Title: If I ate something that I found in my shared apartment (3 roommates) did I at any time posess that object?

Question:
May or may not have eaten a pot cookie that i found i my apartment, stupidly talked about the reason i am skipping class with my professor and then that professor notified the university. Our student code of conduct says Manufacturing, distributing, buying, selling, offering for sale, or possessing any illegal drug or narcotic including:  anabolic steroids, barbiturates, hallucinogens, amphetamines, cocaine, opium, heroin, or marijuana.  Proper use of substances as prescribed to a student by a physician is exempt.

Edit: Turns out she was just fucking with me. Fucking hate April fools day.

Answer:
 Yes.

You possessed it when you picked it up.

You possessed it when you took each bite.

And you ABSOLUTELY possessed it when it existed wholly within the boundaries of your physical being.


Title: I touched a girl's knee and she got extremely upset, I'm scared about sexual assault charges or getting kicked out of school

Question: I was at a party last night and I knew this girl there. I matched with her on tinder but it never went anywhere. I've seen her at a few parties and I just talked with her. The time I saw her she just kept calling me gay and stuff and I didn't really enjoy it so I really didn't want to talk to her after that. Anyway last night I saw her again. She was sitting on the arm of a couch. I tried to stay away from her because I feel like she doesn't like me. Anyway probably 3 hours after I see her I'm talking to someone right next to her and we make eye contact so I say hi to her. I put my hand on her knee. She didn't say anything at the time. I did try to hold her hand. Her and this girl kept holding hands with her and I was making a dumb joke. But I didn't think anything of it. I stop talking to them about 5 minutes after I started talking to them. Then I saw she messaged me on snapchat. Then today she screenshotted the chat. I'm wondering if she's going to use it against  me or something. Here's pictures of the chats: [https://imgur.com/a/5Ba0T4c](https://imgur.com/a/5Ba0T4c) . It starts with her telling me to talk to her in the beginning I didn't see that for about 3 hours. I thought maybe she did want to talk to me after I read that. But in the end she's really mad at me. I don't know if it was something I said. I'm just sick right now. I'm a senior in college and I feel like say could say anything and it could ruin my life.

Answer:
 >I tried to stay away from her because I feel like she doesn't like me.

Yet you thought it was appropriate to place your hand on the woman's knee and try to hold her hand.  Leave her alone and hope nothing comes of this.


Title: Listing house for sale this week. Agents tree trimmer went nuts.

Question:
Our agent wanted us to feather our trees. She scheduled her gentle "arborist", met him and gave him direction. Then she left. When she came back years of growth and privacy are gone. She is very upset about it. Tree is still there. It will fill back and and grow back, but it will be years.

My husband is not a fan of conflict and honestly I just want to sell this place. But we're heartbroken and it killed the vibe of our curb appeal and privacy factor for the front of the house. We are very close to a street.

Painful lesson for the agent. Unknown damage for us. I don't think there is anything we can do, but we got screwed. Thoughts?

Location: Southern California & a hot real estate market.

*Update: I asked my agent to fix our curb appeal and/or plant some trees. She's agreed and we're going shopping tomorrow for shrubs to fill in the holes created by the loss of the width of our trees. Listing the house will be pushed back a week. This is OK with us because we don't want to delay the sale, just needed some curb appeal remedied.

Answer:
 Two options.

A) Ask the agent for a discounted fee
B) Get a new agent

I would chose B and be rid of that moron before the sale. Answer #2: **Liability:** Liability here may fall upon the agent, the arborist, or both. The arborist will likely only be found liable if he did not follow the instructions of the agent or otherwise both knew of your desires and went against them.

The agent may be liable if (1) a reasonable agent would have stayed to confirm the arborist was acting as intended and/or (2) the actions and instructions of the agent by hiring the arborist were unreasonable. Part (2) would require a showing that the typical agent would not have hired the arborist or instructed the arborist the way your agent did. This is a business decision, so if the agent can show they had a good faith belief the actions would help your property value, they likely would not be held liable.

**Damages:** Damages will be either the value of the trees lost, or the difference between what the property would have sold for before the trees were cut and what it actually sold for. Either way, you will have to hire an expert witness to prove damages.

**Note:** The above analysis is a general analysis based upon general contract and tort law. It does not contain any California specific provisions.


Title: Herpes Disclosure ( FL)

Question:
I know you guys are probably tired of seeing these, but I am more trying to understand the law and what to do. I'm going to try my best to be precise, because the law is confusing me rn.

1. I have had cold sores when I was like 14. That means I've had HSV1 from then till now.

2. I asked for a "everything" last year from my doctor in 2016. I specifically explained how me and my girlfriend were both getting tested, and we were trying to do this to be adults/mature.

3. Fast forward 2017, I got another full panel out of simple paranoia. (Saw some people acting sketchy in a club, didnt even participate) Yesterday I had a talk with my doctor about why, and he said "we usually dont test because its so prevalent." And told me not to worry about it. I asked him "do I need to be telling anyone?" and he said "No, dont worry about it."

4. The law in FL (iirc) states that I must tell someone if I have genital herpes, but I only have the oral kind. But after looking stuff up I keep hearing that I could give someone GHSV1 from HSV1, if they dont have it. But I dont have GHSV1 myself, and I am in the majority of the Americans that have the normal old cold sores. (but medically speaking these are the same thing!)*

So I am confused. Im mad because I asked for everything under the sun last year, but only this year they did it. I do not have noticeable outbreaks and I only had the one when I was younger. It's to the point that I don't remember what even an outbreak looks like and when I read the symptoms of it, I cant imagine how that feels because they dont happen to me in my adult life. And I went to the doctor this week because of a totally different issue not related to sex (weight loss), but since I was there and paranoid I was like why not? It's only 15 bucks anyways.

http://www.herpessupport.us/2016/09/transmitting-herpes-criminal-laws.html

I keep reading stuff like this that is conflicting to me.

>"**As a general rule, no, you do not have an obligation to tell your partner if you have herpes**. There aren’t any federal or state laws making it illegal for you to not tell a partner about herpes you may have. "

>**If you have herpes, you need to be up front about it.** Let the person you are interested in make the decision about whether you are right or wrong for them.

So what the fuck do I do? I've been donating blood, donating sperm, getting checked up on a regular basis and I've asked him for a "Everything" before and they usually rattle off some list. I'm not trying to say this is not my fault - but I asked them last year for everything and they didnt test it, nor tried to explain to me anything about hsv1. But apparently they decided to now. I'm more upset at my doctor, but after reading stuff from the CDC I could see why he doesnt care.

To be honest, my thoughts are this. The numbers for the amount of people having what I have (coldsores/hsv1) is absolutely staggering. I am in the majority of americans, so I will be safe, and out of the sexual partners I've had, no ones ever came back to me and said "hey you gave me herpes." All of my GF's I went down on. (remember I only recently got this notification of hsv1 this week)

This stuff seems to contradictory to me and I dont want to end up in jail. I feel like it was better for them not to tell me. It's like I have to disclose to people now that "hey I get sick like a normal person."

I think the best thing to do when I'm looking for a serious relationship is say "hey do you get cold sores when you're sick? Have you ever gotten them?" If no explain that I do and let that be that.

For casual sex, I'm simply gonna say I don't go down and you dont have to go down on me. If she asks why then I'll mention that I got cold sores when I was 14.

I feel like im over thinking all this and I should just do what my doctor says, but I'm not going to lie, the stuff I'm reading is confusing and doesnt make sense. It's like its placing a burden on me or something that most people in the world already have.

EDIT: made an edit to #4

Answer:
 I think you are really over thinking this. As long as you are not actively giving oral sex whilst having an outbreak I don't think you need to worry. I've been with my OH for 3 years. I've had 2 outbreaks in that time and he has not caught it, because I generally avoid any sexual interaction whilst having an outbreak. I dont think you don't need to disclose it unless you're having an outbreak so that the person you're with can make an informed decision.

As a child I used to get cold sore at least once a year, usually after a holiday or long flight. I then went a long period of not having a breakout  think 10+ years. Then out of nowhere I got one again. My mum actually gets one about once a year as a direct result of having a cold (they appear on her nose). I have friends who can get them when they are under extreme stress.

I'd say the key is knowing what it feels like when you have one forming and taking the appropriate action ( creams, cold sore plasters etc.)
Answer #2: r/herpes often has good discussions on whether or not oral HSV 1 needs to be disclosed.


Title: Can an employer sue a salaried employee for working on side business while at work? USA, FL

Question:
I'm watching the show Silicon Valley (again) and a part in it got me nervous about my own situation.  I know it's a TV show but it honestly seems plausible so please be nice about my naivety.

I'm a salaried employee at a company but have a side business LLC with some other partners. Sometimes, I'll use the computer at my employer to do work on my side business because it's an incredibly powerful computer and the side business can't justify one right now. Can the employer sue me? Can they sue the side business? I'm going to be leaving the employer soon and fear he would be the type to do this sort of thing if he found any evidence. Needless to say, I'll do my best to remove any evidence but there's way too much unorganized data on all the hard drives for me to be confident I got everything.

Thanks!

Answer:
 If you use your employer's resources for your side business - they may have a claim to the assets you create/work on using their computers; especially if you're doing it on their time.

Even if it wasn't on their time, the fact that you're using their resources is very problematic.Answer #2: This is really dumb why would you use company assets to try and further your own private company? They can sue you and they might have claim over everything that was used with their assets.Answer #3: Yes, they will have a valid claim to what you created in their property while being paid by them. If you look at your employee handbook it may explicitly say this. It was a very bad choice.

