Title: California Parent not taking care of Adopted Child

Question: So the sceanario is an adult woman decides to adopt a newborn(her nephew). However her daughter ends up raising the child for 2yrs while mother gets the title/tax benefits. Now the child is living with the daughter while the mother is living in a whole different town. The daughter is a 21yr old struggling college student living with her gma with no car/job due to being poor/no support from mother and stuck with the baby cause no one else can take care of him. is there any solution to help the daughter besides foster homing the child because the daughter doesnt want to lose her baby cousin. Both the child's parents are in jail and are incapable of taking the child.

Answer:
 Has the child been legally adopted? If so the adult women is the mother and the parents in jail are irrelevant. The daughter can file for custody and child support if she is taking care of the child. Answer #2: The mother should be charged with fraud, for collecting benefits for a child she's not taking care of. Answer #3: Not a lawyer but family sitution that is very similar. I love in Utah (no multiple wives for me). My Dad's cousin had 2 baby's lost them both to her parents because of drugs. After about 4 years they ended up with us full-time until the oldest was 15(2009). My parents being oblivious to how the situation works found out in 2007 that the grandparents were collecting the tax benefits and monthly care money (stipend?). They got a lawyer and took the grandparents to court, And we're awarded a cash settlement as well as child support moving forward. Answer #4: She may be able to foster the child herself and get assistance.  She should talk to her county's social service dept. to make sure any and all benefits are going to the child's welfare.  There are many programs such as AFDC, TANF, WIC, food stamps, etc.

http://www.childsworld.ca.gov/pg1351.htm


Title: New York- After seeking help for a mental health crisis, I've been kicked out of my college dorm.

Question:
I suffer from bipolar disorder (an official diagnosis), and I am registered with my college's Student Disability Services for anxiety (also an official diagnosis). In October, I scratched my wrist with my room keys, and called university police because I was seeking help.  The police determined that I did not need to be hospitalized, and I was on my way.  The next day, I received a disciplinary letter from my college's residence life office mandating that I see a counselor within 48 hours. I did so, and we filled out a worksheet that outlined what I could do to prevent another situation.  I am unsure if it was signed by anyone, but I requested the document from my school since I lost it.

Last Tuesday, I had an anxiety attack and wrapped an iPhone cord around my neck.  Once again, I chose to get the police involved since I felt I needed help.  This time, I was hospitalized. I was discharged yesterday morning, and found a letter in my school e-mail account telling me that my residence hall agreement has been revoked, and I am no longer allowed to live on campus, nor am I allowed to visit a residence hall.  The reasoning was due to the fact that I worked on the action plan with the counseling center, and I hadn't taken my medication on the day of the incident, therefore, violating the action plan that I wrote out. The letter also claims that my behavior is highly disruptive to other students, and uses "a considerable amount of resources." Because I live 5 hours away from this school, my only option was to withdraw academically. I do not struggle with academics- I have a cumulative GPA of 3.5.

I was wondering if I stand any sort of chance here if I were to pursue a discrimination lawsuit.  If it helps at all, I'm fairly certain that my action plan was not a legally binding document (it was a worksheet that I manually filled out and may or may not have signed), and after reviewing the Residence Hall License, I could not find anything that would indicate that I violated that document (which is legally binding). One thing I found interesting was that the eviction letter was not signed by the sender. At the very least, I find the actions that were taken to be insensitive, but I'm just not sure if there's a bigger picture to this.

Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer:
 If you had two potential suicidal episodes in a semester I can understand why the school would want you out of their housing (and their responsibility). Yes, it's insensitive, but you are putting roommates/hallmates and RLO staff (mostly students) in an uncomfortable position, and they have a right to remove you.

Your first step would be to seek treatment for your condition. Multiple suicide attempts (or even threats) during a short period of time is not a sign of a treated bipolar disorder, and should signal to you that you have to take care of yourself.

Next, if you insist on living in a dorm in the future, I would get documentation from a doctor that you are being treated, and then see what the appeal process is (probably to the head of RLO, then the Dean of Students). Mind you, living off campus is likely the same cost as a dorm, if not cheaper, so you should explore those options as well.

As for this semester, you should contact SDS, your profs and whoever else it would require to change your course grades to incompletes, so you can finish them. It's finals week on most college campuses, so I'm surprised that you couldn't arrange to take your tests either remotely or in a testing center in one day (or even find a hotel just for the week).


Title: I messed up alot as a young adult and child now i want to fix my wrongs.

Question:
How do i get my license back. Growing up in Los Angeles i got involved in neighborhood activities not the good kind. anyways i got a lot of tickets and not showing up to court dates. I have a DUI.

I need to drive to get around pubic transport is nothing like Los Angeles.

i want to handle the dui first. The problem is that i no longer live near los angeles. IF i got back to los angeles, How do i go to process to change my fines into jail time. Do i turn myself into the police or go to the courthouse. Is there a way to lump all my tickets and missed court dates into one sentence. Need guidance.

Answer: You need to contact a lawyer in LA who does traffic and DUI cases.   Tell them everything you know, and your most desired outcomes.   You will likely need to go back to LA to appear in court.Answer #2: You might have an outstanding warrant. This is really something you are going to need an LA attorney for.Answer #3: You'll need to quash your outstanding warrants first before you deal with the actual crimes.  If you can't afford an attorney, I'd speak to your local public defender's office and see what information they can give you.  In the meantime, do *not* get scooped up by the police.


Title: What sort of questions will my rapist's lawyer ask me in court and how do I prepare myself for them? [OH]

Question:
I won't give too much detail about my situation, but I did a rape kit, test proved it was him and I also submitted photographic evidence of injuries he caused to me and my statement has stayed consistent since day one. According to the detective on my case, my rapist's story and mine matched and he submitted a polygraph test.

I'm just really scared because the prosecutor on my case was really rude and dismissive to me (like straight up laughed at one point) and flat out told me it would be hard on me and the conviction rate for rape was low. I also have heard tell my rapist's lawyer is known for painting the victim's story to make us look like we're whores and asking for it. Honestly I feel like I did something wrong by filing a report based on how people have treated me.

Just what is he exactly allowed to ask me? What would be the best response? What sort of demeanor do I need to have in court? I've never even been inside of a courthouse before. I wish I could know my chances or what sort of punishment they would give my rapist, but I doubt that's possible.

Any advice would be helpful, please.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 If did your jurisdiction assign you a “victim advocate”? They’re becoming very common these days, and can help answer these kinds of questions and help you navigate the system.

In general though, this isn’t really an answerable question. The things the defense will ask about will be different if this involves a forcible rape, or if it involves romantic partner rape, or if you were intoxicated.

Assuming you were intoxicated, they will ask questions that go towards your level of intoxication. There are some personal and intimate details that are relevant to capacity to consent. For example, an individual who is able to sit upright and enthusiastically perform doing a reverse cowgirl has a greater capacity than one so intoxicated they are lying on their back and unable to lift their arms. So the defense counsel may ask how each sexual act was performed. This is generally pretty traumatic for victims; but is a relevant piece of evidence. If you don’t have a VA, the prosecutor should be interviewing you and going over your expected testimony.


Title: [CA] How can I become the guardian of my adult mentally ill sibling?

Question:
My brother has been conserved and living in group homes for the past several years because he suffers from schizophrenia and had no family willing to help nearby. We recently moved back to the states after living overseas for several years. We were able to visit him and have him stay weekends with us for the past several months. It required 3 hr round trips, but I couldn’t bear seeing him in his group home after seeing how dreary it was with my own eyes.

Eventually we asked if he might prefer living with us which he said he would. We also discussed the possibility of me becoming his guardian which he seemed open to at first.

Initially the idea was that I would assume conservatorship and his conservator seemed on board with helping us accomplish that. We discussed the options available to us several times and I made it clear that I’d need something to be able to ensure we could help my brother manage his personal affairs. After moving him into our home and staying with us a few months, his conservator said he is terminating the conservatorship and I won’t be able to assume it because my brother resides in a new county now and the only way to initiate a new LPS conservatorship is if he’s hospitalized.

My brother is unwilling to take care of his own finances and medical decisions because of his mental capacity and aversion to paperwork. His new psychiatrist agrees he should remain conserved. Even during the moving process, he would verbally say he wants to live with us, but wouldn’t touch papers or speak to his health insurance provider to get his insurance address updated so his conservator would need to push things through for us. His mental illness is not something to take lightly where we can just wait until he feels like cooperating, especially if we need to move in the future and we can’t get his coverage moved. He needs to be able to get the medication he takes daily or risk him becoming a danger to himself or others (my family and kids being in the midst of it). It seems strange that we are required to wait until he’s worse off and go through the hospitalization process all over again when I could easily try to prevent future problems by ensuring he can get treatment. Especially considering his history of being conserved.

Is there anything I can do? Is it better to wait for his current conservatorship to end before trying to initiate it in his new county? In hindsight, we should have waited to assume conservatorship first and then assisted with the move, but I feel like we were strung along. It seemed like we were all on the same page until we got everything transferred.

Answer:
 What the conservator is telling you doesn’t sound correct. A quick search on conservatorship (checking to see if it was the same as guardianship in TX) and the top link was to
Courts.ca.gov. Consider contacting the probate court in the county that has the conservatorship, they should be able to help.


