Title: Are warrant canaries legal?

Question:
Reddit just released their transparency report, and a number of people have already noted that [the warrant canary](https://np.reddit.com/wiki/transparency/2014#wiki_national_security_requests) that appeared in the previous year's transparency report [was not carried over to this year's report](https://np.reddit.com/r/announcements/comments/4cqyia/for_your_reading_pleasure_our_2015_transparency/d1knc88), something that many people have interpreted as being an indication that reddit has received a request they are prohibited from disclosing. The wording of the canary:

> As of January 29, 2015, reddit has never received a National Security Letter, an order under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or any other classified request for user information. If we ever receive such a request, we would seek to let the public know it existed.

From Wikipedia:

> A warrant canary is a method by which a communications service provider aims to inform its users that the provider has not been served with a secret government subpoena.

Essentially, a warrant canary shifts things so that rather than disclosing that they've received a secret request, the company instead just stops saying they haven't. The idea is that it's more difficult to compel someone to say "I have not received a request" than to compel someone to not say "I have received a request". The canary dies in the presence of a NSL much like the stereotypical canary in a coal mine dies warning the miners of the presence of dangerous gases.

This is all linked to the broader protest against government data collection and expansion of investigatory powers, starting as a response from librarians to the powers of the Patriot Act. As an example of another tech company with the same thing, Apple used to have a warrant canary that [was removed in 2014](https://apple.slashdot.org/story/14/09/18/2216222/apples-warrant-canary-has-died).

Since I assume asking questions specifically about reddit would not be the best idea, instead I'd like to ask more generally about the concept of warrant canaries - opinions on their legality and usefulness seem to be pretty widely split, so I'm curious to learn what \/r/legaladvice thinks about them. Here are a few questions off the top of my head, but I'd be happy to hear any thoughts you have:

* Are they worthwhile?
* How likely would they be to stand up to legal scrutiny were they to be brought to a court?
* What would you say to a client if they asked you to help draft one?
* What would you say to a client if they asked you about removing one?

If I had to specify a relevant location, I guess I'd say California since that's where the tech companies for who this is a hot-button topic tend to be, but I'd be interested to read about the situation anywhere.

Answer:
 These are all very broad questions that don't have clear answers, as you've already discovered.  But I'll give you my opinion:

> Are they worthwhile?

Honestly, I don't think so anymore.  Most people who care about this sort of thing already operate under the assumption that their data is being monitored.  Nobody who cares about data privacy posts sensitive information on reddit, so you're only warning people who don't actually care.

> How likely would they be to stand up to legal scrutiny were they to be brought to a court?

I have a hard time imagining a scenario where a court could compel a company to remove a canary.  Pre-emptively quelling any sort of political speech is just shy of impossible.  Barring a massive national security concern, I don't see it happening.

> What would you say to a client if they asked you to help draft one?

"I don't practice law any more, get out of my house!"  If I still were, then I'd probably give a quick speech about possibly pissing of the DOJ but it being low risk for anything serious if you're not contracting with the government.

> What would you say to a client if they asked you about removing one?

If they'd been running one, I'd say not to pull it unless either under court order, or if they had actually been served such a warrant.Answer #2: Nobody really knows - it's never come in front of a court.

If you're considering putting one on your own service, contact the EFF.


Title: My highschool scammed 2,000 students, what should I do?

Question:
I live in Crystal Lake, Illinois - Sorry about the wall of text and improper use of sentences and text. Please look for the main point in reading this. Thank you

Our school just lost a 2 million dollar lawsuit against building bleachers illegally without state/ district permission.

Recently my school hosted a twitter and an instagram giveaway for an assembly we had. This assembly was a
Career Expo where we walked around and learned about careers we may be interested in. The giveaway was based
on social media and since I have about 300K Twitter followers I knew this was an easy win for me. While walking
around I noticed there was a table of prizes. The prizes consisted of Beats by Dr Dre, 100$ VISA Giftcards and
more. I believe this was a true scam just to help boost their social media to be completely honest. They posted a
picture on instagram and I will directly quote it "Tweet a picture of your favorite booth with the hashtag cls_ic and
why it's your favorite to win prizes" My school had even handed out fliers the following day. I noticed the lack of
tweets and lack of posts on IG so I knew this win was for sure going to me. This assembly had lasted 6 of the 9
periods in my school day and they made each period of people go. All 2000 kids at my school had to attend this and
about less than 20 had actually posted. No one wanted to actually post for the school because it looks really dumb
on your social media account. Well I decided to do it on my 300k and I lost about 2,000 followers just from that
post. I noticed that the school didn't draw any winners and that there was no winner actually chosen. I believed
they packed up the items and left just like that. I think this was a way to gain them followers for future fundraisers
for the school, etc. I also noticed that they used the same prizes as last year when they did this. Do you think
theres any way I can report my school for scamming us students? I find it pretty unacceptable. They posted the
tweets on the 25th of November. I am in no way trying to advertise these social media accounts I am trying to
show you how bad of a school system I have is, is there a way I could possibly report them? I think they are taking
advantage of us students. Looking for some reasonable feedback

Answer: What in Gods holy name are you blathering about?


Title: Wrongful Arrest - Ontario, Canada

Question:
I have a friend who was on bail until Friday (yesterday) when took a plea deal and was put on probation.

The terms of his bail were that he was not to contact his ex girlfriend under any circumstances. She went into the cop station and lied to the police saying he was text messaging her (which I am 100% certain is a lie) I was his surety / bailed him out and I had software monitoring his phone to make sure he was not contacting her since I would have had to pay a bunch of money if he breached I made sure he never contacted her, at least never from his phone (She lied and said he did). He can pull phone records and prove she lied to the police.