> Needless to say, I'll do my best to remove any evidence but there's way too much unorganized data on all the hard drives for me to be confident I got everything.

Double-down by attempting to destroy company property to cover it up? Not a great idea.


Title: What are steps for revoking a power of attorney from parents over their adult child. Is there a precedent for parents to have power of attorney over their adult children?

Question:
Situation:

My parents have a fairly broad durable power of attorney over me, signed in the U.S. state of OR. It's broad enough to give them the ability to sign for me in almost any situation. The reason they asked me to sign the power of attorney a few years ago when I reached age of majority was so that they could continue to conduct the family business, of which I am an owner (in name only), while I was away at school. I may need to revoke this power of attorney in the future, but it might be difficult to do so through them or their attorneys if they don't want it revoked, so I'd like to have a way to make sure I can revoke it on my own. I'm age of majority, but not yet financially independent, so getting my own attorney doesn't seem to be an option at this point. There's also potential family drama that is out of scope of this post.

Questions:

* Is there a precedent for power of attorney of parents over their non-minor children? In other words, does it seem odd that parents would have power of attorney over their adult non-disabled children, or is this standard?
* How could such a power of attorney be abused? Examples I'm able to think of include accessing bank accounts opened in my name only, or accessing medical information or making medical decisions without my knowledge.
* Is it sufficient to use a Power of Attorney revocation form from the internet? Any recommendations?
   * what are some possible hurdles to this approach?
   * Could this approach potentially be considered illegitimate?
* Is there a process I should be aware of? Currently my understanding is that to revoke a power of attorney the form needs to be signed and given to the attorney-in-fact, following which they are required to destroy their copies of the power of attorney and notify anyone with whom they used the power of attorney to sign for me.
   * Are witnesses or public notaries necessary in this process? In what parts of the process should they be involved? How would I find such a person if they are needed?
* If applicable, what general advice do you have for navigating the legal aspects of this situation?

Answer:
 > I'd like to have a way to make sure I can revoke it on my own.

There's nothing special required. All you have to do is communicate the revocation to them and to anyone who would rely on the POA. It would be best to use a signed writing so there's a clear record of when you revoked it.


Title: Emotional support animal denied at church in Hawaii

Question:
I have an emotional support animal, a dog, and she’s a good girl.  She has all her paperwork including doctor letters saying I need her with me.

My church has decided to have a no animals policy after supposedly someone else’s ESA dogs were aggressive.  They have banned all animals even service animals.  Is this legal?

Separately I go to a support group run by another organization at that church. They just rent the space from the church and are otherwise unaffiliated and they have decided to also ban animals.  What are the laws here?

Answer:
 ESA's have no protections outside of housing as defined by the FHA.

You have no right to bring your ESA to church.Answer #2: They generally have to allow actual real service animals. They do not need to allow any ESAs.Answer #3: ESA animals aren't the same as service animals.


Title: (Maryland) Does this letter carry any legal weight and do I need to respond to it?

Question: [removed]

Answer: Generally [perjury](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1621) is only a thing if you've taken an oath before a tribunal of some sort and then lied. Legally speaking you should be safe to respond with a "I have reviewed my contract and don't believe I have done anything that would put me in breach. If you can be more specific as to what you think I've done I would appreciate it".


Title: My reckless son gave his employer a forged social security card

Question: Kid lost his actual card. Instead of getting a new one he forged one by downloading a blank social security card template off the internet and printing his name and number over it with a word processor. Then he printed it out and passed it off to his job as a scanned copy of his actual card. He's telling me now that he regrets doing it and is feeling really anxious about being found out and getting in trouble. What advice should I give him? He's an honest guy. I think he was just very happy to get the job offer and was eager to start working.

Answer: It actually should not be a problem, as the employer did not need the card itself, but the number so his withholdings are appropriately tabulated. He should absolutely get a proper replacement and destroy the fake He should know that forging government documents may be a felony, so there's that.


Title: Marijuana DUI in Arizona

Question:
Yesterday I was pulled over for having a broken headlight and the officer smelled weed in the car. I was driving a friend's car and we smoked a few hours prior to the encounter. I stayed honest with the officer and was asked to complete a sobriety test to which the officer said I did not pass. I was taken to get my blood tested at the station and was released later that night.

As of now, I'm wondering what the consequences may be if I am charged and if there is any way I can build a case on the fact that I had just talked to my psychiatrist and am in the process of recieving a medical marijuana card and that there was nothing conserning my actual driving itself that caused the officer to pull me over. I'm 19 years old and I'm really scared. Is this going to affect me for the rest of my life?

Answer:
 It doesn't matter if the marijuana was "legally" used or not.

If the officer can show evidence that you were impaired, you can be convicted of DWI based on that evidence.

You need a lawyer.


Title: CA - Landlord's wife threw away my rent check, which was a money order. Am I on the hook?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Pro-Tip: use postal money orders with signature confirmation from here on out. It's much easier to get replaced if lost or stolen (pay $6 and show receipt and they immediately issue a new money order) and they actually have teeth if people try to jerk you around.


Title: Reverse vasectomy trap

Question: Hypothetical: I am a rich old man in a nursing home. I had a vasectomy and am sterile. I convince multiple nurses into having unprotected sex in order to impregnate and leave my fortune. Nurses will never get pregnant. Legal repercussions?

Answer: For reasons totally unrelated to the law, this would never work


Title: Can I Throw A Rock At A Car That's Following Me As I Jog?

Question:
As I was jogging last night, I noticed a silver truck backing up in my direction as I crossed the street. It kept backing up, like it was going to hit me, although I was far away from it as I crossed but the guy just kept going back more. Then I realized it was intentional. The driver started following me very slowly from behind, not talking to me but staring at me as I walked, like he WANTED me to make eye contact with him or initiate a conversation. He followed for a good 4 blocks and I was trying to act like he didn't intimidate me and kept walking at a normal pace with my face straight but I was angry and considered protecting myself by throwing a rock at his windshield, breaking it, and screaming for help. I was worried that might backfire so I didn't, as I don't know if I have to pay for it later.
I was jogging in avenues that only have houses so there is nowhere to run for a good 10 blocks if someone is being an asshole and following me, I had to keep walking until I reached the avenue where all the stores are. As I was just about to call 911, he left. My question is, if this happens again, can I throw a heavy rock at his windshield to try and break it if he keeps following me? That way, I can distract him and make a run for it if I need to. His car is shiny and new and he obviously takes care if it. My stomach was in knots all night because of how angry and scared I was. Please let me know what I can do.

Answer: No you cannot. Hitting a vehicle with a rock does not qualify as self defense, that's vandalism. Answer #2: No, you may not throw a heavy rock to warm him off. You can call 911. You can turn around and run. You can duck into a building. But you can not be an aggressor and escalate an already iffy situation by causing property damage.


Title: (USA) Family has a manipulative 15 year old daughter who is ruining their lives.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >Tonight her grandfather held her down and took her phone as she was acting out

That seems like a... disproportionate response to what I consider "acting out". Was she being physically violent?


Title: I am just visiting Toronto and received a $155 ticket f or not having proof of payment on a bus. If i ignore the ticket what is likely to occur?

Answer:
 The TTC will send your fine to collections if not paid. However this depends on having obtained your actual mailing address.

TTC has a huge problem enforcing payment fines since a lot of the people who ditch are homeless or just give a false address.

edit: pay the damn ticket. Unless you can somehow convince me that you legitimately thought Toronto transit was free.


Title: [TX] - Girl I was living with and leased with quit her job, stopped paying rent, and refuses to pay any back rent

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Yes, you can sue her for her half of the rent. You would have to prove that an agreement existed between you, but that should be simple enough considering her prior payments.

You're still obligated to pay the landlord the full amount, regardless of what you may be able to recover from the roommate.Answer #2: Take her to small claims court. That is pretty much the only way that you can try to get your money legally. The limit in Texas is $10k, so your $7k claim will be allowed.

About her claim that you assaulted her.... cut off all contact with her. Period. No calls, no email, no texts, no IRL contact. Nothing. If she claims it and the police investigate, get yourself an attorney. Nothing else you can do.

Prior to filing a small claims, you might want to send her a certified return receipt letter asking for (and itemizing) the money that she owes you. Give her some amount of time -- *30 days would probably be enough* -- to pay you back. If she doesn't, then file in small claims.

As $7000 is quite a bit of money, you might want to spend a few hundred dollars and hire an attorney for an hour or two of his time to have him/her draft that letter (a letter from an attorney would carry more weight and is more intimidating), and to give you an idea of what you will need to do to proceed in small claims court. You can also discuss with him/her about your roommate's threat of claiming an assault. Your attorney can give you advice about that and decide whether or not to include her threats that in the letter.

Good luck.


Title: I think my roommate opened my mail

Question:
I just got back from a month long national guard training and did the typical thing I do when I get back, sort through my mail and get bills in order. Except this time I had very personal legal mail opened and stuffed into my mailbox (cubby type thing in our kitchen) letters and bills removed and all, not even returned into the envelope.

Question is what can I do, if anything? I feel so violated, and pissed off. We’ve lived together for a long while and I’ve always trusted this guy, but I know he does go through ex roommates mail after they leave to make fun of them.

Answer: Tell him this is a felony and you're thinking of reporting him. Then get a p.o. box.


Title: Someone built a dirt road through my grandparent's property

Question:
My grandparents inherited a tract of about 5 acres recorded in rural metes and bounds back in the 1970s. The land is located in rural Perry County Arkansas. Looking at the deed, there is no instrument number referenced granting anyone ingress/egress through their property from the highway.

I was wondering what legal recourse they may have now that they are trying to sell the land?

