Title: can the judge hold it against you if you test dirty for drugs while in IOP before your trial date and before probation?

Question:
I got caught with a felony possession charge, which was not weed, but I ended up smoking while going to IOP. My lawyer recommended I go to the IOP and I'm out on bond but not on probation or anything and haven't went to trial yett. I am 58 days clean on opiates, though.

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Just wondering since I signed a release for my public defender from the IOP place, if the judge can hold any of my marijuana use against me to revoke my bond or give me a harsher sentence.

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Thanks for the help in advance, I really appreciate all of what you guys do for everyone! You're taking time out of your lives to help people who're scared and confused. happy new year!

Answer: You smoked weed while out on bond for felony drug charges, gave your dirty test results to the court, and you're wondering if the judge can hold it against you? Yes. Yes, he can.


Title: I was handcuffed to a bench in a police station for sitting in a park doing nothing. Do I have a case?

Question:
Hey everyone. Throwaway because I honestly haven't even told my family about this and I don't know what to do.

Last night, I had a really dark hour. I was extremely depressed and have a history of self abuse/suicidal tendencies. I hide my problems well enough, but I've been to the hospital twice for stitches from my cutting. I had to get out of my house and away from anything I could harm myself with so I went to a nearby park and sat there with my eyes closed for a while.

There were very few other people in the park. About 30 yards away a couple of young adult girls were having a talk, but they were far enough away that I could only catch a word or two every 20 or so minutes. I mainly had my eyes closed and was facing the floor, just trying to calm myself down.

Eventually I heard shouting from them, and realized they were shouting at me. I heard words like "creeper," "stalker," and "pervert" from them. They eventually came up to me, and at this point I said the first thing: please just leave me alone. One of the young women asked why I was stalking them. I said I wasn't and just wanted to be left alone. The other girl said I was "touching myself," and I told them that I wasn't. She was persistent in her claims, and eventually they said they would call the cops so I should run far away. I'm fairly sure she was inebriated but I can't be 100% sure on that.

I stayed there because there's no way the cops would believe her without evidence, and then a squad car pulled up behind me. A female officer (whose name and badge number I later received) got out of the car and shined her flashlight in my face when I turned around, then told me to show my hands. I complied completely and she questioned me at length. The two women had returned at some point during this questioning, and were shouting over me at the same time. What shocked me most was the police officer made no attempt to stop them, and got backup during her extensive questioning who also were just standing there watching.

The cop put me in the back of her car and drove me to the police station, where I spent the next two hours handcuffed to a bench. I refused to say anything further and wasn't sure if I was under arrest. They never took me in for further questioning and I was not read my rights, and to the best of my understanding, they only have to read those before an official questioning. I would have refused to answer anything anyway.

Eventually the female officer said that they were "dropping the charges," and they let me go. I had to walk about ten miles home and didn't arrive until the early morning (my area has very little public transportation). I'm not going to lie: I did self harm after going home, but not that badly. I burned my arm with a lighter and went to bed.

I don't want to get rich. Those girls gave the female officers a statement, and I believe they must have given her their information. I want them to be held accountable for this false accusation, but the problem is I have no real evidence. I understand that it's a longshot, but is there anything I could do in civil court here? It's essentially their word against mine.

For reference, I live in Vermont. Thanks for the time you took to read this.

Answer:
 >I was extremely depressed and have a history of self abuse/suicidal tendencies.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1 (800) 273-8255

/r/suicidewatch

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

It is unlikely that the police officers acted incorrectly in this situation.  Please be safe and get healthy.Answer #2: I'm really sorry this happened to you, and don't mistake the answers you're getting for a lack of sympathy or caring.

As the name suggests, this sub is about legal advice. The legal advice you're getting is basically that, even if the girls decided to maliciously target you for some reason, you will never ever prove it.

Trying to prove it will be extremely difficult and stressful. You should not put yourself through that.

Instead of trying to bring them to justice, channel your energies into your own well being.Answer #3: >I don't want to get rich.

Well that's good because no one did anything wrong based on your story


Title: Dallas Buyers Club Lawsuit (NEW)

Question:
Apparently while i was at work we got a notice from Comcast that I need to appear in court on March 13th at the capital in Salem, OR (I am new Portland) They said to let them know by the 11th if i do not want my info released. I did read a couple other posts here on reddit and didn't really come to any conclusion on what can and should be done on my end as all of those posts where 9mos or older.

Has anybody gotten one recently or know what to do or is everyone just paying up front to get it dismissed? If i ignore the court date what will happen? Will they issue a bench warrant and/or garnish wages ?

What are my options?

oh and the time they said i did this was at 1:33am GMT ... where is this and what time would that be to PST? -thank you

*edit my docket
Voltage Pictures and Dallas Buyers Club, LLC v. Doe 6:15-cv-00178

Answer: I don't have any advice but, curious, I googled *Voltage Pictures and Dallas Buyers Club, LLC v. Doe 6:15-cv-00178* and a law firm pops right up, eager for your business.  Again, I have no advice whether it would be a good idea to engage such a lawyer.


Title: I am thoroughly displeased with my LegalAdvice experience.

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Removed

Answer:
 I suggest a negative Yelp review, that will really show us!Answer #2: how about if instead of this, you go and hire an IRL local attorney and make your dogshit case and win and then come back and rub it in our face.

that will be the best revenge. and it will teach us what we are obviously wrong about w/re dogshit and help us be better counselors. Answer #3: > Their advice was wrong and misleading

Since you know everything, prove how the advice you were give is wrong.

I'll wait.


Title: (Georgia) I was arrested and charged for having Ibuprofen without a prescription but I bought it at a pharmacy here. Is there any way the pharmacy is on the hook?

Question: I am so confused. I was arrested for being in 'possession of a dangerous drug' but it was Ibuprofen that I bought at the pharmacy. I got it right off the shelf and no one said anything when I bought it. The police say they know and believe that it is Ibuprofen but I still got charged and I have to go to court. They said it's illegal under Georgia law but I bought it at the pharmacy and I have the receipt and debit card record to prove it and it was still in the original bottle. I moved to Georgia for school 2 months ago and I understand that ignorance of the law is no excuse but it's Ibuprofen and I bought it at the pharmacy. I want to work for the government or the FBI and a drug charge will ruin my chances. I have never done illegal drugs before even once. Is there any way the pharmacy can be at fault for selling it to me? I went back today and it's still on the self and I took pictures to show it.

Answer:
 I assume you did not buy it from a pharmacy in Georgia, correct?

Georgia does appear to consider Ibuprofen over 200mg to be a dangerous drug and illegal.


Title: What are some of the best ways to get away with murder, in terms of legal loopholes?

Question: The more technical and specific, the better.

Answer: Diplomatic immunity


Title: MN infidelity and divorce

Question: I have more than ample proof that my wife cheated on me (pics of her kissing guy, texts/emails, etc.). I live in the state of Minnesota. I know men do not fair well in this state when it comes to divorce proceedings. They tend to get taken for all they have, and while we do not have kids, I don't want her taking all my earthly possessions. How well with proof of infidelity play to my liking in divorce proceedings?

Answer:
 Nobody will take all your earthly possessions. Your wife will get the roughly 1/2 of all the value you both accumulated during the marriage, as it already belongs to her.
Answer #2: Well you should start by changing your attitude if you want to get help here.Answer #3: Most states are now “no fault” including Minnesota. Her infidelity may be a factor but it will not be determinative.


Title: Pretty sure the maid staff at my hotel stole my Nintendo switch

Question: So I go to hotels a lot for my job. Ive never had any problems with theft or anything. I take my switch with me because it's easy to carry and I can just throw it in my bag. I haven't played it on this trip (4 days) because work has been killing me. As I was packing I noticed I didn't see my case I keep it in. I searched the entire room. All nooks and crannies in case it fell out. I was by myself in the room. It wasn't in my bag and when I got home it wasn't on my bed. I know I shouldn't of left the hotel before finding it but I didn't know if I took it with me or not and I had a 5 hour drive home and wasn't really wanting to keep pushing my drive later as it was already 9pm. Is there any way I can find out if the maid staff stole it?

Answer: Pretty unlikely that they would steal something from a guests room. Since you don't know that it was there in the first place I would make absolutely sure you know it's missing before you throw around accusations. You could ask the hotel to look in their lost and found, but otherwise you could make a police report.


Title: Is this legal?

Question:
I got injured at work but doing something not work related. I work in construction but we have a problem with feral cats. I chased them away in the morning because its safer for workers and the cats to not be in a construction area during operation. It's not my job, but it puts my mind at ease. I chased one feral out on Monday and I guess it felt attacked and it jumped at my face and left scratches that require stitches. Since this was my doing, I want it to be a personal injury.

When getting stitches I was asked if it happened at work. Yes it did. So now I'm required to fill out a claim for workers comp. I dont want to fill out a claim for workers comp, this injury was my fault. I know it's illegal to make claims to get workers comp, is it illegal to falsify my story a little to get myself out of workers comp? It's a bunch of paperwork that's going to get denied anyways.
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer: So...your work site was unsafe, you were taking corrective actions to make it safe, you were hurt while taking corrective actions, and you think that's a personal injury? Why? And why would the claim be denied?


Title: TX - My Dad, 82 with mid-late state alzheimers, escaped from the nursing home we had him in and broke into our old house.

Question:
So 10 years ago we had to commit our dad into the alzheimers facility near me. During his stay there he has escaped 5 times. The first three times it was due to another patient holding the door open for him and two others.

These times they were caught very quickly, usually within five minutes, and was returned. The fourth time was bad but it was not the facility's fault. My, at the time, 75 year old dad actually climbed over the fence of the facility. It took four hours to find him but he was caught by the local PD.