Title: On going case-First offense-Police called new job

Question:
Long story short I have a felony case pending for my first offense which led me to get fired from my past job. Fast forward I still have court dates but in between time I found another job (similar to my last) and Ive been here for almost 2 months, last week my manager calls me in there office and says they received a call from the police asking if they were aware of my case (which they weren't) smh. Im a very hard worker so they chose to let me stay regardless seeing  work 10x as hard as anyone.

My lawyer says she didnt really see any wrong doings in this but I find that hard to believe that the police and call my job and say hey you know he has a case right? Sounds illegal to me but I dont know how the system works

Anyone know where i can get more info on something like this I would greatly appreciate it. I

Answer: You have a lawyer. You should listen to your lawyer. They are correct.


Title: Is it legal to put "VIOLATION" stickers on illegally parked cars in the USA?

Question:
Obviously most laws are different state to state, but as a general rule, is it legal?

The owner of the building I work in plans to put neon orange stickers (approximately 5x8") that say "VIOLATION: This car is illegally parked and is subject to towing and impoundment" on the windows of cars that are parked in the lot when they shouldn't be.

There are multiple signs all around the building that parking is for tenants/patrons only but people still park their cars there illegally. At least I figure it's illegal since the lot is private property.

My questions are:

* Is it legal to put stickers on someone's vehicle for being illegally parked?
* If it's not completely illegal, does it make a difference if you're putting it on the windshield, vs one of the door windows?

Let's say the stickers are very sticky and hard to remove without an oil based cleaner/soap and water/power hose.

Answer: That’d be vandalism. The owner should look into contracting with a tow company.


Title: Canada Post lost a package containing a transfer of deed for a house sold overseas, cost me $2500 in penalties. Can they be held liable in small claims court?

Question:
We sold some family property back home, and I paid for 2\-day shipping through Canada Post \(which is a crown corporation in Canada\) so that the transfer of deed would get there on time. After 3 weeks of the package not arriving and getting the run\-around on the phone, they finally told me that they lost the package. I had to pay equivalent of $2500 CAD in fees for it being late as well as having a new deed done up \(had sent the original, as the buyers requested\). I can easily document and prove that the fact that they lost the package led directly to me incurring these $2500 in fees. When I spoke to them on the phone they offered me $200 in compensation. Anybody know what their liability is in situations like these? Do I have grounds to take them to small claims for the fees I incurred or should I just try to negotiate something more than $200 with them over the phone?

Thank you so much in advance!

Answer: Did you declare the value of the package as $2500? If so then you would have paid extra to insure that amount and then when it was lost they would have repaid you. Canada post has this in their shipping terms. Answer #2: Very hard to sue mail carriers for lost packages. Generally, this is why you get packages insured.


Title: Can town zoning board I rent from legally look up my license plate registration? (Connecticut)

Question:
I rent a house in Connecticut with 3 other roommates. The town I rent from has an ordinance that states that no more than 3 unrelated parties can live in a home together. My one roommate is my sister, and my other roommate is my 2nd cousin. The third is my girlfriend. This makes a total of 4.

Because of this law, there is a volounteer watch group that goes around town to check up on the registered rentals at their free will. Well, since there are four people living in our rental, there are four cars in the driveway. The watch group reported our rental to the town, and the town was force to launch an investigation.

 A town zoning board member contacted my landlord and told him that there are 4 cars at the property and that they researched the license plates and looked up our names and addresses (none of my roommates cars are registered to our current rental). They told my landlord that there are two plates registered to the same last name and address (my sister and I), and that the two other plates are registered to two different last names and different towns. They are now forcing us to provide proof of our relationship to our cousin, or else they will start to fine my landlord.

My question is, is what they did legal? Can they run our license plate numbers and obtain this information legally? I was under the impression that only a police officer or the DMV had access to this information. It is not clear how they obtained the information, the zoning board member simply said in an email that he "researched the cars".

*EDIT* the title is a bit confusing. I rent from a landlord who lives in a different town in ct. The zoning board member is simply from the town in which I rent in.

Answer: Can a government agency look up your government car registration? Likely yes.


Title: Employer is mandating I work 45 hours a week, but I am a salary employee and that's not stated in the handbook or employment offer...

Question:
Title pretty much says it all.

I just reviewed the employee handbook, my offer letter, and the employment agreement. Nowhere in there does it state I would be required to work 45 hours per week.

What recourse do I have?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 You can work the 45 hours a week.

You can work the 45 hours a week and negotiate a raise to offset the additional hours.

You can seek employment elsewhere.Answer #2: Salary pretty much means that they can work you as much as they want. Be glad you aren't being asked to pull 60 hour weeks.

This is exactly why I have refused to take a salary job.Answer #3: Not a lawyer, but had to look up overtime laws for an issue I had.

Just because you are salaried it does not automatically make you exempt from overtime pay. However, *most* salaried positions are probably going to be exempt. You may want to look up the laws in your state and the federal laws about which positions are exempt from overtime. If you don't qualify, you are entitled to that additional half time for those 5 hours of overtime.

That may be additional incentive for you to negotiate for a better salary, push them to pay it, or more evidence that your job is not right for you.


Title: Legal Advice/Help (Texas)

Question:
I have a major issue with a contractor that we hired to work on our house before we moved into it. We agreed to have this contractor do the following job.

- Replace stone on our fireplace
- Replace our kitchen back splash with new tile
- Sand, stain, and reseal our butcher block counter tops
- Sand and apply new paint to our kitchen cabinets doors and drawers
- Re-texture and paint kitchen walls
- Replace back entry kitchen door
- Sand and paint all interior doors
- Add some shelving, clothes rods, and install bi-fold doors for two closets

We paid a 50% up front deposit, and gave them some additional funds as we got into the project. We were told this would take 10 days to complete. First day doesn't show up, next four days shows up for two hours a day and missed our 10 day completion mark. Then Harvey hits, neither of us were affected by the storm. He goes missing for five days, then sends some guys to our house that have no idea what they are doing or supposed to be doing. At this point we are more than three weeks into the job. The guys he sent damaged our cabinets, painted all the interior doors the wrong color as well as painted some of our cabinet doors the wrong color. Then one day doesn't show up again we texted him with no answer. We called his wife who is the business manager and she proceeds to tell us he has been in an accident. After asking how we can help she tells us he is on life support, yes life support. So I take upon myself to call BS on this and do my own investigating, after about 30 seconds I find that he has been arrested and is in the Harris County jail. She proceeds to go on with the lie that her husband is on life support not knowing we know the truth. Finally we confront her about her lies and say we want a refund for the funds we have given them and fire them. We gave them credit for a few of the completed jobs which was very little and demanded a certain amount back. We have numerous text messages from them as evidence as well as workers for them that have given us information. We also have recorded conversations stating they would pay us back. They have also left a number of tools out our house. We have had three separate contractors give us estimates on completing the work left. Every contractor we have had come look said that the stone on our fireplace was not installed correctly and basically looks like crap which we agreed. So now we are out this money having to pay a second contractor to finish the work. This new contractor is great, he had to rip of all the stone that was installed wrong, so we are also out that money. The previous contractor caused damage to our kitchen cabinets, got oil-based paint all over our wood floors all around the house, paint all over our kitchen appliances. Also caused our sewage to back up into our house, because they we pouring oil-based paint down our kitchen sink and completely clogged our main sewer line.

So what are our options as far as small claims court or some other court. How do we recoup some or all of our funds. Can we put liens on cars, houses, the company. Can we sue their insurance company for damages, payment for work that was never done. I just need to be pointed in the right direction on our options if any.

By the way above is just a taste of the issues we have had with them.

Answer:
 You have a contract dispute matter- something that can be resolved in small claims (depending on the dollar amount). You should sue the contractor/his company for the value of:

* The work you paid him for that wasn't completed
* The costs to repair any damage his company did or poorly done work

Google "[Your county name] small claims filing process" and start there.


Title: [Hypothetical, US] What be the rough level of punishment for Arson with the intent to kill?

Question:
 I am currently writing a piece of fiction in which the main character, a police officer, has his house burnt by a person he arrested for various crimes. I am wondering what the relative level of punishment for arson would be in this case. The house is completely destroyed but the victim in this case survives with minor injuries, albeit with most of his possessions destroyed.

I am not overly fussy about which particular state and would welcome any input. Heck, even non-US countries are welcome.

Answer: Punishment varies widely between states.  In Ohio he would be looking at aggravated arson and attempted murder; either carries up to 11 years in prison.  They would probably be allied offenses, meaning he would be look at 11 max, not 22.


Title: Purely hopothetical: We all know that you shouldn't talk to the police -- How do you give evidence as a witness?

Question:
So we've all seen the excellent video about why you should never talk to the police even when you're innocent, recently relinked in the comments of another post of this sub: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc&noredirect=1)

My question is this: If you are a witness to a crime, and want to help catch the perp, what is the best way of going about that without putting yourself at risk?

Answer:
 You need to use common sense.  If it's a crime like, say, somebody breaking into cars in your neighborhood and you have information to provide about something you saw from your bedroom window, it does not harm you to provide that information.

If it's a serious crime where any information you might give could be used against you, you might want to give your information through a lawyer.  If my wife went missing or was murdered, I'd definitely be seeking some legal advice regardless of my innocence.  I'd want to do anything to find her or the criminal, but you are always free to volunteer important info through a lawyer.

