Title: Tow company operates 24 hours, but can't release car because "too busy"

Question:
I live in Loveland, CO, in Larimer county. My car was towed on Thursday because I unknowingly parked in a reserved parking spot at my apartment complex. We just moved here two weeks ago, and I unfortunately hadn't noticed it being reserved. The front office called a company in Longmont, CO (about 15 miles away), and had it towed there. I didn't learn that my car was towed until an hour ago when I noticed it missing, and I immediately contacted the towing company after speaking with the front office.

I told the lady who answered that I have the ownership paperwork in hand and can be there in 25 minutes to pay the fees. She said that although they tow 24 hours per day (and are listed as open during those house on numerous places online), they are too busy to release cars over the weekend. By her word, I can't get my car until Monday, but they will still be charging me the daily storage fees for the next two days.

Since I am able to supply the paperwork to show ownership and pay the current tow/storage fees today, and the company does active towing over the weekend so they're not actually "closed", do I have any legal support to get these additional daily fees voided and/or get my car back today? Is this a common thing in other places?

Answer:
 Call the police non-emergency number. Tell them you have the money to pay and they are refusing to release your car to you and to please send an officer to talk to them.Answer #2: Usually state law requires that tow companies be open a large number of hours, or 24 hours, to release vehicles, for exactly this reason.

Looks like Colorado requires the tow company to release your vehicle within an hour, 24/7.  They can charge an extra $50 release fee for weekends and holidays.

So, basically they're just lying, hoping you'll leave the car until next week and rack up some fees.Answer #3: Why does the apartment choose a towing company in Longmont? Thats like 30 min away. There's tons in Loveland and Fort Collins


Title: Some Questions about Police Policy (MT)

Question:
Hello everyone, I just have some quick questions about policies regarding what highway patrol can do once you've been informed that you're being detained.

For some backstory, I live in Montana. I just moved here from California, and I have a boyfriend of about 6 months that I'm living with for financial reasons. While I was in California, I smoked marijuana for pain relief, since I was in a pretty bad car wreck. I also have a couple of basketball injuries from highschool. Since it is a legal state and because of the region in which I lived, I never got my medical card. About 8 months ago, I had a family emergency that lead me to Montana, and got me stuck in a financial rut. For the time being, I live here.

Another small thing of note before I continue- I don't have any sort of criminal record or fines. I've never been pulled over, I've never been caught with anything, for all intents and purposes, I was clean. Basically, outside of what I was taught in school and have seen in movies, I don't know all of what's okay when it comes to traffic stops.

Since nothing else works for my pain, I drastically cut back the amount that I was smoking, but continued to do so. Today, my boyfriend (19) and I (19f) got pulled over for a traffic violation. We had a small amount of marijuana on us, and we haven't smoked at all today. The officer said that he could smell the marijuana in the car and asked us to step out. The entire time we were compliant and polite, we cooperated with everything the officer asked us to do, and answered the questions as best we could. We were read our rights, everything went according to what I know to be protocol.

However, at one point, my boyfriend asked if he was being detained, to which the officer said yes. Following this, he (officer) performed a field sobriety test on him (boyfriend). Again, we were both completely sober. We don't drink, we don't pop any sort of pills, we don't smoke anything but weed and cigarettes. At that point, neither of us were impaired, as we hadn't been smoking AT ALL today. We informed the officer that, regardless of sobriety, my boyfriend can't pass a sobriety test because his vision isn't exactly the best, and his depth perception is off. (His license even mentions his vision not being up to par.)

My question is- is it legal for the officer to run a test even after one has been informed that they're being detained?
Alternatively, is it legal to detain a person before a field sobriety test has been issued if that's the reason for detainment?

I know it's probably nothing wrong on their part, I'm just curious so that I know going into it next time. Thank you!

Answer: All of that sounds spectacularly above board. "Am I being detained?" Is useless as a legal device and only likely to piss a cop off. You also consented to sobriety testing when you got your driver's license. You can always be breathalyzed or subject to roadside testing. Whether or not your boyfriend asked if he was being detained, which you always are at any traffic stop really, has no baring on this 1000% legal stop, search, test and arrest.


Title: Ryanair Airline sold me cancelled tickets (UK)

Question:
Was away on holiday to Greece and my other half forgot to purchase return flights for us. We booked return flights to London with Ryanair the day before the new departure date. The next day when preparing to depart for the airport we were informed that there was a planned strike, which was organised days before, meaning no flights were scheduled to leave the airport that day. We called Ryanair regarding the cancelled flight and was told that we could not be rescheduled for a flight back home anytime soon and effectively told us to make our own way home and they will refund just their flight costs.
This journey cost us over £400 then we had originally planned and was extremely stressful.
Due to Ryanair selling us tickets that they knew were cancelled is there any compensation that we are able to claim?
I understand that we will most not be able to claim on the cancellation itself as it was caused by an "extraordinary circumstance".
But is there anything we can do, such as sending them the receipts of our new flights to get a refund on these?

Answer:
 Here is some info about Air Passenger Rights in the EU probably a good place to start.

http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm

From my reading of it if you accept a refund, the airline can essentially wash their hands of you.  Answer #2: Hi, this sub is mostly for US and Canadian legal advice. The UK has it's own legal advice sub /r/legaladviceUK you should try posting this there for more accurate information or seek advice from a licensed solicitor.

That said it's RyanAir... What did you expect? Next time fly with a real airline that doesn't wind up it's props with rubber bands. Also check the EU consumer regulations and the Consumer Protection Act you might find something in there that can help you.


Title: Extortion or blackmail?

Question:
I'm posting with a throwaway account.

A few years ago I was with a woman on the east coast. She suffered from serious alcohol and pharmaceutical addiction and would get help. One day I met an incredible woman, fell in love, left the woman I was with and married the new woman and had a baby, also we moved to the west coast. Not long after I moved I started receiving harassing emails from the ex. She had given me some money years earlier to help me through a problem and  verbally said I never had to give it back. I felt bad for her and relayed some of it before I left her. In her emails she tarted ranting that I owed her money and if I didn't pay her right away she would contact everyone I know and work with (I am prominent in my field) and ruin my reputation. She also threatened to call my wife job and tell them we had stolen mo new from a holocaust family and other crazy threats. I received them emails typically once a month, usually around the end of them month when she had bills to pay. Genuinely out of fear I started sending her money and not only gave her back all the money she had given me years before but I gave her above and beyond thousands of dollars. At one point a friend of mine died and left me his estate and one of her threats was that if I didn't give her money she would contact my friends family and tell them just terrible things to screw up my life. When my child was born the threatening emails stopped. She did however contact my deceased friends family and now I am drawing in legal bills because they think I somehow abused him which is a really painful thing to have to deal with. I saved every single threatening email and I have PayPal records of the about 21k I paid her to leave my wife and I alone. I looked online and it appears this :MIGHT: be blackmail or extortion on a federal level because she harassed me via email and over state lines. I spoke with a detective on my local small town police station and he told it just sounded like run of the mill harassment and that I didn't have any recourse because I acknowledged that I was repaying her for money she had given me years before and that basically nullified her vicious threats against me and my wife. In light of the fact my ex is still harassing me through a third party I'd like to act upon what I feel is extortion or blackmail from 2 years ago. I need to know if she did in fact commit a punishable crime? Thanks I advance for your consideration.

Answer:
 Yes, "Pay me or I will ruin your reputation" is extortion regardless of whether or not there was an "official" loan, and paying generally does **not** make them go away.  Go to the police.Answer #2: Yes, what you describe is almost certainly a series of Federal felonies under [18 USC 875](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/875).

20K+ in extorted money an a multi-year campaign of threats is worth a consultation with a criminal defense attorney who can advise you about how you might pursue that person civilly or make a criminal complaint at the Federal level.

Your local police department is unlikely to be of much help;  crimes committed by persons out of state are not their job.

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Title: [CA] Bank of America drilled deposit box and sent contents to storage facility. Keep asking bank manager about chance of it being missing, if it's been sent back to bank, etc. They keep giving us answers that make me question if they know what's going on. Details inside. Any advice is appreciated.

Question:
On 8/11, my parents walked into their Bank of America branch and they found out their safety deposit box had been drilled my mom, which was a co-signer to that safety deposit box, didn't have her SSN attached to it. The employees say this was because of a new policy they had just incorporated. Anyways, that was the first thing that made me weary of the whole situation because we did not get a heads-up or anything. They went on to tell us they had sent it to some facility and they would process the request by 8/23 for it to be sent back and we would get a call by then.

So, I waited until 8/23 and since I didn't receive a phone call, I called the storage facility myself. They told me they had no records of the safety deposit box there! I was freaking out. The person I talked to on the phone didn't know what was going on, so I asked to speak to another person. They said the bank manager at our branch forgot to send the account number along with the request, so they didn't see the deposit box in the system. I went back to the bank and asked that they send a new request, this time with the account number. I received a new processing date, which was 9/1.

I waited again until 9/1 and called the storage facility again, since I did not receive any updates. They told me that the case was closed and our safety deposit box had been sent out to the branch already a few days ago. We went to the branch and asked if they had received it back yet. The bank manager said they don't know why the storage facility would say that because the bank manager didn't know it was being sent back. The bank manager told me she would call the storage facility herself and sort it out. She reached out to me later that day and said that the storage facility had just sent out the storage facility box and we should wait another 5-7 days. I waited a week and called the Bank of America branch and they said they have no records/indications that the storage facility sent out the safety deposit box. So, they told me to wait a couple more days while they get in contact with the storage facility. More waiting!