Since then the facility planted shrubbery along the inside of the fence to prevent it from happening again.

However today he managed to escape because of negligence. One of the workers was not doing their job and my dad simply walked out at 9 am this morning. There are 2 doors. One with a keypad that makes a very loud buzz throughout the foyer, and a second door which you have to buzz yourself out and wait 30 seconds. The lady did not check when either buzzer was hit. She has a door override lock. It is a big red button on her desk that seals both doors when pressed. You have to be let out with a key before it will release you. So the facility has very good security and safety measures in place, but they were not followed.

So because of this me, my mom, my sister, our cousins, and the local PD have been out looking for him all day. At 7pm tonight we found him at our old house. The one we lived in almost 30 years ago.

My dad had busted down the door. Its not a very heavy door, hollow wood door, and my dad was able to bust it open dislocating his shoulder in the process. The house is now vacant but he caused enough commotion for our old neighbors to see what was going on. One of them remembered my dad and knows about his situation. She visits from time to time. She called 911 and now my dad is currently in the hospital waiting to have surgery on his shoulder. Possibly a replacement.

So few questions reddit. First the damage to the house. Will I somehow be liable for this or can this be shifted to the nursing home my Dad WAS a member of? Oh yes we are moving him to a new facility after this.

Second is his medical bills. Most of it will be covered by medicaid but the parts left over are still significant and will dip pretty hard into what is left of his savings and 401k. Is there anyway to make the nursing home pay for this or are we out on that too?

Answer:
 >First the damage to the house. Will I somehow be liable for this

No, unless your state has some weird variant on filial responsibility laws. You didn't break down the door.

>can this be shifted to the nursing home

Maybe. The first question is, have charges been filed or has anyone been sued? It's not worth worrying about until one of those things happens. Given the circumstances, it's possible that nothing will come of that at all.

> Is there anyway to make the nursing home pay for this or are we out on that too?

That's going to depend on the particulars of your case. The nursing home would almost certainly bear some responsibility if what you described is true, but you need to talk to an actual lawyer on this one.


Title: Is this a form of abuse of power?

Question:
So i went through alot the last few months and i had a case with DHS and they required me to do individual and group therapy. They also went to extent of having me do a pysch eval by a provider whom thet hired.

So after completion of my pysch eval, there was no mental health issues found and she noted that i was safe with my children. My individual therapist (through DHS) reccomended that i went through EMDR therapy and insisted that the pysch eval by the other provider was no good.

Fast forward, 2 EMDR sessions in and im going into my third session and my therapist drops a bomb on me and tells me that she doesnt feel i am safe with my kids and shes going to request a removal of my children because my pysch eval wasnt good enough and she wasnt comfortable.

Now before starting EMDR i was completely hesitant and decided that i would do what i needed to. We signed consent forms stating that my life was stable and i would not go through any trauma in my life. Also the day my therapist told me this was the day they put the order in to remove my children once again.

Side note: i was on a strict safety treatment plan wich i was abiding by with no violations, matter of fact i had completed this treament plan and the many others i had been given. I do not feel its a coincidence that after completion of my pysch eval they have me do EMDR therapy and then pull my kids. That is traumatic. Not to mention i have proof of my case worker lying in court but i had a state privided attourney and he wasnt aggressive for my rights. I have done everything that has been asked of me and nothing has been good enough. Also DHS got involved because of an accident that happened in the care of my ex husband. I was at work and have proof. He was charged with unknowingly  felony child neglect. I was not charged with anything. I was never arrested and my entire case was civil. I need advice. Thank you

Answer: It’s not an abuse of anything for a person who you are seeking mental health care from, no matter the reason for the sessions, to voice their concerns about your parenting ability. Unless you can show that this is somehow based on something under which no reasonable treatment person would reach the same conclusion all you can do is dispute the allegations if there is a hearing on the matter. You should look into obtaining legal counsel.


Title: 16 year old friend trying to escape intensely abusive (sexually, physically) father and family. Oregon. (X-Post /r/abuse)

Question:
My friend is a 16 yo female who has run away and seeking asylum with other friends. She is doing this because her family poses a significant risk to her physical and psychological health, and have already done extensive damage to her. Her father let his friends have sex with her as a child and he has been extremely physically abusive to both her and her brother.

The parents have alerted the authorities and are intent on "hunting her down". They're posting missing person fliers around their neighborhood. Being that the authorities have already been tipped against her in this regard, what sorts of things can be done to counter act this and potentially have legal backing and support on her side?

The hope is some kind of restraining order. But any pointers on how to progress legally, as well as any resources on the side of the abused would be really appreciated. Would really appreciate a step by step.

Thank you so much.

Answer:
 If she's being or has been abused in the home, she needs to contact CPS as soon as possible. She also needs to let the police know.Answer #2: >The hope is some kind of restraining order.

Actually, a better plan is for the abuser to be in prison where he cannot abuse her, her brother, or any other person.

Your friend should call the police.

You asked about resources: there are women's shelters and similar resources for older people who have been abused (and some for runaways) but most of the supportive services for someone in her circumstances are from Child Protective Services. Call them after calling the police.

Finally, I am thinking that you and she may be worried that if she calls the police they might not believe her and just send her back because her father contacted the police before she did. The police don't work that way, but if you REALLY wanted reassurance you could call CPS first, and THEN the police. Once CPS is taking responsibility for you, the police will not under any circumstances remove you from their care.

Police: 911 (yes, this IS an appropriate use of 911)

CPS: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse or neglect of any child to the Oregon Department of Human Services.Answer #3: On top of her calling CPS, she should also tell her school's guidance counselor. They'll have to report it and can help.


Title: Grandparent visitation right?! - custody complaint to be filed if I don't respond.

Question:
In central PA- Should I contact a lawyer to respond?

Had a falling out with narcissist/psychopath parents, ended up cutting all ties and communications.  Best thing for my family... So I thought.  We are Happily married, working parents, never divorced, we're both alive, daughter never lived with the grandparents, and our six year old is the center of our lives.  Been over a year without seeing my mother and step father.  Out of the blue we receive a letter from an attorney requesting that we either reach out to the attorney or to my parents to discuss a visitation schedule.  Did not respond... No dates were given, and it seemed like more of a suggestion than anything else.  A month and a half later, we receive a second letter from my parents attorney stating the following:

"This letter follows my letter to you dated [dec]. I still have not heard from you in response to that letter.  Your parents [names] have asked me to again reach out to you to discuss the possibility of a visitation schedule with your daughter [name]. The [parents names] are not seeking any sort of shared custody of [name], they would simply like to be able to see [name] on a regular basis.  That being said, if we do not hear from you by the end of the month, I will file a formal Custody Complaint with the court.  Please the [parents] or myself  to discuss a visitation schedule as soon as possible."

What options do I have?

Answer:
 Its a bluff.
They do not meet the criteria to file.
http://www.curtinheefner.com/new-changes-in-pennsylvanias-custody-law-limits-rights-of-grandparents/

Maybe report their lawyer to the bar association though.


Title: [Mi] Put up security camera because of crazy neighbors have them on tape taking pics in my kids window

Question:
The camera was in the window they we're taking pics of. But they had to walk into my yard to do it then they weren't off camera which would have been right up to the window. They then called the landlord complaining about our security camera claiming we have it in their kids window. It's facing the street but on our cars, their house is across the street. They have really dark curtians and and I've never seen lights so I know we aren't recording their kids room. The cops and the landlord suggested the camera. We didn't call the cops about them coming in the yard and taking pics in the window, because we weren't sure if we would be hypocrites. They harass us and they kids when we go outside. Call my kids names. They left a rude note on the windshield of our car. We called the cops for the note because they threatened to block our car in. What should we do?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 >What should we do?

Call the police nonemergency line to report them trespassing on your property, this clearly isn't some neighborly dispute that's going to be solved not inolving law enforcement. and about this:

>It's facing the street but on our cars, their house is across the street. They have really dark curtians and and I've never seen lights so I know we aren't recording their kids room. The cops and the landlord suggested the camera. We didn't call the cops about them coming in the yard and taking pics in the window, because we weren't sure if we would be hypocrites.

I'm going to assume you're not a creeper and don't have some zoom lense set up on anyone's bedroom, the idea that you're a hypocrite for having a security cameras monitoring your property with a view of theirs in the background being in anyway inappropriate, is laughable. They are free to have cameras of their own on their own property, they aren't allowed to come onto your property to take any pictures.

>They harass us and they kids when we go outside. Call my kids names.

You can also call the police everytime this happens to if you choose to or go ahead discuss a restraining order if they won't leave you and your kids alone.


Title: Help I am being taken to court for child support

Question:
The state is taking me to court against my ex. She is my legal wife we have been sperated 5 years. I now have a two year old and a non legal step daughter. I have sent my ex all I could via money gram every time she has asked.

My household is on food assistance, hers is as well.
I do not receive state provided healthcare benefits however everyone else does. Including my ex's boyfriend..

I am being charged for 3 years back due child support.
Concurrent child support. Mine and my ex's some healthcare.

No one involved owns any assets. I am the only person in the party of 4 that works. No cars. I have friends that are being charged $500 a check in child support for one child.

I cannot afford legal assistance and am being forced to meet over the phone on September 11th. I live in the USA, Phoenix As metro area. How can I get any assistance in explaining my case???

Answer:
 There really isn't much to explain. You are the parent of a child that no longer resides with you, you have a responsibility to provide for that child even if s/he does not live with you. The state will determine the how much you have to pay based on how much money you make, they usually wont take into consideration other financial situations.  Answer #2: > How can I get any assistance in explaining my case???