Anyways, this morning they showed up at his house, never read him his rights. Told him he was being arrested for breaching bail (he was not even on bail and told them this, they said he was lying). He got to the police station where they then ran his name in the computer and found out he actually was not on bail any more / they detained him on false charges and as I mentioned never even read him his rights while doing so. They let him go 5 minutes after getting to the police station since they realized they arrested him under false charges.

A> Can he file a complaint / try to sue the police department for wrongful arrest?

B> What can he do to prevent his crazy fucking ex girlfriend from ruining his life even futher? She filed a false police report to begin with which got him into trouble / he could not afford a lawyer and since he was not facing jail time didn't qualify for a public defender so he just took a plea deal and plead guilty to get it over and done with, and hopefully get her out of his life and move on. However his probation conditions are still that he is not to contact her and she is lying to the police saying he is when he isn't (phone records can prove this) she is actively trying to destroy his life any way she can when he has done exactly what the court ordered and never attempted to contact her even once, she lied about facebook messages and text messages which can be proven by getting records pulled.

Answer:
 You don't have to be guilty to be legally arrested.

Did the police have reason to believe he had violated his bail?  If they did, then they acted appropriately, even if they turned out to be wrong later.

And if Canada is like the US, you don't have to be advised of your rights unless you're being questioned after arrest.


Title: How much and/or what kind of evidence do I need to gather to get an Investigator to look into fraud by new neighbors?

Question:
My old neighbor died, she was a very sweet lady. Towards her later years she needed full live in care, during this time more people that where related to the full time caregiver moved into her home. after her passing the caregivers took over the home and now own the home because it was left to them in a trust.

Through my investigating I have learned that the "caregiver" was never licensed to care for a person and the address that she used for the company was a residential address. I also have gotten a hold of the copy of the trust that she "signed". The notary public on the trust just happens to have the same last name as the person who took over the house, its a Korean last name and seems very plausible that the notary public and the "caregiver" are related. Lastly My family, and myself all have birthday cards, christmas cards, **AND CHECKS** with her signature, all look very much the same and also show a decrees in penmanship due to her aging. The Signature on the Trust and the real estate paperwork show a very clear, different, legible signature that is not hers and no procuration signature with it.

What agency do I bring this info forth to?

What else would I need to gather to get the State to start poking around at these people?

I also understand that i will receive nothing for this and the home would likely become property of the state if they are found guilty.

LA County California

Answer: Just take what you have now in. If they want more evidence they will be better able to get it then you will. It sounds very possible that a crime occured. You could also call the benificiaries of the trust and let them know that you believe they bilked out of the house due to possible fraud or forgery. Or you could do nothing, which is also fine.


Title: Canada - Google forced to omit search results worldwide by Canadian Supreme Court?

Question:
So Canada has decided it can force google to omit search results worldwide?

Long and short of it is that Company A had an intellectual property they were protecting. They sued company B and won their IP case. Somehow google got dragged into it and was issued an order to omit search results worldwide. Google challenged the order on a lawsuit they were not originally a part of and lost in the Canadian supreme court.

Firstly I can see Canada making google omit search results in Canada. How can they enforce this worldwide though? Does this not fall outside the scope of their jurisdiction?

Second though is what would happen to google should they refuse this order?

Third. Is there a higher court to take this to? This can't be allowed to stand here. If the Canadian supreme court forces google to omit search results from appearing in Venezuela (just an example) then would that not be some kind of international violation?

Answer:
 There's a [good thread about it](https://np.reddit.com/r/legaladviceofftopic/comments/6kas29/canadian_supreme_court_just_ruled_that_google/) in r/legaladviceofftopic. The short version is that Google is subject to the authority of courts in any country it does business in. In countries where it has no assets or offices, it's largely immune to court orders.

There is no higher authority to appeal to. If Google does not comply, the Canadian courts will fine them for contempt. Answer #2: >Does this not fall outside the scope of their jurisdiction?

The Supreme Court has evidently decided that it does not.

>Second though is what would happen to google should they refuse this order?

A contempt proceeding can be initiated. Refusal to comply with a court order can be punished by [fine and/or imprisonment](http://www.mondaq.com/canada/x/520396/Civil+Law/A+Court+Order+Is+Not+A+Suggestion+Fines+And+Imprisonment+For+Civil+Contempt+Of+Court).

>Third. Is there a higher court to take this to?

No. Appeals from the Supreme Court to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council were abolished in 1949. The Supreme Court of Canada is our highest court.

>If the Canadian supreme court forces google to omit search results from appearing in Venezuela (just an example)

Strictly speaking, I believe it's the BC Superior Court doing it. The Supreme Court simply upheld the decision of the BC Court of Appeal (which upheld the decision of the BC Superior Court).


Title: TX: Man refusing to give my in-laws a receipt for his invitation services, now completely refuses to do finish service at all.

Question:
Hey guys, I live in Texas and my in-laws are both Hispanic, this is important. My sister-in-law is about to have a Sweet 16 and my MIL & FIL heard from some friend about a guy that does inexpensive invitations for parties, and he speaks Spanish, which is the only language my MIL speaks.

Well, they paid this guy $100 in cash (I have already explained how completely STUPID this was to them) and the guy gave us a copy of the invitations. He spelled Sixteen wrong. He accidentally spelled it "Sexteen", yeah, seriously. So, we took them back to him and asked him to please fix it. I also told him we need a receipt. He told us the receipt is $8.95. I inquired why we have to *pay* for a receipt and he said that's just his requirement. He said it costs that much for him to print. I explained that an emailed receipt is fine, I just want proof that we paid him the $100. This made him really upset and he said forget it and to get off his property (we were standing on his porch) or he would call the police. My husband, FIL and I quietly left. The guy said he won't be giving us our invitations that are already paid for but is keeping our money, he won't issue any kind of refund.