Anyways, I called the bank today and the employee said "since the box just got drilled, the storage facility is trying to find out where the safety deposit box is location". She said there are multiple locations (that this storage facility manages) that this safety deposit box can be located in. That did not really help calm my nerves or my family's nerves.

The whole thing just feels fishy to me. At first, I didn't think much of it. However, there's been a few hiccups that make me feeling like they have no idea where our safety deposit box it. All this back and forth is really putting a toll on my family since there's a lot of important items and documents in the safety deposit box. My family is considering hiring a lawyer, but they don't know the process of doing so. Does anyone have any advice on how to proceed?

Answer:
 I would get a lawyer to sent a strongly worded letter via certified mail, and see how much trouble they have locating your stuff then. Answer #2: Not a lawyer but as far as dealing with this BS I have had semi-similar (nonlegal) experience. Every time you speak to someone, write down their name, title, and the time & date you spoke to them, what they said and any other relevant info. Also, if possible, ask them to email you a summary of the call so you have a record of communication. That way when you speak to the next person, you have solid info instead of "someone said this, someone else told me that"

This has helped me a lot in the past when dealing with large "faceless" corporations. Also, once you have people's names, it's easier to escalate situations when you can say "X told me this, was that not true? Can I speak to their supervisor?"Answer #3: Did they update your parents on the new policy?
Definitely go speak to a lawyer and see where you stand legally with this Answer #4: time for a demand letter from a lawyer, this is absurdAnswer #5: File a police report.

1. For the paper trail value.
2. It will also get the bank' attention


Title: I’m being charged for fraud that I haven’t committed

Question: I’m only 16 and will be turning 17 but right now I’m 16. I received a call from a man called John. He seemed legit and told me that my number was being used for sex chat lines. I was shocked and then he played some recordings of the man who sounded only a little bit like me but not exactly. He then sends me a picture on WhatsApp and I I don’t know how to react so I panic and block his number and delete him of chats. Then later I receive two SMS’s stating that there’s a warranty arrest for me within 24 hours if the amount isn’t paid. It says to contact John and the SMS’s come from a different number. So I call him but nobody picks up. I try again and again yet still no answer. I try messaging him on WhatsApp but the number is not on WhatsApp anymore. I don’t know what to do. I’m scared I’m going to be punished for nothing and disappointment my family. Please if any legal attorneys are out there please give me some advice. I don’t want to be held for something I haven’t done. I haven’t told my family cause I don’t know how to and I’m embarrassed. Please help!!!

Answer: This is a scam. Block and ignore.Answer #2: It's a scam! No one of importance would call you they're trying to get money. Don't  fall for it ignore it and move on. Especially using fake phone numbers and whatsapp. Theyll make a bunch of numbers and spam you just ignore them. Tell them to fuck off. Think what cop or higher authorities would use WhatsApp or randomly generated phone number. You're young, but now it's time not to be so gullible.


Title: No next of kin to execute my final wishes.

Question: I am 49yo in Denver, CO and have no family except an estranged half sister.  I also have no friends I feel close enough to burden with this task. How do I find someone to execute my final wishes, or even to be the point of notification when the coroner finds my remains?  I live alone so odds are someone from work will miss me or a neighbor will notice a smell from my apartment whenever the time comes. The coroner comes but then how do I get notification to access my will and liquidate my estate?  I have a life insurance policy I’m leaving to charity and a little retirement account. I also want to be disposed of having the least negative impact on the environment possible. Normal people have the coroner call the next of kin who would then call the attorney or access the will in a safe deposit box. What does someone like me do?  Can I keep an attorney on retainer to be my executor?  Can I make that attorney my emergency contact?  It’s a simple procedure for normal people with family or even close friends but what does someone like me do to ensure that which I’ve worked so hard for benefits the charities I choose and not simply the state government?

Answer:
 Are you okay?  You sound isolated and are asking questions about your death.Answer #2: >  Can I keep an attorney on retainer to be my executor? Can I make that attorney my emergency contact?

Yes, to both questions, though obviously you'd want to warn said attorney first. You can look for an estate lawyer on the [state bar website here](http://www.cobar.org/Find-a-lawyer).Answer #3: An estate lawyer can help with all of this, so contacting one is your first step.

That being said, you're only 49. That's rather young to be concerned about this sort of thing, and definitely not to young to change. You don't have to be alone at the end, whenever that may come. Get involved with those charities that are dear to you and meet like-minded people.  You don't deserve to feel this alone and helpless, you deserve better. And if you need help with getting started, or dark thoughts and feelings, PLEASE utilize the resources linked here. No matter what, you deserve better.


Title: Landlord failed to inform me of breach of contract for failing to pay on a unit, (there was confusion in the terms and I was unaware i was under contract.) I was then evicted and faced with homelessness and charged 5 months of back rent. (he had not informed me that i had not been paying)

Question:
Do I have any legal recourse?
I am in California.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: Why is it a surprise to you that you hadn't been paying rent?


Title: Weird Situation (Pennsylvania)

Question:
Okay, so I've been living as somewhat of a subletter/squatter in a friend's apartment for ~a year while she's been away for work. She's been paying the rent (per our agreement), but she hasn't been back since she left. From my understanding, she just really didn't want any of the other roommates to take her room in their place, and she'd already had a bad experience with a subletter she found on Craigslist before she came to me. I still have the original messages saying that she'd take care of rent. And later on, I even agreed to pay at least part of the rent if necessary. The last time we spoke, I'd said I'd like to stay as long as possible. I think I'd mentioned wanting to stay until late March/early April, and she didn't have any problem with that.

Out of nowhere, she came home and she wants to know if we could co-habitate. I don't have any details on how long it would be for (not that it matters). I'm dating someone, and I'm not sure she'd be okay with that. Girlfriend withstanding, I'm also really not comfortable with it myself. There's only one bed in the bedroom in question.

Do I have any rights at all if she would try to kick me out for not wanting to co-habitate? I don't really have anywhere to go. I haven't been with my girlfriend long enough to move in with her, nor would I even entertain the idea.

I have $0 set aside for a security deposit on a new place (I didn't plan on starting to save until around February and I've also had some things come up that ate what savings I did have), and I'm probably about to lose my job (we're downsizing and I'm one of the newer people) so moving into a new place really isn't feasible right now.

What are my options, if any? I don't really want to become homeless.

Answer:
 You've lived somewhere rent free and you have no money for a deposit?? r/personalfinance

On to more important matters.

Legally you are a tenant. She can't just kick you out nor can you deny her access ergo co-habitate is the only legal solution. That said, she can take action to eventually force you out which would likely entail giving you notice to GTFO and then seeking evcition.

You are a subletter, not a squatter. You entered with permission of the right holder and they may terminate that let under the law via normal legal means.


Title: What are my chances of keeping my Dog during my divorce?

Question:
I live in Texas and I am currently going through a divorce. My ex and I have only been married since August 2017 and in May, before the marriage, we adopted a puppy from the humane society. Since then I have been the our dogs primary caregiver taking her to the vet, buying her food, heart worm/flea prevention. My ex and I did live together at the time we adopted her, but my ex didn’t want to keep originally because she is a high energy dog and my ex couldn’t keep up with her. As a result whenever I would work my late shift 2:30pm-11pm I would have to drop our dog off at either her parents house or my parents house so she didn’t have to deal with her when she got home from work. To add to this I would have to drop our dog off at my parents house to spend the night at least two weekends a month, since I worked the weekends and my ex did not, so my ex could relax and not get stressed out by our dog.

The problem comes from the fact that my ex did sign and pay to adopt our dog before we were married and yesterday her lawyer sent a request that I drop our dog off with her or face a hearing on the matter. I’m just wondering if I have any chance of keeping my dog and if the hearing is the best option goin forward?

Answer:
 Unfortunately, animals are considered property. As such you treat it the same you would any other property. It is both of yours at the moment. However talk to you lawyer about bringing in testimony/evidence that she would not care for the dog. This includes any test messages, emails, or voicemails where she says something specifically about not wanting o care for the dog because of its temperament.  This can hopefully sway a judge to give you ownership in the divorce.Answer #2: >  if the hearing is the best option goin forward?

Basically your only option as its apparently disputed property. Just let your lawyer know how much you value the dog. Answer #3: IANAL, but I work at veterinary clinic. In many places, whose name is on the rabies certificate (this would be you if you have taken her to the vet and presented her as "yours") and on the city/county license may help show ownership. However, if the shelter has any stipulations or contacts signed on the dog having to return to their care rather than being "rehomed" and her name is on that paperwork, that might be a little more sticky. Answer #4: IANAL. Generally I've heard two things matter. Who bought the pet, and who paid for all of their food and care. If she bought it, that may be that. But, collect all the receipts of you buying the food and paying for the vet, cause that stuff's not cheap. The vet might be easier, but if you went to PetSmart or something, they send those email receipts, and those couldn't hurt. At the bare minimum you can argue that you have just as much a right to the dog. Good luck, because I don't envy your situation.


Title: Got sent a sample of product, ordered product and delivered product is vastly different. Is this illegal?

Question:
The product is custom matchbooks. I asked for some samples, they provide 2 types of books. Black matchbooks with black matchsticks and white books with white sticks. I said I would like to go with the black mactchbooks.

The product that was delivered to me were black matchbooks with white sticks. They said it was due to their supplier no longer supplying the black books with black sticks so they went ahead with printing the books with the white sticks because they thought it wouldn't be an issue. I wasn't notified before they went ahead with the job.

The product that was implied to be delivered is objectively different to the product that was actually delivered. Is this illegal?