What exactly are you trying to explain?


Title: Court tomorrow need advice

Question:
So I've been meaning to post this for a while but never got the chance so let me make this short and simple. I'm 16 and got arrested for the first time on 4/20 (this is pretty ironic lol) got one other charge but didn't get arrested (it's weird but that's another story) so basically I got arrested for a misdemeanor possession charge of under 20 grams of weed in Florida but I believe I can beat the case (hopefully) since the situation was extremely unprofessional on the cops part.

What happened?
So it what 4/20 and I was gonna skip with a friend and go to a party foolproof plan. While waiting for the address we were walking down a trail and we were extremely thirsty we got close to a neighborhood close to my house which I knew since a lot of my friends live there. I tell him hey lets go in and get some water from the water fountain we go in and walk near the location I thought the water fountain was at and then while walking he stops and says lets just go back and I said were here might as well keep walking when this happens I see two cops on bicycles who see us since my friend stopped while crossing the road. They pull up and question us saying what we're doing and I and my friend respond walking they ask why we saying we're looking for the water fountain which by the attitude and the cop didn't believe us and by the way he was talking to us I knew we weren't gonna get off and that we were screwed basically this set in a bunch of anxiety and panic for me. I had a tin in my hand which had weed in it cop asked what it was I said nothing and put it in my pocket casually as if it was nothing (should of said gum but panicked) they then searched me and my friend I begged the cop to let us go and he then said calm down etc with a face of disgust I got handcuffed but when I asked if I was under arrested I was told I was just gonna get questioned and I was handcuffed so I can't get away and that the other cop a female was gonna get her car to question me. The lady comes back my friends parent is called and the lady cop ask for my parents number which I gave them my step dads knowing my mom would beyond freak out the male cop tells her that he will call my parents I was then told j would go to a place for questioning then released but in reality I  got arrested (which I wasn't told and didn't think I was) and went to the jac (juvenile assessment center) and put in a holding cell for 8-9 hours. My parents were never called and my mom was basically crying for hours thinking I've gone missing and I was never read my rights or even told that i was under arrest till I arrived at the jac.
Now here comes more injustice besides the male cop basically reaching for his gun if I even moved my head etc. My belongings got taken and were gonna get released to me when my parents came I had 35 dollars which I got back but in my phone I have a sliding case which I ALWAYS keep my if and debit card the cop had my id when he asked for it and kept it but my debit card was in my phone case until they took it when I got it back my parents took my phone but I got home to see my sliding case not being able to slide and j noticed it was broken and jammed back in. I got it to slide but it broke off since it was tampered with and my debit card was stolen my phone was also on and disabled even though I turned it off.

So I'm wondering is there anyway I can beat this case the cops who arrested me were extremely rude and the cops at the jac were just bad people who would make fun of everyone there and refused to give me crackers which you can get every 20 minutes.
Thank you for reading any help is appreciated :)

Edit: would me pushing the fact that my parents were never called at the arrest nor my rights not being read help me but s/o to this sub Reddit for the quick responses

Answer: Hahaha haha. Rude cops don't get charges dropped, and it doesn't sound like they were really rude.


Title: Police Report: 4 months after a car crash, do I need to be concerned?

Question:
Back in April I was in a car crash in Montgomery County, Maryland; and we're both MD residents. A guy was parked on a major road during rush hour, and I hit him. We were both in a hurray, we took pictures of each others driver's licenses and I gave him my insurance policy number.

I followed up with Geico, made a claim and all that. Geicio informed me that 1) even though he was parked in the road 2) under a no-parking zone sign, and 3) he was driving on expired tags, I was at fault. I argued, nothing changed, okay. I gave them his contact information. They said they'd work with him and his insurance. Cool.

I've been in other accidents (both my fault and theirs) and I've never needed to communicate with the other person after leaving the scene. Today this guy sends me an email saying he's going to file a police report and proceed with 'charges.' I don't know what he means by all that. And I'm really confused by what he actually needs from me.

So my question:
Do I have any real concerns moving forward with a police report?

I'm assuming he'll omit he was driving on expired tags; will I get some sort of opportunity to mention this, if all this goes forward?

Answer: He can report it, but he has not control over if anything is charged to anyone. The fact that he had expired tags means nothing. The fact that he might have broken a law doesn't automatically make him at fault for a crash.


Title: Dad's will says we should split the house, but he sold it to my sister for $1 years ago. Do I still get a share?

Question:
Hi r/legaladvice! I am writing a post for my boyfriend Brian who is trying to figure out how to handle his father's passing. We have discussed the situation of his inheritance, but Brian has enough on his plate grieving the loss of his father, so I wanted to get some initial questions answered to help him out. His father Frank lived in central New Jersey near the rest of Brian's family, but Brian and I live over an hour away in Philadelphia, so we are dealing with things from a distance.

Frank owned his house outright and lived there alone for 2 decades up until the day he died. As it turns out, Frank had actually sold his house to Brian's half-sister Hannah for $1 over a decade ago in order to avoid losing it to creditors. My understanding is that Frank expected to rack up debts in the future and didn't want the house taken away. Or it also could have something to do with taxes…we’re not sure and we didn’t press Hannah for the details. To us, the whole deal sounded shady and possibly illegal, so we wanted to check about that.

Fast forward to this week when Frank unexpectedly passed away. He didn’t have many valuables other than a few pieces of furniture and the house. In his will, he left the house to be split between Brian and Hannah.

The house is currently a wreck with mold and rotting walls in the basement and other disgusting messes that were left behind prior to Frank's passing. We’d estimate the house to be worth about $200k but needing maybe $20k worth of cleaning and renovation.

Today Brian met up with Hannah at the house and talked pretty amicably about how things should go. Hannah wants to renovate the house and move in. Brian wants to be flexible and allow Hannah to live in the house, but he also wants to carry out his father’s wishes (aka have her buy him out for a reasonable amount). At a later point, Hannah said, "the house will have to be sorted out between the two of us since I own it,” which sounded to Brian as if she wanted to also honor her father’s wishes, but concerned him that she feels entitled to the entire house.

Brian isn’t really sure how to proceed and what legal claims he has on the house, if any. Does he still have legal claim to the house even though it was technically sold to his sister for $1 but it was written in the will? He is hoping that Hannah honors her father’s wishes and buys out Brian’s share of the house, but he is also worried that she might change her mind and leave Brian with nothing.

Brian would rather keep things happy with his half-sister because she is the only family he has left on his dad’s side. He hopes there is no reason to take his sister to court, but I just want to make sure he’s prepared and gets a lawyer in advance if it sounds like he might need one.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer:
 If his dad sold the house to Hannah, it was no longer his to bequeath in the will. So it doesn't mean anything. If she owns it, she owns it. Answer #2: If my will said my kids get equal shares of the gold in Fort Knox when I die, that doesn't mean anything, since I don't own the gold in Fort Knox.

I fail to see how this is any different.  Father's will can't devise property father didn't own at death.

Your boyfriend's best bet is to be nice as pie and friendly with half sister and hope she feels a moral obligation to share with him.  If she offers less than half and he responds with suing, he shouldn't be surprised if he ends up with nothing at all.

If dad wanted to transfer the house to defraud his creditors due to NJ's lack of a homestead exemption, but still wanted it to go 50/50 to your bf and his half-sister, he should have transferred it to the two of them at that time.

A lawyer in your area may have a more optimistic take on this.  You might investigate if there is an argument that transfer of the home under the circumstances created an "implied trust".Answer #3: If Hannah legitimately owns the house, then it doesn't matter what Frank wanted. Dead people can't dictate what other people do with their property.

Brian is entirely at Hannah's mercy here.


Title: License suspension, but valid?

Question:
So my husband got a ticket that has an automatic 1 year license suspension. But, when he got his letter in the mail stating that his license would be suspended, his name is spelled wrong and the license # that is listed as his is incorrect. He has called the dmv and checked his license status, it is valid, and the status for the # listed on the letter is ‘unlicensed in Georgia’ so, my question is.. should he go to the DMV and tell them about the mix up? Or is this just something that’s on them for messing it up? I’ve never dealt with anything like this, so I have no idea how any of this stuff works.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer: It's a clerical error. He should assume his license is actually suspended and act accordingly.


Title: Food Lawsuit?

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Consumer Law

Answer:
 Anyone can sue anyone for basically anything. The process is the same, find a lawyer and ask them.

But lets think this thru.

The first question you ask yourself is, **what are my damages?** What happened as a result of this. If it's simply hurt feelings, you might get the cost of the carton of soymilk. Maybe the cost of a trip to the hospital/check-up. If you get sick and incur expenses because of the soymilk, you could include those costs in a lawsuit. If you die and your family could conclusively prove it was a direct result of the soymilk, the suit could go into the millions. Obviously, there could be a wide range of outcomes.

Before you do any of that, you should contact the company who would likely offer you something to avoid bad publicity. You can talk to a lawyer before or after this.


Title: Exterminator charging me over $200 even though he left after 10 mins. Do I have to pay?

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 >I needed to play a prank

The word "needed" doesn't mean what you think it means.  The word you should use here is "wanted," or, more properly, "stupidly decided."

If you don't pay them, they're going to take you to court.  They will tell the judge that you called them to exterminate some rats, they came and found the rats (which were fake), and they removed them.  The judge is going to tell you to pay them, along with their legal fees and court costs.Answer #2: If anything they should have to pay you $200 for the hilarious anecdote they can now tell at dinner parties.  You should sue them!


Title: If a business is legal in one state but performing services in a state where it is illegal, can you be prosecuted?