But now I'm wondering what we can do. Can we take him to small claims court even though we have no receipt?

Answer: Yes, you can, though it may not be worth it for $100. Maybe consider it a lesson learned, and let the friends know that this guy is a shithead.


Title: Employer requiring authorization to provide my SSN to a 3rd party (customer)

Question:
I work as a programmer for a medical software provider.  I live in Massachusetts, but we have employees in many states and some overseas. Part of my job is to troubleshoot problems with our software, which requires me to log into servers that are often based at customer sites.  Typically this is done using remote desktop protocol or other method, and so our customers need to provide us with login credentials.

My company has a large customer - a hospital corporation - based in another state.  This customer claims that anyone for whom they will allow login access must provide their Social Security Number.  My employer claims that they have tried to negotiate another method so we don't have to provide this kind of secure information.  However, today they have emailed all employees of the company saying they were unable to negotiate another method, and that it is now "a primary requirement of job duties" that anyone who will need to access this site must provide authorization to the company so they can provide our Social Security Numbers.  They want each of us to give approval by simply responding to the email they sent out.

No punishment was specified if we refuse, but I infer from the "primary requirement of job duties" that punishment would be forthcoming if we don't comply.

Obviously, I am uncomfortable with this situation.  My employer claims that "no documentation containing your SSN will leave company control," and that they will control the information and "coordinate a limited monitored release to a dedicated...IT member."  They also say this "does not authorize sharing your information with any other customer at this point."

I'm not certain if HIPAA plays a part in this, but it doesn't seem like it should be legal for a customer to require our SSN, and it also doesn't seem legal that my employer can basically force me to give authorization as part of my job requirement.

I'm looking for advice on how to handle this.  I generally feel that my employer looks out for their employees better than any company I've been with.  I also would think they've had their lawyers looking into this, so maybe this is a perfectly legal thing, but it feels quite wrong.  I certainly don't want to let my SSN be used in this way, but I also don't want to be fired for refusing, so I'm wondering if I have any other recourse.

I'll be happy to answer any questions about things I didn't cover.

Answer:
 > I'm not certain if HIPAA plays a part in this,

It does not.

> but it doesn't seem like it should be legal for a customer to require our SSN, and it also doesn't seem legal that my employer can basically force me to give authorization as part of my job requirement.

There's no issue with either, presuming you don't have a contract to the contrary.  The customer can require it, and your company can fire you if you don't provide.


Title: COVID-19: My county has issued a shelter in place order, but my employer is still telling us to come into work. Can they do that? [CA]

Question:
From what I've read, only essential businesses are allowed to stay open, and defying the order is a misdemeanor violation of the California Health and Safety Code, punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both, as it is considered “an imminent threat to public health.” We are a chemical lab that tests geothermal fluids, so I don't believe we are an essential business exempt from the order. Can they legally make us go to work? Can I get in trouble for going to work? Can my employer get in trouble? Can I be fired for not going to work? Should I report this to the non emergency authorities?

Thank you

Answer:
 Since there could be more than one use of geothermal fluids I'll just ask directly:

Are the customers that need thermal fluids tested power plants?

If you are partially responsible for keeping the lights on in your state you are almost certainly essential and if so you can be fired if you feel okay and don't come in.


Title: Does revenge porn laws include photos posted to gonewild?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: If you posted the pictures in a public place, then there's no issue with someone showing those photos to another.


Title: Estate law featuring an angry recent spouse that wasn't mentioned in the will.

Question:
Maryland.
Dad died.. Last will crafted long ago.  He remarried less than 2 years ago.  Will mentions myself and sibling as beneficiaries.  New wife obviously unmentioned.  He put beneficiary on some non-probate assets as new wife, and other non-probate assets as sibling and myself.  He had the opportunity to craft a new will, decided to keep the old one.  Remaining assets including the house are part of the estate.  New wife is angry and hostile that she doesn't get to stay in the house(titled in dads name, paid for by dad).  She has another house of her own.  Estate just opened by the representative named in the old will.  New wife has her own lawyer.  What routes can I expect her to take?  I know that you can't disinherit the spouse in the state of MD.

Answer:
 You can expect her to get about 1/3 of the probate estate per MD Code Trusts and Estates 3-203.

The named executor should hire an attorney on behalf of the estate to deal with any claims she brings.


Title: Child injured at preschool by an animal that was improperly caged and supervised. (IL)

Question:
I am considering seeking compensation for medical expenses resulting from my child being bitten by a pet animal kept at her preschool.  Our health insurance has covered the emergency room visit, follow up doctor visit, and medications.  We have paid the copays and miscellaneous supplies such as bandages, ointments, and pain relievers.  All total, our out-of-pocket expenses will be around 200-300 dollars.

If I seek compensation from the school for our out-of-pocket expenses without filing suit, am I obligated to the insurance company to give them some or all of that money?  How does that situation change if I file suit in small claims court?  Should I be seeking compensation for the full amount of the medical expenses and just hope that I come out ahead after the insurance company and lawyers all take their cut?

Our out of pocket costs seem like such a small amount of money to make such a big production over, but the school really was in the wrong and it did cost us despite having good insurance.  $300 is $300...  I'd hate to just eat that cost because of someone's negligence.

Any thoughts, suggestions?

Thanks!

**edit:** I'm not asking whether or not they are liable.  It is clear to me that they are.  The IL animal control act says

>(510 ILCS 5/16) (from Ch. 8, par. 366)
    Sec. 16. Animal attacks or injuries.                     If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such person for the full amount of the injury proximately caused thereby.
(Source: P.A. 94-819, eff. 5-31-06.)

