Title: [Vancouver, BC] Strata wants my dad to pay $15,000 deductible for water damage to 3 apartment downstairs when it did NOT come from our apartment

Question:
Hi all, I guess I'll cut straight to the chase.

A month and a half ago our 3rd floor downstairs neighbour came up to tell us that water was leaking from his ceiling in his washroom. The damage was extensive, and since we are right above him on the 4th floor, he thought it might have come from us.

Within a couple of days, the plumber sent by Strata came by to test our plumbing. During the testing, the plumber broke our shower head, which caused a little bit of leaking into our BATHTUB only. He concluded that there were no other leaks coming or going from anywhere, including downstairs, and the only thing he mentioned was that the back-up drain was "suspicious". Thanks to this fucker, we had to buy a new shower head, but anyway...

A few days later, the Strata "restoration managers" came and tore out the walls to check for further damage and leaks. They ran their tests and no leaks were found and no further leaking occurred at the unit downstairs. They also took pictures of our old, now-broken, shower head, our new shower head, and of the holes in the walls where no damage was found.
A week or so after, my dad hired a third-party plumber in order to get a full report to prove without a doubt that we were not at fault. The plumber ran pressure tests using our old and new shower heads, and once again concluded that there were no leaks or problems with our plumbing.

Throughout all this, my dad has been emailing Strata, with the last email being the third-party plumber's report saying that there are no leaks anywhere with either shower head at all pressures that he tested at, which he sent on Dec 11.

Now a few days ago on Jan 4, Strata emails my dad saying that the restoration managers determined that the shower head was the cause (completely ignoring the report my dad sent them) and asking him to pay a $15,000 deductible for the water damage repairs (which has now apparently caused damage not only on the 3rd floor unit, but the 2nd and 1st floor units below us too).
Now, the restoration managers are NOT plumbers. Their OWN plumber was the first to come and said himself that there were no leaks even after he broke our damn shower head. We have a third-party report from an ACTUAL plumber that says EXACTLY the OPPOSITE of what Strata is claiming. We have proof from professionals (including their own damn plumber) that say the opposite of what they're claiming. Their so-called "proof" are the pictures of the shower heads on the shower (with no running water), a picture of the old shower head in a plastic bag that my dad was going to throw away, picture of the holes in our wall showing no damage, and picture of our unit number. Not a shred of proof or evidence of ANY leak occurring in our unit.

What would be the best course of action from here out? Strata is clearly ignoring our report, and just wants us to pay, which we are not going to do. The evidence is against them, so how do we approach the situation to end this as soon as possible. My dad is tired of dealing with it, and is losing sleep over it.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 I would recommend that you find a lawyer or firm that deals with Strata corporations. This is outside a bylaw violation or fine, and is likely overseen by a section of the Act that deals with property damage disputes.

Secondly, you must find out where this water came from. Shower heads don't back up and cause leaks, because they are completely outside the wall, and therefore act as if they are a stopped valve. If anything, the problem is at the diverter. Be prepared to have your wet wall demolished. Also, is there a unit above you, and if not, was it raining hard that day?  It could be leaking around your sewer vent that goes up the entire wall to the roof, depending on your construction.


Title: Cumbria, England. Step dad kicked off and smashed property, threatening assault. Can I hold university accountable?

Question:
My step dad kicked off, destroyed my computer and other property. All the while swearing at me and threatening violence etc.

Turns out this was all because my university spoke to him telling him of an £850 debt for rent. They had no authority to discuss this with him yet apparently did so, so quickly in fact, that he couldn't tell them he wasn't myself.

Can I hold them accountable for the fallout from their negligence?

Answer: No. But you can sue your step father for destroying your property.


Title: [OK, USA] Contractor did work without approval now trying to charge thousands over quoted amount with no approval

Question:
This is a long one, and I hope I can do the situation justice without losing everyone's attention...

My family and I moved into a house July of this year, and it quickly became apparent that there was undisclosed roof issue (leaks into our living room). We worked with all parties involved (realtors, brokers, sellers) along with a lawyer as a mediator to reach an agreed upon amount the sellers would pay for repair of the undisclosed damages. The final dollar amount was based on a series of quotes provided by multiple contractors. At the time this seemed like a painful process, but we ended up with a check for the agreed upon amount from the Sellers and moved forward with the repair process with the contractor we selected.

The contractor work proposal I signed off on after these negotiations with the sellers was to replace the roof membrane, fully re-deck the roof if neede, replace any damaged insulation, and repair the damaged drywall inside the house.

Before I continue, a key part of this story is that my son on the day we moved into our new home was diagnosed with cancer. Part of his treatment plan was surgery to remove the tumor from his leg (amputation), and because we wanted him to have the best possible care we ended up travelling to Florida so a team specializing in this particular surgery could care for him. The surgery, was scheduled to happen shortly after we reached agreement with the sellers. My wife, son, and I traveled to Florida for surgery and left my sister-in-law in charge of managing the repairs. Now, back to the story...

I was in contact with my sister-in-law pretty much daily for the 12 days we were gone. She would update me on what they were doing, any issues, etc. She told me they had to replace a few of the original decking boards due to rot (expected), but nothing that was a big deal or outside of the agreed upon terms.

Fast forward to a few days after returning home. The contractor came to check on the final status of the project and handed me an invoice for 23% (or several thousand dollars) more than originally quoted. He fed me a bunch of reasons why the increase happened: more drywall was needed than thought, we sloped your roof, had to fully re-deck, had to fully paint inside, etc, etc. This is the point in the story where I would like to bring to your attention that on the original agreement there's a line that says "any additional material/labor will be approved & added to the contract price." This is on the contractors agreement, right next to the total dollar amount of the quote. I told the contractor I don't have the money to pay for this extra work because the deal with the sellers of our home is final, and I never agreed to it. I was not called, texted, or emailed about any of this extra work / cost.

I've now emailed back and forth with the general manager of the company several times, and I continue to feel like I'm being gas-lit every step of the way. The company people keep saying that they "assumed X because we were away", or "Y was needed". Something I don't have in writing is a conversation I have with the salesman after he handed me the invoice where he basically said "I assumed you had a blank check from the sellers and you would just hand them the final invoice for payment."

The last email I have from the general manager is that they are willing to knock down the extra charges to just over $1,000 instead of around $3,000 on the invoice. They are asking for immediate payment, and urged me to apply for their financing if I don't have the extra funds available right away.

The way I see this situation is:

1) They assumed I had a blank check so went to town with extras without regard to increase cost.

2) They under or incorrectly quoted the job to start with in order to win the bid.

3) They are now gas lighting me into paying for something never agreed upon.

4) The language in their own agreement protects me from this, but they are not honoring it.

Do I have a leg to stand on if I continue to refuse to pay for anything above the signed proposal amount? I've told them I'm happy to pay that amount.

Help me r/legaladvice you're my only hope!

Answer:
 > ys "any additional material/labor will be approved & added to the contract price."

That's what you go back to them with. If you have a signed contract with them for a specific amount and no change order, they're likely SOL. Answer #2: Contract law is very clear, and contractors should know this. If you signed for $X and they did $X+YZW without a signed change order, they're SOL.

Refuse to pay anything beyond what you signed for. A written contract takes precedence over anything verbal, so even if you said "ok," the written contract says any changes need to be in writing, so your "ok" wouldn't be binding. Answer #3: Might be worth paying for an hour of a lawyer time to tell the contractor hell no.


Title: I was assaulted but the police handcuffed me

Question:
Sorry for the length, just want to include everything.
tl;dr at bottom.

Last year in August I visited a park near my home on a Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas, NV. While there I noticed the baseball teams playing at the field had left their water bottles, food wrappers, and beer cans strewn about. I pulled my truck over and asked to speak with the coach. He approached and I politely asked if they could clean up after themselves. I frequent the park daily with my family and pets. It is also adjacent to a wildlife reserve and is visited by the local birds rabbits and coyotes.

He was very rude in response and he and a few other men who had already gathered began yelling at me to "mind my business and GTFO or else....". I heeded this advice and drove to the opposite side of the park. I was upset at their response so I called 911 to snitch on them drinking at the park and threatening me. (I know I was being petty and childish, I get it now, I wish I had just went home)

The dispatcher said they would be sending an officer so I sat in my truck and watched the team from across the park while I waited. They had finished their game and we're just drinking in the park now. About 20-30 minutes passed and no cops yet so I called 311 to inquire. While speaking with this dispatcher, they told me that the park was on the border of 3 jurisdictions (Metro, Henderson, and Park Police) so there was confusion on who should respond. They assured me that someone was on their way.

I waited another 20 minutes before deciding that I don't want to sit at the park all day over this. In my pettiness I decided to drive by the group again, take pictures of their uniforms, cars, and them drinking to send to the Parks & Rec Dept who manages the baseball fields. As I drove closer to the group they saw me taking pictures and immediately began yelling and screaming at me once again to gtfo. I didn't listen this time.

I parked my truck right there and began yelling back. This enraged the group more and soon I had 3 men at my passenger window. There was one man that began reaching in my cab and hitting my arm/hand to knock the phone out (I began recording after I parked my truck). As he was assaulting me through the window I saw more men surrounding my truck and approaching my driver's side. I felt genuinely scared for my safety and I knew I had to defend myself, so I grabbed the retractable baton I keep behind my seat, and I exited my truck.

