Title: Car dealer charging me for ghost car

Question: so, a vehicle i bought from a dealer in NJ, just kept braking down just days after i bought it, and I fought with them about this, and they took no responsibility, so i stop paying for it and the car dealer came and took it away, yet they still trying to charge me as if I still own the vehicle, plus apparently they already resold the same vehicle. Can they still charge me the full price of the car even doubt i dont own the vehicle no more?

Answer:
 You agreed to pay X for the car. You still owe X (x minus whatever they sold the car for)

So you owe that because you agreed to pay it. Answer #2: 1.	bought a car as-is
2.	didn’t like the car
3.	stopped paying loan
4.	car got repossessed

is that right?


Title: Facebook not responding to a libel post

Question:
Help...someone post a libel post on Facebook and despite reporting it many times, Facebook just "closes" the case with no written reply.  This post puts lives at risk and thus we are shocked Facebook is not simply taking down. Their own policy clearly states:

"Bullying and Harassment: How we respond to bullying and harassment.

We don’t tolerate bullying or harassment. We allow you to speak freely on matters and people of public interest, but remove content that appears to purposefully target private individuals with the intention of degrading or shaming them. This content includes, but is not limited to:

Pages that identify and shame private individuals,
Images altered to degrade private individuals,
Photos or videos of physical bullying posted to shame the victim, and
Repeatedly targeting other people with unwanted friend requests or messages.

We define private individuals as people who have neither gained news attention nor the interest of the public, by way of their actions or public profession."

How do we legally go after Facebook for violating their own policy?

Much appreciated

Location: Canada

Edit: Added location

Answer:
 > How do we legally go after Facebook for violating their own policy?

You don't.

If someone has made a libelous statement about you your legal recourse is to sue them. Facebook has no obligation to do anything about it, regardless of what their policy may say.


Title: Just found out I am 1/4 owner of a tract of land in my hometown... estranged family wants my signature for free so they can sell it... I want 1/4 of the tax value.

Question:
Apparently when my Dad passed in 2012, his stake in the land my grandmother owned passed, unbeknownst, to me, and my two siblings. My Aunt still owns a share, and we are all four required to sign off on the land so that it can be sold to my great aunt (or however she is related to me). I only found out about my stake in the land because I was asked for my signature.

I haven’t spoken to these people in years, and I didn’t get anything when my Dad died.  There is a river of bad blood - but, that’s beside the point.

What I really want here is 1/4 of the tax value of the land. I am willing to pay my 1/4 of the taxes owed on the land dating back to 2012. Other than tax documents and GIS data for the tract, what else should I pursue when building my sale arrangement?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: This is in North Carolina! I can provide specific County if need be.

Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 First: if all you want is the tax value of the land, that’s fine and dandy.  But in some areas the tax value of the land is significantly lower than the actual value of the land.

Otherwise if the stakes involved are at all substantial it would probably be a good idea to run this by a real estate attorney to make sure everything is done properly.Answer #2: An appraisal so you know the value of your share would be useful to make sure they don't mislead you as to the value.Answer #3: You might want money for that land, but who's been paying the taxes on it all this time? Have you been paying your share? They're probably looking at it like *you* owe *them* money not the other way around. Answer #4: You would want to know the fair market appraisal of the land and what taxes have been paid on the land since 2012. Presumably you own 25% market value - 25% of taxes paid/owed since 2012. You want all this from some third party like the town clerk for the taxes. If you don't agree they can get a partition by sale most likely, where the court sells the land to one of them and you have to be bought out, or something to that effect, although its probably more involved than that. IANAL.Answer #5: So did your dad own 3/4 and your aunt 1/4? It is more likely your dad owned 50% if it was passed down to him and your aunt. So you are theoretically entitled to 33% of the stake your father owned, or 16.5% of the property value not 25%.


Title: Being sued by company that purchased our foreclosed-on house at a tax auction? Lawyers will not speak to us.

Question:
Background: purchased a home in Indiana for $35k with intent of living there when my husband retired from the military (his hometown). Had not been living in or renting home, just paying for it for several years when husband left service due to medical issue and couldn’t retire. Had no other prospects so moved to house. 100+ years old, very sturdy but needed much upgrading. Small town with little job opportunities, never able to work on the house due to job/pay issues. Couldn’t sell the house because no one would want it where it was located. Only house in a block with a county retirement home that had built parking lots on both sides of the house. We’d always had trouble with the housing authority billing us, as did the previous owner, to just give them the house for free. My husband couldn’t find decent paying work in town so we moved to FL where he was offered a job. We continued to pay on the house/the taxes, etc as payments were small.

Out of the blue we get a letter from the city forwarded to us via the bank saying we had two weeks to clear out the house because the city had condemned it. We contacted the city, they claimed that we missed the hearings about it because they had no way to contact us, yet they had no problem sending us tax paperwork and we never changed our numbers. Over emails and phone calls they gave us one reason after another as to why the house was condemned. Every time we proved them wrong about something they were claiming they’d find something new. Finally they said someone saw pigeons in the attic and that once a house has pigeons in it there is no way to clean it or get rid of them so it had to go.

I really wasn’t attached to the house and just wanted to be free of it so we decided to let it go. We were going to owe them $18k to tear it down and owe the bank the balance on the loan, but it had been such a nightmare not only dealing with them but living in that shithole town that I was willing to pay it all if it took the rest of my life rather than have any dealings with these people another day.

We cleared out our stuff and the day after we left for the last time they leveled it. It sat as just a pile of crap for a year or more according to family that still lived there. The bank had said they were foreclosing in it since there was no house anymore and we would owe them and as I said I was fine paying that. The taxes were current at that time, so we figured if the bank took the house they were responsible for the taxes once it was repoed. Apparently that’s not the case because about 9 months ago we got a certified mail notice from some lawyers in the neighboring town notifying us that their client bought our land at tax auction. If I remember right they said it went for 4K, which fine whatever, as far as we know/knew the bank had taken over ownership and I could care less what they did with it.

Now: A couple weeks ago I get another certified   [letter](http://imgur.com/Ipq2Q21) from same lawyers representing same client listing us as defendants in a legal case. In all this mess I honestly don’t see how I could possibly be being sued by people who bought my foreclosed on house from a tax auction? My husbands company has lawyers for staff to use, and we’ve contacted them and she was stumped as well, but isn’t familiar with Indiana property law. She called the lawyer listed as handling the case and the receptionist just gives her the run around. We have tried calling and are never allowed to speak to anyone. Always on vacation, out of office, in a meeting or just  “too busy today”. It’s the same exact response they gave us when they sent the first letter, because we called to see if there was anything required of us and they just evaded us at all costs for weeks.

I really don’t know what to do? I have no problem making payments and paying what we owe to the people we owe it to, but I can’t see how I could possibly owe THESE people anything.
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer: From what you've shown, it appears they're asking the court to give them a tax deed to the house. You're a defendant because you're someone they know who has a potential claim to the house and who might object to the petition. Nothing you've shown indicates that they're seeking any money from you.


Title: Possibly getting fired from my job after being falsely accused of Anti Semitism. What do I do? (NJ)

Question:
To make an extremely long story short, I work at an understaffed retail location. One particular afternoon, a Hasidic Jew and his two sons were in line, and the two boys were loudly shouting about how Santa Claus is fake, how "the goyim" (literally, this is what they said.) are stupid for believing in Santa. Several children looked visibly upset, two families left the line, and one even blurted out "Don't ruin Christmas, asshole!".

I calmly told the father when he was at the counter, to be mindful of what his children are saying, and that they're upsetting other children. The father flips out, starts saying I'm an anti-Semite, and leaves the store before shouting "You're DONE!".

Today, I come into work getting the news that corporate was contacted with a complaint that "several people" overheard me making anti-Semitic comments, and how I went on a rant about how "Happy Holidays" is "Anti-Christian". There were no other employees around who overheard the exchange, and our cameras don't record audio. I was told by the District Manager that this situation isn't looking good for me, and whether it happened or not, "corporate isn't going to let something like this just slide, because you're a nice guy". I already noticed my hours cut for the next two weeks, and one supervisor alluded to me being let go.

What in the fuck am I supposed to do?

Answer: Does not matter if it is true or not, it is legal to fire you for the allegations made.


Title: Taking Away Father's Rights/Responsibilities With New Child

Question:
I had a baby a few months ago with a guy who I really can't stand. We live in Los Angeles. He isn't a bad guy and he doesn't do bad things but I hate him so much.

I'm looking for a template of some kind. I want something we can both sign that says he will have no parental rights whatsoever regarding this child and also I want to relieve him of any and all responsibilities - financial and otherwise.

Where do I find a document like this and where can we get it signed?

Thank you all for your time!

Answer:
 You can draft and sign whatever you want, but a court will never enforce it.

Unless you marry, the birth father agrees, and your new husband (or wife) stands ready to adopt, the birth father of the child will be his legal father.

If you seek any public assistance, ever, the state will go after the father for child support.  You can also seek support.  And he can seek parenting time from a court at any time.Answer #2: The courts won't get involved unless you two start behaving like idiots.  So, you can make an informal agreement, which will hold exactly as long as both of you agree to it.Answer #3: >He isn't a bad guy and he doesn't do bad things but I hate him so much.

