Title: [CA] Ex-Boyfriend Just Threatened to Release Nude Photos and Videos

Question:
I received an email today from an ex-boyfriend with a link to a Private Note site. In the note, he says that he will release hundreds of nude photos and videos he has of me to an amateur porn site and tag it with my full name and city.

I haven't talked to him in years and want to keep it that way, but he says that if I don't talk to him, he will release the images. I'm aware of the revenge porn laws in California, but I don't know if any of those provisions extend to the *threat* of releasing. I took a screenshot of the note. Also, I don't think he lives in California anymore so would that affect if the statute would even have jurisdiction over him should the worst happen?

Thanks for any help. I'm scared and extremely worried.

Answer: It sounds like you have sufficient evidence of blackmail.  Maybe contact the police and see if they can help with that.


Title: Trump Dual Citizenship Ban for TN Visa

Question: [removed]

Answer: Mods, you're probably gonna need a megathread for this one. Answer #2: There was just a temporary hold placed on most of the ban by a federal judge! You better get your ass over the border asap before it overturns.


Title: (UK) Can a student be a witness to documents signed for purchasing a house/flat?

Question:
Hello!

I am very close to finalising my purchase of a property but just need to sign a few more documents (Deed of covenant, deed of legal mortgage with bank etc.). These documents require the signature of a witness, along with their address and occupation. I was wondering if I could get my girlfriend to sign as the witness as she is over 18 and has a permanent address.

The only problem may be is that she is a student so doesn't have a proper occupation. Should I seek another witness or is this not a problem?
Topic:
Contracts

Answer:
 Here is what [this UK government site](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/execution-of-deeds/practice-guide-8-execution-of-deeds#execution-of-deeds-by-individuals) says:

>The individual must sign “in the presence of a witness who attests the signature” (section 1(3) of the Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989). We look to see that a witness has signed the deed, that their signature clearly records the witnessing of the signing of the deed by the individual concerned, and that the name and address of the witness appear in legible form on the deed (to allow the witness to be traced should any questions later arise concerning execution).

>The relevant legislation does not prevent a signatory’s spouse, civil partner or cohabitee from acting as a witness, but this is best avoided. It is also advisable that the witness be no younger than 18 or, at least, of sufficient maturity for their evidence to be relied on should it later prove necessary to verify the circumstances under which the execution took place.

In other words having your girlfriend sign isn't a problem, although it may be better practice to get a disinterested person to act as a witness.


Title: My landlord says I can’t work from home

Question:
I’m a remote employee for a company in California, I’m in Maryland. Last week, my landlord came to check out an issue with the garbage disposal. When he asked when I was available, I told him whenever because I’m remote.

Yesterday, he came to tell me that he talked to the buildings management and I’m in violation of my lease (it is a condo building, he owns my condo which I lease from him). He was very apologetic but said I needed to show paperwork from my company or other proof that I am no longer working remotely or would be in violation of my lease.

Reading my lease, the only qualification I see is that I can’t run a business out of my home but that isn’t what’s happening here.

I tried to explain that I am just remotely working for another business but he told me his hands are tied due to strict condo rules.

Any ideas what to do here? I could work from coffee shops or coworking spaces but 1) it bothers me that they think this is their business when I’m harming nobody and 2) it’s nice to work from home! I have 7 months left on my lease.

Answer:
 Consult with a local lawyer familiar with landlord/tenant actions.

Condo boards are pretty notorious for thinking they can enforce rules that they definitely cannot, and a letter from your attorney will straighten them out.Answer #2: This can’t be enforceable.  Working from home and running a business from home are completely different.   If they’re saying you can’t work from home, then that means that nobody can bring work home, send a work email, or take a work call because that is “working from home.”Answer #3: Can you post what the exact language in the lease is relating to running a business and/or working from home is?

Just add...this might provide you with some help with your situation.       [http://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/landlords.aspx#assist](http://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/landlords.aspx#assist)Answer #4: Does your work have a EAP, employee assistance plan. Often these plans include a 30 min consult with a lawyer for free. It’s very limited legal help, but this seems like something that a lawyer could square away in less than 30 min.Answer #5: Working from home and running a business out of your home are very different. It’s likely that this person was confused about that.  It’s likely that if you get the HOA bylaws you’ll see that it outlaws running a business out of your property, not working remotely.Answer #6: I have never heard of this happening with a condo or apartment building. Some homeowners who are renting out a cottage or extra room, yes, because they worry about utility costs rising. But no, not in your situation. I agree -- a letter from a landlord/tenant disputes attorney will clear it up. Sounds like a power trip HOA tactic. Lots of that out there unfortunately.


Title: [IL]How can I give my son my last name?

Question:
Hello everyone. Not too much of a long post!

I live in Illinois my son was born at a religious hospital OSF to be specific last year. My girlfriend and I were not married and they refused to give him my last name.

Where can I go to give him my last name? My girlfriend wants him to have it too I'm just not sure where to start.

Thank you

Edit: Typo

Answer:
 I, too, have loved in Illinois. A child was even conceived.

Anyway, here: https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/how-change-minors-nameAnswer #2: How the heck does a hospital, religious or not, get to choose the child's last name? Does op have any recourse to get the hospital to pay the costs of the name change?Answer #3: Why not just notify the agency that there is a mistake on the form and request a correction?  Save yourself a petition and filing fee.


Title: Vet's office is attempting to bill me for my dead cat's cremation, but my cat was buried on my property

Question:
Location is Pennsylvania.

A few months back, my cat died. I called my vet's office to see about cremation, I felt the price was expensive, so I thanked them for their time and hung up. I later dug a hole on my property and buried my cat.

The vet called me this week to inform me that my cat's ashes have been waiting for pick up and that I need to pay my bill.

According to the desk, protocol is that, they always get payment before they took any animals to be cremated. And also that you "get your own animals ashes back" (though that's obviously a crock of shit). I explained that my cat was buried on my property but the woman I talked to seemed insistent that they had my cat's ashes.

My main concern is that I'd have to dig up my poor cat's body to prove that these ashes are not her, as it seems to be my word vs theirs. I'd also prefer to avoid paying the bill for a service I did not use ($170). Any recommendations on what exactly I should do?

Answer:
 IANAL. I have worked in 4 clinics as a LVT in the past 16yrs. Every single time an owner opts for cremation, paperwork needs to be filled out and signed. You cannot just take your deceased pet in for cremation without paperwork. Even mass cremation without ashes back needs paperwork filled out. Ask for documentation proving ownership. But first, please call the vet and talk with them personally. Your best option would be to go to the clinic to talk with the vet in person.
Answer #2: OP curious, are you in eastern PA? My aunt had the same issue and they actually cremated someone else's cat by mistake.

They didn't find out obviously until my aunt claimed it wasn't her cat and proved it. Answer #3: > My main concern is that I'd have to dig up my poor cat's body to prove that these ashes are not her

I wouldn't bother.

OP:  *Presents rotting remains of exhumed poor dead kitty.*

Vet's Office:  *How do we know that is the cat in question?*


Title: In NYC - Im Renting, got no heat, no cooking gas and no hot water.

Question:
I'm renting an apartment in a multi-family house (2 families and one single woman live in the property). A week ago there was an issue with the gas pipes and ConEd had to come and close it. Since then we don't have proper heat, hot water and cooking gas. Our landlord is trying to solve the issue and has bought us two space heaters which keep you warm when you sit next to it. He also got us an electric range and a toaster oven to cook with. For hot water he replaced the boiler with an electric boiler but it is a small one and only two people can shower at a time. My question is what kind of "discount" should I demand from him on my rent? For the days that we had no hot water , cooking gas and heat I assume that I should get a 100% discount off my rent, should I ask for compensation as well? What about the days that we had hot water and were able to cook using the electric range? should this be 50% 100% 20%? would love to get your advice. Legally what are my options.

One comment: I dont want to leave the house, its a nice house just having problems now.

Answer:
 Your landlord seems to be making reasonable efforts to fix the problem and hopefully it will be fixed soon.  You do have remedies, but keep in mind that your apartment is not unlivable at this point - you have electric appliances, some hot water, and so on.  So your problem is not too severe.  Landlord is in technical breach of the law because space heaters aren't adequate - landlord is required to provide heat.

http://www.nycrgb.org/html/resources/faq/quality.html#recourse

http://www.nyshcr.org/Rent/FactSheets/orafac15.pdf


Title: (Ga) Evicted for not reporting damage that I actually tried to report. Landlord almost never answers phone.

Question: Long story short the bathroom is and always has been shit. Tiles fell off the wall during my second year of living here. The original landlord had it fixed and replaced the sink cause it was loose. Years later the house was sold and it happened again. Landord #2 refixed the wall. Two years later problem happens agian with landlord #3. Only she never answers the phone. So for almost 3 months I keep calling(no answer) tiles are falling off and the damn sink falls off again. Finally a guy comes out for a inspection and a week later I get an eviction notice. I had just re signed my 1 year lease and its going to take awhile to find a new place...can i fight this?

Answer: You can try.  But if you didn't leave a message, and you didn't send a letter(which is the default legal method of doing this) it may be difficult.


Title: [NY] Is the paperwork I found admissible as evidence?

Question:
I'm in the midst of evicting a tenant and while cleaning up the common area of the apt (I live here too), I found some paperwork that belongs to the tenant that supports my case. I'm wondering if it is admissible as evidence? Seems like it would be but maybe there's some loophole about privacy or whatever I don't know about.
Edit: I took photos of it. I'm not holding onto the physical papers.

Answer:
 It may be admissible.  We can't say for sure.

What we can say is that it's his property and you can't take it or hang onto it in order to use it as evidence.


Title: [USA] Should I hire a lawyer for doxxing?