I was able to open the baton and I readied to use it as the men got closer. I reached back to swing but I took a fist to the side of the head before I got the chance. The punch dropped me but that didn't stop the 3-4 men who were now above me from continuing to kick my abdomen and head. This only went on for a few seconds until I heard the sound of glass breaking. The attackers stopped and ran to another truck nearby. I stood up and saw that they had broken 3 windows on my truck, including the windshield. I ran after the truck and smashed their taillight with my baton as it drove away. I then returned to my truck and called the police AGAIN.

They were much faster in their response, however units from all 3 jurisdictions arrived. I was asked to step over to one of the officers cars to explain the situation. I told them what happened and they asked for ID, the officer then returned to me and placed me in handcuffs. I was dumbfounded and asked what the hell they were doing? He told me that I was a missing persons and they were detaining me while they investigated. Apparently my mother had called them about 6 months prior to do a welfare check when I was having a depressive episode (I'm bipolar2) and I never returned the officers call so I was a missing person that no one was actually looking for. I told them they found me and I'm not missing, I was just attacked and they have the wrong guy in handcuffs.

The police (only Metro by this point) said that they had to investigate both sides of the story so they couldn't uncuff me. Apparently some family or friends of the assailants called the police and said I strated breaking their windows and yelling racial slurs trying to fight them, so the men that attacked me were doing it in defence. In fact, I overheard the officers discussing whether or not I should be charged with a hate crime. I'm white and the assailants were Hispanic.

I spent what seemed like an eternity sitting in the grass, handcuffed, and confused. I have a torn rotator cuff so my shoulder was in pain along with my head and abdomen. I begged the officers to please look at the video and pictures I had just recorded but no one did. I asked them to uncuff me but no one did. Eventually the bystanders left and it was just me and the officers at the park.

They told me that I was going to remain in their custody and they were placing me on a legal 2000 hold, this is a tool police can use when dealing with someone they feel is a danger to themselves or others. They called for an ambulance and a tow truck, I begged them not to tow my truck, especially since my house was just a few hundred yards away. They said that my truck was inoperable since the windshield was smashed. I asked them to tow it to my house but they said it doesn't work that way.

I was taken to the hospital and they removed my handcuffs. I was met by a doctor in the hallway of the ER and explained the situation. He released me immediately and said the police were wrong to do this. I called my fiancee and she picked me up. Once I was home I saw the welts on my head and large bruise on my abdomen so I returned to the ER later that evening. They diagnosed me with a concussion and released me. The next day I had to pay $250 to get my truck out of the tow yard and another $250 to fix my windshield.

After I got my truck out, I found a broken baseball bat (used in the commission of a crime) on my backseat that had a name on it. I took this, the photos and videos I had recorded, and a lengthy written testimony to the police as well. A few days later I got a call from a detective who said there wasn't enough evidence and they were going to close the case. I asked about the video evidence and he said that even though you could see the attacker reaching in my truck, the video didn't show his skin touching mine (even though you can hear him connect). I haven't heard from anyone since.

I have sought counseling and continue to receive treatment for my bipolar2 and the PTSD that spawned from this event.

My questions are:

How do I sue my attackers for the physical and emotional damages to my truck and myself? I have no idea how to get their information without the assistance of the PD.

Do I have a case against the PD for detaining me after I was attacked and taking away my civil rights by placing me on a legal 2000?

Can I sue the witnesses for filing a false police report? And how would I obtain their information?

This attack and following events have haunted me everyday since and I need to know if there is anything I can do about it, or if I need to get over it and move on (which is what I have been trying to do with no success).

tl;dr
I was brutally attacked at a baseball park and the police cuffed me, towed my truck, and kidnapped me to the hospital. Do I have any recourse?

Answer:
 Getting out of the car basically killed any self defense claim. You should have driven off.Answer #2: 1: You got out of the car with a dangerous weapon (did you have the proper permit/permission for a baton in NV?) and engaged in a fight. You had every opportunity to leave.

2: No.

3: Almost certainly not, no.Answer #3: You felt threatened while sitting in your truck (which was presumably running and in drive) so you responded by exiting your truck with a weapon instead if just driving away? Yea I think the police got the right guy. Get a defence attorney and stop telling this story, it makes you look bad.Answer #4: > How do I sue my attackers for the physical and emotional damages to my truck and myself?

If you have their name and addresses, go talk to a personal injury lawyer. I wouldn't expect more than whatever medical expenses you incurred though.

> Do I have a case against the PD for detaining me after I was attacked and taking away my civil rights by placing me on a legal 2000?

Almost certainly not, but you can feel free to speak to an attorney in person about it.


Title: Wife’s half sister (17) lost her father to suicide. Their mother committed suicide three years earlier. We are trying to have legal guardianship of her until she’s 18.

Question:
State of Wisconsin, County of Dodge.

My wife’s half sister is a very nice and quiet girl (let’s call her KK) her relationship with her father was far from great up until his death.  Her relationship with my wife, however, has always been great and we would have her stay over whenever she wanted.

Her father had two brothers and a sister-in-law who came by after his death asking a lot of questions about items in his house (corvette,guns, etc...) even adding that they forced their way into the home and took at least thirty of his guns the day after he died so they would not get “stolen”.  They claim that they are putting the guns up for auction and that the money from the sales would go to KK.

During this conversation the sister-in-law made a couple strange comments saying she could take care of KK and questioning our integrity and if we were capable of providing for her.

We know KK hates this side of the family and the thought of living with any of them makes her sick.  We just want to take care of her and help.  My gut feeling is that her aunts and uncles are looking at potential money here and ignoring that their niece has now lost both of her parents and needs help.

My wife is just getting off the phone and telling me that we are filing for a temporary guardianship in the county she resides in.

What else can we do?

Sorry if this is written poorly.  Lack of sleep and stress is contributing to a scattered train of thought.  Thank you.

Answer: First consult with a family attorney for custody and immediately after an estate attorney to protect any financial assets for KK. Does anyone know if there is a will? Ask the estate attorney how to keep everyone out of that property.Answer #2: You need to call the cops and report the break in and the theft of the firearms. Everything they said about an auction is, of course, a lie. Police, now please. Copy all messages they might have sent about "auctioning" the guns. Turn over to the cops. Get the house locked down to make sure they can't steal everything else.Answer #3: KK also has a say in where she prefers to be. She can also be emancipated. Don't throw her out at 18. She needs help and therapy. Good luck. Hope it goes well.Answer #4: A police report should be filed with a detailed list of what was taken from the home. The sooner you do it, the better.Answer #5: I don't know the exact legalities where you live but please do reassure KK that at 17, there is virtually no way she would be forced by a court to live with relatives she hates when there are other relatives (i.e. you and wife) who are willing to take her in and who she is willing to live with. Teens a lot younger than her are given a say in their living situation when "with the parents" is not an option. She's going through enough without having to worry about potentially having to go into the guardianship of these people.


Title: [TX] Changing my child's last name to my husband/her stepdad's

Question:
Sorry if a bit confusing, not sure what is or isn't relevant -

My child's biological father left when she was six months old.  He has paid child support on and off but still owes arrears as well as some fees incurred during our custody case.

We were given joint custody when she was a year old, but he has only seen her once when she was two and once when she was six.  He lives in a different state and makes no attempt to be in her life.

She has recently expressed interest in taking my husband, her stepdad's last name.  Is this possible without letting him off the hook for child support?  I have heard and read very conflicting things about parental rights, stepparent adoption, and legal fees that I would be responsible for.  Would her biological father have to agree to this, even though he's not a part of our lives?  If he didn't agree, how could I fight it?

Thanks for reading.

Answer: Don't do this. Seriously don't. I went through this identical scenario as a kid. I've had three last names now and I'm back to my biological last name. Don't do it.


Title: What is the process to receiving a religious exemption to drug laws similar to what the Native American Church has?

Question:
The Native American Church is allowed to legally use peyote as a sacrament in its services. My question is if I earnestly believed that I needed psychedelic drugs to practice my religion what would the process be to receive something like this?
Topic:
Constitution

Answer:
 > My question is if I earnestly believed that I needed psychedelic drugs to practice my religion

You first need a legitimate existing religion.  What legitimate, existing religion are you a member of that requires the use of psychedelic drugs?Answer #2: Step 1:   Be a member of a church with a significant following and deeply held sacramental traditions.

Step 2:   Do your thing.

Step 3:   Get criminally charged for doing your thing.

Step 4:   Engage in lengthy legal battle ending in a court case like Church of Likumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah, or Wisconsin v. Yoder, declaring the law you were charged under to be unconstitutional.

Now, that's not the method that allows Native ceremonial use of peyote.    They lost at Step 4 (Employment Division v. Smith), and instead a Federal law was enacted to specifically exempt and protect that practice ([42 US Code Section 1996a](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/1996a)).


Title: New study finds extensive use of fluorinated chemicals in fast food wrappers

Question: Class action anyone?

Answer: You would need to prove widespread damages in order to begin a class action, or to sue at all.Answer #2: What damages have you (or others) suffered as a result?


Title: I was over payed, because they entered my tips incorrectly and now management wants to take out my overpay out of my next paycheck.

Question:
I recently started working as a server for a new restaurant in Sonoma County, Ca. For the first two months of operation we weren't claiming any our our tips. We started claiming tips, so the appropriate taxes could be taken out of our paycheck. Instead of having the taxes from said tips taken out of our paycheck, we are cashed out every shift, they gave us our claimed tips in our paycheck (essentially doubling my recent paycheck).

Management has realized their mistake and now wants to have us re-pay for their mistake out of our next few paychecks. I was wondering if I was legally required to pay back the overpay. And if I'm not, and refuse, would that be something I could be legally terminated for. I enjoy where I work, but didn't realize the mistake because I picked up more hours recently don't really have room in my budget to repay their mistake.