Answer: ಠ_ಠ Are you speaking in some kind of drug code I am too old to understand? If you are actually talking about custom matchsticks then this is not a matter of illegality, it's a breach of whatever contest you have. They can either offer you a discount on the incorrect one, offer to void the contract, or cure the defect at their cost.


Title: [NC] Received my first ticket for going 42 in a 25 school zone (under 18). Can I reduce the charge?

Question:
I got ticketed for speeding at 42 mph in a 25 mph school zone (regular speed limit was 35 mph). I am a high school student and this is my first ticket. The cost is $438 and 3 points to my license. Is it possible to reduce the charge and get rid of the points? Should I hire an attorney or should I show up to court by myself?

I appreciate any help and suggestions.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 You can go to court and ask to have the fine or points reduced. They have absolutely no obligation to do so. It's basically a crap shoot that is dependent on how contrite, respectful, and apologetic you are... though even that may not work.

If you want to avoid that, hire a traffic attorney. Usually for a standard fee, they will negotiate your ticket to a non-moving, no-point violation, but often with a higher fine. But, if you are under 18, your parents would need to hire the attorney because as a minor, you would not be able to.

Slow down. A car is not a toy. Driving 42 in a school zone is wicked fast and incredibly dangerous.


Title: I believe my room mate has be accessing content illegally. I haven't, but I'm the one who pays the internet bills, what should I do?

Question:
Hi,

I have an account with Charter and pay the internet each month for myself and my room mate. I recently received a notice that someone has been watching Game of Thrones illegally with the internet I pay for. I'm terrified of what this means and promptly responded that I had no knowledge of what was going on and would investigate.

What should I do?

Answer:
 Realistically, have your room mate assume control of the account. That way if they want to pirate it is on their heads. Truthfully having internet in your own name isn't all that great a deal presuming you can still get what you need.

I wouldn't worry too much about this particular incident [HBO is using kid gloves at the moment](http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2015/04/22/hbo-going-after-game-of-thrones-pirates-with-nerf-guns/)Answer #2: Don't be terrified. Nothing is going to happen. Stop letting your roommate use your Internet. This is a bad idea in general, you don't want to be responsible for what he does.


Title: Can an employer force one to work out?

Question: I do social work and one of the programs clients can enroll in is weight lifting. We don't usually go to this but if we do we're expected to dress out, work out, etc. That's fair, don't just stand there taking up space. That's why I don't go, especially to a weight gym. I've had a spinal fusion and suffer from several severe chronic issues, and much beyond stretching causes a good bit of pain. I think I'm technically not allowed to lift over 50 pounds. But now the head of the company is working a case with me and having me meet them at the gym to work out. I'm not really sure what to do as she's basically the CEO and already seems to hate me. Just suck it up and schedule the next fusions? Hahaha

Answer:
 Do not do anything that would put your health at risk, it just isn't worth it.  If your employer doesn't understand this, you should look for a new employer.Answer #2: How many staff members work for your organization? And what state in the US are you in? (different states have some additional regulations on top of the ADA)

If your doctor can document the fact that working out and lifting weights is going to aggravate your condition, you should get them to do that for you, and then request an accommodation, if the organization is large enough that the ADA applies to it. In most states, as long as the company has 15 or more employees, then it has to be okay with giving you reasonable accommodations (and i fail to see how "I'm happy to supervise our clients, but can't work out myself" would be an unreasonable accommodation)


Title: [CT] Girlfriend can't get a non-driver photo ID, help!

Question:
My girlfriend's out of state (CA) ID expired in 2010 and we're trying to get her a Connecticut non-driver photo ID but we've run into a problem. The state of CT requires both a certified birth certificate (which we have) and proof of her social security number. Her social security card was lost when we moved over a year ago, and she doesn't have either of the other acceptable forms of proof (W-2 form or 1099 issued within the last 5 years). We tried to get a replacement social security card, but they won't issue one without a current photo ID. It's a catch 22.

She has collected various forms of identifying information including her certified 2005 high school transcript (which has her picture on it), lab tests from past doctor visits, her current debit card, and the expired CA ID. None of them have been accepted as proof when presented at the social security office.

We feel we've run out of options and are desperate to get her a current ID. Is there anything a lawyer could do for us? If so, is there a certain "type" of lawyer that we should look into? We're both clueless when it comes to legal stuff. Thanks!
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 Are you saying that she never had a W-2 or 1099 within the last five years? Or that she had it, and lost it. Because the IRS can send you a transcript which includes old W2s, or she can contact a previous employer.

Otherwise (and this is a really circuitous route), you can get her a passport by supplying her birth certificate and as much secondary evidence as you can put together, along with an affidavit from a U.S. Citizen who has known her for at least two years who can appear with her in person when she applies for the passport. Then you can use the passport and birth certificate to get the Social Security Card, and the birth certificate and ssc to get the ID.

Or you could issue her a 1099-MISC for the contract work she performed cleaning your house and file it with the IRS. She'd have to pay self employment taxes on what you paid her though.


Title: [WV] Is it illegal to charge a COVID fee at a restaurant?

Question:
I saw this issue pop up on Facebook, and people are arguing whether or not it is legal.

Tudor's Biscuit World is charging a 5% COVID fee on every order. One would assume that extra fee goes toward cleaning supplies and PPE that wouldn't be needed outside of the pandemic.

There is signage notifying customers of said fee before they order.

Some people are saying it's illegal to charge a fee for something out of everyone's control. Others argue that by having the choice to not eat out, they can decide whether or not to patronize a business that charges this fee.

Thoughts?

Answer:
 No, they are warning you about it.  If it was illegal, they'd just raise the prices of the actual food to accommodate their extra costs and hide it that way.  At least this way, they are transparent about it.Answer #2: Of course it's not illegal. That's crazy.

At one point, in a business I owned, I had a $1 fee that we applied to every sale. It was largely a protest of an unexpected business expense that the city government had suddenly enacted with no warning or public discussion. (It was a $1000+ fee that was supposedly to fund the fire department's tracking of hazardous/flammable material. There was also paperwork that I spent a couple days filling out.)

My dentist is tacking on a $20/visit COVID charge and my insurance isn't paying it. Kind of sucks tbh.


Title: tax preparer ask for our bank account number for tax refund direct deposit

Question:
i am first time poster here. i now live in Illinois. so a preparer helped my parents filled out the tax return for this year. and he asked us for either a copy of a check or the account and routing numbers so we can use the direct deposit and avoid mailing error. even though i know it sounds stupid and i acknowledge that the IRS do provide that sort of service. but can the preparer use any of above information against us? like take the money out of the bank.  we are kind of new to this country and this kind of thing so i just want to make sure.

thank you in advance.

Answer: This is normal.  Yes it can be used against you but the tax preparer has all of your info and can commit incredible amounts of fraud anyway should they choose to do so.


Title: Desperately need guidance. My daughter is being placed with her grandmother.

Question:
This is quite a long one.  Please excuse poor grammar. So 5 years ago I started custody on my son.  At the time he was 8.  While this started his mother refused to go to any court dates till she was handed with a contempt of court months later.  So during the next 2 years there were over 100 days of missed parenting time.  Our judge had enough of us constantly being in front of him.  None of this was due to me.  I had always done everything that was asked of me.  During this time his mother was charged with 7 drug felonies. She was allowed to use a 7411. Which means if she successfully completed her terms. That she would be charged with possession of non-narcotic.  During this time she had moved 90 miles away. And we had to meet half way which she despised doing.  Ok so now this is where the story picks up.  So on a Tuesday before my weekend I get a call from CPS.  I tell them that I will inform my lawyer and we will meet.  I work nights so mother goes to pick my son up.  The next day I ask my son what CPS was in regards to. And he says "none of your business".  Me and my son were really close prior to me starting custody.   We spent time together when she wanted a babysitter.  So we go to my parents house.  I tell him that he can go sot at his desk. For being disrespectful to his grandmother the weekend prior and me just then.  He wanted to get up so I tell him that he could write a report that his school was offering for extra credit.  He chose not to so I told him to continue to sit.  He was allowed to get up but I told him no TV.  He ends up watching TV with my father.  I tell him to sit back down he says no and what are you going to do about it.  I get up and I pit my hand on his ear and he walks in front of me and sits down.  Say an hour passes and I tell him he is done being punished.  We watch some soccer and go about our day.  Next day we all go to see Ghostbusters.  He has a younger brother and my ex's son who I raised since he was 1.  After we go to my house and they all play and go to the park.  We drop him off later that day.  So on the following Thursday I get a call from a detective and am told I am being accused of breaking my sons arm.  So when he was age 6 & 7.  He had broke his arm in the same spot.  Now that January he had broke it for 3rd time throwing a dodgeball at school.  I call my lawyer.  And he says normally I would say not to talk to them but in your case we should.  We go and meet with him and tells me the allegations. The story was that  got mad at him and dragged him from one room to the other and threw him into the wall rebreaking his arm.  There are no accessible walls in the room.  Running a pornographic household.   For having a sex talk with a 13 &12 year old.  Showing a Playboy and having a serious talk with them.  Both mother's had agreed and known about prior to use sitting down.  And then of course my wet preserved specimens were brought up.  Oh and I did this when CPS already had a investigation from her call the week prior. So during all this my children have been interviewed multiple time prior.  I have never hit my children.  I dont even yell at them.  So I go to court and I end up losing custody of my son.  If more back story is need on why I will provide.  But basically my court appointed lawyer set it for a bench trial.  And I was deemed unfit.  I did switch to my regular lawyer but the deck was already stacked. So during this time about 3 months later.  I find out I am being criminally prosecuted.   I get depressed about everything and stop going to work and make some overall bad choices.  One was having sex and getting a woman pregnant.   My youngest son was 9 and I had no plans on having any other children.   Well this woman is an addict.  While pregnant she was taking pills.  She goes to jail and then rehab then to methadone clinic then back to jail. All in her 1st 6 months.  So the baby is born. He maconian comes back positive for opiates.  CPS is involved. They find no reason to continue since she had a prescription for her last pregnancy.   Which was like 5 years prior.  Oh yea she signed rights away to her first son to her mother.  And gave her 2nd son up for adoption.  So CPS tells her that if she lives with me that they will be involved and want them out of my home.  So I still see my daughter when the mother would come over.  Till I ask for some things she took from the home.  I had bought everything for our daughter but was for the home.  The mother was essentially couch bouncing with our daughter. We stop having physical contact after this fight as she wasnt welcome in my home.  Over the course of her firat 16 months CPS had been involved 4 times.  One alleged incident involved her boyfriend shaking the baby.  These were always dismissed regardless of my concerns.   When we go for custody.   She received sole legal custody and I was denied parenting time.  I was also denied parenting time for my son. The reason was alleged abuse.  Even though the criminal charges were dismissed against me.  So last week CPS gets ahold of me and tells me the new case.  That the house she lives at is selling drugs.  Unknown number of people living there.  She smoked weed at 630 and at 1030 was in a single car rollover. 300ft of skid mark.  She was taken to jail for dui, driving suspended and child endangerment.  So today when I called they told me that our daughter was placed with her mother.  They are petitioning to remove custody from her and place her with the grandmother.  I have fought for my children endlessly. And continue to be disregarded.  Do I have any options?
tldr: lost rights to son is terribly affecting ability to care for my other children
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: Far too specific for the internet. You really need to switch lawyers if you feel as though you are being edged out here. There is not much you will be able to do.