Question:
Not super proud of lashing out at someone in a dickish way. I made a throwaway on Reddit, solicited on a sex-related subreddit, and sent someone's phone number (who lives in a different state than me) to a handful of people. My main goal was just to be a nuisance, expecting that they would just change their number and be annoyed by some texts. I figured people probably wouldn't immediately start sending that person nude photos, and would likely say something like "hey, is this [not-that-persons-name]" to make sure they were talking to the right person with the right number. I'm fairly certain their phone number was public, however I can't confirm that since I didn't look it up beforehand.

I have no idea if that person actually received nude photos.

I did not give out that person's name.

I did not send anyone their photo.

I only briefly engaged in these messages. Probably less than an hour of my time, and not very many people received their phone number.

I did not give out their address, their actual location, their profession, or any other identifying information. Phone numbers are temporary. If I'd only given it to one person, they'd probably just have thought one person had a wrong number.

I did not have intentions to ruin their life, expose their identity, or engage in relentless harassment. I just wanted them to be annoyed, and maybe change their number if someone who received it continued harassing them after knowing they had been deceived.

I understand I'm a total douche. This person has hired a lawyer to try and discover my identity. If they succeed, and an inter-state lawsuit is filed against me, do I need a lawyer? Will I be summoned to testify in their state, or can I defend myself without traveling? What kind of penalties might I expect, with the details given?

If any further clarification is needed, I'd be glad to give it.

Answer:
 Get a few numbers for criminal defense attorneys. If and when you're approached by the police for harassment, don't talk to them without an attorney present.

Aside from that there really isn't anything you can do now, aside from growing the fuck up.


Title: My friend had sex for money, man didn’t pay

Question:
My friend is a free lance escort.  She had arranged to have sex with a man for $400, however his kink was a rape fantasy, he asked for all lights off and for her to leave the door open so he could just walk in, pretty sketchy. She does that and he has sexual with her and asks to go to the bathroom, but leaves.  What can she do?
Topic:
Non-US

Answer:
 Make sure she gets the money up front every time or hires security to ensure her safety and payment fulfillmentAnswer #2: > What can she do?

Move on with her life and find a safer line of work.


Title: Why is race the seemingly only protected class one is not able to discriminate by?

Question:
Why is only race something that cannot be discriminated for in things like roommates, baby sitters, doctors, etc.; but you can discriminate all day long for sex and sexual orientation or even national origin?

Is there even a legal rationale, let alone foundation?

Edit: The /r/legaladvice bot insists I state that this is a question about the USA

Answer:
 I'm not sure where you're getting the idea that you can discriminate based on other things freely. Protected classes include:

Race – Civil Rights Act of 1964

Color – Civil Rights Act of 1964

Religion – Civil Rights Act of 1964

National origin – Civil Rights Act of 1964

Age (40 and over) – Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967

Sex – Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission includes discrimination based on gender presentation and sexual orientation as protected beneath the class of 'sex'[2]

Pregnancy – Pregnancy Discrimination Act

Citizenship – Immigration Reform and Control Act

Familial status – Civil Rights Act of 1968 Title VIII: Housing cannot discriminate for having children, with an exception for senior housing

Disability status – Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Veteran status – Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act

Genetic information – Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

([source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protected_class))


Title: Does a doctor note have any bearing on a parenting plan?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Home means; don't go to the park , swimming or McDonald play place type activities not they can not be home at their other home (that's what going to the parent with visitation means other home) The child could also go the grandparents or a friends even.   For future reference "stay in bed" can mean watch TV on the couch. Answer #2: No, the court would look dimly on the parent refusing to follow the plan. It would also probably think the withholding parent is stupid or spiteful.


Title: Health/life insurance company kept charging person after their death, now they refuse to refund what they took?

Question:
I'm helping out a family friend, as her and her husband are elderly and they don't know where to look to get help on this matter. Her sister had died, and she was her power of attorney in life, and named trustee and executor (I think are the terms) after she died.

So right after her sister died, she called companies she was doing business with to inform them that she died and that she wanted to close out her accounts. This health and life insurance company said the account would be closed, and my family friend didn't think any more of it.

Come to find out 5-6 months later, that health/life insurance company is still taking funds out, and at the moment they have taken out like $1600.

So this family friend called the company and said she had previously called to cancel the account, and that they should have stopped charging her then. She said she was seeking to get refunded the extra money they took out, they gave her the run around until finally she got someone who said that she would need various documents, like a death certificate. She sent the documents they wanted to them, and after another couple weeks they said they would refund the money and that the check should be there the next week.

That week came and passed, so she called again, every one she talks to gives her the run around, everything from "We don't see that person as a previous customer" to "The check has already been mailed".

This company from what I understand is notoriously bad for paying any claims, I checked a website and they had several hundred complaints about similar issues.

I advised my family friend to get a lawyer and hopefully that a letter from him/her could clear it up quickly, as I doubt that company would want a lawsuit.

I'm not sure if that was the right advice or not? The location where this company is, is in Florida, and they live in Virginia.

Thanks.

Answer:
 Yup, a lawyer is a good way to go with this one.

Edit: Disregard the information about Virgina being a one party consent state, it is a bit tricker with phone conversations and I don't want to accidentally tell her to do something illegal. It is still an option, but she needs to talk to a lawyer to make sure she does it legally.


Title: [CA] Is it legal for parents to use AngelSense in a classroom?

Question:
First here is the product the parents are using. [AngelSense](https://www.angelsense.com/product-tour/)

If you don't want to read the page it's essentially a wristband that allows for gps tracking of the child which is fine. The legal concern is that the angelsense parents have the ability to listen in without consent of others. I understand recording without permission is a federal offense but I'm struggling to find if listening in is legal as they can hear other students/workers at any given time. From what I've seen online is that some parents have fought and won to use them in schools, but I was wondering if schools have the ability to downright say no to this product. Located in California by the way!

Answer:
 Can a school say no to a parent bugging the classroom? Absolutely.

Can a school say no to a parent lojacking their child? Probably not.

The difference there is going to be the sticky point.


Title: Had Toxic Mold in my house unknowingly and 2 month old child became very ill, forcing us to move immediately and leave and basically start over. Landlord is saying I owe over $5,000.

Question:
As stated, my child was really sick and the doctors didn't know why. They told us to get tested for mold and sure enough, there was toxic mold present throughout out rental house.

When we moved in in 2016, we signed a 2 year lease and the landlord is an older guy that is really hard to get ahold of. When our lease was up, we didn't want to leave so I just continued to pay our normal rent although technically not on a lease. I'm telling you, I could email this guy(his preferred method of contact) and not hear back from him for MONTHS.

Anyway fst forward to February 2019, my son got sick and we found out that toxic mold is present so I wrote him an email and called and left voice mails and told him we needed to leave immediately. Crazily enough, he responded the next day and was very upset about not being told about the mold before??? Although we just found out ourselves.

Anyway, he's saying I owe upwards to $5300 for breaking the lease and damages( we have three kids and the carpet and blinds were pretty messed up from the little ones) but not $5000 worth. He says I have 10 days to respond with a plan on how to pay him the money or he's going to do a lawsuit.

If anything, I want to countersue for the amount of money we had to spend to START OUR ENTIRE LIVES over from scratch. We got new beds, clothes, furniture, and into an apartment. Luckily we had just got our taxes so we were ok, but we didn't expect to blow through our taxes so quick. Plus my newborns pain and suffering and sickness.

Is there any advice I can get here. Does he have a case here?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 You would owe for the damages to carpet and blinds, but not much beyond that if the home was unlivable.  Many lawyers will offer free consultations and it is definitely worth taking your case to a few and getting their opinion.Answer #2: Even if you're in one of the few states that requires mold remediation, you did not handle this properly by just moving out without allowing a reasonable period for the landlord to fix the problem.

You're, at the very least, on the hook for rent until a new tenant takes over and any damages you caused.Answer #3: You could ask for an itemized list that makes up the 5k.

You don't owe for "breaking your lease" because A) you didn't break it, the lease was up. B) you lived in a place that was unsafe to live in.

He could maybe argue B isn't true and could come after you for portion of the rent you owed for not giving notice (if it's in your lease you need to give 1 or 2 months notice or whatever, you'd owe that).

As for counter suing, I don't think you have a case unless you can prove he knew about the mold and still rented to you. If he hasn't owned the house that long, maybe you could track down the realtor or the inspection person and see if you could get any information. If he knew about the mold this is a different story,but gonna be tough to prove that.


Title: [US, Ky] I am in a unusual situation. My brother refuses to come get his car out of my yard. He keeps threatening me with police if I don't pay him for back taxes. The car is NOT mine.

Question:
This situation is a tough one involving multiple people. In July 2015 my brother sold his car. He sold it to my father in law for $200. But my sister in law guilt tripped my FIl and he gave her the car.

Her and her husband drove the car until November 2016. Then it was discovered that even though my brother signed over the title she never filed it with the courthouse. My brother was very upset and he had a right to be. My SIL was letting unlicensed drivers use the car with it still in my brother's name.

The car then got parked in my yard to keep them from driving it because that's what my brother wanted. It has been MONTHS since and the car I still here.

My brother said he doesn't want the car anymore. But he will not let my sister in law have it either. My brother claims it's MY job to pay for back taxes and to get a new title. But the car has never been in my name only my brother's.

I have begged him to come get it out of my yard. He refuses and keeps threatening to call the police claiming I stole his car. I have over 1000 messages begging him to come get it and him saying no. I just want the car gone but I do not feel I should have to pay for something that I have never used. Any advice would be very helpful.

Answer: Call the non-emergency line for the police and tell them there is an abandoned vehicle on your property.