Answer: In California they can't take it out of your pay without permission but you can be fired for refusing. But it's pretty shitty to make a DLSE complaint about something you know you're not entitled to and take resources away from workers who have actually been cheated.


Title: Need a lawyer to appear with me

Question:
I am being sued and have to appear in small claims court next month.

Is it possible to have one of you lawyers either appear in court with me via FaceTime or by pre recorded message for the judge?

I am being wrongfully sued for the destruction of a recliner and floor freezer full of spoiled hunting meat.

Answer:
 First, you don't need a lawyer to go with you to small claims court.

Second, even in the unlikely event your court did allow this, none of us here could or would do that.  Even if we could or would, we wouldn't know because lawyers can only appear in states where they are licensed and you didn't, despite three requests and a bot to remind you, mention what state you're in.


Title: Master procrastinator moron here, and my "Did-ya-get-the-stuff-done?" hearing is Tuesday. I did not get-ma-stuff-done. Reddit friends: What do I do if I'm stupid? What do I do if I'm smart?

Question:
DUI in Colorado in 2/2106 (0.02 above limit, yay broncos champagne). Had to get:

· 76 hours of alcohol Education and Therapy [DONE]
· Attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel [DONE, Lost my Proof/Receipt]
· 48 Hours community service [...umm, well]

I have a real procrastination thing. This consistent personal habit of moronry + plus excuses and I don't have community service complete. I have 5 hours done.

Last month the judge granted me a 1-month extension (just wemt in without a lawyer) and I still didn't get it together. I embarrassingly have no idea what happens next.  I just got my first comm service hours today. where I registered and volunteered is closed tomorrow and I can only get maybe 5-10 more hours in before my hearing. My ass only got in gear because pure panic has taken control of me and I got signed up and working today.

SO REDDIT FRIENDS:

Hearing's Tuesday, if I stay very dumb I would do what? And what would happen?

If I'm smart, I do what and what happens?

---------------------------------------------------------------------

TLDR: No fulfill Colorado DUI requirements in time. What do?

Answer: You'll have time to complete all sorts of things when your schedule is cleared for you by this judge. You need an attorney and "I didn't take this seriously" is a really bad excuse.Answer #2: If you are smart you hire an attorney and hopefully avoid jail time and are just required to do some additional community service.  If you are stupid you show up on your own say exactly what you said here and get to spend time in jail.


Title: Can an employer legally require an employee to have a bank account? [OR]

Question:
Basically the title.  I'm neither the employer or the employee but work in the company.  Basically one of the employees doesn't 'trust the system' and refuses to get a bank account.  Everyone else has direct deposit.

I'm in Oregon (edited for Mr. Bot).

Answer: Why not? Since they can fire for any reason, they can simply fire him if he does not comply. Discrimination against people who don't trust the system is not illegal.


Title: It lobster fighting illegal? USA

Question: So I know making mammals and birds fight is illegal, but since lobsters can’t feel pain there’s no reason for it not to be legal.

Answer:
 >since lobsters can’t feel pain.

They can’t? Somebody should inform the lobsters of this immediately.

[Source](https://www.animalsaustralia.org/features/6-incredible-lobster-facts.php)Answer #2: Lobsters do feel pain.   As far as legality it is extremely likely that if you try this someone will figure out a way to prosecute you under existing animal cruelty laws or create new ones just for you.


Title: [Virginia] Son Suspended til further notice

Question:
Hi Everyone,  My son recently got suspended from high school til further notice.  Today while at school my son was playing with a rope turning it into a lasso.  I recently have been playing red dead 2 and have been letting him play it, so I know exactly what he has been thinking.  One of the kids in his friends group said that it looked like a noose and he had the "great" idea to hang it in the hallway.  He wasn't trying to do this in a racist or other intimidating way but more of a joke.  He got called to the office where they made him sign some papers saying he did it before me and my wife even showed up.  We got a form this evening saying that he was suspended until a hearing will be set up in front of a disciplinary committee in front of the school board.  The call I had with the principal makes me think they are trying to frame this as a hate crime and they might take action to expel him from school.  Do I need an attorney before the disciplinary hearing?

&#x200B;

I know what my son did was wrong and stupid but this is the first time he has gotten in trouble and I don't want this to affect his future.  I also can't afford private school and I can't afford to move.
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer:
 No legal issue here. No attorney needed nor can they do anything.

Your son has to face the music


Title: Motorcycle accident, totaled bike, and trying to get actual cost back

Question:
Location is Idaho. I was involved in an accident caused by another motorcycle rider and my bike has been totaled out. I'm struggling with the other rider's insurance company to get the full worth of my bike. So far they've agreed to pay $9,200 which is value of bike plus the cost of rider gear.

The issue is I've sent an itemized list of motorcycle, accessories, and gear that totals $17,000. So far the other guy's insurance has not provided an itemized list showing how they got to their price and is refusing to provide the list. Is this legal? Is the insurance company required by law to show an itemized list?

I'm at the end of the line for pushing them personally to get more money and my next step is to get a lawyer but is that worth it? Will I just end up costing myself more money than I end up getting back?

Answer:
 It looks like your difference is your parts line item. That may be a problem.

If I have a 2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster with 9,500 miles on it, it is worth about 7k. If I spend 2k replacing the leather, painting the tank, putting a new set of pipes on it - it is still worth around 7k. If I spent $500 putting a set of new dunlops on it, it is still worth about 7k.

If the "Parts" were a custom set of removable leather saddlebags, then you might have an argument that they are an accessory and should be calculated separately from the bike itself. But any parts and labor put into the bike directly would be part of the bike's value.


Title: Landlord entered apartment unannounced

Question:
So my landlord and his employees entered my apartment without notification to do an inspection on a unoccupied room. I am in Oklahoma and they are required to give me a 24 hour notice. I know that I can get out of my rental agreement now since he breached my contract; however, I have signed a future lease.

I could not find out if this breach could end all my leases as I signed one rental agreement. I did sign a separate renewal document though. Does anyone know if I can terminate both leases? (The current and the next year’s)

Answer:
 No, you can't necessarily get out of your lease because your landlord entered without the required notice one time.

If this was a pattern of behavior over a period of time, maybe.

Your landlord would similarly have a tough time evicting you because you brought the trash to the street a few hours too early one time.


Title: Police ignoring requests to release name of driver who rear ended and killed two women.

Question:
Cambria County Police, PA.
Link to article detailing requests for driver info:
http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/638859/Mother--daughter-killed-in-crash.html?nav=742

Do the police have any right to withhold this information?
Also, there are individuals in the town who are know to have strong ties and power with the police so this is suspicious.

The truck that caused the collision was a RAM 5500 flatbed business vehicle.

Is there anything one can do to get more information and justice?

Edit: Thanks for the insight, I'm going to wait for any new developments

Answer:
 This is one of those situations where the question is the answer. Less than 72 hours and public is crying justice, throwing around accusations of bias and conspiracy. This is not the environment for a good investigation. Releasing names early would lead people to pitchforks. Answer #2: >Is there anything one can do to get more information and justice?

Relax on the "we need justice!" talk.  This happened what, just over 24 hours ago?  Investigations on deadly crashes don't happen literally overnight.


Title: Landlord is selling our house. We didn't sign a physical lease last year. Will our lease agreement still be valid with the new owner? [California, USA]

Question:
Hi /r/legaladvice!

We moved into our current home in July 2014. We signed a 1-year lease which took us through July 2015. In July 2015, our landlord asked if we'd like to go month-to-month for a small rent increase, or re-sign the lease for 1-year at the same rate. We opted to renew for a year at the same rate, and both parties signed the updated rent agreement.

In July 2016, we continued paying as normal (and have since). Our landlord didn't present us with the option of going month-to-month, nor did he provide us with an updated rent agreement/extension. In hindsight, I realize I should have asked for a physical renewal. But since everything seemed to be business-as-usual, we just kept paying the previously agreed upon rent without any questions asked.

This past month, our landlord has decided to sell the house. It went up on the market this week. Will our lease still stand through July? Or, if the new owner decides they don't want to rent, should we start packin'?

Thanks so much for reading!

**Edit**: He also sent a text message saying that he will "be putting it on the market [this] week with the contingency that whoever buys it honors our rental agreement." I have a screenshot of that text. Does that help us at all?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 It doesn't sound like you have a lease. It sounds like you're month to month. What do you have to show you have a lease through July?Answer #2: > Will our lease still stand through July?

No, because you don't have a lease.  You are month-to-month, and have been since July 2016.  They can ask you to leave with 30 days notice.


Title: US Tax Law: Can an pastor employed by a church receive a financial gift from the church up to the gift exclusion amount and not be liable for taxes? Section 102(c) is Relevant.

Question:
I am thinking no.  In my research I have come accross this memo which claims to be written by a lawyer.  In it is written:
> Section 102(a) of the Internal Revenue Code exempts from income tax gifts that are received.  Section 102(c) makes gifts that flow from an employer to an employee subject to income taxes.  No exceptions are allowed.

The particular details of the situation in which I am involved would involve a movement of monies from the retained earnings of a 501(c)3 Church to the full time pastor.  Is there any situation where a movement of funds such as this would fall under the income-tax-exempt gifting rules (such as we see in Estate Law?).

**Edit 1:**  The purpose of the gift is to pay for the downpayment of a home, which I believe the tax code makes special exemptions concerning clergy.