The thing about not talking to police isn't to be a combative jerk, but to simply avoid saying or doing anything that might aid in your arrest or prosecution.  Always respect the police, but be aware that their only job is to arrest people for violating the law.  That's their goal and understanding that goes a long way in protecting yourself in interactions with them.


Title: [TX] My GF has been feeling sick and has symptoms of lead poisoning. If our bathtub tests positive for lead, could we sue our apartment complex?

Question:
Over the past month or so, she has been feeling inexplicably sick. She noticed paint chips floating in the tub, so we're going to go get a lead test kit tomorrow. If it tests positive for lead, then there is definitely lead poisoning involved. Could we file a lawsuit against our complex if we can prove she got poisoning from the tub?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: How did you jump from "She feels sick" to "It must be lead poisoning"?Answer #2: Lead also builds up over time in your system.  It would be pretty hard to prove that it's just from a few paint chips in the tub.  You realize people lived in houses with lead paint, drinking water out of lead pipes and used containers made of pewter their whole life and never got heavy metal poisoning right?Answer #3: The symptoms of lead are pretty vague and could include other health issues like hypothyroidism which it is more likely to be than lead.


Title: Wage theft at McDonalds. What are my options? (x-post r/mcdonalds)

Question: Hey guys, I only worked at McDonalds for two shifts, but I was told that I wouldn't be receiving pay for those two shifts. The GM told me that they "don't pay for training" and they "won't pay for less than 10 hours." I was clocked in for both of these shifts and I don't see how this is legal. Let me be clear that I was actually working during my time at McDonalds and I worked 9.5 hours for that week. I worked the front counter at MCD and received no training. I was literally thrown onto a register even though it was a "training day." What are my options with dealing with this situation? It might be important to note that the store is a franchised location in Texas.

Answer:
 Wait until they actually short you - planning to break labor laws isn't the same thing as actually breaking them.

Once you receive a paycheck without pay for those 10 hours, then [file a wage complaint](http://www.dol.gov/wecanhelp/howtofilecomplaint.htm) with DOL. You don't need an attorney for this. Answer #2: >"won't pay for less than 10 hours."

What does this statement mean? Does he mean that if you work less than 10 hours in a pay period, ever, at all, you don't get paid?Answer #3: Sounds like a violation of Fair Labor Standards Act. Could consult with an attorney, but it probably wouldn't be worth it financially. Attorney costs would be larger than damages under FLSA.


Title: [MI] I bought a dog and signed a contract I don't want to follow, can the breeder really force me?

Question: So I paid a lot of money for a dog that I really wanted and the breeder made me sign a contract that says I can't breed my dog until I get some titles on him and he passes some tests. The contract basically says if I breed him they'll charge me a fine for breaching the contract and that I have to sign all his registration papers back over to them and give them the dog back. I want to stud my dog out so that I can get a puppy from him. If I did it and the breeder found out, what can they really legally do about it?

Answer:
 The breeder can legally force you to follow the contract you signed.

Yes, this is an enforceable contract.  You signed it, so you have to abide by it.Answer #2: The tests and titles are probably to ensure the quality of the pups. If he has some undesirable traits and it was traced back to him, that would suck


Title: First Offense DUI

Question: My son is 21 and was pulled over, he refused breathalizer and has been to court to try to get charges reduced, today he had a change in judges and the new one told his lawyer that no matter what the conviction is he will likely do 15 days in jail.  I don't understand, this judge is known for punishments that don't fit the crime and sending a first time offender at the age of 21 to jail seems to be an abuse of power.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 15 days in jail for a DUI isn't in the realm of abuse of power. Answer #2: OK - hands up here. My adult son got a DUI. He didn't go to jail (apart from the hold when he was arrested) but I would have been totally on board with him doing so. Because when it comes to things like DUIs, which are in no way a crime of opportunity, punishment CAN be a deterrent.

Shoplifting to feed your kids: I could have a discussion about that. Driving because you chose to have a few drinks? No that's on you.Answer #3: Punishments that don't fit the crime, eh?

Your son put the lives of everyone else on the road in danger when he got behind the wheel. Your son could have killed someone. Your son made a poor choice and deserves the consequences.

Accept that your son is an adult and tell him to accept the consequences of his actions.

Maybe a few days in jail will teach him not to drink and drive.Answer #4: Advice, listen to your son's attorney.  He put others people's lives at risk when he chose to drive while intoxicated.  That has penalties.


Title: I have a friend who was sexually harassed at work. She took her concerns to her employer who then fired her right after. Is this workplace retaliation?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 It might or might not be.

For example supposing she stole money. If you make a sexual harassment complaint, then steal, it's not a "get out of jail free" card. You can be fired for a legitimate reason.

Texting may or may not be a reason to fire someone. At this point, she can get an employment attorney or go to the EEOC website and see about filing a complaint of retaliation.

Then it will be worked out through a judge/arbitrator or settlement agreement.


Title: could someone sue reddit for banning and censoring subs?

Question: they are interferring with freedom of speech and expression so i'm curious how such a case would go down in the courtroom.

Answer: It's in my professional advice that you should find another website to post on.


Title: South Lake Tahoe, CA. Exorbitant traffic ticket cost help please

Question:
Hello reddit! I've never been to this community before but I'm in a bit of a bind and I'm pretty anxious about it before I get an actual lawyer.

Shortened back story: This previous June I was driving in South Lake Tahoe and got stopped in a speed trap. I got a citation for 54 in a 35 and open container of Marijuana. The ticket somehow is over $2000 and I don't know what I should do.

All the details: An old friend and I are catching up one morning in South Lake. I pick up an 1/8oz of marijuana from a dispensary from that morning which we had not yet smoked but left in the car (obviously not smart, I know). We decide to drive a few miles away and get some food. I'm driving somewhat fast on accident while I was checking the GPS on my phone when I run through a speed trap. Cop car was parked on the shoulder of the road on the right side facing forward when he pulled out and flashed lights. I am driving totally sober and my friend is in front passenger very high and a little drunk (lol). He asks for license and registration from the passenger side when he sees a jar sitting in my center compartment which he identifies as marijuana from outside the car. He immediately asks for the jar and places it on the trunk of my car. Asks if I smoked or drank and I told him no. Tells me to step out and proceeds to sobriety test me to make sure I didn't smoke. Hands me a sheet of laminated paper with the open container law on it and asks if I understand. Then asks me to get back in the car with the jar still on my trunk. Walks back over, tells me I can put the jar in my trunk and hands me a ticket with two infractions- 54mph in a 35, and open container of marijuana. I just found out today that it is a little over $2000, which seems very steep to me for just two traffic infractions.

I sent in a request to fight it in court today and will most likely get an attorney for help. I just wanted to know if there was anything else I should be doing or anything I have going for me? I was thinking maybe there's a way in court to state that there is not enough evidence to prove the jar was unsealed thus dismissing the ticket. The officer never took it up to his car or weighed it to see if anything was taken out or take it himself. Do I have any chance of this getting dismissed or at least lowered? I think $2000 is way steep and is probably breaking maximum fine rules.

Thanks for any advice you may have. I'm feeling really worried about the $2000 and I've never taken anything like this to court.

Answer: You can ask for a payment plan. You're lucky he didn't also ticket you for being on your phone.


Title: [Massachusetts] I want to shop again at the supermarket I was warned of a trespass if I ever went back

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > I told the manager to please call the cops because I had consumed something at the supermarket and I had to pay for it with the giftcard.

Haha what?

Sounds like you got trespassed for being a troublemaker. You can ask, but I doubt they're going to allow you back in after that foolishness.


Title: Denver, CO - Landlord sent me a bill for breaking the lease, but I never signed one. What happens next?

Question:
I lived in an apartment for 3 months and decided to move out due to the management company being absolute trash. Work requests were never completed, they're unresponsive to phone and email contact, etc. It took them 4 weeks to send me a lease, and I didn't agree with the rent & terms so I never signed it or sent it back. I've since left after giving them 25 days notice (a form on the CO Supreme court web page says I need to give 21 days notice) and I'm paid in full through the end of my residence. Low and behold I get a bill for $3k for breaking the lease terms for leaving early.

So, what happens next? I've emailed and called them asking to speak to someone about it, but no response. Can I ignore the bill? Will I have to go to court? Would this go to collections and negatively impact my credit score?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 If no lease was signed, you were on a month-to-month tenancy. Even if the written lease was enforceable, you would only owe rent until they re-rented the place to someone new.

At this point, you will have to dispute the debt by responding in writing and essentially wait for them to pursue payment through court.


Title: In laws are opening a business and want my wife to use her name to incorporate it

Question:
(Canada) Throwaway for personal reasons. My brother in law and sister in law currently own an individual salon store where the company is franchised. They are looking to open their own salon outside the franchise very soon. They are required to maintain ownership of the franchised store until October but want to open their store in June or July. The problem is that their franchise contract says they cannot open a salon while still owning the franchised store. Because they don't want to have a period where they aren't owning either store, they want to open their own store right away. To do this, they have asked that my wife (BILs sister) use her name to open their store so they can do both at the same time. My BIL and SIL said that their lawyer suggested this option but we are nervous about it. MY BIL and SIL are good people and certainly have no malicious intentions and have seemingly done a decent job owning the franchised store. But they are also very ambitious and somewhat naive at times, which has led to problems for them. This business deal has already had several details change and sure thing investors fall through after they hyped them up as being excellent options. They only want the business in my wife's name for 4-5 months until they are out of the franchise contract and that we would not have to do anything or spend anything.

