of THE MONTH to be considered a FULL Sixty Day Notice, the Notice Must be mailed and received by CERTIFIED MAIL ONLY to be accepted as Proper Notice. Upon either party receiving said sixty (60) days written notice, Landlord retains the right to display a sign, For Rent and/or For Sale, and Tenant(s) agrees to cooperate fully; and, with reasonable notice, to allow the Landlord’s Agents to show the property, inside and outside, to prospective Tenant/Buyers(s). If lease is renewed, a $50 renewal fee will be due and payable with the rent due the 1st day of the new lease inception date. The lease will not be countersigned by Landlord until fee is paid, and rent may be raised with appropriate notice, until new lease is executed by both parties.

My plan is to not sign this 60 day renewal packet and abide by my current lease agreement which states there is no change and probably go one extra month.  If I don’t sign this new packet, what legal repercussions could I see?

Any advice?   Thanks

**TL;DR – Property management company is trying to get me to sign a new agreement which overrides my current agreement to add new fees.**

Update 1 - New tactic, trying to get them to extend the lease or write up a new lease for 3-6 months (their choosing) while keeping the same terms.  I have always paid on time, in full, and actually spent $1000 to repaint the place since the previous tenant ruined the walls.  I am your ideal tenant :)

Answer: So don't sign and vacate when your lease is up.  They could give you immediate notice to vacate and not allow you to stay any time past the end of your lease. Your current lease only means you can go month to month with both you and LL agreeing to that. It doesn't give you any right to demand to be month to month if they want you out because you refused to pay the additional fee.


Title: My dad just took my debit card and he won’t give it back.

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 Cancel the card, ask your bank for a new one. Same procedure as if it was stolen by a stranger. Answer #2: Call your bank and cancel the card. Right now.

Start planning when you'll move out.Answer #3: Related questions.

Do you live with your dad?

Are you financially supported by your dad?

How did he have access to your card?

You have 1 necessary course of action and 1 optional.  The necessary is to contact the bank and report the card missing and ask for a replacement, and then ensure that card is properly secured moving forward.  The optional course of action is to similarly inform the police about the stolen debit card.Answer #4: You can get by without Apple Pay. Request the bank for a new card.

If he keeps doing this, report it as stolen.Answer #5: You may report your card as lost or stolen.  If reporting it as stolen, you will need to file a police report, and your father may suffer legal consequence.  Weigh that against maintaining a good relationship with your father.


Title: [MI] girlfriend's ex husband may be in some trouble. Seeking some advice

Question:
I will try to keep this short. My girlfriend's ex husband has two (step) sisters. Their dad and his mom have been dating for over a decade.

One of them is 4 years younger than he is. She is now 25 and has gone to a lawyer/the police saying he molested her for 3 years. Now this started at age 12 for her, 16 for him.

As far as we know, he was pulled in by the police whom he told that one time when she was 12 she was sitting on his lap and he "dry humped"  her. She claims penetration and such for three years. Her older sister (his age) agrees with his side of events even though he had a sexual relationship with her when they were 16.

He has since spoken to a lawyer who said she has nothing since it's been longer than 10 years.  Is this the case or will there be more into it?

That's the short of it, let me know if you have any questions.

The main thing that concerns me is the fact that my gf had two kids with him who currently visit every other weekend and while they show no signs of anything at the moment I want to keep it that way.

Answer:
 The statute of limitations appears to be 10 years or 21st birthday; those have passed.

Concerning the kids, your girlfriend's attorney should be notified if your girlfriend feels this is worrisome.


Title: My dog killed my boss' cat [AZ]

Question:
I asked my boss if he could watch my dog while I was on a business trip, and he said he could.

I made sure to set everything up so that my dog would be in safe hands. My crate was there, I instructed my boss on how to handle him, and I really thought I was covering my bases.

My boss called me today to tell me that he put him out in the backyard, where in turn he was able to grab ahold of the cat and maul it to death.

Sad situation, but my boss is livid. He said I now owe him money and that he would be considering elminating my position at his company.

What do I do here? can he actually fire me for this?

Answer:
 Your boss can fire you for any reason barring an employment contract stating otherwise or being fired for being a member of a protected class. You should give your boss some time to cool off, and engage him in a more level-headed conversation about it. You should [very tactfully] ask him for a few more details on what happened.

