Title: Car crash advice needed!

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >What do I do now?

See where you car is and which impound to make sure you're not racking up a bill anywhere.

>I don't want to go to jail for fleeing the scene

It'll be clear to your insurance just it is like the police you crashed and left your car. If you get arrested, which may or may not happen, don't say anymore, plead not guilty at arraignment and ask for a lawyer.

but I need to file an insurance claim?

What kind of coverage did you have? If they will cover your accident ultimately depends on what's covered in your policy.

>Zero witnesses

Pretty positive you were dwi-ing. Hopefully for you there's no sign of it in your car.


Title: Neighborhood Harassment/Trespassing/Theft

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 You don't need to prove anything.  You file a police report and tell the police everything you know, and let them do the investigating.  You don't build any kind of case at all; that's the job of the state when it comes to criminal charges.

You can cooperate with law enforcement to the best of your ability.

If you have damages, you can sue those individuals in small claims court for whatever it is you're out (cleaning costs from the paint, etc.).

It may very well be that the police can't do anything, but you won't know until you do.  *Not* going to the police virtually guarantees that nothing will happen.Answer #2: Do yourself a favor and don't escalate with things like a banner with their pictures.  Unless you want to start down the road to harrassment charges of your own. I have seen enough neighbor disputes to know that petty escalations grow in to more serious and illegal things on both sides.

Call the police, make a report.  Get security cameras.


Title: (West Hollywood, CA) Is it legal for my sub-landlord/master tenant to set up a camera that is recording audio and video of the living room after being served a demand letter from my lawyer stating he cannot retaliate? [Landlord/Tenant]

Question:
After many attempts by myself, my mother and the City of West Hollywood Rent Stabilization department, including letters, a cease and desist, filing harassment complaints even the cops have been called to inform the master tenant that what he is doing he has to quit it. (i.e.- Have no working gas in the house, am not allowed to use the kitchen, has called my friends and I names, tries to keep me from exiting or entering while he runs an unlicensed therapy office sporadically throughout the week etc.) My lawyer sent him a lengthy letter yesterday via USPS and email in which he stated the above issues and other ones that were in our original sublease but he slowly started taking them away, and or failed to let me know things such as there is no gas, etc. In the letter, my lawyer made it very clear that retaliation in any form after receiving the letter is totally unacceptable. My lawyer was in court today, so I only was able to get one response from him, letting me know that him setting up the camera I discovered last night completely violates many laws in West Hollywood, especially California law prohibiting audio recording in any form, he also told me, "as your landlord, he can't violate your rights of quiet enjoyment - which this would likely do"

How should I proceed I'm so tired of his bullshit antics, which is absolutely annoying since I literally pay 93% of the rent. He just doesn't stop. If I should just suit him for how much? Or should I attempt to go and have a rent reduction hearing at City Hall first? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: A letter from your lawyer has no legal effect. Having said that, Californian law and court orders totally do. Talk to your lawyer - that's what you pay him for.


Title: Should I be worried?

Question: Someone has called my parents and my current place of employment and has left very aggressive messages at both. The long and short of it is goes something like this. "I'm seeking OP. He knows what this is about and he needs to  consider  himself served. Here is an 800 number and a case number. This is his last chance to contact the plaintiff". This person hasn't contacted my cellphone or sent any letters. I searched my county court site with the case number and nothing comes up. I was under the impression that you couldn't be served over the phone. I'm in NV

Answer:
 You aren't considered served.  If the case number doesn't have anything come up, then this is either a scam to shake you down, someone seeking you out for nefarious purposes, or a debt collector scaring you into contacting them.

I would ignore it altogether.

Also, look up the phone number to see if it belongs to a debt collector or a process server.


Title: My pet snake was killed, can I get justice for him? (NJ)

Question:
To give some context, I'm a really depressed dude. I've been through hell in my life, including a nasty divorce. I bought my pet Ball Python, Ayame, about two years ago. I don't have many friends so taking care of the snake really brought some joy in my life, even if only a little.

Well, Ayame had a tendecy to escape his carrier while I cleaned his tank. It happened, and I spotted him as he began to slither out the open window. I ran out into the backyard, saw my neighbor hanging laundry and my python going into her yard. I yelled at her to use her basket to trap him for me so I can get him. Instead, she grabbed a shovel and decapitated him. I was horrified.

My neighbor and I have usually gotten along, I guess, but we were never friends or even acquaintances. She told me off to letting my snake loose outside. I dropped to my knees and sobbed, which is pathetic since I'm 35.

I've been wanting to get justice for my snake. Everyone tells me to let it go because "it's just a stupid snake, who cares". It's like, would they say that if it was a dog or cat or rabbit that got killed??  Is there anything I can do, legally?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 Yea she can kill a snake in her yard.Answer #2: I feel like people might be telling you to let it go not because it was "just" a snake (we love our pets, understandably) but because it wasn't a malicious act. It sounds like your neighbor was scared shitless and reacted out of fear. I'm really sorry you lost Ayame.Answer #3: Was your property on her property at the time she killed it? If so, she's probably in the clear.

Even if you could legally do anything, your damages would be limited to the market value of the snake.


Title: Job Description: Must be able to lift

Question:
EDIT: Just realized my title got cut off somehow. Should say, "Job Description: Must be able to lift 30 lbs; Doesn't match what I am really required to do"

I just got hired by a marketing company as brand ambassador to promote their product. Being the team lead, I am in charge of the promotion booth. Part of my job is to keep the kit for the booth at home, transport it in my personal vehicle, take it into the location, and set it up. I also have to take it down and load it back into my car to take home. I have to do this Saturday and Sunday for 4 weeks.

Now, here is an excerpt from my job description:
Physical Demands - this position involves regular walking, standing. May occasionally involve stooping, kneeling, or crouching and lifting boxes up to 30 lbs.

One of the boxes containing the booth kit has a label on it that states that the box is 130 lbs. There are also 2 other cylindrical shaped containers that are both 50-60 lbs together.

I am a small girl who can barely lift any of this. The 130 lbs was not in my job description, and I've been having to deal with taking it into San Francisco these past two days and dragging all this stuff in and out of my car to go a couple of blocks to get to the location.

They hired a booth assistant (who is also a girl about my size) to help me take the things in and out of my car and set up/break down the kit, but even with her help, we both had trouble lifting everything and had to make several trips (we were told it should take only one).

Having to deal with such heavy items has really taken a toll on my back. I've been in constant pain. Having to pick up the kit in the first place before I even started the job immediately hurt by back, and the items are so big, that it filled up every inch of my car. I wasn't able to see out my windows, and I ended up backing into a column trying to back out of a parking spot. So it has also obscured my vision while driving, and it's made me very uncomfortable trying to drive in a busy city.

What I'm trying to find out from you all, is what my options are. I feel that I should be compensated for the amount of work that was done, considering that it was much more to manage that my job description described. Also, could the company be liable for the damage done to my car, and can I receive workers comp for my injured back?

I also want to mention that the booth assistant was late the first day, so I had to lift and move the objects all on my own. I feel that I should have extra compensation for that hour because I had to do a job that was meant for two people.

Answer:
 You may be eligible for some workers comp benefits. It doesn't hurt to file a claim.

Can the box that weighs 130 lbs be broken into 2 or 3 smaller boxes?

It's not your employer's fault you don't have a vehicle with enough room to transport the booth safely.

If lifting this is a requirement of the job, and you can't do it without injuring yourself, then it doesn't sound like this is a good fit for you.


Title: Estate Agents changing rental price for next year after we have signed the 12 month contract. Is this acceptable?

Question:
Hello all,

me and my flatmate signed our tenancy agreement for the next twelve months yesterday.

The tenancy agreement was the exact same as last year including the same rental price of £850 so we both signed it and went home happy that our housing was sorted for next year of uni.

 Today the estate agents have contacted us claiming that the rent should be a higher amount than stated in the contract and we should come in to re-sign a new more expensive one. The email claimed that we had discussed this with a property manager which neither of us know of.

Anyone got any idea what we are meant to do? I'm not sure where we stand legally as we have already signed the contract for next year.

Answer: Try /r/LegalAdviceUK, but if I were you I wouldn't sign the new agreement if both parties have signed the contract for 850.Answer #2: If you both signed the contract and it's not some very obvious clerical error (like £85 instead of £850) then politely decline to re-sign anything. Keep your signed copy, records of any communications you've made, records of your rent payments, and be prepared to document any behavior you feel might be retaliatory.


Title: Involuntarily committed to a hospital despite medically approved coping methods. Didn't consent to treatment and now am stuck with massive bill. Am scared this will happen again. (University of Illinois)

Question:
To make a long story short, I have been approved by a psychiatrist and therapist that punching things and being loud is a perfectly acceptable method of coping for it, and that such events will not lead to suicide or self-harm. However, last night, I had a particularly bad day, and someone on my floor decided to call the police without my consent. I tried to convince the officers I was in no danger of self harm, but they would not leave me alone. They forced me to hop on an ambulance with implied threat of physical removal if need be. I did not want to sign a treatment consent form, but the nurses told me it didn't matter what I said or did because the police brought me here which automatically waves any right I have to consent. I explained them my situation, and they wrote me up new papers to have on hand with a list of my approved coping skills (hitting the wall for example) and how they will not lead to suicidal attempt.

However, I am afraid that someone else on my floor might call the police on me the next time I try to cope. Basically, I am stuck in a state of "conceal, don't feel", and it is driving me insane with stress. Not only that, but I now most likely have a massive hospital bill looming over my head that I have to explain to my abusive parents (who hold the insurance and see mental illness as a sign of weak character). I had to fight for them not to put me in in-patient, which would have cost much more.