Answer: No, you are correct, generally you can't receive untaxed 'gifts' of money from your employer. There may be an exception with the parsonage exemption: https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc417.html. Consult your tax professional.


Title: A friend of mine found several thousand dollars worth of ivory in his grandpas house in Illinois

Question: How would you go about selling it legally? I don't know if he could verify how it came into the country or anything.

Answer: A reputable auction house in IL that is familiar with dealing with imported wild game products... There is one down in Anna, IL that I have talked with about taxidermy items in the past.


Title: I shipped my car overseas and it returned with extensive damage.

Question:
Location: United States and I believe the damage happened entirely in the States from the paperwork I've received.

I shipped my relatively new Toyota Camry from the US to the Middle East. I went to pick it up today from customs and found out that:

-the car is covered in small scratches

-the front bumper is very damaged and no longer aligned.

-the rear bumper has large white scuff marks in the corners

-the alignment is VERY off, leaning to the left

-when the steering wheel is turned all the way the to the left there is an audible, "ping" that comes from the right front wheel well

-there was a large piece of plastic liner that seemed to have ripped off from the undercarriage of the car

-extra ~~2,500~~ 600 miles on the odometer

I am not very familiar with what steps I need to take. All I've done so far is take pictures of the superficial damage. What course of action should I take?
Topic:
Insurance

Answer:
 Dear lord! 2,500 miles? Did they *drive* it to the middle east?Answer #2: 1. Where is the company based that handled this?
2. What type of insurance did you purchase on the transport?
3. What does the contract you signed say about incidents like this?Answer #3: Where were you located when your car was going to be shipped to the Middle East?  If you were in say, California, and the ship your car was going to go out on was on the East Coast, it could have been driven there.

Was your car a RORO?  (roll on roll off)

Did you have extra insurance on the car for the transit period?

Was the country the car was being shipped to in the Middle East one with a port?  If not, that could explain more of the mileage.

Start with the shipper, and/or your insurance company if you had a policy while the car was in transit.


Title: A friend has videos and images of me doing illegal drugs and refuses to delete them.

Question: Is there a legal way to combat this? This person will post them on social media and refuse to take them down if I ask.

Answer:
 You cannot make someone throw away or delete something that they own just because you wish they didn't own it.Answer #2: Well, you could go to the police... Oh wait. You were breaking the law.

You could sue... Oh wait, you were breaking the law.

But really, no. He took video and he owns that video.


Title: Landlord lost cheques: what's my responsibility? [ON,CAN]

Question:
This is in Ontario, Canada.

When I moved into my apartment in April, my landlord insisted on post-dated cheques for rent. I think in Ontario they're not actually allowed to require that, but I didn't care that much so I gave them to her at the end of May, for June on. (May rent was paid with a single cheque, on time.)

June's rent cheque got cashed, but then nothing. I was away for most of July and didn't notice, but the landlord never cashed July's rent and now also hasn't cashed August. I got a text from the superintendent last week asking if I was sure I had given them the cheques, because they can't find them. I am sure. The landlord appears to have misplaced my post-dated cheques.

So I guess I'm wondering how pro-active I'm required to be in resolving this. Is it okay for me to wait for them to ask before issuing replacement cheques? The money is earmarked in my account, so whenever they get their act together and cash those cheques, they will certainly clear. And they haven't asked me for replacement cheques yet, which I would be happy to issue them if asked (assuming they pay whatever stop-payment fee my bank charges me for the first set).

Am I right in thinking that, as long as they haven't yet asked for replacement cheques, I am not actually late in paying July and August rent? Do I have to follow up with the super or the landlord about it, or can I wait for them to come to me?

Answer:
 I'm not a lawyer, and I can't find reference to your specific situation in the [RTA](http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page137.aspx).  But the Act *does* say that a landlord has a right to be reimbursed for NSF charges if you bounce a cheque, so I expect you're entitled to deduct the cost of cancelling the post-dated cheques.

I'd send them a letter (keep a copy for your own files) saying (in plain English - don't go for legal jargon) that you understand they may have misplaced the cheques, and that you're happy to issue replacement cheques whenever they ask, but that you will deduct the cancellation fees from the total amount.

That way they can ask you when they've given up looking for the originals, and you don't look like you're ignoring the issue.

You *can* safely ignore the "you'll be evicted" comments here; it is much harder to evict tenants in Ontario than that and, even if your landlord tried to initiate eviction proceedings, the LTB will consider the matter resolved if you simply pay the full arrears - which obviously you're willing to do anyway.  (I also suspect the LTB would tear a new one in any landlord seeking eviction because *he* lost the cheques.)


Title: I work at a 2 person company with my boss. She has started lying about my performance and compliance with policies and accusing me of random things. There is no one else for me to go to for support.

Question:
I worked part time for my boss at a small communications firm for about 6 months, and in March she offered me a full time job. It’s a start-up, so the two of us are the only full-time employees. When it started, she didn’t realize ben have a time sheet system. I asked her for one so I could show her my hours. She also had a lot of flexible policies, saying that as long as I was in before 10am and worked my full day, she didn’t care what time I arrived. Since I like to leave work no later than 5:30, I told her I would be aiming for 9:30 and she agreed.

The past couple of weeks. something has been off. She has started worrying about the company’s finances. In that time she seems to have become a completely different person. It started with small gaslighting things, saying that I didn’t give her something she asked for when I did (and could show her that I did via email) or saying that I said something I didn’t.

This past week things escalated further. On Tuesday she was in our timesheet system and couldn’t access a code for my time off. She sent me an email about it, and at some point between her sending the email and the next morning, the code reappeared. Basically this led her into a 3.5 hour confrontation with me where she kept saying and insinuating that I did something shady with the codes and spinning out into other wild accusations and literal lies. She started saying that she has no way of knowing if I’m working the hours I say I am (I diligently track them in the timesheet system and on my calendar) , which if she leaves at 3 every day and we are the only two people....how else can I prove it? She said she was recording a “trend of me running in late” but I always take uber’s to work so I was able to pull all the receipts for my arrivals and show her I actually showed up 60% of the time early and 35% of the time within 9:30-940. The other 5% were doc appointments. I showed her this and she STILL doubled down that I was trending late, breaking policy etc.

I do my work. I meet my deadlines. I do high quality work. She admits all this. But now she is saying that because the timesheet system thing happened that I can no longer have flexible time and she will be there every day until I leave to make sure I leave on time.

I feel like this is abuse and harassment that goes beyond normal. I fear that she might be trying to get me to quit because she is feeling stressed about money. I am powerless against her because she keeps lying and asserting things even when there is evidence to the contrary. What can I do? Can I do anything? I feel legally unsafe because I have no way of knowing what she’ll accuse me of next and no way to prove the truth.

I recorded two conversations where this all took place so I have evidence of all of it. Please help.

Answer:
 The company is in financial trouble. She's in a panic.Answer #2: Continue to document everything. the worst thing that will happen is that she will fire you, which you should qualify for unemployment until you find a new job.

I personally wouldn’t deal with this, and would start looking for a new job ASAP. The nice thing is that if they do call her, all she really can say is yes, OP worked here from x to x days. If she says negative things about your work performance that are not true, she opens herself to being sued by you for false representation.Answer #3: In Washington DC, this is perfectly legal behavior. She can fire you "for showing up too late" even if you didn't show up too late. She can fire you for no reason at all or for a perfectly ridiculous reason. It is not abuse or harassment, this is normal employee-employer interaction with a boss who is off kilter.

> I feel legally unsafe because I have no way of knowing what she’ll accuse me of next and no way to prove the truth.

If you are concerned that she will accuse you of not completing your work or of not working normal hours, then the worst that can happen is you get fired. So either find a new job or keep this one until it falls apart or she goes back to normal (whichever happens first).

If you are concerned that she will accuse you of theft, assault, or some other crime and that she will be believed, (or if you are concerned that she will actually harm you) then you should probably leave immediately and find a new job. On the other hand, why would anyone outside the company believe her word over yours?


Title: New contractors have build a dirt pile so high they can look into out cathedral ceiling windows - and watched us sleep.

Question:
We are renting. We have asked that the contractor stop building up this dirt pile which they have driven their trucks up to continuously drop dirt. The problem is our cathedral ceiling has two large windows which cannot be covered, and they overlook our bed. We called our landlord and he hasn't returned the call. The contractor says too bad, but there are other places that it could be put. And the cops say they can't help.

Is this really okay? They can look in our house, watch while we sleep? My boyfriend woke up to this guy staring at us through the windows.

Ps - Rhode Island

***Edit*** I HAVE COVERED MY WINDOWS!! I slept naked and happy - thanks friends <3

Answer:
 Why not put some cling film on the window - with a design or frosting so that it covers the glass and is not permanent?

I just bought this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011L3VIMS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

because of a creepy ass neighbor.

Answer #2: Not a legal response, but just an FYI.  Sometimes if there is clay beneath the site you will "surcharge" the ground by placing a dirt pile equal in weight to the eventual building so that the settlement the building would cause happens before construction (or greater weight so that the settlement occurs faster).  If a large building is going in, the contractor may need to place the dirt in specific locations.

I'm not saying that's what's going on in your case, I'm just saying that the contractor may not have the flexibility to put the dirt pile somewhere else.Answer #3: Obvious answer: talk to the general contractor. Complain about peeping Toms. Say you'll complain to the police if they keep looking in your windows.

The contractor will not move the dirt pile - it's there for a reason - but he/she will tell workers to not look in your window.