Title: Should my Employer be paying me Overtime?

Question:
I work for an events company and the way we get paid is daily and we receive checks bi-weekly.

When I took the job it was agreed upon that I would make a set amount per day. A normal day is 8:30am - 5:00pm with a 30 minute lunch. The problem though is during the busy season we will work for 2 months straight without a day off and some of the days we work go well over 8 hours a day. When we are setting up an event we will sometimes work 14 hour days.

I have heard that some businesses are exempt from paying overtime but through my research I couldn't find anything that stated that an events company was exempt.

A good example was this past Fall when we worked 127 hours in a pay period (2 weeks)

The business has no time clock in place and they think that a day to them is anywhere between 8-12 hours while still receiving the same pay.

Any advice or suggestions would be great! Thanks.

Edit: Location is South Carolina
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 A couple of questions to ask:
Is the nature of the work seasonal? Events companies, on their face, are not exempt, but some seasonal work allows for them not to pay overtime.

Are you considered an exempt employee? Do you have managerial or hiring/fire authority? You said there is no time clock, so are they tracking you in some other way? If you take off for a half a day do they dock your pay?


Title: [NY] Is it legal to pay ransomware to get my files decrypted?

Question:
My computer has been infected with ransomware, but I've been lazy and don't have backups for my files.

This probably falls under some extortion law, but I don't care and just want my files back ASAP.

If I just give up and pay, are there any possible legal repercussions for folding to extortionate demands?

Answer:
 No.

The person breaking the law is the extorter, you have broken no law by complying with the demands.Answer #2: There is no legal repercussion for paying a ransom demand.

That statement should not be construed as me telling you that it's a good idea.


Title: Got evicted from my NYC apartment for failure to pay rent. We have proof of payment for the past 7 months

Question:
I wasn’t allowed into my apartment today. A court marshal came to seal the door of my apartment which I share with my roommate due to failure of payment. We are both shocked since we have paid promptly every month.

Backstory:
I moved into this apartment in Manhattan, NYC in April of this year. My roommate was currently living there with another guy. He got rid of the previous roommate because he wouldn’t pay rent and was really shady (his words). Anyway, before I moved in I applied officially through the propert management and paid an application fee and security deposit. I have an email confirming the payment and a copy of the application. Everything was approved (all communication was done by my roommate) I was just told that it was approved and my move in date was April 2nd. I got my keys and moved in.

Over the past 7 months we got two notices that was addressed to my current roommate and previous roommate. It was a bill for rent due. I told  my roommate about it and he told me he called the management office and they looked up his account and saw payment activity. They told him that it was a mistake and that he shouldn’t worry about it. He asked for this statement in writing but never got it

Fast forward to today. My roommate went home in the afternoon and wasn’t allowed up. Apparently a court marshal came to leave a note of eviction. Apparently, his previous roommate ended the lease after he left back in March (before I applied) and allegedly forged his signature and put down a forwarding address (his addrsss). Ever since then all rent payment was forwarded back to that addrsss in a form of a check because the lease was technically ended. In the property management’s eyes we were illegally squatting. Now they are charging us rent and not letting us back in the apartment until we do.

I have no idea what to do. My roommate doesn’t even have a copy of the new lease agreement when I joined. They never sent him one and he never followed up. He’s the primary lease holder

Any suggestion on what to do?

UPDATE: Spoke to the management office today and they have no record of me on the lease. After I signed a tenant swap document (to add me and remove the previous tenant) the previous tenant came back and forged my signature and provided his to remove me from the lease and add himself back to it. Then  terminated that lease (with previous roommate  and my current roommate on it). We have been paying the landlord with no legal lease assigned to us. The landlord forwarded all checks every month to the forwarding address provided. (address the previous tenant left. Address is in India). All notices to vacate were sent to that Indian address. They control our possessions and are now asking for the back rent payment or the city marshal will either auction off our items or put it in storage.

Answer: Who have you been paying rent to? If it's your roommate, he's likely been scamming you.


Title: Ontario, Canada -- Owner of restaurant is charging my boyfriend (and other bartenders) $200 EACH for "spillage" of beer that they have no control over. Is this legal?!

Question: My boyfriend and I used to work together. I quit about a week ago, and this week he and all of the other bartenders get an email about money that they "owe" to the owner for spillage of beer. My boyfriends was at $200 and the others were similar. He has not wasted or stolen any of their beer and has no idea how they are coming up with this number. Is this legal? He is basically paying to work! Plus, that 200 was only from the previous 2 weeks, so not a one-time-only thing. What should he do?

Answer:
 The restaurant is in its final death throws, it will not be open much longer.

Tell him to find a new restaurant to work at ASAP!Answer #2: no of course not, keep in mind this is something only a desperate business owner would do so he might be bankrupt. Your BF better find a new job.


Title: (20m) Speeding ticket but my foot wasn’t on the accelerator

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 Not one bit.

The foot should have been off of the accelerator about 30 mph ago.Answer #2: Why would your foot being on the gas matter? You were driving a vehicle at 103mph. That's fact. Anyone could say their foot wasn't on the gas and honestly if you go to court and say that, that isn't going to turn out well.

Id get a public defender and attempt to plea no contest for first offense and hopefully they'll drop it.  Jesus man, slow down.Answer #3: No. Your speed is the reason you got the ticket.

Sorry dude.


Title: [MN] Can I claim unemployment for my termination?

Question:
I have been working part time for over a year at the same company. On Friday I was given a written warning about browsing the internet at work. I acknowledged the mistake and genuinely decided to turn over a new leaf. I had asked in the meeting if it was acceptable still to listen to podcasts while I work and they brushed it off as no big deal.

I came into work yesterday (Monday), and worked all day without browsing the internet except to open Chrome to pause / unpause my podcast occasionally to go to the bathroom. I really made a conscious effort to focus on work. However, today (Tuesday) I come into work and I'm brought into a meeting and told that "IT saw you were on the internet again yesterday". I was legitimately in shock, and tried to dispute several times that I had literally only had Chrome open in order to play podcasts in the background. I asked them over and over to show me what records the IT department had to prove that I was supposedly slacking off online, but they just told me the process with HR had already gone through and there was nothing I could do.

It was pretty humiliating being walked out of the office like that, knowing in the back of my mind that I had made an effort to work harder.

My question is: given that they had given me a written warning asking me to correct my mistake, and I then *did* correct that mistake, do I have grounds to claim unemployment? And how do I go about getting started with that? The frustration here being that they won't even show me the apparent evidence of my wrong-doing, so I don't know if I need to dispute with the company itself or go straight to applying for unemployment.

Thanks in advance if you have any advice!

Answer: They have pretty compelling evidence that you didn't fix the mistake though. They have evidence that they told you to get off of the internet on company time and you did not. I trust you have no evidence of them saying podcasts were fine, and even if you did I don't think it matters. That being said, certainly still apply and appeal if it's denied. But to tell you the truth I don't think that you are entitled if we're going by the book.


Title: Restoring gun rights

Question:
Throwaway for obvious reasons.

&nbsp;

If there's is nothing that can be done about this, that's fine. I'm a gun nut, not a crazy gun nut.

I plan on living off the grid somewhere in Oregon when I retire (which won't happen for at least another 20 years).

It would bring a huge peace of mind if I could get guns to defend myself against criminals and wild animals (should the need arise) since I'm living alone.

&nbsp;

I am a prohibited person under GCA because:

-Has been adjudicated as a mental defective or *committed to a mental institution*

&nbsp;

Aside from that, I'm peachy. Just the usual parking/speeding tickets.

Being committed in a mental institution wasn't even because I'm schizophrenic, psychopathic, etc and planned on harming others.

It was because I tried to commit suicide. I was committed twice within the span of 3 years but one of them was miscommunication so it wasn't entirely my fault.

&nbsp;

I'm aware at the federal level, "federal law provides a lifetime ban on gun ownership by anyone adjudicated a mental defective or committed to a mental institution"

So, how likely or unlikely is it that I can get my rights restored *later* down in life?

&nbsp;

Thank you.

&nbsp;

[Multiple edits for wording. Some more details just because]

Answer:
 As /r/Mr_Weebles says, it's probably nearly impossible.  However, you can google "gun rights lawyer" and find a host of attorneys advertising their expertise in having their clients' gun rights restored.  I don't know any of them personally or professionally, so I couldn't speak to their value, but it's a way to go.Answer #2: >Being committed in a mental institution wasn't even because I'm schizophrenic, psychopathic, etc and planned on harming others.

No relevant advice, but an FYI, people who both attempt suicide and possess a gun are far far far more likely to be successful than people who do not possess a gun.  In your particular instance it's not about protected other people from you, it's about protecting you from yourself.

Could you be content with bear mace/bow and arrow/machete for protection?


Title: My cat had to have life saving surgery and may still die as a result of a cat toy... do I have any legal recourse to have the vet bill paid?

Question:
Hi everyone,

I have no idea where to turn, I'm filled with a fiery rage, grief, and fear that I am going to lose my cat.

About a year ago, I bought a cat tree from a local family run company that has a very good reputation in the large city I live in **(I live in Ontario, Canada)**. This tree toy came with a cat toy that was attached to it using a length of twine.

Well, we're unsure how long ago it was - but it must have been quite a while ago, my cat swallowed the 6ft of twine and has been suffering (unbeknownst to me) since then. I was bringing him in for a regular check up since he had been wheezing and the vet found it by chance.

I'm now looking at a $2500-$3000 vet bill due to the complications and the intense damage to his esophagus and intestines... Even after everything the wonderful vet clinic has done, he may still need to be put down.