The type of animal is irrelevant. Damage was done and the owner is liable.

Even if you were to assume, for argument's sake, that the child provoked the animal into biting, the child is 3 years old and was being cared for by the school. They should not have allowed such a provocation to occur.

Answer:
 If you get more than your out of pocket (that isn't legally pain and suffering) then you give it to the insurance. What your need to do is file against their business insurance and they will work everything out.

You need to call Community Care licensing and report this to them so other kids are not harmed also.

Edit wordAnswer #2: In what way was the preschool negligent?  In my opinion, letting preschoolers be around a gerbil or turtle or whatever the pet was is not negligent, even though all animals can bite.  Most preschool bites are from other children, and I don't think letting a child be around other children is negligent either, despite the high risk (I doubt any child gets out of preschool without being bitten by a peer).

Did they taunt a Siberian tiger with raw steak, and then tell your kid to go pet it?  Then sue away.  But if the kids are being allowed to pet Jerry the Gerbil and your kid squeezed it a little too hard and Jerry took a chunk out of her thumb, well, your kid has learned a life lesson about animals and there are going to be a lot of such lessons as your kid grows up.

Also, if you start threatening the preschool, you're going to need to find a new preschool.


Title: Breaking into an abandoned ATM?

Question:
[FL]  I work at a restaurant.  One year ago my boss (the owner of the restaurant) entered a verbal contract with a man who supplied and installed an ATM in the restaurant.  The man who installed the ATM never returned to collect any money from the machine or pay the owner of the restaurant despite many transactions.  The ATM has been shut off for over 8 months without any communication from the guy. The machine is drilled into the floor from inside and cannot be removed without the key.
Is my boss legally allowed to break into the ATM to uninstall it and take it out of the restaurant? Thanks!

Answer:
 This is lawyer territory, considering how much is at stake.  Call the states bar association, and ask for a [referral](https://lrs.floridabar.org/).

You have the potential of a few thousand in the machine, plus the machine itself. You are likely looking for a business attorney.Answer #2: If it was my store I would look on the atm for the processor information and get in touch with them.  Your atm guy most always are just middle man that provides the ATM.  Maybe thru them you might be q keep to buy this unit or atleast get updated number for the atm guy.  If all else fails simply remove the atm (do what you have to) and  store it in back


Title: BC, CA. My sister passed away and I can't see her kids anymore. Please help.

Question:
My sister passed away suddenly leaving two boys behind. My family is close and my nephews were a big part of me and my families life. When my sister died, the children went with their father (my sisters ex husband) who had previously had a court ordered joint custody agreement between the two of them. Now that my sister is gone, their father won't let my family and I have any access to the boys. Not just "sorry our schedules aren't lining up" but actually "no you are forbidden to see them. They are no longer apart of your family"

Is there anything my family and I can do to fight this? We miss the children terribly. And we feel like we are doing a disservice to my sister by not sharing our life with her children. My family is located in BC, and the children and their father are located in Alberta. Please help me with any advice if you can. I'm feeling so desperate.

Answer:
 Your parents (i.e. the children's grandparents) are the only ones who have any chance. They should consult an AB lawyer and see about filing for visitation. They may be able to get one day a month or something for a visit.Answer #2: The Alberta Family Law Act (FLA) does not specifically give or protect grandparents’ rights of access but it does provide for options such as applying to the court for a contact order. Your parents will have to file in Alberta because that's where the children live.

Due to the daughters passing they have better odds than some, the process will likely be expensive and time consuming if he fights it, but consult a lawyer for advice. If nothing else at least the children will know you wanted to be a part of their life.

Your parents should also be encouraged to write and send regular letters to the children (keep copies of them) and cards etc. Even if the father keeps them from the children, it shows sincerity in maintaining contact, and eventually those children may come looking for their mother's family and you can prove they tried.


Title: I am a dad wanting to adopt my step-daughter, here is the issue...

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > In one case we know of that is similar the step dad signed the certificate, he and the mom divorced a few years later and he is now paying child support. What are my options here. Thanks!

Well, yeah.  If you have a child, you may be on the hook for child support.  Doesn't matter if the child is biologically yours - it only matters if the child is legally yours.  You adopt the child, or sign the certificate, and she's legally yours.

I'd recommend strongly having an attorney for this, if you want to do it right.  Likely, they're charging you a lot of money because the process is complex and requires management.  You may be able to do it on your own, but you likely can't.  There's a reason why attorneys go to school and get paid a lot of money.


Title: [CA] Is this indirect solicitation former co-worker?

Question:
In my previous work place's employment agreement (which was in California), there was a **Solicitation of Employees** clause, very similar to the ones found [here](https://www.lawinsider.com/clause/solicitation-of-employees/_7c845eb).

> Solicitation of Employees. l agree that for a period of twelve (12) months immediately following the termination of my relationship with the Company for any reason, whether with or without cause, I shall not either directly or indirectly solicit any of the Companys employees to leave their employment, or attempt to solicit employees of the Company, either for myself or for any other person or entity.

I am still within the 12 month period. A previous co-worker has applied for positions at my new company on their own. I would like to put in a good word by providing feedback to the hiring manager, but I'm not sure if that constitutes as indirectly soliciting an employee and violates that clause.

Answer: Providing a reference is not solicitation.


Title: [OH] Trying to get my girlfriend a state ID, but can't - Update

Question:
Still unable to get the ID. This will include the entire original post, including additions starting in October below.

Timeline of events related to proving her identity:

**January 2016**

My girlfriend moves from Florida to Ohio to stay with me. She's 17 at the time, and has no legal documents (She is white, American).

**February**

She opens an online store, and requires a bank account to deposit her received payments. We go to my local branch and they ask for a state ID to open her account, along with other documents.