Question:
I have considered starting an essay-mill company with some of my friends due to the high demand for ghost-written essays from my friends school. Upon further research, I have found that while essay-mills are "legal" in my state, there are laws against their operations in other states. Could I face legal prosecution for servicing students in these states? Are states even able to prosecute essay-mills? I see so many essay-mills operating online.

&#x200B;

https://guides.law.fsu.edu/termpapermills

Answer: Yes. Without question.


Title: Old man is trying to shake me down

Question: Ok. To add some context about 3 days ago an older black gentleman (said he was 70 years old) was walking his bike in front of my house. Dont know why youd walk your bike in Arizona heat but whatever. My dog does bark, she gets a little snappy if people get too close but she knows my neighbors and doesnt do any of that with them. Only strangers. So he walks really close to my front yard and i live on a bit of ranch type home so at the moment i dont have a gate and wall for my front yard. The man doesnt even flinch when walking past my dog that day. She got close barking at him because obviously the man is pretty dang close so i go out and call her to back off. The following day the same thing happens but this time he throws his bike down suddenly and start screaming bloody murder and walks fast to my door almost knocking it down and banging on it. I open and he starts yelling "YOURE DOG BIT ME!" and i ask for him to show me and he reluctantly shows me some dried up scabs on his ankle under his sock. Now why would a dog go for the inside of the mans shoe and not just go for something easy like the calf or upper leg or something? He wasnt bleeding, my dog wasnt covered in blood or continued her attack, his ankle wasnt wet from dog slobber, sock wasnt wet from dog slobber, etc. Usual things you would see from a dog bite i assume. He demands i get him some alcohol to put on his wound. I do and he screams again very unpleasantly but again,  did not see an open wound or blood so i thought this was fishy. I just go along and apologize and ask him if he needs anything else like water or something and he says no ill be on my way. I simply say i hope youre okay and he responds with some weird grin/smile "i hope i am too". This morning he knocks on my door, shoves papers in my face. His prescription signed by a doctor for Augmentin that he wants Me to fill and pay for, his bike (which he rode on perfectly fine after he left the day of the incident), and his pain and suffering. Also gave me "my copy" of his doctor visit that basically says single superficial dog bite take tylenol as needed, warnings of infection, and additional dog bite info. I just wanted to ask you guys what i should do, what options i have, how i can counter him and scare him off from trying to shake me down, even your opinions id appreciate. Never posted on this sub so i hope my description of what happened was okay. Its 8:30am and he says he'll be back at 1pm and said i hope you have my prescription filled and some kind of relief for my bike and my pain and suffering, he also said "im in pain man, my leg is swelling up" his leg looked fine to me. He's somewhat covered in old scabs and scratches, has a single tooth which is covered in a black mass, and smells a bit off. So thats just why im assuming he's trying to shake me down, because everything ive seen just doesn't feel truthful. He wouldn't even show me the dog bite again. He said if not taken care of he'll call his lawyer tomrrow. So he doesnt have money for prescription but has money for a lawyer? Just doesnt sound right to me. Please guys, gimme some advice. Even some chit chat. Something

Answer: Ignore him and if actually served, let your home owner's or renter's insurance know.


Title: Secretly recorded and video taped while staying at an Airbnb. Central Virginia.

Question: Several months ago a former girlfriend and I stayed at an Airbnb home for two nights and part of a day. The relationship was in it's early stages, I won't bore you with the details, but things were pretty heavy for that weekend. We enjoyed the house as if it were one of our own homes. While packing up on our last day, she noticed a small device on a bookshelf, in the living room, beside the TV. It was a product from this fine company: https://www.guardzilla.com/. After a quick inspection we found the device to be on the entire time we were in the home. I reached out to the homeowners and have confirmation that the camera was placed with intent to film us in the home. The presence of the camera was not disclosed to us before we booked the room. We were pretty freaked out, and bugged out immediately. Looking back, we probably should have called the police. Airbnb was not very helpful in remedying our concerns. Offered us a token credit to my account for our trouble. We are DEEPLY concerned over who has ownership of whatever video may or may not have been recorded. Do we have cause to sue the homeowner or Airbnb?

Answer:
 AirBnB allows cameras in living rooms, which is what you encountered, [but they must be disclosed](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/887/what-are-airbnb-s-rules-about-electronic-surveillance-devices-in-listings):

>Our standards and expectations require that all members of the Airbnb community respect each other’s privacy. More specifically, we require hosts to disclose all surveillance devices in their listings, and we prohibit any surveillance devices in certain private spaces (such as bedrooms and bathrooms) regardless of whether they’ve been disclosed.
>
>If you’re a host and you have any type of surveillance device in or around a listing, even if it’s not turned on or hooked up, we require that you let guests know by including this information clearly in your listing description and photographs. If a host discloses the device after booking, Airbnb will allow the guest to cancel the reservation and receive a refund. Host cancellation penalties may apply.
>
>If you’re a guest, our Standards Expectations require that you not spy on other people, or otherwise violate others’ privacy. Our policy prohibits the use of a surveillance device by a guest to monitor a host or any third party present in the listing without the consent of that person. We encourage you to discuss the use of surveillance devices using Airbnb’s messaging feature.
>
>Violating this policy may result in your suspension or removal from the Airbnb community. In addition, you should ensure that your use of surveillance equipment is consistent with applicable local laws and regulations.

AirBnB may not have been helpful to you but they may have terminated their arrangement with the homeowner. Or told the homeowner to start following the rules.


Title: Should I sue???

Question: Last summer I bought my best friend a 65” curved 4K tv and soundbar with my credit card. We had an agreement that he’d pay me $100 a month to have it payed off before interest period started. He made more money than me (10k difference) he just didn’t have credit and I did. He paid me 3 times in 8 months and when I finally brought it to his attention that it was becoming a problem he blew up and basically threatened me shortly after blocking me on social media. I have screenshots of the conversation As well as older conversations asking about payments. I also have the receipt for the tv and soundbar purchased on my card. Is suing in a small claims court an option. And is it worth it. His biggest defense is “I didn’t know when the payment was due until you tell me “ but we’re both grown men (mid 20s) and I shouldn’t have to remind him he owes me $2500 for a tv that he uses every single day (we’re both avid gamers) to go from best friends for 3 years to nothing over $2500. What chance do I have for winning in court. Any advice is much appreciated. And yes I learned my lesson lol.

Answer:
 This is firmly within most jurisdictions' small claims court limits, and if there's no dispute that this agreement to repay existed, there's a good chance you'll win.

However, enforcing a judgement is often more work than getting it in the first place. It'd generally be up to you to do things like seek wage garnishment if he won't pay voluntarily.


Title: Landlord/roommate is posting unreasonable rules. What are my options?

Question:
Hi /r/legaladvice!

I could use some input. I have a lease in a building with several roommates, one of whom is also my landlord (LL). The lease states that I must follow all rules posted by LL.

LL has recently posted a weekly chore chart that I (and the other roommates) find unreasonable. It also says if we don't comply we will have to pay a fee. Is this enforceable? If we don't comply could we be evicted for violating the lease? And if eviction occurs, would I have to pay the remaining balance on the one year lease?

Thanks!

Answer: Leases that state that the landlord can set rules for use of the property are not unusual and are generally enforceable.  This does not, however, give the landlord a blank check to enact whatever rule they want, no matter how absurd.  The rules generally need to comply with the [implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_faith_%28law%29) that courts read into every contract.  It is difficult to predict what rules a court would hold to be in violation of that covenant, but generally speaking, if a rule appears to be completely arbitrary and designed purely to burden you, or completely deprives you of the benefits of using the property, it is probably violates the covenant.  If a rule is an annoyance, but has a reasonable purpose and you still largely have use of the property, it is probably going to be enforceable.


Title: Is it legal to charge me a renewal subscription for a mental health service?

Question: I know I shouldn't have gone to a website for this but I wanted my dog to be an emotional support animal.  Last year I went to a site and got a letter, now this year they are charging me again $170 but I haven't spoken to them or contacted them.  I've called their customer service line (therapypet.org) and got no answer, I've emailed, left messages.  I'm considering disputing the charge with my credit card company.  I've thought about reporting them to BBB but they're not registered.  I don't understand how they can bill me when they haven't seen me or spoken to me.

Answer:
 Did you agree to a yearly subscription when you “bought” the bullshit certificate?Answer #2: > I don't understand how they can bill me when they haven't seen me or spoken to me.

And yet you expect others to trust that they can treat you when they haven't seen you or spoken to you.


Title: Mother-in-law tried to kill Father-in-law. He doesn't want to report it but she will likely try again. NJ, USA

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Yes, contact the police if you want to help. This wouldn't be the first domestic abuse case they've handled where one party refuses to testify.Answer #2: if your father-in-law said he slipped and fell, how do you know your mother-in-law actually shoved him instead?


Title: What are the flag display laws of virginia?

Question: Say that I want to put up a flag pole outside my lawn and I put up the Russian flag instead of the American flag, could I do that?

Answer: Flying the Russian flag - or *any* flag - is obviously protected by the First Amendment. There might be restrictions about the *size* of a flag you can fly, but the state can't prevent you from flying a flag on the basis of its content.


Title: Named the executor of someone's will - what do I need to do?

Question:
I live in Texas.

My best friend and his wife recently had a kid and are planning to draft their will. They've told me that if they both die before he turns 18, they want me to be his legal guardian and the executor of their will. I'm honored that they'd trust me with this and would like to accept. Obviously I hope that I never actually have to do this, but I'm wondering what I should be doing in case it ever does. In particular: my friend's parents are both awful people, and he doesn't want either of them to get custody of his son. He hasn't had contact with either of them in a few years, but I'm concerned that if this will ever becomes relevant they might suddenly come out of the woodwork and try to get something out of it.