Do I have any legal recourse in getting the company to pay my vet bill and for damages incurred if my cat does have to be put down? (Very real possibility)...
Topic:
Small Claims Procedure

Answer:
 Every cat toy I have ever purchased has a small print disclaimer on it that states "To be used under supervision."Answer #2: Think of it this way. Let's say I buy Gerber cookies for toddlers and it says "safe for kids 12 mos and up!" I think "perfect! I have an 18 month old. She can eat these". So I give her one and let her go walk around with it. She ends up choking on it. Is it Gerber's fault or mine? Answer #3: What do you allege that they did wrong such that they owe you money?

In other words, why is your cat swallowing twine their fault?


Title: Urgent - Hair Salon Forcing Employees to Sign Contract Today

Question:
Somewhat urgent matter.

I work for a hair salon in Roswell, GA. We came into work today and the owner is asking us all to sign a contract essentially stating that if we do not provide do not provide at least 10 days notice before quitting, we will be charged for the services that we were booked for.

For example, if I was booked for three $100 perms - I would be charged $300.

Everyone is freaking out, we think this is illegal, we've been informed that failure to sign the contract TODAY would lead to immediate termination.

The contract is 7 pages long and I would like my dad to review before signing anything but they're being very difficult.

Maybe i'm not reading this right but I just don't have time to review the contact.

&#x200B;

Please help, what should I do? I cannot afford to lose my job.

Answer:
 Illegal or not, walk away from it or they’ll try and get you in the end anyway.Answer #2: If everyone doesn't sign it, will they fire everyone? Seriously don't sign it. You could always negotiate. Since they want 10 days to quit, demand 10 days to be fired.Answer #3: You always have a right to run a contract by your lawyer, and its a right you should exercise.

If you can't afford to lose your job then you REALY can't afford to sign a contract that screws you over.Answer #4: Convince nobody to sign it. Solidarity is the way to go.


Title: I'm screwed. I owe $82,000 in back child support, don't have a job, and now they want to suspend my license. What to do?

Question:
Back in 1996 my (now) ex-wife and I had a child together. I found out later that the child isn't mine. We got divorced in 2001 and she and my son moved to California in 2005. Between 2001 and 2005 we had an agreement that I would get visitation every other weekend and I would give her a couple hundred dollars every time I dropped my son off.

In 2009, I started getting letters in the mail about child support from California's Treasury stating that I owed about $126,000. I started mailing off checks every month for around $650. In 2014, I get a letter in the mail with a check for $2077 saying I didn't owe anything else. I was ecstatic, but that was short lived. In 2015 I get a letter saying I was still responsible for the remainder of the balance. I went to court to see what the confusion was and they said it was a clerical error, that I was still on the hook. They started garnishing my wages because I was a deadbeat because I thought I was in the clear.

I lost my job last month and don't have any money for child support. Today I got a letter in the mail saying my driver license is going to be suspended if I don't cough up $900. Without a license, I can't work! I have a job lined up but it won't start until mid August/ September. I'm in dire straights here! I'm not suicidal, but it's looking more appealing every day. What can I possibly do?

Answer:
 > I found out later that the child isn't mine.

Do you have any idea who the father is? This may be your only out. Answer #2: >Between 2001 and 2005 we had an agreement that I would get visitation every other weekend and I would give her a couple hundred dollars every time I dropped my son off.

Was this a formal agreement? At what pointing the in the process did you find out the child was not biologically yours?

Also, please, as others have mentioned reach out to a suicide prevention hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) if you even bothered to mention that in your post you should get that help you need first.Answer #3: Pick up another part time job in the mean time?  Borrow some money from folks to make a payment?  Get ready to start taking public transportation?

Short of pay money to an attorney to figure out what's actually going on and possibly reduce/delay/get you out of your obligation, you don't have many choices.


Title: Told her fiance she is cheating with me

Question:
\[Ontario, Canada\]

I was in a relationship with this girl for more than a year now and two weeks ago I found out that she was cheating on me. As it turns out, she was actually cheating on him with me. Ours was a monogamous relationship because she wanted it to be. She told me one day we could get married and start family.

She was sleeping with both of us during the whole relationship. Also, I found out that she was also getting intimate with a co-worker in addition to everything. I found that out by contacting him on fb. I told him the truth about me and her fiance.

Because I did not want her fiancee(4 years since engagement) to be in the dark, I told him everything(on Facebook). Fiance and her family know each other well. Now she told me not to contact her ever again or she will sue me. She says I have ruined her reputation and character.

I am worried because I am an immigrant on work permit. Could this be a problem in my way of getting Permanent Residence status if she decides to take an action?

I did not share ANY pictures of us.

&#x200B;

Thank you.

Answer:
 She ruined her own reputation and character by cheating.  She got caught and doesn't like it.  So long as you haven't said anything that isn't true and you're not harassing her, you should be fine.Answer #2: No, you're fine. Nothing about telling your ex's partners about her behaviour is against the law, nor is the damage to her reputation a legal issue in any way.

You should leave your ex alone now, though. Continuing to contact her could, if you work at it, be construed as harassment.Answer #3: You didn't do anything that for which you could possibly be held liable.  She's angry and is making empty threats.  Don't have any further contact of any kind with this person.Answer #4: Truth is an absolute defence to libel/slander. The only problem I see is if you continue to contact your ex and people around her as that could be interpreted as harassment.


Title: Moved into a rental with loose bannister. Reported it to the company but before it can be repaired roommate falls down the stairs. What now?

Question:
Georgia, US. We just moved into a rental on Friday, owned by a large rental agency. The house was NOT ready. It was dirty and needed multiple repairs but worst of all the bannister is very loose. Its is held onto the stairs by screws and nails in what is an obviously half assed repair job. The tread on the stairs is worn and the wood is slippery.

We reported it to the rental agency that night but they said they couldn't send anyone out until the 9th of July despite our telling them it was a hazard.

The next day my roommate is walking down the stairs, unable to hold the bannister or put weight on it but is staying close to the wall. Several steps from the bottom her shoes slips on the wood stair and she falls, hurting her hip and arm and shattering her phone.

One person saw this, a woman the company hired to clean the house.

No, she hasnt been to the doctor yet. No we havent reported it to the company yet, they dont have phone hours on the weekends.

What responsibility does the rental company have to not only replace her phone but to pay for her to see a doctor? She has radiating pain from her hip and lower back and needs to get it looked at.

Secondly, if they are liable but push back, what steps would we need to take to get them to pay for it.

Lastly, could the rental company retaliate by refusing to rent to us after the lease is out?

Sorry for errors, on mobile because our net isnt set up yet.

Answer:
 Run to a doctor or the ER she may have broken bones or a broken hip. The sooner you go the betterAnswer #2: Your friend should contact a plaintiff's personal injury attorney. The Georgia bar association has an attorney referral service.

Anyone attempting to give you advice or opinions about what the rental company has to pay for or what she is entitled to without more information is likely talking out of their ass.

The injured person should treat medically as they would if there was not a potentially liable party.

Also, make sure you have documentation showing your attempt to notify the landlord of the hazard and write down the name of the woman who saw the fall and who she worked for.

As to the question about retaliation, I'm not sure as I don't practice in Georgia. Would be difficult to prove though.


Title: Child support even though kids stay with me?

Question:
Bare with me because this can get a little confusing.
My wife got her kids taken away from her by the kids, father’s “dad but not real dad”.  He worked for the AG and new the right people to talk to in order to get what he wanted. My wife was fighting a uphill battle the moment he decided he wanted to take custody away from her. Fast forward 13 years later (now) and the girls have A. not completed school B. pregnant with babies on the way (one was just born on the 3rd) C. staying with us in our 4bd room house. My wife, who has paid a SMIDGET of child support these whole 13yrs is still being hassled about child support and back pay. Every time she goes to court to tell them the girls don’t stay with him and she’s been taking care of them for the better part of 4/5 years, they tell her to either pay or go to jail. Now it’s confusing because the one of the girls dropped out of school in jr. high and the other dropped out in HS.  Neither has been staying at the grandfathers place the past 4/5 years. I need to know who should I contact to get this sorted out. We need someone with fresh ears who knows nothing about this case and can tell me what our options are. Thanks in advance.

Answer: If your wife was actually supporting the children, she should have filed to have custody granted and child support eliminated. This doesn't reduce the back pay owed, which is probably what the court told her. It's unfortunate that the children didn't finish their education but support is generally owed until children are 18 regardless.


Title: My [20F] boyfriend [24M] blackmailed me into staying with him and I have no idea how to get out.