Yet, you chose to make a baby with him.
>I'm looking for a template of some kind. I want something we can both sign that says he will have no parental rights whatsoever regarding this child and also I want to relieve him of any and all responsibilities - financial and otherwise.

Unless you give up your child for adoption, or marry someone and more than a year later, they want to adopt your child, there is no such process.


Title: In 2001 my mother and her friend bought a house. Just after they separated and my mother moved out, both were the primary owners. An old neighbor just told us the house was foreclosed on and is now being sold.

Question:
This is the house that my mother grew up in and used to be owned by everyone in her immediate family. Personal family matters arose and they all decided to sell it. My mother was living in it at the time and didn't want to lose it so she bought it with her significant other in 2001.

Soon after this, they broke up and for various reasons my mother moved out, but kept her name on the deed as one of two primary owners. My mother told the other owner that if she is ever behind on the payments, to let her know because my mother did not want to lose the house.

Just last week we found out through an old neighbor that the house is up for sale and that it had been foreclosed on. My mother went to the courthouse to check and it had been foreclosed on and sold at auction.

Here are the things I'm worried about because we have no experience with anything of this sort:

 * Is there anything my mother should know regarding being foreclosed on when she had no contact with the other owner over the last 15 years?

* Would this affect her credit in any way?

* Does she have any case regarding the good-faith of the other owner to pay off the house and not lose it?

* Could we bring a law suit toward the other owner for letting the house go into foreclosure?

* Would my mother have any trouble buying the house from the new owners, when she was technically one of the owners that was forclosed on?

Edit: This is all taking place in Texas

Answer:
 I am not a lawyer.  It sounds like there was a mortgage on the property, correct?  Were both your mother and her SO both on the mortgage?  If so, after she moved out did she continue to update the mortgage company with her address and information so that they could get in touch with her?

It doesn't sound like there is much she can do now.  Once it is foreclosed on and auctioned off, that is a done deal.

It will affect her credit if she was on the mortgage and the mortgage wasn't being paid. It is doubtful she would have a case against the other party.  The new owners of the home are under no obligation whatsoever to sell the house to your mother or anyone else.  And if there is a mortgage foreclosure on her credit, she isn't going to qualify for a new mortgage to repurchase it anyway, even if the new owners are willing to sell it to her.

Basically, if a person co-signs for something (house, car, etc.) and the relationship goes south, that person needs to either follow through to get their name off of the loan if they don't want to be associated with it.  (Usually by the other individual refinancing in their name only.)  If they are still connected to the loan, it is their responsibility to follow up and know what the state of affairs is for something that they are legally bound to.


Title: As ex friend of mine sent me nude pictures of his ex girlfriend and current wife. Is informing his ex girlfriend and current wife of these photos illegal?

Answer: No, telling somebody something happened is not illegal.


Title: Employee Out for Sick Uncle with Cancer

Question:
Hi Reddit,

Curious what protocol usually is when a colleague has to miss work for about 2.5 weeks unexpectedly due to a sick relative in a specific country; however, you see on their public social media pages that they’re actually just traveling/vacationing, leaving the team scrambling and having to hire a temp employee.

Thanks.

Answer:
 That sounds up to your employer.Answer #2: If this is an at will employee \(i.e., they don't live in Montana, and they are not subject to a collective bargaining agreement\), you are free to terminate the employee.

In fact, you would probably be free to terminate the employee if they are not at will.  But, the answer is not as clear cut.


Title: Male co-worker told me (22f) that he wants to find me in his stocking on Christmas morning

Question:
He is in his mid30s to early 40s and we had an ambivalent relationship before he came up to me this morning and started to talk about what New Year's resolutions I had and what I was hoping "my man" got me for christmas, I told him I didn't have a bf currently so wasn't sure but courteously asked him what he was hoping for anyway, this was when he said "What i'd want most is to find you in my stocking" (he didn't laugh afterwards, just smiled at me, so I'm assuming he was serious), I nervously laughed and made an excuse to get back to work.

Usually I would bring this to HR, but she was out on early vacation time, and I didn't report the incident to our manager as I wasn't sure if this was harassment or not and didn't want to make a scene so close to Christmas, plus we finished up today at 1. Did not reporting it immediately render the complaint void if I wanted to bring it up after Christmas?

location is PA.

Answer:
 My advice would be to first say something direct and unequivocal to him, something like:

"I thought what you said to me the other day was inappropriate for work.  Please keep our work conversations about work only, okay?  Thanks."

Then if unwanted sexual comments or other actions keep happening, you would document them (write down everything that happens, right after it happens) and perhaps bring them to HR.

Answer #2: Can you write up a complaint and leave it with HR? Date it and make a copy. They'll get it when the holidays are over.

One incident isn't going to mean much but it's best to nip these things in the bud. The company has an opportunity to fix the issue. Keep a journal of anything he does though.


Title: [Kansas] Landlord is threatening eviction for window air conditioner unit.

Question:
Hello, title says most, but here are the details. He sent one email to the co-leaser and she told us about it, to which we wrote him back and asked for clarification yesterday. He wrote today with a very rude email and gave a 14/30 notice. He claims that is is unclean and damaging the property. It doesn't state explicitly in the lease we can do this, so can he evict over this? What are the dangers here?

I have pictures of both emails, the 14/30 notice, and our original contract if anyone wants to see. I also referenced the Kansas Landlord Tenant Act.

Answer:
 Installing a window A/C unit without explicit permission, is a violation of the lease.

The lease clearly states that no installations or alterations should be made to the unit, without approval for that landlord, so yes, the landlord can take action on this breach.


Title: OR-USA-Purchased a house, closing approaching, worried previous owner won’t leave

Question:
Purchased a house in the neighborhood I am currently live in. The original agreed closing date was set for the end of this month. After the inspection there were some issues sound and he seemed to not want anything to do with fixing any of them. He asked for, and paid to have second opinions on most of the issues found during the inspection. The second opinions confirmed what the initial inspection had found. All throughout he has been inflexible with his schedule (with us, the agents, and the contractors he hired) and at one point said “If they want it, they’ll work around my schedule”.Finally his agent agrees to pay some of the repairs as not to lose the sale. We signed all the paperwork and are set to close of the 31st. Word from his agent is he has not found a place to move and seemly hasn’t started packing/preparing. My question is, if the 31st comes and he refuses to leave. What recourse do I have? Thank you!

Bot wants me to clarify ORegon

Answer:
 So, there is a term for what you might be facing, it's called a "Holdover Seller."

There are lots of articles about this situation on realty sites if you google it.

You might want to look in your sales contract for any clauses in the purchase and sale agreement that can explain what monetary penalties the seller will face for not vacating the property.

This is a quote from a real estate site dealing with this problem without a state specified, so consulting your agent and possibly a real estate attorney would be in your best interests.

> If I were in your shoes I'd do the following (working with the agents):

1.   Delay closing until after they've moved out.   Have them pay all fees and penalties for the delay, as well as all of your costs (storage, hotel etc)

2.  If you decide to rent back [treating the seller as a tenant after closing]:
     a)  hold back at least 20% of the home purchase price in escrow until they move out and the home is in satisfactory condition.
     b)  require them to have renter's insurance.
     c)  charge rent.   I'd probably charge 3x your costs (mortgage, tax, insurance).
     d)  Have a clear date when they are out with large financial penalty for not getting out on that date.
     e)  put both agents' commissions in escrow until the seller moves out and leaves the home in satisfactory condition (the agents need to have some skin in the game for this ugly suggestion).   If a seller didn't know they had to move out just before closing, there is some basic education that was missing.
     f) Have a legal contract covering all of the above written by an attorney at the seller's cost.


Title: (TX)Father died and step mother will not let me see the will.

Question:
Hello everyone,

I have a friend who has a situation regarding inheritance and a will.  Hes a minor about to of legal age. His  father died suddenly and his step mother will not let him see the will nor has she filed it in probate court.

What steps must she take in order to be able to at least read the will? A variety of assets are stake including business, real estate etc.

He has asked for the fathers lawyer, the will etc but the step mom has avoided the question. A variety of personal and relationship issues between him and his step mom have drawn his suspicion that something just isn't right or sits well with him.

He is the mans only child but he remarried the step mom and she had her own kids from a previous marriage.

Thank you for your time and help :)

Answer: Fight fire with fire. Tell your friend to get a lawyer.


Title: New ownership fired all the old staff without notice. (LA)

Question:
So, I’ve been working at this restaurant/bar  for over a year now and I love the place. The money is steady and I have my regulars that come in.
There were whispers about the owner wanting to sell the place but I didn’t want to believe it because I thought someone would at least give us a heads up...

Well I went to start my shift and the new manager pulled me aside and said, “we can’t afford you, and all the other staff. Well call you if things pick back up.”

I understand that Louisiana is a right to work state. But there has to be something that could be done besides filing unemployment.

Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Nope, file for unemployment and make sure to pick up your last check.Answer #2: There isn't anything else that can be done. They are allowed to fire you.