Workers like their jobs. They'll do what the general contractor tells them to do. And general contractors don't like complications. They'll want to appease you in the quickest and simplest way possible. Answer #4: yes, it's creepy as fuck, but it's on you to close off your house. they could have built a ten story building there, and a creep rented a room. why can't you cover those windows?Answer #5: A wall hanging over those windows may be the most painless solution.


Title: Immigration Situation (KY)

Question:
I work for a barn with show horses and we are currently in Kentucky at a horse show. I am the only white and legal employee and am attending this show with four illegal Mexican grooms. Yesterday, we discovered that ICE was on grounds and a large number of grooms on the ground left in fear of being arrested and deported.

My question is this: in case ICE returns to the show grounds the remainder of the week and goes through the barns in search for illegal immigration, what can I do to help protect my coworkers? Obviously I don't want to lie to a federal agent, but I also do not want to incriminate my coworkers. What are their rights if an ICE agent approaches them? Are they required to give their name or can they remain silent? Our industry relies on these hard working immigrants and, as much as many of them love their jobs, they don't want to risk being deported by working this week.

Thanks in advance!

Answer:
 > what can I do to help protect my coworkers?

Protect them from what, the consequences of their illegal actions?  Unless you also happen to be a lawyer you can do nothing.  You are not required to answer questions from law enforcement officers and can refuse to provide any information if asked.

> What are their rights if an ICE agent approaches them?

If ICE agents suspect them of being in the country illegally they can ask for proof of legal residence or citizenship.  Legal residents are required to carry their identification with them.  Citizens may be temporarily detained until they can show proof of citizenship.

> Our industry relies on these hard working immigrants

There are plenty of ways to hire legal immigrants, or provide assistance for laborers who want to legally work in the US.

By hiring illegal immigrants your boss is breaking the law and can be subject to significant penalties.

If you take affirmative steps (beyond refusing to answer questions) to hide illegal immigrants from ICE then you may be committing a crime.


Title: [PA]Should I preemptively find a lawyer?

Question:
I'm a 40ish guy, happily married with 2 teenagers, the typical suburban home and two cars in the driveway.  My wife and I have wills, living wills and powers of attorney.  Retirement, insurance and all that stuff is well taken care of.

I have no reason to need a lawyer at the moment, however, at this point if I suddenly realized if I did I would have no idea where to go.  Everyday ten people in this sub are told to 'get a lawyer' and I realized that if that was me my best solution would be googling while stressed.

Is it a wise idea to find a lawyer before you need one, how do I do that, what am I looking for?  Do you formalize that relationship somehow, or is it just have the number of one to call (and they don't know I exist until I dial the number)?

Thanks very much!

Answer:
 Unless you are in the mob, you don't need lawyers on retainer.

You can contact your local bar association if you do need one. But, you need to know what you need one for so you get the right type. So no need to have a random lawyer on retainer for things that may never happenAnswer #2: You sound like a pretty prepared guy.  You don't need to google- I'd email the attorney who takes care of your estate planning and ask his advice.  I'd trust his direction before any johnny you find on the spot.Answer #3: Do you already have an Umbrella insurance policy?

Those typically fill any gaps in coverage and give a huge retainer in case of the very big and the very bad.  It's not a direct lawyer, but you better believe they will give you access to lawyers if anything egregious happens.

Policy pricing is typically extremely affordable.


Title: PA/US - Question about the 4th amendment and driving

Question:
So I was at a local flea market and a struck up a conversation with a vendor about amendments. He told me that if you get your lisence under the age of 18 and dont request a new one when it expires you're allowed to drive uninsured, without a title, and without an inspection. But if you got you're DL after the age of 18, or request a new on, you give up your right to do these things. He said he was in the process of reversing this and getting back those rights. I wanted to know if this was true, and if it is how can I start this process? thanks.

Edit: Learned it's BS. Am I being detained or am I free to go?
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 > He said he was in the process of reversing this and getting back those rights.

The final step of the process is him getting tazed during a routine traffic stop, shrieking "i do not consent!"Answer #2: There's a whole subculture of "Sovereign Citizen" folks who make up and share elaborate fantasies about the Constitution to justify things like not paying taxes and not getting licenses.

They are roundly derided here, and in any serious legal study.   And they never, ever, win in court.

It's fun to talk about if you're sitting around that the flea market, but it leads to non-fantasy legal trouble if you try to put it into action.Answer #3: No.


Title: Company never posts schedule more than 3 or 4 days ahead and schedules can change within days of getting the original schedule.

Question:
Long story short is in the title.
Details: I live in CA. I work for a certain garden of olives and we get out schedules every week on Thursday night for the following week starting Monday, basically a 4 day advance at best to plan the next week.

This week I received my schedule on Thursday to work mon,  Tues, wed, sat and sun the following week. The scheduling is done through an app. The following morning I check again and I have only 2 days, wed and Saturday. This is after I had already planned the following week assuming I would be working heavily in the beginning of it.

I'm aware of a CA SB 878 that defines work scheduling and it states that if a change is made to a a schedule more than 24 hours before the date of work but less than 7 days means that I'm entitled to an hour of modified pay per day modified.

It also states that an employer must provide a schedule 7 days in advance of the first work day on your schedule. For the past 2 years I've worked there it has been this Thursday 3-4 day advance system.

Do I have a right to walk into my managers office and explain to her exactly what I have explained above and demand a 7 days in advance schedule and also for 3 hours pay?

I'm not the type of guy to nitpick this shit with an employer but I've been getting nailed with this improper scheduling for a while now and I'm looking for a way to make it change long term.

Answer:
 As of last year, sb 878 died in committee and is not law. If you have a relevant cite to current CA code, I'd be happy to help you interpret it, but pending (or dead) legislation is not binding. SorryAnswer #2: >I'm aware of a CA SB 878 that defines work scheduling and it states that if a change is made to a a schedule more than 24 hours before the date of work but less than 7 days means that I'm entitled to an hour of modified pay per day modified.

So far as I can tell that was never passed.


Title: eviction in NY

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 how can tenant afford the attorney? if he loses he'll probably be ordered to pay your fees. so if he has money, you might be able to recover.

nonpayment can be very clear cut, but if T has counterclaims, it won't necessarily be a straightforward trial. like is he claiming that the conditions weren't acceptable or that you breached the lease in other ways?

tell your lawyer your concerns about costs and see what he says.

also try to reach a settlement with T before trial.


Title: My girlfriend attempted suicide and today the hospital psychiatrist wants Jo released to me and for me to take her to therapy for a while. What legal responsibility do I have if she's released to me?

Question: Edit: I'm in Iowa, the robot said you needed to know that.

Answer: Looking at your post history does her Dr. really think it would be a good idea to put her right back into the same position; neither of you working, about to get evicted, you broke up 2 months ago and she was spending all night out with other guys (even though you still lived together)? Do YOU think this would be a healthy place for her?Answer #2: Check with the psychiatrist before deciding to take it on, because there's a lot of grey area with liability for suicide, but I believe "if she attempts or you believe she will attempt call appropriate emergency services/therapist/whatever" is the bare minimum.


Title: I got a DUI citation as a minor with my permit, what’s my best course of action?

Question:
On May 31st around 9 o’clock me and my brother were pulled over on suspicious activity in the area. At first we had left the scene as the cop passed us on a 1 lane road going the opposite direction but we were eventually found and pulled over. The trooper did a FST on me to which i assumed i failed as we went to get a blood alc test directly afterwards. While the trooper was very nice he said the only reason i wouldn’t be staying in jail is because i’m a minor. Anyway, he said i would have to appear in court on June 22nd and i would probably have my license revoked. Thing is, i only have my permit but am eligible for an intermediate test when the offices open. So should i go ahead and take my test or just not because it won’t matter anyway.
Topic:
DUI

Answer: It very likely won't matter because your license will be revoked either way. The best advice we can give here is to speak with your parents regarding retaining an attorney.


Title: [UPDATE] URGENT -TX - Can my ex's father kick me out?

Question:
My original post: [My original post](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/3kt5bh/urgent_tx_can_my_exs_father_kick_me_out)

Here is where I stand.

I have found a new place and pick up the keys tomorrow. After what this has cost me, it's going to take me a while to get my things moved as I cannot necessarily afford movers right now. I understand that I have rights and had plenty of time, but I honestly can't stand to be in that house any longer as there is no running water and I do not feel safe.

So far, I have received the following from the father:

1. An Agreement to Pay Due Amounts Under Lease with a total due of $1,570, payable on 9/18/15.
2. Late notices, including myself as my ex as tenants, for July, August, and September, with a balance due of $515 plus $25 late fee for each month. He states this is the "lease agreement" he had with my ex (who legally owns the home!)
3. Multiple emails indicating that he is the owner of this property and that I am being given every legal opportunity to remain on the property, vacate the property, or be forcibly removed. (I have never refused, I simply asked for a reasonable amount of time and my ex agreed to the 30th)
4. As of yesterday, Residential Lease Application dating back to 4/1/15 at the rate of $1,200 per month. I have lived here since 2/15.
5. A Request for Employment Verification
6. A Request for Rental History

As of yesterday, it was discovered through public record, that my ex is 100% owner of this property. So, in his emails to both of us, attempting to catch up on false paperwork for his case, he has literally added the owner of the home as the tenant and has claimed that he has an agreement with her.

Yesterday, when I arrived home there was a notice from the Sheriff's office indicating that they were trying to deliver important papers to my ex. Using the case number on the notice, and more public records, I found that my ex is being sued by the county for delinquent property taxes.