Question:
We started going out in late February of this year. I didn’t intend for things to get serious so fast, but they did. I left in May to work at a summer camp (I’d been accepted for this job before he and I started going out) and while I was gone decided I did not want to continue in the relationship. However, I’d left a bunch of my stuff at his house to store (since I’d been planning on coming back to him in August when I came back to go to school).
When I started texting him less, and he could tell I was distancing myself, he repeatedly threatened to make the 6-hour drive to where I was working at summer camp to drop my shit off and “cause a scene”. I was worried what might happen, so I convinced him on the phone that I wanted to work things out and I’d just been overwhelmed with my job.
When I came back at the end of summer, I’d hoped to get my shit back and end things immediately. I was nervous, since he’d acted so crazy (lots of yelling and intimidating via phone calls and texts). I even had a friend park down the street to keep an eye out in case things got out of hand, because I felt unsafe around him.
Well, he talked me into staying, though I still knew I wanted to end things. I stuck it out for a few weeks, though he could tell I was completely uninterested and uneasy being around him (I cried every time we had sex, I engaged in very little conversation, and never wanted to go on dates). One night, he pried it out of me - I wanted to end things and I felt stuck and unsafe. This resulted in about 2 hours of him yelling, screaming, and crying while I cried and took it and felt awful for “ruining his life, and wasting his time while he faithfully waited for me all summer”.
To make things worse, I go to a very strict, conservative Christian school where students are required to sign an agreement that involves things like abstaining from sex, and not drinking alcohol. He knows this, and threatened to speak to leadership at my school and get me expelled (somehow in his mind, 2+ years and well over $60,000 so far in tuition was a fair trade for the 3 months of his time I’d wasted while I was gone over the summer).
Over the next 48 hours, I received countless Snapchat messages from him saying things like “You’ve forced my hand” “you know what has to happen next” “you’ve wasted my time” and “ you’ve taken my belief and crushed it” “you know what’s coming to you” etc. As well as a couple of screaming phone calls in which he accused me of recording him and asked what I really wanted to happen. I spent a whole day hiding out in the break room at my job because I was afraid of him showing up on campus and “causing a scene”. I was terrified of what might happen with my school, so I agreed to meet up with him to talk. He manipulated me into agreeing to “try again” - he insisted that if I’d fallen out of love, I could try falling back in love and if in 3 months my feelings had not returned, then we’d re-evaluate.
At first, I just fulfilled what I felt was my end of the agreement (I’d come over and hang out once or twice a week when I could fit it in my schedule, etc). A month passed and I felt okay. We took a road trip in October to visit a friend and I began to feel like things were going well again and while I still felt trapped and worried that if I ever wanted to get out of the relationship I’d be blackmailed again, I felt that for now, things were fine and we were having a good time.
It’s November now, and I am very fed up with lots of things in the relationship (he has been unemployed since June; all he does is drink and smoke; I feel he has very little respect for me, etc) and now he’s talking about marriage and kids and I’m freaking out.
I’ve become pretty good friends with some of his friends, and they all have expressed that they feel I’m too good for him. I’ve opened up about what happened with him trying to blackmail me, and how I feel stuck in the relationship and they all have expressed that they have my back. However I’m still terrified of what might happen if I try to leave for real this time.
Help?????

TL;DR I go to a strict Christian school where students are required to sign an agreement to abstain from sex, etc. I tried leaving my boyfriend (who I’ve been sleeping with) and he threatened to get me expelled. I have no idea how to get out.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: Real talk, you're in an *extremely* abusive relationship that will never get better for you and you need to get out of it. Roughly where do you live? Have you been saving copies of his messages with you, particularly the threatening ones?


Title: Can somebody please explain the new Harvey Weinstein charges and how they are different from the ones he was already facing?

Question:
Hi /r/legaladviceofftopic!

I just saw in the news that Harvey Weinstein had three new charges added today to his criminal case in New York: rape, a criminal sex act, and sex abuse. These charges apparently could get him life in prison. The previous charges(one count of criminal sex act in the first degree and two counts of predatory sexual assault) don't sound that different to my NAL ears and as a survivor, this issue hits pretty close to home. I want to understand why the new charges carry a heavier penalty and/or why they are treated differently from the other crimes he has been indicted on.

Answer:
 You’re mixing up the old and new charges. The old charges were first-degree rape (sexual intercourse by forcible compulsion) and third-degree rape (sexual intercourse without consent) committed in what looks like possibly the same incident in 2013, as well as first-degree criminal sexual act (oral sex by forcible compulsion) with a different victim back in 2004. The degrees are based on how serious the lack of consent was; using physical force or threatening physical injury is considered more serious than just not taking “no” for an answer. The name is based on the type of sexual activity — rape is intercourse, criminal sexual act is oral or anal sex, etc.

The new indictment includes two counts of predatory sexual assault, which is what NY calls particularly aggravated sex crimes. Predatory sexual assault is a special case of first-degree rape, criminal sexual act, aggravated sexual abuse, or course of sexual conduct with a child. These first-degree offenses are already extremely serious (and can get up to 25 years), but NY decided to add another even more aggravated category. If the perpetrator causes serious physical injury to the victim, if they use or threaten to use a dangerous weapon, or if they’re a serial offender, it’s a class A-II felony and carries a mandatory sentence of life (but with the possibility of parole after between 10 and 25 years). Weinstein is presumably being charged as a repeat offender — the first-degree criminal sexual act in 2004 means that both the new first-degree criminal sexual act in 2006 and the first-degree rape in 2013 count as predatory sexual assaults (no, I don’t know why they didn’t charge this from the start, given that the initial charges included a first-degree rape following a first-degree criminal sexual act).


Title: My former landlord charged me $3000 in damages, and just expects me to pay up based on their word and no other proof

Question: My roommates and I recently moved out of our apartment that we rented from August 2017-August 2018. The unit was not in great shape, so I did not expect to get all of the security deposit back, however the landlord not only kept the entirety of the deposit, but requested that we pay an additional \~$900 for damages that are nearly nonexistent. We were charged for broken and stained furniture that was neither broken nor stained, as well as charged for carpet cleaning (which I understood to be a routine cleaning procedure after tenant move-out for most apartment buildings, and therefor should not be an additional cost). When we contested these charges, the real estate agency provided photographs of our unit, which were either blurry or the damages listed were not pictured. Further contesting has been completely ignored, which makes the landlords look even more guilty, in my opinion.

Answer: So don't pay it and tell him you will see him in court.


Title: Officer put wrong car make on speeding ticket

Question:
I was driving a Honda and the officer who issued me a speeding ticket put Hyundai , is this enough to get the ticket dismissed or reduced?
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer: No. A clerical error doesn't really change anything.


Title: Bank sent me the title before it's paid off

Question:
United States / I'm in Texas / The bank is in Indiana

As the title says, the bank sent me the title to my vehicle before it's fully paid off. Here's the longer version and my question.
Earlier this year, I had some hail damage on my 2011 Ford Escape Limited. I contacted my insurance company and they covered the damages. I have a $200 deductible. They valued the damages at around $6700. The options they gave me were to either have them send a check to the shop of my choice or to the lender who holds my loan. I chose to have it sent to my lender, considering how much I still owed on the vehicle. They agreed and sent them a check. The lender applied that check primarily to my principle. The $6500 check my insurance company sent (it was minus my deductible) paid off a good chunk of my principle. I still have about $8300 that I owe on it. The bank then sent me a nice letter thanking me for being a customer and for paying off my interest. They even applied it to my credit. Then they sent me the title. I was very confused because I don't have the loan paid off yet. Then I noticed on the title that it says "Lien Released" with a signature next to it, in blue ink. Being that this is a confusing situation for me, I called the bank and asked them what's going on. They basically said, "oops! Our bad, we made a mistake. Please send that back to us immediately and we'll reimburse you for the shipping cost, just include the receipt in the envelope and we'll apply that to your principle."
So here's my question. I've asked several people around me what this really means but keep getting very vague answers like, do the honest thing and send it back. But nobody will tell me how bad the bank actually screwed up and if I have a leg to stand on if I wanted to try to fight this. Maybe some of you wonderfully smart-with-the-law redditors can tell me a bit more about what this means? I still have the title in hand and don't plan to ship it until at least tomorrow afternoon.
P.S. I do not want to keep the vehicle. I'd rather sell it, get rid of it and wash my hands clean of it. Anyone in the market? It's white with a V6 and leather.

So I owed around $14k before the big payment. Now I owe $8363.91 and that amount has not changed in the last ~23 days when I log on the bank website. I normally was able to see the amount increase over time. Now, it has not increased at all. That being said, when I log on and look closer at the big payment, it does show only $16.24 was applied towards interest and $6486.85 towards the principle. The loan started in August 2014, with a 72 month agreement. It has a 4.99% interest rate.
That being said, it was my EX-wife's vehicle, which she was awarded in the divorce. After the divorce was finalized, she never put the vehicle into her name and then quit paying for it. The bank came and got it from her and called me, asking if I wanted it. I agreed since I didn't want a vehicle repossession on my record along with the home foreclosure. (she did the same thing with the house; I got shafted.) So I took the vehicle and made larger than required payments for about 10 months as a show of good faith to the bank. Since they had to come get it from her as well as had some late payments, missed payments, etc, I wanted to show that I am completely separate from her, and am a responsible adult who pays his bills. I have since made all payments in full and on time. The monthly payment is around $465. I made $500 payments for the first 10 months after I got it back from the ex.

What are my options, Reddit?

EDIT:  THANK YOU to everyone who responded and made an effort to help me. I truly do appreciate your assistance, even when it's the opposite of what you think I want to hear.
I've made a final decision and I will mail the title back to the bank tomorrow. I'd do it today, but I'm at work, the title is at home and I won't get home from work until well after the post office is closed for the day.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 The bank has more (and more well-paid) attorneys than you do. They will win, and if you are lucky all they will do is get the money you still owe.Answer #2: **TL;DR** Bank accidentally sent title for car still under payment. Bank confirms title was sent by mistake and asks for its return (Bank offered to cover shipping).

OP wants to "fight this" (‽) and know what his/her options are.Answer #3: FYI, this was previously posted on r/personalfinance and I suggested that OP post here for help understanding the legal obligation concerning sending the title back, continued loan payments, etc...

Best of luck OP!Answer #4: You had a loan, you still have a loan.

The bank had a title to secure that loan, now they do not.

Possible results -

* You sent the title back, things continue as before

* You don't send the title back but keep paying your monthly payment, the bank decides it is not worth it and ignores it for now

* You don't send the title back but keep paying your monthly payment, The bank decides to exercise one of several possible clauses in your loan that makes it due immediately if they no longer have the security for the loan. You either pay them the entire amount or they screw your credit and hand it off to a collections company.

* You don't send the title back and stop paying your monthly payment, The bank sues you for non-payment and places liens on your bank accounts, paycheck, tax refunds, home, etc.

Or any mixture of the above...