Title: got caught doing 121 on a 70 (california)

Question:
hi all,

i was driving up from LA to SF on the 101 last week and shortly after passing san luis obispo (marina area?) i saw that the road was flat and empty and opened my throttle. stupid, so stupid, i know. but i got pulled over the the police officer's radar read 121. i got a 22348(b) ticket (infraction). i was surprised he didn't arrest me or anything but he was a nice fellow and just issued me the ticket.

so yeah, i'm screwed... the worst part is that i'm 21. this is my first ticket or offense or anything. the worst i'm expecting is heavy fines ($900?), 30 days of no license, and 2 points on my record.

i called a few attorneys and the responses ranged from "we'll charge $1k~$1.5k, no refund policy, but we're probably not going to be able to do that much for you (maybe at most not getting the 30 days of no license and MAYBE at best, just 1 point thing instead of 2)" to "you're screwed, it's in your best interest financially to just pay up". i have to show up at court late april (the marina one) which is 300 miles away. which i don't want to do.

so my biggest concern is my insurance rate going up like crazy. i don't care thaaat much about not being able to drive for a month, i'm a student and it's not a big deal. what's the best option?

one lawyer suggested that i just call the court and ask them if i can just pay up and get the full punishment and not have to drive up 300 miles.

thanks for the help in advance and let me know if you need more information.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 The lawyers you spoke to already have you solid advice. If you want to fight the ticket then show up (or if possible hire a lawyer to appear for you) or plead guilty and pay up. Either way get ready for an insurance increase.

Edit: Appears court is mandatory so just paying up won't actually be an option .


Title: I got fired over an iPhone X, so I’m exposing their business of creating fake accounts, overcharging, and videos of customers calling their bullshit.

Question:
What happened

I worked at an I-Mobile (Sprint preferred retailer) store in New York City, on November 3rd the iPhone X was launched and our store had the only iPhone X available in the district. I sold it to the first customer, on a new line of service. The store manager came into the store that morning asking about the iPhone X, expressing that she felt entitled to it as the store manager. Clearly upset, she said “there is only one iPhone and we’re the only store that received one in the area, if anyone should of been able to keep the phone it should have been me because I’m the store manager”. What followed was an upset manager on a power trip backed by this particular stores practices of scamming customers by charging them for accessories they never receive, and creating false security numbers to get approved for a down payment.

Why I was fired

For the remainder of the morning she demanded I get in contact, find and retrieve the phone, even if it meant “taking an uber to New Jersey”. It was an outrageous demand and I obviously felt uncomfortable having to track down a customer to essentially demand a phone back they had already been charged $300 for because my manager felt entitled to it. The manager sent me home and said “If you don’t return with the device, you’re fired”. I reached out to the regional manager about what had happened, only to be confronted my district manager for going over his head about the situation that occurred over the iPhone. I chose to do so, because I know he and my store manager are good friends. (She would brag to other employees that any complaints to the district manager would be ignored because of their friendship).

The scams at this store

So how does this tie in with the fraudulent practices at this company? As I mentioned before, it is a common practice to charge customers an extra $100 for accessories they don’t receive , which does boost the commission for the salesperson and the store in general. I’ve attached an email my manager forwarded to our staff which they had received from a district manager, to other several managers. Not following these practices was one of the excuses that was used to terminate me.

Why am I doing this

I’m reaching out with these emails and videos of the mistreatment of customers by this manager because this person has now affected my livelihood by trying to deny my unemployment, claiming the phone was “stolen”. The manager DEMANDED (standing over my shoulder) that I not ring the phone out of the “store’s personal  inventory”. This would giver her a chance to return it out of Sprint’s system as opposed to both inventory systems. Although at this point, the phone had already been checked out with Sprint.

Attached is a very detailed email I sent to the regional manager about what happened that day. I was still fired by the district manager. As mentioned, I contacted my regional manager, as well as HR, but received no reply from either throughout the situation.

I’m looking for some advice on what I can do to report these practices to the right authorities. I’ve contacted the regional manager, but received a generic reply and I’m certain it contributed to me being fired.

My email to regional manager: https://imgur.com/a/zHWtW
The email about "bundles": https://imgur.com/a/UwsSv
*Notice this an email from a North California manager to several other managers, including mine from New York. This is a company wide scam.

Answer:
 So you were ok with helping the company scam people as long as they kept employing you?

Answer #2: If you really want to report the scam contact the NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman(or his office of course), he eats this stuff up.

Reporting to the company management is unless because you are: No longer employed and it is a company wide affair.Answer #3: > This is a company wide scam.

That means nothing you say to them will change anything. They already know what they do. Report it to the AG if you want.


Title: [Utah] Got booked for a dui while sober, currently on bail, drivers license the arresting officer inputted along with the booking was not my drivers license. Am I off the hook?

Answer: Nope


Title: Someone stole and is selling my artwork online

Question:
Hi everyone, I'm an illustrator and about a month ago, I drew a parody t-shirt design of Doom and Zelda for a video game convention. As per part of the deal we made, I was going to be allowed to sell my design on a shirt myself, after the convention, with a different logo.
But just recently, someone had brought it to my attention that sometime at www.teechip.com have not only stolen my artwork, but changed the acronym logo for the convention into something else.

I've never had anyone steal my art before and I don't know what to do; I don't have any money. I sent the website and email, but I'm not expecting to get a reply until tomorrow. Some of my friends are suggesting that I sue then - one suggested that I should look for a lawyer pro bono(sp?)... is that something I could actually just asked about when calling a lawyer or is that something that is only offered at their discretion?

Can someone please give me advice on what I should do from here?

Thanks in advance.

**They literally took my artwork and change the logo to say Zelda. I don't know why that other picture is appearing in my post
https://teechip.com/zechienl#id=0&c=131313&sid=fruit-of-the-loom-cotton-t&s=front

Answer:
 TL;DR: Copyright infringer wants advice on suing someone else for infringing on his infringing work.  You can't make this stuff up!Answer #2: Aren't all of those characters creative property of nintendo? Wouldn't OP need explicit permission from the owners before using their trademarked likenesses to make a profit? If that is the case, it seems that OP was already doing the thing they are upset at this website for: ripping-off another artist's work to make money for themselves.

I'm not entirely sure, I am truly asking.
Answer #3: > As per part of the deal we made

Deal with whom? Authorized representatives from Nintendo and whomever owns the Doom copyright?Answer #4: Do you have permission from Nintendo first? How about the creators of Doom?

I hope you realize that selling designs of someone else's IP is illegal.Answer #5: So let me start off by asking you if you had nintendos permission to use their artwork to turn a profit. Here is the tricky situation you are in if you didn't. Essentially if you did not have permission you stole from them and are now complaining someone else stole from you what you stole from the original party. That will not look good in a court of law.


Title: Is using a Library's Wi-Fi after hours a crime? This can't be serious, can it?

Question:
Location: L.A. County, California

I was at the public library, working on my graduate school applications, when I remembered that the library closes early on thursdays. I was in a rush to submit this application, so after it closed I stayed in my car in the parking lot, so that I could use their wi-fi to finalize and submit.
I stayed in the parking lot working for nearly 2 hours, until the librarian came out to lock the door, and saw I'm the only car still parked there. He asked me what I'm doing, and I respectfully told him I'm finishing something I started while at the library, and I'll be leaving soon.

This man proceeded to tell me that that I'm committing the crimes of trespassing, loitering, and abusing their internet privileges...and he said that he'll have to report this to the police department.

I respectfully told him:
1. I've been a member of this library since I was a kid

2. Wi-fi is a free service for all members

3. I was not aware that you could trespass in a public place

4. I was not aware of these rules, and I told him it wont happen again

(I had nothing to say about the loitering, I realized that I probably was loitering.)

He walked away angry, and I have no idea if he actually reported it or what he did.

Looking back, I was really stupid. There was a sign that said "No trespassing or loitering" and  "Video surveillance warnings".
 In theory, what kind of punishment can I get if he actually did report it to the police? Or theoretically, what if the police themselves caught me in the parking lot after hours? What would I say to them in that situation to not give them more reason to get me in trouble?

Thanks for the help

Answer:
 You were trespassing, yes. Not everywhere that is accessible to the public is public property, even parking lots of government or locality owned buildings. State parks close at dusk here, including the parking lots. Even though the WiFi is apparently open access where you could use it from your vehicle, I'm sure the service that you are provided with as a term of membership is use in the library during open hours. It is unlikely the terms include access after hours from the parking lot.

Computer crime legislation lags behind technology to the point that things like this could be considered criminal. However, it's doubtful (if the librarian even did report you to the police,) they would pursue that route. Just realize that it's possible they *could* be able to. It is illegal to access someone else's open network just because they didn't secure it.

You're probably safe, but next time look around for a 24 hour cafe or fast food place; buy a snack and a drink, and use their service.


Title: Uncle is the executor and won't sell properties.

Question:
My uncle is the sole executor and I am a beneficiary.  The death happened 4 years ago.  There are two properties that need to be sold that would help settle the estate.  Combined they are close to 700k in value.  A few years ago we received an offer on one of the properties and it didn't work out due to be uncles stubbornness.  He was convinced he could get more.  Since then they (aunt and uncle) have a for sale sign in the yard but it is not marketed anywhere on the internet.  Unless you happen to drive down a dead end street with 5 houses on it, you wouldn't know.

Recently, the buyers came back and gave a verbal offer.  My aunt and uncle told them they want to test the market still for a higher number.  We have had 1 offer and it was the same buyer.

I know he is the executor but is there anything I can do to push this along?  They aren't really trying and I feel like because I'm the beneficiary I'm sort of paying for it to sit vacant so they can "test the market".