Answer:
 As executor your job is to handle their estate. You'd make sure all of their debts are paid out, and then follow what's set out in the will regarding the distribution. You wouldn't have the authority to change the terms, but can exercise discretion when something's not explicitly stated

The guardianship is less clear-cut. They can state their wishes, but ultimately a court will decide what's in the best interests of the child

----

In either case, if your friend's parents come into the picture, you'll most likely need an attorney. Family attorney for custody, probate attorney for the estateAnswer #2: I’m an estate planning attorney. You don’t need to do anything right now. If they both die, contact an attorney (or theirs will likely contact you). It is up to them right now to establish an estate plan that protects their assets from their parents - it’s not for you to worry about.


Title: Check deposited over 6 months ago marked returned to bank as forgery. (Ohio)

Question:
Hi, in early December my mom's then boyfriend gave me a check of $1000 to help me pay for college, and a couple of months ago they broke up. A few days ago the check was returned as forgery but, the letter in the mail says that I deposited the check on 7/21/2017 which is the day I deposited a check from my dad. Could this just be a mixup?
Is there any way I could get this money back?

Answer: Yes, there is.  File a dispute with your bank and tell them there is no forgery.


Title: Landlord stiffed me $200 from the deposit. We weren't even moved in yet...

Question:
We had a place to move to. The day before moving the landlord says we aren't a good fit and backs out, tells us to not moved in. I had already paid the $1000 deposit. We had a signed contract though we never received a copy with her signature.

Her argument is this -
Rent due on the first. I was busy out of town for work and my wife also wasn't going to make it to pay her. I told her we would pay on the second. That's when she said we weren't going to be a good fit. She says she thinks we had no intention of paying. She says we cost her a month's rent even though she's the one who chose to back out.

According to the contract we had a five day grace period to pay. The contract said the deposit was fully refundable.

What can I do to get the remaining amount?
The deposit check was not to a business, just to her, so my credit union can't do a charge back. They actually recommend a small claims court.

She won't respond to me in any way.

Answer: You could sue in small claims court for the rest of the deposit.


Title: [OH] my former landlord is trying to sue us.

Question:
Sorry in advance for formatting, using mobile app.

My boyfriend and I moved out of our old house in August of 2015, during our time there, we had issues with the plumbing. Specifically, our basement would flood with our own sewage water. We let our landlord know this and he eventually sent someone out, who at the time told us the issue is probably roots, because he had to get a snake that was over 100ft to reach the main "clog". We have no record of this man coming to the house because it was all handled by the landlord.

Around October of 2015, we received a letter in the mail from a lawyer basically saying our old landlord is suing us for the plumbing issues, because they arose from us flushing baby diapers and wipes. We of course never flushed baby diapers and wipes, and our basement was flooding with the sewage water for months before I gave birth (June 2015). The only type of wipes to be flushed were the Tucks brand hazelwitch flushable pads that I had to use for a couple weeks post partum.

My boyfriend called the lawyer back in October or November saying we weren't going to pay this, the issues were happening before we had the baby, we never flushed those items, etc. We never heard back until THIS MONTH. We received another letter from the same lawyer, saying they've talked it over with the former landlord and they will "accept" $300/mo ($3,900 total) for the damages to the plumbing from flushing wet wipes. They say if they receive payment before November 1st, then they won't pursue it in court, but do they even have a case? Also in the letter we received, they claim to have made two previous attempts to contact us via mail, once in April of this year, another time in July. This is our first time receiving a letter apart from the first time back in October 2015.

Edit: the plumber who originally came to our house and told us the issue was probably roots, came out before the baby was born, so before the flushable wipes were even being flushed.

Tl;dr: old landlord is attempting to sue us over plumbing issues that occurred even before flushable wipes were flushed.

Answer:
 You don't have any obligation to respond to your landlord's lawyer. You've already communicated your point - that you believe you are not responsible for the damage to the plumbing - and that you do not plan on paying for it. If your landlord wants to play hardball, he'll have to actually file suit (and serve you, but, honestly, don't dodge service) so that he can make his case before a judge.

I can't speculate as to whether he'd win. That the plumbing issues started before you had a baby will likely help you. If you can find the plumber and if the plumber still has records, that would help you. That you did flush _some_ wipes may help your landlord's argument. That those wipes were specifically flushable may help you. Ultimately, it'll be up to your landlord to make his case, not up to you to un-make it: if your landlord can't adequately demonstrate that you are responsible, the judge will not find against you.

Most people who "are going to sue!" never actually do. Threatening to sue costs nothing.


Title: Indianapolis, IN - Girlfriend was in a car crash seven years ago. Received settlement then. Just discovered longlasting damage this week.

Question:
Hey everyone, my girlfriend was in a severe car crash when she was 13 and was thrown through the windshield. The other motorist was doing 50 in a residential area and rear-ended her mom's car as they were pulling out of the driveway. She was taken to the emergency room and released after some X-rays were done with no real injuries. Since there were no serious injuries, she was awarded $5,000 for emotional and physical pain and suffering, which being 13 at the time went towards her mom putting a down payment on their next house.

She slowly developed back pain over the course of the next few years and just learned to tough it out. For whatever reason she never followed up again with a doctor after again (not sure why, probably just young and didn't know any better).

Her backpain has gotten incredibly worse these past few months, enough that she finally went to the chiropractor and get some serious work done. It turns out she had gotten used to the pain so much, bless her, that it only became a serious issue when it got much worse. Like we're talking nearing a 10/10 for her pain scale here, and she's tough. Her x-rays came back and she was just diagnosed this week with grade one spondylolisthesis, essentially 25% of her vertebral body has slipped forward. This isn't treatable, but they can manage her pain symptoms for the rest of her life. She (and I) are shook up about this and there's always a billion questions going on when things like this happen (i.e. how are we able to pay for treatment, etc.). The chiropractor and her doctor now both say that this is a direct result of her car crash seven years ago.

Treatment is going to be expensive after insurance runs out. Is she able to get additional compensation from the accident, even though seven years have passed? We are only just now discovering the extent of her injuries. If they had any idea of this damage at the time they would have asked to be compensated for more to cover these new medical bills.

Thank you everyone

Answer: Probably not if he mom signed a released. Not to mention the statute of limitations issue.


Title: If a tow truck hooked your car in your rightfully placed vehicle in your own private parking lot space, what can you do?

Question:
He said he was right but I said it’s the wrong vehicle and he even got angry at me for me telling him facts. He later called his manager and found out he was wrong and put down the car. The fishy thing is...this is the fourth time this has happened this year. Cops don’t help they keep saying civil case this, civil case that. But these guys keep coming back for my new car...what can I do? Can I take any legal actions against the towing company or even the manager who tried to take away my car unlawfully and hooked it  and my car was already in the air and was and ready to leave the premises if I didn’t show up in time? I have everything recorded as well.

P.S. this is in New York State as well.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 Call the tow company and the organization that contracts them to perform tows. Tell them both what happened and how this is a recurring theme.Answer #2: If it is the same company you can get a restraining order against them and their employees.
If they take the car with a different VIN then it is theft, but cops usually wont arrest the tow truck drivers because they work together.

Can you call the tow company and ask them to explain why they keep trying to tow your car?    Answer #3: Go in person to the tow company, get it figured out, don't leave until you do or they call the police.

Check with the DMV and see if there's any inconsistencies with your title/registration/license.

If the car is financed, call your lender.

You call it a private space, but are you renting/leasing it?  If so call the lot management people and see if they know anything.

You could also try parking in such a way as to make your car harder to tow.

If it's RWD, point the front wheels out, vice versa for FWD.  Set your parking brake and use a steering wheel lock.

If a tow truck driver comes up to a car and sees it's going to be a pain in the ass, he's going to double check his paperwork.

If you do get towed, go to the yard ASAP and get it out, pay the bill, get a signed and dated receipt, and sue them in small claims. Don't listen to anything about computers being down, get a hard copy of the paperwork and proof of payment.


Title: Heroin addict bro sold license + social security card

Question: [deleted]

Answer: On the bright side, maybe your new brother won't be a heroin addict.


Title: I googled my fathers name and all of his personal info popped up is this illegal? If not how?

Question:
Please lawyers of reddit help my father
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer: Name address phone number marital status names of possible relatives - those are all public records.Answer #2: What do you mean personal information?


Title: Dead uncle wins settlement. I'm afraid to collect. (MT)

Question:
I was contacted by a company in charge of disbursing a settlement from a class action lawsuit. My antisocial uncle died without marrying or having children, more than 5 years ago. The county where he died has no record of a probate hearing. The company told me that after months of effort, I'm the only relative who responded. They will pay me if I send them an affidavit stating I'm due the money. It is far less than $10,000.

1) I'm persuaded that the suit and company are legitimate, but how should I protect myself just in case?

2) What if other relatives come forward later? My parents are deceased. My family scattered and doesn't talk. I wouldn't know where to begin looking for younger relatives and I don't know if there are living older relatives. I don't know who, or how they would find out, since they didn't respond to the settlement company, but what would happen if years from now another relative claims they have a right to it?

Answer:
 >1) I'm persuaded that the suit and company are legitimate, but how should I protect myself just in case?

I don't know what has persuaded you to believe that this is legitimate, but the only way to protect yourself from being scammed is not to pay anything to anyone up front (because advanced fee scams are VERY common), and not to pay anything to anyone based on any checks that they send to you for at least a month after you deposit their check (because fake check scams are VERY common).


Title: CA - Removing outdated news articles found on google searches— where to start?

