Title: (CT) Contractor is ghosting, among other things

Question:
Our landlord decided that he wanted to redo our kitchen and repaint the apartment. Originally this was supposed to happen during our honeymoon (so we did a quick and dirty job of packing the kitchen and throwing it all in the living room, where everything still is). Somehow (I don't know the story here) it got delayed so they started the day before we got back, which was Friday the 9th. Because my landlord hired them, I haven't seen the contract, don't know the whole story. But here's what I do know-
1. They showed up between 9 and 10, and left between 3 and 4 every day. The day they stayed till 5 was the day they got here at 11am.
2. One of them told me they expected to easily have it finished by Friday the 16th.
3. They didn't show up on the 15th, and apparently didn't tell my landlord that they wouldn't be here until the evening of the 14th.
4. They didn't show up the 19th or 20th with no explanation, no warning, and were unreachable in that time.
5. They were going to show up today (21st), but then my landlord sent them an updated to-do list. From an email my landlord sent me last night- "It's unlikely that he'll arrive tomorrow morning, if at all -- he's going to call his lawyer.  He claims the ceiling wasn't included, despite "All painting included" being in the contract; it's not worth fighting on that.  He also seems to think the fact that there wasn't a set deadline in the contract means he could go as slowly as he felt like."
6. When I tried to look them up, I couldn't find much at all (certainly no BBB listing), but I did find something reading "[Redacted], LLC is a business legal entity registered in compliance with the national legislation of the State of Connecticut under the legal form of Domestic Limited Liability Company. Company is located in the register under the national Company number xxxxxx. The incorporation date of this company is on 27th April 2001 and its headquarters can be found at [Redacted]. Actually the company´s status is Dissolved." which really seems LESS THAN PROMISING.
7. Apparently they are frustrated because they underbid the job, but then didn't actually talk to my landlord when they realized it was a larger thing than they'd anticipated.

We have no sink. The stove still works, we have a fridge, but we have no cabinets,
 a tiny bit of counter space, and these grown men claim to have never heard of Ikea, and it apparently took 3 of them 6 hours to put together 5 Ikea cabinets and paint part of a wall. That was last Tuesday. On Wednesday, all I could see that they'd done was put feet on the cabinets, moved them into place, mounted one wall cabinet, and put the two smaller counters in place. My dad is a carpenter, I've worked on carpentry and installation projects, there's no freaking way this is actually taking this long, I have no idea how they're stretching it like this.

In terms of my actual questions-
1. What can I do to help my landlord prepare if he decides to file a civil suit? We already took pictures of the state they left it in, and I know he has emails and texts.
1.5. What are our actual chances with a civil suit? And how long would that take?
2. What does it mean that the company's status is "Dissolved"?
3. Someone mentioned that it might mean they don't have insurance, if that's true, what does that mean for all this?
4. Is there anything else I should be doing?
5. Any chance any of you know a good but not super expensive contractor in southern Connecticut who can take over and make my apartment livable again? Because we're going on Week 2 of life with no real kitchen and washing dishes in the bathroom sink/tub, and I'm about to go out of my goddamn mind.
Thank you.

Answer: None of this is your problem.   You're a renter.   Its on your landlord to fix it, its on you to check with your landlord and get reduced rent should the situation not become liveable


Title: [CA] friend [17F] am threatened with revenge porn after sending nudes

Question:
My friend is 17 and was on tinder. She met a dude and they initially hit it off and sent nudes until he got offended that she stopped talking to him.

He blew up on her and she blocked him. He went on another social media and threatened her there.

So she’s asking me what to do because I have no idea besides file a police report.  But she’s scared of getting in trouble with the police.

What should she do?
Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer: She did technically create and distribute child pornography but as a general rule the victim doesn't get prosected. She should go to the police. If he is doing this to her, he probably is to other girls as well.


Title: Employer withholding my pay

Question:
I work in Pennsylvania through a government company that allows elderly to stay home and receive government help to afford an in home caretaker to stay out of the nursing home. I've had this job for 2 years now no pay issues. Randomly 10/30-11/12 pay cycle they held 6.5 hrs of pay stating she had insufficient funds in her account to pay. I was told an easy fix that would be taken care of, then pay cycle 11/13-11/26 11.5 hrs were kept for the same reason. Then again the next pay period 11/27-12/10 20.5 hrs where held. None of which have been resolved.
     I just found out that this pay check they are holding the entire amount stating insufficient funds for some, then also stating that another caretaker put in for those hrs as well so they won't be paid. She has no other caretaker, I am the only one. We also looked through her account to see that my one time sheet was the only one sent in for those dates and there was not a duplicate. I seen that my 6.5 hrs pending pay was also declined now instead of pending like the rest are.
     I keep getting told I need to speak with our service coordinator, to which he tells me to speak with the company that handles payroll. Also, if he calls to try to resolve the issue he gets told something completely different then I do. I have done every piece of paperwork they have asked me to do and I am at a loss. As of right now they have over $1,000 of pay due to me. What should my next step be?

Answer: File a wage complaint with your state's labor department.


Title: Should my get rid of his "lawyer" (she is not a lawyer just knows how to file stuff for the associAtion). He wants to call social security office to see if she is actually sending the correct paperwork for his disability case. Should he even if she is?

Question:
So his therapist tells him he should ditch her because she is giving bad advice is SUPER SUPER rude to all her clients, and doesn't like to answer questions.

The therapist says she has helped a lot of people with these cases.

The not lawyer told my mom she can retire and then get disability once she no longer works. Therapist said she is lying and mom can only get one. That is just one example of the different advice he has gotten. They live in IL near Chicago.

Edit: my dad* sorry on cell. My bad guys.

Their both trying to get disability.

Answer:
 Stop calling this person a lawyer if they're not.

If he wants to get legal advice about his social security, he should go see a social security attorney.

Edit: Sorry for the double post


Title: [MI] Person in Australia has been donating money to me, but wants it back

Question:
A guy has been donating money to me over the course of last year via PayPal. He is 24 and all of the sudden his Dad needs the money back. I can't pay him back right now, it's been small amounts that total up to over $3,000 in the past year, and he wants it all back now.

He has threatened to call the police or get my PayPal shut  down, which is crucial for my small side-business.

Can he really take legal action even though he is from Australia? I offered to pay him back a little each month, but he won't compromise, and I'm really worried about legal action, even though he donated this money to me.

Answer:
 You need to explain what "donated" means. Give some specific language.  What cause was the donation for? Was this guy under the impression that he was purchasing or investing in anything?Answer #2: Donating is like buying except there's no refunds. He couldn't take the money back, that's ludicrous that he would even think so.Answer #3: NAL. You are not legally obligated to give him the money back, however if you are doing camgirl stuff via PayPal, then he can report it and your PayPal account may be suspended because adult work violates their TOS.

If he's threatening to leak videos or screen caps, you can try calling the police for blackmail, but I don't know if they can help at all considering the guy lives in a different country. Hopefully the guy doesn't know your real identify.


Title: [WI-FL] Parent wants to get credit cards with my and my siblings names on them? Weird situation..

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Credit Debt Bankruptcy

Answer: Authorized users aren't responsible for the card.    It's common enough to give your card to your kid if they are in school


Title: [WA State] Do emancipated children remain heirs to their parents' estate?

Answer: Yeah, they would retain their same default position. Becoming emancipated is like turning 18 early, not like being adopted into a different family. However you might piss off your parents enough to exclude you from their will.


Title: Fl, can I resell milk purchased at a chain store ?

Question: I own and operate a small C store. Oddly enough our milk volume is low and I can't get a dairy to deliver. I've been purchasing milk at a box store way across town who sells it at an unusually low price. 10 gallon will last 10 days or two weeks. We only care of the gallon sizes right now everything else just rots on the shelf. We make sure to quickly transport of course, mark up and sell it before the expiration date. Otherwise of course we pull it off the shelf. The milk is not branded with the store name i.e. 'Walmart milk'. There is no reference to the box store anywhere on the label  . most consumers have no idea who the dairy is or is owned by the big box. I didn't know either for a couple weeks until I investigated and try to find them as a supplier myself. Are there any Florida legal problems specific to reselling milk that would prevent me from doing this? I hate to lie and in a casual conversation an employee asked me what I was doing with all the milk and of course I told them being an honest guy. And was told I couldn't do it anymore. I feel I have every right to do what I want with a product that I have purchased and paid in full. - edit:  -- Thank you everyone!

Answer:
 You're fine. Lots of small merchants do the same thing you're doing. Answer #2: A big part of Costco's business model is selling products for resale by small businesses like yours.

You should be fine. Answer #3: Yeah, it's legal. If you get trouble at the store you're currently using as your supplier, look into getting a Costco membership or finding somewhere else to purchase from.

You might want to keep looking for a dairy that's willing to do deliveries anyways.


Title: University has a new policy

Question:
A friend of mine goes to a university in Vermont. They have recently updated their terms of service for logging into their student portal. This is where all assignments and school information is accessible. I am wondering if what they are doing is legal. I am pasting the message that pops up before logging in. After this text there is an agree/disagree option. However the agree button is required before logging in. So students have no choice but to accept to these terms if they want to view assignments and other information. I told my friend to only log in from library computers and never use a personal device from now on. I am wondering if anyone else has any input.