In the state of PA

Answer: You can petition the court to either make him sale the property or appoint someone else as executor. The court doesn't like people dragging out probate, especially if there's only one heir and you're the one wanting to do the sale.Answer #2: Four years. That is a long time. What do you think is the Uncle's real motive? Is someone living in the properties? The estate must have enormous property tax and maintenance costs, either way, eating hard into any anticipated higher price.


Title: Someone has a copy of my checkbook

Question:
So I just moved to California from Canada on a student Visa. Went to a Chase branch last week to set up a US checking account so I could pay rent. Checked my online account two days ago and found a check for $1000 which had been cashed by a rental agency that is not my own. I did not write or sign this check.. the signature on the check isnt even close to mine. More disturbingly, the check that was cashed had transit number that matches one of the six (blank!) checks I still have in my possession. I live alone, and my checks have never left my room, so I feel this must have been stolen by someone who works at the bank ...I mean, how else could they have an exact duplicate of one of my checks?

More suspiciously, the fraudulent check was dated the day I opened my account, meaning that this was stolen immediately. Also, the check was cashed on the same day i received a wire transfer with the bulk of my funds from back home.

I filed a police report yesterday, and have called Chase to report it.. of course, their check fraud department is closed for the long weekend and they told me to call back on monday. Nevertheless I froze the account.

How do I go about getting back my money? Ive read a number of horror stories specifically about Chase and people having their accounts compromised, and then having claims wrongfully denied, and then their accounts restricted .. and its a huge mess and effort to get them access back to their funds and their funds restored. Whats the best way to approach this with the check fraud people I`m going to speak to tomorrow?

sorry if this is the wrong sub.. Im new to this whole legal thing

Answer:
 > Whats the best way to approach this with the check fraud people I`m going to speak to tomorrow?

Exactly what you have put down here. Don't assume they won't resolve the matter to your satisfaction in a timely manner or that it will be a huge hassle.  Answer #2: Most likely explanation is that Chase had two sets of starter checks with the same account numbers on them.  Somebody else opened their own account, received the other set, and has been using them thinking that they've been coming from their account.  It's likely just a mistake, but a royal pain-in-the-@$$ one at that.  Somebody trying to steal your money isn't going to use the check at a rental agency -- they'd go to a grocery store or something where it would be harder to track the check down to them.Answer #3: Step 1:  Move a significant chunk of your money out of Chase.  I recommend using a local credit union.

Step 2:  Fill out all the fraud paperwork.  Chase is notoriously bad to deal with, though, so expect problems.

Step 3:  Send any communications via registered mail, don't just call them to follow-up.  That makes it much harder to just "lose" your files.

Best of luck.


Title: Would this illegal act be justified?

Question: So what if their is a 21 year old dating a 53 year old. And someone went up and killed the 53 year old  because they thought the age gap was to big and inappropriate. How would this go down? Would he be let off because the age gap was to big?

Answer:
 No, this is not a reason for justifiable homicide. They would go to prison for 15 to life for murder.

If an age gap while dating bothers you enough to ask this question repeatedly talk to a therapist.Answer #2: NAL but I don’t know anywhere that would let off someone for premeditated murder because two other people were dating… irrespective of whether or not it was illegal… if there was a crime being committed then it’s the job of the police and the justice system not a vigilante.


Title: Is it illegal to have a couch and a tv in your garage?

Question:
I heard from someone that its illegal to use your garage as an entertainment place. I have a huge driveway so car parking is not really an issue.
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 It sounds like there's more to the story, like someone tried to turn a garage into an unzoned apartment and got told "that's illegal".

It's not illegal to have a TV and/or couch in your garage. If you rent or live in an HOA\-governed community, it may be against your lease / bylaws to do so.


Title: [IA] Someone keeps posting my nudes without my consent on multiple sites. How can I stop them/whats my course of action?

Question:
In March of 2018, I was informed by an ex that my nudes were on some foreign site. I looked it up, and sure enough they were there. At the time I had a technologically-inclined friend who managed to get the entire website taken down so I thought that was the end of it.

Now, over a year later, a random person from across the country messaged me on Facebook showing me my nudes got posted AGAIN, on a different site. How was this person able to find me on FB? The poster included my FULL NAME in the post AGAIN.

Needless to say I am seeing red, I’m a college student looking to become a teacher and if this affects my chances at doing that I don’t know what I’ll do. It’s also tricky because they could’ve been posted by 1-5 (overestimating) different guys, so I still don’t know for sure who did it.

Please help, I feel awful because I know I did this to myself but this is really affecting my progress in my mental health/therapy journey.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer: Once an image is up in the internet it's there forever, realistically you're not going to erase this thing. Best you can manage to do is keep reporting the sites that have the image.


Title: So, Tinder date stole my wallet on Valentine's day.

Question:
I went out with this guy i met on tinder for Valentine's. I know for a fact i had my wallet when i got into his car. On the way home i stopped by taco bell and couldn't find my wallet. Started freaking out, because I had sold my old car earlier that day (like, right before the date) and had about $700 in there.
Searched everywhere, called the place we were at and the Kroger that we met at to ask em if they'd had a wallet turned in. No luck. I asked him to search his car, he said he didn't see it.
I asked a friend of mine who he'd mentioned he worked with about him. Just to know if i should be suspicious. He said yes, that he wouldn't be surprised if he took it. So i call the cops to ask my options.
They told me that with no proof, it's my word vs his, so nothing would be done. Fair enough, i get it.
My friend just called to tell me that his boss had called him in to discuss the guy from tinder (my friend is a supervisor) about performance issues. He told his boss that he didn't think he was a good source, because he thought the guy had stolen a friend's wallet therefore he was upset with him, biased, etc. His boss told him that the guy was bragging about "finding" $732 on the 15th. Um. Theres no way that was a coincidence.
That being said, now i know without a doubt he took my wallet. Is there anything i can do about it? I assume the money is gone now, but legally, what are my options?

Answer:
 Small claims court is your only real option. Will the judge believe you? Hard to say. If he blanket denies taking your wallet, you don't have anything more than suspicions. I mean, you would need to bring the guy's boss in to court to prove that he was bragging about finding money, which is easier said than done.

this is a case where a well placed threat to take him to court might do you more good than actually going to court.


Title: Do lawyers hold it against you when you submit a case for review with multiple different lawyers?

Question:
My boyfriend is looking to sue a security company because a guard in their employ beat him. He has only submitted the case to one lawyer thus far and is waiting for the results of the review. I told him that while he is waiting he should submit the case to several other lawyers. He says that lawyers are more hesitant to take on a case when they know it has already been submitted for review to other lawyers.

Is this true? Is it a matter of professional etiquette to turn down cases that have been submitted for review to other lawyers? I feel kind of silly asking this because I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but I want to make sure I'm not giving him bad advice telling him to go submit his case to more lawyers tomorrow.

He's in San Francisco, if that matters (though I don't see why it would in this case.)

Answer:
 It's only questionable if it has been turned down by several other offices or solo practitioners at the same level. The concern at that point is that perhaps there is an aspect of the case you had informed them of that made them not want to take it and that the potential client (you) is witholding or misrepresenting to us to receive representation.   Other than that, we don't care.  If the case is in our wheelhouse, the case is solid, and the client is reasonable, we'll take it.

Source: CA attorney


Title: The Builder, The Lien, and The Summons

Question:
Hi,

Earlier this year, in Washington state, I bought a house (my primary residence) from a builder. Less than a month after that, I got a letter with a claim of lean on the house. Apparently a contractor for the builder is saying that the builder owes him money for work he did on the house. I contacted the builder and he said the title insurance company knew about a settlement agreement that was being worked on - I had no info about any such agreement or even the possibility of there being a lean added due to this (and there was no liens listed on the sale contact). I called my title insurance and they confirmed that the builder said.

The builder said they would bond the lien and fight it. They said since the contractor can just put on another lien within 30 days off the first one, so he has to wait until that expires before bonding the lien (otherwise he has to do it again). I kept tabs by asking every once in a while, and once the date had passed he did confirm he is in the process of bonding it, I never got written (legal?) confirmation that the lien was bonded (stupid, I know).

A few days ago I got a summons, naming the builder, me and my wife, and my lender (company) as the defendants. Says I need to respond within 20 days.

Talked to the builder again, he said he bonded the lien, but the plaintiff modified it, so the bond officer says it doesn't apply, that he has to bond again (a little more complex, since the property next to mine is also in the same situation, but trying to be brief, per rules). He says he's now in the process of bonding again.

I've asked around and I've been given advice to file a claim with my title insurance. I've also been told not to talk to my lender about it.

Questions:
1. Should I wait to see if he'll bond it? How long? What should I do afterward?
2. Is there any downside to filling the title insurance claim?
3. What happens after I file it?
4. Should I be requesting documents from the people involved? How?
5. Do I need to respond to the summons myself, despite there being all these people as plaintiffs? What are my options in the response?
6. Should I contact my lender about all this? Could they help?
7. Do I really need a lawyer, and if so, how much can I expect to cost me if this drags on?
8. Is there any other advice you can give me about this?

Please help.

Thank you!

Answer: Contac t the title insurance. If this is covered and there is not an exception for it on your policy they will defend your title.


Title: [FL] Salary non-exempt employee, portion of paycheck withheld for "being short on hours"

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 As a non-exempt salaried employee, your salary can be adjusted for all personal absences (but not sick days). Even ones that only last a few hours.