Answer: Depends on a lot of factors. How long has the road been there? How long have they known about it? Who uses and why? There best bet is to contact a real estate attorney. The use of the road by someone for a long period of time may have created an easement or even adverse possession (though that is very difficult to achieve)


Title: Tenant of property for sale

Question: My wife and I are renting a house in California that has just been sold. The Landlord has not given us an official eviction notice, but has emailed us and expects us to be out of the house by the 1st. The official notice must be given in writing per state law. The new ownership officially begins on the 1st. Is our landlord required to return our security deposit when he ceases to own the property? Additionally, are the new owners required to give us an official eviction notice even though we do not have a contract with them? Any advice is appreciated. -Southern California.

Answer:
 Your landlord has it wrong.  You get to stay in the house you are renting until the end of the rental term, and the new owners become your landlord and are responsible for returning your security deposit when you move out.

If you are in a month-to-month lease, you can still raise a fuss about not having 30 days notice.  Answer #2: In CA, email can constitute written notice. How long have you lived there? If it's over a year, you need 60 days notice, otherwise 30 unless you've violated a portion of the lease.


Title: I'm camping on a guys property next to a scenic highway in California and a cop woke me up to tell me I can't be where I was.

Question: I found this guy on craigslist renting property to camp on for 300/mo, which in the SF Bay Area you won't find anything close to that.  So i built a camper in Indianapolis and accepted my job in the bay.  I moved onto the guys property and it's on a mountain so it's steep. There is, however, a spot on the property that's flat and it's next to the scenic highway that it's located on.  The highway is a simple one lane in each direction.  The flat spot is located in a place where someone previously had parked many times. Anyway, I'm sleeping last night and a park ranger (across the street is a state park) woke me up to ask who i was, where i was from, etc and to tell me that i couldn't be where i was.  He said something about being at least 25 ft from the center of the road.  I was groggy so i don't remember all of it except that he wants me to move.  But if i can discover the legal truth of the matter; i could show him and then maybe i won't have to park my tiny camper on a steep hill.  Any suggestions on what ordinances or laws i need to find to see if I'm in compliance? This is specifically in Santa Cruz County.

Answer: IANAL, but in my State the legal right of way for roads is indeed 25 feet from the center line, even if the road is not that wide.


Title: My brother went to the er with some complaints they didnt do bloodwork and he was diagnosed with the flu ...2 months later he died from leukemia.

Question: My brother was 23 and he went into the er with complaints of bone aches and nose bleeds.The hospital did not do blood work and diagnosed him with the flu (it was flu season) 2 months later he died from Lukiemia. This was a year ago should I seek a lawyer?

Answer: Unfortunately the burden of care for the ER is likely to be stabilizing treatment for the immediate crisis and not diagnosis. In this case your brother was probably given paperwork saying what he was treated for and urging follow up care from his primary physician if his symptoms persisted. I am sorry for your loss.Answer #2: First off, I am very sorry for your loss. The answer to your quesion, like all legal questions, is it depends. If they missed bloodwork that would show the leukemia (and if a doctor using an ordinary level of care would not have missed it), it could constitute negligence and thus you might have damages. You probably cannot bring a survivors suit (I know the name sounds odd, but that is what it is called) since you are not a spouse nor a dependent, however, his estate (which you might represent depending on some other factors) might be able to bring a wrongful death claim against the hospital and/or physicians.Answer #3: Just to be sure and ease your mind about it, talk to a medical malpractice lawyer for a consultation. The worst they can say is that you don’t have a case. You can even get a second or third opinion if needed. I’d go in for a consultation and keep in mind that there is a statue of limitations that you’re up against. If there’s a case then they’ll walk you through it. Consults might be free.


Title: Complex issue, family law but no family court. Looking for opinions on considered actions, or just legal advice on other options I haven't thought of. (NC/VA)

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer:
 >What is the best course of action here?

Whatever your attorney says.

This matter is far too complex for internet legal advice.  Moreover, your argument that CPS is corrupt, the evaluator is biased,  and everyone has gotten it wrong plays like a conspiracy theory.

If you're right on all points, the case must be skillfully made, not based on advice from reddit.

You certainly should not file any kind of ethics complaint against someone involved in your case except upon the clear advice from your attorney to do so.


Title: [TX] Neighbor confronted me with a gun

Question:
I know that the title is a little sensational, but it is pretty much what happened.

Here is the background- I have ongoing issues with one of my neighbors (Jim).  We live in an unincorporated area and so there are no county leash laws or really any regulations on pets.  Many of the people in my neighborhood let their dogs run loose in their yard.  Walk for a mile and you will see at least 12 dogs running loose.  My dogs are mostly inside dogs and have a large fenced yard.  Due to the large number of dogs (and stray cats) roaming, my dogs work hard to escape and have killed many young feral cats and kittens living on my neighbors property.  Once they killed some chickens (worth somewhere between $500 and $5000 depending on how Jim is feeling at that moment).  I have put shock collars on them and that shock them if they try to leave, but they have a tendency to fail and the dogs still escape occasionally.  This is what my Jim holds over me.  Jim's dogs run loose and a great deal of time in my front yard every single day.  One is particularly vicious little turd and chases everyone and fights with other dogs in my yard.  Not long ago, I witnessed "Spot" nip a delivery guy's ankle in my front yard.  I have been worried about being liable for people being attacked in my yard so I called out animal control to file a complaint and/or have the dog taken away.  Long story short, the dog catcher can't do shit unless he has proof that the guy's skin was broken.  He then went and talked to Jim to see if he would give up the dog. Jim refused.

Jim came over to talk to me this morning.  He was upset that I was violating some kind of country neighbor code by not coming to him and that he did me favors by not doing anything about my dogs and let me know that 15 years ago he would have shot them and has shot several other dogs.  I told him that I was worried about getting sued and I just wanted it on record that I tried to do something to prevent people being bitten on my yard.  Jim (not a lawyer) said I had an iron clad defense since it wasn't my dog.  Jim said that the dog was "doing its job" by chasing away strangers.  About halfway through this conversation, I notice the unmistakable impression of a large pistol through his t-shirt, un-holstered and shoved into his waistband at 1 o'clock.  I let Jim know that there was no major issue and I was just covering my ass.  He suggested that I come to him first and that I get a BB gun to drive the dogs out of my yard.  I was shook up for a while after this conversation.

So was he breaking the law by coming to my front door with a gun visible or is Jim just an asshole?  Could(or should) I even do anything about it?  Is there anything I can do about the dogs in my yard?  Animal control can't do anything unless I trap the dog or it bites someone, and not so subtly suggested that I could just shoot it.

There are other issues I have with Jim.  He is encroaching on my property by parking vehicles (partially) on my yard and a mountain of scrap metal and garbage (home to the colony of feral cats) that is starting to cross onto my property.  How can I possibly confront him when I know that he is prepared to shoot me? Or do I get a lawyer to send letters for me which will probably piss him off?

Do I just start building a big fucking fence?
Topic:
Douche

Answer:
 He had a gun in his waistband, under his shirt, in a rural area in Texas. He wasn't touching it, he didn't refer to it, etc. You were really shook up about that? Yes, it's legal and common in rural Texas.

Build a fence, and learn to be more comfortable with the idea of firearms (concealed and otherwise). Where ever you lived before might have been different, but you live in Gunville now.

>my dogs work hard to escape...Once they killed some chickens (worth somewhere between $500 and $5000 depending on how Jim is feeling at that moment)...
>
>Jim came over to talk to me this morning. He was upset that I was violating some kind of country neighbor code by not coming to him and that he did me favors by not doing anything about my dogs and let me know that 15 years ago he would have shot them and has shot several other dogs.

He's right about doing you a favor by not shooting your dogs when he caught them killing his chickens. It's legal to kill dogs attacking livestock, and it happens regularly.

One of our dogs got into a farmers coop and killed some chickens. We thanked him *profusely* for not killing her and made damn sure it never happened again. It's an old farmer's tale that once a dog gets a taste for killing chickens, it needs to be put down. You're really lucky Jim took mercy on yours.

I get that Jim is an aggravating neighbor, but you really are stepping on some country folkways by calling the dog catcher over this stuff. You and he should both be better neighbors.


Title: Previous homeowner registered a business at my home address on day of closing.

Question:
Shortly after moving into our new house we received mail addressed to a business at my home address. I marked it "addressee unknown" and put it in the outgoing mail.

Looking up the business name with the state comptroller I found that the it was a registered in the previous owners name at my new home address, on the day of closing.

I find this highly suspicious that someone would register a business at an address they no longer own.  What should I do?  I cant find anything online with my state(Texas) about how to report this, or if I should report it, and to whom?

Answer: Check with the previous owner. Imho sounds like a brain fart.Answer #2: You can contact comptroller if you like. I don't know of any harm to you that this could cause.Answer #3: Just a wild stab in the dark here, but is the address for an MLM business?  (Mary Kay, Younique, Avon, LuLaRoe, Primerica, etc.)  Competition is strong, and it could be someone is taking the chance to "stake out" an extra location while they could (to show up on Google Maps, local rep listings, etc.), but the address change hasn't caught up with the new address yet.


Title: My company just started a 'fun fund.'

Question:
My restaurant just started a 'fun fund' where, if we are left a large enough tip for catering services, they take all but a certain amount and place the rest in a savings account for the restaurant, to be used for treating employees at a later time. People are upset about it and were wondering if this needs to be a mutual agreement, or if the company can just do this without agreement.

edit: This is in the U.S.