Title: Academic misconduct without really doing anything wrong

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You saying you've been doing someone's work all semester is the only evidence she needs to report it. Further, if you actually were doing someone else's work (not plagiarism but actually doing their homework) that is still almost certainly against academic standards. Every school I've ever attended had a provision in the handbook that by turning in an assignment you're verifying that it is your own original work.


Title: [TX] Friend was paid a bonus on Friday and she verified it was correctly paid; now her employer wants her to pay it back.

Question:
As the title states, my friend was paid a bonus last Friday. She wasn't expecting it because she didn't meet the goal this quarter. She asked her manager when she noticed the bonus and her manager checked with HR; HR told her it was paid correctly. She spent her bonus on repaying debt over the weekend.

Today, her employer told her she has to pay back the bonus because it was a mistake. She told them she had already spent it and couldn't get it back. They offered to allow her to repay it in payments.

From what I have read in other posts, it looks like a genuine mistake (even though it WAS verified in writing), so she should have to pay it back. However, she had no reason to doubt that the bonus was hers to spend since A) she was told all was good, and B) the last time she missed the goal, she was STILL given a bonus.  That time, she was told that it was a sign of good faith, since they knew how hard she was working. I feel that shows they don't stick to the incentive structure rigidly.

Will she have to pay the bonus back? Thanks in advance!

UPDATE: My friend spoke to the HR person, and they want her to pay back the bonus by the end of the year (because otherwise her W-2 would be incorrect). She REALLY can't afford that. She didn't sign anything.

The HR person also told her they would take away her last paycheck if she resigned, plus use her unused vacation time, and whatever remained would be sent to a collections agency! While I'm pretty sure they can take her unused vacation time, can they also deduct from her paycheck without her written agreement? And can they actually send this to collections? She JUST finished getting her credit score up after her ex screwed that up a DECADE ago.

Answer:
 While I'm not familiar with Texas law on this issue, in general when an employer awards additional compensation to an employee for meeting certain performance goals, that “bonus” is considered as actually being part of their "wages."

If you search the sub you'll find that when wages are mistakenly overpaid the posters are invariably told they'll have to pay it back.

So my first instinct is that yes, she will have to pay back the bonus.

If she doesn't the company will likely fire her. Whether they sue her to recover the money is unknown, so she might get to keep it if she quits but that isn't guaranteed.

If she wants to smooth things over she needs to explain to payroll that the money is gone and ask to work out some sort of monthly payment to return it. If she can do this without interest, then it will still work out in her favor because as you said, she used the money to pay off debts that were previously accruing interest. It basically becomes a 0% interest loan when viewed in this light.

Now the most important thing to remember though is that she owes tax on this bonus. If she pays it back and payroll doesn't fix the taxes part, then she'll be paying taxes on money she never got to keep!

Of course this could all change if Texas has some sort of law dealing with this scenario. But no matter how you look at it, even if the law allows her to technically keep the money her company will not view this favorably and she'll likely be looking for a new job.

Answer #2: Is it big enough to be worth losing her job over?


Title: From (TX) Getting Married in (KS). Which marriage certificate is better?

Question: My fiancé and I live in Texas, but we are going to get married in Kansas. Do we have to get a marriage license from Kansas? Is there any benefit to choosing one state over another? Thanks for the help!

Answer: Usually wherever the wedding is going to be is where you need the license from.


Title: I believe my husband was fired for having schizophrenia and don't know how to proceed

Question:
My husband was recently fired from his job after being told they were doing downsizing. We found out that another person was hired to his old position immediately.

The business, a catholic hospital, had found out in September he had schizophrenia. After he returned to work, he was constantly asked to work overtime yet being written up by one person without any corroboration.

He wants to believe in the good of the business (I love you /u/Empty_Insight ) but I know better. People find the pettiest reasons to terminate you. Hell, they've tried to deny his unemployment benefits as well and have admitted to the Texas Workforce Commission that he was not downsized.

As his wife, I'd personally like to go Red Wedding on their asses for yet again trying to make his life about his illness and not what an amazing man he is. But I'd rather hit them where it hurts; their wallet. Texas is a right to work state but his disability blatantly played into them firing.

Anyone out there have some advice on how to proceed? My husband is on board with this and I have no problem using my old media contacts if needed because this is utter bullshit.

Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated. We are in the Round Rock, Texas area.

Thanks

Answer: Do you have any evidence he was singled out due to schizophrenia?


Title: Me and person made suicide pact possibly [OREGON]

Question:
We both discussed ways of suicide and items regarding methods of suicide. We have not agreed to suicide not set a date,
That person wants to do it by next month am i legally responsible for their death if they decides to do it?
I told them im willing to meet up with them. Im starting to have a change of heart, as opposed if i want to do it or not.

Answer: You (and the other person) should both seek help for your mental health.


Title: Do I have a case of sexual harassment (possibly assault) against my boss?

Question:
Hello!
First time ever posting so I apologize in advanced for any mistakes. I’m not the best story teller so I’m going to try and explain my situation as well as I can.

I (mid 20’s/F)work for a fairly large landscaping company in the US. Our company is divided in a few divisions, residential/commercial, maintenance/construction. I started 3 years ago as a temporary receptionist during the summer months. As my time was coming to an end, it was brought up to people around the office how I was a good reliable worker and they wanted to move me into a full time position.

The VP of commercial construction (mid 50’s/M) took me under his wing as his “assistant”. He works a second job in our local government, so he is fairly well known in the community and one of those guys that knows everyone. I think he considers himself untouchable. Over the past 3 years I have learned to bid on landscape jobs and been pretty successful for someone with no formal training, selling millions of dollars. I have been very grateful for this opportunity.

I have recently been promoted to a salary position as an estimator, rather than an assistant. My boss over the years micromanaged me very much, so I think me gaining some independence has been bothering him.

Events that have happen in the past 3 years while we worked closely together:

1) He told me I need a better bra and consistently mentioned taking me bra shopping. (I do not have a bad bra, but he expects my boobs to be extremely pushed up like a Victoria’s Secret model)

2) He has taken me into stores for clothes shopping (3 or 4 times total) and came into the fitting rooms with me while I tried on clothes. I am a timid person and was scared to say anything.

3) he has brought me into his office, locked his door, has me take my shirt off so he could adjust my bra so they were more pushed up. At one point putting his hands into the cups entirely touching my boobs. He did this a second time also while driving around in his truck.

4) we spend a lot of time driving to job sites. Along these rides he will play sexual questions games with me. A few examples: asking whether I spit or swallow, whether I’ve had anal sex, talking about fantasies and other sexual acts between me and my fiancé.

Most of these occurred last summer, after we had been around each other daily for 2 years. My problem is I do not have any evidence for any of this. I have always known it was not appropriate but have always been terrified to say anything as he is in such a position of power. I do not want to lose my job because I enjoy it, and wouldn’t be able to find a new one very easily.

I have never mentioned any of this to anyone, until 2 days ago I told my best friend and she really encouraged me to do something. I feel if I bring this up to HR our company would flip. I do not want to bring too much attention to myself or lose my job over this.

Do I have a case? Or is it best to just put it in the past and continue on?

Answer:
 If you don’t do anything, he will do it to the next person ad well. Listen to your friend. HR is supposed to be discreet and independent. And if they are not, then your case just doubled in size. Scumbags like this need to be stopped.Answer #2: > He has taken me into stores for clothes shopping (3 or 4 times total) and came into the fitting rooms with me while I tried on clothes. I am a timid person and was scared to say anything.

Seriously?! You just let your boss watch you change? You didn't think to bring this up with anyone in the company?

At any point did you tell him that you were uncomfortable with his sexual questions and advances?