Question:
Hi guys,

Back in college I got into some trouble with the law. I was convicted but the conviction was dismissed and the ultimately expunged. There are no public records of the conviction.

However, after the conviction but before the expungement, a few local news articles published the incident online, stating that I was convicted.

My question is: is there any legal ground I can now claim to compel these sites to delete these outdated articles? If so, where do I start? Do I reach out to them myself or do I seek a lawyer to help me out? What sort of lawyer would have the skill set to deal with this conundrum?

Thanks!

Answer:
 >is there any legal ground I can now claim to compel these sites to delete these outdated articles?

No, even if your conviction was expunged.  It is the truth that you were convicted, so it is legal for anyone to reveal that information, even today.

SEO companies might be able to get those news articles deeply buried in search results though.


Title: If you're pulled over and an officer asks you to do the "drunk driving test", are you allowed to refuse? (California)

Question:
I've had this happen to a buddy while he was driving and I was the passenger.

He was pulled over at night, he hadn't been drinking. An officer pulls him over for speeding, does the usual "how fast do you think you were going" etc.

The officer then points a flashlight at his face and does the "follow my finger with your eyes" test. He performs it, I guess the officer was satisfied because he was given a citation and the officer left.

In a situation like this, are you legally required to do the "eyes" test? Or any other drunk driving test that the officer requests?

Answer:
In CA as a licensed driver, you gave implied consent to _chemical_ testing (breath, blood, urine) when you accepted your licence. You do not have to participate in roadside sobriety tests. However, you do have to exit your vehicle if requested.

However, you should consider the risks of annoying an officer and the possible retaliation that you may be put though.Answer #2: You can refuse but you will probably get arrested.Answer #3: Yes, you can refuse and it may even be a good idea to refuse. I have heard that field sobriety tests are inherently subjective and easy to "fail" depending on the inclination of the officer. If you refuse, however, you will likely be going to jail to have another test (e.g., blood) that you cannot refuse because they now have a subpoena to enforce it.

I am not licensed in your jurisdiction and do not do anything near this type of law. This is not legal advice. This is a repeat of something I learned in undergrad.


Title: Does anyone have stories of lawyers that broke confidentiality and screwed over their clients, losing their licenses in the process?

Question:
I picture jaded lawyers, ready to quit, or stressed to the max, and they just think “fuck it” and rat out the meth dealer or child molester they were defending. Or maybe a lawyer with a terminal illness that just doesn’t care anymore?

I hear about medical professionals getting busted for violating HIPAA but I have never heard a case of a lawyer breaking the attorney/client privilege.

Answer:
 Here are a few edge cases you might be interested in:

[In Re Pautler](http://caselaw.findlaw.com/co-supreme-court/1378086.html) where the DA posed as a defense attorney to end a hostage situation.

[Radiolab - the buried bodies case](http://www.radiolab.org/story/the_buried_bodies_case/)Answer #2: Attorney client privilege is a privilege of the client, not the attorney.  Even if an attorney wanted to "rat out" their client, the client and their new lawyer could challenge it in many ways should it get brought to court.


Title: Was an idiot and agreed to be paid under minimum wage. I now realize my mistake (Ontario)

Question:
First off, yes I was fucking dumb for agreeing to take the job at below minimum. Current minimum wage is 11.40/h in ON. My current rate is 11/h.

I'm really hesitant to speak to my boss (Also the owner of the business) about this, because he's kind of a dick. Type of guy who'd slash my hours for bringing it up.

I have signed a contract with him and plan on asking for a copy for my records tomorrow.

My ask is: How should I proceed? I really need to keep on with this job. I don't have anything else lined up right now.
Topic:
Canada

Answer: Tell boss, hey, not legal to work this cheap. In case of reprisal these people have your back: https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/feedback/


Title: Well what would he do?

Answer:
 I’ve had this happen a few times comes with the territory representing mentally ill patients. Some did it to be provocative, some said “I don’t swear”.

The clerk would ask if they would affirm instead of swear. If that doesn’t work the judge will ask if they understand the difference between the truth and a lie.

If that still doesn’t work they don’t get to testify, the threshold for capacity to testify is extremely low, but it does require that the person understands they need to tell the truth. Answer #2: He would hold the witness in contempt, and either fine or jail them.Answer #3: Hold the witness in contempt of court, as they have been subpoenaed to testify. And maybe have a stern talking with either the DA or the Defence (depending on the witness belongs to.)Answer #4: You affirm then plead the fith on every question.  Or you can not recall.


Title: Got letter for IRS Levy on rent. Unsure of next steps.

Question:
We are in Washington state, been living in this rental house for almost 3 months. We received a letter from IRS putting a levy on our rent. We also learned a few weeks ago that our landlord is suing their bank and haven't paid their mortgage in quite sometime. Between the IRS and the bank having interest in the house, I'm not sure of our rights/protections to keep living here.

We also aren't sure where to mail the the rent due on Aug. 1. Almost expect the landlord to sue us if we pay to IRS, but it seems that the obvious thing to do.

We are going to speak to a lawyer tomorrow, but wanted some direction on the type of lawyer to seek out and any other advice on this topic.

Answer:
 Start paying the IRS the rent.

Your landlord must owe them a boatload of money.


Title: Friend "Banned" from a convention verbally at age 14, but never signed anything. North Carolina.

Question: My friend wants to come to an upcoming festival. In 2010, when she was 14, she stole from a merchant at the festival and got caught (we both did this a LOT at the time; we have both since grown up and stopped). Convention center security brought her upstairs and she signed a trespassing paper saying that she could not be on the convention center's property for one year (expired 05/2011). The festival staff member (volunteers) who waited for her parents to  pick her up said she could not come back to to the specific festival. However, she was never arrested, charged, detained, etc, and this statement was only verbal. She did not sign anything except the trespassing form, which expired in 2011. They did not take ID or anything like that. They asked her first and last name and her parents' phone number at the time to pick her up. She is now 19, and wants to go this year. Could this even be enforced this many years later, especially since she never signed anything and they have nothing but her first and last name? What are your thoughts?

Answer: Could? Yes. Would? How would anyone know? 14 year olds generally don't look the same as 19 year olds. Answer #2: They may not even have kept records well enough to catch her, but either way, businesses can generally refuse service to anyone as long as it's not a protected class.


Title: Is spoofing your VPN to purchase digital products cheaper in another country a crime? Please supply source.

Question: Is spoofing your VPN to purchase digital products cheaper in another country a crime?  Please supply source.

Answer:
 You didn't provide a location; it could be fraud, or a computer crime, or nothing at all.

This is a free advice forum, no one here is going to do legal research and cite sources for you. You can hire your own lawyer for that sort of task.


Title: [MA] Buyer on eBay says I'll be hearing from his lawyer over item.

Question: Basically what happened was I listed an item on eBay, it sold, I went to go ship it and didn't realize how extremely expensive the shipping was going to be (nearly as expensive as the item). I couldn't afford it and explain the situation to the buyer, and refunded his payment **in full**. Well now he's threatening me, saying I'll be hearing from his lawyer and such. I made a mistake, I realize that, but I corrected it, refunded the buyer, and he keeps sending me these threats. Is there any actual wrongdoing on my part here? Does he have a case against me? Or is he just bluffing? I reported him to eBay and blocked him.

Answer:
 Of course he has a case against you.  You breached your contract to sell the item.

But having a case and having an enforceable case are two different things.  Unless we're dealing with expensive or one-of-a-kind items, it's just not practical for an out-of-state buyer to come into the state to sue you because it will cost way more than they could ever potentially recover.  Additionally, if the buyer got the money back, it's not exactly clear if they have anything in the way of damages.

Plus, when most people say, "You'll hear from my lawyer!" they're just blowing smoke because they're angry.

Regardless, it's a shitty thing to do.  So buy a scale and make smarter shipping calculations before making any future listings.


Title: (LA) Medical Student Offering medical advice on demand. Am I liable or at risk of penalty for practicing medicine without a license?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 If you are giving medical advice and you don't have a medical license, you will most likely be practicing without a license. Answer #2: Are you representing yourself as a medical professional and are you listening to medical problems and then suggesting methods of treatment? Perhaps even to the point of suggesting medications and such?

Without being a doctor?

if yes, you should stop. You could kill your career before you even start. Answer #3: You'll be completely at risk of practicing medicine without a licence. Also Jesus Christ, how much of the process to get a licence have you gone through? What in the world would make you think you can give proper, *professional* (as in paid-for) medical advice over the internet to people you've never seen in person or even via video call?!Answer #4: Is there an ethics board in your school?

Officially providing medical advice is most likely a problem, especially remote diagnosis without being licensed.

I suspect this would be ethically problematic.

(Then again here we are, posting on /r/legaladvice without a license.  But we're doing it anonymously and without compensation, and with a rather large disclaimer about it not being actual legal advice.)


Title: [US] I am a husband, and father of one child. I sought divorce about 4 months ago, but did not file for divorce. Wife left me and took my child with her to another state. I wanted to file for a divorce right there and then, but my parents interjected, said it goes against our cultural practices.

Question:
This is a very confusing situation, because most people won’t understand that sometimes cultural practices, traditions and expectations prevent you from logically making the right decisions to end things legally.

2 months ago my wife left me with my child to another state. Naturally, as a born and raised American, my thought process was to go seek legal counsel and file for a divorce so that my wife can remain in the same state and work through this divorce process, but most importantly so she doesn’t separate and take my child away from me. However, because my parents (in our culture, they’re heavily involved in matters of divorce) want to miraculously come up with a solution and bring us back together, I was in some fashion forced to hold my tongue and wait until at least 2 months went by to give my wife some space and not to escalate matters. Deep down, I know this marriage will not work. As there are fundamental issues with the marriage and I am not happy. But stayed for my child, who I loved dearly. And my mental health was taking a major toll staying in this marriage where I was truly unhappy.