Legally you *may* be responsible for the cost to replace his cat.


Title: Cops investigating case demanded permission to search property without a warrant and wouldn't take "NO" for an answer.

Question: Minnesota: We had a rather gruesome murder, kidnapping and arson in the neighborhood and sheriff deputies decided rather than do real investigative work they would just invade everyone's property without a warrant and search. They showed up at my door demanding to search my property. I have "No Trespassing" signs everywhere. I asked for a warrant and they said they didn't have one and demanded again they be allowed to search the property. I told them to leave and they refused. They tried to bully me into letting them search and I again told them to leave the property. Again they refused. Who do I call in a case like this to get rid of these trespassing assholes? What recourse do I have?

Answer:
 Did they ever enter?

Cop here.

Absent an exception to a search warrant or a warrant they cannot (as you know) search your property.

If they searched anyways then you may consider a civil case (or complaining to the department).

If they finally left at your insistence you may consider complaining to the department.

It's possible that the bullying was just a tactic (rude, probably not illegal) they were  hoping would work on a lesser informed or weaker minded individual than yourself.

Answer #2: You can complain to their department, but if all they did was bluster and yell at you, unless it repeats itself it won't result in much. You can decide to file a complaint just so that it's recorded though.


Title: My girlfriend is Russian and we want to get married. Immigration Law, Green Card, Marriage.

Question: My girlfriend and I would like to get married.  She has been living in the U.S. legally on an Au' Pair program.  Will we need to hire an immigration lawyer to get married and get her a green card?  What kind of complications could we run into?

Answer: I actually completed this with my current wife who is Polish. Its not hard but it is time consuming and requires due diligence on filing the proper forms. You can get married and then file the forms. Your best bet is to talk to a good immigration attorney. I bought the book: Fiance & Marriage Visas: A Couple's Guide to U.S. Immigration by Ilona Bray J.D. from Amazon. It was extremely helpful. I have spent a great deal of time in Russia, Ukraine and in the old days the Soviet Union. They are my favorite people in the entire world. Treat your wife to be with love and respect. And learn to love vodka, pickles and herring. Being in Russia visiting her family will  be a tough gig. Good luck!


Title: Landlord makes demands based on expired rental lease

Question:
Hi,

I have a question about rental agreements, more specifically about expired lease agreements.

I signed a lease agreement when I first moved into my room in a shared apartment. It is in Massachusetts, US, if it matters at all. The agreement was for the first 6 months (April – September 2017) and after that, we did not renew it or sign a new lease. So I believe I have been staying there for the past year as a tenant-at-will since the lease expired.

I paid a security deposit while moving into the room and the lease had a sentence that basically said I would not get my security deposit back unless I find a new tenant to move into my room before I leave. There was also another sentence that stated that the security deposit could be used for unpaid rents or utilities.

I am leaving the room at the end of this month and another tenant in the apartment wants to change rooms and move into my room. Both the landlord and this housemate expect me to find a new person to move into his room. The landlord said he would not pay my security deposit back unless I find someone new for my housemate’s room. I think this is unreasonable because:

1) Since the lease expired about a year ago and we did not sign a new one, I am now a tenant-at-will and the landlord should not make demands based on an expired lease. If he wanted to, he should have offered to sign a new lease

2) Let’s suppose he can make demands based on that lease, there is already a new person moving into my room (my housemate) and if he wants to make this change, then he should be responsible for finding a new person for his room.

So what I did was basically pay the utilities but avoid paying the rent since I don’t trust that I will get my security deposit back but I think I should. The landlord is pressuring me

Am I okay legally here? Is my way of thinking flawed?

Note: Technically this person I refer to as “the landlord” is not the real landlord. He is renting the full apartment but went back to China. So he has been renting out the individual rooms to different people to make some money (so I am technically a sub-tenant?) The real landlord knows that he does this and seems to be ok with it. I am not sure if this is relevant at all, but wanted to include at the end.

Thanks in advance!

Answer: All terms and conditions in the original lease carry over to the month to month tenancy.