Title: [Ohio]Being charged with possession of alcohol while in the presence of a minor. Court date is... well, in 8 hours.

Question:
Hey, Reddit.  So here's the background to this.

So a bit less than a month and a half ago, I was caught outside my apartment complex with one friend/co-worker (21) and another friend/co-worker (17) drinking.  I was drunk.  The adult friend was drunk.  The minor, we honestly don't know.  She was given a drink at some point, but never seen drinking it.  She mostly had fun watching us be stupid.

Eventually the cops came because we were being too loud.  They used a breathalyzer on her (and only her) when they appeared.  She told the cop she was sorry for drinking and had another cop take her home.  The first cop then came to us and scolded my friend specifically about providing alcohol to a minor.  I didn't say a thing to him until he asked for my phone number and address, which I provided.  He then told us to go home.

Fast-forward to right now and I currently have my summons for "knowingly allowing an underage person to remain while possessing (ORC 4301.69B violation)" that also correctly claims I provided alcohol to said minor, despite never saying such.  I've taken no (smart) action on this despite having this summons for a month.  I have not talked to an attorney.

For anyone on either end of this situation, what should I expect when I head to court in the morning?  How do these usually end for someone with no priors?  I know there's no guarantee I'll have the same result as someone else.  I intend to go in an hour or so early to maybe find an attorney and talk to them about this.  I'm an idiot for not doing anything before now for having a first degree misdemeanor.

Just to add, we were never told the results of the breathalyzer.  The minor honestly feels like she was pushed into saying she had something to drink.  She originally denied having anything, but then the cop continued to harass her for a minute or so until she said she did.  Her words, though; I heard none of it myself.
Topic:
Alcohol Related Other than DUI

Answer: So after reading [the offense you were charged with](http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4301.69), I honestly can't figure out if it's a misdemeanor or a violation. It looks like a misdemeanor though. Assuming it is, don't expect much to happen tomorrow one way or the other. If it is your first court date, essentially all that will happen is you'll plead not guilty, ask to be represented by an attorney, and they'll give you another court date. There is the chance that the prosecutor may offer you or your attorney or resolution same day, though. If he does, you should not accept it until you've had a chance to talk to an attorney.


Title: Vendor overcharged me and said no returns but he signed my receipt without my permission

Question: It’s pretty basic. I found out after the purchase that he lied to me and overcharged me for a product (deceived me on the actual price and what it was worth), and the receipt said no refunds. However, HE signed the receipt for me without my permission. Can I essentially force a refund because of this?

Answer:
 What was your method of payment?

If  you used a personal card issued by V/MC/AMEX/DISC you can probably institute a chargeback for the amount overcharged.  You will have to provide soild documentation that you were indeed overcharged - not just 'well he said it was this much, but then charged me more', more like a written offer of price, texts, emails, etc...

When you say 'reciept' do you mean the CC authorization slip?  As in you didn't sign, or refused to sign, or what happened when they asked you to sign at the time of purchase?

Edit: It sounds like you just bought something that someone told you was worth XXX dollars, so you paid XX dollars, but you found out it was only worth X dollars.  If that is the case, you are SOL, caveat emptor.  However if there was an advertised price, and you paid more, you *may* have a case.

If you are unable to pursue the chargeback or didn't pay on a card, small claims court and the same basic story applies.Answer #2: > he lied to me and overcharged me for a product (deceived me on the actual price and what it was worth)

> Can I essentially force a refund because of this?

No. Sorry.


Title: (Georgia) Lawyer going to drop my mothers case if we don't take a settlement, what can we do?

Question:
My mother is currently involved in a lawsuit, they offered her a settlement of a negligible amount. She rejected this offer, now they are saying that if she does not take the offer then they will drop her case as a firm. They are also saying that if she takes the offer she can possibly get more money in the future, through some kind of program.

What can we do?

Edit 1: They said if we didn't think the settlement was good then we should not accept it. So we didn't. Now they are trying to strong arm her to take the settlement or they drop her case.

Answer: Odds are the lawyer knows that the case is not likely to win if it goes further. You could probably get a second opinion, though.Answer #2: You know what your options are. You could always get a second opinion.  If you refuse the settlement you will owe the attorney for any time worked on the case and will have to get a new one.


Title: [USA] The legality of selling cash on "darknet" (.onion Tor hidden services) marketplaces for bitcoin

Question:
EDIT: I'd prefer not to be more specific in my location. If this would likely be illegal/legal in specific states just consider the most obvious ones with previous cases or specific legislation.

Darknet marketplaces are online marketplaces set up to sell mostly illegal products. Drugs, credit cards, passwords, hacking services, fraud, and sometimes weapons. Basically anything illegal that could be sold online.

They all end in the ".onion" domain and are only accessible using the Tor web browser. This ensures that users visiting them are mostly anonymous.

Vendors and buyers perform all their transactions in "bitcoin", which in this setting are basically treated like casino chips. They are used as an intermediary to avoid the problems that would arise dealing with normal means of payment.

After a purchase is made, the vendor must go through an extensive laundering process to protect their anonymity when converting bitcoin to normal currencies.

**My question is**, would it be legal for somebody to sell cash on these marketplaces for a profit, when their customers may or may not be using it to launder money?

Selling cash at a profit and sending cash through the mail is legal. So what if this cash selling business were to be registered as a legitimate company which pays taxes and keeps proper records just like any other business?

If law enforcement were to get involved, the company would be completely honest and open. However, their customers, other than their address, would be unknown considering the nature of the darknet marketplaces.

I see this as being a somewhat similar situation to what Apple and Google have done with encryption on their various platforms. Sure, their product may have been used in the crime, but they do not have the means to decrypt the data.

Answer:
 I won't address the many ways that you would be scammed out of your cash by your "customers".  That aside, you would be selling your cash (that you would send to your customers in the mail), in exchange for what?  If you are selling your cash for another type of currency, like say bitcoins, then you can simply look into the legality and processes used by any other bitcoin currency exchange system.Answer #2: Nothing inherently illegal, but you would first need to register as a "Money Services Business" with the Department of Treasury.  https://www.fincen.gov/financial_institutions/msb/msb.registration.html

Depending on your state, you'll probably also need what is called a "Money Transmitter's License."  Check your state's Department of Finance or whatever it might be called to see about obtaining this license.

Expect to get a bond, go through a background check, fill out a bunch of forms and pay about $2k in fees.


Title: Landlord tells me our house is not 420 friendly. However, there is no clause in the lease to back up this rule.

Question:
Update:

I spoke with her about it and she decided that since it wasn't originally included in the lease that tenants can smoke outside. Thanks everyone for your contributions.

Edit: marijuana has been decriminalized in WA, not legalized.

This is happening in Washington state, where marijuana has been legalized for recreation use.

I found a house on Craigslist and rented it, then found 3 other people to fill the remaining rooms.

I don't remember a word about the landlord not allowing marijuana on the ad and there is nothing on the lease concerning it. 9 months later, the landlord tells me she doesn't allow marijuana on the property. (She does allow cigarette smoking outside though) I'm not sure what to say to her without causing a conflict.

I understand that it's her property and I am more than willing to follow her rules it's just going to be inconvenient for the people that smoke regularly. I very rarely partake so I don't care, but I feel responsible for the others that I brought into the situation.

Also, this house is in a neighborhood with decently spaced homes and we don't have complaints from neighbors or anything like that. It sounds like it's just her personal stance on the matter.

Answer: Marijuana has *not* been legalized in Washington. In Washington, as in all states, marijuana is illegal under federal law. It has been decriminalized under state law.


Title: Mobile Broadband ISP is unjustly throttling my 4G account

Question:
I live in an under served rural area in central Wisconsin, our only option out here for decent internet comes in the form of mobile broadband. I have a pay as you go plan with a limit of 20GB of data every month but my ISP throttles me down to >200kbits well before I hit that limit, this month I was throttled after hitting 5GB.

I play $90 every month for this plan and yet for 2 months in a row now my ISP has not delivered the service speeds I paid for, speeds are well under the FCC's definition of 'broadband'. I've contacted my ISP numerous times both by phone and through their ticket service but I only seem to get the runaround. They have had over 30 days to fix the problem (which is on their end) but they have not and yet they continually bill me monthly.

How can I go about getting them to fix the problem without them terminating my service altogether? (I need internet access)

Thanks in advance

Answer: Have you read your contact? Does it include throttling?


Title: [Arkansas] I was paying child support for a child that never existed

Question: My ex-wife and I divorced two years ago. I was lead to believe she was five months pregnant at the time. We had an agreement (not legally) that I would pay her $250 every two weeks or $500 a month. I was not present at the birth but she sent me pictures of the baby. I did not get any visitations, only pictures. I've found out the child in the pictures is actually her niece's. I learned this through one of her aunts. Can I sue her for the money I paid?

Answer:
 >Can I sue her for the money I paid?

Yes. However, Arkansas' small claims court limit is $5000, so if you've spent more than that you will need to get an attorney and take it to a higher court.

Your ex may also be criminally guilty of fraud, so I would talk to your local police.Answer #2: If you have proof of moneys paid out you certainly can sue her. You might also be able to make a police report for fraud but IANAL and could be mistaken about that.Answer #3: This is exactly why you should never pay anything to your ex unless you have been ordered to do so by a court or have a clearly written and enforceable contract drafted by a lawyer.

The answer is yes, you can sue her for the money you paid.  Talk to a lawyer.Answer #4: How did you get divorced from an ostensibly pregnant wife? Most (if not all?) states limit the ability to divorce if the wife is pregnant and even if allowed a parenting plan would have to be part of the divorce settlement.