What I wanted: An amicable divorce (man was I dreaming). And to continue therapy so that we can modern day “co-parent”. My wife told me to F off, that I was crazy to think that would ever happen. I truly believe that our child needs both of us, she doesn’t seem to think the same way.

Now, here’s where I need advice. My parents and their personal counsel (like a community/religious leader) are telling me that the courts will never side with the father. That I will not have physical joint custody (or whatever the term is), and that the court will grant my ex the right to remain in the state she’s in, which is far from where I am. And that going to an attorney I would be wasting money and fighting a battle I will never win. They’re trying to scare me back into my marriage.

I was hoping, that by seeking an attorney and filing a divorce that my ex would come back down to the state our child was born in, and where we were married, and that hopefully through the legal proceedings the court would grant me the rights to keep my child in the state where I’m from. And in so, keeping my wife here as well. Mainly so we can co-parent and have equal share in raising our child.

An attorney friend of mine told me that I should have never let my wife leave the state, and that this may determine or hurt my chances of keeping my child in the state where I reside in. As the court will look at it as “the father was okay with letting his wife leave and didn’t care to fight for his child” which believe me was not the case. I love my child!

What should I do now? Do I have a fighting chance to have my child back in my life and to have her mother also remain in the same state where I reside in, so we can fulfill our parental duties to our child?

Would appreciate any advice! Please. This is in the USA, will not mention state. As her only other family member, her sister, I believe is a lurker.

Important notes: No infidelity involved, no abuse. Divorce has more to do with lack of emotional connection, and just a true disinterest in the person I was advised to marry (again...culture). I love my child, love being a Dad. I was a single income household, I provided all the means of our livelihood.

Answer:
 > My parents and their personal counsel (like a community/religious  leader) are telling me that the courts will never side with the father.  That I will not have physical joint custody (or whatever the term is),  and that the court will grant my ex the right to remain in the state  she’s in, which is far from where I am. And that going to an attorney I  would be wasting money and fighting a battle I will never win.

Almost none of this is *always* true, and almost completely depends on your unique and specific circumstances.

Your best bet is to retain a family law/divorce attorney, tell them what you want to achieve, and work with them on achieving that.  There is no way anyone here can guess what the outcome will be, but it likely won't be you never having some kind of shared custody or seeing your child again.

Listen to yourself and your lawyer; everyone else is just trying to influence you into doing what they want you to do.


Title: My landlord has a lot of mail come to my mailbox, it seems sketchy.

Question:
Hi all! I live in Ontario, Canada. My landlord uses my mailbox. I have seen 407 letters, bank letters, and even an MTO letter. There are a few other letters I've noticed, but cannot remember whilst I write this post at work.

After doing some initial research I suspect he is using my address as his own and avoiding the CRA by not reporting any rental income.

What are your thoughts? Advice? Etc.

Cheers,
J

Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer: My landlord does the same, but has passed the savings of his scam onto me so I give no fucks!


Title: [Ontario] My boss is telling her employees to stop seeing doctors and taking medications

Question:
I'm on mobile so sorry if the formatting is a little off.

I currently work at a vegan restaurant in Ontario. The people there have all been lovely since I started working, and I am fairly new. On one of my first shifts, however, my boss said a few disconcerting things to another employee while I was working right next to them.

She and the employee were clearly very close, and she started asking my coworker how she was doing in terms of stress, depression, and how her situation with her family was going. The conversation devolved into my boss talking about how doctors don't know anything, how whenever she is prescribed medication she just throws it away, and congratulating my coworker on stopping her anti-depressants to do yoga and meditation instead.

The whole time they were talking, I was really scared that my boss was going to turn to me next and ask if I was taking any medication. I have a medical condition that I sometimes have to take pain medication for, along with two daily pills to control it. I'm now worried that if I tell her I need to go to my locker to take some medication or something like that, she'll fire me.

I'm 17 right now, and this is my first real job. Do I have any reprise from this if she fires me? Do I file some kind of complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission? How should I handle this? I don't really care if she fires me, but I'd prefer if she had to fire me without cause, because then I'd get paid lol.

Answer:
 Sometimes you have to set boundaries.

“Do you have any medical issues?” —-> “None that affect my work.”

“What meds do you take?” —-> “Nothing you need to know about as my supervisor.”Answer #2: Your boss has free speech rights to say that doctors suck. If she tried to prevent ***you*** from seeing a doctor then you can ignore her or tell her not to give you advice.  I'm not familiar at all with Canada labor laws so hopefully someone that is will follow up to your post.


Title: Passive aggressive and destructive actions by neighbors based mostly on gentrification.

Question:
Hey Legal Advice,

I never thought I’d be the one posting on this subreddit but I’ve got to ask the community what can be done.

Without making this too long please allow me to summarize the situation and issues I am currently experiencing and need to end.

(**Proof of the following available to admins if needed**)

A little under 7 years ago I moved in to a recently renovated building in NYC. I, being a white tenet in a predominately black neighborhood, was welcomed by the owners of the home (also black) but almost instantly shunned by the community. Yes, I totally get why, I’m the white guy gentrifying their neighborhood. There’s a certain level of acidity that comes with the distinction of being the “white gentrifier” but I said my “good mornings”, shoveled the elderly woman’s sidewalk in the winter and kept my daily activities and social events within a respectful level.

What I’m trying to say is. I’m just a guy that found a nice place for reasonable rent, moved in, acted like a good neighbor, kept the sidewalk and garden clean, supported the local community (grocery, laundry, etc). And yet since I’ve moved in I’ve experienced countless malicious activities perpetrated by my neighbors on either side of my residence.

These things range from firefighters being called while I’m grilling some burgers to throwing rubbish in my garden and cutting the power lines to my outdoor lights. Also throwing bleach and other chemicals on my plants to kill them and requesting government officials look over my property (which is rented) for potential health violations. Not to mention the human feces outside my door and deliberate destruction of holiday decorations because they “bring rats” (were talking about fake Halloween cobwebs and pumpkins)

These are all forms of harassment and they need to stop.

I understand that this is a potentially controversial and contentious topic however I’m stuck, rents are crazy high so I can just move and , after nearly 7 years, I’ve made a home here.

Please help folks.

Answer:
 When someone breaks the law you can call the police. That's about all you have here. Answer #2: You’re using UK wording like “garden” (for yard ... unless you literally mean flower and vegetable gardens), and “rubbish” for garbage.

Calling this out only because troll posts from outside the US commonly have these kinds of non-US colloquialisms.


Title: [IL]Travel agent fed us wrong information, causing us to go to the wrong airport, incurring extra expenses

Question:
My aunt and uncle went through an agent for a trip out of the country. At one point, the agent e-mailed suggestions for a flight to book as it could be booked by themselves instead of the agent. They booked the flight on the exact flight the agent e-mailed. Well, it turns out that it was the wrong city and when they got there, they ended up having to pay a lot of money to get to where they were supposed to go and they ended up losing a day on the vacation. As far as they knew, it was a flight to that city and then a bus ride or something to the city where they were going to stay.

 The agent had plenty of opportunity to see that the flight was to the wrong city. They feel they should at least be refunded for these extra travel expenses and I agree, but initial e-mails, where the agent admitted to making the mistake, says that since the agent didn't book the flight directly it is on my aunt and uncle.

Just looking for any kind of advice on the matter, maybe if it sounds like it's worth trying to get this money back or not. I think they could threaten small claims court because to me it sounds like they should get it hands down, but they trust me and I don't want to tell them anything that is actually stupid.

Answer:
 OK - so they booked the ticket themselves, and they didn't notice that the airport was incorrect? If the agent had booked the flight, sure they would have had a claim, but this? No.

When you do things for yourself if a mistake is made it's on you. I book tickets for myself all the time, and the booking makes it clear when and where you are flying from.


Title: [CO] A little girl claims my 3 year old German Shepherd bit her at a baseball game, but no one saw it happen

Question:
Info about the dog- I have a 3 year old neutered male German Shepherd dog who is up to date on all of his vaccines and is registered with the county. He has no history of violence or biting and completed a canine good citizen class in May of this year. He lives in a house with two 23 year olds, another dog (12 year old chow mix) and two cats. He has no history or tendency of violence toward other animals either. He has experience around children (I have a 5 year old niece) and he has no history of violence towards children.

Situation- On Tuesday night I was attending a youth softball game with my boyfriend (M/23) and we brought our GSD (German shepherd dog). My boyfriend, a friend (28/F), and the dog were sitting on the bottom row of the stands and the GSD was sitting in front of my BF. Kids were playing around with a ball in the stands and it landed in front of my BF/friend/GSD. My boyfriend picked up the ball to hand it to the girl and another woman came up and asked to pet the dog. Next thing he knows, the little girl is running away. 5 minutes later a park official came up to my BF, made him write down all his information, and told him to leave immediately.

No one saw what happened and the park officer wouldn't say what the little girls injury was. We have zero contact information for the little girl or her family or the park officer and are kind of just sitting ducks here. I was coaching so I didn't see this happen, but this is what happened according to my BF and our friend that was sitting with them.

I just don't know what to do. I've had german shepherds my entire life and this has never happened before. Our dog is very gentle and I have NEVER even thought he would bite another person. Obviously accidents can happen and I am definitely not saying the girl is lying. I just want to prepare myself if these people decide to pursue legal action and find out what my options are.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to look this over.