I am wondering if this makes sense, and whether or not there are any potential ramifications for my wife and I? We are supposed to meet with their lawyer but I am wondering if we should be getting our own lawyer for this to avoid their lawyer having a conflict of interest? Are there going to be any tax implications for my wife? What happens if they go bankrupt in that time? What questions should we be asking the lawyer?

Some details that may be important:

My in laws and their business are in a different province (NB and NS) than my wife and I.

My wife is self-employed as a writer but is not incorporated as she doesn't reach the $30k threshold.

Thanks in advance. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 This is a horrible idea which can only have bad consequences for all involved. Answer #2: This sounds like a bad idea all around. If your wife's name is on the paperwork, she could be held responsible for anything that could go wrong in the business. I do not know much about Canadian criminal law, but having your wife's name on the company while it is actually owned by your brother/sister in law in violation of a contract sounds your wife could be committing fraud/conspiracy to commit fraud. Here is the legal definition of Fraud in Canada if you're curious.

Fraud

380. (1) Every one who, by *deceit*, falsehood or other *fraudulent means*, whether or not it is a false pretence within the meaning of this Act, defrauds the public or *any person*, whether ascertained or not, of any *property, money or valuable security or any service*,

[Source](https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html#sec380)

Find a way to diplomatically turn them down, but DO turn them down.Answer #3: Wife has nothing to gain from this, don't do it. Family are family, but don't enter a one sided 'all risk no reward' for them.


Title: [MD] Employer consistently violates child labor laws, what are my options?

Question:
Hello! I've been working at a small food business for five years now and have finally realized how bad the working conditions are and how much they violated child labor laws (and likely just labor laws in general). I started working when I was 14 and based on the restrictions stated on work permits, that's where the majority of the violations took place.

I've personally worked up to 14 hour shifts (9am-11pm) at age 14, had 8+ hour shifts with no breaks or food, been forced to carry and occasionally serve alcohol while underage, have never received overtime pay, and worked in locations that should miserably fail health inspections (no sinks, no soap, mold, etc.) if they didn't cheat and hide things the day of inspection.

I'm still employed there because it's just a summer job and I don't have a ton of options, but planning to quit soon. Even though I'm over 18 now, I imagine they're still violating rules and I personally have witnessed underage kids working 12+ hour shifts still.

Basically, is this something that I should pursue legally? Is this something where I could sue them personally and benefit or is this a matter that should be reported and investigated?

Any advice appreciated, thanks!

edit: Fixed some grammar.

Answer: You could report it to your state's labor board. They'd be the ones to decide if any action is necessarily. But even if they fine/reprimand the business, you wouldn't receive any of it.


Title: Salaried changed to hourly and work wants us to work 72 hours in 7 days without OT.

Question:
Just got switched from salaried to hourly and now work wants me to work 72 in 7 days without over time. Is it legal?

I work for one of the biggest hospitals in Central Texas. I work overnight. In order to provide incentive for people to work overnight, they used to pay us full time no matter how many hours we work on a week and we work every other week. It has been working well since the perks are awesome.

Now they want to cut budget. They know we don't work 72 hours per 2 week pay period. Since we work every other week, now we have to clock in 72 hours in a week. 72 hours is the minimum hours per pay period to retain benefits. My usual 8 hours day becomes 9.5 hours daily and my weekend 12.25 hours daily.

I thought if you work more than 40 hours in a predefined week, the extra hours could be eligible to count as over time. Well, work says those are not over time and refuse to label them. They just call them regular time
It is one of the biggest hospitals in Central Texas. Can they do that?
We can't spread the 72 hours over two weeks because we work every other week.

Miserable in TX

Answer: What is the your weekly schedule, and what is the work week? If you work Sunday to Saturday, but every other week, it would make sense and is legal to have the work week start mid-week. That way you would rarely exceed 40 per work week. Answer #2: Looks like there may be a union strike in your near future. That’s unacceptable by your employer


Title: I mailed a small parcel to SO in Canada, it was delivered opened.

Question: Some of the contents may be missing - I know customs is allowed to open the package, but can they deliver it open? Also, there was no stamp on it to say it was inspected. Its very likely half the contents fell out in transit. Any advice or opinions?

Answer:
 What do you mean very likely that contents fell out? Your SO needs to take pictures of the box and its contents. Then catalog them. Compare what the SO has received with what you shipped. Figure out what, if anything, is missing. If you have receipts or any evidence that you actually shipped the missing items, gather all of it.

Once you have that, you need to contact the shipping company and file a complaint. Even if it was opened for inspection, the package still has to be sealed. Depending on what the value of what is missing, you may want to consult an attorney. Regardless, go ahead and start the paper trail and documentation process.


Title: How to continue with this? Suspended from school. (Ca)

Question:
Hello r/LegalAdvice,

I recently lost a school hearing, I was sanctioned 2 years suspension plus remedial courses and counseling.  There was an accusation of me allegedly sexually assaulting someone.  The school found a preponderance of evidence against me, so I lost.  I appealed on a couple grounds and lost that too.

I hired a lawyer during this whole process and he now is telling me that I should file a lawsuit against the school in a civil court.  I'm wondering what the success rate on this is?  I'm pretty broke as it is and I don't want to spend money without any results.  I also don't want to just wait around for 2 years to serve my suspension.

My lawyer said it might be possible to get reinstated while the lawsuit is in adjudication.  I'm wondering if his advice is reliable?

Answer:
 Attorney client relationships are based on trust. If you can't trust his advice you need a new lawyer. Answer #2: Listen to the lawyer you are paying to advise you, BUT, it's highly unlikely that a school will allow you to continue to attend while it's in court.

In addition, by taking this to court you are moving a private issue into the public record. Right now you can transfer/enroll at another school and this basically disappears. If you sue, and lose, it's still public record that you sued over being expelled for sexual assault.


Title: Employer is doing a very poor job of accommodating my medical issue.

Question:
I work at a food production plant and I have to wear gloves 12 hours a day. About 9 months ago I developed an allergic reaction to the gloves they provide, so I went to the doctor and she told me to talk to HR about getting non-allergenic gloves. I did that, but it took about 6 months until they finally arrived. I'm pretty sure they just forgot to order them. They only ordered 3 boxes, and 2 of them disappeared (probably other employees using them because they come in 200 count instead of 100).

My employer isn't keeping a regular supply of the gloves I need. Now I have scabs and potential scars on my hands because I've been using the gloves I'm allergic to. To make things worse, I'm a guitarist and my band has been canceling gigs because I'm embarassed at how nasty my hands look.

Is there any legal route I can take to get HR to take this seriously?

Answer: If HR has approved the accommodation - set up a meeting or conference call with HR & your manager and ask that you be supplied your own gloves directly. Explain that the last batch disappeared before you got any and that your allergies are not being accommodated if you don’t get the special gloves. If you have a locker or your own workstation, keep them there.


Title: My apartment made a mistake, but is trying to say they don't have to do anything about it.

Question:
A few weeks ago, letters were hand delivered to the apartments in my building. The letters were explaining upcoming renovations to the property, and encouraging people to select a transfer date to move into a renovated unit. It also noted that they were allowing people to select their move out date if they didn't want to transfer, and gave a list of about 5 dates, and they asked for 60 day notice. My wife and I aren't super happy with the apartment, so we decided to elect to move out may 31st, and gave them 61 days notice. We handed written notice to the administrator onsite, and went to an apartment showing. We loved the place and applied and signed that day.

The next day, the property management said they didn't mean to give us the notice, as it was intended only for residents in un-remodeled units, and thusly we can't end our lease early. We are in a remodeled unit, and what he said makes sense, but it also didn't say that on the letter.

 In an email to his team, which he CC'd us on, he admits that there was a mistake, but said he is unwilling to make an exception unless they can rent the unit to someone else early.

Their mistake could cost us 2 extra months of double rent, which we don't really have the money for right now. What are my options? I'm willing to go to small claims court if necessary, but I don't even know if I have a case.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: Did the notice include unit numbers or were they individually addressed to [address] unit # xxx?


Title: Landlord of old apartment lost my check, is demanding new one. I offered a new check minus the cost of cancel the old ones and they are refusing.

Question:
I am in Wisconsin. I moved out of my old apartment over the course of this past month. I still have 6 months on the lease. I am working on finding out a way to get out of the lease without subletting. I went in a couple days ago to pay my rent for December. I wrote them out a check and received a receipt for the check stating that I paid for December in full.

They are now claiming they lost the check/ that I took it with me when I left.  I offered a new check minus the $29 fee my bank  charges for cancelling the old check. They are refusing that and demanded that I give them a whole new check for the full amount. As I have a receipt for the December rent can I refuse to pay and take them to court if they try to evict me.

I don't care if I get evicted. I just don't want an eviction on my record. My question is whether I am in the right here? If I took this to small claims court would it be likely that a judge will side with me?

Answer:
 You have a receipt showing you paid. Their lost check is now their problem.Answer #2: >I don't care if I get evicted. I just don't want an eviction on my record.