You need to go speak to his supervisor and HR. At this point, their only requirement is to make the harassment stop.


Title: [GA] Incompetent apartment management, and I think I am allergic to my apartment, what are my options?

Question:
I read the FAQ already, but I thought I'd give this a shot anyway-

I have had problems with my apartment since the beginning. When I first signed my lease, they called to inform me that it was a mistake and the floorplan I originally signed for was no longer available and I would have to sign a new lease for a smaller (2B instead of 3), more expensive apartment. I did so only on the pretense that I was desperate for an apartment at that time, because of personal reasons. The apartment features by the bed leasing.

They allowed my roommate and I to move in a week early because of the situation. When we were moving in, they said the apartment was ready, but there were workers still fixing things and setting the apartment up.

*Then* I get an e-mail informing me that our rent would be hiked up $20 a month because they didn't realize they had offered us a deluxe unit (deluxe meaning there is a washer and dryer in the apartment. And gave me another new lease to sign. Not knowing any better, and being desperate, I signed it.

6 months go by, and I get sick pretty much whenever I am in the apartment. Nothing major, but definitely phlegmy and congested. Often times it goes away while I am gone, but I come back after a long weekend and feel sick again. Or even after a day on campus.

Final straw -
I notified the apartment complex that, in accordance with the lease, I would need an extension on rent due to the nature of my financial aid dispersal. They said that they could offer me the extension til the 10th of the month, but to email them when I was ready to pay rent so they could clear my account of the late fees that accrued until then.

So, on the 10th, I emailed the leasing office, notifying them that I was ready to pay rent. I received no response.

On the 11th, I received a response to the original thread inquiring about the extension. "You have missed the deadline to have your late fees excused. Please advise when you will pay rent."

Angrily, I emailed them back telling them the date and time I emailed them, explaining I had not received a response back, and asking them to remove the extra $75 dollars in late fees. I re forwarded them the e-mail as well. She claimed she still did not see the email in her inbox, although she replied to it saying that "the email is blank" but offered to take away the fees if I could bring a money order into the leasing office that day. I explained I was out of town for break, and she cleared the fees online instead.

I'm tired of staying in an apartment that makes me sick, with management that is very unhelpful and disorganized. The lease has no buyout clause, but does have an assisted relet fee (which does not release you from your lease).

Do I have any other options? Besides the impact the apartment makes on my health, I don't think habitability clause would arise here.

Any advice is appreciated.

Answer:
 You are going to have to figure out why you are getting sick. Perhaps there is mold in the unit from an old leak or something. If this is the case then you could try and find someone to come in and do a mold test for you. These are usually like $300-$500 from what I have seen.

If nothing comes up then I don't really know what to say because at this time we don't know what "could" be causing the health issues.Answer #2: You need to first go see a doctor and get a medical/professional opinion that your apartment is making you sick. Your evidence is very anecdotal thus far.

Once you have the doctor's findings, you'll need to present them to your property manager and allow them to remedy the issue.


Title: [UK] Am I allowed to make 3D models of a Boeing 737 to use in a commercial game?

Question: This question applies to all aircraft models. Do the companies have some kind of protection on the appearance of the vehicle? Would I be allowed to use it, if I didn't brand the plane as a 737, but it still looked the same?

Answer:
 Not legal advice, This is also from the US however it might be worth reading

http://boingboing.net/2008/03/21/wwii-bomber-trademar.html


Title: Buying a government job

Question:
Hi,
I want to work for a california state, county or city government, but I can't seem to get any job interviews for a most of the positions I am interested in (IT, facilities maintenance, janitor/custodian).

Would it be a crime for me to offer a hiring manager, or someone I met off craigslist who works for the government $20,000 to hire me?

Answer:
 If you "offer to pay $20,000" by taking a $20,000 haircut on your compensation, no, that's fine. It's not illegal to be cheaper than the competition; if the wages are regulated, you'll simply be turned down unless you're willing to accept the regulated wage.

If you mean "give someone a big check in return for letting you through the hiring process," though, no, not legal. You could face charges for offering it, [and the public employee could face charges for accepting it](http://law.justia.com/codes/california/2011/pen/part-1/67-77/68).Answer #2: > Would it be a crime for me to offer a hiring manager, or someone I met off craigslist who works for the government $20,000 to hire me?

[Yes](https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/government-ethics/resources/california-government-ethics-laws/).


Title: TN: Mother's landlord keeps trying to charge her late fees for rent, even though my mother never signed a rental agreement.

Question:
Hey /r/legaladvice,

So my mother has been living in a house for going on a year now.  The landlord she has is rather unorganized, and has never had my mother sign a rental agreement, only an emergency contact form.

The landlord keeps trying to charge my mother a late fee due to her constantly changing the day the money is due.  It's usually a few days before what they had agreed on, so its nothing drastic.

However, the landlord is trying to charge something like 20 a day past whenever she feels rent should be due.

Since no rental agreement has been signed, does my mother have to pay a late fee?  Is she legally even required to pay for rent (I only vaguely know something about squatters rights)?

Answer:
 Yes she is required to pay rent. The landlord can't change the amount or the due date without notice. She also can't charge fees if they aren't agreed to in advance. Your mother really needs a proper lease - it will help protect her.

Edit: I can word good.Answer #2: Without a lease it's going to be harder to prove rent is owed, although a history of paying rent will generally establish that there was an agreement to pay rent. (after all who pays a bill they don't owe?). They need to have a sit-down and work this out. The landlord has a right to expect rent to be paid on time and your mother has a right to know when rent is due.


Title: CA Assault with a deadly weapon - Lawyer choice and general advice

Question:
I hope this isnt too long of a story.

My girlfriend and I were hiking in CA while on vacation. As we hiked up the mountain we began to discuss an issue that she was passionate about and there were some nuances that we didn't meet eye to eye on. She began to get emotionally upset, a little bit at me for being stubborn, but mostly by the topic.

As we were talking, and she was crying, another couple came up behind us. The man began interjecting into the conversation and the woman was a little bit behind him so didnt really hear the beginning of our encounter.

He was rude and degrading to my girlfriend, which just caused to her to become even more upset and emotional. By this point they were continuing up the trail, but both of them were yelling rude things to my girlfriend. At one point my girlfriend even yelled up to them "What kind of people walk by someone crying and try and make them feel worse" or something to that effect. She was a mixture of sadness and anger.

After they had passed on she began to continue the hike. I firmly tried to insist that we just leave, knowing that we would be forced to run into them. She wouldn't turn back though. She wanted them to apologize, and to let them know that its not a decent way to act. Also, she really likes hiking and didnt want to miss the opportunity, as the day was coming to an end.

When we encountered them up towards the top of the mountain she was a bit ahead of me, as she has more hiking endurance. The encounter happened really fast. My girlfriend says that as she was rounding a curve, they met and the man said a mocking "duh duh duh", idk how to type it out but its the sound that they would play in movies when something shocking just happened. At the same time he  puffed his chest out and got in her face. She panicked and grabbed her mini utilty tool. It has a knife on it.

I hadn't seen much of this as I was approaching from lower on the trail. The woman had moved a step or two past the man and my GF. I was right next to the woman, and all four of us were pretty close to each other. She says outloud that she see my girlfriend has a knife. The man immediately jumped off the path and circled wide around the rest of us. I don't know how, or why really, but some how my girlfriend and the woman had latched onto each other with one arm. A struggle occurred, at first they both pulled away, but since they were holding onto each other, they essentially  rubber banded into each other and the womans bicep was cut. Evidently it was a slice and not stab/penetration.

I grabbed the multitool and threw it, because I was stunned by the chaos and wanted to neutralize the situation. As the couple ran down the mountain the man turned around, ran back up, and took a few photos. I said "Look man, this situation is completely out of control. And I know that what happened was fucked up, but you should apologize to my girlfriend. You dont know what shes been through or who she is. I'm not saying that as an excuse but you fucked up here too" He apologized.

We were woken by the police in our tents that night. We talked with them, fully complied. She was arrested. $25,000 bail. We paid the bondsman and they released her the next day. The arraignment is in a month.

We know we need a lawyer but there are so many questions.

1.) Are the discount lawyers worth anything? She has no money, and I can pay for a lawyer, but not a very expensive one.

2.) Should we hire a lawyer prior to the arraignment? Part of me think it will be cut and dry, plea, get the new court date and leave. But another part of me thinks that if there is a lawyer present we may have access to plea deals.

3.) Will any of these facts be relevant? She has never been in trouble with the law. She graduated with honors with 2 majors and a minor. She has been working at good, respectable career, with the same company for 3 years. Excellent rental and credit history. Additionally, she has been in therapy, prior to and since, and has discussed this encounter with her therapist.

4.) Can the court decide at the arraignment to place her back into custody on the spot?

5.) Are there any pitfalls, or mistakes, we need to be aware of to avoid making things worse for ourselves?

If you made it this far, thank you very much for all your time and advice.

Answer:
 tl;dr: OP's girlfriend picks a fight with a stranger while walking in the woods.
Girlfriend pulls a knife, stabs stranger.
Girlfriend gets arrested.

OP wonders how to select an attorney and when.


Title: My car was hit by a delivery truck outside of my work while parked. (OR)

Question:
In Oregon, my car was hit by a delivery truck outside of my work while parked. The driver didn’t stop but I found a note on my car from a witness who saw what happened. They gave details and license plate #.