TLDR; little girl says my dog bit her. How do I prepare myself if they decide to pursue legal action?

Answer:
 As one of this subreddit's leading experts on Dog Law (semi-related to bird law), I refer you to [this page](http://dogbitelaw.com/colorado/overview-of-colorado-dog-bite-law).

It'll depend greatly upon the extent of her injuries.

I'd encourage you to check the sidebar for a referral to a qualified lawyer in your area; free or low-cost consultations are available. Unfortunately the Colorado Bar does not yet recognize the emerging specialty of Dog Law, personal injury defense is likely where you want to look.


Title: is this predatory towing?

Question: I just moved on to a new apartment in southern California and I've noticed that late at night a tow truck cruises the parking lot following behind a man who seems to be checking out cars/plates. I asked and the apartment manager said they have authorized them to do this. This seems incredibly unethical, not that tow companies are know for being ethical, does anyone know if this is legal? Are there any restrictions based on towing from a private property without having been called for a specific violation? This place has been a nightmare thus far and having my car towed would be the icing on the shit cake.

Answer:
 It is extremely common for a tow company to drive through a parking lot looking for violations when that tow company has been contracted to do so through the property management. Not predatory, more like assuring compliance.

Do you have assigned parking? If you don't want your car towed, comply with any and all rules for parking at your complex.


Title: What legal trouble would I face for putting duct tape over the ads that play at gas stations?

Question: Like, it's not too terribly destructive, it can be taken off. I just don't want to watch commercials when I'm paying $40 to get gas...

Answer:
 Not legal advice, but hey off-topic is allowed!

Press the second from the top button on the right hand side of the screen. That will mute the ads - at least on a lot of pumps. You can also try other buttons - usually one is mute.Answer #2: they could argue it damages the paint and leaves residue, which are both true.

Don't vandalize. Just fill up your tank and move along.Answer #3: Usually falls under the crime of “criminal mischief” — often just prosecuted as a misdemeanor. This is how petty vandalism, graffiti, mailbox baseball, toilet papering, etc. get handled.Answer #4: They could get you for destruction of private property or vandalism if they can indicate you damaged paint or the screen in any way. You’re not solving anything and you’re creating a problem for a low level gas station employee. Nobody likes ads but because of the hell we live in we are constantly assailed by them.


Title: Girlfriends brother shot someone

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Like you said, that first shot already fucked him. Firing even more shots made the situation WAY worse. My best guess is Unlawful use of a Firearm and Assault with a deadly weapon to start off with. Glad to hear that the kiddo is OK though!


Title: My college was bought by another school and now I'm getting bills for loans I don't owe

Question:
Hi. I graduated from a small college in 2000. Around 2005 they ran into financial trouble and offered a low rate consolidation of loans which I took advantage of. Around 2009 I started getting bills for a separate loan payable to the school that I have no recollection of. At first I made payments directly to the school but I noticed that they weren't being applied to the loan amount on my statements and their servicer was reporting late payments to the credit bureau. I contacted the school and contested the total amount, referred them to our consolidation agreement, and had proof that they were cashing my checks without applying it to this new loan total. The billing statements stopped coming and the loan fell off my credit report.

In 2017-ish they were bought out by another school and are now a "program" under that school's name. I just got a notice from the new school stating that this loan I don't owe has been transferred to a new servicer. I do not want this to affect my credit score AGAIN but I also don't have the money to pay for something I do not owe. The loan total the last time I got a billing statement was around $5k.

Is there anything I can do to erase this bogus loan? It's been over 10 years since I initially contested the loan and stopped receiving bills. It's been nearly 15 years since all loans for this school were supposedly consolidated (I have $600 left to pay on that). I was 17 when I was pressured into signing for student loans by my college and I have no record of this one ever existing.

Thank you for any advice.

Answer: Whatever you do, do not make any payments towards this, that could be seen as acknowledgement of the debt.  You can dispute the debt so they have to verify it to ding your credit.


Title: [GA] 16 year old frequent runaway cousin stabbed in fight. Now hospital wants to front my mother a $6000 dollar bill. What are her options?

Question:
Hello,

As you can see by the header my family is in a troubling situation. Financially it's not a huge issue but $6000 dollars is still $6000 that could be used on about a million other things.

My mother adopted my cousin when she was 5 years old because her drug addicted mother could not care for her. This turned out to be the biggest mistake she ever made.

Ever since she was young she's been frequently suspended from  school due to misbehavior. This only got worse when she turned into a teenager. At 14 she was expelled for having sex in the bathroom at school and had to go to an alternative school which really let her let loose in her inhibitions. She ran away twice now. Only returning the first time because she got arrested and my mother wasn't able to release custody of her and returning the second time, the recent one this post is about, because she was stabbed during a fight she had over stealing someone's clothes.

Child Protective Services has been to our house countless times now. They've had extensive interviews with all of us and our neighbors. None of my siblings or the other adoptee in our house exhibit any of the same dangerous behavior and frequent trouble.

Due to this, despite the fact that my mother no longer wants custody they won't release her to foster care because they don't consider her current environment to be a danger to her. The only compromise they gave us was letting her stay at my Grandmother's house who lives an 30 minutes away.

Sorry for the story but it brings us to the context. She had been a runaway for 4 months and after she was stabbed we then found out she in the hospital. Despite her not being in our life for over 4 months now the hospital wants my mom to pay for the bill for her actions. She's already tried twice now to runaway and get back to her old delinquent life style.

She wouldn't even let my mother visit her and she has slandered my mother on social media saying she never had a strong female figure in her life despite my mom taking care of her and 4 other people nearly on her own (dad does give father support) for years now.

Is there anything to do or are we screwed?

Edit : I found out my mom never officially adopted her. This has given us much more options to remove her from our house. Thank you.

Answer:
 No, your mom is still her legal guardian, and that bill is your families responsibility. Answer #2: You're pretty much screwed for that $6000.  Your mom is her adopted parent which means she's legally responsible.  However, if your cousin has any medical insurance (which your mom would have signed her up for and paid for in advance), your mom can forward the insurance info to the hospital and ask that a claim be made, and that would probably save your family a lot of money.

In the future, if your cousin isn't insured, she should be insured at least until she's no longer a minor.  Your mom can do that even if your cousin has run away and her whereabouts are unknown, since she's a minor and your mom is her legal parent.

The only other thing your mom can do is to try to get someone else, maybe the state, to release her parental responsibilities.  She'd have to talk to a lawyer about that.Answer #3: Not sure how helpful this will be but I'm aware of something in New York called PINS - Persons In Need of Supervision - also called FINS OR CHINS in other states - there may be a similar status for minors in Georgia. [here's some info. ](http://www.augustaga.gov/1982/Children-in-Need-of-Services-CHINS) the general gist is that your child is a runaway with delinquent behaviors, and you are petitioning the state to step in and provide intervention. Might need to see a lawyer as well.


Title: Someone signed my name fraudulently to change my term life insurance to whole life.

Question: My sister signed up for term life insurance in 2008. Just found out that 5 years ago it was converted to whole life with a fraudulent signature. The company said she will need a lawyer to send her the original signature page. She never noticed that her premiums went up but just paid the bills. Does she have any recourse?

Answer:
 Yes she has recourse and she should see a lawyer immediately.Answer #2: I used to sell life insurance (also IANAL). Most likely the agent who serviced her policy needed a sale and forged the paperwork. Term can convert to whole life without a medical exam or questions. It's really easy commission because you're guaranteed the policy will issue.

Does she know who sold it to her and if they still worked there when it changed over.


Title: Public defender or attorney?

Question:
So I got a class B misdemeanor for speeding in Illinois. (Going 103 in a 70). I have to go to court on 9/11. I've never been to criminal court before so I have no idea what to expect. I'm pretty poor, do you think it would be better to get a public defender or pay for an attorney? Is there a big enough difference between the two that it would be worth it to pay? I'm hoping to get the charges down to a petty offense, because I don't have $1500 or the time to spend six months in jail =O Thanks in advance for any replies.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 > I'm pretty poor, do you think it would be better to get a public defender or pay for an attorney?

If you have the option to hire an attorney, you'll likely not be granted a public defender.

Public defenders are, on average, no better or worse than paid-for attorneys.


Question:
(CAN) Uncle assaulted by wife's family, all legal offices closed for the holidays. What should we do?

My uncle was assaulted on Christmas Eve by his wife and inlaws (her, her father, and her brother). He was pinned down, punched, thrown down stairs, and hit over the head to the point where he lost consciousness. His two children witnessed the incident. He informed my family in California, who immediately took action. The police were called and were told we fear for my uncle's and his children's safety. However, when an officer came on a welfare check, my uncle declined to participate in an investigation out of fear of losing his marriage and having his kids see his injuries. His wife told him she will leave him anyways now that he has the police involved. He called my mother to give her a full story of his assault, corroborated by his english speaking kids, now that he has nothing to lose. She has this story recorded. He cannot make a written statement as he is illiterate in English and Vietnamese. We learned about this assault on Christmas day, but had trouble getting him to cooperate until last night. Should he file a police report now or wait until legal offices open for advice on January 3rd? The inlaws are all leaving for Vietnam on January 8th. I think he should file the report now, but my mother wants to know for sure if that's the first thing we should do. Thanks reddit.

Answer:
 You aren't part of this issue. The police have investigated and if the uncle isn't forthcoming, there isn't much that they can do.

Your interpretation of the events holds almost no weight because you weren't there. You have no idea what happened.

You can phone the police and make a report but at the end of the day, it's going to count for nothing. Once again, you weren't there, so you have no idea what happened. Answer #2: You generally call the police when you’re assaulted, not an attorney.