Answer: Your location is important, but generally speaking an employer cannot take your tips except for use in a valid tip pool (this isn't that). However, if the catering occasions charge a "service fee" (different from gratuity), the employer can reserve a portion of this for a recreational fund.Answer #2: You're supposed to provide a location. I imagine in North Korea this is perfectly legal.Answer #3: They can't take your tips. If they added a service fee that was in addition to your tips they could use the fee for this fund. Taking your tips is illegal and it's really shitty that they'd do that claiming it was for you when you may never get to see any "fun" from these funds.


Title: [Louisiana] Family may disown or pressure me into leaving my gay partner. Need tips on how to handle any possible legal situations that may occur

Question:
My family is pretty religious, even grounded me severely as a kid when they found out I was gay. I been keeping the fact I have a gay partner a secret but for reasons I don't think is relevant, they may found out soon.

At the worst I may be disowned and at best they will take away my means of transportation and drop my from any insurance plans, phone plans, etc. It's like this because my family all uses one plan and none of the vehicles are in my name so they can legally refuse to let me use any.

The problem is that in my area a car is necessary to get around the rural areas. If I can't get transportation then I lose my job and it gets worse. My family will just keep a financial chokehold on me until I "change my ways"

Then there is disowning. Would I need a new formal name? What are the things about the process of disowning I should be aware of?

Is there any legal action I can take to prevent them from doing this?

Answer:
 How old are you? If you are an adult nobody has to provide you with anything.  The will have to properly evict you from the house.

There is no official process of "disowning".  You don't do anything, and you don't change your name.  Disowning just means that they aren't going to treat you like family anymore and they can potentially cut you out of any inheritence.

Your best bet is that you lay low for a bit while saving up money so that you can land on two feet.

You are not going to be able to deny who you are forever so you should prepare for the inevitable.Answer #2: >Then there is disowning. Would I need a new formal name? What are the things about the process of disowning I should be aware of?

I do not believe they can make you change your name, but they can remove you as a beneficiary of a will or trust.

>they will take away my means of transportation and drop my from any insurance plans, phone plans, etc. It's like this because my family all uses one plan and none of the vehicles are in my name so they can legally refuse to let me use any.

How old are you? The owners of the car you drive, and the phone you use, and the insurance plan you use have the right to not allow you to use their property.

Can your partner help you out with transportation to work until you can purchase a car of your own?


Title: Where could I find a list of US states that currently offer liquor and marijuana retailer licences?

Question: Ideally, I would like to obtain a license to sell all types of liquors to maximize profit.

Answer:
 Literally every single state has liquor licenses.  If you want a license to sell marijuana that would be restricted to states where marijuana is legal.

Honestly if you couldn't figure this out on your own then I would not start a business.


Title: [CA, USA] My job hasn't paid me in a 1 month and a lot of sexual harassment has been going on

Question:
I am a 17 year old guy (turning 18 in 2 months) who works at a small mom and pop restaurant in California and none of the employees have been paid for the past 4 weeks. They say that the checks are coming in any day now, but it has been almost 3 weeks. I think that the company just doesn't have any money to pay us since business has been very slow lately, so they have just been stalling. When I first started working there, all the employees signed a contract saying we will get paid every 2 weeks. We also signed a contract dealing with sexual harassment and what to do in order to prevent it. The day after having a sexual harassment meeting, I noticed the owner (male) would make comments on the waitress' body and how he wants to have sex with them. He has made me uncomfortable by trying to get me to say things also, or by saying that another employee (who he makes homosexual remarks about all the time) is waiting for me in the backroom. Whenever this is brought up to the owner's wife, she just fires the innocent waitresses.

They continuously praise me for being their favorite worker and how much they like me for being loyal, but I am just sick and tired of it all and I have decided to take action. The thing is, I don't know how to file a complaint. Since it is a small restaurant, there is no HR department to go to. I like my job, but I also need the money that they are withholding from me. Every time I ask about the checks, they give the same excuse of how it will be here soon. Who can I talk to in order to resolve this?
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 > I think that the company just doesn't have any money to pay us since business has been very slow lately, so they have just been stalling.

Your instincts are probably correct; they may not have the money to pay you and they may be going out of business soon. If it were me I'd file a [wage complaint](http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/howtofilewageclaim.htm) and get a new job, not necessarily in that order.

Keep very detailed records of your hours, as well as any incidents that might be construed as harassment (specific dates, times, things said) though that's not as straightforward as the issue of not getting paid.


Title: Hospital misplaced cancer port

Question: My friends father had his chemo port misplaced for over year and the hospital just found out his chemo treatments have not been working because of this. His health greatly declined during this period and the port was never checked. He is stage 4, but still had some time with his family that seems to be taken away. What does someone do in a situation that could have easily been prevented?

Answer: I am certainly not looking to discredit you, but do you have more information? Where was it supposed to be placed vs where was it placed? Chemotherapy is a systemic “chemical.” This is why cancer treatment is typically tailored to the patient to include targeted radiation to the specific impacted area following chemo. The port is used as a point of access to the blood stream, which circulates throughout the body. If it was truly placed incorrectly, the legal question important for malpractice consideration would be whether you friends father would be in a different position if the port was properly placed. Ie, would his cancer more likely than not been cured/reduced/mitigated. It can be a difficult argument to make since cancer treatment and the inevitable result is often unpredictable and speculative.


Title: (CA) Can I prevent a parent from ordering a copy of my birth certificate?

Question:
I (21/F) have recently escaped an abusive home situation in California. Both of my parents were abusive, although my mom was only emotionally/verbally abusive and my dad was all that and physically abusive. I now live with an aunt and uncle who live in Florida.

Previously, my dad has refused me to allow me access to my birth certificate, telling me that it was his ‘claim’ to me (he likes to talk about his kids like they’re his property). This left me without a birth certificate in Florida. Originally, I was planning on ordering a copy from the state of California, but the recent Real ID snafu messed up the timetable. Since I go to college in a state hundreds of miles away from my new home in Florida, I was afraid of my California ID becoming invalid in May when I need to fly back to my new home. The state is taking far too long to issue a birth certificate, and combined with the time it would take to file for a passport or Florida state ID, I would be running the chance of getting stranded in my college’s town.

The next strategy was for my aunt to demand that my dad send the original birth certificate to Florida, where my aunt and uncle would then send it to me at college. He agreed to send the original, and my mom packed it up. When my mom wasn’t looking, he swapped out the original and replaced it with one he had printed out at the county a few days before without my mom’s knowledge. He then sent it and tried to pass it off as the original (stupid, since the issuing date is slapped right on the front of the thing).

After this, I am not comfortable with my dad possessing any of my personal records. My aunt is going to try again to get the original so that it’s no longer in his possession, and I want to make sure my dad cannot order any more copies. I do not want him ever using my records as a way of ‘proving’ a connection with me and using it to try to contact me. For instance, I worry about becoming incapacitated in a hospital, and him using the birth certificate to prove parenthood and be allowed in my room.

What legal means can I take to prevent him from ordering copies of my birth certificate and other personal records?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 Your parents have a legal entitlement to copies of your birth certificate, and you cannot stop them from ordering one at their own expense.

Talk to an estate attorney about setting up advance healthcare directives that bar your father from making medical decisions for you. If you have someone you trust, ask if they'd be willing to make decisions in your absence, and if they are, you can also issue documents formalizing that.Answer #2: Good idea to lock down your credit, social security number, and bank accounts as well. Just to be preemptive.


Title: Need help with sexting

Question: I currently live in MD and was on an app called POF.  I am 18 and am contact with a 16 year old girl who said her profile was 18.  I never sent any nudes, or never recieved any nudes, and specifically asked for no nudes.  I tried to cut contact, but the girl said she was going to report me to the CID.  About 2 weeks go by and I get contacted by some detective.  He said that it was up to the father if charges were to be pressed.  I got contacted by the father just now.  He said he wants a 250$ greendot card from wallgreens and another 350$ later in march.  I tried calling the detective back but he is not answering his phone.  Am I in any trouble or what?

Answer:
 [Read this thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/4xxhdg/my_friend_was_chatting_with_a_girl_online_and/d6jcc7r/).  Someone like you wanders in here 2 or more times every day.  There is no girl, there is no detective, there is no dad, there is no psychiatrist - there's just some scammer. Answer #2: Only if you give them money. Then you'll be out $600.00.

Block and ignore.


Title: VA: Comcast, Can't stream Youtube without lag every few seconds, Turn on VPN and it streams flawlessly. Can I do anything legally?

Question:
It seems like I am being throttled to Youtube. I want to make a splash.

To be clear I get:
-
Without VPN: 200Mbps down, 12Mbps up

-
With VPN: 5Mbps Down, 11.03Mbps up

Answer:
 Probably not. Try using Google's DNS (8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4) and check back in. The issue could be your internet configuration.Answer #2: Ex-Comcast line tech here.  You aren't being throttled.  They throttled bittorrent users around a decade ago and the backlash was enough to shut them down on that pretty well, but every time someone has slow speeds it always gets argued that they're doing it again.

In this instance, think of the Internet like a system of highways.  The shortest route to get from your house, through Comcast County, and over to the City of YouTube is fucked.  You have one ramp feeding thousands of cars that are all going the same way. You get stuck in traffic, and you can't get your data properly because of it.

The VPN takes a separate route out of Comcast County, and and joins with other traffic somewhere on the highway that's moving fine.  It's farther, so it takes longer, but it's shorter travel times because vastly less traffic.

That's what you're running into.  It isn't a legal matter, it's a business matter between Comcast and whatever backbone provider is between you and youtube.  Wish I could offer some advice, but I've never seen one of these situations really get fixed.  :/


Title: Help!! Stuck at airport! Alaska Airlines supervisor cancelled my ticket and called the cops on me (I didn't do anything wrong)!!