"

You are entering a (School Name) University system, which includes: (1) this computer; (2) this computer network; (3) all computers connected to this network; and (4) all devices and storage media attached to this network or to a computer on this network, and may be used only by authorized users for authorized purposes. Unauthorized access is a violation of the laws of the U.S. and the policies of (School Name) University, and may result in administrative or criminal penalties. Every effort is made to ensure the quality, integrity, and utility of the information on this site while ensuring privacy and security.

By using this information system, you understand and consent to the following: You have no reasonable expectation of privacy when you use this information system; this includes any communications or data transiting or stored on this information system. At any time, and for any purpose, the university may, without notice, monitor, intercept, and search and seize any communication or data transiting or stored on this information system. The university may disclose or use any communications or data transiting or stored on this information system for any purpose, including but not limited to policy and law enforcement purposes. Anyone who accesses this computer system without authorization or exceeds their access authority, and by any means of such conduct obtains, alters, damages, destroys, or discloses information, or prevents authorized use of information on the computer, may be subject to University and/or criminal prosecution.
"

Answer: What part of this do you think is illegal?


Title: Husband got t boned...35 days after hitting a car.

Question:
Long story short-

Husband hit a deer a little over a month ago. Actually the deer hit him, but whatever. $9,000 in damage- thankfully our car was a 2017 and worth more than that so insurance covered it. Unfortunately, it’s a lease, so we were scared out of our minds. It ended up being fine after a few snags (supposed to take 14 days, took 34 and our insurance only covered a rental for 30 days but they ended up waiving the extra fees). We got our car back Friday morning.

Tonight (as in 2 days after getting the car back from the shop), a dude ran a red light and t boned my husband. He’s pretty shaken up- he was still getting comfortable after the first accident since it’s the first time he’s ever been in one, but says he feels fine. Airbags deployed, not drivable- but we haven’t gotten the official ‘totaled’ word yet. Cops came and gave dude a ticket for running a red light, husband got the guys insurance, car was towed out of the intersection. Husbands friend happened to be on his way to our house for the Steelers game tonight, so he picked him up and he came home. I got home from work and he is still shaken but says he’s fine.

Should he go to the hospital tomorrow just to get checked out? Is it a waste of time? He doesn’t want to have to pay medical bills but it’s worth it to me just for the peace of mind that everything is okay...

What should our next steps be? Neither of us have ever been in an accident except the deer thing, and we aren’t sure how to proceed. Basically, we just want to make sure we 1. Have a car, 2. Aren’t going to lose money in this whole thing, as we are now already behind from moving/first accident. At this point I just want to throw the whole car out and start over but we just don’t have the funds to cover a down payment. We literally JUST got married, paid for the wedding, moved and had to pay for all this other accident, on top of it being Christmas and I’m in school full time and paying for that. We just want to make sure we are as covered and protected as possible.

Answer: Notify your insurance company, and keep a ledger of every expense you now have because of the crash.


Title: Restaurant withholding cash tips and issuing paychecks that bounce

Question:
First time posting, so bear with me!

I'm a server at a restaurant that constantly issues checks that bounce and withholds our cash tips for months at a time. I've been there for about two months.
We get biweekly checks with our hourly wage and any money we received from working events. So far, I've received three paychecks. I took the first one to my bank- it bounced due to insufficient funds, and I am still waiting to receive a reissued check from my employer. I was told by coworkers that this happens every time, and to go to a bank they recommended that would cash our checks (apparently, we have a bad reputation around the city). I took my second check where they told me to and was able to get it cashed and then deposit it in my bank account. I tried to go again with my third check and was turned down and ended up taking it to another sketchy cash checking service, where they cashed it but also took out a sizable fee.

That's just the half of it. We also receive (supposedly) our tips in cash. In most restaurants, you receive your cash tips and the end of your shift. However, there's never any cash to give employees, so we're all on an IOU list. The accountant will message us with lists of names, on random days at random times, of who can come in and pick up SOME of their tips. You never know what day it's going to be, or if your name will even be on the list. No one ever gets fully caught up- they'll just give you your tips from one or two days weeks ago. As of now, I'm about a month behind, with the total amount they owe me close to $1,000. It's worse for other employees who have been there longer. You also have to be extremely vigilant in checking that they're giving you the right amount. They "forgot" two days of tips for one of my coworkers. Luckily he had kept close records of what they owed him, but a lot of people don't and surely have lost money that way.

Obviously, I'm looking for a new job. However, many employees are afraid to leave before they get "caught up" on the money they're owed, even though that seems unlikely. This is due to the fact that employees have left in the past and never been paid the full amount they're owed. They've badgered the managers and accountant for it until they finally gave up.

I'm sure this can't be legal. They're withholding tips from us and giving us sketchy checks that bounce every time. I'm desperate for money and unable to pay rent, even though I've earned enough to pay for it. What legal steps can I take in this situation? Quite honestly, I want to bring this place down for their horrible practices, but I would also settle for just scaring them into paying me in full as quick as possible.

Thanks!

Answer:
 Immediately file a wage complaint with the state department of labor and look for a new job.Answer #2: > Quite honestly, I want to bring this place down for their horrible practices

It's already dead. The corpse just hasn't stopped moving yet.

If your pay is no longer arriving on time and if your employer is inappropriately withholding pay, you will generally be eligible for unemployment if you quit. You should also - quickly - file a wage claim, if possible, so that you have some chance of collecting if (when) the company liquidates its assets during bankruptcy.


Title: What to do when one party takes half the money from a shared bank account

Question: So recently my significant other and I in topeka Kansas decided on a divorce. Just a little bit ago he took half the money out of the shared bank account before bills were paid leaving me to pay all the bills when he still owes his share of the bills issue is my name only is on most if not all of the bills, and I can't afford to pay them all by myself. Is there a way to get his share of the money, and or is a lawsuit viable?

Answer: You need a divorce attorney and you need to tell them this. They will try to recover funds during the proceedings. This will take some time though. You need to start this process now.Answer #2: Most states have legal assistance organizations for low income individuals. I would start there. Usually, he can’t just take half the money and leave you with all the bills. Unfortunately, this takes time and lawyers to sort out. Also, I would also look into opening your own account.


Title: People's Gas utility company is ruining my life with a $900 bill, which actually belongs to another apartment that I have never even been inside. (X-post /r/Chicago.

Question:
**What are my possible legal options here? /r/Chicago has been super helpful with resources like ICC and CUB, but it would be nice to get a lawyerly perspective as well. And thanks!
(There's a TL;DR at the end.)**

When my husband and I moved into our last apartment and I set up the gas utility account, they accidentally switched our upstairs neighbors' service into my name instead, and for two months I had no idea I was paying on the wrong account. Our landlord figured it out, and I called right away to cancel my account attached to their service connection, and set up an account for the proper apartment.

Fast forward to six months after I finaled the mistake account. I had received zero further statements, bills, or communication of any kind from The People's Gas concerning the closed account, as you'd expect. Then, in July, I was billed (on a canceled account that was mysteriously reopened) for about $900. Apparently they never billed my neighbors for their gas usage from January until July, and somehow it was then billed to my inactive account. And it was already marked past due, though my billing history still showed nothing for the months leading up to that.

I called immediately about the error. It's not my apartment, I closed the rogue account, got nothing else about it, and I definitely did not assume any financial responsibility for anyone else's utility usage.

The rep took all the information, and when I asked if anything else was needed from me, I was assured it would be fixed by the next billing cycle. It wasn't. This began a series of phone calls over another month, speaking with the reps and then supervisors, each time being assured the dispute would be settled shortly. I was spending a couple hours a week on the phone with them (they insisted there was no physical office I could visit).

At some point they decided just to move the charges to my existing (active) account, and my minimum payment each month more than doubled.
On a call with People's Gas in October, by which time the account was delinquent and my credit score had plummeted 70 points, I explained everything to yet another employee (I actually broke down sobbing this time). She asked me if I had faxed all of the requested documents for this dispute. I was absolutely floored. I had spoken with numerous reps and their supervisors, and not once was I asked to do this, even when I pressed them about more action I could take. No letters or online messages either.

Within two days I acquired all of the information they needed, and sent it off. I called to confirm they'd received it, and they did. I called for an update shortly after, and the account was marked as disputed. And it's been exactly that way since October, with a dispute status but still billed regularly. My credit score is down to 570, from just about 700 before all this. Regardless of who I speak to at People's Gas, they have no further action I can take to speed this along.

At this point, we have fallen on hard times financially. We have essentially no options, because my credit report (with a once pristine payment history) has obviously been a huge obstacle to getting any institutional help. We had to find a new apartment during all this, and almost weren't able to, until basically the last minute, and it's just gotten worse since.

What do I do next?

**Tl;dr- Have been mistakenly charged for another apartment's utilities, the $900 bill has been delinquent for months and has destroyed my credit (down a ton of points now), not a single person at People's Gas seems to be able to fix it, and I can't get a straight story from them about any action I can take.**

Update: Received a promising message from People's Gas today, likely in response to the complaint I filed with ICC. Received the voicemail after office hours, so looks like Monday morning is when I will have more info.

Answer:
 Have your credit reports pulled from the bureaus.  You can get them for free though if you already know your FICO score you probably already subscribe to something.

Make sure People's Gas has acknowledged on their internal account notes that this is an erroneous bill.

Find the "People's Gas" entry on each one and file a dispute with the credit reporting service, explaining the situation to them.  People's Gas will have a short amount of time to prove the validity of the debt and if they cannot do it, the credit agencies will remove that report.Answer #2: Contact these folks:

http://www.icc.illinois.gov/Answer #3: IANAL, but I have seen stories like this on the local news.   Contact your local news stations.   They usually have special Consumer Watch/Investigation departments that can help out with this type of thing.   I don't know if they will take the case, but it may be worth a try.