If you were [salaried exempt](https://www.dol.gov/whd/opinion/FLSA/2005/2005_10_24_41_FLSA.htm), they could only deduct for full days you took off for personal reasons (again, not sick days).

----

> but it seems questionable to withhold pay for "being out too much" as if I were hourly but then turn a blind eye to time I regularly put in because it's outside the regular 8-5 window. Is this legit?

If you're working overtime you're not getting paid for, file a wage claim with the Department of Labor.


Title: (UPDATE) Police inconsistencies when dealing with our organization.

Question:
Original Post: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/3kfj1r/police_inconsistencies_when_dealing_with_our/

So a quick update. My coworker came back from lunch today sad and angry. It turns out that she is now being fined because her yard has now been deemed a "vegetative nuisance".

She took a photo on her phone of her yard and the yards are pristine. Front and back yard. The reason it seems so sketchy is that the property is in her husband's name, but the citation and fine is under HER name. And she just gave her info to the officer yesterday that was being unreasonable.

What do you think should be the next step?

Thanks again.

To satisfy the bot, this is western Indiana.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 Yeesh. Did the citation say who the issuing officer was?

It certainly sounds like she should fight the citation, of course. Photo evidence of her yard's condition will help in that. She should also call the police and ask to speak to a supervisor about this.Answer #2: It's worth considering contacting the FBI, and getting their advice on how to prepare a complaint against the police department.  Your co-worker is being abused by their local law enforcement, and needs to begin preparations for that type of case.

A alternative would be a call to a civil rights attorney, which may be a tough find in your location.Answer #3: Is it her personal real estate that is being ticketed for the vegetative nuisance, or does the citation relate to the library's property?Answer #4: There's some part of the story we're not getting. Does your coworker have any relationship or history with that police officer or anyone who has a relative who works for the PD?

Find out who wrote the ticket, and maybe try talking to the chief of police. Answer #5: Has she ever had any contact with the officer before? Or has she pissed anyone off lately? Turned down his friend for a date? Cut someone off in traffic? It seems like he's trying to retaliate for something


Title: Old Landlord took my deposit

Question:
Old landlord's property management company gave me a receipt of the things they fixed when i moved out and the receipt they showed me was fraudulent. They didn't fix anything. I went in person and took pictures proving that. Should I send them a letter before I sue them and what should it say?
p.s Im willing to give them some money for anything that might have changed while i lived there. However I would like some of my 2000 dollar deposit back, at least half. When I checked Yelp or Google Reviews I noticed they also took my friends security deposit years ago. They are serial defrauders preying on young college students.\

Edit: In San Diego

Answer: Where are you located?


Title: [CA] Person may be blackmailing me

Question:
Here's some background.

I am running a game of "Spoon Assassin" at my school (more information [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassin_(game))). The school did ban it in the past on the grounds of gambling (which appears to be incorrect, as the definition of gambling requires the game to be a game of chance). Theoretically, if I were to be found running this game, I would most likely be risking a suspension.

A participant in the game was "killed", and subsequently was removed from the game as is everyone else who is killed. This person later sent me a message saying that if I did not put him back into the game, he would report the game to the school administration.

Now, my concern lies here.

Does the scope of blackmail only include requests for money, or can it include actions (me putting him back into the game)?

If there is more information needed, let me know and I will gladly comply. I am relatively unversed in legal matters.

Answer: Does it really matter whether it's blackmail or not? You're doing something that risks you being suspended. Stop doing something that risks you being suspended.


Title: How is this legal?

Question:
About a month ago I was arrested and stayed in jail for 26 days.

Long story short a former roommate accused me of theft, she made a call to the police and a warrant was put out for me for felony theft. After 2 weeks in jail I was arraigned where I was given a public defender and plead not guilty. A trial date was set for 60 days after that date. Between that arraignment and the expected trial date the truth came out.

My roommate accused me of stealing her son's ( who visited on weekends) ps4, laptop, and a bunch of games. He wasn't supposed to take them to his dad's house, but he did and lied to her.

So I did almost a month in jail because I couldn't afford a $4000 bond and a 12 year old boy lied.

Location: Ohio

Answer:
 Did the child tell her that you stole it, or just that it was stolen?

If the child fingered you, you may be able to sue the child via his legal guardian.

BUt if mom actually believed you did it and didn't knowingly make false statements which led to your arrest, then you may not be able to sue HER directly.

It might be worth a consult with a local personal injury attorney.  That is, *if* they're the kind of people who could pay a judgment if you win.  If they're poor, they may be what you call "judgment proof".  You can't get blood from a stone.


Title: Boss talked to co-workers about my medical issues

Question:
I'm not sure if I'm going to type this out correctly for you redditors but I'll give it a shot. About a month and a half ago I had some medical issues that came up causing me to miss work for doctor's appointments, getting test done, etc. After about my third day of coming in to work late I felt that I needed to tell my boss what was going on and that I would be having to be coming in to work late a few more times and what I had been having issues with.

Fast forward a couple days later I had a couple co-workers call me and ask me why I didn't tell them I had cancer and that I'd been going to the doctor a lot lately. So my question for you all, is there anything legally I can do about my supervisor telling my co-workers this personal info? If so what course of action can I take? Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Answer:
 Did your boss ask you for an explanation? Did you file for a ADA reasonable accommodation?

Heres the thing, if you just told your boss heads up your personal info, them being your boss doesn't mean they are your secret keeper. Now if they required you to reveal this, you may have a case.


Title: Baby Stolen

Question: My ex has taken my baby from me legally with a move away order from California to Colorado anything I can do? Any resources to help?

Answer:
 Do you mean to say the court explicitly authorized your ex to move with an infant from California to Colorado? In other words (I'm going to assume your ex is a lady) she petitioned the court for full custody, and then asked the court for permission to move over your opposition and the court granted that request? If so, I think you missed your boat in terms of anything you can do – and I think you mis characterized the title of this post.Answer #2: So no one stole your baby, first. You lost custody and a judge felt it was in the child's best interest to move.

If you want more visitation time, move closer to the baby.  Answer #3: You have an interesting definition of "stolen."Answer #4:

Do you have a formal custody agreement in place?  What do you mean by "move away order"?


Title: (California) I'm creating a YouTube video about the way that Yelp works. One that they probably won't like. Would brief screen recordings of the site be considered copyright/trademark/other infringement?

Question:
I plan to demonstrate one of my points with screen capture as I compare reviews using two different browsers. Only a few pages would be recorded for a segment of the video but of course this includes their logo and some content.

Also they have a YouTube channel. I want to demonstrate that they neither allow users to view votes nor leave comments for their videos. How's that for irony?

Fair use seems such a murky topic. Any help is appreciated.

Answer:
 This should fall under fair use but if they don't like it they could file a claim with YouTube and probably get it pulled because YouTube has a bad track record of actually investigating those things.

Edit. IANALAnswer #2: IANAL, but *legally* that should be fine. However, Youtube's takedown policies don't pay that much attention to what is and isn't legal; if someone makes a copyright claim on the video, Youtube will take it down. You can appeal that to get someone to look at it and possibly reinstate it, but that takes time, and whoever made the initial complaint can appeal as well.


Title: (IL) My ex is in trouble with the law. How will this go with my divorce and custody of my kids?

Question:
I posted awhile back in regards to my divorce. Well things have gone bad from worst. A little background first: My spouse left me and my two girls and went back to live with her mom (found out she was cheating, etc.). She would come to get the our kids every so often but at times I would not hear from her. So before Christmas, I finally spoke to her mom and her aunt regarding the divorce. Turns out she really never told her family what she was doing and that she was starting to ignore her family. Also turns out as well she really would not interact with our kids when she would take the and leave them with her mom or her aunt and either leave or lock herself in her room.

Come end of January, I get a call from her mom stating she needs help and for her to talk to me about what is going. I had a feeling on what was going on but I wanted to her it from her.

Turns out she has been using drugs(Cocaine and as of this past friday heroin). After a long talk, her mom and I decided we would help her as long as she agreed with our terms. She agreed.

So about three days after this, I was getting a feeling that she was not being true. That weekend was her time with our(court order every other weekend for only few hours). It was agreed that I would stay at my in laws to watch my wife to make sure she was in her right sense and to make sure she was interacting with our kids.

When she got our girls, I can tell by her attitude and how she was acting that she was not being honest with me. After she left, I decided to call the police in the town she was living at. When i got to her mom's house, an officer met me there. I am explain everything, including pictures of her using that was sent to me from her so called friend( she is still with this girl, more to come on that).  The officer told me that if there was anything drug related or endangerment of the kids, he would removed them and have them in my custody.

After 20 min and now with her aunt and mom there, the officer came out and told me that the kids would be removed and given to me. We found out that she was still using, speaking to this friend still and also found a pipe on her. I took the kids and officer called DCFS to report. After that she has gone all over the place.

She has left the state, continues to use drugs, has been living in her car/motels, she does not work,etc. Now comes to what happen these past few days.

Found out Sunday night that she was in a mental institution. Turns out that her mom and aunt were contacted by her this past Friday at 4 in the morning. She stated that she wanted help. They went to get her at a motel she was living at. They waited for her and finally she came down, admitting she was doing drugs. Then went and took her to a place her aunt found, as they got there and were trying to admit her, she became irate with her mom, aunt and the staff. She ended up leaving but her mom and aunt found her walking down the street. She was then dropped of back to the motel she was staying at.