Title: [WA] Pierce County - Neighbor Hates Dog, Harassing, and Filing Complaints in order to get get dog removed

Question: Edit: The issue resolved itself. My wife went to talk to the old man, who responded by spraying her with the garden hose. I went to talk to him after being upset that he sprayed her and his response to me bringing my umbrella to deflect the water was to overall pick a fight with me. TLDR, he pushed me, I fell, had to get stitches, and reported the incident to the police and showed them the video. The man was arrested and I will be seeking charges. I'm positive the dog thing will go away in time and once I show the video to animal control later this afternoon. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Answer:
 Basically your dog is yelling "HEY! HEY! HEY!" at the dude all day and you're upset that he's yelling back "Shut up" after a good go at being patient and accommodating. You can't file a police report because your neighbor is using every means he possibly can to get some peace and quiet that he's entitled to. You guys are the problem here. He is not obligated to help make this better and it's aggravating that you'd attempt to imply that it is. If your dog is so unhappy, his quality of life is so poor with you, that he has to bark out of anxiety all day long, then you need to consider doing the humane thing for everyone and find a loving family that will be closer to the lifestyle and environment that he needs.

If giving the dog some quality of life is unthinkable to you, you'll need to get it registered appropriately and find some way, immediately, to get the dog under control. Answer #2: You sound like a horrible neighbor.

Nothing you describe seems like it even comes close to harassment. 2-3 examples of "staring at your dog" in the last 2 months? Bumping your fence a year ago? (Did he even do any damage?) Do you have any evidence he is provoking the dog rather than simply responding to the admitted non-stop barking?

Your dog is clearly creating a nuisance, if you want this man to stop you need to stop the barking. No one cares if you are doing "your best" if it's not working. He waited over a year to file a noise complaint, in my mind he's actually been quite accommodating.

Find a way to stop the barking or find a less stressful home for you pup.


Title: Barred from SSA Offices, Is my case doomed to fail? What should I do?

Question:
(Washington) I've been trying to get disability for multiple reasons for years, and my case is currently being reviewed and readied for a hearing.

I just received a letter saying I cannot enter any social security office on grounds that I said "If I don't get approved for SSI this time, there will be violence." I don't ever remember saying this, but it's apparently documented in the medical record. I don't have access to what they're referencing.

I have no criminal record, not even a parking or traffic ticket.

They say I have 60 days to appeal this decision and I'm only allowed to enter if they send me a certified letter with a specific date and time.

Would this piece of evidence be damming to my case? How do I appeal this?

I have an attorney for my case, is she legally motivated to help me appeal this or will I have to do this on my own?

Answer:
 > They say I have 60 days to appeal this decision

The decision to not allow you into the offices?

>  is she legally motivated to help me appeal

You can talk to her. It may not be in your best interest to fight that. Just ask your attroney, your fact decider may not be aware of the decision to bar you.
 Answer #2: >"If I don't get approved for SSI this time, there will be violence."

>The only time I can think of where this was possibly said is in a rant to a therapist. I thought that was privileged information?

A threat of violence, presumably against staff, isn't privileged information.

Appeal the decision within the 60-day window.  Go from there.


Title: [US:CA] Accused of raping a girl I had consensual drunk sex with

Question:
This morning I received a phone call from a police officer asking me to come into the station regarding a girl I had sex with around three years ago while we were both intoxicated.  I went into the station and spoke with her re: what had happened that night from my perspective.  I learned that she had filed rape charges, stating that I had secretly given her alcohol(we were hanging out at my place and drinking while watching tv) and tried to have sex with her while she was unconscious(when we had sex, I asked her numerous times if she was a virgin and she replied that she wasn't; once we started I noticed the blood and instantly stopped, but she kept claiming that she wasn't a virgin and that she wanted this.  After I stopped, she began to feel sick and puked in the bathroom.  I helped her puke, got her some water, and lied her down.  Hours later, I woke her up and drove her home).  Not sure if doing this hurts my case at all, or what steps I should be taking next.  Any help?
TL;DR: Had consensual sex with a girl while we had been drinking and now she's making a case that I raped her

Answer:
 You need a lawyer and also to stop talking about this on the internet.