Bottom line, I want to be prepared next time. I want to sue the university should police officers try to drag me against my will in spite of perfectly legitimate (and safe) coping mechanisms. I want any possible medical fees that might ensue from this waved.

I punch the wall with boxing gloves on, so I am not hurting myself as much as I am relieving stress. No, a punching bag would not work. I live in a dorm room. There is no room for that.

To make a long story short, I have been approved by a psychiatrist and therapist that punching things and being loud is a perfectly acceptable method of coping for it, and that such events will not lead to suicide or self-harm. However, last night, I had a particularly bad day, and someone on my floor decided to call the police. I tried to convince the officers I was in no danger of self-harm, but they would not leave me alone. They forced me to hop on an ambulance with implied threat of physical removal if need be. I did not want to sign a treatment consent form, but the nurses told me it didn't matter what I said or did because the police brought me here which automatically waves any right I have to consent. I explained them my situation, and they wrote me up new papers to have on hand with a list of my approved coping skills (hitting the wall for example) and how they will not lead to suicidal attempt.

However, I am afraid that someone else on my floor might call the police on me the next time I try to cope. Basically, I am stuck in a state of "conceal, don't feel", and it is driving me insane with stress. Not only that, but I now most likely have a massive hospital bill looming over my head that I have to explain to my abusive parents (who hold the insurance and see mental illness as a sign of weak character). I had to fight for them not to put me in in-patient, which would have cost much more.

Bottom line, I want to be prepared next time. I want to sue the university should police officers try to drag me against my will in spite of perfectly legitimate (and safe) coping mechanisms. I punch the wall with boxing gloves on, so I am not hurting myself as much as I am relieving stress. No, a punching bag would not work. I live in a dorm room. There is no room for that.

tl;dr: I was committed to the hospital due to my medically approved coping methods. Now, I have a massive bill looming over my head for something that I did not need and ultimately harmed me more than it helped.  Is there anything I can do ?
Topic:
Disability Issues

Answer:
 You were yelling and punching things at night disturbing the peace so the police were phoned which is legal. They don't need your consent to call the police. Nothing in your post was illegally done except maybe your disturbing the peace.

And no you cannot sue the university for this (well technically you can but you would not find a lawyer that would be willing to take your case).


Title: [CO] I was disqualified from employment with USPS for two misdemeanors I got when I was 15 for minor in possession alcohol. This happened ten years ago.

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Alcohol Related Other than DUI

Answer:
 Background checks ran by companies have nothing compared to background checks ran by govt. agencies. As part of your application you signed a release for them to contact even the individual courts.

Look into getting them expunged, if possible


Title: My employer hasn't sent out out check stubs for over 3 weeks. When asked they said it costs to much and they are looking into other means. Is it legal for them to get away with just telling us to look it up online?

Question: I work at a bakery in Illinois and the company has plants all over the globe if that helps. Also, the company forces us to have direst deposit .

Answer: So you just need to access your stubs online and print them out yourself? That is legal


Title: I was arrested back in May- bail bond person hasn't refunded my $1800....

Question:
I was arrested in Kansas back in May. It was all finalized, I was granted a diversion agreement and tried to contact Steve, the bail bond guy, however I've been having difficulty reaching him. Firstly, I emailed him multiple times with the required forms attached- and then he tells me he never received them... but I know... I've triple checked that I have the correct email and everything. I called him after sending him the third email but ever since then he's refused to answer my phone calls. So I sent him a letter with the forms attached and everything... no response. I called him one last time and nothing. I'm super aggravated because I feel like there's nothing I can do.

Is there a time limit on receiving a refund on my bond? Is he just being shady?

Answer:
 Wait.  Can you explain the agreement you had with him?

Usually the process works like this

* You are arrested, and to get out of the pookey the sheriffs want 1k.

* This money is to ensure that you appear.  You get that back, minus any court fees.

* Most people don't have 1k just sitting around.  A bondsman will pay it for you, for a fee.

* You pay the bondsman 100 bucks, he gives barney fife 1k so you can get out.

* When you show up for court, the bondsman gets his 1k back.

Of course, extrapolate those numbers as high as necessary.

Why would a bondsman refund you money?Answer #2: You paid the bondsman $1800? So your bail was $18,000? What were you arrested for?

Anyway, yeah, what you gave the bondsman was a non-refundable premium. It's sort of like insurance.


Title: Need out of a Lease signed a week ago - VA

Question: My friend signed a lease a week ago. His girlfriend basically told him she didn't love him after they signed. I think she used him to move away. What are his options to get out of it? I'm not sure what information is needed for reddit's help.

Answer:
 I am not a lawyer.

Judging by your use of the word "they", it appears they both signed the lease, which means they are both equally bound by the terms of the lease signed.  This means if he, she or both fail to pay the landlord in a timely manner, they both can get evicted and sued should the landlord take that course of action.

Practically, your friend should talk to the landlord and see what the landlord is willing to do.  At the end of the day, the landlord most likely does not care who lives there, only that the landlord gets paid and if the landlord does not, he can go after somebody to get paid.


Title: [California] Acquiring access to someones bank account (Financial domination consensual)

Question: So this guy wants me to use his assets for whatever I want, he said hell give me his passwords and everything, hes already paypaled me 100's of dollars, my question is if he gives me access of his bank account, how do i cover my ass and make sure I am not doing anything illegal?

Answer:
 >how do i cover my ass and make sure I am not doing anything illegal?

Get a power of attorney and/or other legal documents in writing expressing this permission.


Title: Is it worth fighting a traffic ticket if I know I'm innocent? Do I have a chance of winning?

Question:
I live in Philly and I was pulled over on I-95 in Baltimore and written a ticket for using a phone while driving. Details in the Youtube link below.
I'm innocent and would definitely appeal if it wasn't such a waste of my time to show up in court. We don't have laws against using hand-held phones in PA, so I'm wondering what the penalties are in Maryland. The ticket was for $85, which isn't worth fighting. But, does this get reported to my insurance carrier? Insurance is expensive in Philly and I have a perfect driving record and I don't want my rates to go up.
Dashcam video, no audio: https://youtu.be/jT_JMITEu2U?t=75

Edit: more details of the incident can be found in the description of YouTube video. I was NOT using my phone.

Answer: I've been waiting many years to successfully win a traffic ticket. So I eagerly watched the video. I even went and got my old coaching stopwatch and looked at the markers because I thought that is where you were going with it. And in the end I got nothing. And neither do you. Are you delusional? If you show that video as evidence in an improper use of a phone ticket you will look like an abject moron.


Title: Rear-ended but no damage. But other person wants to take me to court?

Question:
Last week I ended up braking hard at a yellow light because a man was making movements like he was going to cross without even looking in my direction.  I was at a full stop when I heard squealing and then felt my car jerk forward.  There was no damage that I could see so when I reported it to my insurance they said there wasn't really anything they needed to do, since I wasn't filing a claim.  So I put it out of my mind.

But now the other driver is calling and putting the blame squarely on me because I braked so hard at a yellow light. In her exact words "That was a HARD brake. I was prepared to follow you through the yellow light."  She says she's going to call her insurance (same insurance as me, actually) and then take me to court to get money to pay for the damages to her vehicle.

Should I just ignore it and let insurance handle it?  What if she convinces them I'm at fault?  AM I at fault?  I've never been in an accident before and I feel very guilty and confused.

Oh, and I'm in California, if that helps any.

Answer:
 If the other driver hit you she was following too closely. A driver is supposed to keep enough space between them and the car in front of them to be able to safely stop.

You may legally tell the other driver to pound sand. And call your insurance company, if you haven't done so, to give them a heads up, especially if are somehow sued.


Title: Can a 17 year old live alone for 2 months

Question:
Hello,

This summer, I got an internship in a city about an hour and a half away from me (I live in northern Virginia and the internship is in Maryland). The only issue is the fact that, since I'm 17, my parents are not sure if I'm legally able to stay alone as a minor (negligence). 	Am I allowed to stay in an apartment alone under my parent's name with their consent as long as I don't cause any major disturbances.

Thank you for your help :)

Answer:
 As long as you are safe and dont do anything stupid you are fine.

This is one of those things that is fine, until it isnt. If you are out past any legal curfew, doing drugs, acting stupid, throwing parties, whatever, then your parents could get in trouble.

You should also have some one local to help you if needed. Friend, family member, whomever. The other concern is medical emergencies. So someone who can make emergency decisions is also a good idea. THey just need a notarized letter to do this


Title: My father met with a woman 4 times over 4 years at random and she swears that he is stalking him. She has filed a restraining order and is now harassing my father saying he is still following her.

Question:
To avoid names, I will use initials CL for Crazy Lady

To give some background on the situation, my father is 61 years old, loves to talk to people and hear lots of stories. He has never stalked anyone and keeps to himself and my mom a lot. So this is why I am posting this because he is too timid to stand up to the CL.

Over the course of 4 years my father bumped into CL first when she was working as a lifeguard at the senior center and he began to chat with her. A year later my little brother had sore shoulders and so my dad took him to a different pool, and CL just happened to be lifeguarding at the time. A year later, my father took my little brother to a trampoline bounce house, and she was there with a group of friends. The final time was one more year later at a business association party, and my dad was with my mom so he introduced CL to her and then went their separate ways.