I have no intentions of fighting through this as I am emotionally drained and feel like I have been bullied and retaliated again. My concern is, as of Monday he will probably be attempting to file the actual eviction. I was told by the new apartment manager that as soon as that eviction is filed I will be considered blacklisted. It looks like I'm going to have no other choice but to go to court in order to keep this off my records. I don't even want any damages.

Edit: When I said I understand I have rights and had plenty of time, what I meant was I know I have 30 days+ and didn't need to rush into an apartment before payday. But I am drained and can't stand being here as I haven't even had a chance to grieve yet. I've spent the last week and a half arguing with her parents. Not one word with her about our failed relationship.

Also, it would be impossible to get a new place with a pending eviction filed with the courts, wrongful or not, regardless of the reason. That's for the courts to decide, not a potential landlord. And that process takes months.

Answer:
 Look, tomorrow is Saturday so he won't file tomorrow.  Just leave tomorrow morning and text him that you have vacated the premises.

Don't sign any of those agreements and otherwise have no contact with him.

EDIT:  Also, in response to the email from your gf/her mom I would say "I have found a new place and am leaving tomorrow.  I will let your Dad know when I am out".  That might get things to mellow down for the next 18 hours until you are out.


Title: Landlord wants to build a fence. But they also want to raise the rent. Can they do this?

Question:
When I initially agreed to rent the duplex, the landlord said they were building a fence. When it came time to sign the lease, one of the owners said that her husband said no to the fence so they were reducing the rent by $50. It was unfortunate, but hey, $50 off wasn't bad. Now, 6 months later, they've decided to put a fence up. As much as I'd love one, I'm now not in a position to afford a rent increase. I can't find anything in the lease agreement that says they can raise rent before the lease is up. So can they?
ARKANSAS

Answer: Are you a month to month tenant or do you have a year long lease? What does your lease say the rent is (the lesser amount or the higher)?


Title: [Parking citation] No 'permit required' sign and I got a parking ticket for not having a permit... (San Diego)

Answer:
 >so I want to contest the ticket

>I had already PAID for the permit

Ok. So bring in the permit and contest the ticket. Problem solved.

(And if you pay for something that you need to prove you paid for a permit in the future? Display it PROUDLY! It will keep you from getting other tickets)


Title: Do I have the right to get out of my lease? If so, how should I approach it?

Question:
Hello,

I live in a popular city in the United States. I moved here about 3 months ago. I was originally staying in a guest house, but I had to move out because the landlord sold the property (I was warned this could happen). I was very bummed but decided to just go ahead and get my own studio apartment. I was paying week by week at the guest house... I technically could’ve stayed a week later than I did, but I wanted to save my money and put it towards a new place.

I found a nice (or so I thought) studio in a good area. Unfortunately I didn’t have more time to look, and if I did, I probably wouldn’t have moved in here. The landlord is an older man but his son handles everything and he is the one who showed me the place. At first look I really liked it. But like I said, I really rushed things and should’ve thought things through more before I signed the lease. Again, my fault.

Anyways, I wanted to move in right on July 1st. I looked at the place a few days before the 1st. The landlords son, let’s call him Jim, tells me that I can begin moving my stuff in. I am a young college aged woman - I do not have credit. He told me that’s fine & they understand & that all I will need is 1st months rent and deposit. I didn’t think that was too bad and agreed. He also kept saying how they are so good with maintenance because they are family owned, etc (which hasn’t been the case by any means). Also, I know I should’ve waited to move my stuff in until I signed a lease - this is my fault, I’m still learning. I was just anxious to get a new place. I am 2000 miles away from home.

When I moved in half of my things, he tells me that he will actually need a co-signer. My dad doesn’t have the best credit & he is the co-signer. Since his credit is bad, he tells me that I owe ANOTHER deposit. I was kind of fucked because my stuff was already moved in, so I agreed. Now below I am going to list the rest of the issues. I really want to leave and get my deposit back.

1. The first thing I said to him was I can not live without air conditioning. The windows are old antique windows that open like doors, so you can not put a window unit in them without ruining the style / look. I also prefer stand up units because they keep everything way cooler. He told me he would talk to his dad and that wouldn’t be a problem. After he got my money, he told me the air guy would be there that evening to install it. The guy never came and I didn’t hear from Jim for a week... he pretended like he had no idea that the air guy didn’t come. So the guy comes a few days later with a window unit when I specifically said I didn’t want one. I understand that some people might be fine with this and might not need air at all, good for them, but that was the first thing I said to him when I looked at the place & kept reiterating. If the layout was different maybe a window unit would be ok. When I told him that isn’t what we discussed, he said that he said he would “TRY to get a stand up unit, but didn’t make any promises”. After a lot of arguing, he finally agreed to get me one, but it didn’t come for another week. I live in a very hot state and we were in the midst of a heat wave. It was miserable.
2. I am a woman who is very small & looks very young for her age. My biggest thing is security. This complex doesn’t have much security - just a gate that you unlock. But come to find out - the gate doesn’t even have to be unlocked! It’s broken so you can just walk right in. I told him this and he didn’t believe me.
3. I liked this place because it had a full kitchen. However, the oven is very old and had a pilot light that would not turn off, making the whole kitchen extremely hot (on top of the heat wave). They removed the oven for me because it was useless - but it really sucks that I’m paying so much for rent when I don’t even have a full kitchen anymore.
4. He did not give me any information on trash service, gas, electric, etc. I had to figure it all out myself which wasn’t hard, but again, I moved here from another state and I am not familiar with this area yet. It took some digging.
5. The thing that has triggered me the most and has made me write this post, is today I found out that the first apartment when you walk in (this is a fairly small apartment building) is an airbnb! I was not made aware of this on move in.   I do not want randoms in and out of my living area. That is not ok. If you’re fine with that, great, but I didn’t even have the chance to ok it.

Sorry this is so long. I just really need advice from an outside perspective. I really want to get out of my lease with no issues and my deposits back but I don’t feel that will be the case. I don’t want my credit ruined, etc. I feel like I was taken advantage of because I’m new and young. It’s my fault, I know. I just really need advice here.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 The only legal issue here is they must replace the oven. Submit a request in writing for them to give you a new one.

In the future:

You can not demand AC, especially not a particular type. California law does not require air conditioning. Unless your lease itself guarantees it, they did not need to bring you a unit. If you do have AC and it breaks - as they are prone to doing - you must allow them a reasonable time to repair before you have remedy. This is usually around a month, but can be longer if they attempt to repair. You are not entitled to alternate accommodation or discounted rent.

The outer lock is not an issue unless the lease states it is in place, and is also only mandatory for them to repair within a reasonable timeframe if the lease does guarantee it.

It is normal for people to need to figure out utilities. You can ask for information if you are unsure, but this is perfectly normal.

Things like other units being AirBNB are not your concern and not something you have the right to control.

You may ask to be released from the contract. If they fail to replace the stove, you would be permitted to. The other issues are not ones you have any recourse for unless the lease guarantees them, and none are emergent or habitability issues.


Title: Is there anyway I can get my landlord to redo our very old, dirty kitchen after a maggot infestation?

Question:
I live in NYC queens to be exact. I just moved into this apartment in November. When I moved in one roommate had lived there for about 5 years already. It was very clear that if anyone had cleaned in the last 10-15 years it wasn’t done properly. I did everything I could to clean the place but in the end it was just a slightly less dirty version of its unkempt self. So many things I have let go in this apartment, the floor tiles literally crunching under my feet when you walk on them the fact that some surfaces just will never not be sticky. But now I’m quite done. We don’t have screens on our windows and flies have come in which is how we got the maggot infestation. Now obviously they thrive on dirty environments so me and my roommate checked everything the sink our trash and food. We found nothing. It seems to be coming from underneath the cabinets where they had come away from the floor and it was just spackled back together. Is there anyway I can force my landlord to replace the floors and cabinets if the exterminator finds that to be true? My landlord will do anything to get out of doing a job correctly. I’m sick of living like this I would rather him increase our rent then live like this.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: NAL, but I would check [this](https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/tenants_rights.pdf) out, the Tenant Rights for the State of NY.Answer #2: Health department!


Title: Brother has been stealing my medication and selling it. I'm fed up with him and my parents won't ban him from coming around. Can I get a restraining order against him to keep him away since my parents won't?

Question: I think he broke in and stole my entire bottle of Adderall while I was at the ER this morning. I have no proof he stole them other than it was either him, I blacked out and threw them in the lake, or they just disappeared. Nothing else was taken except for my pills. My parents don't believe me so they won't forbid him from being at the house. The only option I can think of is to get a restraining order so he can't be around me, but can I?

Answer:
 It would cause less strife to get a small safe for your meds.

Do you both live with your parents? Are you both adults?Answer #2: Your age and location will make a difference here.

But by your own admission, you have no evidence to support your suspicion.  It could be very hard to get a court order with no evidence.Answer #3: Short term solution:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NB1L590/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1431476310&sr=1-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=lock+box+cable&dpPl=1&dpID=51Brhurd-%2BL&ref=plSrch

Long term solution: As much as it may suck, you might have to file a police report on your brother for the stolen meds. Being a controlled substance, you do not want your meds and prescription info in the hands of a cop or user.Answer #4: Just to clarify, you are an adult, and you live in a property owned by
your parents?
The advice I always give people in your situation is that, before you
get a restraining order against a sibling, you need to realise that
there’s nothing stopping your parents from saying that they’d prefer
your brother stick around, and asking you to relocate.

You do need to think about whether your parents are on your side,
and/or whether you want them to continue to be, because legal action
between siblings usually fractures families, and it’s worth thinking
about the bridges you’re happy to burn, or not.