It’s very possible that she was too drunk to consent so what you believed at the time was consensual sex, was not. Answer #2: Stop talking to the police and hire a competent criminal defense lawyer immediately. Answer #3: You need to be calling a lawyer and not making any more statements to the police or anyone else about this until after you do that.


Title: (CA) Roommate's rabbit ate up the carpet and property management is taking all three tenant's deposit.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > Can I go to small claims and ask the rabbit owner for my deposit back?

Yes.


Title: I think my wife has kidnapped my son. Help?

Question: She's seven weeks removed from giving birth and hasn't been herself. She fought with me for five days until things exploded and I got myself and my teenager from another marriage out of the house. We were gone for a day, and when I came by on Monday, she, our infant son, all of his things, and some of her things were gone. She keeps saying they are visiting her dad on the other side of the country, but I just got change of address notifications in the mail. She still says they are visiting, but won't say when they return. Thoughts anyone?

Answer:
 She just had a baby and hasn't been herself?  She needs to be evaluated for post partum depression. Call her dad and talk to him. Answer #2: In the absence of a court order, either parent can take the children anywhere.

She hasn't "kidnapped your son", as you wrote.

She has left you and taken her child with her, which is perfectly legal.

Either reconcile or get a divorce.Answer #3: The police cannot help you. You know she is alive and have no reason to believe she is in danger.

Contact an attorney. She has no obligation to tell you where she is out let you see your son, until you have a court order. Answer #4: Go to your local court and obtain an ex parte order immediately. Include the change of address notification as an exhibit. The courts take child abduction very seriously. Any order you get here can be enforced virtually anywhere in the US under the UCCJEA. You also need to do this before she starts a custody case in the State she fled to. If you wait, a court may deem that the kid's home state is the one your wife moved to. If this happens you will have to fight to get your kid back in the place she fled to instead of the state you live in.


Title: Employer won’t pay money owed even after losing court case

Question:
I won’t say who, but someone in my family was working for a company and -long story short- enough was enough and he quit. Regardless if he quit or was fired or what happened, he worked for that money. The employer told him repeatedly that his last check was in the mail but nothing ever came. This happened in May 2018. Fast forward, court came and the employer obviously lost the case. There were pictures of everything and we had documentation for proof that he worked. The court case was over a month ago now, & STILL we have yet to receive anything. They tell us all we can do is take the employer back to court?
So pretty much this company (if it’s even worth being called that) can continue to not pay an employee that WORKED FOR THAT MONEY, and that said employee has to continually pay added court cost in order to get their paycheck?? Yes in the end the company has to pay back the court cost, but that adds up quickly. How do you expect someone to pay court cost when they can’t get their pay check? I’m just not understanding this at all.
Is there anything else we can do at this point? Or do we literally have to continue to pay for court until this company just conveniently decides they want to issue the paycheck?
The amount of the paycheck isn’t a substantial amount, not over $1000, is a good enough amount considering.
Side note: There are two other employees that left same time, they went through the same issue. Since they’re checks were much smaller, they have decided it’s not worth the headache. That just doesn’t seem right at all.

Answer:
 You can go get the proper documents from the court to garnish bank accounts and then serve the banks where the company does business.  But if they won't pay voluntarily that's your only option, the court isn't an ATM where you win your case and your money is handed to you by the court.Answer #2: Did your state not have a department of labor? If you file a wage claim in most states the state will handle collections, they have much more leverage and ability to garnish tax returns.

Suing by yourself leaves you on the hook for collecting, this can be a frustrating process returning to court again and again as the guy fails to meet his legal obligations.


Title: I'm working for a restaurant that has managers that have been verbally abusing me, changes hours, and knowingly works people off the clock. And I have video proof of most of my claims (atlanta, ga)

Question:
This restaurant has an extremely high turnover for good reason. There are many stories about the poor management, but I'll try to be brief.

There is a hostess that is good friends with the managers. She is the only one paid over minimum wage (host wise) and she has made it known. I am the only bar tender with an hourly over minimum wage, but I don't disclose my earnings with coworkers. Both of these raises used to only be for our mornings, but they recently let her have it all day. There have been multiple times where she sits and eats for 2+ hours on the clock and servers will refuse to tip her out, but the managers make them.