Next night, she was arrested and booked for having drugs and drug reacted items( let me add she was also just got in trouble a few weeks ago in the same county for another charge and a detective was looking for her). She was released Sunday and her mom went to get her but took her back to the places she was at Friday. As I type this she is still there.

I have just been informed that I guess she is dealing with another person along with this friend with drugs. She is going to work with the police in order to get her charges dropped or reduced.

Now comes the question for me: How does this help me with my kids? I have been basically been the ones taking care of them. She has not been in the picture and in the last couple she has gone weeks with out any contact with anybody. I was supposed to have two update hearings back in March and May but our judge has been out( I am frustrated with that). Also I will add that she has a son from a previous relationship and just went to court( she did not show) and her rights for her son were suspended for the time being(that another story too).

So do i have a better shot of getting fully custody of my kids; I know that terminology has changed in the state of IL but I think with all of this coming out I would think my chances of getting things would be better now.

Thoughts?

If there is anything other info need let me know.

Answer:
 If you're not working with a lawyer, this would be a very good time to get one.Answer #2: I am assuming you have records of all of this? If not, begin assembling them immediately. You should gather up every scrap of information on her arrest, any correspondence you've had, and present a child custody affidavit.

Argue that her having even partial custody has a serious danger to the wellbeing of the children. Explain that she has not been around, but has constantly endangered herself and her family from reckless drug use, avoiding court orders, etc. This is not an environment you as a parent feel safe leaving your children in.

If you don't have a lawyer, find a Family lawyer willing to hear you out. It sounds like you have a slam dunk for sole custody if you act with accuracy and planning, and a Lawyer can make sure that happens.


Title: Should I contact a personal injury lawyer for faulty crutches or consider it a freak accident?

Question:
This is in the Chicago, IL area.

I fractured my femur recently and my doctor just gave me the go-ahead to start using crutches to get around. My local drugstore sells them. Ive never used them before, so the pharmacist got me a pair, asked me how tall I am, and adjusted them to my height. Then she handed them to me and told me to try them out. The height of the crutches is adjusted by pushing a little button that pops out to indicate it’s locked. Well, apparently the little button didn’t pop out. When I put my weight on it (I’m 5’4 and 115 pounds, so it’s not like I’m massive) the crutch on my bad leg immediately slid down and my leg gave out. I fell on my recently fractured leg, right on the crutch. Pain was excruciating, long story short I called my orthopedic dr, he had me come in and did a CT scan and found that my femoral neck is now fractured the length of the bone. Now I have to get surgery next week to have 3 pins screwed into my hip to stabilize the bone. I’m freaking out because my insurance is high deductible so it will be expensive. I work as a technical writer for a software company but I’m a contractor and on a strict timeline. Taking time off for surgery and recovery means I will probably be replaced in order to meet the client’s deadline. I was venting to my dr and he said I should call a lawyer and gave me the name of a few personal injury attorneys in my area.

This didn’t occur to me…I thought it was a freak accident. Is this worth talking to a personal injury attorney about, or will they just blame it on me and say I should have checked to make sure the crutches had been adjusted properly?

tl;dr: Pharmacist adjusted my crutches improperly and I fell on them, fractured the neck of my femur, and will need surgery. Do I have a case for a personal injury lawyer?

Answer:
 >Do I have a case for a personal injury lawyer?

Yes.  It happened in the store and the pharmacist screwed up.  This is why they have insurance. To cover accidents like this. Answer #2: Companies *budget* for things like this. Speak with an attorney. Sue everyone, let the judge sort it out (barring a settlement). You won't ruin anyone's life, just make some corporate claims adjusters earn their salary.

The cost is high to ignore it, and the benefit is high to address it, so that's my suggestion.


Title: Dui question in Missouri

Question:
To cut to the chase, less than a week ago on Tuesday I got a dui. I'm embarrassed, I feel dumb, and I am thankful and lucky I didn't hurt anyone. I know I deserve to have gotten caught.

I was looking through some of the paper work I got and came across the one telling me that 15 days from the incident, if I don't request a hearing, I would not be valid to drive until my court date in February. I don't remember this paper at all. I don't remember it being explained, and to be quite honest I was blacked out the entire time. Like I was drinking one minute and I woke up in a cell 10 hours later. There are a couple flash memories but 99% is a complete loss to me. I blew .235 and that was noted as excessive bac.

My problem is this: the signature on the paper notifying me of the loss of driving priveledges is just swirls. There's not a mark on it that even nearly resembles a letter of the English alphabet. I don't understand how I can sign something while being so intoxicated and it counts. I'm calling my lawyer with this tomorrow, but just wanted to understand if it's pointless to bring up or if it could be a problem later.

Thanks for any advice or help.
Topic:
DUI

Answer: They're likely not legally required to notify you at all - your notification is in the vehicle code. You weren't giving them permission to do anything when you signed; they were just notifying you again in the interest of fairness (admittedly in a very poor way).


Title: Fell & Hurt Ribs at a Marriott Tub/Shower(Boston)

Question:
Background:
As the title reads, I slipped and fell directly onto my right side rib cage while showering in a combination tub & shower this morning at a Marriott Courtyard while on business. I am not clumsy, nor out of shape...why did I fall?? Because the bottom of the tub is bare porcelain sans any traction treads! I don't travel extensively and don't recall seeing this potential health hazard before. I went straight down from the side, although had I went forward or backward there is a good chance I would have experienced a head injury.

Actions(so far): Took pictures of the tub/shower including close-ups to demonstrate the absence of any type traction treads. Took a picture of my side rib cage, although since it just happened only shows a "carpet" type red burn - the way it feels, bruising will follow. Then communicated with frontdesk that I wanted to express a formal complaint. I did not have time to complete a form providing a detailed description as I was needing to catch my plane. She said that management would be alerted to my complaint and then offered me Marriott points, food, & a coffee to go...haha, no thanks! As of yet, I have not contacted anyone else at Marriott.

Personal Diagnosis: I am currently waiting in the airport for my plane and my ribs hurt. Pain on a scale of 1-10? I am at 5/6 but if bumped I get a very sharp pain. I have had rib injures many times from sports and adventures - pretty certain they are just bruised and/or slightly separated, not broken but anticipate a fairly uncomfortable plane ride home.

Personal Observations: Although I am not looking to bring a lawsuit against Marriott, rather to be properly compensated for injury due to their negligent in oversight since there are dozens of products on the market to place on the bottom of a slippery tub. Plus I was essentially forced to use this hazard since showering over a three day stay is required per my employee handbook to be 'properly dressed and groomed.' Could not be avoided.

A point of interest for leverage is that they are a preferred vendor for my rather large employer. Not only that but my company has a particular close relationship with this specific location - daily shuttles to/from the hotel to the corporate building. I have not contacted my employer, but I would assume they would put pressure on Marriott to remedy any potential hazards.

UPDATE:
Analysis: Must prove negligence as courts have ruled that property owners are not obligated to lessen the risk of commonly known hazards. Makes no difference if there are countless, affordable solutions available - reasoning being it would place a detrimental burden on property owners with a magnitude of potential hazards. This would have a serious affect on commerce with minor benefit to society.

FYI - Those that provided input such as "You fell in a shower, no case" sans any legal reasoning. I know of one case in particular of a woman that slipped, fell, and hit her head at a hotel and received $600k from Kohler. Oh and before u/CableSalesGuy retorts that I was only asking about the hotel's potential liability, may I remind him that people would like to tap into the potential legal knowledge that resides in this Sub to unearth possible alternatives to said liability ownership. Instead, we are immersed in poppycock by those that only like to read their own comments

Answer:
 I have never owned a shower or bathtub with traction treads it has always been smooth.  You have no case.Answer #2: First, it doesn't sound like you have any actual damages? Second, tubs are slippery. You need to show that the hotel was negligent, and I doubt a lack of traction in a shower would meet that burden.Answer #3: > What type of compensation should I request?

at this stage ... zero.  you have not had any losses or damages.

if your condition worsens to the point that you need to see a doctor, you can then contact their corporate office and have them start the process of making a claim through their insurance.

> I do not deserve a large windfall

agreed!
Answer #4: You aren't getting anything, because there is no negligence and you don't have a case. A perfectly working bathtub is not a hazard. You can request that they reimburse you for medical bills, but they aren't obligated to.


Title: It it illegal to have a "fake" board of directors on a nonprofit organization? In Colorado.

Question:
Someone I know (who is not me, lol) wants to start a nonprofit organization and have it classified as such by the IRS. She wants a board of directors but has no one who wants to serve in this role. So, she is having uninvolved friends say that they are on the "board of directors", even though they would have no responsibilities. They would be board members in name only. Is there a legal problem here?

The reason I'm concerned is that she is pressuring me to be a "board member", but I actually have nothing to do with her organization. She just wants to put my picture and name of her website and call me a member of this so-called board of directors. I feel that this is at the very least dishonest and therefore not something I want to do, and now she's angry with me. She said it was "disrespectful" to suggest that what she's doing is unethical and to worry that it might fun afoul of the law. Help, Reddit?