Also, have you spoken with the other tenants in the other apartment?   Are they having similar issues or are they not getting any bills?


Title: [TN] I purchased a vehicle from a dealership. They lied to the bank to secure financing. I was unaware. The bank found out and forced the dealership to buy back the contract. Am I obligated to a refund for my down payment and the payments I have already made on the vehicle?

Question:
Purchased a new truck a couple of months ago.  The dealer apparently lied to the bank when the bank questioned why I needed a second auto loan.  I have a truck that is financed but it isn't practical for daily use.  I wanted another truck I could use to be driven daily but I did not want to sell my other truck.  The bank was not going to finance the 2nd vehicle, even with my good credit, without a good reason.  Understandable.  The finance manager came back and told me that they had secured financing, and that they had told he bank that "I needed it for farm use".  I don't live on a farm, and at the time, I had no idea that this was most likely against the law on their part...  It was only mentioned in passing.

Fast forward to now.  A few weeks ago (a month and a half or so after buying) the truck had a very expensive issue (more than $2,500).  I called the bank it is financed through to see what the options were since I was not prepared for such an extreme repair bill so soon after buying.  That's when the bank contacted the dealer and it all came to light.  They had lied to the bank to secure financing, and the bank forced the dealership to buy back the contract.

Now, my questions...

* Am I entitled to a refund for my down payment?  I am sure I'll receive a refund for my past payments, but I want my down payment back as well.  I paid weekly, $140 per week, and was never late.  The truck is already back in the dealer's inventory and I was not aware of this until today when I called them for the 5th or 6th time trying to find out something about my vehicle.

What action should I be taking?  Part of me wants to push for free oil changes and tire rotations for my other vehicle just out of spite, but what can I do?

Honestly, what, if anything, can I get from this?  I would like to take them for as much as possible since they flat out lied to me and my bank.

Answer:
 > Purchased a new truck a couple of months ago.
> ...a month and a half or so after buying.. the truck had a very expensive issue (more than $2,500).

And your first instinct was to call the bank??   New trucks come with warranties.  Why didn't you call the dealer and have them fix the problem?

In answer to your question, first look at the paperwork that you signed.  If this isn't addressed, then it seems that they're trying to rescind the contract.  And, if so, then you're entitled to your money back.


Title: I was scammed out of $1000, but I found the scammer. Now what?

Question:
So a few months back I was looking on a nation-wide craigslist search site for a specific model of saxophone, as where I live in the West Coast didn't have it for sale. I found one person selling it in North Carolina for $1000, so I sent them a message. I got a reply, and he sent pictures while we began talking about the instrument over text and by phone. During this time, he gave me what I now know is a fake name and told me some (real) details about his life.

I decided that I wanted to move forward, so we began discussing forms of payment. He told me that he had complications with paypal in the past, so we decided to use a Walmart to Walmart money transfer.

Now, the paypal thing gave me some red flags, so together with the help of a lawyer friend, we drafted a contract. He sent me his signed copy (with his fake name) and we started moving forward. With a Walmart to Walmart money transfer, in order to pick up the money you require a valid form of ID that matches the information of the sender. He told me that his closest Walmart was an hour away, so the easiest way for him to get the money would be to sign his *father's* name on the transfer and he would get the money through him.

I told him that was fine, as I'd already been talking to the guy for a few weeks, and I wrongly trusted him. We modified the contract and moved forward. He shipped me the saxophone, and when it arrived, it turned out to be a crate of dog food.

I googled the name he gave me for the Walmart money transfer (his "father's" name) with the word "saxophone" and found a guy who matched his profile. I found his facebook page, and from there I had a lot of his friend's and family's contact info. At this point, I filed a local police report. I told the police everything that happened and everything I'd found online. They told me they would look into it.

I heard nothing from the police, so I exchanged messages with the guy's actual father, and I spoke with the bishop at the church he attends. They told me they would send a message to him.

That night, the scammer called me on the phone and told me he'd received tons of calls on his voicemail telling him to contact me. He gave me a BS story about accidentally sending me dog food, telling me he must've switched the packages. He also gave me a BS excuse about why he gave a fake name (to protect his identify, even though he signed a legal contract with it). I told him no problem, just send me the saxophone or my money back. He gave me another BS excuse why he couldn't send me the saxophone (hint: the sax doesn't actually exist) and that he'd just send me my money back. He told me to give him some time, as he didn't have the $1000 and needed to make it back up.

It's been about 4 months since then. I have spoken with his church and with his real father on multiple occasions, as well as kept contact with the scammer himself.

Recently, he's stopped replying to messages. I've given him plenty of chances. I don't think the guy's a bad person, but it's come to the point where I need this money for my college tuition. I contacted the police in the town he lives a few months back, but they told me without a home address they can't do anything. They told me to go through my local police department first, and they would transfer the case to them.

I haven't updated the local police about my calls with the scammer's father and his church yet. I have little faith that my local police will actually put much effort into getting my money back. I have the full name, pictures, past criminal history, and family contacts that can verify my story. I called the UPS store I received the dog food and asked if they remembered a guy coming in and shipping dog food. They gave me an exact description of the guy. I know he has a job at Starbucks, too, if that means anything. Hell, one of his online profiles literally details his entire life's story. I've even got past addresses that he's lived at, pretty much the only thing I don't have is his current address.

**TL;DR: A guy across the US scammed me with a fake name, but he accidentally gave me his real name. I used that combined with information he's given me over phone calls to make him call me back and find him IRL.**

What should I do? I need this money for tuition.

Answer:
 What's the return address on the package?

If the local police aren't doing anything, you can try contacting the United States Postal Inspectors.  They might take mail fraud more seriously.


Title: Bank refusing to release title to vehicle we have paid off

Question:
In 2012 my wife purchased a vehicle with her father in southwest Texas. Father in law (FIL) was the main borrower on the loan (that's what she tells me), and my wife was the cosigner. We have since paid off the loan in full. All payments on the loan were made from my wife's (now our joint) bank account with records of every payment. The vehicle is registered in both of their names and has been since the date of purchase.

FIL has since fallen on hard times and while attempting to retrieve the title or have it transferred from my FIL's name to my wife's name, the bank is stating that they will not release the title to FIL or wife due to other unrelated, unpaid debts that FIL has with the same institution. We have attempted to solve this amicably by offering to make some payments toward his other debts, but we would not be able to settle them all and the bank is refusing to release until all of his debts are settled.

Another issue is that the bank refuses to discuss any details of the loan with my wife stating that she is only a cosigner. Maybe I am naive but, It has always been my understanding that a cosigner has just as much right to read the full agreement as the main borrower.

Is this legal? Can they hold a title to a vehicle, that has been paid in full? There are no other leins against the vehicle. We have upheld our end of this transaction, why is it acceptable for the bank to not uphold their end? I honestly dont know where to go from here, we can't trade or sell the vehicle, we wont be able to total it out if we have a wreck, we are stuck. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Answer:
 NAL - The bank hasn't changed conditions. Sounds like your FIL has changed the conditions. I'm going to spitball a scenario, take it or leave it.

FIL used the clear title to secure OTHER loans with the bank. Loans of course they can't give you details of because *your wife isn't a cosigner on them.*

Imagine this. FIL approaches bank for a loan because he is on tough times. Bank looks over history and sees great repayment history on his truck loan. (It doesn't matter the repayments came from your account, "HIS" loan was being paid.) Bank asks if FIL would like to secure another, new loan against HIS clear title truck (cheaper interest rates, better loan term, potentially more money). Voila. You have a problem.

What you do about it exactly is location dependent.


Title: Property surrounding our acreage sold to developer prior to our purchase. This was not disclosed to us before our offer. Do we have any recourse?

Question:
Last October we put an offer to purchase on a property with an executive home on 10 acres.

This is in an area with similar sized homes and property parcels. Our property is surrounded by open farmer’s field with grazing cattle, approx 49 head. The farmer lives in a home just to the east and kitty corner to our 10 acres. In 1994 he subdivided and sold the 10 acres our home is built on. He continued to live and graze his livestock on the remaining 85 acres or so.

The property had been on and off the market for over a year. The price had reduced by $50,000, and this is what piqued our interest as it dropped into our price range. We were new to the province and to the city. We employed a realtor who apparently specialized in acreage properties. We placed an offer, the sale closed about 5 weeks after. On the day we took possession, I received a call from our realtor stating that she had stopped in for coffee with a friend in our neighbourhood and was told that all the land surrounding us had been sold a couple of years prior to a developer and was slated to become a high density development of approximately 100 homes on 1/2 acre lots. The neighbours had banded together and were fighting with the rural municipality regarding this proposed development because they are concerned about traffic, light and noise pollution, property devaluation and the fact that the area is rural acreage with high value homes and this is going to devalue the neighbourhood as these will be much smaller and on 1/2 acre lots.

Long story short; the RM pushed the development through, amended bylaws to change zoning, made zoning changes all the while asking residents for feedback and ignoring their concerns. They obviously stand to make a lot of tax income from this developer so their motivation is clear. The developer is a disbarred lawyer whose other developments have all been half finished/half sold failures whose owed property taxes on unsold lots remain unpaid to the RM at this time. The surveying trucks have been out in the field this morning. The development has been completely approved and work is set to begin.