When I brought up the all day raise and lack of work to management they berated me then tried to blame one of the newest members of management for telling me about her raise. I have video proof that the hostess told me.

Then after this instance the managers discussed what was going on with me to the hostess in question and then discussed the whole situation in front of two other employees that weren't involved,  I can only assume to try and have them gang up on me. I have witness proof and video of the manager admitting to that discussion.

I also have video proof that the gm suggested and allowed an employee to work off the clock behind the bar so they wouldn't have to deal with taxes.

This same employee also has a clock out slip as proof that her hours were moved from one week to another to avoid paying over time, without her knowledge.

There are other instances including multiple servers contacting the regional manager to try to get servers that were best friends with management fired for abuse and stealing (he ended up catching them on camera and drove from 2 states over to fire them because our gm wouldn't).

So what would be my best option going forward? Should I contact the regional manager with my proof, hr, or a law firm? Thank you for reading this and for any future advice.

Answer: The only thing illegal that I can see is tax fraud. So you can report them to the IRS.


Title: Roommate stole a bunch of my stuff when she moved out. The utilities are in her name for this month. Can I just not pay my split as revenge?

Question:
I moved into this place when she was already living here. We split power and water and internet bills just cause that's what roomies do. There's no document we signed saying we'd do that. Just want to make sure she won't sue me.

Update: location is the state of georgia

Answer: She can sue for the utilities and you can sue for the stolen stuff.


Title: [KS][PA] Idiot is trying to blackmail my friend into sending more nudes so he can keep catfishing.

Question:
So, several years ago my friend submitted a few things to /r/gonewild, and has subsequently deleted everything and has moved on with her life. One man from PA was particularly fond of her, and begged for more, even offering to pay. She felt pity for him and eventually sent him a few things while declining payment. She cut off all contact soon after when she purged her life of that sort of activity.

He has since doxxed her to continue harassing her for several years, despite being blocked at every stage. He's created fake profiles, called from burners, and has made attempts to contact her through her friends. I've also helped her remove content he's uploaded from several porn sites during this time.

He has now threatened physical violence, and that he will release everything he has collected to her friends and family if she does not comply. He has claimed to have sold her content for tidy sums, and that he "can legally get personal" and that to have "any control over this... you must receive payment which you declined".

He has stalked her for years, distributed private content without her consent, and continues to harass her and leave threatening messages. It has been mentally draining to fight this for so long, and she wants to be rid of it.

The other concern is that he works to repair other people's computers for a living, so we're probably the tip of the iceberg in terms of what he's collected. We don't want anyone else to be in this position.

What recourse might she have, and what actions should she now take?

Answer:
 > He has claimed to have sold her content for tidy sums, and that he "can legally get personal" and that to have "any control over this... you must receive payment which you declined".

That's completely wrong.  Whoever took the pictures automatically has copyright of them, and you don't waive copyright enforcement by simply giving away copies of the material.  If that *were* true then someone would have long since used that in a lawsuit to take the teeth out of the [GPL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_General_Public_License).


Title: Ive been sexually assaulted twice

Question:
Throwaway obviously

I just turned 16 and Im a junior. One of my best friends, lets call her stacy, has a boyfriend, lets call him tyler. Tyler will only ever hang out with stacy if tyler’s best friend, lets call him john, is with him. John only ever wants to come over when I am there with stacy.

So one day we were at a party I wasnt rly sober and i dont know if he was, but he took me to a room and started to get on top of me and try to take my pants off. I told him to stop so many times and I yelled and my friends pulled him off of me. He apparently did this to someone else too.

So I try to stay away from him, but it is the only way stacy gets to see her boyfriend.

Few weeks pass by and I dont see him often. But a few nights ago I was a party and he was there and he went to every room I fled to and he put himself on me and he took off my shirt and bra. Im screaming “GET OFF ME” but there is nothing I can do. He is kissing me and putting his tongue down my throat. My friends hear me again and pull him off of me.

Later that day, tyler offers me 100$ to have sex with john.

I obviously declined.

I an going to confront john about all of this, and tell him to stop once more.

What can I do legally about this? John is 18 and I am 16.

Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer:
 Why are you confronting him?