Answer:
Intentionally giving false information to the IRS isn't a good way to start a 501(c)(3).  In the current (as of 2014) system, there is an audit process that happens somewhere between year 3 and year 5 where not only your 501(c)(3) status may be challenged, but your classification as a self-assessing or self-auditing organization may as well.

This can involve reviewing the minutes of board meetings, among other things.  Also income/outlay streams and financial accounting.

If your self-assessment status is revoked, you will have to reapply using the Long Form 1023, which is grueling to fill out, and the processing of which can take up to two years.

But that'd be the least of her worries, if the audit reveals false information on the original 1023EZ form.

Filing false information with the federal government can be charged as a felony.

edit: Oh, and every year, lots of people get convicted of trying to set up a "church" as a tax dodge.  So she definitely shouldn't do THAT.


Title: HELP

Question: Quick question. Can my brother kick me out of the house without an eviction notice? I have been living here since 1-30-17 my name is not on the lease or any of the bills. I live in Michigan

Answer:
 He can give you proper notice to vacate then file an eviction and force you out.

You don't want an eviction on your record

But absent a court order he cannot lock you out. If he does, call the police


Title: bicycle accident caused by unsafe road; city offering 225k. Sound right? also how do i invest?

Question:
Ontario, Canada. Riding my bike home from work i got into a severe accident and almost lost my life. I was riding down a street that was closed to drivers and reopened for exercising (bike ride, jog, walk). I hit a giant pot hole causing me to lose control and hit into a cement barrier. After hitting the barrier I flew off my handle bars and flew into a metal pole stomach first causing the incredible stomach trauma. Physical damages are complete loss of abdominal muscles on my left side, My insides are literally being held in by the skin on my stomach, it looks like i have a balloon under my shirt at all times. I needed immediate surgery. This causes digestive problems along with trouble sleeping. Also, I also hit my head when I landed, I now suffer from seizures along with depression. I'm in and out of the hospital now because seizures keep reoccurring. I've Never had a seizure in my life prior to the accident or depression, I was always happy and loving life.

Here's the issue, my sister has randomly started suffering from seizures, No where near the same severity as mine. My lawyer is telling me this has turned the case around completely because now it looks like it runs in my family and mine are now not cause by the accident. From what was first a 3~ million dollar law suit has now turned to the city offering 225k. My lawyer said unless a neurologist can prove my seizures are from the accident I should take the 225k.

I should also state i'll have to pay my lawyer around 40k and also pay back the city around 40k for financial assistance while I've been in court and not able to work. This leaves me with around 145k. Just looking for some advice and how I should invest my money. Thanks!

Answer:
 I don't know. For injuries that severe, it doesn't seem like $145k would last very long; so you'd likely burn through the money and you'd end up on disability in a short time frame anyway.

While I'd be worried about the contributory negligence aspect, and the expert witness you'll need for the nurology will be mind blowing my expensive, $3mill is a heck of a lot more than $145k. But listen to what your lawyer says - he's the one that knows your case the best. If he's telling you you need a neurologist to win, then that's what you're going to need.

At least in Canada you don't have to worry about the medical care. If this happened in the US you'd certainly be close to bankruptcy already.


Title: Ap Gov Project Help: If I commit two crimes in states of the same severity and punishment, where do I serve my sentence?

Question: For a project: if I am a serial killer, and I kill in more than one state, who gets me? Or better yet which punishments take priority over the other (if Maryland wants me to serve life for a murder while Cali wants me executed for murder)?

Answer:
 Either State could prosecute. And when you were done serving your sentence in the first State the other State gets their turn.Answer #2: There are, unfortunately, several real-world examples.

There's no codified answer in law.   It's basically a negotiation between the jurisdictions where charges can be brought.

Sometimes it's the larger state with the bigger budget (or the more severe penalties) and sometimes it's the state where the offender was finally caught.

Consider Ted Bundy, executed by Florida even though Washington and California and Idaho and Utah and Colorado had plenty of claim to him and also had the death penalty available.

Or, if your stomach can handle it, read about Joseph Duncan, who will be executed by the Federal government while still under sentences of death by Idaho and of life imprisonment by California.   Washington never prosecuted him for two murders he confessed to here, basically as a backup in case appeals were successful at three other levels.

What's more interesting is extradition between nations.    In my jurisdiction, we had to agree not to pursue the death penalty for two multiple murderers in order to get Canada to allow extradition, because Canada considers the death penalty to be against their Charter.Answer #3: Probably depends on where you get arrested.  Finders keepers. After that, what /u/swalsh411 said.


Title: If an accused person destroyed evidence of an activity that may have incriminated him, but all evidence that survived doesn't point to he being guilty, what happens?

Question:
Imagine if one person gets accused of conspiracy, that person had contacts with other people supposedly involve in the conspiracy, and he is supposed to be the main perpetrator, the "mastermind"

They found evidence that that guy basically destroyed evidence of his contacts, probably around the same time he was being accused.

Yet, they found no incriminating evidence, no links to the actual conspiracy, and probably, evidence that would softly disprove the allegations against the accused.

Would the judge, court, or maybe someone else, take that person as guilty of a crime that qe aren't sure even was to be planned, just because that person did in fact burn literally evidence? Even if it was just evidence of contact

Answer:
 The phrase to watch for in criminal prosecution is "beyond a reasonable doubt." The prosecutor must prove their case to that standard before the court should return a guilty verdict. Whether the evidence actually presented reaches that standard is up to the court - generally the jury, unless it's a bench trial.

With no evidence of conspiracy, the charges should not even be filed. If they are, but the evidence is not sufficient to eliminate reasonable doubt, the court should return a not-guilty verdict, even if it's clear to everyone involved that the accused probably did do what they are accused of. What _actually_ happens is a little hard to predict, because it would depend heavily on the evidence available and on how the jury views it.


Title: Is an employer allowed to tell an employee that they are not allowed to say “I’m tired”? This happened in a registration department in a hospital in Texas.

Answer:
 Yes, and for good reason, usually. At a hospital registration desk, you probably don’t want new patients’ first experience to be a hospital employee complaining. The patients are there literally because they aren’t well, and it isn’t a good look.

I once had an employee who loved to tell my customers how he’d buy an insurance policy for his car, register his car with the state, and then cancel his policy right after. These clients were all insurance agencies. Not a great look. Told him that had to stop.


Title: Boss insists he doesn't have to pay me time and a half for overtime. (Michigan)

Question: Everything I have read online has told me that if I work over 40 hours in a week, I am entitled to get time and a half. My boss is telling me that he doesn't have to do this. He says he will pay me straight time for the extra hours, but nothing else. Is there some kind of loophole he found? If he legally has to pay me time and a half, what can I do to show him I know my rights?

Answer:
 That is unfortunately exactly what you're owed. Some jobs are exempt, my partners included, it sucks but it is what it is. And hey, my partner is exempted from workplace injury insurance(because the risk of injury is so high.....how does that make sense?), so at least you probably get that! Answer #2: You could be hourly and exempt. It's not common but possible. What are your job duties? Answer #3: Teachers generally have 2.5 months of the year off work. This was a consideration, I was told years ago, in making them exempt from overtime.

Salaried employees also get this same short end of the stick, but still work 50-52 weeks of the year.

Salaried employees often work 20 hours of overtime each week.

I'm salaried, not a teacher, and I work 70-80 hours every week. I'm not complaining. I knew what I was getting into when I accepted the position.


Title: Selling a home purchased with ex (WISCONSIN)

Question:
I purchased a condo in August 2014 with my now ex.  We discussed the purchase many times prior to signing the papers.  We agreed that we'd both be adults if the relationship went south and that we'd handle the sale of the condo amicably (I know, I know. In my defense, I was in a tight spot with my living arrangements and everything was coming together in a way that made it feel right).  He paid the application fee and I paid the down payment and realtor fees (just over $4,000).  He had been hired to work the city earlier that year with a good income and we agreed he would pay me my half when he received his taxes the next year (2015).

He was let go from his job soon after the condo was purchased.  I never received the $2000 he owed me because he required his tax money to pay for daily expenses.  He was able to find another job after that.  He never shared his salary with me, but I know he was making a commission.  The stress from his finances combined with his infidelity came to an ugly head in early 2016.  We agreed to refinance so he could buy me out.  We worked with the same loan officer from the original sale and she gave me a closing date in June 2016.  I moved out into an apartment in June 2016.  When the closing date drew closer and then passed, I reached out to the loan officer to ask when I should be signing papers.  She told me she was unable to provide me with any information and that I need to speak to my ex.

He told me that the underwriter needed to see his salary over time due to his commission.  So I waited.  He made the payments to the mortgage and the condo association.  He has done so and has given me no reason to believe he won't be able to continue doing so.  A couple of months ago he told me he doesn't think he'll be able to refinance and now he is agreeing to sell.  The condo's value has increased much more than what we paid.  I told him all I want is my $4000 back and he can have the rest (after fees) to do whatever he pleases.  He said he wanted to "research the market" and "research a realtor."  It's been months and there's been no update from him.  He doesn't answer my texts when I ask for an update.  It's been over 2 years, I'm in a new relationship and this needs to end.  Is there anything I can do to get this moving!?

Answer: Get an attorney and threaten to force a sale via the court. Ask for half the equity not just a few grand. Don't accept any payment or sign anything unless you can verify he has a new loan in his name only. His lender will require you to sign away any interest in the property most likely,  so that last one should not be difficult to verify.