Question:
Here's what happened...

I have a 7am flight out of LAX to SEA this morning via Alaska Airlines. I travel with my emotional support animal (ESA) due to my PTSD. My mental health professional (a psychiatrist) has provided me a doctors note explaining my condition and why I need my ESA.

Upon arrival at the gate check in this morning I was informed by the gate attendant that my doctors note was not sufficient. I was told to speak with her supervisor who was called over. This man was very rude and misquoted Alaskas own policy on the matter (saying I needed some kind of reference ID #) for my ESA. I've traveled with my ESA quite often -- as recently as this past Friday on the same airline -- with zero issue. This is where it gets crazy......

As this man was taking down to me, I pulled out my phone and took a picture of his name badge (my thought being: so I could remember in case I needed to speak with customer service). Well he FLIPPED OUT when I did this and started yelling and shouted "I'm canceling your ticket!! I'm calling the cops!!!" At this point, I'm freaking out and have no idea what to do. I haven't done anything wrong.

The cops (LAX police) show up. The Alaska supervisor tells him he feels "threatened" and is cancelling my ticket and I'm not allowed on the flight. I show the police my doctors note and tell them my side of the story. They tell me to go take a seat. Everybody is around me is really confused and anxious.

They board the plane close the gate. I'm just sitting there so I called Alaska 1800 customer service, get escalated, and explain my predicament. After 20minutes or so , the police come up to me hand me a plane ticket for a different 8am flight and walk away. They never asked for me ID or anything, and at  no point said I did anything illegal.

Now it's 730am and I'm sitting here in the terminal with my dog really upset and confused. I can't help but feel accosted (despite not doing anything wrong).  Is there legally anything I  can do??

Help!!

https://m.imgur.com/iKOPkAZ

Answer:
 Alaska Airlines has mitigated your damages by getting you on another flight, and it appears the police correctly interceded for you to help resolve your issue.

Justice actually worked out already for you, and pretty promptly for once. Some people end up losing a day or more before the airline gets around to doing the right thing.Answer #2: You can complain, but you are in no way stuck in the airport.  you have a flight leaving at 8Answer #3: So it sounds like you've been rebooked on the next flight.  You haven't been arrested or detained; it sounds like the police acted appropriately.  Not sure what you want to see happen.  You can call and complain to the airliner's management.

Also, you don't really need to post a picture of the officers.  That doesn't add anything to the issue.Answer #4: Emotional support animals don't get the same protections as service animals, but you calling customer service was a smart idea. I don't think there's much more you can do (they did get you on a plane) but call again and complain about the whole situation, the manager did not handle this situation well.


Title: Medical Malpractice and the VA

Question:
Without giving to much information away, someone I know is disabled and goes to the VA. For years they have been having some issues. The VA was just giving him pain meds and stuff and telling him he was fine. The guy finally went to and off campus Doctor and they saw he had high blood pressure. Dangerously high. The Doctor looked at his VA records and saw that the VA recorded this high blood pressure for many years but never mentioned it to the patient. He now has hypertension and some heart issues related to it. Is that considered malpractice?
Topic:
Medicine and Malpractice

Answer:
 NAL but a medical provider. Just a FYI the VA has their own criteria on this and diabetes that don’t jive with the medical standards outside the VA.

You need a lawyer to go through the chart and medications. The VA commonly uses medications for diseases we don’t use as first line treatment.


Title: Can my friend get arrested for getting narcotics on camera?

Question: My friend worked at a gas station and supposedly had people bring him narcotics, he was fired for something unrelated but if they go back on camera and see him receiving supposedly narcotics on camera, can the gas station call the police and get him arrested?

Answer:
 Q: Can you be arrested and charged if there is evidence of you committing a crime?

A: Yes, you can be arrested and charged if there is evidence of you committing a crime.


Title: Bank stole 540$ on a cash deposit

Question:
I am a student who is out of state for school. A few times I have made a deposit at the local credit union, and they have a program that will deposit it into my credit union back home. Well I used the ATM to deposit 540$ after the manager suggested I use it. The machine ate my money with no receipt. I have filed a dispute with the credit union, and my home credit union. I email call and tweet everyday and nothing has happened. Its been 33 days now. I filed a police report but that was no help. What is my next move?

I am in Colorado. My home cu is in Florida

Answer:
 Who are you calling? Just the bank? What about the ATM company?

Who are you talking to? Go up the chain. Speak to a manager. If they don't help, go above their heads as well.

IANAL. Keep bugging them. Send them a copy of the police report if you have to.Answer #2: Your credit union will have to resolve the dispute with the CU that owns the ATM. If this is a co-op ATM.Answer #3: I had something like this happen to me once only in my situation a bank employee went through and stole all the deposit cash out of the machine. It took 2 trips to the mostly clueless bank but they eventually refunded the money even though the "weren't sure" what happened.

Lesson being never deposit cash in an atm. Too much can go wrong.


Title: Do I have to get my wife off my mortgage if it isn't spelled out in my divorce agreement?

Question:
I got divorced a year and a half ago and I refinanced my first mortgage to a lower rate and to get her off the loan. There is a small second mortgage (8k) that she is still on. Apparently her and her new husband want to purchase a house and I was told none to kindly by her that I HAVE to refinance to get her off the second mortgage as well. My Separation agreement (which became my divorce agreement) says the following on the real estate:

> 4.3 Real Estate. The parties agree that they are joint owners of certain real property more commonly known as XXXXX XXXXX Drive XXXXX, Virginia. In exchange for $1.00, Wife agrees to convey to Husband, and Husband agrees to accept from Wife, all of Wife's interest in the Property, subject to existing mortgages and/or deeds of trust. Wife warrants that she has not placed any liens or encumbrances of any kind on the Property other than the existing mortgages and/or deeds of trust. Upon execution of this Agreement, Wife will execute and deliver a Deed of Transfer to the Property to Husband. Upon execution of this Agreement, Husband shall have exclusive possession of the Property, and he agrees to pay all costs incidental to the ownership and maintenance of the Property, including the payment of any and all mortgages, liens, notes, deed of trust notes, real estate taxes, costs of insurance, repairs, and costs of upkeep, and Husband shall further indemnifr and hold Wife harmless thereon.
Husband shall be entitled to claim any mortgage interest payments on the Property as his deduction henceforth.

I know that there is something can do called "assuming the loan" through the VHDA, that I am going to try and do, but I am just wondering if i HAVE to like she is asserting.

Thanks much

**Edit  I am not sure what flair to use, if I should move to real estate, let me know =)
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 I am going to disagree with the other people on here and say that I don't see anything that requires you to refinance.   In fact, I think the language specifically contemplates the fact that you will not refinance the property, because it states that you will indemnify and hold wife harmless for loan payments, and that you shall be entitled to the interest deduction.  That language would make no sense if you had to go out and refinance to take her off the loan.

You have agreed to be 100% responsible for payment of the loan, so if you ever miss a payment and the bank tries to seek recourse against her, you better believe that she will sue you (and likely win), but I see no obligation to go out and refinance.


Title: Car damaged by airport valet

Question:
My wife just returned from a trip and a private on airport parking lot in Denver damaged her car pretty bad. The damage was obvious so management was contacted before leaving the lot or she got in the car. We have plenty of pictures, they have plenty of pictures, there is a report filed (we have a copy) with the assistant GM and we were told there will le be an investigation which will take a few days (not holding my breath). In the little time since the incident they have been extremely rude, tried to pull the "wasn't it already like that?!?" card, etc so we are not confident this will be handled properly. Anything else we should do while we wait to help cover our asses? Here is the damage, we are not talking a small dent/scratch

https://imgur.com/a/Uw8e1

Answer:
 Did you file a police report when it happened?

Also, contact your insurance company as soon as you can. You pay them to deal with stuff like this.


Title: I think I was raped

Question:
Posted this is r/sex but it got removed because of the slut-shaming comments.

So, Friday night I went to kareoke and had a little bit too much fun. I ended up getting black out drunk.

I woke up the next morning, confused about the large chunk of time missing from my memory. But my purse was with me, including my credit cards, phone and money. My car wasn’t out front and I hadn’t gotten an Uber, so apparently someone graciously gave me a ride home and made sure I got in safe. I was a bit humbled by the random act of kindness.

Got my car, went to my parents house and ended up going out on Saturday night and having sex with my fwb at his house, then returned to my apartment.

Woke up this morning and was horrified to find a freshly opened condom wrapper on my nightstand, right next to the bed. It’s not the brand that I have, and I haven’t even had sex with a condom (other than the brand I have) in years.

I guess Friday night, someone noticed how hammered I was and offered to take me home, so they could fuck me. I’m so disturbed. I kind of want to go to the bar and ask them what happened, and who took me home.

The door was closed but unlocked the next morning.

So, for legal advice, should I do anything? I put the wrapper in a plastic baggie.

Answer:
 You can report the matter to the police, if you'd like.

However, without some kind of identification of the other party involved, prosecution would be effectively impossible.Answer #2: I'm not doubting you, just want to clarify - so you found the wrapper on Saturday night, after coming home from your friend's house? But you didn't notice it on Saturday morning when you woke up?

Do you have a roommate? Does anyone else have access to your bedroom/your apartment? Maybe it wasn't you at all.Answer #3: Did you go to karaoke with a friend/group of friends? If not, ask the bartender if they remember you talking to/leaving with someone in particular Answer #4: Are there any witnesses who might have seen who you left with? I'm so sorry you have to go through this.


Title: Found out my license has been suspended by Kansas. I live in PA.