You are saying two opposite things there.


Title: Employer discriminating based on housing status.

Question:
throwaway because I fear my employer

&#x200B;

tldr: My employer only advances employees who have purchased houses.

&#x200B;

tl: So I work in a relatively high paying field >100k. About a half-year ago I moved for a new job in a new city selling my house in the old location.  As a stopgap, I rented a monthly to get to know the city. It became immediately evident that the work quality and company culture were abysmal.  Also,  I have been continually given work tasks well below my experience level.  I had noticed that my manager had a great interest in if I had or had not yet purchased a house.  I also noticed employees that purchased homes leapfrogged me in their responsibilities. Other employees also shared with me that their situations improved dramatically after buying a home.  I know that I have the option of buying a home and improving my standing but would rather not work for a company that utilizes this level of manipulation, and have been working on leaving.  However, it is a bit of a catch 22 as I have very little experience to point to in my current position.  My question is; if I can prove this is an unwritten policy would I have a case against my employer and would it be worth pursuing?

Answer: It's legal to discriminate on home ownership.


Title: I’m 29F, and my Mom (in FL) just told me she’s filing contempt of court against my Dad (in CT) for back child support...

Question:
I’m 29, and my parents have been divorced since I was 7. I have a younger brother (28) who lives with my mom in FL, and my dad lives in CT, as do I (but not together—I’m married and live with my husband).

My dad hasn’t always been great about paying child support, mostly because he was in and out of homelessness when he still lived in FL, and he moved back to CT to get back on his feet (which he has). My dad has told me he’s been paying child support. I don’t know if that’s true or how much he’s been paying. I went with him to court a few years ago to figure some of it out, and to my knowledge, he’s been making payments since. There have been a few instances where my mom says she never received money, but my dad SWEARS he sent it, and my dad thinks it’s just being withheld from my mom for some reason. No clue if any of that is true.

My mom has had a lot of health problems recently, and has been out of work for over a year. She’s fighting for disability at the moment (she is extremely limited when it comes to things she can do for work, so this seems to be her best option), has no income, and my brother is basically her main caregiver and pays for everything for her.

Recently while talking to her on the phone, my mom told me she’s going to “file contempt of court” (her words) against my dad for child support. Says she could really use the money, and my dad hasn’t been paying. For the most part, the two of them have seemed to be getting along pretty well recently. They were very friendly at my wedding this last August, but my mom also has a history of going through phases of liking him and hating him.

My questions are—how will this affect both of them (especially my dad)? Should I tell my dad that she plans on doing this? (The second question is more of a personal question than a legal one, but still would like to hear suggestions if you have them)

TL;DR
Mom lives in FL, dad lives in CT. I live in CT and my mom just told me she’s “filing contempt of court” against my dad for back owed child support. Want to know how this will affect them both and whether I should warn my dad.

Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: This has nothing to do with you. If your dad isn't following a court order than your mother certainly had a right to go back to court to force him to


Title: Criminal background check required for housing rental application -- will DUI charge (reduced to reckless driving) show up? Best way to approach this?

Question:
I've been in Colorado for 2 years, but am now in the process of moving out of state (MN) and looking for housing at my new destination. I've found one place that seems to check nearly all the boxes on my list of search criteria, but also requires a criminal background check as part of the application process.

Quick background: Shortly after I moved to Colorado, I got pulled over after meeting some new friends for drinks. I had a 0.06 BAC, which in CO is above the legal limit and was charged with DWAI (meant for BACs between 0.05 and 0.08). DWAI is a misdemeanor (criminal) offense, but thankfully the judge reduced the charge to a reckless driving (traffic) offense.

When I responded to the housing post indicating my interest, they asked me a series of questions included whether there would be any issues as a result of a criminal background check. I'm guessing that most likely this incident would turn up since I *was* charged with a criminal offense, but I'm *hoping* that that it won't show up since it was reduced to a non-criminal charge.

What's my best move here as far as how to respond to this? Thanks!

----------------------------------
ps(a). I know that r/legaladvice is a pretty objective and nonjudgmental place, but let me say that I am not proud of any of this and am embarrassed to have gotten into myself this situation in the first place. Despite having a BAC that was below the legal limit in most of the US, I still shouldn't have been driving, since statistically you become significantly more likely to be involved in a fatal crash past a BAC of 0.05. Putting others at risk like that is not acceptable in any way (regardless of whether or not you feel _fine to drive_), but I'm grateful no one was hurt and consider this to have been an expensive but valuable learning experience. Sorry, not trying to get all preachy on ya, but only mean to say that I know I fucked up, take responsibility for that, and have since learned from it.

Answer: Be honest but don't worry too much. Also, remember that you were convicted for reckless driving and not DWAI. The former is what will show on your criminal background check. Landlords typically care about convictions for *violent* crimes like domestic battery, or they look for convictions related to misuse of money, because at the end of the day they want to ensure you will be a peaceful tenant who pays rent on time.


Title: Conflict I was involved in...

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 No one here can help you. If the police arrived don't talk to them.

You are dumb. Answer #2: You are so fucked. Get off of Reddit and get to your closest criminal defense attorney. You will be arrested today or tomorrow. Answer #3: That wasn't very Canadian of you. I call troll.


Title: Police didn't ask if I wanted to press charges

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 That's because you don't press charges. The DA does. So they don't need your permission to do so or not do so.

Missed the second police interaction. They still didn't have to arrest him


Title: [SC] husband in voluntary inpatient psychiatric facility, I am considering legal separation. Can I split our finances while he is being treated?

Question:
My husband has a history with depression and unfortunately I am learning signs of alcoholism. I will spare all of the details, but I recently had to call 911 and have him involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric facility due to mixing alcohol with his medication. He is now back in the same facility, voluntarily this time. I am considering filing for a legal separation, but still on the fence right now.

We currently have the majority of our finances (checking and savings) in joint accounts. We also have a joint credit card. Regardless of what I decide to do about the separation, I am wanting to split up our money 50/50 while he is being treated; I am worried he will make poor financial decisions when he is released as he is not very stable at the moment.

Are there any legal implications to this?

Answer:
 > I am wanting to split up our money 50/50 while he is being treated

You can't do this.   It isn't going to be looked upon favorably by a family court judge if he decides to make an issue of it later.

But if he's in treatment, you shouldn't need to worry about him draining the accounts on you either.

If you want to make a clean break, talk to a divorce lawyer as quickly as possible.


Title: DUI after I blackedout

Question:
About three weeks ago I was at a bar with a few friends drank roughly seven beers two shots I blacked out and could've drank more but I'm unsure. I woke up in a hospital bed to a cop asking me to sign a summons for first offense DUI. The first thing I did was call my insurance and inform them, my truck is totaled. I then called a few lawyers but most said I have a very slim chance since I can't remember anything. I ended up consulting with a lawyer a friend said got his brother out of a dui but I'm not sure what questions to ask or what to do next. The lawyer said he would try to get the cop report I'm not sure if a breathalyzer was taken but I'm positive they drew blood. And I'm kinda curious would going to any alcohol related classes help my case? Is there anything else I should be doing before my court date? Does my case seem hopeless? Thank you for any help.

Edit: I'm located in Virginia, 23 no previous criminal history

Answer:
 Start going to AA meetings, sign up with whatever agency/company your county does community service through and start getting some hours. Try to get at least 24 hours in before your court date.

At this point your best outcome will come from the judge/prosecutor seeing that you're taking this seriously and proactively trying to address your mistake.

Otherwise just listen to your lawyer, they'll know far more about your outcome than any of us. Answer #2: You should get some sort of treatment anyway because you clearly have a drinking problem. You are going to want to hire an attorney, but be wary of any who promise too much. This is likely going to be the event in your life you look back on as a turning point, either for good or for worse. Which way it goes is up to you now.


Title: Landlord refuses to return money after violating lease agreement. What do I do?

Question:
Some background info:

I am a college student and I’ve been looking for a house near campus to live in with my three roommates. I’ve never dealt with renting a place to stay outside of university-owned housing, which is a fairly streamlined process, so I’m admittedly pretty inexperienced. Anyways, after touring quite a few houses, we finally found a reasonably-priced option that was pretty close to campus. It took us a while though, and since our current housing ends on May 19th we needed to sign a lease quickly.

One other roommate and I met up with the landlord to sign the lease on May 7th, which was also the start date of our lease. I paid my 2700 deposit and I was going to pay the first month’s rent, too, but my venmo account had a sending limit so I agreed to send it to the landlord via a different platform later that evening.

When I went by the house after signing, there were people staying in it, because the owner had apparently rented it out as an AirBnB the same day he rented it to us. At first, they locked us out of the house. Someone let us in, referred to himself as an associate of the landlord, and told us he had been working on the house for us. He asked us if we would come back later, which I refused to do. I entered the house and he told me I couldn’t go in some of the bedrooms because people were “sleeping”. There were probably 8 people in the house, some smoking cigarettes in the kitchen, which was strictly forbidden in our leasing agreement, and some locked in the bedroom. People in the house were hiding things as we walked in and retreating to their cars outside. When the landlord’s associate showed us the garage, there was a huge leak in the ceiling that had not been there when we toured and the landlord had not disclosed to us. He informed us that the AC was frozen over by one of the guests and told us it didn’t matter because it was just in the garage.