Fast forward to 4 months ago the police knocked on my dad’s door saying he had to show up for a hearing. Turns out CL filed a restraining order against my dad, claiming that he was stalking her and that he had shown at 7 different places that she had worked at. My father didn’t know where she worked, he said he had only seen her those 4 times.
At the hearing he presented evidence that he was not anywhere in the vicinity of CL on the dates and locations she claimed to have been working, with time stamps and receipts, however the judge glimpsed over it tossed it aside, and just took the girls word for it. She presented no evidence, and just kept claiming how she was a 4th generation daughter and she lived in our town for generations. The judge agreed with CL and placed a restraining order against my father. My family was shocked but agreed that if it would end the trouble it was no bother for him to have it because he hoped it would be the end of it.

Fast forward to today, Father’s Day, the police came knocking on my dad’s door saying that she had seen him show up at a frame shop in our town and she was there at the same time. My dad presented that he was not in fact there with Strava (he loves to bike and keep track of it). However, the investigation is still going and I am afraid this lady is going to keep harassing my father. I turned on tracking on google maps for his phone to keep track of him and he keeps all his receipts for tax purposes, is there anything else he can do?

Answer:
 One of two things is happening here.

1: Your father is lying to you and your mother and engaging in a pattern of harassment against this person.

2: This person is a loon and filing a number of false reports.

Either way there's no answer for you other than your father needs legal representation, and bluntly you're giving us the best version of this and **I** can punch holes in this story.

Beg. Borrow. Sell things. Attorney.Answer #2: Your father needed a lawyer 4 months ago and he *really* needs one now.

This is a serious criminal matter.


Title: My Job Is Starting A Criminal Investigation

Question:
At my job we have an electronic system to clock in. The system can be accessed online from a phone or desktop computer while off-site.
My logs show I have clocked in from an unknown IP address anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes prior to actually going through security to get into the building.
The conclusion is that I have been clocking in while not at work and have been paid for time I did not work. They said this is considered fraud and can turn into a criminal investigation.

During the internal investigation, I stated that I used my phone to log in regularly. Even if I'm already at my desk. I was then told this is not authorized and I should only access the system from my desk. Then I was asked why, on multiple specific dates they listed, it showed I clocked in before I even got to the building. My answer to each was that I have no explanation.

The fact that I was being paid for time I did not work did not cross my mind. That was not at all my intention. I actually like my job and was hoping to make it a long term career. However, I am having a difficult time balancing having a special needs child with work. I did NOT share any of this information with my job during the questioning. If I could have paid for the time or taken leave without pay, I would have, but that is not something allowed.

I have had this job for a little under 6 months which means I'm still on probation. I have not been fired yet, though. Perhaps they're waiting for the criminal investigation.

I have several questions. Should I quit immediately before they actually fire me? Company policy is to put in a 2 week notice. I suppose I shouldn't even be concerned about breaking that policy under the circumstances...

Is there ANY way out of this? Is there something that I should go back and say that will help my situation? I seriously fucked up and would give/do anything.

Should I immediately get an attorney? Or should I wait until I'm contacted for a criminal investigation? Is there a specific type of attorney I should look for other than just a criminal attorney?

I live in Ohio.  I'm pretty sure it's less than $500. If I was a half hour late everyday for 30 days, which is NOT the case, it's about $450. Is this a misdemeanor or felony?
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 " The fact that I was being paid for time I did not work did not cross my mind. "

HUH?! You clocked in offsite and didn't think that that counted towards your pay? How exactly did you think an hourly job worked...


Title: [NV]Can I get the Golden Nugget Casino to reimburse me for the clothes they ruined for some grease I slipped in that they were releasing outside their casino?

Question:
As I was leaving the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas around midnight on Friday I was walking to catch my Uber back to my hotel on the strip. I came out the main entrance and turned right headed for the pickup location. On the side of the casino in an alley way an employee was releasing a brown liquid down the alley to drain in the street. I soon found out it was grease, but at the time assumed it was just discolored water. I attempted to step over it, but still slipped in it and fell flat on my back and bottom and my clothes completely absorbed the grease ruining them. I returned to my feet and spoke to a security guard who spoke to a manager. They had me show them where I fell and immediately started putting out slip warning signs and washing down the area with water. I filled out a report and they took pictures of my clothes. I also took pictures of them placing the slip signs and washing the area. They informed me to just contact their Risk Department this morning as they were closed all weekend. They open today, but I have not called yet, and wanted to get some advice on how to handle this before I did.

Thanks to anyone who can advise me.

Answer: Call their risk department today.  Ask for their insurance information if need be, and file a claim with their insurance.


Title: Can you refuse to answer border agent's questions?

Question:
I travel about once a year, usually for a month or two, visiting maybe half a dozen countries per trip (it varies).

Every time I return to my country (Canada), they always send me to secondary inspection, and absolutely grill me about details of my trip, as well as very personal questions about where I work, how much I make, who I live with, etc.

For the record, I'm a law abiding Canadian citizen who has never been in any trouble whatsoever. I'm almost certainly not on a watch list, because the USA just waves me through the few times I've been there.

Can I just refuse to answer any questions that are none of their business? My understanding is that as a citizen, they cannot legally refuse me entry. I'm very frustrated at always being singled out for no reason.

Many thanks for any input :)

&#x200B;

Answer: No. That will only lead to more interrogation and more of an inconvenience to you. Answer #2: Sure. But be prepared to sit for many hours more until you're ready to cooperate. Do you have something like global entry you can apply for to avoid this?Answer #3: Technically yes. But they will detain you then. It's advisable not to push your luck with any government official.


Title: Someone has registered a business at my address, but none here is doing business out of it. [NYC]

Question:
I would give more details but it has my actual home phone number listed.

Just got a bunch of commercial junk mail for the first time today. They have a SIC Code, NAICS Code and dozens of business directory listings with my phone number added as well. So I know its not someone actually trying to do business here otherwise we would be getting calls from clients all day long.

Another detail that is troubling is that its registered as a nail salon supply wholesaler with a declaration of income on some of these business registries and directories. However its name has nothing to do with running a nail salon. Its like naming a nail salon Automotive Home Repair.

I am concerned because they might have used the registration as a way to get a loan or to dodge taxes somehow and I do not want to deal with the potentially years long process of convincing the IRS and Banks that I do not owe them money.

Any idea how to get the city or other agencies to take this business off of my current address? I understand this is not strickly legal advice however I am trying to avoid having to get legal advice if this goes on for long enough.
Topic:
Business Law

Answer:
 > Any idea how to get the city or other agencies to take this business off of my current address?

Well, the most straightforward way would be to return the mail to them, unopened, with a note stating they have the wrong address.


Title: [PA] (ex)Boyfriend assaulted me and broke my laptop, what recourse do I have and what can I expect if I go to the police?

Question:
To keep this short and simple, my boyfriend and I got into a fight last night, during which he told me I should leave and I called for a ride. In the time it took for my ride to arrive he shoved me down and held me in order to forcefully grab my phone which he threw (undamaged thankfully), threatened to shoot one of our dogs (had his gun loaded and cocked), and when I went to pack my things he destroyed my laptop. I never laid a hand on him or any of his belongings (never have), and was basically trying to deescalate the fight once he started screaming and slamming doors.

The only proof I have that any of this happened is my word and the broken laptop.

He has been violent with me in the past but I’ve never made a police report. I am at a relatives house and do not plan on returning- at this point I really just want my laptop replaced as I cannot afford repairs (I think it is beyond repair anyway) or a new one.

What are my options and likely outcome?

Answer:
 I spot assault with a deadly weapon/aggravated assault (threatening while holding a gun), battery (holding you down), robbery (forcibly grabbing your phone and throwing it), larceny (destroying your laptop), and domestic violence. Maybe even attempted animal abuse. These are serious, serious charges.

You should definitely report this to the police. They have the discretion whether to investigate and charge. Practically (not legally) speaking, however, the sooner you report this sort of behavior, the better chance you have at stopping him if he chooses to escalate. If he's willing to do all that, he could be dangerous. If he decides to stalk or harass you, or even attempt or threaten to kill you (leaving an abusive partner is the riskiest time for someone), the record of his actions will be *vitally* important to prove that your life is in danger and getting the help you need.

Don't worry about the admissibility or reliability of the evidence. That's the prosecutor's job. Your word and the laptop are enough to start an investigation and file a report. It's very important for your safety that you do so.

Additionally, even if he pleas to vastly reduced charges, a court may order him to pay restitution to you for the laptop. That cannot happen if you don't make a report, however.


Title: Ohio Arrested for drug paraphernalia, got into diversion program, then got arrested for minor in possession of alcohol [Updated]

Question: I got arrested on St. Patrick's day drinking a four loko in a water bottle and had two more in a book bag. I already have a lawyer, but he is out of town so I am here looking for advice and some answers. Will they slam both charges on me hard? In Ohio, both are minor misdemeanors with no jail time and a maximum fine of $150, what is most likely gonna happen in this situation? I've heard of kids at my school becoming an informant and getting their charges dismissed, and I have tons of information that could lead to them busting dealers etc. thanks in advance for the advice!

Answer:
 We already answered this. If you didn't complete the program, you could be facing penalties from both misdemeanors.

>I've heard of kids at my school becoming an informant

Simply not true. For what? What can you possibly offer the police? Bust all of your friends smoking pot? Maybe hit a low level dealer?

They're not going to care.

Stop posting about this. Seriously.


Title: Mother went into an apartment in her building that was recently vacated, and unlocked, to get something the previous tenant/owner said she could have. Now management wants to charge her with breaking and entering.