Title: [OK] Does having a placard or sticker saying is not liable for broken windshields make them not liable for windshield repairs

Question:
I'm pretty sure everyone in the country seen these before and I had my window cracked at one point in Vegas when they did a demolition, having trucks roll out loaded with debris.

This can't be legal right? Is it just a scare tactic?

Answer: No, the sign does not absolve them of responsibility. It does alert drivers to stay back, which is the point


Title: (STL) Can I legally plea the 5th when a police officer stops me?

Question: /topic

Answer:
 You can, but you're going to look pretty silly doing it.  The 5th Amendment privilege against self-incrimination applies in court to testimony.  It does not apply to the side of the road when you're talking to a police officer.

Having said that, beyond providing your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance, you're not required to say anything to an officer, much less answer any questions.


Title: Mississippi, I am running for mayor and the Statement of Economic Interest with the Mississippi Ethics Commission is confusing me

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Tax Law

Answer:
 > ($10,000 fine for an incorrect answer).

so spend a few hundred dollars on an attorney


Title: [Alberta] I want a divorce, but my wife does not.

Question:
Can I still divorce her?

If it matters, we've been sleeping in separate bedrooms for five years and had sex just once in the past year.

Answer:
 you will be filing for a contested divorce, and you'll really want an attorney to proceed. Answer #2: Yes, you may file for a divorce even if your spouse does not want a divorce. A marriage is a two-person agreement, and either one of you can initiate a separation/divorce.Answer #3: You have to show that you've been separated for at least a year. [Your situation might qualify, but it might not](http://divorce-canada.ca/marriage-separation-in-canada):

>Lastly, being separated from your spouse does not always mean that you must be living at separate addresses. Being separated means that you and your spouse must be living separate lives. From the courts perspective living at separate address is the easiest way to prove this. In the event that separate addresses are not possible (due to finances, children, etc.) you may reside at the same address as your spouse, and still be separated. In this type of situation the court will require that the couple prove that while they were dwelling at the same address they no longer lived as a couple. This can be complicated and usually requires legal representation.Answer #4: Thanks for the replies. Seems like a visit to a lawyer is the best first step.


Title: My Grandmother put me in her will when she passed, I have reason to believe my sister is hiding it.

Question:
This is my first post in legal advice, I'm very naive to these sort of things so I apologize.

For the past month or so my Grandmothers condition was slowly degrading, so my mother calls up my sister (currently lives in Michigan) to let her know about her soon to be passing grandma. My sister leaves immediately to meet my mom and me in California.

As soon as my sister arrives she takes all the responsibility of taking care of my grandma and pretty much kicks my mom out of the picture (my mom is still kinda ok with that at this moment as she thinks my sister is just trying to help.). Soon after arriving she sits my poor sick grandmother in her car and drives her to the bank. My sister gets my grandmother to put my sisters name on her bank and immediately puts $25,000 of my grandmothers money in her bank account.

Shortly after, my mother learns that my sister has been bringing attorneys to my grandmothers house daily to get her to sign a trust, which my grandma wants nothing to do with so she doesn't sign. My grandmother asks them to leave, but my sister brings them into the next room where my grandmother can hear them talking about her. My grandmother becomes very sad and calls my mother to tell her whats going on. My grandmother explains that she would never sign those papers and that she left a large sum of money for my sister, mother and myself in her will.

My mother calls my sister to see whats up and instead of getting an answer my sister tell her to "mind your own fucking business","you just want her money" and "I hope you rot in hell".

The next night my Grandmother passed away. We went to my grandmothers house to say our last goodbye and handle her body. My sister was there but we barely said anything.. After the body was taken care of my sister hands my mother a manila envelope that has my grandmas legal docs inside( To clarify, my grandmother was sharp as a tack up until death.. Extremely organized and all.. Everything was exactly where she said they would be except for her will..). This manila folder was supposed to have my grandmothers will inside of it, but it wasn't. Also missing was my grandmothers phone book that she had left next to her house phone for 30 years, and without that there is no way for us to contact relatives.

My sister left back to Michigan the morning after my grandmothers death and asked my mom to give her some space to re coup(no longer acting like the money mattered to her.)
My mom opened the manila envelope after my sister left and found no trace of the will. My sister pleaded ignorance to it and asked my mom to check her safe deposit box(where my grandmother actually said it WOULD NOT BE) while asking for 10-20 death certificates. My mom does not have a lot of money, in fact my grandmother was supplying my mother with $200 a month to pay for her rent.. My mom asked my sister for half of the $25,000 that she took from my grandmother to help pay for everything that's happening but my sister stopped responding.

I recently called my local probate clerk after hours of searching for the number and being transferred to busy signals but they could not find her will. To make matters worse, I've just found out that my grandmother is still legally married to a man that left her 25 years ago and ran off to Hungary.

My mother recently found 2 cards with attorney names on them within my grandmothers belongings and we are in the midst of contacting them.. If they didn't help construct the will.... I'm not sure what to do. The money isn't the most important thing in the world of course... but i don't have the money myself to take care of my mother, and my grandmother left money because she knew my mom needed it..

I'm sorry if this is formatted weird or hard to understand, I will answer any questions that I possibly can to clarify. This has been extremely painful to my mother and myself and would appreciate any help we can get. Thank You!

TLDR; My Grandmother passed away, my sister shows up with what seems like bad intentions, moves attorneys in, last will and testament is no longer where it was said to be.

Answer:
 Either you find the will and probate it or you probate the estate intestate where likely everything goes to mom. You can find an attorney who can handle the probate and just deduct their fees from the estate. Answer #2: Please do not send ten or twenty death certificates to your sister.  She can wreak havoc with those.  Answer #3: >Soon after arriving she sits my poor sick grandmother in her car and drives her to the bank. My sister gets my grandmother to put my sisters name on her bank and immediately puts $25,000 of my grandmothers money in her bank account.

Could this qualify as elder abuse, or coercion?  Your sister might be in trouble.Answer #4: I'm sorry for your loss.

You need to contact a probate attorney.  If the cards with attorneys' names are not the cards of an attorney who helped her with her will, find a different probate attorney.  Most will give a free consultation.  If not, it's certainly worth paying for an hour of his or her time to understand what you can and should do next.
Answer #5: its unfortunate that your sister would do that. how old is she?


Title: Gym forged my signature on contract

Question:
I joined a gym in Richmond, Virginia last September after losing a lot of weight. I was a little nervous since I hadnt been in a gym in quite a few years, and signed up for personal training sessions. I was told this was month to month and could cancel with 30 days notice. Recently I tried to discontinue my sessions and was told I couldn't because I signed a 1 year contract. I was floored because I knew the sessions would only last until our baby was born and would never agree to a 1 year commitment. The person who signed me up, "Bill", was fired and they wouldn't tell me why. When I was waiting for the general manager I voiced my suspicion of him changing my contract without approval to the desk employee and he said "that's one of the reasons he's no longer here". Whoops. The GM still refused to void the "contract", offered me a buyout at 50% of the balance, which I refused, and she left for the day. After she left, I was finally given my contract and instantly saw that the signature on there was not mine. I have had the same signature for almost 20 years and it never changes. They did ok with the first name but wasn't even close with my last name. Once I got home I went to the Better Business Bureau website and found 4 complaints against "Bill" for the exact same thing. I went from being mad based in the principle of being lied to by "Bill" to really pissed that he forged my signature on a document. What are my options if they still won't tear up the fake contract?

EDIT: I did a little research last night. I was looking for my copy of the contract and couldn't find it anywhere in my inbox. I signed an electronic pinpad and was told by the trainer that my copy would be emailed to me. I was not given a copy of the contract upon execution and that violates the Virginia Health Spa Act. Since they violated Sec 298 of the Act, Sec 301 states the contract can be voided by the buyer. Also Sec 297.1 says that any contract voided by the club for a reason not listed above entitles me to a full refund. I have them by the balls on this and that doesnt even account for the blatantly forged signature. Which I can prove with copies of checks from my bank, has looked the same for many years. How do I approach them with this information? Should I just call a lawyer and sue them? I still kinda just want it all to go away and not be charged anymore.

EDIT 2: When I asked for a copy of my contract yesterday. The desk employee said to check my email, and admitted that they email a copy later and not at time of execution.

EDIT 3: Called up there and employee confirmed that "Bill" never emailed me my copy of the contract. Clear violation of VAHSA. WAS told district manager would be calling me today.

FINAL EDIT: They voided the remainder of the contract. Thanks for all the advice.

Answer:
 Make a copy of your copy.  Type up a letter with the GM's name on it that says:

"Dear /r/Dredd_Inside.  You have asked to terminate your agreement dated [x].  We agree to terminate that agreement and waive any further payments thereunder.  Signed  [Blank]  GM Name, General Manager, [Gym Name]"

Then, tomorrow, go into the GM's office, say "I have evidence that Bill forged my signature. I know that you're aware that he did this with other people.  If you don't sign this letter, my next stop will be  the Attorney General's office."

If the GM refuses to sign, then follow up with the AG's office.  Bring a copy of the BBB website.Answer #2: How the hell are they acknowledging that their employee forged signatures, and agreeing that he probably faked yours, and still insisting on treating the contract as valid...it boggles the mind. Answer #3: Not Legal Advice, but the Better Business Bureau is pretty just old school yelp or google reviews. They don't have any pull to do anything. Is your gym part of a franchise? Maybe you could go further up the chain. If they take the payment from your bank account you could contact your bank to stop the payment.


Title: My wife is getting screwed by a co-worker.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >My wife is getting screwed by a co-worker.

Dude, phrasing.


Title: Refusing a Non Disclosure Agreement...?