We go to the local DMV and they ask for her birth certificate and proof of residency in Ohio, as well as someone at least 21 to sign off for her.

I go to the county building and am able to purchase her birth certificate for $20, and then go to the local Post Office for an official change-of-address form.

**March**

We have her birth certificate and change-of-address form, as well as being my dad as the person over 21 to sign for her. We head to the DMV and they say that they needed her legal guardian to sign for her as she's under 18, and that she also needs to bring her social security card.

Her mother is her legal guardian but she hasn't lived with her for 4 years. Her mother lives in Ohio but doesn't want anything to do with her. Her grandmother (who lives in Florida) had been taking care of her but was never her official legal guardian.

**April**

We head to the Social Security office to have a new social security card be mailed to our house. They ask for a state ID. We explained that we needed the social security card to GET the state ID. They asked for other documents that can help prove her identity -- bank statements, w-2 wage forms, medical records, or a school transcript.

She was taken out of school in 8th grade and was home schooled by her grandmother since. We contacted her last school and they wouldn't release her transcript to her without her mother's permission or until she turned 18.

She has no physical medical records and doesn't know exactly where she was born, other than that it was somewhere in Ohio.

**July**

She turned 18. We drive 5 hours to West Virginia to her last school and were able to get a copy of her school transcript.

The day we get back we quickly got to the DMV and they stated that the transcript needed to have her official address and social security number printed on it. We were furious. They also said that just a few days prior, the official change-of-address form from the USPS could no longer be used and they literally told us to go to Walmart and buy a fishing license because it'd be an official document with her address on it and you don't need any information to buy one.

We contacted the school and they stated they weren't allowed edit the transcript to give that information.

**August**

I discovered that you can get a US passport without a state ID as long as you have a legal citizen who has known you for 2+ years fill out a form verifying that you are a citizen.

We head to the passport office in my city and once the forms are filled out, the woman asked to see her social security card. We explained the situation and the woman said that she doesn't need an ID, but she did need 2 pieces of identification -- a birth certificate + social security card.

The woman there said there's nothing they could do and that we were in a pretty situation. She said she's never heard of someone in this situation before. We've all but given up.

At this point we have one option -- my girlfriend can get an Offender Release ID card if she commits a crime and gets released from jail/prison. This isn't really something we want to hope for.

**September**

We had a pregnancy scare. We got to Planned Parenthood to get birth control and once the appointment was set up they asked to see her ID. The lady there was extremely rude and was no help. She basically said "if you have a birth certificate you can get an ID".

**October**

I'd posted a thread on here and received two good ideas:

1. Get a voter registration card
2. Get short-term health insurance for a Health Insurance ID card

The voter registration card came back fine. Turns out it's useless for anything we'd need. The BMV and Social Security office won't take it. She would also still need her state ID if she wanted to vote in-person.

The health insurance card was very easy to get. We paid $40 for 1 month short-term life insurance. They verified her SSN and everything, and the cards came in the mail. Our problem is solved!

...Oh wait, Ohio requires either your date of birth or your photo ID be printed on the Health Insurance ID card to be used as identification. Hers has neither. Needless to say, we cancelled the insurance immediately (10 day refund policy).

_______________________________________

We don't know what options we have at this point.

My girlfriend's mom refuses to talk to her. She never saved any of her documents so there's no social security card or original birth records. My girlfriend's grandma has never taken her to a hospital before and has never needed to use her SSN for anything.

We have the following information and documents:

- Her birth certificate
- Her Social Security number (not card)
- Health insurance ID (doesn't display photo or DOB)
- Voter registration card
- Expired military ID (Expired in 2011, shows photo and DOB)
- Ohio Fishing License (Shows Ohio address)
- School transcripts from 2012 (Doesn't display SSN)

We don't know where she was born (only that it was in Ohio) so she can't request any medical records. I don't know if she'd be able to anyways since she doesn't have an official state ID. Her parents gave us a handful of cities where she *may* have been born, but it isn't very helpful as these are major cities with many hospitals.

She is unable to get a job, drive a car, open a bank account, or seek medical care because of this.

Answer:
 I was in a very, very similar boat a few years ago. 17, homeschooled, left home, all that. School records were worthless, old school IDs too old. The whole situation sucked, so I feel for you.

Does she not recall any places she'd ever been for any medical reason, or was she not taken to any? I know you say you don't know where she was born specifically and she's never gone to a hospital, but I mean... Dentist, eye doctor, pediatrician - anything at all like that?

Calling my pediatrician (who I hadn't been to in probably 5 years) and my eye specialist helped me figure things out in the end. The records were put in an envelope and I didn't open them, just handed 'em over for the lady at the desk to open. Answer #2: Try contacting a local homeless shelter. I used to work at one and we had a staff member who was good friends with several people at the DMV as the homeless quite commonly come in with no ID and no records and need I'D and Social Security cards to get work and start working towards getting back on their feet.

They may have some useful suggestions for you.Answer #3: It seems the DMV will take a 1099-MISC as long as it isn't handwritten


Title: [FL] My HOA allows motorcycles, however, they just sent all of us a new letter informing us that we are not allowed to park them in a *PARKING SPOT*

Question:
[Letter](http://i.imgur.com/BMTFekM.jpg)

What the actual F does this even mean?  We do not have any locations in this gated community to park our bikes.  There is no designated parking area for recreational vehicles, bicycles, etc.  There are only assigned parking spots-of which we only get one, even for a three bedroom condo-and guest spots.