We left after this and called the landlord and told him we wouldn’t be living there, since he violated our lease agreement. He promptly refused to give our deposit back, stating that we had to compensate him for the effort we made him put into getting the house ready for us. Despite my limited experience, I don’t think this is how a deposit works and unless he was going to use the people that were already staying there to throw a house-warming party, I don’t understand what expenses he could have incurred on our behalf.

Where do I go from here? He is in clear violation of our lease agreement, right? Should I contact a lawyer? My other two roommates and one of their parents that were co-signing haven’t signed or even seen the lease agreement, but I read somewhere that it is still valid because I signed it. Neither of us took any pictures at the house, since we were in shock at what was going on, so I don’t know how we would prove what we saw. Is there any chance of me seeing my deposit again?

Answer: Often universities have free legal services for students. I used that once in college for a landlord issue. Have you checked that out yet?


Title: [CA] One of my families neighbors has been calling the sheriff department on our vehicles parked in the street.

Question:
The tags on the vehicle are up to date but it sustained some rear axle damage and we've been waiting on parts to be manufactured to put it back together. It has now been fixed but we are still getting calls saying nothing's been happened.

I'm just wondering if there anything my family can do? This isnt the first time we have had issues with [who we assume are] the same neighbors.

Originally we've had a gold honda that was not in the best shape parked out on the street but the tags were up to date as well. When the deputy came by he told us the tags were expired and it needed to be moved onto the driveway.

This also has happened with different vehicles that my family has had parked on our corner property. I would say this is probably the fifth time. Along with having code enforcement coming out and having a fire emergency vehicle ticketed.

We as of the moment cannot park the RV on the driveway as my mother has projects that take up part of a dirt lot that is there. Along with a bus that my friend is renovating.

This is Riverside County in case that helps.

Answer:
 In Riverside you cannot leave a car standing on the street for more than 72 hours.

You also cannot park your rv on the street more than 48 hours, twice a month.

You cannot park vehicles on the lawn or dirt yard of your property.

Project cars and those that are not running must be enclosed in a permitted enclosed building such as garage or shed.

If a neighbor was out to get you it sounds like you would have larger problems then just these tickets for the street vehicles. It's possible someone is complaining because your house is violating rules put in place to make certain residential neighborhoods are not packed with stored vehicles on the public street, it is also possible that the city has you on its radar and drives through on its own to check.

If you want to stop getting tickets, you need to follow your cities rules.


Title: My Dad's parole officer is trying to put him back into custody for not giving her a key. Can she do that?

Question: So my dad just got a new P.O and she said that he needs to give her a key, but the problem is that he is renting a room and the house owner does not want to give her the key. Another thing is that they have dogs so even if they were to give her a key she would not be safe just walking into the yard. My dad told her that so she suggested that they get rid of the dogs and that is something he won't do. His past P.O never asked for a key and she is now saying that he is breaking parole by refusing to give her one. He might be jailed for a month and I was wondering if she could do that? Is there anything our family could do to prevent this?

Answer:
 If you have an attorney available, contact them and request advice on what to do.

Giving the P.O. a key without permission from the LL might be grounds for the LL to evict your dad for violating the lease.


Title: I'm [20F] trying to work as a nude model but I have to get parent's permission?

Question:
lurker here, this is my first time posting on this sub, I don't know a lot about the law but this seems a bit fishy to me. I'm in Colorado, USA.

So basically I am trying to work as a nude model for my university's art department, and it requires parental permission for "minors," meaning anyone who is under the age of 21. I don't have a great relationship with my parents and I know that they'd say no, but it pays really well and I've done some research and it's definitely something I want to do. However, I don't want to ask my parents permission, and even if I did I don't understand why it's necessary? I'm over the age of 18, I am a legal independent adult, so I don't see what the big deal is.

Answer:
 >I don't understand why it's necessary

Because the university want's to cover their arse legally. For them to have a minor being a nude model is a legal risk.

> I'm over the age of 18, I am a legal independent adult, so I don't see what the big deal is.

In[ colorado](https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/Education/Youth/Laws.cfm) you don't seem to have reached the age of majority yet though.

>also, what are the consequences if I just pretended I was her and signed it myself?

That could possibly considered to be identity theft and/or fraud/forgery.

So no we aren't going to help you break the law and untill you turn 21 you can't become a nude model.Answer #2: You're a minor in Colorado.

https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/Education/Youth/Laws.cfm


Title: Mailman signed for my package and delivered it to the wrong place

Question:
Hi all,
On March 3, 2020 I was supposed to receive an expensive product I ordered from an independent seller online. I waited all day for the package, but never arrived. I checked the tracking number and it said it had been handed to an individual (package required signature) at the address. I decided to give it another 24 hours before I called my local post office’s postmaster. Here comes the next day, and still nothing. I call my postmaster and he proceeds to track the package via GPS to see where it was signed. He gives me the address of where it was last signed and it was a couple houses down the street. I thanked him and tell him I will go check with the house to see if they have it. I go over and ask but they say they haven’t received a package. While I’m there, I decide to check with the houses next door - they, too, say they have not received a package in the past couple of days. I call back the postmaster and he says that there’s not much he can do but he’ll leave a note for the mailman responsible of my street to go check it out himself and ask the house at that address.

Today comes, and I wait for my mailman to come and hopefully bring my misdelivered package, maybe he remembered where he left it. He says to me that he simply does not remember where he dropped it off. He proceeded to tell me that what he does when he has packages to deliver for a street, he’ll drop the packages off with his car before hand-delivering mail. After I mentioned the signature that was required for the package, he goes on to tell me that he usually signs off the packages on the way to delivering packages - that is why the previous address showed up on the GPS tracking. He begged me to not tell the post office he does this. He then tells me “he cannot remember where he left it” and that he will “keep looking for it”.

Guys, what can I do? Is it not a crime for him to just sign off on packages like that? Who can I report this to? Am I entitled for my cash back or something? If this was something else i would not be freaking out as much but what i purchased was well over $1,000 and not purchased off some major retailer. Anyways thanks so much in advance.

Some extra info: This item was shipped from the UK using Royal Mail, then with USPS here in the US. My address is correct in the shipping label used by the seller. I am in Texas.

TL;DR
Package requiring signature is signed beforehand by the carrier and has been delivered somewhere else.

Answer:
 An expensive item shipped from the UK was not delivered because your letter carrier is not following procedures and committed fraud?  You should report that to the Post Master, if for no other reason than you need to be reimbursed for the loss.  Sometimes, it's less about not hurting someone else than it's about making sure you don't get screwed over.

And, be honest, do you really want to trust your mail to a letter carrier who doesn't know where he delivered your expensive package?


Title: Out of state, can't pay speeding ticket

Question: I am working in Ohio for a month ( its week 3) and got caught speeding. 70 mph in 55 mph zone. Job doesn't pay, only room and food. I can't afford the fines. State trooper says they report a no show to my home state and I lose license. Scrambling to find labor gigs on Craigslist but nothing nearby. Anything I can do? Maybe just call clerk of court and explain? No money except for gas to get back home! :(

Answer:
 > Anything I can do? Maybe just call clerk of court and explain?

Call the court and ask for a payment plan.

Also, you're working solely for room and board?  That may not be legal.


Title: I pumped my car into a Domino's Pizza delivery car at the parking cause the parking lot was dark

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Does your car have proper working headlights and reverse lights?

Because "I didn't see that 2000 pound motor vehicle which was properly parked in a parking lot because it was dark" is as unlikely to fly in Australia as it is in the USA.

You hit the car.  You're responsible for the damage caused.


Title: (CA) I was rear ended, I'm uninsured, they want to claim hit and run.

Question:
UPDATE: I contacted a lawyer, they suggested basically everything else that was in the comments. I appreciate it. If she doesn't give me any information I'll find out her name from work and fill out a form with the DMV to get her insurance info anyway. Thank you everyone.

Tuesday the 15th (day before yesterday) I was driving home from work when I came to a line of traffic in a construction area, I slowed and had to step on my brakes a little hard the final few feet. I checked my rearview and saw the next car coming, knowing they wouldn't be able to make the stop.

She hit me, a 2010 Ford fusion, I bumped the car in front of me, a nissan..Altima? We pulled off to inspect the damage, the 3rd car had minimal damage, some paint was scuffed, so he left without a word to me or the other girl. The girl had called a friend from work to come by and pick her up so she did. The girl's car, some kind of Toyota crv/hrv, had some grill damage, her hood was bent up a bit and her radiator got cracked I think. I got on the ground and only saw a small saucer sized puddle under her vehicle so I don't think anything serious occurred. However my rear bumper is crunched in, my taillight lost the red cover, and there's some actual body damage because my trunk can't latch now.

I don't have insurance, I haven't been able to find anything reasonable (under $188/month) in fact my registration is 3 years expired because I can't make $900+ appear for fees. When I told her she said "oh hun! I'll call it as a hit and run". Ok well that's not what happened. She suggested that because if not I'll get a ticket for no insurance, or points on my license or something (that's what the friend said.)

Now, I'm willing to deal with that. I made a choice to have food and rent over car insurance. But I'm *not* paying to get my car fixed, I didn't do anything.

I work with both parties involved in the accident, our work is so large I don't know their names but I can find out, I'm sure. I got a photo of my car, I didn't get a shot of hers which means I have no plate for her.