Call the police and make a report.Answer #2: First things first 18 and 16 may be statutory rape, in addition to the sexual assault. If friends have had to pull him off you twice I would look into pressing charges. At the very least you need to talk to your friend. If she still pressures you into being around this guy then she is not your friend


Title: oil tank found while trying to sell our house, was not found or disclosed when we bought the house

Question:
need some help here. we are located in central new jersey, mercer county. i moved into my fiance's house three years ago, she has had the house for almost 6yrs. there is a very obvious tank vent pipe in front of the house. she was a first time home buyer when she bought and her inspector didnt see or mention the vent pipe or mention any indication of the house possibly ever having oil heating in his report. its an old house est. built in 1865. her real esate agent never said anything and the previouse owners said there was no oil tank in the disclosure when she bought. we are trying to figure out what kind of legal action we can take so just incase there is a leak we are not held responsable for possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs. we found out about the tank when a buyer for our house has an inspection done.
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer: Is the tank currently used for your oil?  If not has it been properly abandoned?  Usually that involves removing the oil and filing it with foam.  I'd that was done before she bought the house there might not be any foul.  There would be no risk of a future spill.


Title: Online store said product my girlfriend ordered 10 months ago now will not be made, and now is only offering HALF a refund for the product not delivered.

Question:
My girlfriend ordered a 75$ kigurumi onesie from an online store called The Kigu Stop. There has been a lot of back and forth for months because she refuses to deliver the product and refused to give any updates on the status of if/when it was coming, or if it would even be the product she ordered since she’d redesigned it before even sending the original ones out. We aren’t the only ones who’ve been scammed by her by far.

It’s come to the point where now she’s finally agreed to refund people, but sends an email that says she’ll only refund half the product. Is there anything we can do about this? She ended up paying her 35$ for a 10 month wait time for *nothing.* Extremely frustrated.

Us and her business both are in California.

Answer:
 Ask if your credit card company or bank will reverse the charges (if you paid by credit/debit card).Answer #2: 10 months for a onesie? Did the shop made its own threads/fabric and sew it themselves? OP, go with your credit card provider but in the future, 'reasonable' timeframe for delivery or refund is one month. Unless you're shipping it across the world, which in this case *it's not.* Answer #3: https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/selling-internet-prompt-delivery-rules

Excerpt:
By law, you must have a reasonable basis for stating that a product can be shipped within a certain time. If your advertising doesn't clearly and prominently state the shipment period, you must have a reasonable basis for believing that you can ship within 30 days.

If you can't ship within the promised time (or within 30 days if you made no promise), you must notify the customer of the delay, provide a revised shipment date and explain his right to cancel and get a full and prompt refund.

For definite delays of up to 30 days, you may treat the customer's silence as agreeing to the delay. But for longer or indefinite delays - and second and subsequent delays - you must get the customer's written, electronic or verbal consent to the delay. If the customer doesn't give you his okay, you must promptly refund all the money the customer paid you without being asked by the customer.

Finally, you have the right to cancel orders that you can't fill in a timely manner, but you must promptly notify the customer of your decision and make a prompt refund.


Title: Who owns rights to school work group projects...

Question:
Ok... This is actually my first post ever and it's honestly going to be very vague, because it's actually happening to a friend not I.  Basically in 2012 my friend had an intense group marketing project. They had to create an entire business plan/model. Had to design almost all aspects about the company besides cost analysis.  They had business cards for it.  The whole 9 yards. So my friend just recently found out one of the members of the group took their project and created the exact business.  He even uses the same name for the company they created.  He also is doing very well with it and follows the business plan and model they created exactly.  She's actually really upset about it because I guess a huge portion of the project she did and this guy did not.  Anyway many question is does she have any claim to his business.  Basically what is her next step is it even worth consulting an attorney?    Thanks sorry if I did anything wrong with the post,  Like I said first one.

Edit: Location Ohio, USA

Answer:
 Personally I think your friend has zero claim to the business. Your friend didn't physically set up the business and invest any of time or money into making it a possibility. Your friend could have a claim to usage of the logos and such, but I think it would be difficult to prove who exactly owns that from a group project. Also keep in mind that likely the school would be the one who owns any of the IP created during the school project.