I called the police and they took down my name, insurance and a copy of the witness note. The officer contacted the company of the delivery truck and they wanted to talk to me. A woman from the company called today and wants me to send pictures of the damage, the witness note, and the estimate I got from the  body shop. She is not admitting fault but wants the information. I’m wondering if I should be talking to them at all or get my insurance agent to handle this and leave me out? I want this resolved the easiest way possible and don’t want to mess anything up out of ignorance. Any advice is so welcome. Thank you!

Answer:
 It's completely up to you.

Were it me, I would ignore the delivery company 100% and only deal with your insurance company and the police. Let them deal with the other company and/or their insurance company. If you trust your insurance agent (I definitely trust mine), you can always talk to your him/her for advice, as he/she is likely not involved in the claims process.Answer #2: Insurance Agent Here - Submit the claim with all the information you have.  Supply the insurance company with the companies contact info and the name of the woman that you spoke with.

Under no circumstances should you let them just pay to fix it.  If there is another problem in a month that is a result of this you won't have the insurance companies to fall back on the company is going to not want to cover additional expenses.


Title: [Toronto] Neighbours driving while high.

Question:
Hi all,

I live in Toronto, Canada. Like the title says, my neighbours have been driving while smoking weed. I'm mostly concerned because they have two small kids. I've tried talking to them but they say it doesn't impair them (To be honest he isn't the best driver even when not high). They're good people and we're kind of friends, but I think it's a big mistake.

I don't want them to go to jail or anything, but I really want to them to stop. If I call the cops, what kind of punishment are they looking at? I don't want to risk their jobs or their kids or anything. What are my options?

Thanks for any help or advice you can give.

Answer: Call the police. If they’re driving high they’re endangering themselves, their kids, and the public at large. Don’t worry about their punishment. That’s up to the legal system, not you.


Title: Would threatening someone once that you know where they live be enough reason for them to report you to the police?

Answer: If they felt threatened and wanted to file a police report they could. There is no threshold of what can or cannot be reported to the police.


Title: Landlord changed rules after I've signed the lease.

Question:
When i started renting my apartment, no pets were allowed and it was adult only. The managing company changed and now they allow pets and children. I'm very allergic to cats (I've been fine with this so far) and a couple with a baby moved in next door to me.

The baby cries and keeps me up at night fairly often. I want out of my lease, do i have the ability to walk away from my lease without penalties or fees?

Answer: Does you lease *guarantee* that the entire building will be pet-free and child-free?


Title: Kidnapping situation where kidnapper will only let victims go if they sacrifice one. Would the victims be prosecuted?

Question:
I was watching a show and three girls were kidnapped. They were locked in a hidden room in a damp and dark storm cellar where they were not given food or drink. They would only be let go if they chose one girl to die while the other two survived. After six days two of the girls turned on the friend who was sick. The kidnapper then had the two girls kill their friend themselves. After the girls did so, he let them go free.

Obviously the kidnapper will face charges,legally  however, if I remember correctly, one person cannot take another persons life to spare their own. Would the two girls have charges pressed on them and if so would the kidnapping be a factor in their sentences?

Answer: You are correct that a defense of duress cannot be used in the case of murder. The question really is whether a district attorney would actually file charges against them since they are victims themselves. Answer #2: Criminal Minds? "North Mammon" (s2e7)?


Title: [KS] Pregnant girlfriend soon to give birth, roughly how much would you estimate my monthly child support payments would be?

Question:
My girlfriend is currently pregnant and due in October and I am curious how much child support payments typically are. We are not currently living together and she will be the custodial parent for the time being. Using various online calculators I have gotten various answers so it is difficult to gauge what the price will be.

As far as I know, Kansas uses the income shares model for child support. I make roughly $4000 gross monthly income and she makes roughly $2500 a month. I had an appointment at a domestic litigation firm nearby and asked them the same question and the lawyer I met with was not comfortable giving me a definitive answer, so it's possible you all may come to the same conclusion but I thought I would garner a second opinion.

Answer: You attorney general's office should have a percentage chart to tell you, it doesnt matter how much she makes for child support. It's all based on your income only. I have 2 kids pay 25% because I also have healthcare for them.


Title: (California) Had to break lease to move to another state

Question:
The reason was for a new position in a new company. I understand we have to pay for any lost rent until the end of our lease agreement, but that the landlord also has a responsibility to mitigate his losses.

We have paid for the services of a real estate agent who has been bringing folks by to see the place and hopefully rent it. Unfortunately, no one is interested because the landlord has increased the rent by about $150. Just wondering if it's legal for him to do this and whether we could be doing anything differently.

Answer:
 Your location and previous rent amount may matter (city).

A $150 rent increase is not abnormal in many situations.


Title: My mom went in for an oil change at Jiffy Lube, but they did a complete maintenance service instead despite explicitly stating she didn't want one currently. They billed her at $370.

Question:
They did the transmission fluid flush, coolant replacement, oil change, and other small, stupid shit.

In the way she explained it, she asked for an oil change and went to the bathroom. Afterwards, a guy came up to her and said she needed all these fluids replaced since she hasn't done so in a "while." He suggested to get these services done ASAP, but since my mom knows several mechanically inclined people, she said "no thank you." Despite that, he said her car was already in the midst of the service.

She was billed 370 dollars for a service she didn't want. Now the sad part is that she paid for it... Is there any compensation I can squeeze out of this shitty situation?

Illinois USA

Answer: And they probably did all of those things in 20 minutes or less. [Scammers video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiCAJ8ULnaI)


Title: Restraining Order without criminal charges? [Ontario, Canada]

Question:
Essentially my question has to do with restraining orders. This will hopefully not become confusing.

In 2004 a guy began stalking me. Everything was reported to police, he was arrested and charged. At that time, his recognizance of bail stated he was not to come within a certain distance of me and my home.  He was ultimately found not criminally responsible due to mental illness and was ordered to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. That was in mid 2005.

Since then we've had yearly review board hearings through the Ontario Review Board in anticipation of him some day being put on a wait list to go to a group home. That time has now come, without notice to me, he is now residing in a group home. I do not yet have the reasons from the ORB panel as to their decision to release him (last ORB hearing he was still having sick fantasies and trying to contact me, though I've moved three times now since this began)

My question is, because he was found not criminally responsible, Am I correct to assume that that recognizance of bail is no longer in effect?

And now another question is if it isn't in effect, how would I go about getting a new restraining order against him? Do I have to wait for him to find me again or can one be taken out based on the facts and incidents of the last ten years?

Thanks for the help!

Answer:
 You should still be able to get a restraining order.  Many people get them against people with no criminal charges.

Go to the local court, fill out the paperwork.

Then you stand in front of the judge and explain why you need the RO.  If they grant it, they'll give you a temporary two week RO.  Sometime during those two weeks, he will be served.

There will be a date for you to go back to renew it for a year....he may or may not show up to contest it.

I have a restraining order against my ex...I live in MA, US, I'm not sure if they do it a little different where you are or not.

Bring copies of the police reports and any evidence you have...if you have text messages/emails, prints them out because some courts don't allow cellphones inside.


Title: Fired for tardiness? Oversleeping due to medication. (SC)

Question:
I started a new job a few months ago that I really love. Unfortunately, though, a couple weeks into I noticed that I was developing a pretty severe rash on my hands that continued to get worse as time went on. I finally went to see a doctor about it and we concluded it was likely an allergic reaction to something in my new workplace. It is a medical setting, so I've been handling some new, though otherwise safe, chemicals. He put me on a 2 week course of prednisone that I just finished.

Of course, this is a steroid and it worked wonders on the allergic reaction, but royally destroyed my sleep schedule. I would be unable to sleep sometimes until 3am and by the time my alarm went off at 7 I was so exhausted that I'd sleep through it. This happened twice on days I had to work, I overslept and was an hour late both times. The second and last time it happened was yesterday.

Instead of addressing the issue or asking me what was going on, they called me yesterday morning as I was walking out the door 45 minutes late and told me I was fired.

I have a meeting today with the office manager, but it's not looking good.

Is there anything I can do or say? I am an otherwise reliable and competent employee, and this only happened because of a medical situation that resulted from that place...

I might be grasping at straws but I really like(d) my job and I don't want to lose it.

Answer:
 >asking me what was going on

That isn't how it works. You are an adult an expected to be at work on time. If there is a problem then you talk to your boss about the problem to see if there is a solution.


Title: Teen suspected of smoking marijuana at school - TN

Question:
So, my friend's seventeen year old senior was found behind the gym at lunch with a couple other kids by the "resource officer" (I think he's an actual police officer but I'm not sure). The officer said it smelled like marijuana but they didn't find anything. They did find a lighter on her kid, which is against the rules of course. They questioned the kids all day, but no one admitted anything. They were all suspended for 45 days, to be sent to an alternative school.

When she talked to him, he admitted they'd had a marijuana cigarette but said they'd flushed it? She made him take a drug test and it was positive for thc, but nothing else.

Apparently there's an appeal process, and she wants to appeal now. I don't think it's a good idea, but she thinks if they admit he did it and show he's taking anti drug counseling, maybe they'll lower it, and maybe let him do some type of in school suspension and volunteer. The alternative school has a very scary reputation; he goes to a good school in a district with some not- so- good schools.

He's genuinely never been in trouble before, he's a good kid in honors classes. But I think admitting he had drugs on school property is very stupid, and she should be thankful he wasn't caught and let it be.

What do you think? Is admitting he had marijuana on school property as bad an idea as I think, or should she plead for mercy?

Answer:
 You want to admit to a school that a minor has access too, uses and brought onto school an illegal drug? Thats fucking insane.

Why would that be LESS of an issue given they gave 45 days for having a lighter?