Question:
I was subletting a room from a woman within a house of 5 roommates here in California. When I decided to move 18 months later, the main leaseholder was furious even though it was 100% by the book and I was a month-to-month tenant at that point. Our relationship was strictly landlord/tenant, and it has been an extremely difficult moving process because she has harassed me (and any family member helping me) verbally any time I returned to retrieve my items and through text/email. She also vandalized/destroyed some of my property the last time I returned to move out my furniture.

Now that the thirty day period is up, she is asking me to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement for some reason (I can't fathom why) and to return it to her when I turn in my keys, or else she will withhold part of the security deposit. I can't fathom why she would request it but it is not something I am willing to sign. My questions are, how can I properly decline to sign the NDA? Any does she have any basis for withholding the security deposit for something like that? My gut and my logic says no...

Thank you, thank you, thank you in advance.

Answer: Just say no. If she doesn't send you your deposit back, sue her in small claims court.


Title: Who has liability in this scenario

Question:
Suppose a physically small, younger woman checks into a hotel for a week in a state with permissive self defense laws.

Midway through her stay, the front desk, while checking someone else out, mistakenly checks *her* out instead, and then the room is assigned to another guest later. This other guest, a huge burly 6 foot tall scary looking biker type, enters the room, and the woman, encountering what appears from her perspective to be a home (or room) invasion, shoots the guy in accordance with the state's Castle Doctrine law which treats a rented hotel room in the same manner as one's permanent home.

Assuming both people were acting in accordance with the law (her, acting in defense of her "home", and him, entering the room he'd just rented at the hotel not knowing that someone else already occupied it), what kind of legal or civil liability is faced by the hotel or the two guests in this case?

(I had a similar room mixup happen to me once except without any violence, and I was just wondering how things would have legally progressed had things gone differently).

Answer:
>(I had a similar room mixup happen to me once except without any violence, and I was just wondering how things would have legally progressed had things gone differently).

So the hotel checked you out and sent another guest in without cleaning the room? GrossAnswer #2: Assuming what happens is the guy walks into the room and is shot immediately before he has a chance to retreat after realizing the room was occupied and before any verbal exchange that would allow identification, they way I see this playing out is civil suits by both guests against the hotel and the clerk, and possibly a suit by the biker dude against the original guest.

There's a remote chance of a manslaughter charge against a clerk, but unlike putting a knee on someone's neck, I think the cause and effect are too disconnected and remote. 99.9% of the time when someone gets the wrong room there's an awkward moment and then the new guest goes down to the guest to get the issue fixed.Answer #3: Castle Doctrine eliminates the duty to retreat (if it exists). It does not allow you to unilaterally shoot anyone who comes into your home.

Self defense requires two elements: a *subjective* fear of death or serious bodily harm and an *objective* fear of death or serious bodily harm.

The subjective test is "did **the shooter** actually feel like their life was in danger."

The objective test is "would **a reasonable person** have felt like their life was in danger."

The question you've asked is going to depend on the second element. Based solely on the description you provided - a guy walks into the room and doesn't make any threatening gestures, have a weapon, etc. - then the woman would be guilty of killing the intruder.


Title: WI/F/53 - Divorced 5 years, Ex has court order to pay % of mortgage, stopped paying in June.

Question:
How do I go about getting blood from a turnip?  I have been paying 100% of this second mortgage (no first mortgage) but am only responsible for less than 10%.  We have one grown child going to collage and living at my house and one minor in high school.  We have joint custody.  He doesn't make a whole lot but was managing to pay $400 per month up till June, then just stopped.
Topic:
Douche

Answer: If your ex is not following the court order, you take him back to court to have the judge enforce the order.


Title: I had a child 4 years ago, the father left the state and had zero contact since the child was born. Recently I was forced to go after him for child support to receive food assistance (SNAP) and now that father had tax return taken he suddenly wants custody of the child.

Question:
I was 17, I consented to sex but not for him finish in me. I tried to force him off but he was stronger than me. I ended up having a baby girl at 18 and the biological father was there during the birth and saw the child a total of 4 times in the first month of my daughter's life then when she was 5 weeks old he left and I've never seen him since.

When my daughter was two months old I got together with my current partner. I moved in with him and he started caring for the child. He worked and paid for everything and I was a stay at home mom. When she was about 1 year old my current partner asked me how I felt about him adopting her, I said yes since he's great with her, he was concerned about the biological father so my partner sent him a message on Facebook asking how he felt about him adopting her and the only response we got was "Fuck you" then he blocked both our accounts so we couldn't contact him. It was at this time we found out the biological father moved to California and we are in Kansas.

Here we are 4 years later and our daughter doesn't know about her biological father, she knows my current partner as "dad" and he's cared for her as his own since we got together. I plan on telling her when she gets older but I don't think a 4 year old would understand.

My partner was diagnosed with a joint disease 2 years ago and hasn't had a job since. I work full time to support my family and he stays at home and cares for the children and does all house work etc. I say children because I had another child a year ago with him and I am pregnant again and due in 2 days.

Because he had a high paying job and we lost that I applied for food assistance (SNAP) to help make up the difference. We currently get $20 per person per week. We've had this since he lost his job, however about 6 months ago when I had to reapply as you do every so often they told me to get our food assistance we had to go after the biological father for child support, at first I said no but since we rely on the food assistance I ended up saying I would comply. Since it was comply or end assistance.

DCF (department of children and families) in Kansas took him to court and he didn't show up so we were awarded the judgment and he was forced to pay $2000 in back pay as well as a monthly amount. I currently get about $100 a month in child support from him. Then around tax time we got $900 I assume it was from his tax refund as part of the $2000 he was ordered to pay us.

At this time I got a message from him saying he's a changed person and he wants to see the child since he's paying for her. This is the first time in 3 years we've heard anything from him and it was right at the time I got his tax return. I explained to him that the child doesn't even know he exists and that it would be complicated. He then later told me via electronic message he doesn't care about seeing the child and that he just wants to stop paying child support but he claims if he has to pay then he should get to see her even though he doesn't care about her.

This is where I am lost at. Obviously I don't want him to see her, he's not a good person and shes happy. I don't want her to have to see a man she doesn't even know who claims to be her dad when her first memories are of my current partner being her dad. Plus he lives in California and we are in Kansas, I'm not going to send my child to a different state but he says he should get part custody if he's paying child support.

He wants me to hire a lawyer to help him stop payments but it wasn't me who took him to court it was DCF (department of children and families) . I don't have money to hire a lawyer for the same reason I needed the food assistance. I'm not sure what to do or how to start this. My partner wants to adopt her but from the research I've done the process isn't simple and costs money in legal fees which is why we haven't done it yet.

I believe he's just trying to scare me into thinking he would get the child if he takes us to court. He has said he doesn't want anything to do with the child and has had 4 years to make contact but didn't even when we tried to contact him.  However I am scared and unsure what to do. Even if I hired a lawyer I'm not sure there is much I can do since it wasn't me who took him to court in the first place. Which I've explained to him but he doesn't care.

Any help or direction would be helpful. Thank you.

Answer: If your partner wants to adopt the child, ask him to terminate his rights so he stop paying.


Title: Estranged Husband trying to sell the house I live in, ON, Canada

Question: My Ex and I split up almost 5 years ago, because he was having an affair. I was away on business when I found out about it. When I arrived home I was told to leave the house as he was moving his new girlfriend in because she was evicted from her apartment. I found a small 2 bedroom apartment downtown and rented it. I asked my Ex for $2000.00 from our joint checking account for moving expenses (which had almost $150,000.00 in it when I left on business that he hid in some other account). He told me that in order to receive the $2000.00 I would have to sign over all rights to our marital home to him. We drew up a paper stating that I relinquish my rights to the house and had it notarized. My name is still on the deed and mortgage loan. About a year ago he had to move out of town for his job, he asked me if I would like to move back into the house. We drew up another agreement, this time as me as the tenant, stating that I had a 3 year lease and when that is up, I could either buy him out of the house, or he could put it up for sale, or renew my lease. In the agreement/lease it states that he is responsible for the property taxes and mortgage payments from what I am paying him, (which is double the mortgage payment.) Today he called me with a 60 day notice that he is putting the house up for sale, he is in arrears huge with the property taxes and needs money. He did offer to let me buy him out, but I am not in a position to re-mortgage at the moment. Our 2 children also live in the house, as does our 1 year old granddaughter. He will be leaving all of us homeless since he has ruined my credit, I won't be able to get a rental anywhere. I paid him over $6000.00 in the past year to pay the property taxes, which if caught up would only be $250.00 a month. He has only paid $1800.00 in taxes all year. Do I have any legal recourse that I could follow so my family is not out on the street? If anyone has any legal advice about this I would greatly appreciate it.

Answer:
 You need legal advice from a divorce lawyer, because you and your ex are still married, still have entangled finances you haven't resolved, and you need to watch out for your own interests.  You should never have signed over the property to him without consulting a lawyer, and given the duress you were under you might be able to challenge that document.

You may be screwed because there may be no assets left for you to fight over... but you should at least make damn sure that's the truth before you give up and walk away.


Title: Unlawful arrest (Michigan)

Question: Last night my wife and I was driving back home from an out of town football game and I was pulled over for a Invalid license plate.The officer found open intoxicantes and I was charged with OWI/driving with open alcohol.While in a the police car the officer runs the plate again and realizes he transposed a letter for a number (ie:BIG BOY / B1G BOY) and still arrested me. Would I have a case for unlawful arrest

Answer:
 No, it was a lawful arrest at the time. Answer #2: > Would I have a case for unlawful arrest

Not at all. You were arrested for a crime you committed.

In terms of the stop, if he had a reasonable, good faith belief that he was acting legally (which it seems he had given the similarity of license plates) you won't have the open container thrown out. But you can consult with a local attorney and see if they have a different take on it.