Title: A law firm I applied to is asking for photos of me - is this legal?

Question:
(Washington D.C.)

Hi everyone,

I am an Administrative Assistant in the D.C. area and have been applying to law firms around the city.  I got a response from the managing partner of one firm asking for me to send him photos.

While I understand one must "look" the part in the legal field, both in court and out, I just feel very .. weird about it.  I have not sent him any photos.  Is this legal?

Answer: Asking for photos is not a crime. But it's also a **HUGE** red flag that you do not want to be this guy's assistant. While he hasn't done anything illegal yet, I bet this is a sexual harassment case in the making. Answer #2: Not illegal.  Though many organizations simply check social media accounts to determine if the "look" is a good fit.Answer #3: Yes, it's perfectly legal.  However, if he uses the information on the photo to discriminate against you for a prohibited reason (such as not hiring you after seeing you are black) then that would be illegal.


Title: Is apartment management responsible to ensure peaceful enjoyment?

Question:
I live on the ground floor and my upstairs neighbors are unacceptably loud--slamming doors, running up and down stairs and across apartment. Another (i believe 3 people live there) stomps around the apartment and seems to drop heavy objects repeatedly, often very late and very early, in the bedroom
I left a note and got a nice response, but no change. Bang on ceiling, no change. Sent message to mgmt and it seemed to be better for a week or so, but now back to the same. I understand that some sound will travel, but I could hear the stomping last night over my TV. Also, this is "resort" apartment community. I'm not saying everyone deserves peaceful enjoyment, but I am paying a premium to live here.

so, my question: is management responsible for dealing with this? Do I have any recourse if this continues? (It's already been 4-1/2 months)

Answer:
 That isn't what peaceful enjoyment means.

>Quiet enjoyment is a right to the undisturbed use and enjoyment of real property by a tenant or landowner.

It means that the LL won't bother you constantly or come inside often to inspect.

LL cannot control the daily behavior of other tenants. He cannot tell them not to walk around or how to close their doors


Title: I prepaid $3000 for personal training sessions. Bally was bought over by 24 a few months later, and now my sessions are not being honored!

Question:
Location: California

Some history:

I originally prepaid $3000 for personal training sessions. Since I could not commit, I transferred over my sessions to a family member. This transfer was happening at the same time as the merger was taking place.

The previous club manager X was honoring my transferred sessions. 2 months later X quit, and a new club manager Y started working. Y does not want to honor my transferred sessions.

He asks me to bring in my contract, but I don't have one to physically show him since we signed up months ago. I ask him if he can call up the people responsible for handling the merger, and he says no. He says no matter who you call, it will always go back to him.  I ask him if he can reach out to the previous club manager who handled my case, and said no. He kept saying stuff that was contradictory. Things like: every personal training contract is different, bla bla bla.

He was a real character, smirking with every single reply. On a total power trip I swear.

I have physical evidence of my request, and my request being honored (before Y came in) in the form of text messages with the employee(personal trainer) that works there. The two personal trainers I worked with also witness the entire process.

My sessions were being honored after the merger. From Jan 2015 to early April 2015, right before X quit.

If Y does not want to honor my sessions, what are my choices?

Thank you for the advice!
Topic:
Contracts

Answer: small claims court.  and don't ever ever, for any reason, prepay, such a large amount to anyone for any reason.  once your money is gone, it's 100x more harder to get it back.


Title: Being accused of theft

Question:
So last night a friend of mine lost her Id, money, and credit cards.  She accused me of stealing them.
I was just wonder is this slander  and if so do I have a case?

https://imgur.com/a/2Ilk7zN

This is in Michigan.

Answer: If you really didn't steal from her I would respond to the facebook post and let her know that since the person attempted to make charges on a card that the police should be able to find the culprit. And also clarify that you are not the culprit.


Title: [Canada] Group of people in building making false claims and harassing me. Landlord taking their side. What can I do?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: I don't know if this would work, but perhaps stay somewhere else for a week (with hard evidence showing that) and see if they still file noise complaints despite you not being there.


Title: Passed breathalyzer, charged with DUI while on probation.

Question:
USA, New Jersey

I was pulled over for speeding very late at night with a lady friend in the car. She smelled like weed, so they searched the car, found nothing, but had me do the sobriety tests, which I'm guessing I failed, because they detained me and brought me to the station for the breathalyzer. I had one mixed drink probably 3 hours before being tested, so I'm guessing I either blew zero or close to it (conditions of my probation say that I can't drink to excess, so I'm pretty sure that would be OK?). But they said it would take too long to finish analyzing the test and dropped me off at the train station before I could see the result.

I am reading many reports online that passing a breathalyzer does not mean that the case will not be pursued, and that they might try to argue that I was high on weed (or drugs) instead of drunk on alcohol. I have been on probation for over two years and never had a misstep, never dropped a dirty urine, and have generally been a model client. I am terrified that I will be convicted of this DUI and have my probation revoked, which will result in me serving at least most of a 10 year sentence. From what I'm reading, there are no plea bargains for DUI, and most cases are resolved within 60 days (so I couldn't simply postpone it until I completed probation).

Am I being hysterical for worrying about this so much? Part of me knows I did nothing wrong (besides drive 10MPH over the speed limit), but I keep reading all of these articles and examples of people who seem to have been convicted on even less evidence than me. It really sounds like the police just need to convince one judge that they could tell I was high by watching me, and I'm fried.

Answer: You said the conditions of your probation say you can't drink to excess. What do they say about consumption of alcohol and driving? In my state while on probation you can't have any alcohol and drive. You can't be near zero, you have to be zero. Where are you located?


Title: Why am I allowed to freely walk around at night intoxicated while in the city but not in the suburbs?

Answer: Because cops from the burbs got nothing to do.


Title: [WA] I spent $100k for a hotel promotion and hotel now refuses to give me the status!

Question:
Title. I signed up for a hotel promo - the fine print said if you obtain a certain amount of nights, they will bump your hotel status up. They also have a credit card which gives you hotel nights. Instead of staying at the hotel, I spent $100k on the credit card to get enough hotel nights to get the status. I called the representatives of the hotel chain 10 times and received 10 front line and 1 manager responses that what I was doing was allowed. I documented these conversation times and representative names.

After spending $100k, i didn't receive status and called hotel corporate. after investigation they told me they won't give it because i didn't "stay" at the hotel. The fine print however just says you need to receive nights. There is no difference on the hotel website between what types of stay counts for what - in other words, a stay is a stay no matter what or how its received.

I'm floored I put 100k on a credit card and now not even getting status. I would not have done this otherwise. I could have spent it naturally on a credit card worth a damn. What are my options? The hotel status is quoted in the 4 digits value according to some websites online.

Answer: Was the $100k you spent on the credit card actual purchases or was it manufactured spending? If it was manufactured spending, then that is probably the real issue. Credit card companies have really clamped down on honoring bonuses achieved via manufactured spending.


Title: Looking at Adopting a Puppy, Puppy rescue remains co-owner?

Question: As it says in the title. The puppy rescue remains a co-owner of the dog and is the primary on the microchip. How common is this? Do I have any recourse after we acquire the dog to challenge their ownership?

Answer:
 I would pass on adopting from this particular rescue. There's doing your due diligence, and then there's obsessive micro-managing. Even if you could successfully get out from under this arrangement, this does not sound like an organization I would choose to fight.

Find another rescue and save yourself the headache. You don't need them claiming "co-ownership" of your dog, and I wouldn't want to work with someone who thought this was an acceptable practice.


Title: Apartment changed the parking rules through a flyer.

Question:
When I moved in and signed my lease I was given a packet that stated that guests would be allowed to park in my apartments parking lot from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. without receiving a guest pass. Today a friends car was towed from the lot prior to 6:00 p.m. and when I went to the office to discuss the problem with the manager she stated that they had changed  the policy to 24 hour roam towing. She said the change was posted in a flyer that was on the door of the office in August. I rarely go to the office so I missed this announcement. Is it possible for them to change this policy by taping a flyer to their office door? This occurred in Gainesville, Florida.

Updated: The apartment agreed to credit our rent for the cost of retrieving the vehicle from the tow company.

Answer: What does your lease say about notifications regarding changes in policy?Answer #2: Do you have a copy of your lease? What does it say about parking?


Title: My Bio-Parents took my child. What do I do?

Question:
Posting for a friend..
I'm 20 yrs old and live in NYS with my 1 year old son. My relationship with my parents has always been rocky, but they do great with my son. On Friday, I allowed them to take my son for the weekend to spend time with him. On Monday, they inform me they got court papers signed I cannot take my child.
I dont know what to do. The sheriff's stated they cant do anything. My parents say they got the court order on the grounds of me having 8 homes in 4 months, although that is a lie. I have lived in 4 homes in the past year, including their house. I have court Friday, but what can I do to prepare? My mom is a CPS worker, my uncle is a judge, and my aunt is a sheriff and so I feel like I'm stuck. I just want my son back. Any advice would help. Thanks!
TLDR Bio-parents took my child and got a court order on a whim. What should I do to prepare for family court to get my son back?

Answer: There is an absolute mountain of factual data that you're missing. Anything going beyond a suggestion to *immediately* hire a family law attorney would be inappropriate.