Practically, you can take steps to lock up medication. If that doesn’t
work, I’d involve the police, mainly to minimise the risk that your
treating physician thinks you’re selling the pills and labels you a
drug seeker.

Your primary issue in any kind of restraining order is that it appears
you don’t really have anything to show he’s a danger to you or causes
you damages to the point where the courts should be involved.


Title: How do I avoid losing my child to a hostile mother? Questionable custody evaluation in CA.

Question:
My partner took me to court over custody of our 4 year old daughter claiming sexual abuse and neglectful parenting and requested a move away to Ohio. My lawyer convinced me to agree to her demand for 24/7 nanny supervision and more money in child support to avoid a hearing so that I wouldn't run the risk of losing the established 50-50 custody during the evaluation. As soon as I signed the agreement, my partner started to do everything in her power to limit my access to my daughter and she was separated from me for about a month until I found a nanny who could work with the schedule.

During this time, my partner was aggressive, reported me to DCFS, refused to let me see or speak to my daughter during her visitation, threatened to call the police on me for visiting my daughter at school, tried to exclude me from school events, got into fights with the nanny in front of my daughter, tried to get the nanny removed, lied about her care of my daughter, and did everything in her power to portray me as an unfit parent and get my child taken away from me. She even told DCFS that one of her primary 'family goals' was to limit the time, access and influence I have on our daughter.

While I was cleared of the sexual abuse/neglect allegations, the evaluator said in his report that if he was forced to make a decision on the move away request, that he would 'reluctantly' choose my partner over me. He made this decision based almost entirely on our parenting styles, saying that my partner provided more structure and better boundaries. It is clear from the report that he believes it would be best for my daughter if she stayed and we shared custody, but he completely ignored many of the behaviors I documented and chose instead to focus almost exclusively on our respective parenting skills to make his recommendations.

At this point I'm not sure what to do. Is this case over because of the evaluator's recommendation or do I still have a chance for a judge to deny her move away request based on her behavior and stated desire to remove me from my daughter's life?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: No one can guess what the judge will do with the evaluation. Your attorney might have a better read on the judges feelings about your car


Title: If by a preponderance of the evidence it could be shown that a judge was colluding with his appointed fiduciary, is that a good start can that begin the basis for a civil RICO action.

Question:
there's obviously a lot of details that can be added to the obviousness of the situation but I'm just trying to see if it would survive a Civ R. 12 (b)(6) motion.
There was enough to make it worth their while. The assumption has to be made that the facts are true as they are presented. Local atty's won't engage due to the power structure involved.

Answer: Yes, no, or maybe.


Title: Car Accident (CT. USA)

Question: Removed.

Answer:
 I am a CT PI attorney.

Just report this to your insurance company and, yes, make a police report.

If she was not hurt (or if she is not willing to pretend she is hurt) it is unlikely you will hear any more about the case after your insurance is notified.  You may get a letter from an attorneys office that asks you to forward it to your insurance.  Do that if you get such a letter.

If she sues you in small claims by herself, forward that to your insurance as well.

You will be fine.  At least no one was seriously hurt.

BTW, you demonstrate some fault for this accident... you said "I knew what she was trying to pull" and that this was a common problem so you appear to have anticipated her doing what she did.  I wouldnt put all the blame on her.


Title: [BC, Canada] I wrote the copyright year wrong when attributing someone else's work. How catastrophic is this mistake?

Question:
When making a website for a project of mine, I used a piece of writing that one of the other group members wrote and sent me in one of the pages, and for the copyright notice I accidentally wrote "Copyright (c) 2016 (Group Member's Name)" when the copyright year should have been 2017.

However, I had pushed the change to Github and have made *many* more commits after it. In fact I am not even using that piece of writing in the current version of my website anymore, and I only discovered the mistake when I went to edit the code for that page.

Is this breaking copyright law? What is the worst thing that can happen to me and/or the project if I leave the erroneous copyright notice in the Github commit history? I am new to Github and don't really know how to rebase so I would prefer to avoid changing it in my git history if it is legal to leave it.

Answer: Its not catastrophic at all.


Title: Under what circumstances do the police seize one’s Google search history?

Question: Obviously, this would be seized if it seemed as though the history was tied to the case directly, but my question is if the police will do this to grasp at straws. As in, they do it as a hunch to gather more evidence because they lack it. Do they need just cause in order to do this or can they just do it if they want to?

Answer: To the best of my knowledge they don't get a warrant specifically to get your search history. They'll get a warrant for your computer and then search history is just a part of searching through the computerAnswer #2: [There may be a really good reason for the question.](https://imgur.com/gallery/yKs2dYR)


Title: [OH] SO's ex is demanding his mom have visitation rights.

Question:
My SO has been being harassed with massages concerning her child with an ex and his mother. She has a 1 year old child with her ex boyfriend, and they never married. There was a span of 4 months where the father made no effort to even contact her about their child. Finally, he sought visitation. They have never gone to court for custody, but have a verbal agreement (in text messages for proof) of him seeing him from Saturday afternoon to Sunday evening.

They agreed upon these times because he works until 12:30-1am Friday nights (Saturday mornings). Now he is demanding his mother get his child Friday nights, until he gets off work to pick him up. She doesn't have a good relationship with his mom, and doesn't feel comfortable allowing her to pick up their child. He is threatening legal action by saying she isn't being cooperative for not letting his mom pick up the child for his visitation, even though he's working.

Our question is what rights does she have in saying no to his mom picking him up. Would courts agree on our behalf that his visitation shouldn't begin while he is incapable of physically being their until Saturday morning when the child wakes up. And are there actions we can take in advance of possible court action.

Answer:
 > been being harassed with massages concerning her child with an ex and his mother.

PHRASING.

Family law can be a weird beast because a judge has large latitude to make decisions in the best interest of the child.

That said, with both parents in the picture a grandparent generally doesn't have rights, and if dude is working I don't see him successfully arguing this is necessary visitation.

but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Talking to a RL, in person lawyer and getting a formal custody agreement wouldn't be a bad idea, particularly if he's threatening to go to court. Answer #2: Your SO would be well advised to talk to a family law specialist and find out a more formalized custodial arrangement. This would be ideal to lay out visitation, child support (if any), who can be around their child, any care arrangements, and whatnot. The state bar association can provide a referral for a qualified attorney.

She ought to start the ball rolling. If he's making demands, she'll be in a stronger position.Answer #3: If your SO can't afford to get a lawyer, check around for a low income legal aid. She is going to want the court to get this ironed out.
Without a court order in some states he has just as much rights to the child as she does(not sure if Ohio is one of the very few states who presume full custody to an unwed mother) and he could withhold the child from her if he figured this out. She really needs to get this done through the courts to protect herself.
She doesn't have to give the child to the mother(or him) without a court order.


Title: What does an employer actually see on a criminal background check?

Question:
Will they only see the offense, or will they get a detailed description of what took place?

Pennsylvania
Topic:
Background Checks and Expungements

Answer:
 There is no standardized "criminal background check", it is just a general term for looking into someone's background, so what comes back on the check depends on what they choose to look at.  Police records and court records are usually public documents, so, if your employer chooses to look into things, they can probably find what took place.  Answer #2: > Will they only see the offense, or will they get a detailed description of what took place?

The standard criminal records show arrests, charges, and outcomes.  No details.

They can likely get the details from the police or courts, if they want.


Title: (CA) Sued after car accident 2 years ago. Should I get my own attorney?

Question: The car in front suddenly stopped. I rear ended him. I was still found to be the one at fault because it came down to his word against mine and I didn't have video or anything proving otherwise. The other driver walked out just fine, and there were no X-rays or anything done because he claimed no injury. That was 2 years ago. Now he's suing me and my insurance for personal injury, claiming his back was damaged and he has to have spinal surgery. He is also claiming wages and emotional damage for his wife because she's had to take care of him. All of this amounts to over $600,000(250k for the spinal surgery alone). My insurance refused his claim and it's going to trial. The insurance provided a lawyer but should I get my own attorney? My insurance lawyer seems unconcerned but the letter this guys lawyers have been sending me are alarming and the communication between his and mine have hiccups(my lawyers claiming there's no medical records or X-rays, his lawyers claiming a letter from a surgeon was sent). I just don't know what to believe or do at this point. Has anyone else been sued to this extent? Is there anything I can do? Thank you.

Answer:
 > The car in front suddenly stopped. I rear ended him. I was still found to be the one at fault because it came down to his word against mine and I didn't have video or anything proving otherwise.

Honestly, you were found to be at fault because you were following too closely and were travelling too fast for conditions. By definition, if you were traveling at an appropriate speed and distance, you would have been able to stop without hitting the car ahead of you, even if they stopped suddenly.

> The insurance provided a lawyer but should I get my own attorney?

Why would you? Your insurance company provided you with a lawyer. That is what they are supposed to do and why you pay insurance.

Ignore the communication with the other attorney, and ***never*** take legal advice from the other side. Listen to your own attorney.

> Is there anything I can do?

Let your attorney handle it. That is what they are paid to do. It is out of your hands.


Title: Breastfeeding public school teacher

Question:
Hello LA,

My wife is an elementary public school teacher on Virginia. When she needs to pump while at school, she is worried she will not have time or be allowed to. She has a 25 minute lunch and a short "specials" time where her kids are in gym etc. These are not ample times to do the pumping she may need.

As far as we know, the school provides no location nor time to allow for women to pump. From looking up the laws myself it said they are supposed to provide both unpaid time and location to do this. Any thoughts?