My question: do we have ANY recourse in this at all? We paid premium dollars for a property whose owners KNEW and did not divulge that all 3 sides were about to become high-density housing. I believe their realtor was aware, though I have no proof. Our realtor is a life-long city resident and lives in a nearby area so I also find it hard to believe that she “just happened to discover” that the development was planned and occurring just when it was too late to negotiate a deep discount on price or to withdraw the offer. We now have a property that will be ringed with 1/2 acre lots, homes and a ton of traffic.

Answer:
 >The neighbours had banded together and were fighting with the rural municipality regarding this proposed development because they are concerned about traffic, light and noise pollution, property devaluation and the fact that the area is rural acreage with high value homes and this is going to devalue the neighbourhood as these will be much smaller and on 1/2 acre lots.

Which means that the there were development applications on record with the municipality. The seller did not have to disclose it to you, because it already publicly  accessible knowledge - you could have inquired with municipality about whether there were development plans in the area.

You *may* have a viable ethics complaint against your realtor if you can show that she knew or ought to have known about the planned redevelopment.


Title: (NJ, US) My workplace is making me sick because of the dust. Do they have any sort of legal obligation to me in terms of cleanliness and/or reducing my hours?

Question:
I had posted something about this to /r/jobs and someone suggested I come here for legal advice. I currently work full time at a craft store.

Long story short, I'm having pretty horrible allergic reactions at work due to the dust that is effecting my ability to work (sore throat + having to talk to customers all day= bad times). I've gone to the doctor, who gave me prescription medication, but also urged me to limit my time in places that trigger my allergic reaction as much as possible. If I don't, I run the risk of getting sinus infections, since the medication can only do so much about the fact I'm breathing in dust 5 days a week. I can't quit due the fact my family will have a meltdown (they also refuse to believe I'm having this severe of a reaction to something so common), so going part-time is my only option. I talked to my manager about it, and I can tell they're going to push back on it as much as possible. I was still very symptomatic yesterday at work, even with the medication in my system. I am planning to document every time I see/interact with dust/grime at work.

Given that the nature of my request for going part-time is medically based (and that condition is now documented via my doctor's visit), do they have any legal obligation to fulfill it? I live in an at-will employment state, so I'm assuming not. Are there any other laws, on a state or federal level, that could help me get this matter resolved?
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 This isn't rocket surgery. Wear a dust mask.

http://www.achooallergy.com/masks.asp

You want a mask with two elastic bands, a nose 'clamp', and an exhalation valve. I haven't tried many brands, but I've used thousands of 3M N95 masks and like them just fine. You should be able to get a box of 10 for ~$20.00 at a local Big box, Drywall supply, etc.


Title: My boyfriend (21M) wasn’t told his Miranda rights until he got to jail

Question:
My boyfriend was falsely arrested in Michigan on domestic violence charges. There was no violence committed and zero evidence of violence. The situation was me having a mental health crisis and the neighbors thinking otherwise. The cops questioned him in my front yard in handcuffs, took him to the station, THEN read him his Miranda rights. (I read his exchange with my mother, but I haven’t spoken to him.) I thought it was illegal to question someone without reading their Miranda rights. Is that true? How does this get brought up to the court? Can the charges be dropped solely because of this?
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 Whether this matters depends on the type and content of the questioning.

Your boyfriend should stop talking to the police and hire a criminal defense attorney.


Title: Can I sell my fathers vehicle to myself as durable PoA?

Question:
I was in a minor auto accident last week and finally heard back from my mechanic today. Estimate for repairs is more than have saved and definitely more than I would want to spend on such a high mileage vehicle (VT, liability insurance required, no collision coverage in my case).
My father has dementia and lives in assisted living. I have durable PoA and have been trying to sell his house and vehicle. Could I, as PoA, write up a bill of sale and just deposit the payment from my account to his? There will soon be an investigation when I apply for his Medicaid, will this attract attention?
He hasn’t driven in a couple of years and will not be driving again due to his condition. If I pay the amount I’m asking for from a stranger would it be the same as if I sold it to a stranger? I’m not gifting to myself, I can make the payment immediately. I’m just in a jam and sick of bugging my friends for rides to work. Thank you in advance.

Answer:
 IANAL

I think there would be two things to consider:

1) That you're paying the fair market price for the car.

Be prepared to find multiple (I wouldn't go less than 10 or 15, plus  referencing third party sources e.g. bluebook) examples of identical (model, year, condition, milage, etc.) cars and DO NOT pay less than the average price of those cars.

The important one - 2) That selling his car to yourself is in HIS best interest.

If he is no longer capable of driving, that's one thing, but you need to consider the entire picture - is there any finance owing on the car? is it willed to someone else? is there a pressing need to sell it due to low funds for his medical care?

To be honest, this can turn really nasty if you're found to be working against his best interest. There are situations where this sort of thing can work (e.g. estate selling a vehicle with emotional attachment to someone, as long as the creditors get the fair value of it) but unless you have some particular attachment to the car I wouldn't risk it.

If you have enough money on hand to buy the car immediately, you could probably get a different car just as easily and avoid the hassle, and the costs of getting a lawyer to help you cover your ass.


Title: Got summons to witness...travel expense?

Question: I Just received a summons to appear as a witness in a criminal case in California, but I live in the middle of nowhere in Maine. Should I expect to be reimbursed for travel mileage? I'm planning to fly, and it looks like the current rate for air travel is $1.26/mi according to [**this gov site**](https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/transportation-airfare-rates-pov-rates/privately-owned-vehicle-pov-mileage-reimbursement-rates)...I may actually  *make* a decent bit of money just for travelling to testify if I understand this correctly. It just sounds too good to be true that I'd only pay a few hundred bucks for a ticket and get compensated 000's of dollars in return.

Answer: You're looking at a reimbursement schedule for actual government employees. It's definitely not going to apply to you.Answer #2: Do you own an airplane and plan to fly it there, because that's reimbursement for using your own airplane? Anyway it doesn't really apply here anyway.


Title: Public Urination Downey CA

Question: So I really had to relieve myself after the bars closed I then got stopped by the police department and was given a citation. What should I do next, he said it was a misdemeanor and I'm assuming I'm going to go to court and all but I there anything I can do to keep this off my record? Please help, this is my first time dealing with anything like this. Thank you in advance

Answer: Get an attorney. Whether private or public defender if you qualify and let them negotiate you a deal.


Title: Car got towed. Went to get it out and found out registration was expired. Cannot register unless car gets smogged. I can't smog the car if the car is impounded.

Question:
I'm in Florida, but the car and I are from California. The car was towed because the apartment parking here is awful, not because of the registration. I co own the car with my grandma and she usually handles registration.

I went to get the car and realized the registration expired like a week ago. No big deal, I thought, my grandma could send me an email with the new registration.

Turns out CA needs the car to pass the smog test before it can be registered.

The place won't release the car until I have registration.

What can I do here?

Answer:
 The rule is typically that they can't allow you to drive off the lot in an illegal (i.e. unregistered) vehicle, since that's illegal.

They will typically let you tow it off the lot.

It doesn't need to be registered or smogged to get it towed off the lot.
Answer #2: If you live in Florida, you need to register your car there.

Just register your car in FL.Answer #3: Check and see if you can get a temporary 30-day registration.Answer #4: Register your car in Florida. It might be cheaper, and Florida doesn't require smog checks (or really, any kind of checks) to register your car. Also if you live in Florida legally you're supposed to register your car in Florida anyways.Answer #5: I bet you can pay the tow company to tow to get smoged. Then take the paper in. Has to be a least expensive way though.


Title: Tenants stole my things

Question: I rented a room to a couple. They claim they left the house unlocked because both them lost their keys and they didn't tell me. Some things were stolen out of my locked room and the house had some damage. The tenants claimed they had nothing to do with the robbery and not being there but when the police came to search the house, I found one of my personal items in their room. Can I still press charges against the tenants?

Answer: No one can give you proper advice without knowing what state, province, or country you are in.


Title: Smoking and vaping as a minor?

Question:
Info:
-16 years old at the time. Now 17.
-IL, USA.
-less than 10g if marijuana
-nicotine in vape

I’m being blackmailed by old friends who have videos of me vaping (1x) and smoking marijuana (1x). The stupid thing is that the people who recorded me also did it, but only my face was in the videos. I know, It was stupid of me to do both. I’ve changed and no longer do that. I’m scared.

I have two questions:
1. Can this stuff go on a record? I have no criminal background.
2. Is there a way around this? This might some stupid, but if recreational marijuana was legalized in my state and I reach the legal age for vaping AFTER all of this, could I still get in trouble?

Any piece of advice would help greatly.

Answer:
 I highly doubt anyone would arrest you for a video of you smoking something over a year ago.

IANAL However, blackmailing is illegal in many places...Answer #2: You wont get in trouble. Unless its your parents.


Title: Old Company logged into my personal email for spying purposes, forwarded emails to themselves.

Question:
Chicago, IL. TL:DR at bottom.

--My friend is a lawyer and has written a Cease and Desist Letter which I sent to the company.

EDIT:
**Should I press charges, sue, or do nothing?**

Back story:

I was recently let go from a tiny tech company after they lost their biggest contract to another competitor they detest;they only hold a tiny portion and are always trying to grab the biggest chunk back.

I gave them back their equipment and expected them to wipe it clean then give it to the new guy. I assume my personal gmail account was still logged in on the phone or laptop since I was given zero notice of firing.

4 days later, I proceeded to apply via email to their competitor and they want to hire me pronto.