Question: The manager of the the apartment complex, Katy, seems to want to make an example out of my 68 year old mother. I'll freely admit, she should of waited to go and retrieve the bed, but the apartment was empty of everything but said bed. It's an apartment complex for seniors, and the person who said she could have the bed is in a nursing home now, and not completely cognizant. Also, she gave the bed back. Katy called the cops when it happened which was a couple of days ago, and didn't bother to inform my mother. The only reason I found out because a friend who helped received a letter banning him from the building for helping her. When my mother asked why she couldn't of told her, Katy said simply "I'm not your keeper". I do understand my mothers mistake, but this is supposed to be an institution that advocates for seniors. My mother is on a very limited income, and if they charge her and convict her, she is going to have a hard time finding a new place. I'm completely exasperated, as Katy, who has no experience in managing anything, isn't very bright. Meaning when asked questions that require direct answers she deflects the question. This is Montana, and I cannot find much information about it. Another thing, the place is covered with cameras in the hallways, everyone knows that, so if she was trying to 'steal' why stand right in front of the cameras. No idea what to do.

Answer: This Katy lady has zero obligation to talk to you or answer any questions.  You should stop talking to her as this gains nothing. If she is charged with a crime she should say nothing to the police and go talk to an attorney.Answer #2: So the person who used to live there no longer had any claim to the apartment? If she did not have the right to give your mother permission to enter then yes, your mother did commit a crime by going in there and taking the bed. Answer #3: Tell your mom **NOT** to talk to police no matter what. If she's charged with anything, I'm doubtful a jury would convict without a clear intent to commit a crime (if everything that you say is true and you're not leaving anything important out).


Title: Moving Company pretending to be other company

Question:
I moved with a company I thought was Spartan Vanlines

[http://spartanvanlines.com/](http://spartanvanlines.com/)

[https://www.facebook.com/Spartan-Van-Lines-452140628269323/](https://www.facebook.com/Spartan-Van-Lines-452140628269323/)

I did not realize that this company does not do moves on the east coast, and there is another company pretending to be them which I was tricked into hiring.

[http://www.spartanvanline.com/](http://www.spartanvanline.com/)

[https://www.facebook.com/spartanvanline/?fref=tag](https://www.facebook.com/spartanvanline/?fref=tag)

Note than one of them has an 'S' and one does not, but in the logos, they both have 'S's

 I had a one bedroom move from Baltimore to Denver and could not have possibly had a worse experience.

They called me a couple days before the move and told me that they only accept cash. This was the first big red flag but it was too short notice to pick another moving company at that point.

Day of the move they charge me extra for having stairs even though I told them that on the phone when they originally made my estimate. Also, the "insurance" they offered only covers you for $.6 a pound which is practically nothing. If you want to be cover for $6 a pound you have to pay a significant amount more upfront(in cash) which they did not tell me in advance.

I also just assumed that if you pay a moving company to move your things they will be responsible for getting them there, but I guess I was wrong.

The day they moved my things in, they just put the boxes in my house and did not unpack anything which they claimed they would do. Then they rushed me to sign saying that things were delivered and left (looking back I definitely shouldn't have signed anything until I made them sit there while I unpacked everything for hours).

They lost over $1000 worth of my things and have been extremely rude to me about settling this.

Here is a list of things they lost
50" 4K TV \~$500
TV wall mount \~$100
half of my IKEA bed frame \~$250
All of my IKEA desk except the legs \~$200
2 printed canvas pictures \~$100
dry erase board \~$60
1 painting \~$50
half of guitar stand \~$10

They claim they found my TV and they will deliver it, but won't tell me when. They also claim they found "some other items" but they can't tell me what they found. As of now I have not been able to get in contact with them for a couple weeks.

I am in the middle of filing a claim with the "insurance" company, but if they only cover me for $.6 a pound they'll give me like $100 for everything which is basically nothing compared to what they negligently lost.

Is there anything I can do besides report them to the BBB, and the department of transportation?

Thanks!

Answer:
 Do you have photos or some kind of manifest or inventory of what was being moved? If you want results you're going to need some way to prove to a third party that these things were picked up by the company and then not delivered as they were contracted to. The fact that you signed a paper saying everything was delivered might hurt your case but usually these are signed under some form of duress and are ignored in legal proceedings.

I got this from their website,

USDOT : 2093720 MC : 729779

Their "about us" page says they're located in Pennsylvania.

The BBB is a scam. They're just an online company that tries to bully other companies into giving them money in exchange for good ratings, etc.

I searched that information in the DOT website and it turns out they are located in Doylestown. PA. I suggest you find out how to contact the local chamber of commerce, Dept of consumer affairs, or whatever it is called in that area and file a formal complaint against the business. Most states have some form of "Good moral character" clause in the requirements of owning a business and such behavior would count as a strike against that.


Title: Can I legally get out of my lease?

Question:
So I've gotten myself into an apartment complex that I really wish I didn't have. I live in Nebraska, Lincoln specifically, and was wondering what I could do.

I have lived here for about 3 months, and have about 20 emails saved up incase I could use them to use the landlord-tenant act to get out of my lease.

http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=76-1438

Anywhere from once to three times a week, they send emails telling residents there will be inspectors entering there rooms / units to check up on misc. things. Sometimes they state why they are entering, sometimes they don't. Sometimes they state specific times, sometimes they dont.

---
ex:"We will have inspectors going into units throughout the day at various times during the week. Please note that the selection of the units inspected will be random."

----
ex: "maintenance will be entering some units, sometime on Monday, November 16, 2015, for warranty issues. Please insure that your unit is clutter free, and please be sure all areas are accessible."

---
ex: "Maintenance will be entering apartments on the following days and times.

Tuesday from 12:30PM-5PM.

Wednesday 9:30AM-1:30PM

Thursday from 12:30AM-5PM:"

---
ex:"Maintenance will be in your unit tomorrow, Wednesday 11/4/15, starting at 9:30 A.M.,  throughout the day to complete the window latches.

Please keep your unit clutter free and all walk-ways clear. "

**This email was sent the day before at 10pm**

---
Again, I have over 20 emails like these since i moved in.

Thank you any and all people that would take the time to help.

Answer: I agree with the OP. That's garbage. There is no reason for anyone to come into my home unless there is some sort of damage, or I called them. It's not prison. These *random* inspections aren't necessary.Answer #2: Not really advice on breaking the lease, but you may think about getting some sort of camera to point at the entrance to record what's going. This way you can see how many times they actually enter when they send out those emails, if for no other reason than actual proof of how often they are in your space. Answer #3: How many actual entries have occurred in the 3 months since you've been there?


Title: Does my employer have to pay Federal Mileage? 30k+ on personal vehicle.

Question:
I work for Home Depot. I drive my personal vehicle to customers houses to measure for flooring. I put on 30k-50k mile a year. They give me $20 per day to cover this.

I have concluded that I am losing money in repairs and depreciation of my car.

Is there anything I can do about this?

I am currently located in WA. I do not work directly for one store but for the company as a whole.

Answer:
 Nope.

You can deduct the heck out of it on your[ taxes.](https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Tax-Deductions-and-Credits/Federal-Tax-Laws-on-Mileage-Reimbursement/INF19464.html)


Title: (HI) Can an airline just decide to our flight is going to a different country than I'm ticketed to five minutes before boarding?

Question:
I recently flew to the South Pacific and after a lengthy delay on the ground, we were told we could board the plane but due to constraints with crew service hours we would actually be skipping our stop in the country I was getting off at and would instead be going straight to Fiji and we would be flown the next day (around 30 hours later) to the country I was actually ticketed to. We were also told that not getting on the flight *to the wrong country* would count as abandonment and we would have no recourse (leaving me stranded in Hawaii), so they basically shunted us all to the wrong country and told us to deal with it.

Oh and to make room for the longer flight's fuel they needed to unload our checked bags, which we didn't see again until a week later.

I fly a lot, lost luggage, delays, etc. I'm all kind of used to. Intentionally flying us to a new destination not because of a safety issue with our original flight plan but because the airline didn't want to pay to re-crew the plane at our stopover seems *really* not kosher. I've had the airline I actually booked through tell me that they're pretty sure what happened was super illegal but I don't have enough of a background to know how so, specifically, other than maybe a breach of the contract of carriage.

Fiji Airways, by the way.

Answer: Essentially, your flight was canceled and you were offered a more complicated and slower itinerary to get to your destination. That happens all the time.Answer #2: Theoretical question- What if OP is a political refugee or something, and they are not legally allowed to enter a certain country, booked a flight to a different country, but then had the airline pull something like this trying to force them to go to a country they are not legally allowed to enter.  Does it count if you just stay in the airport?  How can an airline legally charge you for something when they change their end of the deal?


Title: SOS: my friend got caught smoking weed and his parents are going batshit crazy

Question:
Might be the wrong subreddit, but any advice helps. We're located in the suburban area of Chicago, IL.

My friend got caught smoking weed when he was a junior in high school and his parents have been extremely strict ever since... I'm talking drug tests, phone tracking, curfew, and anything else you can think of that would keep a teenager from having any type of privacy or independence.

He's 19 now and he was clean for almost five months, and his parents still wouldn't let up with the drug tests and the phone tracking and what not. So my friend decides to rebel and say fuck it. He smoked the other day, and it seemed like he played all his cards right. He left his phone on the community college campus his parents forced him to go to ( even though he's a smart kid they wanted him close by at all times). All him and some other friends did was roll up in the car before they went and did the deed.

Somehow, as if God himself wanted my boy to get popped, someone his parents know apparently saw him in the car. They even named which friend was in the driver seat, Passenger seat, and the back seat, so my friend knows his folks aren't bullshitting him. His dad wants him to take a semester off from school, or even a full gap year, and work with him full time.