I don't really have legal advice, but life advice would be to move on and wish his/her colleague the best. As you said that your friend did most of the work, then it should be easy for them to make something even better than a school project and this time they should go the whole way and implement it!

The music business is all about contacts and the people you know. If your friend wants to be the person who sues their peers and team members at the first whiff of money, then they wont really last very long in that business. Nobody is going to want to work with your friend.

If it were me I would contact the business owner and congratulate them on their venture and offer to help them out and this time sign a contract.


Title: [custody] [California] Godson's mother died unexpectedly and without will. Do I have any chance at custody?

Question:
I've been friends with the mother for a long time now. She said verbally that she would want my godson to live with her, but I know that she didn't put anything in writing.

My godson is 5. I've been told (possibly incorrectly) that he will be sent to live with his grandmother, who lives in Southern CA, 7ish hours away. I really want him to stay with us, My wife and I (who have a 9yo son and an 11yo daughter) feel like we are much better equipped to take care of a 5yo kid, and that he will be better off with kids his own age, at the same school, etc.

The grandmother isn't a bad person, but she's older and kind of past that stage in her life. I've watched her interact with him and it's pretty formal/reserved. She does have some health problems that would preclude her from taking care of him if she ended up in the hospital, but that has not happened for a while. She's 61 so she's not going to end up in an old folk's home tomorrow. However, she's obviously not going to just hand over custody. Knowing her, she will want to have him there.

Do I have any shot? Is there an angle that I should look into?

I should mention that's early yet, I'm 99% sure that my godson's mother didn't have a current will, and things are still kind of being figured out. I'm just trying to figure out if I should start preparing in some way.

Answer:
 Can you win a legal battle against a biological relative?  Highly unlikely.

Can you offer to help out, and take custody of the child, with very liberal visitation to the grandmother?  Yes.  The courts will generally support a request for custody made by all interested parties.

So, the angle here is to convince the grandmother that it is in her & the child's best interest for you to have primary custody.

Good for you for wanting to help.  But don't decide that you know better than the child's biological kin.  The best thing you can do is to minimize conflict, and stay on everyone's good side.


Title: DMV Destroyed birth certificate

Question: Title pretty much says it all. Lady put it in the copier the wrong way, and the machine destroyed it beyond repair, essentially shredding it. What next steps do I take to fix the problem, who should I contact, and can I get compensation from the DMV

Answer: Contact whoever provides birth certificates in your state and get a new one. Answer #2: I don’t know the full answer, but I know you should take note of the exact time, date and location of the incident so you can refer to the recordings in the security cameras for evidence if needed.Answer #3: In the state of Ohio you should be able to go to your city of birth (as long as you were born in Ohio) and request a new copy of your birth certificate from them.  There is a charge for it, my city of birth charges $25.  Just google your city of birth and birth certificate annd it shold take you to the correct site.


Title: How to get out of green card marriage

Question:
Here's my situation regarding my marriage..

I am American-Vietnamese, born here in the United States in the state of Georgia. My husband was an international student I met when I was 17. We started a relationship in which lead to our marriage when I was 18. I had our son when I was 19. We went through paper work to change his status and attempt to get his green card through marriage. I am not familiar with what the correct terms of the whole process. During the process I was pregnant with our son, so the initial interview happened to confirm if our marriage was real or not. We definitely passed really easy because of our baby. Since then he got temporary USA resident and temporary work permit (I think that's what it is), and the application for his actual green card applied for. We got lots of confirmation letters that the application had been received. We lived our lives as we waited. During this wait time our relationship went downhill. It was a very unhealthy relationship in which I needed to escape in order to recover myself and to do everything I could to provide for my son. He was arrested when I was 21 for domestic violence. It was an accident on his part but I was scared so I called the police. He had to pay a fine, take family violence classes, and was on parole for a few months. That was the end of our relationship.. the last straw. I immediately moved to Florida with my son to get away and start my life over. I left with nothing but our clothes. I've since then built a life for my son and I here. I am about to turn 23, he is 29, and throughout these two years I have let his dad see him many times. I am grateful for their father-son bond and do not ask much from his father. His dad asked me to continue helping him getting his green card because he does not want to be sent back to Vietnam. Out of fear that he would be sent back and my son would not have his father here in the states or him not being able to help with child support, I agreed. I am in a very healthy relationship right now with a man who loves my son and I for about six months now.