Question: Back in 2015 I took a cross-country road trip from California to my home state of Pennsylvania. In Kansas I got pulled over for "failing to yield at a stop or yield sign." From what I remember of the interaction I was told I didn't make a complete stop at the stop sign at an off ramp and that's why they pulled us over. But I'm pretty sure it was because we had California plates. The whole thing was an interrogation about marijuana after he explained his "reasoning" for pulling us over. We didn't have anything and we were asked to get out of the car and allow a search. It was whatever and we had nothing to hide. They didn't find anything. Total waste of time, the cop leaves me with a warning, we get on our merry little way. Well, low and behold I goto renew my license here in Pennsylvania almost 3 years later and find out it is suspended in Kansas which now also screws my Pennsylvania license up. To top it off I've apparently been driving with a suspended license for years and had no idea. Luckily I barely drive and walk to work. Anyways, I'd greatly appreciate any knowledge on how I can take care of this. The PA DMV gave me the magistrate office in Kansas. I'm just not sure what my next steps are and it seems like I'm going to have to pay reinstatement fees in both states now. Kinda screwed up the cop literally gave me a warning but went back on his word too. I'm not a happy camper.

Answer:
 Second time in a couple days someone has the same issue (albeit different state).  In your case I'd find out call the number given to you by the PA DMV.  They should be able to point you in the right direction.  If not, call the KS version of the DMV (easily Googled).

If you happen to have a still have of the warning (which will make everything so much easier), call the court phone number listed on the ticket.  If he never gave you one it could just be someone with your or similar name and the DMV / courts made an error.

I'd stay out of KS until you have this figured out since there could be a warrant out for your arrest.  Not that it sounds like you are going there anytime soon :)

Good luck!


Title: Scammed out of $25k in a poker game

Question:
So this is a boring question compared to the stuff this sub usually gets, but hopefully super easy for you all.

&#x200B;

I was super dumb and said ok to a poker game a friend of a friend (aka Douche) was organizing. I ended up giving this Douche $25k in cash trusting that he'd set up the game and it'd be all good. Of course, he ended up flaking on everything and keeping the money. I know where he works and have been trying to track him down to get my money back but so far he keeps avoiding me and making excuses.

&#x200B;

It's been 2 weeks. What can I do? Should I go to the cops or should I get a lawyer involved? What would be most terrifying for this Douche and tell him I mean business?

Answer: You gave him the money so you will need to sue him to get it back. A lawyer is your next step.


Title: [USA] Friend committed suicide and police want to talk to me

Question: A month or so ago, a friend probably committed suicide(OD).  I found him in his bed a few hours after he had died.  I got a call from a police detective wanting to meet w/ me thursday. She said she wanted me to share what I know about his life history.  Is she lying and secretly suspects me of a crime? Please advise what to do.  I feel like if I don't talk to her, it will look strange and she will make my life a living hell. I cant afford to have a lawyer accompany me.

Answer:
 Contrary to popular belief, the police are not out to get everyone.  Sometimes they just need help filling out paperwork to close an investigation.  As the victim's friend, you can provide valuable information about his life and final days that might shed light on what led to that last, fateful decision.

It's standard operating procedure around here to tell people to never speak to the police.  But this is one of those times where there's an exception.  Remember, you're never obligated to speak to or help the police.  So you're free to politely decline.

If you choose to participate, and you suddenly feel the subject of an interrogation, you're free to terminate the interview and leave.  If, for some strange reason you're not free to leave at that point, you can affirmatively invoke your right to remain silent and to consult with an attorney.


Title: Friend discovered an affair and is leaving OK w kids. This isn’t kidnapping, right?

Question:
A friend not on reddit just discovered her husband is having an affair. She’s hundreds of miles from home with no support so she’s packed up the kids and left the house.
Does she have to let her husband know where she and the kids are? Could it be considered kidnapping? What if she goes to another state? (She had planned vacation to another state next week and told the kids they were just leaving early).
I don’t have a lot of details right now but will try to answer any questions. Thanks!!

Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: She can leave but the father can file for custody and she will be told to immediately return the children to the home state.


Title: Friend's property management office is telling her they will contact their attorney if she tells anyone about her apartment having bedbugs - is this legal?

Question:
My friend lives in PA and found bed bugs in her apartment. She moved in 2 months ago and on her leasing contract it said that if she found bed bugs in her unit within 48 hours of moving in, they would cover the extermination fees, however she did not find any in that time period and unfortunately will be responsible for the fees which will be around $2,000. They challenged her to contact a lawyer if she wanted them to pay the fee. They did however admit that this incident had occurred before with a other resident.

I told her that she should print out a general sheet of paper saying that bed bugs had been discovered in some people's residences and to contact the management office for more information, which I helped her write. My coworker and I told her to go down to the management office and tell them she would hand out these memos and slide it under people's doors if the management office would not cover the cost of the exterminator, and to let them know she would wait to hear from them before she began spreading the word.

She texted me today and showed me an email where they said any attempts to defame their character would force them to contact an attorney. She said they called it 'incite'and that if they heard from any other residents that she had handed out the memo, they would work with an attorney to force her to move out or just sue her in general. They are demanding that she not speak to any residents about this.

Is this legal? Would they have grounds to sue her if she spread the word about this? Isn't it just freedom of speech?

Answer:
 It’s legal for the landlord to have the view that her statements may be defamatory.  And legal for them to sue her for that alleged defamation.

As to whether or not her statements may actually *be* defamatory, that would depend on the nature of the statements.  Certainly saying that someone in the complex has bedbugs would not appear to be defamatory.  But this kind of action seems to be generally ill-advised.  If she has a dispute over the payment for the infestation she should talk to an attorney about that dispute and litigate it if she has a case.Answer #2: This seems to indicate that the landlord is responsible for paying for the extermination, regardless of what the lease says.  See the last section especially.

https://www.northpennlegal.org/sites/www.northpennlegal.org/files/NPLS%20Bed%20Bug%20Flyer.pdf

I wouldn’t post flyers to the neighbors or talk about this online, but I would report it to the appropriate government agency though.  They can’t sue you for that.


Title: Told a little lie and it cost me my dream job

Question:
USA-MN

Earlier this year I was given a conditional offer of employment to a local fire department. The offer was contingent on passing a medical and psychological evaluation. The offer was rescinded after failing the psychological evaluation.

I have since learned that the psychological evaluation was possibly illegal. The psychologist stated that I failed the section of the test dealing with honesty. This is in violation of my state's statutes "No person shall sell to or interpret for an employer or the employer's agent a test that the person knows has been solicited or required by an employer or agent to test the honesty of an employee or prospective employee." https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=181.75

I have a signed copy of the evaluation explaining that I failed for honesty. The evaluation also explains that a specific section of the psychologist's test is designed to assess honesty.

The lie was soo stupid. I smoked pot twice in high school fifteenish years ago and haven't used since. I was advised by friends that are full time fire fighters to not disclose it unless I had gotten into legal trouble over its use (I did not).

The only reason that this particular Doctor knew about the two time use was apparently when he evaluated me for my current part-time fire fighter job at a different department I disclosed it. The first evaluation was over 8 years ago.

I know that I messed up but I also feel that what the psychologist is doing is not right either. From what I can make of the test results his only issue was the lie about the pot use.
Any advice?

Answer:
 I'm surprised at the advice of the your friends. No job cares about a little marijuana use years ago, but most care about lying during the application phase.

Regardless, you should consult a lawyer well versed in employment law.


Title: Can I sue a restaurant for not honoring free refills?

Question:
I drank 4 sodas. Then they said I had to pay the next time. This wasn’t documented anywhere.
Topic:
Consumer Law

Answer:
 Was there anything that said that they gave free refills?

Either way, your damages would be the cost of three sodas, and any filing fees in small claims court would far exceed the money you would recoup.


Title: Found this in my almond milk

Question:
Located in San Diego.  I am not sure this is the right forum, but whatever.  I barely noticed this as I poured the almond milk into a glass.  At first I thought it was a condom, but it appears to be some kind of organism.

I took photos, put it back in the container, and decided to ask reddit what I should do next.  I have no plans to sue, (I think you have to have damages to do that) but maybe someone can tell me whom I should notify.

http://i.imgur.com/GXXa8Zj.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Q0iZiQ6.jpg

Answer:
 Almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, etc are all prone to forming congealed lumps.  This just looks like one of those lumps that formed in the circular pour spout and then fell off into the milk.

This isn't something you sue over and I wouldn't even wast your time calling their comment number.  Seriously, this is a nonissue.Answer #2: Call the company and let them know.  The information on the carton will allow them to track the batch and recall it if necessary.

You'll be entitled to a refund or another carton of almond juice.


Title: Can you be charged with a DUI with no stop.

Question: Say someone drives home, does stupid stuff in traffic and is reported but never stopped. Driver makes it home completely safe with zero accidents. Can an arrest be made without breathalysers/FSB based on reasonable suspicious of intoxication after the fact?

Answer:
 > Can an arrest be made without breathalysers/FSB

Yes.  Neither are strictly required.  Nor is a stop required.

Lack of those things may make a conviction difficult, but the lack doesn't make it impossible.


Title: Sold a house in my name, wrote a check to my fiancé with all the profit, was promised half, being kicked out right after he got the check - Louisiana.