They shattered his phone. They keep calling him a junky, and even want him to go to rehab. Keep in mind the only reason my friend even decided to smoke was because he realized that even when he is completely sober for months at a time, his parents are still extremely strict and don't allow him any sort of freedom. I recommended him to try and get his family to go to group therapy to work on the whole trust issue, as well as maybe having his parents become more open minded and understanding... but his parents just won't agree to it at all. They want him out of school, they want him to have no communication to the outside world, and they want him to work full time.

 His family is really well off, and his dad just wants his son to take over the family car dealership and leave college behind... all so he can monitor his son for years to come. He told me even though he'd probably be making bank, that's not the life he wants to live.. and honestly I wouldn't either. He plans on running away to continue his life. I told him he can stay with me, but I wouldn't want anyone to be disowned from their own family, and he doesn't want that either. But he explained it to me, and I tried to explain it to you all, and it really seems like he just has no option. So for his sake I am asking you all for advice. Help me help a friend... any comment will be of great help
Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer:
 He's an adult. He can choose to do what his parents say or he can live by their rules. That simple.Answer #2: > Keep in mind the only reason my friend even decided to smoke was because he realized that even when he is completely sober for months at a time, his parents are still extremely strict and don't allow him any sort of freedom.

That's a pretty lousy reason to break the law.

He's a legal adult. It seems that compliance with his parents' rules is the price he pays for living at home. If he wants to be free, he's certainly able to do so. That might mean paying for his own tuition and phone. And it's not "running away" for an adult to move out of his parent's home; it's just life. I get that when it's his family, it's not as easy as that. Family stuff is never easy. But this isn't really a legal issue since his parents can't legally keep him a prisoner and he can't legally force his parents to ease up.Answer #3: If he's 19 he can move out.  It's not running away if you're an adult.

There's not really a legal question here.  It's more of a personal decision on what your friend wants to do.


Title: Curious about editing found photos for commercial use

Question:
I'm working on a board game I'd like to publish eventually, either through a professional publisher or through crowdfunding like Kickstarter. I'm publishing out of Oregon, but intend on distributing across the U.S. For my playtesting copy of the game (not sold/distributed) I've found appropriate artwork online in the form of photographs from google image search. I believe its a safe assumption that using those photos directly on game pieces is asking for legal trouble. I'm curious, however, about where the line is between using the photos as "inspiration" for cartoon-y images, or editing the photos to the point that they look like cartoons is legally defensible. As a concrete example, [here's an original photo used in playtest](https://sli.mg/Q5S8f3) and [I'm wondering if I could publish something like this](https://sli.mg/XBk5Yi).

I really appreciate counsel about this matter, and will reply to each response even if it's just a "thank you."

Answer:
 What you show in your example is an obvious derivative work, which is not permitted without the consent of the original artist/photographer.

You can easily find artwork that is licensed for commercial use (you can search on Flickr by license).  Do so.


Title: Making a tuition insurance claim, doctors won't vouch for my condition (x-post)

Question: [deleted]

Answer: So no medical professionals advised you to drop out, you just did it anyway? If so, I doubt you're going to qualify for reimbursement at all.


Title: [TX] Trying to get child support from Ex [CA] who is getting paid under the table

Question:
Divorced in 2012

I have full custody. He has partial.

When we got divorced his child support order was roughly 10% of what he was making which was $160/mo.

He paid off and on current debt is $320.

For the last year he told me he had no money because his girlfriend was sick, and he was paying all of her medical bills.

FF to now, he complained to me on the phone that I didn't understand how hard it was for him because he was getting paid under the table and his monthly income dropped from 3400 to 3000.

I started demanding $600 a month and threatened him that I would go back to the courts and make his life a living hell if he didn't start fucking helping.

He pays the first month and then towards the second month he tells me all these bull shit whiny stories about how he is going to lose everything, he doesn't have any money, and to give him more time to get settled. Then he "loses" his job. Then he "loses his apartment".

I say, great, BYE.

Well now I would like to go to the court and follow through with my threats and I am not sure how I should go about doing it. I am a single mom, currently in between jobs, on medicaid with our son and struggling with full-time school and a new diagnoses with Lupus.

So I don't have any money and I need someone to point me in the right direction and help me fill out forms to request the court to subpoena his checking accounts to show how much he is truly making and maybe even threaten to take away his license to work (security guard). He is definitely getting paid under the table still and is still currently at the same apartment. I tried to do as much digging as possible online and he has deleted all his and his girlfriends profiles and has also cut off communication with his family.

I also applied for free lawyer representation with SMU students through their low-income civil clinic but I don't think they will be able to help because it is a family case. I don't know, I am waiting to hear from them. I have thought about asking my mom if she would hire a PI to build a case for us but she said it was too expensive.

TDLR: Ex making 30-50K under the table and I need help to get him to pay up.

Edit- Oh and I am also signed up with Texas OAG, which is a great organization but they don't seem to be able to help since he is paid under the table. I requested that they looked into our account 6 months ago and raise the amount required to pay but they are "still working on it".

Answer:
 You can probably get a judge to haul him back into court, require him to file a current financial affidavit, have the support order modified, and then have him held in contempt of court if he still refuses to pay.

Also, you can dangle in front of him the fact that you have the capability of calling the IRS and reporting him and his employer. Answer #2: If you go down to the courthouse, they usually have self-file packets. If you make under a certain amount of money, you can file indigent which means free/reduced filing fees.

Generally, he has to bring at least 3 months of financial information to court to prove his financial affidavit is accurate, which includes bank statements. However, since he is paid under the table, it is going to be hard to prove what he actually makes, and if you don't have a lawyer it will be difficult to figure out what route to take in terms of proving it.

If he really tells the court he has no job, they usually just calculate child support based on minimum wage. I used an online child support calculator based in Texas using minimum wage in Texas, and it was around $250 a month, so you're definitely getting shorted. So regardless of what he says he makes, I would definitely refile. Also, if he's currently behind, you should contact the child support office and they should file a contempt on your behalf.

Him being in CA might complicate matters, but I'm not sure how much since IANAL.


Title: [BC] Husband forces stay-at-home wife to pay bills while taking "unpaid vacation"

Question:
This is for my sister, who is based in BC, Canada.

My sister, who has been a stay-at-home mom for the past 6 years due to a back injury is about to go through a divorce with her husband. Last year, she decided to rent out both basements in order to make some extra money, as the husband decreased the limit on her card. The house title is in her name.

After both had mutually agreed that they wished to separate, he told her that he would be taking an "unpaid vacation" to look after his mother (The mother forcibly moved in last year as well with help from the husband, against my sister's wishes). According to his terms (which she never agreed to), she would be responsible for 75% for all the home and utility bills, as "she could cover the bills with the rent money".

When she went online to check the due bills, he had already paid for 25% of the bills (electricity, heating and water, home insurance, etc), leaving the rest to her.

My sister would be able to make ends meet with the rent money, if it weren't for her children's college tuition due on the 20th. Both are full time students, with the father agreeing to pay for both of their tuition in August 2018. However, in February, he said that he would only pay for 1 child's tuition if my sister added his name to the house title.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but from my knowledge, it is possible to for children over the age of majority to receive child support if both are full time students in Canada. My two questions are:

* How should she go about this if they can't agree on payment terms for the bills?
* Would they still be able to receive the child support if he isn't working? What if they both get part time jobs?

I would greatly appreciate any advice anyone has on this.

Answer: She needs a divorce attorney.


Title: Parental rights question involving polyamory

Question:
Hi, everyone. My boyfriend and his social circle have been trying to help out their friend (who we'll call John) when it comes to leaving his crazy girlfriend, but there's a roadblock.

We're in Pennsylvania.

A few years ago John got into a polyamorous relationship with Susan and Jennifer. Before John came into the picture Susan and Jennifer were living as a lesbian couple. John thought he hit the jackpot because he went from 0 women to 2 women, and sometimes threesomes - and he ended up moving in with them. But then they wanted to get pregnant. John agreed to act basically as a sperm donor for them and was adamant that he didn't care because they weren't going to be his kids. However, going through the pregnancies and living with the children and, you know, totally acting as their father (feeding them, taking them to school, etc.), John has fatherly feelings for the children and sees them as his. He loves those kids.

John is not on either child's birth certificate. We know that he signed something regarding the child he had with Jennifer to give up his rights (not sure if he signed anything with Susan for that child).

Now, Jennifer is an extremely toxic person. She finds every way possible to make John's life hell. She'll throw fits to keep him from leaving the house, for example. Just picture the stereotypical toxic girlfriend from hell, then times it by five and that is Jennifer. Jennifer's insane behavior led Susan to leave the relationship with her, but all 3 of them still live in the same house and raise the kids together.

Whenever John does something Jennifer doesn't approve of, she will hint (or outright say) that she will take their daughter away from him and he won't be allowed to see her. John stays in this terrible relationship in order to stay in his daughter's life. (His relationship with Susan is pretty normal and Susan has never threatened to take their son away. They basically co-parent.) John wants to leave the relationship and find someone normal but still be able to see his daughter. As I said, he's not on the birth certificate and he signed away his rights. Lately Jennifer has been pushing for a Wiccan marriage (so not legally binding) and no one wants to see him further tied to this toxic/crazy person. Is there ANYTHING he can legally do to fix this situation?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 > John is not on either child's birth certificate.

Doesn't matter.  The question is whether John is the children's legal father.  He can file an Acknowledgment of Paternity or petition a court to declare him the father of the children.