I went to check my email I sent to them and noticed the email was gone...eventually found it in the trash bin except a few more emails had been sent....forwards of my correspondence with their competitor over the course of a few days sent to all of the former company's corporate management.

It would appear they intended to keep my account logged in and continue to spy on communication had I not stumbled upon this. Putting it in the trash bin was an attempt to hide it. Our main director received forwards of the same email multiple times over the course of a few days so clearly he sanctioned it and did not order the tech to wipe the device or log me out.

I called the director and mentioned emails....he immediately said "I'm really busy, can't talk now. Will call you back". Have not heard a response back but have sent cease and desist letters to all employees who CC'd emails.

**TL:DR: Old company fires me, but keeps my personal email account logged on to it's old equipment for spying purposes for over a week so far. Has been forwarding emails of my conversations with it's competitor(my new future employer) to my old management and tried to hide evidence by deleting the conversations. I found the deleted ones in my trash-bin along with forwarded emails that stretch over the course of a few days.**

Answer:
 https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8154?hl=en

Scroll down on how to sign out of gmail from all locationsAnswer #2: Intercepting communications or hacking is illegal in most countries.  Your best course of action is to report this to the police.  There could be some fairly serious criminal charges brought against those that have accessed your email account.Answer #3: This is a criminal violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. I would report it to the FBI.


Title: College Financial Aid Office Cost Me Extra 17k: Anything I Can Do?

Question:
Let me preface this by saying that I assume the answer is "no, you can't do anything." That's fine. I just always tell this story to people, and every time, they say "You should take them to court!" or something similar. You know how it goes.

My first year of undergrad, which would have been 2012, I applied for financial aid at college like normal, and I went in to get that form that you fill out when the FAFSA doesn't accurately represent your household situation (for me, it was that my mom spent about 50% of the household income on hospital bills for a brain tumor). The form simply said, "Explain the situation that is not represented on your FAFSA." Then it left the rest of the page blank for you to write. So I explained to the best of my ability, citing overall cost of my mother's medical bills, what the FAFSA claimed was our EFC, etc. I asked if the form looked all right, and they said it "looks great." They didn't do anything for me that first year aid-wise.

When I followed up (after the deadline for aid had passed and I had been alerted I received nothing), they said that I hadn't filled out the form correctly with enough information to make a decision. They didn't specify what they needed, though. So the following year, I specifically went in and demanded what they needed, and they needed a HUGE amount of information that could not possibly or conceivably be derived from "explain the situation." The info they needed included prescription deductibles, names of medical professionals and their affiliated organizations, etc. Every year except that first year, I sent all of this in an was awarded an additional 17k. However, I was forced to take a 17k loan for that first year because they couldn't be arsed to communicate what they needed, even after I asked.

After I graduated, I sent an email asking if they could look into the matter again. The woman basically said, "Sorry, it's not that year any more, so there's nothing we can do." Is she correct?

Answer: OP- I might add to /u/thepatman's thoughts that this is also an example of when you need to represent your own interests in life. The university has no obligation to follow-up with you here. If you had done the follow-up with the financial aid department sooner, you may have been able to get your financial aid status updated sooner.Answer #2: You can't sue, for the simple reason that you have no right to financial aid.


Title: (Idaho, probably applies to all USA) Are semi-trucks able to "opt-out" of load securement laws by merely saying "not responsible"

Question:
I saw this picture on a truck but I'm pretty sure all trucks are required to secure their loads, so it doesnt matter if you say "Not my problem"

https://imgur.com/a/cvT5h75

Answer:
 That sign does nothing but dissuade people from holding them responsible.  If they're sued, they'd very well be found responsible to some degree depending on the details.Answer #2: As a former commerial driver, I can tell you that these signs are absolute BS.  As others have told you, the companies place them on their trucks to dissuade people from filing complaints.

FMCSA has several rules regarding cargo securement, and they apply to all drivers in all states.

If a rock were kicked up from the road and cracks a windshield, then then you should look at the mudflaps on the truck.  If there are none, or they are damaged or otherwise not working as they're required to, get evidence of the fact.  This is what controls in these cases.  This information comes from personal experience.


Title: How to not get sued if someone drowns in my lake behind my house.

Question:
In North Carolina USA. No HOA. I live on a 5.5 acre lake/pond. 5 of my neighbor’s backyards end at the lake. On the other side of the lake is a separate housing community called Manor Crossing that is not part of the property of the lake, I know because I checked the tax record for the lake and parcel of land it includes.

Recently due to COVID-19 people from Manor Crossing have been using the lake, fine no big deal, I want people to be active but they have started to cut down trees and bushes that I like up as it acts as a privacy fence. There is no man made fence or no trespassing signs. When I called the police they said only the owner of the lake can lodge a complaint because its not my property. The owner lives on the other side of town and could care less about the lake. But I found out through neighborhood gossip that he has been trying to off load the lake for free on people in my neighborhood, I believe due to the liability he could possibly face if someone gets injured or drowns.

I am thinking of taking ownership of the lake but before I approach him I want to know the best way to avoid getting sued if someone drowns in the lake. I am currently looking into a $5million umbrella policy with my home owners insurance but is there another way? Could I setup a LLC? Any advice will be helpful.

Answer:
 Put up a fence and no trespassing signs.

Nothing will protect you completely, but making the water as hard to get to as possible will help.

-Insurance Liability Adjuster


Title: Welfare check - do I have to let the cops in?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You need to address your problem, instead of trying to figure out how to get out of the police protecting you from yourself.  And yes if the police believe you are a danger to yourself or others they can break down the door (and yes, you would be liable for the cost of that.)

Get some help.  Threatening to kill yourself "pretty often" is seriously not OK.  Call 1-800-273-8255.Answer #2: Yes the police can do what ever is necessary to protect you if you are a danger to yourself or others. Is there any way you could contact your county mental health department if there is one or create a relationship with a private social worker so when you are having problems you have someone to talk to about your depression and anxiety?


Title: And you thought sovereign citizens were fun?

Question:
TIL Germany has something called “Reichsbürgers” or [imperial citizens](http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/03/30/german-extremists-bring-back-the-reich.html)

Highlights include believing that "the Federal German Republic that replaced the Third Reich of Adolf Hitler is actually a limited-liability company in Frankfurt that is being controlled by a Jewish world government based in the United States."  The government is dealing with an "influx of bizarre complaints and threats being sent by wannabe kings, princes or various other regimes-in-waiting from all over the country" or "independent druid".  Independent druid?  Don't ask me.

Answer: Mmmmmm, Reichsbürgers...


Title: Someone totaled my car, then stuck me with a repair bill!

Question:
I live in Pennsylvania, I was in the process of selling a car.  I had posted it on facebook ect.  A friend of mine borrowed the car for a few days, while she had the car she claims she hit a curb in the car, which caused severe damage to the underside of the car, and essentially totaled the car.  It's a VW passat, she cracked the oil pan and the timing pullies and chain and the engine block.  I tried to get her to buy the car instead of repair it, I told her I would take $1000 for the car.  She then ghosted me and I could not find the car anywhere.  After some hunting, I found she dropped it off to a mechanic, and had some of the damage she did the the car repaired, but the car is still totaled. She had only the most cosmetic repair done.  She had asked if she could do that, and I repeatedly told her to not take it to a mechanic it would not fix the car.  She then refused refused to pay the mechanics bill, both to me and the mechanic.   So, now I have a car that is unsaleable, and a large mechanics bill.  I also have the receipt where she dropped the car off to the mechanic.  I had to pay the mechanic over $500.

At this point I want to take her to small claims court.  the value of the car was $1500 plus the $500 mechanics bill.  I realize this may not work well for me, but she has told a bunch of mutual friends that is she doesn't go to court she won't have to pay.  So, I'm not too worried about losing.   But can anyone give me advice on this?  Also, should I file a police report for the car accident that she did in my car?  Someone suggested filing charges for theft of services.

I honestly just want the money I was going to get for the car, plus the mechanic's bill.

Thank you so much!

Answer: I think you'll do fine in small claims court. If she doesn't show up, she loses by default.


Title: Nanny threatening legal action

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 It sounds as if she was following the contract by giving 3 weeks notice.  Assuming you wrote the contract yourself, it explicitly says you can't just fire her without 3 weeks' notice.  You owe it.  She can't keep your things, however.  Answer #2: So you clearly didn't give her three weeks notice like you agreed. What was the reason you terminated her? Was it one of the reasons that would have allowed for immediate termination.

Just because she didn't actually sign a contract doesn't necessarily mean your agreement isn't legally binding if she can show that both parties agreed to the terms.

You will either need to come to an agreement with her or wait until she actually does file a lawsuit. Answer #3: Just a heads up for another issue not mentioned here, but will be relevant:

Virginia has "[Nanny Tax](http://www.myhomepay.com/Answers/State-Nanny-Tax/VA/Overview)" laws that have some basic requirements on household workers. If she were to file for Unemployment - you could find yourself in some real legal issues unless you already have these items covered.Answer #4: I don't understand why you think that she has to stick to the agreement but you don't. Answer #5: You owe her the 3 weeks if that's what is on the contract and you agreed to it.  You said in your post that you had agreed to it verbally.  An oral contract is valid in most situations and the fact that this one was written too makes determining what the terms were much easier than most oral contracts.