What pisses me off is I immediately asked if she was ok, I even asked several other times to make sure (my head went forward and I hit I on my seat. My neck hurts and my SO said I had a faint bruise along the back of my neck) but all she kept saying was "oh my God my car! Girl, I just got this, oh my god"

I just don't know what to do...I'm sorry if this is discombobulated...
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 >I don't have insurance, I haven't been able to find anything reasonable (under $188/month) in fact my registration is 3 years expired because I can't make $900+ appear for fees.

Stop driving.

>I made a choice to have food and rent over car insurance.

Then you also have to choose not to drive.

You need to go file a police report about the accident.


Title: [MO] I work 12 hour shifts and my employer is taking away our use of the stove...

Question: I work 12 hour shifts for a private company. After a recent bout of craziness, my employer is taking away our stove and oven use. We are now only allowed to bring in microwavable items or cold items to eat. They are also limiting smoke breaks to 2, 10 minute breaks each 12 hour shift. We stay clocked in for the entirety of our shift. Is this legal? Thank you ahead of time for your advice.

Answer:
 No you do not have a right to access a stove for your own food. They can limit breaks to the legally allowed minimum. Are they paying you for your lunch breaks if you are clocked in?

[Seems like you are in a state with no required break laws](http://labor.mo.gov/DLS/General/breaks)


Title: Needing therapy, but will police be involved?

Question:
Pennsylvania

I’m not sure if this belongs here, if not please guide me to where this belongs. I’m also on mobile so the format maybe a little weird.

The details will be a little vague because some people who know me are on Reddit. And I would rather my identity not be exposed.

I’m in my 20’s married and no kids.

Something sexual happened between a family member (who is not my husband) and I this weekend that was not wanted on my part. I don’t want the police involved. But I would like to go to therapy. If I talk about it in therapy, will the therapist call the cops?

Answer:
 Nope.

If you're an adult, then the therapist is not mandated to report anything.

I'm sorry that happened, and good luck.Answer #2: If you're an adult and the other person involved is an adult, then the therapist is not required to report.


Title: Western Union denied my $1000 fraud case becauze they say I aunthorized it. Only problem is, I didn't authorize it.

Question:
Im not sure if this is the right place to post this or the right flair, but about a month ago I had fraud committed on me via a screen sharing app on my phone.

I NEVER order anything threw amazon, but recently i decided to build a PC and you can't beat amazon, for the most part, when it comes to that stuff. Anyways, there had been a mix up apparently and one of my components was said to have been delivered but wasn't, so I went on google to look up Amazon's delivery customer service number (which apparently isn't a thing).

After doing so I call the first number that pops up, like anyone else would. They ask me to download a screen sharing app so they can look to see what the problem might be threw my account. They ask me to confirm my debit card information for them and then tell me to just let them handle it for me and to leave my phone alone. I have a newborn son who was crying his eyes out at the moment, so i took the time to take care of him and feed him. When I come back to my phone they are IN MY EMAILS ABOUT TO DELETE SOME FROM WESTERN UNION and another cash sharing app. So I stopped everything they were doing and asked them what was going on to which they just hung up...

I filed fraud cases immediately with Western Union and my bank. My bank gave me a provisional credit for all of the funds while they investigated the case.

Fast forward to now, I go to use my card and I get denied. My bank account is in the because negative half of my provisional credit was denied due to me "authorizing" the transactions even though I was not aware of them happening until AFTER they had been authorized.

Any help on what I can or should do would be very much appreciated. As I mentioned earlier, I have a newborn son and I don't have the money to just throw away almost $1000 to some scumbag scammers. I got bills to pay and mouths to feed. I already felt stupid and vulnerable when it happened, I can't be broke too.

If you have any questions for more specifics please feel free to ask. I will be watching this post closesly.
Topic:
Consumer Law

Answer: You are likely SOL. You gave them access and your bank info. So you it is hard for the back to determine if permission was given since the info was given.


Title: Landlord is renting parking spaces he does not own.

Question:
I moved to Philadelphia in September. The apartment building I live in has what appears to be a driveway in the alley between it and the adjacent building. He charges tenants a monthly fee to park there. I have been parking there for four months with no problems. Earlier this week all the cars in the alley revived warnings from the Philadelphia police department.

How do I determine if my landlord has the right to rent out those spots or if the warnings were issued in error? How should I proceed in this situation? I have tried to contact my landlord but I have not been able to reach him.

Answer:
 > Earlier this week all the cars in the alley revived warnings from the Philadelphia police department.

What did the warning say?  What law did it cite?


Title: Friend got fired from his job at Amazon for having a collapsed lung.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
  He didn't get fired for having a collapsed lung. He got fired for a no call, no show.

He can file for unemployment while he looks for a new job. Answer #2: Add your location. Also including the name of the company isn't recommended, I don't think. Might wanna delete this post and repost it without the name of the company in the title.


Title: Can I ship a Russian tortoise to Puerto Rico from the States without needing a special permit?

Question: I can't find specific information anywhere online.

Answer: Just want to point out that Puerto Rico is part of the States.


Title: Asked to surrender pharmacy tech license

Question: Someone I know was caught stealing pills from their tech job at a retail pharmacy. Now they work as a tech for an insurance company(not handling pills, mostly working with prior authorizations). They received a call today to surrender their license at the state license office (Utah). What happens now? Will they also lose ptcb certification? Does this mean criminal charges were filed? Just trying to help them know what to expect/possibly prepare for a career change.

Answer: They're losing their license, as they should, and will likely be pursued criminally.


Title: My Girlfriend Was Sexually Assaulted

Question:
Throw away account to remain anonymous.

This is a long story so I am leaving out some minor aspects of the story to get my point across to you guys. But I am more than willing to take your feedback and answer your questions!

This happened in the middle of March on a Saturday that happened to be a beautiful day, So my girlfriend's (gf) neighbors decided to have some people over in their yard for beers and yard games. Mind that this is a small private college in Wisconsin so things don't get too rowdy.  So my gf goes down the street to hang out and what not, and a guy she went to high school with comes up to her and they have a brief conversion lasting maybe two minutes. My gf knew he didn't go to our school and in fact he never graduated high school. Their conversion consisted of my gf asking why he was even there and what he was up to in his life. He said his life hasn't been going well and he was flying out to LA the following day, and he was at this get-together because he enjoyed to volunteer at a shelter that provides services to the homeless and those in need that is literally right next the house where this get-together was taking place, and the shelter is DIRECTLY across the street from my girlfriends house. Shortly after my gf leaves that party and goes to a bar nearby where she forgets her wallet so she returned home.

After Arriving at her house, she decides to take a nap and wait for me to get off work. She falls asleep at around 5:30pm and awakes at roughly 7:30pm with her bra undone and her leggings around her knees and the guy from earlier in her bed.

She rolled out out her bed and screamed for him to get out. He sprints out the house and my gf calls her friend who calls me. I then direct my roommates to pick her up and take her to the ER to get a rape kit done. I arrive at the hospital roughly five minutes after my gf and company arrived.

since then the rape kit has come back negative. We also learned this guy was receiving services from the shelter and not really volunteering there, so he I guess he just wanted to see what was going on next door? Two days after the incident he was arrested at the shelter and brought in for questioning. He said "a man" let him into the house which we all know is false and that he was "drunk" and the last thing he remembers was my gf screaming at him to get out. The detective working the case thinks his story is shit and he is lying.

He was released after questioning but later the next week my gf gave her on-camera statement, and guys I shit you not we went out to dinner right after her giving her statement and while we were eating the detective called and said the perp was in custody and charged with Burglary and 2nd degree sexual assault of an unconscious person. The burglary charge is there because he is accused of a felony while in the house.

he was released form jail two days later on a signature bond and his bond restrictions are very strict. He can't be within 500m of my gf's house, our college campus, the downtown area of the city we live in, so for the time being he can't get services from the shelter across the street from my gf's house (HAHA sucka). He also is being GPS monitored (ankle bracelet?) and "at his own expense." I've had friends go through the system and they said it cost $10 a day for them to wear an ankle bracelet. Must suck already being in need and being charged just to walk around :)

This morning he posted on his Instagram a photo of him smiling with a caption "accused of rape" and another with him posing with sunglasses with a caption "legends never die." This guy is a pig. My gf has since notified the detective about his Instagram posts.

He has his preliminary hearing this coming Monday 4/15.

My question for you guys is do you think the case has enough behind it to go to trial? We think he saw her walk into her house that day (again the shelter is DIRECTLY across the street from her house and it's easy to see both entrances to the home) and waited awhile and entered her home. We also thought about maybe he was already in the house when my gf got home. Note that she never disclosed where she lived to him, but maybe he has *been* watching her for awhile now. People who go to this shelter usually hangout in the parking lot all day which again you can still see my gf's house.

What do you guys think will happen if it goes to trial?

What about civil court? her parents are already considering lawsuits. If he was drunk, why would a shelter provide services to a person that is under the influence? I would also love to garnish this guys paycheck for the rest of his life :)

This experience has been awful. The emotional scarring this has caused will never heal. My gf and I are both anticipating graduating with our undergrads next month, but both our grades have slipped since this incident and I need all 18 credits I'm taking this semester to graduate but I'm riding a slippery slope that i might fail one of my classes, so that just adds stress to all of this. Should I contact my professors/university? This incident took place roughly a block from campus.