They are threatening to tow our vehicles if they don't have a parking pass.  I have three registered vehicles on the lease that were approved before we moved in two years ago, two cars and one motorcycle.  Some months ago they sent out letters demanding we list all the cars we own and provide more detailed info on our cars like copies of the registrations.  They informed us back then that we are required to have parking decals and that we couldn't park "back-end in."  Furthermore, they announced a ridiculous new rule that stated "anyone parked in a guest spot without a parking decal past 11pm would be towed."

What sort of legal action can or should I take to fight back?  Aside from attending board meetings that is.  My family and I are just tenants in this community.  Do we even have a voice?

Answer:
 Honestly, my first reaction is that it's a typo; they took out a word before "parking spot" and didn't add in a new word.

Ask them to clarify where motorcycles can park.


Title: My Landlord Is Accusing Me Of Pointing A Gun At Him [Arizona]

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 The smart, mature, and responsible option, when you came home to discover your place ransacked, would have been to call 911. Unfortunately, hindsight is 20/20, so it's a bit late for that advice now.

You and your friend could well be charged with trespassing and breaking and entering for your behaviour towards the landlord's home. Even if the landlord did break into your place, that doesn't justify trying to break the door down, or your friend trying to break in through the window. The mere fact that you were armed at the time is likely to be a complicating factor for you.

What you can do now is, and I'm being very specific here:

1. Shut up. You're facing multiple criminal charges, and it's surprisingly easy to talk yourself into a conviction. Don't speak to the police. Don't speak to each other. Don't speak to your friends and family. Consider deleting this thread, although the damage is largely done there. If the police question you, explicitly refuse to answer questions without your attorney question - and I mean everything: don't even confirm the sky is blue. The only things you need to give the police are your names and addresses.

2. Get a lawyer. If you can, call your state bar and get a referral to a criminal defence attorney. Otherwise, stay silent (as above) until your arraignment, plead not guilty, and request a public defender.

3. Work with your lawyer to either plead down or negotiate a diversion, if possible, or to defend the charges, otherwise.


Title: Can my employer require me to work 28 days in a row without any days off or overtime?

Question:
About two months ago, I was hired with a company in NYC. They pay me a daily flat rate that's based on working for 8 hours (typically more.) Being that I just started, I didn't want to negotiate because I need to have a job for rent. I was also never given an estimate for how much I’d be making.  I only found out the day I got hired that I would be paid as a private contractor and what I’d be making per day.

Today they sent an e-mail to all of the workers about how it’s the busy season and how they’re expecting everyone to work seven days a week starting from now until Christmas. I just moved here in September and I'm bummed that I won't be able to go home for Christmas or New Years.

My question is: can my employer make me work so many consecutive days without paying overtime or giving a day off?

Answer:
 It depends on what you do.   [Section 161 of The New York State Labor Law](https://www.labor.ny.gov/formsdocs/wp/LS611.pdf) covers what professions are required to have one day rest, and which ones do not. Answer #2: In addition to what bug-hunter says regarding employees, it sounds like you may also be incorrectly classified as an [independent contractor](https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs13.htm)

Independent contractors don't have to be paid overtime or receive other protections that employees have like minimum wage, PTO, sick days, etc


Title: (Pennsylvania) I got into an accident in a company vehicle. My manager took the deductible out of my pay without informing me.

Question:
I was in an accident. It was a low speed crash in a parking lot. No damage was done to the company vehicle, and I dented the rear quarter panel of the other driver's car. I asked my boss several times about it and he said he wasn't sure what was going on.

He's been out this whole week, and I got my check today. There's a deduction of $125. I asked payroll if they knew, and they said he told them it was okay and that I signed off on it.

I didn't.

And I specifically said that the maximum I could do is $50 a week. He said they could make that work when I talked to him several weeks ago. Now, I get blindsided.

My question is, what legal action could/should I take about this. I'd like to keep this job without burning bridges, but I'd like to see what options are available. I don't believe I was at fault for the accident, but the insurance company says otherwise. I'm not opposed to paying the deductible, but if I don't have to, that'd be a plus.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 >  they said he told them it was okay and that I signed off on it.

Tell them that you didn't sign off on it, and ask them to produce that paperwork authorizing a payroll deduction.  Someone may have forged your signature, or outright lied about the existence of the paperwork.  That needs to be rectified.

You're also not responsible for paying the deductible for accidents happening while you're performing your job.  You employer is.Answer #2: AFAIK, you're not liable for actions you undertaken during normal employment duties. Were you working, or do you drive a company vehicle to/from work?


Title: Hypothetical US: Why aren't guard dogs considered booby traps?

Question: They are potentially dangerous property that can be left unattended. Since the law recognizes them as property, couldn't a dog that attacks everyone but their owner on site be considered a booby trap?

Answer: Because they're covered under dog bite laws, which is a better suited law than trying to shoehorn a living creature into the same category as inanimate objects. Answer #2: Dogs are also fairly noticeable, where a feature of booby traps tends to be that the victim doesn't notice them until they set the trap off.


Title: Is this considered discrimination under the FHA?

Question:
I contacted a Craigslist poster about a rental apartment they had available in South Carolina, interested in getting more information and setting up a viewing while I'm in town.  I mentioned that I would be returning to Ohio in a few days, and his only response, verbatim, was:

"I'm not renting to someone from Ohio. GBTO"

GBTO being Go Back to Ohio (apparently a popular theme, see: gobacktoohio.com)

I'm rather pissed as this was the only rental unit I could find in the area I really wanted to be in, so I was looking over FHA guidelines and saw that discrimination by nationality is illegal, but nothing regarding a situation like this...

Can anyone weigh in and say whether I'd have grounds to take action and report this to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development?

So much for southern hospitality...
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 > Can anyone weigh in and say whether I'd have grounds to take action and report this to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development?