Question:
Before I begin I must make a few things clear. This was a relationship of ~11 years and we have a family together. My then fiancé (who was and still is unemployed) bought a house in full due to low prices from the flooding last year using his saved money. He had me pay for all utilities/groceries etc since I was living there rent free. Things have been more than difficult recently and due to his actions we have to split up. Within the last few months we’ve sold our previous house which was in my name and which we shared payments on the rent for. After the House was sold he made me write him a check to him for 100% of the profit of 32,000 and promised me he would give me my 16,000 half, after the new house is renovated and repaired. This was at a time in which he acted like he loved me so I believed and trusted him, the second he got the check he became a nightmare and is quite literally forcing me, my son, our daughter, and even his own daughter out on my own without even 4,000, one quarter of what I was promised, to get on my feet. Currently we’re staying with family and seeking advice.

Is there anything I can legally do in this situation, I know I messed up big time endorsing him a check in full but any advice/visibility would help. Thank you.

If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to ask or PM I apologize I’m just in a clouded state of mind right now.

TLDR: Wrote a check to my fiancé for the profit of the house we sold. The house was in my name, we shared rent, and he promised me half. After getting the check he is forcing me out with our kids without any of my portion while I’m down financially.

Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 So this is why you're told not to buy homes with people you aren't married to. It isn't about morality, it's about the fact that marriage is a legal relationship with readily understood and applied laws that govern separation.

I don't understand how "he made" you write him a check. Was physical violence threatened? Why would you write a check to someone who didn't co-own the house for 100% of the profits when that person was promising to cut you a check for half the profits? Why not just write a check for $16k?

No one can PM here. The problem here is that he's going to argue that you gifted him $32k, since very few people throw that kind of cash around without an agreement in writing of some sort. If you have text messages or e-mails about the money, that would be tremendously helpful. You do need to speak to an attorney about this and see what can be done.Answer #2: You can sue him for your portion.


Title: My friend's paying child support for a kid that isn't his

Question: He signed the birth certificate. Knew the kid wasn't his but loved the kids mom blah blah blah. He's about to go to jail cause he can't afford the child support. After the mom bounced and took him for child support, he went to domestic relations and requested a DNA test. They said they wouldn't do a DNA test cause he signed the birth certificate. Is there anything he can do? We're in PA

Answer:
 > He signed the birth certificate

Then the kid is, in fact, his.Answer #2: Unless the bio father steps in the picture and adopts the kid as his own, or really anyone else adopts the kid. Then that child is in fact your friend's and must pay child support


Title: Oregon- should I report what I suspect to be a meth lab?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Yeah you can report it. It's not your job to prove who is guilty, just let the police know and maybe they will check into it.


Title: Hourly employee demanded to be on call with no pay 24/7.

Question:
I live in Idaho.   I know it's a right to work state and all that.  I am an hourly employee that is expected to be on call 24/7.  I am not paid anything to be on call.  They will pay me for 15 minutes if I do take a call.

The question I have is that they expect me to be on call even on my days off.  And they expect me to be in cell range when I'm not working and during my two days off a week.  I asked if I could go camping and they laughed and said, "it better be in cell range".

Is it legal to force me to be in cell range even during my days off without paying me?  This seems extremely unrealistic and are there no laws against this?

Thank you in advance.  I tried looking all this up, but couldn't find anything particular to my situation.

Answer:
 U/xXTMC3Xx has no idea what he is talking about.  There are very strict rules to being an hourly employee on call.  While I can't site very much legal precedent, I can give you this article with some helpful information.

>The first question asked by any court reviewing such claims is whether various employer restrictions keep employees from doing whatever they normally would be doing were they not on call. Courts distinguish between employees who are “waiting to be engaged” and those who are “engaged to wait,” finding only the latter time to be compensable on an hourly basis. The degree to which the on-call employee is free to engage in personal activities also is a key consideration.

An employee who is free to engage in personal activities despite being available to take calls or report back to work is not entitled to be paid on an hourly basis. The degree of freedom to pursue personal activities need not be equal to the level of flexibility one has when completely off duty. In 1994, the 9th Circuit in Berry v. Sonoma, noted several factors that courts still use to gauge an employee’s degree of freedom:

whether the employee is required to stay in a particular area or workplace while on call;

whether the employee must live on the employer’s premises;

whether the employee kept so busy that the on-call period is virtually a full shift;

whether the employee must respond immediately;

whether the on-call employee can trade responsibilities with co-workers easily;

whether an on-call employee is allowed to engage in personal activities while on on-call.

http://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2012/03/14/know-the-rules-for-on-call-workers/


Title: Got scammed in Roppongi district of Tokyo at massage parlor. Can I dispute the credit card charge?

Question:
My friend and I were walking around Roppongi at 3 am when we were offered massages for 3,000 yen (~24.8401 USD) by 2 women. I agreed, upon which we were whisked away to the sixth floor of a building a few meters from where we were approached.

Partway through my massage I was asked if I would like a happy ending (defined as a massage ending in an orgasm) and, with some haggling, we agreed upon a price of 100 USD (12075.65 yen) for it. I was all out of cash so, after repeatedly asking for confirmation that no fraud would be attempted (the woman spoke good English), I handed over my credit card. She brought back a receipt that said 12650 yen (I assumed the additional amount was for Japan's ~5% sales tax).

After a little while longer I was repeatedly pestered for more money in exchange for a blowjob or sex, requests that were accompanied by graphic gesturing. I had already parted with as much money as I was willing to part with so I declined over and over again. The lady soon finished my massage with no happy ending and told me to leave. I politely asked her several times that she had not provided what I paid for but she told me that 100 USD was "small money" and left the room. Once I put my clothes on and left the room no one was there in the lobby area so I found my friend and we went home.

I definitely made some naive decisions and I plan to keep a careful eye on my online bank statement to make sure that no additional charges appear. I was not given the service that I paid for and, as far as I know, it was a legal transaction since a happy ending not involving vaginal intercourse is a legal service to pay for under Japanese law (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2008/05/27/reference/law-bends-over-backward-to-allow-fuzoku). So I am wondering, do I have adequate basis to dispute the charge of 100 dollars? Would my American bank (specifically US Bank) respect the legality of the transaction?

Thanks for your time all.

Answer: How did your friend make out?


Title: An ex-friend is threatening to release sensitive information (nude pictures, etc.) unless I resume communication with him. Do I have legal recourse?

Question:
Sorry, I'm in Oregon.

As an insecure and naive teenager, I began talking to a guy on the internet, and we developed some mutual affection for each other despite the fact that he was weird as fuck and told me we'd never meet each other. He went ballistic after finding out that I'd slept with an ex boyfriend, and--unbeknownst to me at the time--hacked into my computer to set up surveillance round the clock (audio, pictures through my webcam, records of my internet browsing).

I felt so badly for hurting him that I spent about a year submitting to his controlling behavior and emotional manipulation. I severed relationships and my life atrophied. I got used to feeling shitty, and accepted that I was a bad and ugly person, like he said. I did whatever he wanted.

Fast forward a couple years and I'm free and healthy. I told him in no uncertain terms that I never wanted to speak to him again. I've got a life back, but now I receive threats daily about what he'll do if I don't start talking to him again ASAP. Today I received an email detailing his plan to release terabytes of sensitive data to people close to me. I'm at a loss for what to do. Please help.

Answer:
  *Today I received an email detailing his plan to release terabytes of sensitive data to people close to me.*

How old were you when this happened? Because if this dickfreckle sent you an email telling you that he would release child porn, you just simply turn this over to the local police, and watch as he gets arrested. Answer #2: Call the FBI, hacking your computer was a serious felony, blackmailing you now is also a crime.


Title: Is it legal for a landlord to place a camera in my rented house for "security purposes"?

Question:
I am currently renting an apartment with 3 other room mates. Is it okay for the landlord to place security cameras in the common living room area? Not only that he entered the house without our consent and when I walked in he was in the process of placing the security cameras. I didn't say anything but I feel like this might be a violation of our privacy. I'm not 100% on it though, so I want some opinions on the matter before we confront him about the matter. Thanks in advance reddit.
EDIT: Location is Singapore
EDIT 2: Thanks for the useful and comical advice everyone. Much appreciated.

Answer:
 I would be moving out of that apartment posthaste.Answer #2: Unless you're on a reality show, I'd say no, but you may want to consult a lawyer in Singapore. Answer #3: I don't know anything about residential tenancies law in Singapore, but god, I certainly *hope* that's illegal.

In most systems of property law, leasing an apartment grants you *almost* every interest associated with the leased property. Conceptually, the apartment is more *yours* than your landlord's.

Quick Google search confirms Singapore law is based on English Common Law, so this is almost certainly *very* illegal (granted, tenancy laws are usually statutory rather than Common Law, but if they're using the Anglo-American conception of property rights, I doubt they could craft a statute that would allow this and still make sense), and I would talk to someone with more expertise about it in person ASAP.Answer #4: Does your contract guarantee you a right to privacy?

Edit.

http://www.globalpropertyguide.com/Asia/Singapore/Landlord-and-Tenant

>Singaporean institutions are PRO-LANDLORD.

>There is no comprehensive law governing landlord and tenant relations, everything depends upon the contract.Answer #5: just slap a piece of tape over it and be on your merry wayAnswer #6: No.Answer #7: Just hack into the camera and make it show an endless generic loop like in oceans 14. Answer #8: If it is, presumably it is legal for you to disable them by covering their lenses and mikes or disconnecting them.


Title: Can I put anything I want in an NDA?

Question:
I am creating an NDA using a template I found online. Can i put anything i want on it?

Example: Both parties agrees to not disclose information regarding [Company 1]'s technology and [Company 2] agrees to not create a similar product.

Answer: I suppose, if you don't care whether or not the NDA is enforceable.


Title: [USA][USA] Trademark issue preventing 7 figure business deal

Question:
I have a few successful app that I am in the process of trying to sell. The issue is that it is pretty much a copy of a popular game owned by a very large company (LC). My app has been near the top of it's category for over a year. The LC also has a very similar app that is also near the top of the category and assume they have seen my app.