I appreciate any and all meaningful comments. I also apologize for any spelling/grammar errors. I had to pause multiple times writing this because it was like reliving it all over again.

P.S. my username is referring to the "It's On Us" campaign to end sexual assault. Please give their website a visit and take the pledge. In the end it's on us to create a safe environment for others and prevent things like this from happening. Most sexual assaults never get reported.

Answer:
 >What do you guys think will happen if it goes to trial?

No one can tell you. Most cases never make it to court. And those that do can end anyway from guilty on all charges, to innocent of all charges. It is likely your GF will be called to testify, though.

>If he was drunk, why would a shelter provide services to a person that is under the influence

Homeless people tend to have substance abuse issues at higher rates than the average person. If they didn't offer services to people with issues then a large segment of the homeless population wouldn't get services.

>What about civil court? her parents are already considering lawsuits.

She will need to take the ball on this one. If she's over 18 its up to her, though her parents definitely can help.

>Should I contact my professors/university?

While this situation sucks for you, you're unlikely to get a ton of deference to you know someone who was a victim of a crime.


Title: Broke up with girlfriend and she gave my cat away within 12 hours or so.

Question:
Ok so weird situation I'm in Georgia and went to Florida to work for 3 months after hurricane Irma. Well 3 months turned into a week because of people not wanting to work but whatever. I moved out of my apartment before going to Florida and my girlfriend at the time agreed to take care of my cat. Saturday around midnight we broke up, I told her I was coming during the week with a truck to get my stuff and my cat. Sunday less than 24 hours after I see on Facebook that my cat had been given away. I want her back is there anything legally I can do to get her back?

Edit: pretty drunk been a long crazy few days if something doesn't make sense I'll try to explain it.

Answer:
 If you saw that on Facebook does that mean you know who has the cat? If so, reach out to that person.

Your ex can’t give your property awayAnswer #2: Can you prove it was your cat? Or have messages where you ask her to take care of it while you're out of town? Screenshot the FB post and go to the police. Animals are normally seen as property in the US, so you normally get their monetary value, but if it was given away and you know who to, you may have better luck retrieving the actual cat. Good luck!Answer #3: Was your cat chipped in your name?  Do you have vet bills that you paid?  Things like that would help establish that the cat is yours and that GF had no rights to giving it away.


Title: Michigan- Bank is saying my father lied about not owning a house due to Dover Law

Question:
Hello!

First of all, I want to thank you guys for taking the time to read this. Please let me know if I need to include any more information.

So, basically, my father and I are trying to buy a condo. We are two weeks from the closing date, and the bank we are working with on getting a loan kind of just dropped a bomb on us.

EDITED:
Backstory: My father is taking out the mortgage for this condo only in his name. He has a very good credit score (740+), a very good debt to income ratio, and is currently the owner of one (legal, legit) investment property, which is a condo in Florida that my brother lives in. My brother has a lease, and my dad is his landlord. The condo has been paid off for a few years now, and when my dad had a mortgage for it, he was paying for it as an investment property.

However, the house that he currently lives in is owned solely by my mother (they are married). She is the deed holder, pays all taxes, and holds the accounts used to pay the water and energy bill. My father is not mentioned on the deed anywhere, and does not have right of ownership to this property. He has provided a copy of the deed and all legal documents stating that he lives in this house but has no ownership of it to the bank. The only ties he does have to this house is the mortgage-- there is a small home equity loan on it and he co-signed it for my mom, with my mom as the main signer.

The bank called us back and told us that they can offer us the mortgage we want, but my dad will have to pay an extremely high interest rate and an extremely high mortgage insurance because he "lied" about not owning this house, citing that the Dover Law in Michigan states that he is a co-owner of the house. They are now trying to get him to sign a quit-claim deed.

EDIT WITH EXPLANATION: There was an issue in which his name is mentioned on the title company documents. The bank showed us these documents, and my dad legitimately did not know his name was on anything so he did not understand why they wanted him to sign a quit claim deed. We now understand what was going on.

EDIT:
Hey, guys, since this is getting a fair amount of attention (thank you so much for all your comments and your time!), I just want to add a quick disclaimer and also an exact timeline of what I do know happened so that this post can have all the information it may need.

EDIT 2: since it's come up, my dad's property in Florida is totally legit. Registered as an investment property, and my brother who lives there has a lease.

EDIT 3: Thank you all so much for your help. The issue has been resolved-- firstly, after talking the issue through with the bank, there was a misunderstanding on our side about what a quit claim deed was, and there was a misunderstanding at the bank about some documents. Additionally, after looking at copies of documents and speaking with my dad AND WITH THE BANK, I am 1000% sure that everything he is doing is normal/legit/not shady. Now, that being said, we are not sure what our decision is regarding this mortgage and my dad will still look everything over with a lawyer on Monday.

Thank you all so much for your help!

Answer:
 > and does not have right of ownership to this property.

Not accurate in the slightest.  They're likely trying to get a quit claim deed issued by your dad to your mom.

I won't even touch the fact that buying a house with your dad holding the note is a horrendous idea and will create a host of problems. Answer #2: There is some missing information here. I would reconsider purchasing a home with your father until the whole situation is worked out. There is a good chance someone is lying about the facts.

Signing a quit claim deed transfers his interest in the home. You can do this even if you have no ownership of a home. Generally speaking if you have no ownership in a home you should not do this. If you quit claim deed a home to someone else it does not relieve you of the obligation to pay the mortgage, and in some cases it can call the note due. If you are being charged a higher interest rate you are not getting the mortgage you want. It sounds like the bank is counting the debt to income from the first mortgage against him. And they should be if he is a cosigner. So signing a quit claim deed will not remove his obligation to pay this debt. Refinancing the mortgage would, but it can cost a lot of money especially if interest rates have risen.

Get a mortgage from another bank if this story makes sense to you.


Title: Shoplifting, LP chased but we left merchandise, they may have got license plate

Question: So I'll preface with this, my roommate and I are both on hard times, pretty desperate to be honest, so we decided to just go put some food in a cart at Walmart and just walk out with it. Say what you will about it but we're barely getting by and are tired of being hungry. We went in together, got what we needed, and I went outside to wait by the car. Roommate pushed the cart outside and then LP came out and started yelling and I told roommate to leave it and get in the car. Roommate pushed the cart away, got in, and I drove off. We don't know if they got the license plate or anything. From what we've looked at, the cameras are pretty bad quality, definitely can't see license plates. We took a different car by there about 30 minutes later and then again about an hour and 15 minutes later and saw no police cars either time. Are we going to get a visit from police? What will happen to us? How would they connect me to it since I wasn't the one who went past the point of purchase with merchandise? Since they got the cart back what will they do? What is the loss prevention process in something like this? Etc? Any insight would be helpful. We are both very distraught. Please reserve any judgement and just let me know what you think.

Answer: There are government services and food banks. There is no reason to steal, risk your future, and raise merchandize prices for those of us that pay.


Title: [Buncombe County, NC] - I walked into a bar downtown tonight where the bartender informed me they have heard “pictures of me in a sexual context” have been circulating in the past few days...

Question:
Context: I recently started hanging out downtown at one particular bar for the past 3 months. The cook at said bar had recently split with his 7 year wife. With this knowledge, I ended up inviting said cook to my home for hanky panky about 3 weeks ago. This has happened a few random times, but I have since distanced myself, going as far to block his number as he has no boundaries.

Today the bartender at this bar informs me that the wife of said cook came into said bar and exclaimed that the cook had sent her pictures of me to confirm a sexual relationship.

I have not spoken to cook or wife. I have not seen any photos and the bartender didn’t see any photos. I have not participated in any photography with these persons.

Should I finish my meal and report this hearsay to the police station a block over? Should I just pretend I didn’t hear anything? What if this person really took photos of me after I fell asleep and did distribute them?

TLDR: I walked into my regular bar for lunch, where the bartender informed me of hearing about photos of me circulating to confirm a sexual relationship, where do I go from here if any of this is true?

Answer:
 Just to clarify, a bartender that you kind of know told you the guy's separated wife told you she had sexual pictures of you?

Perhaps I would keep in mind the wife has a pretty strong motivation knowing that it's you to make you go away... I'd also wonder why the bartender is now telling you what is going on.. :/

I wouldn't go to the police at this point without some more information as it sounds like the wife is just trying to ruin things. Answer #2: Sounds like that place has a bit of drama.  I'd find a new watering-hole.  (I live in the area too.)


Title: Private work found at part time job

Question:
I live in Arizona, and I work at a store that offers tech services/computer repair. After I finished with a client he tipped me (not supposed to accept tips but I don't get paid enough to deny one) and offered a business card which he had written "contact me" on.

I decided to bite, and sent him an email. Of course he was only curious if I do private computer consultation.

My question is, what's the legality of I were to say yes to him? I'm inclined to say no, since my manager would fire me (at-will employment and all) on the spot if he learned about it. However, are there any federal/state laws that govern conflicts of interest like this?

Answer: If you do work on your own time without use of your company equipment there is nothing criminal about your actions and your company couldn’t sue you for civil damages.  That said as you note your boss could fire you for outside employment, even if that employment doesn’t interfere with your job or use any company resources.