Title: Colorado stopping adjacent condo from smoking pot

Question:
Hi legal advice.
My wife and I recently moved into a condo full time in colorado (5 months ago). My wife is pregnant and expecting in june and our baby is in the 5th percentile of growth which I suspect is due to constant second hand smoke from the unit bellow us.
First I have asked over and over again for them to smoke marijuana and cigarettes outside; however, they have refused. Our HOA has not banned smoking inside yet.
I know Marijuana is still federally illegal even though the state allows it. I need to get them to stop smoking pot and need legal advise on how to stop them from doing it. Should I call the local law enforcement and advise them that I am aware of a federal law being broken and have them pay a visit. Is it even legal to smoke in a condo unit that has common air circulation? Is there a law that I could charge them with for endangering our unborn child? I don't want to bring a lawsuit but I am not ruling that out at this point in time. Thanks for any advice.
a concerned future parent who just wants them to smoke outside!-

Answer:
 I don't see any recourse for you, criminally or civilly.  What they are doing is legal.  I think you may be overreacting a bit in thinking that pot smoke has injured your child.  Open your windows and let the Colorado sun in.Answer #2: >I don't want to bring a lawsuit but I am not ruling that out at this point in time.

You should, you have no grounds for one


Title: Ripped off at event

Question:
If you buys tickets for an event, and the event advertised that buying the tickets gets you admission, food, and drinks, and then they don't give you any food or drinks, then they pick you up and throw you out when you ask for an explanation and/or refund, what are your legal options?

In Massachusetts, USA.

Answer:
 You can sue for a refund.

I bet you're not telling us the whole story as to why you were ejected from the event.Answer #2: Obviously that's illegal but this is just vague enough to sound like crap. We would need more details.


Title: [Nashville, TN] Should I wear this watch to court? Problem: it has a rechargeable cigarette lighter hidden in it.

Question:
A watch would go great with my formal attire, but this is the only watch I have with me at the moment. You can view it [here](http://www.amazon.com/Ckeyin-Collectable-Cigarette-Electronic-Rechargeable/dp/B01073AMJ8/ref=pd_sim_sbs_241_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=153PB8WRV272QWWETJNV&dpID=51R17vim6OL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_).

The lighter is completely safe and I couldn't hurt anyone with it even if I tried, but I'm worried it'll be confiscated at the security check. Should I take the risk?

Answer:
 No, don't bring a hidden cigarette lighter to court.

You'd think that would go without saying.


Title: They tricked me into buying phones for them, and I don’t know what to do

Question:
I’m in Toronto, Canada

I met a guy on a dating app early March. He seemed pretty genuine, and I really thought it was into me. I’m a young single mom, and he’s close to my age so I was actually surprised that he would be into me... (I struggled with low self esteem, being naive/gullible which is why I’m in this predicament)

A few days into taking to him, I casually bring up that I’m build my credit score (I have no credit history) move into apartment for my kids and I , buy a new phone, just future goals/plans... then he brings up how he has a friend that works with a credit repair company, and if I need a new phone, build my credit, he could get me a good deal and a sign up bonus as well. I brushed it off initially, but then he brought it up again a couple days later and I asked how much money I would need and he said none, just my credit/personal info. Instead of red flags, my stupid/gullible self said sure! Why not!

So he and his “female friend” pick me up... I insisted on driving but they said it would be easier this way (now they now where I live) and he took me to a mall. I took one IPhone pro max 11 with Rogers. After we leave the store, he tells me to give him this phone and paperwork, saying that he will pay for the bills and it wouldn’t affect my credit report negatively, and that I could get another phone with a different company. Naively I trusted him, I didn’t think at all that he was trying to screw me over (I’m very stupid I know). I did get home and have a panic attack with the realization that he scammed me, but instead of confiding in someone else I spoke to him. And of course he reassured me that “I wasn’t doing anything illegal, that he would give me money to take care of the bills, and that his friend over at the credit report company would help build my credit with this credit activity. And of course I believed him!! Because he must be soo into me he would never scam me knowing my situation /s.

After the initial phone, we went to Bell (3 phones- iphone 11’s) and Koodo (2 phones - iphone 11s) this was over the course of 2 weeks..I’m crying so hard at my stupidity as I type this.

On top of this, he also took me to 3 different pay day loan companies, saying that he will give me additional money on top of the money I borrowed in my name. This all happened over the course of two weeks March 16-April 1. During that time I didn’t think he was trying to scam me, and I thought he and his friends were keeping the phones, but he told me after the fact that he sold them.

He took all the paperwork for the phones and loans (the loans I already paid off, with my own money, I didn’t get a cent). I contacted him about how my credit score dropped 50 points and he kept dodging me or continuing to lie to me. I’ve been scared to take action because I do feel intimidated by him, and I’m fearful of my children’s/family’s safety as he knows where I live...

I guess all the blaring red flags were ignored because I thought I had found someone that accepted my situation and liked me, but it turned out to just be strategy to manipulate me and get me to trust him (he has a gf). I’m totally disgusted with myself that I could have been so terribly gullible. I finally called the police after getting tired of all the lies from both him and his con partner. I just didn’t think they would try and con me given my circumstances, but there’s a lot of bad people in the world.

I left a brief message for the fraud department, they take 3 days to get back...but I’m thinking now:

would I be considered an accessory to fraud? As air headed/naive as this post sounds, I really didn’t think anything was wrong initially first phone in, but after that point I did feel threatened/pressured in by him, and I didn’t want him to blackmail me with pics I’ve sent him (he’s that type of guy). I really can’t go to jail... I’m all that my kids have.

Also, in the meantime should I call and cancel the lines? It’s almost been 2 months, the main reason is because he took the paperwork I wasn’t able to see how much/what to do, as well as I thought he was going to give me the money for the phone plans.

And any estimate how much these 6 phones/cancellation cost are going to be? And if I could go after him for it? I’m truly so upset that I allowed myself to be scammed that I’m taking money away from my kids mouths, school savings etc...

Any advice would be appreciated... and no judgement please I’ve already beaten myself up over being such an idiot.

Answer: Report all of them stolen immediately. Contact the provider's and explain they where obtained under duress. Let them know that you have contacted the police. DO NOT CONTACT HIM. If you have his name file a police report asap.


Title: I'm getting "served with papers" tomorrow at 9

Question:
My brother gets a phone call, some guy asks him if I'm going to be home tomorrow around 9 a.m to serve me papers. He didn't say for what, and I have no clue what it could be for. I've been doing online courses for the last year and haven't done anything that would make me think papers should be served.
We have gotten calls in the passed about some weird things about both me and my brother. I don't own a cell phone.
I'm confused, does anyone know what this could be about or have heard of something like this?
If I need to add more information just let me know.
Thanks in advance.
Edit, I'm in Fremont, Ohio, I didn't think about location until the bot told me. Thanks for the tips so far guys. I'm stressing, which is weird, I've been off probation, ajudication withheld, I recieved my papers, that was years ago,I can't think of what else it would be.
Another good point is.. why would they tell me beforehand? Going to check online Thanks again guys!

Answer:
 Process servers don't notify you in advance that you're being served. It would make their job significantly more difficult.

It's either a scam or a joke.

If your local justice, municipal, or superior courts have searchable electronic dockets, you can attempt to use those to see if any pending suits come up under your name.


Title: Potential wrongful termination. Help what to do!

Question:
Just looking for some general advice.

I believe my manager is working on trying to fire me and in part due to my military service. I have been working for this company for 3 months now with the first 2 months spent training with 3 other members of the team learning the day to day of the job. My first week of flying solo (2 monthsish on the job) I get a call from my Reserve unit to go do 4 months of active training in another state. I immediately set up a meeting with my manager and explained the situation and the fact they literally called me the day before about the military service.

Well during the meeting (after telling about leaving for 4 months) my manager said while I have you here let's go over performance. She preceded to get on to me for my performance (leaving 15 minutes early and not staying the full business day even though I'm salaried and still do my emails at home). Since then (it's been 3 weeks) I had another performance review a week ago were my manager took the time to go through a very detailed list of every mistake I had made that was concerning her about my ability to perform the job. Today I got called into the HR managers office and was informally asked a lot of questions about my performance, how I would improve training and my thoughts on my performance and if I foresee any future problems with my performance.

What should I go about doing if as I think, this is actually a wrongful termination in the works?

To go with this... I am in no way saying I am a perfect employee I have made mistakes while I am learning the job but have done as much as I can to improve and learn the job so as to not repeat the same mistakes twice. The one big fuck up on my end was a report that was due for my manager on a Friday evening. I planned on finishing it the evening after lunch Friday, however, I had to leave early in order to go to my Reserve unit for an emergency they were having. So I didn't get the report to her on time. Sending it around lunch Monday.  This issue has come up numerous times.

Answer: Was the 4 months your basic? Frankly, until they fire you, I would focus on improving your performance the best you can. Otherwise, if something happens, they'll point to your reviews as a basis when it comes unemployment time if you file. There may be other things we don't know about, but worry about keeping it right now more than what to do if you lose it


Title: [FL] How open can I be with my new therapist?

Question:
First off- I'm turning 18 in ~2 months. I've talked to my psychiatrist about seeing a therapist again.

 I wasn't really open about my problems with my last therapist so it didn't go that well... I would like to be 100% open with this new therapist. Theres a couple problems with that.

-This new therapist goes to the same church as me, she's a Christian and sees my parents every Sunday. I would like to talk to her about my gayness but I don't want her to say anything to my parents.

-There's some possibly illegal stuff that i want to talk about, I won't go into detail but basically a couple years ago I had (100% consensual) sex with someone who was well over 18.