Why would you inschool someone who brought drugs in? How does the school know this kid isn't the school drug dealer? Answer #2: Admitting to a crime without a plea deal is an almost universally terrible idea don't do it until you have contacted the school administration and negotiated a deal Answer #3: Yea really really bad idea to admit to a crime. Go to the school say do you have evidence other than a lighter? Try and press that.


Title: I want to make and sell a course for the Klingon language (or maybe Dothraki, the made-up language commissioned by HBO for "Game of Thrones"). I wouldn't ask for permission, because I shouldn't legally need it (right?). What could realistically happen?

Question:
---
*(*
*Please note: I tried to post about this to the main /r/LegalAdvice subreddit, but they rejected it as being "hypothetical".*
*Despite that, this is not really "hypothetical" for me, in the sense that knowing the answers to my questions would directly effect my plans.*
*)*

---
So you know how that show "Game of Thrones" got a linguist (David Peterson) to create the conlang "Dothraki" for them?
*(The term btw is "conlang" ("constructed language"), as opposed to "natlang" ("natural language" eg English, German, etc).)*

Well, a few days ago, I was looking at the list of languages on Duolingo,
and I noticed there was one called "High Valyrian":
http://duolingo.wikia.com/wiki/High_Valyrian_for_English
which turns out to be *another* reasonably detailed conlang that the same guy made for the same show.

Now, I have no real interest in the show or books or whatever,
but I immediately wondered:
> "Wait, through pop-cultural osmosis, I feel like there would be *way* more public interest in a Dothraki course
(and this High Valyrian language seems to be if anything significantly more complicated in the reference-grammar and yet less fleshed-out in practice),
so why on earth do they have a High Valyrian course but *not* Dothraki?"

Well, I did tiny bit of research and found that HBO had already gotten a language-lesson brand ("Living Languages") to put out a Dothraki course:
https://livinglanguage.com/dothraki
so my guess would be that probably they wouldn't want the "$19.99!" "Living Languages" course to have to compete with the "FREE!" duolingo course.
(Like, either Duolingo privately asked HBO about it and was rejected, or they just assumed they would be rejected and didn't even bother asking.)
(
And I googled a bit, but all I could find was some speculation that seems to match that guess:
https://www.duolingo.com/comment/25703043/Valyrian-Why-not-Dothraki
)

---
But then I felt like:
> "You know what? *I* could make an audio-lesson course that was much better that it would blow any Duolingo or "Living Languages" course out of the water.
I have half a mind to do that just to show the public how much higher the bar should be set!"

It would be a lot of work to analyze the reference-grammar, work out the course plan, write the lessons, and record myself teaching them...
(although still a lot less than it is to do it for a natlang like German...)
So it's quite a big project to seriously do on just on a whim like that,
but it's *just* on the side of "I might actually seriously do it".

However, it's definitely big enough that, if I *did* do it, I would also want to try to make some money off of it.

And regardless, if this "Living Languages" course had to compete with *my* course,
I expect pretty much no one would ever buy another copy of theirs,
so they have some plausible economic motive to try to stop me from competeing.

---
`Q1:` Now, as far as I know, it's never directly been determined in any law case,
but the general consensus seems to be that languages are *not* copyright monopolizable, right?

*(I numbered and highlighted the spots in this post with what seemed to me to be the distinct important questions.)*

Like, there is an organization called the LCS ("Language Creation Society"),
and they believe that conlangs should *not* by copyright monopolizable.
And to be clear, that is not merely their moral/philosophical postion,
but rather, they believe that *under the law as it already stands*,
conlangs are most likely *not* copyright monopolizable,
and they would like to find a way to push a court to rule on the issue,
in order to hopefully establish a clear precedent to that effect.

So recently, there was this one case where the copyright monopolizers of Star Trek sued a fan-made movie for infringement,
and the LCS tried to use the case to get a ruling on the issue of whether the Klingon language itself was copyright monopolizable, but...
well, the use of the Klingon language, together with costumes, settings, characters, etc etc, altogether as a whole obviously *was* an infringement of the "Star Trek" copyright monopoly,
and the issue of whether just Klingon the language itself (ie, the grammar and vocabulary) was copyright monopolizable was honestly obviously not relevant to the case.

`Q2:` At least, that's the tl;dr of the case as I remember it. Do I have that right?

Here's a link to the LCS talking about the case:
https://conlang.org/axanar/
and a pop-journalism summary that seems relatively good:
https://torrentfreak.com/klingon-language-copyright-battle-ends-for-now-170113/
and some public discussion:
https://www.duolingo.com/comment/14268272/Can-a-conlang-be-copyrighted

`Q3:` Are there any other relevant cases?

(There was one between "Loglan" and "Lojban", for instance...?)

---
And as for details of my course that might be relevant...

Well, the course *would* contain some utterances from the writings on the language's creator
(David Peterson in the case of Dothraki, Marc Okrand for Klingon),
and some utterances from the movies/show itself.

However, any example utterances I used that already existed in those pre-existing works
would be presented in my course out of their original context,
in a much different order,
and mixed in between many more original example utterances
(ie, ones generated by myself, using the vocabulary listed, consistently with the described grammar).

---
Consider the reference-grammar-like stuff Peterson has written.
His writings definitely must contain utterances like (the Dothraki for):
> "the horse is fast"

or:
> "my sword thirsts for blood"

or whatever,
and *obviously* I'm going to have utterances like that mixed in to my course.

But if I made an English course,
and it included utterances like:
> "I like hamburgers"

and:
> "that's a nice car"

then there's no *way* that some publisher could complain like:
"Hey! We had already had those utterances written in our dictionary! You can't use them in our course without permission!"

These are obviously generic sentences.
It wouldn't really be practically *possible* to avoid them,
and it certainly shouldn't be legally necessary.
`Q4:` Right?

---
As an even more concrete example,
here's a free sample from the "Living Languages" course:
https://livinglanguage.com/content/downloads/LLDothraki_sample.pdf

If my course used some (or even *all*) of the Dothraki example utterances in those two pages,
but the utterances were in a different order and mixed in with my original example utterances,
`Q5:` then there's no realistic way anyone could successfully argue that's an infringement, right?

---
And another thing:
a bunch of reference-grammar material has already been gathered into a wiki:
http://wiki.dothraki.org/Learning_Dothraki
`Q6:` Is *that* even possibly an infringement?
`Q7:` Would it make a difference if HBO (or whoever's claiming to be the copyright monopoly holders if it's not them) was known to be already aware of that wiki, and hasn't complained?
`Q8:` (And if so, what would constitute "proof" that they are aware of it?)

---
And as for utterances from the show, well...
imagine you made an English-for-German-speakers course,
and at one point you compared and contrasted the original English version of the introduction from Star Trek with the German version:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raumschiff_Enterprise_%E2%80%93_Das_n%C3%A4chste_Jahrhundert#/Vorspann
even quoting both the English and the German version in full,
`Q9:` then there's no *way* that's not *obviously* fair-use, right?

`Q10:` Because after all, it would be ridiculous to argue that the Wikipedia article quoting them like that is an infringement, right?

Especially given that the quotes would obviously be presented in a context that was, how to say...
focused on comparing and contrasting the English and German grammar and vocabulary,
and *not* focused on Star Trek lore/settings/characters/plots or whatever (let's call that its "story and world", I guess?).

---
I have no real interest in the "story and world" of Dothraki or Klingon or whatever,
and if I made a course for either, the focus would be on the grammar and vocabulary of the language.

Like, in a Klingon course, I would occasionally teach stuff like:
> new noun: "Hoqra'". it means "tricorder" (like from star trek), but of course that's pretty useless, so we use it for "smartphone"

and:
> new noun: "mIl'oD". the dictionary said this is a "type of animal, sabre bear". we have no idea what a "sabre bear" is, but since there doesn't seem to be any other word for plain "bear", that's what we use it for

and:
> new noun: "jolvoy'". the dictionary says it means "transporter ionizer unit" (like in the transporter beam machines from star trek) but... honestly we can't really think of a real use for it.

and of course at some point I would use the famous (in Klingon terms) quote:
> "jol yIchu'!" (activate the transporter!)

(which was used in the movie.)

`Q11:` Could anyone realistically argue that a Klingon course containing such things was a copyright monopoly infringement?

Because again, all I would be doing is *referring* to things from the Star Trek "story and world". I wouldn't be *using* these things in the same way that Star Trek uses them.

Like, consider concrete things like descriptions of a setting or plot summaries, eg:

> the Dothraki people from Game of Thrones use a special type of curved sword they call an "Arakh", but we'll mostly just translate it as plain "sword"

or
> There was a Klingon from the Star Trek movied named «Matlh». I think he had vaguely the same sort of job on the Klingon ship that "Scotty" did on the enterprise or something? I think maybe he died in the movie, but there's a joke in the community of real Klingon speakers that Okrand has him tied up in his basement, and that's where he got the information from for "The Klingon Dictionary". Anyway, in this course, we'll just use the name "Matlh" as a generic name to use in example sentences (pretending it's like a translation for the English name "Mark", in the same way you might say the German name "Johannes" is like a translation for the English "John").

---
And is there *any* other way in which anyone might be able to argue that my course would be a copyright monopoly infringement?
Important questions I haven't thought of?

---
What's the worst that could happen if I just went ahead and did it?

`Q12:` Could they *immediately* sue me,
or would the copyright monopoly claimers need to give me something like a "Cease and Desist" first,
meaning I could avoid getting in any legal trouble by just *stopping* selling my course?

And if that was so,
imagine it got to that point
(ie, where I had gotten the "Cease and Desist" and I was going to stop selling it)
but the LCS came to me and said:
"we'll take on the costs of the court case and fight it for you".