He can also seek a custody order if he is worried about Jennifer leaving with the child.

> We know that he signed something regarding the child he had with Jennifer to give up his rights (not sure if he signed anything with Susan for that child).

A parent cannot just "sign something" to give up their parental rights.  The only potential case here would be if he signed away his rights and Susan adopted the child.  If he did, then there would have been a court order terminating his parental rights and listing Susan as an adoptive parent.

Based on your narrative, I doubt that happened.

> Lately Jennifer has been pushing for a Wiccan marriage (so not legally binding)

What makes you think a Wiccan marriage would not be legally binding?  In Pennsylvania any "minister, priest or rabbi of any regularly established church or congregation" can perform a legally binding marriage.

> Is there ANYTHING he can legally do to fix this situation?

What does he want to do?  Kick Jennifer out and stay with Susan?  Leave them both?  Leave the kids?  Keep custody of the children?


Title: Need help! I am a Filipina *19 and the petition(in England) that my mom asked for me and my brother *18 got accepted but I really don't want to go. Is there anyway that I can prevent going to England without my mom knowing and without affecting my brother's visa

Answer:
 You don't have to go but obviously your mother is going to find out. It shouldn't affect your brother's chances.Answer #2: If one applies for a visa for x, y and z but only x and y end up going, I don't think it matters to the government.  Lots of things happen to change people's travel plans.  But it's use-it or lose-it - if you don't go you'll probably have to reapply from the beginning if you change your mind and do want to go later.

Obviously your Mom is going to know you aren't in England.  But it won't mess up anything for your brother.


Title: Double-charged for rent in Texas. What now?

Question:
My son's rent is paid using my bank account. It is $920-$975 monthly, depending on water usage.

In April, management's online pay system was down, so they asked that rent be paid by cashier's check, which is what we did. Since moving into the complex in January 2016, his rent has never been late.

In May, he was told that the system was working and to pay online again. However, when he logged on, it showed a $0 balance. He wanted to make sure that it hadn't done some sort of auto-pay using my stored bank-account info, so he let management know that the pay system was showing he didn't owe anything and asked them what to do.

On the 13th, they put a note threatening eviction for non-payment on his door. He called the office, and they told him to use the online system, but to manually enter the payment amount. They then told him how much he owed, and they tacked on a big late fee. Even though that didn't seem fair, he did what they said.

The next day, he was called and threatened again with eviction; the manager said his payment hadn't shown up. They told him to pay again and screenshot the confirmation page. He did. When he told me this, I called and left a message for management that said who I was and how to contact me. I said I was concerned that my account was going to be double- or even triple-charged, and that I needed them to make sure that didn't happen.

Of course, that's exactly what happened. Not only was I charged twice, both charges were for $1500 because of the "late" fees. I am now overdrawn by $2,000, since everything I purchased after that bounced. I went to the office and asked how they were going to rectify this, and they said they were aware of the overcharge and were waiting to hear from their corporate office about what to do.

My question is, what can I legally demand that they do to make this better? I don't think the original late fee is fair, and I don't want to wait for a reversal of charges that takes forever while my account stays overdrawn.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Answer: They should promptly refund the second $1500, and also reimburse you for any overdraft fees imposed by your bank. The original late fee is probably warranted (if provided for in the lease), since it is the tenant's obligation to pay rent on time regardless of whether management gives you an invoice.Answer #2: A $500 late fee? Wth. Check the lease he signed. I can't believe they would include a $500 late fee. If the late fee is not in the lease they can't just make up a number.


Title: City public works isn’t collecting recycling, resulting in building getting a fine

Question:
Location: Philadelphia, PA.

Friends live in a town home that’s converted to 3 units. They share 2 recycling bins since, according to the LL, that’s all they are allowed to have. For the past 2 weeks, public works will leave the bins full of recycling on the street, but if there’s a box on top of the full bin, they will take that. We speculate it may be partially due to the fact the bins are cracked (though still hold their shape) but that’s also the public works Molotov’s faults as they literally chuck them on the off chance they empty the bin.

If you walk around the neighborhood, it’s an issue at a lot of residences. Also, if people leave the recycling bins (empty or full) on the street last recycling day, they get a fine from the city. But the city won’t take the damn recycling! Obviously after 2+ weeks and 3 units, the 2 bins are starting to overflow, as are others on their street.

Thanks for any help you can offer

Answer: The building is getting fined for leaving bins out.  Take a picture, then bring the bins after recycling day, even if they haven’t been emptied.  Then call or email the city public works department and complain about not getting your recycling picked up.  Escalate to the city council / mayor’s office if it keeps happening.


Title: University Staff Mugged on college campus. Detectives recommend a Concealed Cary permit. I asked the school for information regarding having a firearm in Staff housing. Am now undergoing a “threat assessment” in regards to the threat I pose.

Question:
I got mugged for my phone last night around 1:30 in the morning. They ran off and it wasn’t bad. Thank God. My girlfriend posed the question “this was on the same block as our dorm, we need to walk our dog late at night every night, how can we protect ourselves going forward?” The detective told us, with current law changes that in DC it was now far far easier to get a permit in contact to a year ago. It would be stupid to Cary something small as there was little chance they’d be out mugging without at least a knife or two. He went as far as to say he could enforce my application.

Come this morning. I go into the housing office as it opens. They take down my information and I provide the case number and say to come back Monday. Within an hour my boss is calling. He says after va tec the school now has a threat assessment team and they will be conducting an investigation.

They’re saying I could loose my job. Bla Bla Bla. Well I legit only asked if it’d be okay. The detective recommended it. And I’m really struggling with it. Is there anything I can do. I never even mention the medical bill I will have coming my was after being assaulted and requiring ems.

Answer:
 INFO: you state you asked about keeping a gun in staff housing, but a brief search here shows you buy and sell guns, and that you own over one hundred guns.

Could they be assessing based on what they know about your history?Answer #2: Yes, the school is allowed to run a threat assessment on you.Answer #3: They can run a threat assessment if they want.  There is no legal issue here.  I suggest you ask the detective to talk to them about this and let them know why you asked.


Title: Is this shoplifting?

Question:
RI, USA

Earlier today I was sent to home depot by my boss to get some spray paint to make some Broan vents match our customers roof. I went to the self check out line at home depot and rang up my one can of spray paint. A message came up and said to wait for a cashier as soon as I scanned it. Little did I know, but in RI you have to be 18 to buy spraypaint. Having just turned 17 in August, I got nervous when asked for ID. Knowing that they wouldn't sell it to me and knowing that we really  needed it back on the job, I just put the $10 bill I had ready to put in the machine down on the register and walked out with the one spray paint can I needed. Could I get in any trouble for this? The price of the can wasn't even $10. I'm just nervous because there's a police department right in the Plaza and I frequent it often.

Answer:
 It would be a fantastic loophole, wouldn't it? Then you could just go into a liquor store tomorrow, pick up a six-pack, slap a $20 on the counter and walk out.

Anyway, this is illegal. And interestingly, simply [possessing spray paint as a minor](http://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/2014/title-11/chapter-11-9/section-11-9-19.1) is also illegal, so just carrying that can around is a crime.

It's unlikely you'll actually get in trouble, but you definitely could.


Title: I was sent unsolicited items instead of what I ordered, and now I'm being threatened to have my actual merchandise not delivered and my credit card charged double for my own order. They also gave out my personal information? (OH)

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 I want to repeat this, if other people see this, but this doesn't count as unordered merchandise. Mistakes, as part of an order you placed, do not qualify as items you can keep for free.

Seriously, print a ship label and drop it in a UPS box when you drive by one, or arrange a pickup. Honestly, if you weren't so aggressive about this you probably could have gotten a small credit for your inconvenience, but you aren't owed anything other than what you ordered.Answer #2: You were entitled to a refund amount of what you spent on the sweat pants.

You were not entitled to keep the item that you didn't order.

You need to return those items, but they do need to pay for shipping.

They can't charge you double, if they do, dispute it with your credit card company.

You have no grounds to file a complaint with USPS.


Title: Atlanta, GA- Employer Wants me to Interview at competing firms to gain intel on how they hire, fire and do business.

Question:
[Solved] I work on and off for a rather eccentric person in the document management industry. At 7pm last night , my employer sent me a list of companies they want me to interview with and try to get hired into. Employer then wants me to gather information about how they operate and hire or fire employees.

Does this fall under corporate espionage or infringement?

Answer:
 Not legal advice, but sounds like a excellent way to ruin your reputation in the industry.  Answer #2: There's nothing illegal about that but if you do get hired you should be careful not to violation any non-disclosure forms you have to sign or they may sue you personally.Answer #3: Make sure they waive, in writing, any non-compete you signed. Answer #4: >Does this fall under corporate espionage or infringement?

I can't answer that, but those are some awfully high stakes with some potentially life-altering consequences. Do you love your current employer enough to consider prison? How about 6-figure fines? Why isn't your employer doing this themselves?Answer #5: >Does this fall under corporate espionage or infringement?

IANAL, but the gathering of information on how they operate does sound like it falls under corporate espionage.  On top of that, if you ever want to leave this job for another one, you would have a very hard time because you would have burned a lot of bridgesAnswer #6: What a shady boss.  Interview for a better a job and take it.Answer #7: If he/they are being shady with you, he/they will do shady stuff to you.


Title: Girlfriend moved in, need her out.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Yes, you need to give 30 days notice.

Also, for what it's worth, pouring water on her technically *IS* abusive, so don't act like the victim here.


Title: Need Advice on My Decision to Charge a "Petty" Thief

Question:
Sorry if I'm breaking any rules or messing up the format, but I'm doing my best to adhere to the rules here.