Now that I live in another state and in a relationship, I'm worried. He called to tell me that he got a letter asking for an interview next month. It's been almost two years since I left and this is the first letter. He asked me to fly in for this interview. Let me also add his family here in the states are the ones handling all the paper work and they are the ones going back and forth with the lawyer.. I pretty much have been doing what I was told since this whole process begin and I have no knowledge of what goes on.

All I know is I have to attend this interview and I am nervous. He was arrested and I moved out of state and am in a new relationship. I honestly want out, but I do not know where to start. I no longer care about getting his green card and don't really want any ties to him anymore besides our son. I want to get a divorce and move on with my life. Should I go to this interview and tell them our relationship didn't work out? And I don't want to do this anymore? And is there any chances I can get in trouble?

Answer:
 > Should I go to this interview and tell them our relationship didn't work out?

You should speak to an immigration attorney and ask for their guidance on whether or not you are obligated to attend the interview.  I don't know exactly what type of interview it is (sounds like you don't either), so difficult to tell if your presence is mandatory.

First, you should stop using the term "green card marriage."  That is slang for a relationship entered into solely for the sake of obtaining a green card.  AKA, defrauding the US Government.

It appears from your story that the marriage was completely valid.  It was only a while into the marriage that things deteriorated . . . which is very common in many marriages.  So, stop using that term.  It could get you in a lot of trouble if someone believes you facilitated a green card marriage.

Second, what is your current marital status with the immigrant?  Did you ever divorce him?  If not, you should speak to an attorney to begin that process.

Lastly, your (ex)husband will probably be deported or have to remain a green card holder indefinitely.  Domestic Battery will likely be considered a crime of moral turpitude, preventing him from becoming a citizen.  Take that as you will, but it seems relevant.

In sum, you need to speak with an attorney to help establish your rights and obligations regarding your (ex)husbands immigration case.


Title: Judgement was ruled and now the guy wants to work out a payment plan - MS

Question: Basically a guy took over a non profit summer league organization and was using the league money to pay for personal expenses. After finding this out, the guy was banned from the league and they negotiated that he pay back half of what he stole, which he did. One of the teams paid him for some nice jerseys, around $600, and he delivered the most DIY jerseys, they were horrible. The owner of the team filed in court and got a judgement for $600 plus court cost. After notifying the guy who baited and switched us that he had 10 days to pay up before we garnished his wages, he called me yesterday and was wondering if we could work out a payment plan because he was notified this week that he was being laid off from his job. I'm really skeptical that he is being laid off from his job. I really think doing a payment plan would not be in our best interest since it had to go to court anyways. Would demanding the entire payment be too harsh if he did indeed get laid off, and how could we go about verifying employment? I'm not the guy who filed the court documents by the way, I'm just acting as a middle man because they refuse to speak to each other. Any advice on the best way to proceed would be appreciated.

Answer:
 This is a judgment call, not something that has a clear answer indicated in law.

A judgment creditor has no obligation to agree to anything but payment in full.  And as the right by virtue of their judgment to execute that judgment against the debtor’s assets.  If the debtor has no attachable assets a payment arrangement is generally better than nothing.

You might call the debtor’s employer and ask them what the current employment status is.  They may or may not answer you. Though you could ask your debtor to specifically authorize the release of information if you like.Answer #2: IMHO, garnish the wages.


Title: Ticketed for backing into parking space

Question: So I received a parking ticket (of $30) for backing into an angled parking spot. It is not a main road an is located on my college campus (still city property). I would love to fight it, as it has only become law since Feb 2016 and I was not aware of it in the first place. Any help would be greatly appreciated! This is in Eastern Washington state

Answer:
 You can follow the directions on the ticket for requesting a court date, but as you said, it's been law since 2016. Ignorance of the law is generally not an excuse.Answer #2: >I would love to fight it, as it has only become law since Feb 2016 and I was not aware of it in the first place

Unfortunately ignorance of the law is not a defense, especially if when  a law has been in place for almost 2 years now.

If there is a law prohibiting this, then you owe it.