If they *did*, what would be likely to happen?

`Q13:` Like, would the LCS be able to fight the case even if I had already temporarily stopped selling the course immediately after I got the "Cease and Desist"?
`Q14:` And even if the LCS somehow *lost* the case, how could the copyright monopoly claimers harm me additionally afterwards?

---
---
---
(
*A few misc ending notes:*

My interest is not necessarily limited to *only* Dothraki or Klingon.
Those two *are* the main concrete examples of famous conlangs commissioned by big copyright monopoly holding businesses like HBO and Paramount,
and they're good concrete examples anyway,
but I *am* interested in the general question of, how to say...
Is it legally safe to act as though copyright monopolies cannot apply to conlangs?

So go ahead and focus on Dothraki and/or Klingon by default,
but if you want to reference any other conlang for some reason, go ahead.

---
Also, I found this thread:
https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/6vsigd/we_are_david_j_peterson_creator_of_dothraki_and/
so I guess I should attempt to invoke:
- David Peterson of Dothraki (/u/dedalvs)
- Marc Okrand of Klingon (/u/okrandm)
- Paul Frommer of Na'vi (/u/KaryuPawl)
and also
- Sai (/u/saizai), with the LCS (I believe?), who has done a presentation on this subject and stuff...

and if anyone happens to know of anyone else whose attention might be relevant like that...

---
*(Also the subreddit notes say "include your location!". I don't think it's relevant, but I'll be living in Germany, probably Rheinland-Pfalz... but if anything, most buyers of the course would be from the US, then UK, then Canada, and the rest of the anglophone world, so....?)*
)

Answer:
 This is the longest post I've ever seen here - congratulations!

It goes without saying that I didn't read it. Far too long. Answer #2: If there is this much relevant info it’s well beyond the scope free internet advice.  Pay for a consult with a real attorney who does business and IP law.


Title: Gym refinished floors with polyurethane without informing clients and remained open. Are they liable for respiratory issues that develop as a result?

Answer: No provable respiratory illnesses will occur. That's the problem.


Title: boyfriend got his third DUI on probation in Tulsa, OK

Question: my boyfriend is a (not so) functioning alcoholic and was pulled over and charged with a DUI for the third time last night. he's been really lucky with his last two charges- no jail time, no interlock device. only fines and probation. well, I think we're royally fucked now. everything I've read online says 1-10 years in prison for a 3rd DUI, no slack. I'm scared shitless! he's a shy, introverted hipster kid! he can't go to prison. anyone know what shit-show lies ahead of us? thanks in advance.

Answer:
 > he can't go to prison.

Oh yes he can. It will probably save his life. At this rate he will either kill himself in another accident or drink himself to death.Answer #2: >I think we're royally fucked now.

No, he's royally fucked.

It depends on the court, but I'd be surprised if he didn't see the inside of a jail-cell for at least some amount of time. I really doubt it would be 1-10 years though. Judges really don't like people who don't learn their lesson.

He needs and attorney yesterday.

But as a purely anecdotal example, a family member that is a now-retired judge put a woman in prison for 3 years on her third DUI. But this was Colorado and there were exacerbating circumstances. Answer #3: He's an alcoholic who needs help. Seriously. One DUI can happen to someone who doesn't have a drinking problem. Two DUI's? 99% chance they have a problem... Third? He should honestly be thankful he hasn't killed someone. Answer #4: He's going to prison.

He needs an attorney. Like, yesterday.

How long ago were his two previous DWIs?


Title: (Texas) I let my "friend" Park his employers 18 wheeler on my property for the weekend. I recently discovered he stole a large sum of money that I can't legally prove. It was understood the truck would be here till Sunday. Can I get it legally towed off my property?

Answer:
 You gave him permission to park there.  If you revoke that permission, you need to inform him and give him reasonable notice to move the truck before having it towed.  Reasonable notice would probably be considered past Sunday anyway.

IANAL


Title: A car I bought today was previously totaled and the dealer didnt disclose this to me

Question: I found a car on craigslist a while back. I called and schedule to check out the car. I test drove it, looked over everything, and got excited about the car. Made a deposit and scheduled to pick it up today. Today my mom went to the rmv and got everything ready and paid for the car. She picked up the car and the guy convinced her that there is NO TITLE for the car because its over 10 years old. I dont know how or why she believed this and didnt tell me about it until now but she did. I spent all day about 4 or 5 hours of detailing and waxing the car. When I got in after I decided to run a carfax just out of curiosity for the car. I was pleasantly surprised that it was a low owner car, but as I scrolled down I was devastated. Earlier this year the car had been TOTALLED and then sold at a salvage auction to the dealer I bought it from. They then held the car for several months (probably took a while to fix it up as cheaply as possible). Then it was registered as a New hampshire car about a month ago. I live in MA and the dealership is local to me. This was very strange because its been a MA car its whole life and the dealership is in MA. I am insanely frustrated I got fucked over. There were many red flags that didnt stand out enough to me. The front grilles were slightly loose, everything in the engine bay looks brand new, the rear bumper fitment is bad and there is a gap. I didnt notice these things until after going back and looking at the car again. It just looked like an awesome super clean car to me. I just checked the trunk under the spare tire and there appears to be some crinkles in the frame of the trunk and a rusted spot where theres a hole and I think something was welded back together. I know I should have run a carfax before and made a lot of mistakes but its too late for that and now Im looking for advice on how to handle this shit. What seemed to be a reputable dealer scammed the fuck out of me and I wouldn't have ever known unless I did the car fax.

Answer: I once sat next to Vanessa Williams at a restaurant during lunch.


Title: [TX] Applying for a teaching job with expunged charges.

Question:
Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to give as many details as possible. Some of them may not matter, but just in case.

So, I am applying for a teaching position at a Texas school. On the application, it asks for criminal history. It says to not leave anything out, and gives a list of types of charges, records, etc. but expungement is not on the list. Do I have to mention my expunged charges? If they discover that I have an expunged charge even after I say I have no record, will I be barred from teaching in Texas?

Some details:

- 2 Dismissed charges. One for trespassing, one for indecent exposure. This happened in a state other than Texas, and they were both dropped in that state as well.

- It all happened in 2007.

- They were expunged after a plea of abeyance.

- I did not get fingerprinted or have a mugshot taken after the arrest. I did, however, get fingerprinted after the expungement.

- I received some sort of certificate of a clean record after all was said and done (I forget the name of it).

- I called the criminal record department of the state where I was arrested, and asked if they had to divulge that information to the school. The person on the phone said *yes*. I called back later to ask a follow-up question, but this time a different person said that they *didn't* divulge expungements; they are destroyed. Both of these people sounded quite sure, though I am under the impression that the second may have been a higher-up.

- I've almost got the job, I just have to be fingerprinted to complete the hiring process. On my application I didn't mention any criminal history.

I guess my big question is this: Can I truthfully and legally say "I have no record" even if I have these dropped, expunged charges?

Feel free to ask any more questions, but I would (obviously) like to remain as anonymous as possible!

Thank you in advance!

EDIT: Added info.

Answer: Did you or an attorney file a separate petition after the probationary period to expunge the charges?


Title: Wife did our taxes, deposited the tax return into her personal account, now refusing to give me my half.

Question:
I make slightly more that her, she offered to do them so I let her.  She didn't tell me she was depositing the money into her personal account instead of our joint account.  I only found out after the deposit had already gone through.  We are on the verge of divorce.
Edit: The idea of divorce up to this point has nothing to do with the tax return.
Location: Madison County Illinois

Answer: You can square it up during the divorce.Answer #2: She's your wife - how you share assets and accounts is up to you and her.  This can be included in your divorce settlement, so be sure to tell your lawyer about it.Answer #3: Send her as certified letter demanding it's return. Probably won't work but now when it comes up in court she can't play the "gift" card.Answer #4: I'm no psychic, nor a lawyer, but I foresee a fuckoff messy divorce in your near future.  Do you have a divorce lawyer yet?  Because it sounds like you are an idiot if you don't already have one, and if you have one, you should ask him about this and how it can be handled during the upcoming nasty divorce.Answer #5: Next time she goes to work, move out. Take your valuables and items with sentimental value too. This woman is gearing up to give you the hot poker. Do NOT give her the benefit of the doubt.


Title: (SD) The residents of my suburb have created a HOA. It consists of 40 homes and is bordered by main roads and a park. One outlier has refused to join and won't change her mind. Can we legally make her join?

Answer:
 Why on Earth would you want a hostile member in the HOA? You know she'd probably be blocking the board at every turn, challenging every last assessment and budgetary line item, and generally doing her level best to stymie the Association, right?

If she doesn't want to join, you don't want her in the HOA. That's good for both of you, because you cannot compel her to add covenants to her own property against her will.Answer #2: No.


Title: Avis Car Rental charged me $462 for a one day rental and won't refund me. What should I do ?

Question: I rented a car from Avis in San Francisco to drive for one day to Los Angeles. When returning the car I find that they are charging me $462! This trip averages from $60-$75 tops. When I returned the car, the guy behind the desk was shocked and told me to call the company about the outrageous price! I couldn't believe it. Is there a sub reddit I should seek advice from ? Can I sue ?

Answer:
 What did the paperwork say when you rented it? It has all the charges and fees on it.Answer #2: I just had a quick look at avis.com. The rate you were charged seems to be about right for a one way trip from SFO to LAX. In fact, less than they are showing, but of course pick up and drop off locations would vary that, along with any discounts.

When did you book, and what was the price quoted then?