You can report it, but nothing will be done about it.  Being from Ohio doesn't fall into any of the classifications protected by the FHA, so it's not illegal to discriminate based on state of prior residence.


Title: My landlord just got everyone in my building kicked out by the fire Marshal.

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Removed

Answer:
 Whoa you should kept in line with the lease. The LL would have been on the hook for temporary lodging. The LL is responsible for the terms of the lease just like you are. He probably saved a lot of money by you keeping your two months worth of rent.

Then again maybe he wouldn't have been financially able to provide temporary lodging for everyone in which case you might be better off.

Do you have a question?


Title: [FL] Realtor showing a property that's occupied

Question:
In Florida, a landlord of a residential property has to give 12-hours notice before entering a property that's being rented out.

I'm in the curious position where the landlord is putting the house on the market and the real estate agent is saying they're only required to give 1-hr notice before showing the house. I'm in negotiations with the agent about doing 12-hours but they're making it seem like it's not a law in Florida, and that the current statute only applies to when the landlord shows the house.
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 Florida law is 12 hours *unless otherwise agreed upon*, so check your lease.

If your lease doesn't say one hour notice is ok, then tell the realtor you need 12 hours notice and that's the law. Show them this if necessary: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099/0083/Sections/0083.53.html


Title: Was sued 12 years ago for $68k for having a car accident with no insurance. I've been making $100/month payments for the past 10 years. Is there any way out of this or a possible reduction in the amount owed?

Answer: Generally no. Sounds like you have $56k to go.


Title: Is this suspicious enough to talk to the police about?

Question:
Sorry in advance if this is the wrong subreddit for this.

For context, I live in South Carolina with my mother and my grandma lives a few blocks away.

My neighbor, we'll call him Jim, moved in about a year ago. Jim didn't move in with anyone else, but told my mom and gram in separate conversations he had a wife who lived in New York. Later he denied ever having said this to my gram, but this might be irrelevant.

A few months after moving in, a woman drove up to Jim's house in a blue car. My mom and grandma saw this woman a few times after the day she drove up, sometimes walking with Jim, but at some point after they stopped seeing her entirely. I never saw her myself.

The weird thing is, every few days Jim will move her car to seemingly random spots in his yard. He never takes it out of his yard. The paranoid part of me when my mom told me this ***assumes*** this ***could*** be to make it seem like she's living in his house and just coming out without us seeing.

He may well just be keeping it from dying, and he could have just bought it from her or any number of possibilities.

The freakier part is that my mom told me she once saw his garage door not only sealed with plastic, but with bricks lined up to hold it closed. Again, the paranoid part of me ***assumes*** this might have been to block a smell from seeping out.

And that's all that's weirding me out at the moment about my neighbor. Sorry if this is all just rambling to y'all or completely unwarranted suspicion. I've probably just been listening to too much last podcast.

Answer:
 Uh, maybe just ask him about it, then if you really don't like his answer go to the police.

IANAL, this isn't legal advice, but I probably wouldn't do anything unless he said something incriminating. Sealing your garage and moving an otherwise unused car isn't all that strange. I honestly think it's more strange that you're spying on your neighbor this hard


Title: Working late office hours / overtime -- No air conditioning after 6pm

Question:
Hi all-- I work in NYC for an organization that works on contracts (won't get into details). We have an extremely difficult client lately, who has been sending back our work and requesting massive change-orders on what we hand in, with very tight turnaround. I work in the quality control department, and as such, I have been forced to work very late consistently the past month. My organization is pretty rationale, but they are handcuffed by this client (it's a lucrative contract), so they basically just thank me for working late to meet the demands and nothing more.

I'm a salaried employee, so I know I have no entitlement to overtime pay. However, the real kicker is that the AC in my office building goes out at 6pm. Thus, I am forced to work late into the night in an extremely uncomfortable environment. Do I have any legal leverage here to 1) deny this added work without added compensation (because of the health hazard of a very hot office building); 2) if i deny it and they fire me, would this sort of situation allow me to get unemployment benefits?

I'm really just wondering where I stand here, or if my best bet is to just find a new job where my state of mind is more respected (I know this is my best bet, but if I could leave here first while getting unemployment, it would make my job search a lot less stressful).

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Answer: How hot does it get? Can you just dress down? People did somehow manage to survive in the days before A/C.


Title: Can I press charges for this?

Question:
The Story (You can ignore this part)

Let me explain, basically, one afternoon I was with some friends & some idiot that was with us threw a rock at some apartment window next to us. We all ran since of course the people would come out and who knows what they could try doing. The person who lives there (Who I later figured out is named Patrick) follows us so I split up but he realizes and chases me instead. I run out of breath and stop and he catches up. I try to explain it wasn’t me and that I only ran because it would’ve been the more obvious thing to do (Keep in mind I’m 15.) He then chokes me using my sweater on an attempt to pull me into his apartment but while he was doing that he calls over his friend and then they both start threatening me saying stuff about how they’ll kill my family and such. They then drop me on the ground and start punching me all over and kicking me everywhere. I try to yell for help but nobody seemed to care. They did this to me about 3 times and then dragged me into their apartment and claimed they were going to kill me. Patrick wanted to call the police but his friend said not to because they’ll deal with me themselves. He ended up calling them and his friend left the scene before they arrived, they arrive and we both explain our sides and then they talk about charging Patrick with assault and said that he (or we) will have court but I was never given a date or was never given any further details.

Question:
Since I was assaulted, considering why and how this happened, even though the police arrived and the guy will be given court, am I able to press charges for this? If so, how? I still have multiple bruises on my face and over my body.

Thank you so much in advance.