-I also want to talk about my boyfriend who is 5+ years older than me, I don't want to get him sent to prison of anything lol.

Also some other stuff that is somewhat concerning but not illegal (I'm not a danger to anyone though, so I'm not sure about it).

I would just like to know the rules/laws involving mandatory reporting, and also patient confidentiality involving a minor. (And obviously an answer to my questions).

Answer:
 r/practicaladvice: get a therapist who does not go to the same church as your parents. Maybe your therapist is perfectly able to separate church and their professional life… but it's not something I would risk, and if you're concerned about your parents' reaction if your therapist leaks your sexual orientation or other information you might disclose, it's easy risk management, overall.

Your boyfriend is committing a crime if he has sexual contact with you, and _any_ therapist is likely a mandated reporter. If you want to talk about this, do it while you're an adult, as the obligation to report ends when you (the victim) turns 18. Personally, I am _very_ concerned about a 23-year-old who is "dating" a 17-year-old… but you'll be an adult soon, and at some point you need to be trusted to make your own calls on this. For me, that point is now.

However, sexual activity in the past likely won't trigger obligations to report, as you are no longer in danger.


Title: Dine-and-Dash

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Nothing is stopping you from going back to the restaurant and letting them know that you may have forgotten to pay your bill yesterday and are there to pay it now.


Title: [US:MN] Sister with 4 children becoming distant and making unsound decisions. How can we help her children?

Question:
Location: Minnesota
TLDR located at the bottom.

Hello /r/LegalAdvice! Long time reader, first time poster with a throw away account.

My older sister (Sister), who is 32 years old and has 4 children with the same father (Piece of Shit Loser|PoSLoser), has been going through some hard times. Lately, things seem to have completely fallen apart and our mother and myself feel the children need to be removed from their current situation while my sister gets her life on track. I will try to break things down with a detailed history below, and follow up with recent activity and finally my questions. I apologize if anything is left out, but will do my best to follow up with more detail as needed.

**A little history of abuse** - Provides detail on how much of a PoS that PoSLoser really is, but the more recent stuff is in the next section, Recent History.
Sister started dating PoSLoser when she was 16 or so and became pregnant with their first daughter (Child1) when she was 17, going on 18. At this point, things were already unstable with my Sister and PoSLoser as we knew him to be verbally abusive and no one in the family really liked him, but my Sister didn't care about anything but her new family. Over the years, my sister has never lived in one location more than a year, bouncing from home to home with her kids, usually staying with family. This was because she would leave PoSLoser and go to whoever would take her in for a short while and then go back to PoSLoser in a new location.

Around the time Child1 was around a year old, we noticed things had moved from Verbal Abuse to Physical Abuse. This is also around the time where the physical abuse went beyond just my Sister. By the time Child 1 was a year old, neither my Sister or PoSLoser had a job and were able to provide for Child1, so that landed on my mother. When tax time rolled around, my mother claimed Child1 as a dependent which really pissed off PoSLoser. He followed my mother to a gas station, ran up to her car while cussing her out and proceed to punch her in the face through her rolled down window before running away like a coward. My mother didn't press charges since my Sister relentlessly defended PoSLoser and my mother didn't want to miss out on my Sister and Child1 growing up.

From that point on, things continued. PoSLoser was abusive, and my Sister followed him like nothing was wrong. Fast forward a year or so, they have a son (Child2). At this time, PoSLoser and my sister were living together and things became very unstable again to where he was forced out of the house. One day, PoSLoser tried to confront my Sister only to be turned away by my grandfather who was there visiting. Shortly after, while my grandfather was working in the garage, PoSLoser snuck up behind him and broke a rake handle over his back before yelling at him and again running away. As expected, no charges pressed because my sister went to his defense...

A couple more years later, and my sister is pregnant with another daughter (Child3) while living with my mother and myself. My Sister and PoSLoser were on rocky terms, but talking. He came over to talk to her in our driveway which was right outside my window. I hear yelling and look out the window as he proceeds to slap her across the face. I flew out the door after him only to have him get in his car and run away. Sister refuses to press charges, and moves on. I left home a couple months later for College.

Some time passes, my sister gives birth and moves back with PoSLoser who is now a semi-truck driver taking any job he can. This puts him on the road a lot, so things seemed to stabilize quite a bit with him not being around but still providing for his family. Unfortunately, it is around this time he began having direct trouble with the law in the form of minor accidents, speeding tickets, and general trucking violations. I believe this is due to a Meth addiction that we all became aware of at a later date.. After not being after to continue with trucking due to the costs, he began doing random work. One such job came as an insulation installer for my Sister and I's Father who was a contractor with his own business. After many altercation between PoSLoser and my dad, he was fired toward the end of the week and told he would get paid for his work the following Monday. Well, my dad forgot the following Monday was memorial day and didn't continue work until the following day, Tuesday. While working, PoSLoser showed up out of nowhere an began trying to attack my dad demanding his money in front of my dad's client. He was quickly put in his place by my dad and sent away being told he would be paid later that day. My dad met with PoSLoser at a gas station along with my Sister and Child1. I don't remember all of the details I heard from this altercation, but it ended with PoSLoser speeding away with Child1 who was standing in the front passenger seat being flung into the dash and door while he sped off.

About 3 years ago my Sister pregnant again with another son (Child4), and my Sister is once again with PoSLoser. The two of them run a little shipping company where they do deliveries through U-Ship. She runs the company from home, he does the deliveries. For the most part, even though the whole family hates him and is on edge around him, things seem to be quiet at home. Then one day while making a delivery, PoSLoser drives his truck and load into a ditch. No injuries, but the truck is out of commission and the delivery is taken care of some other way. Within a week, the truck is fixed and PoSLoser loses control again and destroys the truck and I believe damaged the load. This was around Christmas time, so we were visiting my Sister with a gift for the kids while PoSLoser was away. When he came in, he was jittery and his eyes were fully dilated in a very brightly lit room, said hello, and proceeded to chase Child1 around grabbing at her butt (she was around 10 at this time) at which point we just left. After we left, so did he, and my Sister proceeded to call us. At this time, she confirmed that he was indeed on Meth and she allowed him to do it as long as he did it in the garage when the kids weren't around and only enough to keep him level.

Shortly after Child4 was born, my Sister had an altercation with PoSLoser in which he abused her physically and threatened to kill the kids. She promptly left him and moved in with my wife and I who have a son. We had a couple of rules for my sister when she moved in. First being that PoSLoser is allowed nowhere near my home, and if I found out he was allowed on or in my property, she would be on her own. Second, she needed to get a job and move out on her own when she was stable. Within a month of living with us, she got on assistance with our county which was more than she was getting in her previous county. She promptly stopped looking for work and flat out told me she was going to stick with assistance. I gave her a lengthy but strict deadline (just under 2 months) to get her things in order and to get out of our house. She promptly moved back in with PoSLoser in her old county while still collecting from mine. I corrected that issue for her a few months after the fact when we found out, and told the county she had been in her old one for a few months.

That's the detailed history, hopefully that gives you an idea of what she and the family went trough from the start. Towards the end of the above history, the police and other authorities have become involved with my Sister and her children. While the rest of my family would brush things off, my wife and I had tried to help get things straightened out, but all we got was nothing could be done.

**Recent History** - Important to where we are now.
Up through the summer of last year, my Sister along with all of her kids and PoSLoser were living in a one room apartment located inside a barn where they worked as farmhands. After a short time, PoSLoser became extremely abusive and severely beat my sister while the kids slept. She got away from him and stayed in the woods until she felt safe to come out later the next day at which point she contacted the police and PoSLoser was arrested. An emergency restraining order was filed against him and he was forced to leave. CPS actually got involved directly at this point and told her if she gets back together with him in any capacity, they will be forced to take her children. This seemed to cause her to get focus on things, as she refused to be without her kids. I have been following his court cases regarding this, they keep getting postponed and charges contested. He sent me a message on Facebook stating my Sister deserved what she got, admitting to doing it, and the prosecutor wont return calls in regards to this evidence, but that is a separate matter...

During Fall/Winter of last year, things got worse. PoSLoser attempted to run over my Sisters boss at the farm and ended up crashing into the barn before fleeing to find my Sister and give her another beating in front of the kids and directly threatening to kill Child1 while Child3 called the cops. He was picked up for attempting to hit her boss, probation violation, and another assault charge. The boss declined to press charges, and those ones related to him were dropped, the rest regarding my sister are ongoing. We offered to take the kids, and enroll them in school with us while she got her life back on track, but she refused. She only ever asked for money when anyone offered her help, but everyone refused to give her cash.

**Cause for concern** - Why we think the kids aren't safe
Since the incident last summer, my sister spent some time in a women's shelter with her kids, refusing help from the family except for money. She got her job back as a farm hand and has since met another man whom I have not yet met, but he makes my mother and grandfather uneasy and they feel he is abusive like PoSLoser, but that is their opinion and there is no proof. Since meeting this new person, my Sister has began dropping all contact with her family, such as avoiding calls and removing us as friends on her FB. My mother just got married on July 1st, and kept Child1 at her home through the weekend to give her a break. During the events of the wedding, she found out that my sister some how signed over her parental rights to a lady she and her new boyfriend have been living with. Supposedly this was only until the end of the last school year, but this lady is calling my mother demanding she return Child1 as she has full custody of my Sisters children and will take her away for good if my mom does not meet her demands. Given my sisters history, her physical appearance at my mothers wedding, and now increasing isolation, we fear she may now be developing a drug problem but we have no proof at this time. My sister has a history of stating and even posting depressing things on Facebook, and I haven't felt she has been in the right frame of mind for a while. My sister always claimed to be about family, refusing to break up her family and not letting anyone else have her kids. She even stated that if things went south, my wife and I would be the first people she would go to for taking care of her children. Given what she has said in the past and what is happening now, we are all very concerned.