Location: Georgia. I live in an area where bicycle thieves run rampant. This is also an increasingly violent area, despite a strong presence of officers in the area. Several bicycles owned by my family members, including other outdoor recreational property such as skateboards and scooters have been stolen across the 7 years that I stayed here. The most recent theft was while I was working my shift.

However, this time the thief (who was another worker at the warehouse who works through a temp. hiring agency) was seen stealing the bike by my manager AND was recorded by security cameras. Using this information, the thief was identified, called through his agency and warned that police were already called to the scene and he needs to return the bicycle or risk escalating the issue. Shortly after this, he returned with the bike. Now, the part we're all here for....

When he arrived, I was asked if I wanted to press charges or not. After thinking it over for a few minutes, I decided that I would press charges, but now I am wondering if that was best? THis will be my 1st time going into the court system, and although I have very clear evidence against him, I'd like some opinions and advice on the following:

* Does this seem worth the time? I said I would press charges because I wanted him to learn a hard lesson about theft and what the risks are, but to I've been told there will likely be court dates and other hoops to jump through to see this to the end.
* Is the risk worth it? Like I said, this area is kinda rough. I don't much like the idea of getting jumped for putting this guy in the court system, so I don't know if my call was the right one in retrospect.
* What should I expect? This is my first time doing any of this, so I'm a little lost as to where things go from here, and how quickly. The bicycle was only $120, so it's not a huge case or anything. But on the other hand, the evidence is absolute.

Thanks again for any advice and opinions!
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 You're not going to be the one pressing the actual charges, the police/DA are.

You're going to turn the evidence over to police (or be asked to, or volunteer to), then they will use that to help their case.

You may be summoned to court for a number of reasons -- to testify, for example.

But in short, you're not pressing charges at all because citizens do not have the power to press charges.  You'd simply be helping the police/DA with their case against the thief.


Title: I google searched "pictures of checks" and used the routing and account number of a random check to deposit money on an online gambling site. I quickly regretted it and feel remorseful for taking an innocent strangers money. I'd like to make things right but don't know where to start.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You need to talk to a lawyer.

You committed numerous felonies at both the state and federal levels, and you need real legal advice (not what we do here) before you proceed.

Also, get help for your addiction.Answer #2: If this is true, you've committed a fairly serious crime. If you really are thinking about turning yourself in, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney first.Answer #3: Wow if you actually did this and aren't a troll. Did the money actually get credited to your account and did you spend it gambling? You need to get help for your addition now. If the police want to talk to you, say nothing and get an attorney.

>  that I might need help to overcome

There is nothing "might" about it.Answer #4: Assuming you're in the U.S., it's during business hours. Stop whatever you're doing, put the rest of your day on hold. Start calling criminal defense attorneys and setting up appointments, right now.


Title: [CA] Car Vandalism. My car had it's tire slashed, got keyed to shit, and was peed on.

Question:
TL;DR: kid claims I scraped his car parking, comes out realizes there's no damage and that I didn't scrape his car, shoos me off then when I return to my car it's keyed to shit with a punctured tire and covered in piss.

I was out on a date night and pulled into a parking spot next to some teenagers in the back of their car. I pulled in close on their side because I was not set up well to take the spot. I was backing up to straighten it out when one of them (presumably the owner of the car) gets out and stares at me. I rolled down my window and asked him what's up and he said he said that I scraped his car pulling in. I knew I parked close but I was nearly positive that I didn't scrape his car. I parked and the both of us came over to check out if there was any damage. There was none on either car (presumably because I didn't scrape him...)he noticed that there was no damage as well and motioned me off waving his hand in my direction. I asked if he still wanted insurance information and he looked at me and said nothing so I went on my way with my date though when we got back to the car after it was keyed to all shit, had the tire punctured and was peed on. This occurred in a busy parking structure as well. I have filed a police report and called my insurance company. What further steps can I take?

Answer: You called the people who investigate the matter, and the people who compensate you for it, there is nothing else for you to do at this time.


Title: If you get a DUI and your car is parked in your driveway can the police still tow it? (Kansas)

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Without far more details, we can't begin to answer this question.


Title: [CA] My father is getting re-married and I want to know if my new stepmother(and her kids) will gain his inheritance or does his children gain his inheritance.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 This is going to depend on any prenuptial agreement they sign and the terms of your father's will (assuming he has one), and also whether his property and assets are community or separate property under California law.

If he has no prenup and no will, the intestate rules provide that community property goes to your new stepmother, to distribute as she wishes, and she also receives one-third of his separate property, with the other two-thirds divided between you and your brother. However, any prenup or will or trust can change that quite dramatically.


Title: [Canada] What happens to your student loans when you commit suicide?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 If they co signed then they would be responsible. But debt owned by you goes with you.

Please go to /r/suicidewatch


Title: lawyer ex-wife is threatening me with court costs

Question:
this is the email I received this morning... I guess my main question is whether or not it's ethical for her as an officer of the court to essentially threaten me with court costs, her lawyer fees etc ?  She's in NC, I'm in MT.  It is prohibitively expensive for me to have to fly to NC to defend this.

BTW Haley is her 20 year old sister who lived with us as a 15/16 year old, is currently drug free, was released from treatment, and is doing quite well with some mentorship from myself.  She's not at all a risk to the kids.

>
> We also need to address the issue of Haley living with you.  I don't want her to live in the same house as the kids, and I don't want her to babysit/nanny/ or be around them at this point.  Hopefully this rehab sticks and she gets her act together and it will be ok in the future.  But for now it is not appropriate.
>
> I would hope that you can agree to that and see that it is best that the kids are not around her until she proves that she can stay clean and be a good influence.  When we are there in Oct I would like for you to sign an agreement that you will not have her around the kids.  Something basic like neither party will allow her to reside in the same house with the children and neither party will allow her to have contact with the children without the advance consent of the other parent.
>
>> If you are not willing to agree to that, then I will be forced to go to court.  I will have to file as soon as we get back so that there is time to have it resolved before the Christmas visitation.  This will mean a hearing in NC that you will have to attend, and you will have to present witnesses and evidence to show that it is in the children's best interest to be around her.  Which would probably mean bringing Haley here at a minimum.  You will have your own attorney fees and I will ask the judge to have you pay my fees again.
>
> I would hope that you can objectively look at it and see that no judge would side with you.  She has a current history of major substance abuse including meth.  She has a current and long term history of mental instability.  She has a current history of major criminal charges that she is currently under supervision for.  She has a current history of bad judgment, including leaving the state with outstanding warrants after being advised to turn herself in, dating a convicted bank robber on federal probation, etc etc.
>
> You lived with her and know how she is.  You know that she will play people when it is to her advantage.  You cannot trust her at this point to not bring people around the house when you are gone, and you know how terrible her choices in boyfriends are.  You know from your own family that it is hard to break drug habits and that it takes many many tries to be successful.  You cannot know at this point that she will be successful.  You do not want her to be high around the kids or to try to hide drugs in the house that they can get into.
>
> I could go on for pages more but I wont.  You should understand my basic concerns.  If you want to talk about it with me, you can call me or we can talk about it in MT.
>
> I would hope that you would not jeopardize the children's safety or your time with them over her.  She has plenty of family in Kalispell as well as all of the family on her mothers side on the east coast that are willing to take her in and offer assistance.  You are not her father, so please put your own kids first.

Answer:
 To clarify, from your account:

You're living with your ex-wife's 20-year old sister?

She was awarded attorney's fees in some previous action associated with your divorce?Answer #2: There is absolutely nothing wrong with her informing you that she will seek attorneys fees in a hearing.  Litigants do that all the time.


Title: [ny] If you submitted your resume for consideration for a job does that automatically give the employer permission to run a background check?

Question:
I applied for a job by emailing my resume and cover letter. I got an interview and it went very well. I was told that they were very interested and I'd hear back soon. Two weeks later I get an email saying my application was denied by the state following a failed background check. The position I applied for is with a nonprofit but funded by a state contract. After the nonprofit selects someone they have to send their application to the state (in this case my resume and cover letter) for final approval. I was never told this .
Apparently the state did a background check but could not confirm my education (I have a foreign degree that I obtains in 1989). Obviously this would not come up on a standard background check.
So the state told the non profit they do not approve my application and that I can not be considered for the position.

At no point was I told that they would be conducting a background check to verify my education. If I was told I would have explained how they can verify since I know it would not have come up. I never signed anything concerning to a background check. Is this type of thing allowed?

I was told that there is no appealing the decision, what the state says goes and that's it so I know this job is gone but I am interested in the answer for future reference. I did try to google but I could only find info on background chicks for criminal records, not ones to verify education.

Thanks!

Answer: In order to run a background check they will need certain info from you. So if you don’t give it they can’t run it.


Title: Landlord knows I’ve been living with bed bugs for 2 months (AZ)

Question:
so, our apartment became infested because of a neighbor, they ended up abandoning their apartment and all their belongings because of bed bugs. This started over 2 months ago when I first submitted a maintenance request. Without my knowledge a pest control guy came into my apartment, I was later told by my landlord that “they found evidence” of bed bugs but “couldn’t do anything because our house wasn’t prepped” but this information was not relayed to me until about a month later. So they knew the whole time and said nothing to me and did nothing to help me. So I submit another request and finally we get a check list to prep for spraying. We got told we weren’t ready twice for reasons not on the list. I’ve been living out of trash bags in my apartment for 2 months now, haven’t slept in my bed ( I’ve been sleeping on the couch) and am still being but by bed bugs. I’m still paying my whole rent, and when I tried to contact corporate they sent someone knocking st my door at 10am and she brought paperwork for ROACHES. She had no clue we had bed bugs even though that was in my email. She also told corporate my house wasn’t prepped. ( which is a lie because everything I own is in trash bags except for the handful of items I’ve been using ) the corporate lady said and I quote “ we want to help you but we can’t if you’re not prepped” I’m so over this. I have to throw away my expensive couches now, and they have done nothing but threaten me with having to pay for the exterminator. What can I do ?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 You can get the treatment done yourself and bill the landlord. This is far beyond any "reasonable" time expectation.