Answer: Has she talked to her principal?Answer #2: Knowing Virginia schools, its possible they just forgot and will be extremely embarassed when you remind them.


Title: (CA and MN, USA) My father's gf is convincing him to forgo treatment for brain cancer in favor of a Navajo spiritual healer. His health is declining in various ways. Can this be considered his gf causing harm to him?

Question:
This is complicated, so please stick with me.

2007: Father (55), living with my family in Minnesota. Diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in his frontal lobe. Got it removed, miraculously survived with minimal complications.

2016: Living in California as a very different person with a girlfriend whom he believes "sees the devil" and possesses psychic abilities. She actively warns him about my mother, my sister, and myself doing spiritual harm to him.

My father has forgone (about a year now) the MRIs and regular check ups to instead visit a Navajo spiritual healer. His gf explained to him that this healer was told at the age of 13 that he would be meeting my father later on and needed to prepare. The healer is also 9,000 years old... So my father now stands on his head, once a week I believe, while holding some unknown powder in his mouth.

He has complained of heart issues (of what nature, I am unsure) along with some other various conditions. I believe his migranes will return if this continues. The cancer is in remission (since 2007), I fear for him.

So, what can I do for him in California from Minnesota? Can this be interpreted as his gf actively doing harm to him? Do I have any options?

Answer:
 Is he competent to make his own decisions? If so, he can make his own decisions, even if they are stupid decisions that will hasten his death.

Get a medical opinion as to whether he's competent. If not, you may want to talk to a lawyer about whether you should sue to establish guardianship. That's a major step, not to be undertaken lightly, and it may well ruin your relationship with him in the short term.


Title: Tampa woman flipping puppies with Parvo Virus. Need help getting justice.

Question:
Last week my wife and I adopted a puppy from a woman on craigslist (hold the comments, I know I know). She told me the puppy was a breed from her own dogs and was an accident litter before they were fixed. She told me via text that the puppy had his shot records. We spent the day talking and agreed to meet up outside a Walmart Marketplace. She showed up with a guy and the car reeked of pot (I don't hate on the green, but just adding facts). She told me the puppy had shots from Boyette Animal Hospital, I called them the next day but they told me they couldn't release records without the owner's permission.

2 days later we bonded with the puppy, named him Leo. My 3 sons fell in love with Leo, he was part of our family. I say was. He died at the vet's office on Sunday.

The vet said the puppy had a massive parasite infestation and late stage parvo, he said it was present for weeks and no matter what treatment we gave, he'd die in pain. We put him to sleep after spending the last dollars in our health savings account.

My wife put up a warning post on Craigslist, she was contacted by another victim of this woman who called herself Ashleigh. This was not her real name. The person that contacted her was also sold a puppy who soon after died, and was friends previously with this woman. We were given her real name and mug shots for dealing in stolen property and fraud.

I did try and contact the woman, she hung up on me.

I searched the Florida DOC website and found her probation officer and called, but they won't do anything without charges, even the pot was hearsay.

I contacted animal control, they said the law was 100% broken as the puppy was sold without health records, and fraud due to me having text messages with her giving a fake name and saying they had health records.

What else can I do here folks? I'm not letting this one go, I need to do this for the others who had parts of their heart ripped out, and for Leo.

Another victim contacted us and said she took dogs from them and bred them even though they were in bad health. Getting more info as they send it to me.

I need help, please help me find justice.

Answer:
 >I contacted animal control, they said the law was 100% broken as the puppy was sold without health records, and fraud due to me having text messages with her giving a fake name and saying they had health records.

call the cops ASAP, and see if the other victim will do the same.


Title: Accused of Bank fraud?

Question:
Hello,

&#x200B;

We're in a bit of a pickle. In retrospect I can see how this may be suspicious, but I swear there was no mal intent and this is all a huge terrible coincidence.

I'll use fake names for simplicity. John has a son Dave. Dave is in grad school on the other side of the country trying to buy/rent a new house in an expensive big city and have John move with him. The plan is to sell the house in the midwest and move to New York city. The house needs a lot of work to be sold including a new roof and new appliances etc. John does not have the cash for this, so  John applies for a number of loans. John also files a claim with his insurance to get the roof replaced which costs >12K and hopes to get money from loans to replace appliances and help son Dave put 3 months rent down and moving costs. John also talks to several people about buying the house as is. Different people offer to put money down as earnest money etc. John is expecting money from the insurance for the roof. The next week, John would check his account randomly to see that there was a 20K deposit to his checking account. The wire signature shows that it's from a real estate company. There were a number of loans that he applied to and he didn't necessarily know what source the roof money was coming from or if it would be a check or direct deposit etc. There was a question that maybe this was a deposit from a potential buyer for the house? Unclear source. Dave and John attempt to contact the real estate company which has a legitimate website and phone number. They leave messages with no return. They think, ok this money must be from one of these sources, so it will likely come to light soon. They genuinely think the money was meant for John's account, just not sure what source it was coming from. So John transfers Dave 12K to help with affording the 3 months rent and moving costs and then pays the roof guy for the roof. Talks about selling the house continue and a contract is made to sell the house only to fall apart in a few weeks right at the last second. Now a month has gone by since this deposit and nothing has come of it or been brought to John's attention.  Even so, John and Dave grew suspicious that there could be something fishy going on so they made sure they had 20K in the event that the money wasn't meant for us and had to be paid back. Now a week later John is at the store and his card gets rejected. He calls the bank who tells him his accounts are frozen and there's no information about it because the account was listed as "restricted" and he's given a number to call at the fraud department. It seems that John is now being accused of wire fraud. The bank said they had accidentally deposited into John's account which was meant for someone else, they accused John of spending the money and not reporting the transfer and said he's under investigation.

Looking for recommendation on how to proceed. While the deposit was not reported to the bank, it was a deposit that made sense in their situation and they figured if it was something not meant for them they would certainly hear about it. So it wasn't really on the radar to report it to the bank. The money was transferred for honest reasons, to help Dave (son) move to a new city. The money was not actually ever spent because they were waiting to verify its source. Attempts were made to contact the company who made the deposit with no luck.

They understand where the bank is coming from, but they did not steal any money. The money is readily available to be paid back. They've had an account with this bank for 30 + years. The bank made an incorrect deposit which by some miracle was from a real estate company that buys and sells homes as is, just like the companies we were dealing with. Is there a risk of John being in trouble here? These were convenient accidents on the bank and John's part, and John is fully cooperative to pay the money back. Do you think John could go to prison for this? Should John get an attorney, if so what kind? (John doesn't have money for an attorney anyway). John and Dave are as kind and innocent as they come and would never steal or commit a federal felony such as wire fraud. Just a shitty situation. Looking for advice on how to proceed.

&#x200B;

\*\*\*Summary: Bank made deposit to the wrong account conveniently when that account was expecting a similar amount of money. Money was transferred to son's account but not spent. Bank now accusing father of fraud and froze bank accounts. Can this issue be solved by paying back the money and explaining the situation? Or can the father face prison time for something this ridiculous? Thank you

Answer:
 The bank did not make an incorrect deposit.

Your idiot friends fell for a very common scam.  They applied for loans online and gave the scammers their bank information.  The scammers have a side business going on where they hack and impersonate title companies, realtors, and real estate agents' emails, and send the buyers updated bank information with, in this case, your idiot friends' information.

The sender has realized they were tricked by the scammer, and notified their bank that the transaction was fraudulent.  That bank in turn notified the receiving bank, who is taking action to recover the funds.

Your idiot friends are complicit in the fraud, they spent the money.  Honestly, how many loans does one apply for that they can't keep track of where money is coming from?

So yeah, they should get a lawyer.  Their information can and should be subpeoned for a lawsuit to get the funds back.


Title: Can a business owner require an employee to install an application on their personal device for the security purpose of 2 factor authentication?

Question:
We set up Duo for remote server access. An employee does not want to install the Duo application used for 2 factor authentication on their phone because they don't want anything work related on their personal device. Can the business owner require that they install the application? They are an hourly employee.

Note: I am not the business owner. This is in California.
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer: Duo has other options if the user does not want to use a mobile device.  We use Duo where I work and some people use dongles. Answer #2: Pay the $5 or whatever to get them a dongle. It'll save you a lot in legal fees arguing about this.


Title: [CA] school Truancy court and SARB, how to slow them down?

Question:
Ive been skipping school for 5 months now and they finally kicked me out via SARB.{School Attendance Review Board}  My single parent hasn't attended the first sarb meeting. However no court date has been made yet. Im about 17 years old and have 10 months left of compulsory education . I have an iep and documents saying that im disabled and autistic  and have an iq of 55. If the court date happens, how do i slow them down? do i just act stupid? Btw i can't go to school its about 3 miles away.
Note that no real legal action has happened yet besides the first sarb meeting my parents and i did not attend. My parent can afford the fines  over a few months but i'l cause him to hate my guts. Not a good thing for a person soon to be 18 years old.
Is it still possible for me to wait it out undetected? Or after the first sarb they go after you and notify the courts and their hunting dogs?  Note that the school district isn't closest to home.
This is in the bay area. The school area isn't ultra ghetto like LA

Answer:
 >Btw i can't go to school its about 3 miles away.

 You can't...you know, do what everyone else who is (subjectively) out of walking range does?

>My parent can afford the fines over a few months but i'l cause him to hate my guts. Not a good thing for a person soon to be 18 years old.

 Then they should send you to school.

>The school area isn't ultra ghetto like LA

 ...Okay?