** The Questions** - Thanks for sticking with me this far!
Since my mother has Child1, I told her she needs to contact CPS tomorrow, July 5th, and ask what can be done if anything. Her concern though right now is this weird signing over of parental rights to this random lady nobody knows but my sister. I don't believe this document has any merit, but the lady wont give anyone details on it, so we can't be sure. When it comes down to it, I am the most stable out of the entire family, and am willing to take on the responsibility in order to give her kids a chance. The kids range in age from 13 to 3 if that matters..

What can we do, what should we do, and what should we be concerned with? Any and all help is appreciated!

**TLDR;** Sister has a long history as a victim of physical and emotion abuse from the father of her 4 children. After 13+ years, she seems clear of this guy and is now with another who appears just the same as the last one. Other than the 13+ years of bad decisions, she now seems completely unstable and some of her family suspect drug use. Lots of questionable actions by her in regards to her children.. What can we as her family do to get the kids away from her while she gets her life in order?

**EDIT**
Just to clarify some things since this was a lot to type all at once and some things might seem jumbled. I only have first hand knowledge of him slapping her, and from Christmas when he was high and we asked my sister about it. The rest of the information is 2nd or 3rd hand, so nothing we could directly do about it. As we witnessed or were made aware of things, my wife and I tried to get her to see how what he was doing was wrong, but she wouldn't budge and defended him. The rest of my family who could have done something, opted not to because they were afraid my sister would cut ties with them.

In regards to our concerns about possible drug  use by my sister. It is since she has been with this new guy that she has started cutting ties with family without any explanation that we were made aware of, and her physical appearance at our mothers wedding this past weekend that sparked the thought of possible drug use. Through the PoSLoser, she has been exposed to Meth (no use that I am aware of) and Marijuana (She has used), and given the past abuse and recent stresses, I could see drug use as a very real possibility. She has never lashed out at my wife and I, always seemed open to accepting our offer if she ever needed it, which is why we are concerned.

Answer: Your only option is to call Cps and let them decide if there are concerns or not and what action would be best


Title: Living in Ohio currently. Was not fired, but currently out of work. Any chance for unemployment? Details inside.

Question:
Hello Reddit.

I've worked for the same hospital for nearly a decade, moving up to different positions over the years through internal promotions.  I've had a great desire to move to a different state, experience a new area of the country, etc...

I had mentioned this in passing to a co-worker and immediate supervisor during a friendly lunch several months back.  They were aware that I was actively seeking employment out of state.

I was not under contract that I was aware of.  I was not fired.  I had an "off the cuff" talk with my supervisor about when I intended on moving... replied with a rough estimate of sometime in Fall, nothing precise, they knew I didn't want to leave without securing future work.  Nothing was ever written in stone.  I was informed at one point near the end of Summer that they were opening candidacy for my replacement.  Soon after that I was informed they had found a suitable candidate, told me his start date, and asked that I train him during his initial 2 weeks (de facto informing me of my final day).  Was asked to formerly sign a resignation letter on my last day.

Prospective career options that arose during the Summer months haven't panned out for Fall interviews... still out of work.

Does the collective intelligence of /r/LegalAdvice believe I've any recourse to show "good cause" to apply for unemployment as my final day of work was pretty much determined for me while I was still fulfilling all my duties?

Also, if I were to attempt to begin the unemployment process, does anyone have an opinion as to how it may affect my professional references from this job (immediate supervisor, his former supervisor, their direct supervisor, president of hospital, etc...)?

Perhaps worth noting that the candidate hired to replace me was the same individual whom I beat out for the job in the first place, two years prior.  This individual's wife was a former colleague of my supervisor at a consulting firm years back.

Thanks for everyone's time and input.

Answer: Did you sign a letter that says "I resign"?  Because if you quit your job you don't get unemployment.  If you didn't sign such a letter, you definitely have a reasonable claim that you were replaced, and thus should get unemployment.


Title: Does California's travel ban violate the dormant commerce clause?

Answer: No.  The state of California has the absolute ability to spend the state of California's money in the way that they see fit.  The feds cannot force California to spend their money in any of those states.


Title: Is it illegal to pretend to be a mannequin in/in front of shops?

Question:
There are many prank videos on youtube where people do it, while mostly not, sometimes employees call the police or force them out the shop.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 No, there is no law that specifically bans pretending to be a mannequin.

However, if you're told to leave and don't, *then* it's trespassing and *is* illegal.


Title: Friend [20F] was involved in an accident in an uninsured vehicle that is under her brothers name, lost license card but is licensed - California

Question:
So my friend was driving her own uninsured car (she paid for the car) which has her brothers name on the title (I believe that legally it’s his) and was involved in a 3 way crash today as she waited for a biker to get by to pull into work. She was waiting for a biker to pass through when the two cars behind her didn’t stop and hit her. I asked her and she told me she used her turn signal but the two cars behind her didn’t stop. She had some damage done to her car but the most damage was done to the middle car.  My friend and the others were taken in an ambulance to the nearest hospital, she didn’t have any major injuries such as broken bones, just a minor concussion but no word in the others. What happens in this case where the car is hers but her brothers name is in the title, car is uninsured and she is licensed but didn’t have it on her? We are in California to be exact, thank you for the help, very much appreciated.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 First off, it's technically not her car.

Second, she needs to file a claim with the at fault party's insurance.

Third, she should expect a fine for driving without insurance.

Fourth, she should also expect a fine for driving without a license. However, many jurisdictions waive it upon showing proof at the courthouse.

Edit : was she determined to be at fault? I'm confused because you say she was just sitting and got hot, but then something about turn signals?


Title: Indiana. Car accident involving other party running red light, police ruled at fault even with witness and camera stating other wise.

Question:
At intersection turning left (in middle of the intersection waiting) light turned red and one car in other lane stopped so I went. A car blew around the stopped car and plowed into me while turning (I yielded but had to go because it was red). Police came, ruled I was at fault, ignored the witness stating they ran a red light and refuse to look at traffic camera because it wasn't a crime. Insurance won't cover because police report ruled me at fault.
Spoke to the officer, he refuses to open the case, went to his supervisor and chief of police and they all said that I have to talk to the officer.
Went to a lawyer, they said they can't do anything because police report said I was at fault.

Any suggestions if I am able to do anything? (can make a Microsoft paint diagram if needed)

Answer: I had a friend who had the exact same thing happen to him, he almost died, but the short of it is since you didn't have a green arrow, you are at fault. Turning left you always have to yield, even if they are running a red. I agree that he should be at fault, but legally, you are at fault.


Title: Stolen Nintendo Switch

Question: I recent bought a switch on Facebook marketplace from a guy we will call Bob. About an hour after purchasing I get a message from Jane saying that the Switch I bought was stolen, but it was actually Dan, Jane’s boyfriend messaging me on her account.  So basically Dan was saying that Jane stole the Switch from him and gave it to Bob to sell. Now Dan and Jane are trying to get it back saying that I am withholding stolen property when I paid for it not knowing it was stolen. Do I have any protection here?

Answer:
 Tell them to show up with a cop, or to stop bothering you.

If they do show up with a cop, give the Switch back - they're clearly serious enough to file a police report. You can go after Bob to get your money back.Answer #2: One person saying you have stolen property isn't enough to verify that was indeed stolen. For now just ignore the messages. If Dan wants to file a police report, he can do that. Now, if that Switch was indeed stolen and Dan can prove that, the police may come to you with said proof of ownership. At that point you will have to relinquish it, and then you'll have to sue Bob in small claims court to get your money returned.Answer #3: Its basically on them to prove ownership. Theyd need to report it as stolen and have proof that its the one that was stolen. Which they should be able to do if its theirs (serial #) then youd be shit outta luck
Answer #4: This definitely sounds very scammy. Wait for police to show up. If they can prove that it is indeed their stolen property then you'll have to return it and sue Bob if you'd like your money back. If no police show up then enjoy your Switch.Answer #5: In Quebec the switch would be yours and the initial owner would only have the possibility do sue the person who stole it and not you. But things might be different in Utah.


Title: Is it illegal to give a drug dealer stock tips and reap a percentage of profits?

Question:
The account belongs to him, I call him and give him specific trade instructions including buy symbol, amount of shares, and when to sell. Is this considered illegal in anyway? How would this possibly be construed as money laundering? What if he gives me $$$ to invest?

CALIFORNIA

Answer: The Investment Advisers Act of 1940 makes doing this illegal regardless of your "client's" status unless you're a registered investment advisor which I'm assuming you're not. Similarly, don't take drug money and invest it yourself


Title: United States - With more and more states allowing for recreational use of marijuana, and employers having a no drug policy, if one tests positive for mj in a state where it is allowed, can they be fired for testing positively?

Answer:
 Yes.Answer #2: But guise.  What if I really really really *really* like getting high.  That changes things, right?Answer #3: Yes, just as a company can institute a "no brown shoes" policy and terminate anyone who wears brown shoes to work.

Edit: In many states, employers are allowed to discriminate and not hire / terminate cigarette smokers too.