If the landlord refuses to pay, you can take him to court. Especially since you have it in writing that you let them know 2 months ago, it should be a pretty easy win.

I would also be raising hell for significantly discounted rent. That shit is not habitable and the landlord is in breach of the lease.


Title: EMS Firetruck inside covered mall parking lot blew out my ear drums causing pain, ringing, and other problems

Question:
In short, a firetruck came wailing into a covered concrete area with the sirens blasting, echoing off the concrete walls, ceilings, and everything else, which seemed to act like an amplifier. Everyone was covering their ears. I have a dB level indicator on my phone and it was pegged at 130dB, the highest it would go. It was so intensely loud it made me sick, nauseous, and left a ringing in my ear.

To me, this is an extreme lack of judgement, common sense and abuse. Why would you drive an EMS vehicle (a firetruck, which is probably the loudest of them all) into literally a concrete box with its sirens blasting where there are in excess of 100,000 visitors daily at this location? I went research EMS decibel levels and found following as well as an article where about 1,500 FDNY active and non active fire-fighters filed a lawsuit over similar reasons, 120-130dB levels were causing them to go deaf and cause other hearing related problems, since they are constantly around it, without proper protection and without decibel diverters, dampeners, or shrouds in their facilities. If it bothered them that much and filed lawsuit, I think I might have a case. Should I file a complaint? And who with? Police, Firedepartment, the manufacturer of the sirens, the area I was in for not having devices to divert or absorb the noise? All of the above? And what kind of complaint do I file? I ask these questions because last time I tried to file what I thought was a criminal complaint with the PD, two officers literally harassed me for 15 minutes while they already knew they weren't going to file a criminal complaint (I said I just wanted it filed, I don't know what laws were broken, I wanted to file a complaint and have it sent to the District Attorney and have them make that determination of laws being broken). They fed off each other and amplified the situation when I tried to file a complaint, asked me more questions about the incident I was trying to report, then said you keep adding to your story, and you're all over the place, then accused me of being on drugs, and tons of other stuff. I was being f'd with. Then finally they had enough and told me to immediately depart their premises before I am arrested. So wtf.

Anyway. From what I gather:

**Hearing Loss** in **EMS**. Many estimates peg the noise **level** of a typical **ambulance** siren in the neighborhood of 120–130 **decibels** (dB). Exposure at these **levels** without **hearing** protection, even for a brief period, can cause permanent **hearing damage**.Jul 20, 2018

&#x200B;

Thanks in advance.

Answer: Just so it's clear, you chose to pull out your phone and measure the decibel of it instead of covering your ears, correct?


Title: Inherited several guns. Are there any state/federal laws requiring documentation of the transfer?

Question:
My grandfather recently passed away. In his will, he wrote that all his guns were to be divided between myself and my siblings.

Is there any particular process or documentation required by state or federal law to transfer ownership or registration of these?

There are several rifles, air rifles, BB guns, and pistols. One of the small-caliber rifles has a high-capacity (25-round) magazine.

Grandad lived in South Carolina. I don't know where all the guns were purchased. I'll be taking mine home to Florida.

My brother is a law enforcement officer in another state, and insists there's a federal requirement to have a licensed firearms dealer broker the transfer. But this doesn't quite seem right to me.

The question here is purely focused on gun laws. Executor of the estate is my mom, and she's already given us the ok to take home what's meant for us.

Answer:
 There is an inheritance exemption to 18 U.S. Code § 922(a)(3).

You can lawfully drive from FL to SC and pick up the guns. FOPA covers you during your travel as well.Answer #2: This document should help: https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/docs/0813-firearms-top-12-qaspdf/download

If the will specifies who inherits the firearms, you can drive up and take them home with you. Florida doesn't have a registry, you're fine.


Title: Is it legal to trap your car in a parking lot?

Question: I'm at an event in Denver's Mile High Stadium. I need to work in the morning, so I left at least an hour early. Problem is, I parked several blocks from the stadium. Attendants filled the lot, so I can't leave. Is this legal? Can I call the police?

Answer: It'll take longer for the police to resolve the matter than for the event to finish and for the lot to empty out naturally. Ask the attendants if they can juggle cars; if not, take a cab home for the night.


Title: Can my college legally expel me for engaging in racist chants with my frat? [Oklahoma]

Question:
Not literally me, it's a news story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/03/10/no-a-public-university-may-not-expel-students-for-racist-speech/

I guess there's a pretty significant portion of people that feel this student's rights were violated here. Obviously the right to free speech is not protection from consequences for that speech, but part of the argument is that OU is a publicly funded university. Is that even a factor?

I think it's okay for them to expel the student because fuck racists. But I'm curious to know if there is even a real controversial issue here or if people are just getting upset because we haven't had a good public First Amendment debate in a while.

Answer: [Here you go](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/2yku8m/sae_ou_expulsions/).


Title: My cleaning lady started bringing her teenage girls to help her clean over the summer, what do?

Question:
Almost a year ago I contacted a housekeeping company on Craigslist. I will change names here, let's call the owners of the company Viktor and Svetlana and the company we will call Great Cleaning, this is in Oregon, USA.

Svetlana sent a cleaning lady to my apartment, we will call her Vera. Vera does a fantastic job, we like her a lot. She is very sweet and meek and deferential. She comes every other week or so as needed, we have a tiny apartment, she charges $60 and I add $10 as a tip for a total of $70, I make out a check to Vera directly every time she comes. She cleans the whole 550 sq. ft. apartment including the dishes.

Vera does not speak basically any English at all, so anything I have to say I have to communicate through Svetlana by text message. I have never met Viktor or Svetlana, but I text them to arrange cleaning or if I have some request for Vera. I have the suspicion that Svetlana may be a bit stern or mean to Vera, but I have no real basis for this. I mentioned in a text message to Svetlana once that the silverware was still a bit dirty after Vera cleaned them but otherwise the place looked great, and it seemed like Svetlana was upset with Vera.

This summer Vera started bringing her girls. The girls are out of school and are helping her clean. Usually I am not home when she comes, so I didn't notice at first, but I worked from home one morning and she had brought her daughter, and then another time I noticed that she has two daughters she sometimes brings. The girls are very sweet and always smiling and pleasant.

I am not certain of the age of the girls, but they are both teenagers. The older one is probably 16-17, the younger may be 14-15.

I don't know what to do.

My concerns:

- We like Vera and her girls a lot. I actually used to clean apartments myself when I was in college full-time and I can't imagine doing it as a single mother. She seems like a great mom with happy girls and we are not judging her or wanting to get her in trouble, I am confident that she is making the best choices she can for her girls. Whatever I do I do not want to make life harder for her or her girls.

- I don't know how old the girls are or if they are being compensated fairly. I can't ask Vera about this because she knows so little English she is nearly mute. I could ask Svetlana, but I don't know how much I trust Svetlana, I have never even met her.

- I presume Vera is an immigrant from Eastern Europe somewhere, I have no idea if she is documented or what that would mean about the legality of her employment with me if she were not. I don't know if Great Cleaning is a legitimate company, I found them on Craigslist.

- I have no idea how many hours a week the girls are working, I don't know how many homes Vera cleans. It seems she only brings her girls occasionally and only since the summer began, she brings the older one more often I think.

So I guess my question is, how do I know whether this arrangement is legal? Am I violating child labor laws? How do I remedy this situation in a way that is best for Vera and her girls?

Answer:
 If you are making checks out to Vera, then it seems as though Vera is a private contractor. Perhaps she is bringing the girls with so that she can clean more houses in a day/week?

If Vera is a private contractor, it would seem that she can hire whomever she pleases, including the girls, to help her out. I would suspect that since the girls are working for their mother, they are benefiting from the arrangement appropriately. Answer #2: There is nothing illegal here. If you don't mind the girls coming over just let it be.Answer #3: Update:
I sent Svetlana an email asking her if the girls are old enough to work and are being paid legally. I asked that if not they do not do any more cleaning for me. I told Svetlana the girls are welcome to come and read a book while Vera cleans regardless.


Title: [PA] Bank released account information to parents despite them not being on my account. I am in my thirties.

Question: I am not on good terms with my parents, who live in a different state (WA) and have not spoken to them for a few years now due to reasons that I'd rather not get into here. Recently, they called my bank and spun a story about being worried due to not having heard from me in a while and the bank proceeded to let them know details such as when and where my card was last used, how much my balance is, and when I last withdrew money from an ATM. I am the only person on the account, am in my thirties, and am fully financially independent. How on earth is what the bank did legal? I feel extremely violated and unsafe right now. Is it really legal for the bank to be releasing this kind of information to my parents? What if a stalker were to impersonate someone's parents and do something like this? Do I have grounds for a lawsuit here?

Answer:
 IANAL, but it sounds like its illegal. Thats personal information. what if the people who called weren't your parents?

Since I am not really knowledgable in legal stuff, the only thing I can really say is consult a lawyer. Obviously, if the lawyer thinks there is a case, they will go after them.