I am trying to sell my app and the potentials buyers are scared of being sued due to trademark infringement. They want me to contact LC to make sure it is okay that they continue to use my app. I fear that contacting them will only cause them to tell me to take the app down.

What should I do?
Topic:
Intellectual Property

Answer:
 With 7 figures at stake you really, really, *really* need to go and see an actual attorney.

Your concerns are valid.  If you go to LC and there is the hint that you are dumping the app for a wheel-barrow full of money, it's quite possible they will do everything in their power to jam up your sale so they can sell their app instead.


Title: [Florida] Neighbor keeps perving on my naked wife, can we do anything about it without her getting in trouble for indecent exposure?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You think you have the right to tell the guy he can't climb up on his own roof and look at something in plain view?Answer #2: If i were you, i would advise me wife to stop breaking the law and then being mad at people for catching her.

There's nothing she can do about the guy she flashed, except for possibly get charged with a crime.Answer #3: It looks like you and your neighbor have hobbies in common... maybe you could get together and form a Sunshine Club?

Invite him over to sunbathe with you (not your wife!) and he might lose interest. Or this might be the start of a beautiful friendship.Answer #4: All in all, much as I hate to say it, the neighbor isn't doing anything illegal and you have no options or recourse against him to get him to stop (and confronting him would be a bad idea), nor can you get around the indecent exposure law. However if you're absolutely insistent on sunbathing naked and don't want people to see you, what I might suggest is getting two or three patio umbrellas that have a hinge on the pole so they can be pointed in a direction, and set them up so that the view is obscured. Just keep in mind you're doing what you're doing at your own risk of the law so do be careful.


Title: MO child custody, complicated situation. need (29F) a simple answer to a long story. Please don't judge me!

Question:
So back in 2014 I had 6 month old babies, I also had a terrible drug problem. My parents took temporary custody of my boys so I could go to rehab. Fast forward to now, I am almost 4 years clean and doing well. I am ready to get custody of my kids back. I feel financially stable. The problem I'm scared I will face is my parents do not like my boyfriend. We have been dating for 3 years and he has had a couple domestic violence arrests. One of them being with me. He completed his anger management classes, is off probation, and we have both gone through consoling and plan on doing a few couples therapy classes to prepare for my children moving in. I trust him now and I know he is changed but my parents still do not believe that he won't get violent. He hasn't since that bad drunken night 2 years ago. He doesn't drink as heavy either anymore.

So my question is, will this situation and his legal past hinder my ability to get my boys back permanently? I am more than ready, he is ready, and I just want my parents to accept that. So if I have to take them to court do I even have a chance? Thanks for your time reading this!!

Answer:
 >He hasn't since that bad drunken night 2 years ago. He doesn't drink as heavy either anymore.

It sounds like you are a recovering addict who is living with a still using alcoholic. That is a very bad combination and your parents are right to worry about it.

Have you had consistent contact with the kids during the last four years?


Title: Girl humiliated me by posting our tinder convos on her instagram

Question:
I've been talking to this girl for a long time and have never met her.

I was mainly just trolling, she the type of girl that is on tinder and rejects most guy she talks to and posts about it \(idk why\).

Friends have been concerned and come up to me about this.

She says that I said weird and creepy stuff to her.

Most of the things i said weren't creepy but just super gay and embarrassing.

Such as, "I wonder what it would take to make you call me daddy...a lambo? ferarri?"

I've been talking to her about this and she doesn't seem that sorry and says that it's on her "finsta" meaning her private instagram intended for close friends but i have no idea how many followers she has.

I live in California so I'm not sure what the law says, but what can I do about this?

What are my rights?

Answer:
 There's nothing you can do about it, short of asking her to take it down.

It's not illegal to post your conversations online.

Yet another reason why "trolling" is a terrible idea.Answer #2: You have the right to not send things you don't want shared online.Answer #3: Huh. Actually what you said was creepy, I mean really. You can't make her take it down. Honestly I'm questioning why you'd say stupid, cringy, embarrassing stuff to someone who *posts stuff that guys send her.* Also..."gay?" Really? Answer #4: You can’t do anything other than stop writing cringey things on the internet. Answer #5: She is legally allowed to troll your trolling in this way.

She didn't do anything illegal.  She can post your conversation.  That's why you need to watch what you say and do online.   Just because you don't think what you said was creepy doesn't mean it wasn't creepy to her.

Answer #6: >What are my rights?

You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you on an Instagram post.Answer #7: You can't do anything about it. You don't have a right to act however you want towards someone in private. If that person wants to tell the world what you said to them, they can. You do have the right to act maturely in all aspects of your life so that you're never going to be embarrassed by your own actions, though. You should exercise that right more.


Title: [Mississippi] My Therapists have encouraged me to press charges on my uncle, for sexually assaulting me. But I don't know what to do, or how to do it, and this is all very overwhelming. I'm also not independent, nor can I drive. My family doesn't know either... I really need advice.

Question:
I've been carrying this on my shoulders since Nov. 2015. The therapists know the entire situation, in depth, and even though I feel iffy about what to do, they still encourage me. It is not such a black and white/cookie cutter situation, it's also very twisted, and gross, and sick... So I'll spare you the details and make this brief.

I don't have money to hire a lawyer, but my current therapist told me to at least seek a free consultation with one. How do I do this? If the crime happened in another county, what do I need to do. What will happen if/when I finally press charges? What should I expect? I need to know so much, but I don't know what all to ask. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 You need to contact your state's attorney bar association and ask for attorney referrals. Any attorney you speak with can do their best to provide you with the answers to your questions, in general.

The process will be specific to your case.


Title: I have been experiencing racial discrimination at work, and was recently fired due to poor work performance. Is this a case worth pursuing? [GA]

Question:
I worked at a convenience store for a few months. In the entire time I've worked there, I've always been treated with suspicion, never given keys to open or close the shop myself (all my coworkers have been), being scheduled for less hours than anyone else, and just a general sense of being not the favorite employee. I've always been a friendly, hard-working employee the entire time I've been there.

I'm not proud of this, but I recently started stealing from the register. I didn't take enough for it to be a felony charge. I needed the money to pay rent and bills, they were giving me so few hours I was going to not make rent this month if I didn't do it. It's not an excuse, just an explanation of why I did it.

I got fired on the basis of sales being down on the days that I worked. I get the feeling my boss was hinting at the fact that he knew I stole from the register, but didn't want to reveal to the store owner that I did it. My boyfriend believes that they are discriminating against me due to being a Gypsy and that I should file for a wrongful termination lawsuit. I am a Gypsy, and while I never mentioned it at work or put it on any official forms, someone could reasonably make the assumption based on my appearance. I agree with him, I think they've always treated me in an untrustworthy manner since the day I started because of this. I could prove that my sales have been the same as that of my coworkers.

While I do believe they have been discriminatory throughout my time working there, I am afraid that filing a lawsuit could possibly lead to them wanting to call the police and file criminal charges. I don't think they have any evidence but I don't know if the potential payout from a lawsuit like this is worth the risk.

My question is, should I overlook the racial discrimination given the circumstances, or is it worth pursuing, since the onus is on them to prove that I've committed a crime, and possibly terminated me for no good reason, based on no evidence?

Answer:
 Uhhhh...

> I've always been treated with suspicion

Gee, I wonder why?

>  I recently started stealing from the register.

Oh.Answer #2: > I recently started stealing from the register.

Nothing else you said matters. I am calling bullshit on discrimination altogether. Maybe ya didn't get keys to the store because your boss thought you were kinda sketch. Like the kinda sketch that would embezzle.Answer #3: You don't even know anyone knew your background, much less discriminated against you on that basis.

If you file a discrimination claim, you will be deposed.  You will be asked, under oath, if you ever did anything illegal while you were employed.   The theft might not be a felony, but lying under oath might be.


Title: [AL] Questioning the legality of my relationship with my boyfriend once I accept a teaching position. Can I be fired/arrested for this?

Question:
I am a 20 year old who graduated early from college and I have been offered a job as a kindergarten teacher for the 2018-2019 school year. My boyfriend is 19 years old and will be repeating his senior year of high school due to depression/mental health issues. I have been told by some of my former classmates that since he is a student in the same county as I am teaching in, it would technically be against the law for us to continue dating even though we started dating when we were 16 and 15 (we met at church). They are adamant than even though he is a legal adult, I can still possibly be arrested for this. Is what they are saying true? Can I really be arrested and fired for this?

I mentally checked through all of the warnings and legal stuff we covered in teaching classes, but there was nothing which applied to this particular scenario. Everything always assumed it was some 30 year old teacher and a legal minor, or that the teacher was a teacher at the same school as the student. I will be teaching kindergarten at a private school and my boyfriend attends public school.

Answer:
 The Alabama legislature passed a statute which broadly criminalized consensual sexual activity between **all** school employees and **all** students who are **of the age of consent**, and that's **regardless** of whether the employee even has any contact with the student in an official capacity.

However, (a) this is being challenged in court and (b) it applies to students under 19. So you shouldn't go to prison.

You could still be fired though. You don't have to break a law or a rule to be fired.


Title: This woman rearended me on the highway and drove off, what should I do?

Question: I memorized her license plate and color of car but that's it. My neck feels stiff car has minimal damage.

Answer: File a police report. They should be able to track her down using the license plate number. If you feel that you've been injured, go to a doctor and consult with a personal injury lawyer.Answer #2: Call the police, report a hit and run. Go to a doctor and get your neck checked out.  Call your insurance company.  If your car is undriveable have it towed to a trusted mechanic.