Answer:
 You can't press charges. You can call the police to (a) ask for a copy of the police report, (b) file a police report if one was not filed, and/or (c) ask if the case has been sent to the state's attorney (that's who presses charges). If not, you can ask why. It's sometimes better to do this in person, with a parent. If the state's attorney decides to prosecute (press charges) you may be called in for a deposition, and you may be call in to testify.

Separately, if you have medical bills or other financial losses from the attack, you can sue Patrick to recover those costs, even if the state's prosecutor doesn't press charges.


Title: [NB, Canada] A worker at my apartment building assaulted my roommate and threatened both of us. My landlord does not care, and is acting like nothing happened even though I am scared for my safety. What can I do?

Question:
For context, Jake is my roommate, Bob and Pam are my landlords. You can read about my lease situation [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/2ungrg/updatenb_canada_my_landlord_changed_something_on/) and I made a /r/relationships post about my landlord when issues initially started to crop up [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/relationships/comments/2hfrhr/i24f_am_not_sure_what_to_do_about_my_invasive/)

The TL;DR about the first bit: Jake and I were having a barbecue, landlord was giving us a hard time and harassing Jake/not leaving him alone when he asked. I'm going to leave the next bit as is

A couple guys who were working on the building who I will refer to as Sean and Max, came outside to have a smoke. Jake was complaining pretty loudly about the whole landlord situation, and during that time Pam came out and spoke to the workers quietly for a few minutes, and then went back inside. Jake was still complaining at this point, and after another few minutes, the workers started to head back inside the building. When they were at the door, Sean yells over "Hey, you've got your panties in a twist. You may want to untwist them" and Jake says, yeah maybe. Sean then goes on to say he knows fire code and embers still burn and so on, and Jakes responds that it's none of Sean's business, and he does not know the situation with the landlord. Sean went inside, but  Max started walking towards us, and he said something (neither of us can recall what it was EXACTLY but we think it was along the lines of "do you wanna get fucked up?") and then says to jake, I'm going to shove your face in that barbecue. He looks and me and says "I'll do the same to you." Jake tells me to call the cops, and Max continues to approach, so Jake gets up to go inside to call the cops. As Jake is walking by Max, Max reaches out and grabs the back of Jake's hair. I stand up and shout "Don't fucking touch him!" Max turns to me and starts to lunge, and says "I'll shove your head up his fucking ass!" Jake turns around and says "If you touch her, I will fuck you up." and then continues inside to all the cops. Max goes inside to the unit he was working on. Pam comes out, and I immediately tell her what happens. She starts in about the barbecue, asking if I have insurance, etc. I repeat what I said and she says "Well, Jake was complaining pretty loudly.. I even heard him from in here." I interrupted her and asked how I'm supposed to feel safe in the building now, since she hires workers like this. Her response was that Max was not hired by her, he was just a friend of Sean's who was helping out. Then she continued on about as to if I have renters insurance or not because of the barbecue. Jake comes down at that point and says he's called the cops and she is involved. She said she's not, she didn't hear anything. Sean and Max are still wandering around the building. She stars again about the barbecue and keeps trying to touch our arms, and says she doesn't want to ruin our fun, she just doesn't want any other tenants to do it. Jake brings up the letter and she states she had no choice, and all I said to her was that just because she heard something from someone, does not mean it is true. She then gets in a circle of straight up saying "But you made the tenant below you leave!", "I had to do it! I had no choice!" and insisting she heard nothing during the assault, and at that point I tell her again to leave us alone.

And after this, Sean and Max are still around on the property. Sean is wandering around very cocky, giving us looks like "what are the cops going to do" and like what happened was deserved. Max ended up sitting in his car for about 30 minutes and then left. We called the cops again because they did not show up, and at that time the landlord looked like she was about to leave - turns out Sean was giving her a ride home. I approached her (with my video on on my ipod) to ask her what the guy who did the assault's name was, and she gave it to me (And Sean said, "Yeah I would know" in a cocky tone), and then turned to Sean and said "I'm so, so sorry." and looked embarrassed.

The cops showed up as they were heading to the car, so she stopped and said hi and agreed to be interviewed. She went off with Sean to the other side of the building while the cops spoke to us. We told them the story and they said it was none of Sean's business to say anything, and that the assault was absolutely not okay, and asked if we wanted to press charges. We both said yes, and we got to writing statements while they spoke to the landlord. What ended up happening is we did not press charges, but Max is no longer allowed on the property.

Pam still got a ride home with Sean, did not say anything to us. We received an email from Bob saying we are not allowed to barbecue on the premise nor dispose of coals on the premise. I responded saying understood, and asked what would be happening with Sean as I do not feel safe being in the building now. I have received no response (I sent it 12 hours ago, so they HAVE received it.)

My main goal with this is I do not trust the judgement of my landlord in who she hires for workers. I feel she said something to them to cause this to happen (regardless as to if that was her intention - it was inappropriate for her to say anything tho them about us), Sean is still allowed on the property, and the landlords are not responding to my concerns about safety. I would like to be out of my lease but do not know if I can legally without going the route of asking their permission. (Which I don't think they will give me, to be honest)

**tl;dr**: One of the workers at my building assaulted my roommate and threatened both of our lives. The landlord does not care. What can I do?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 Your post is way too long. Nobody is going to read it. Can you cut out all the stuff that doesn't matter?

I think tl;dr would be something like "employee/friend/contractor of landlord attacked us. Despite this we decided to not ask to press charges but now we're scared."

If that's vaguely right, there's a statute of limitations for crimes, which is how long after a crime occurs someone can be charged.

That's usually measured in years.

You can contact the police and tell them you want to go forward with this, but the choice isn't up to you.

The police ahve to decide if they think they can make a case. If they do, the case then goes to a prosecuting attorney, who, since it's Canada I guess you say "on behalf of the Crown", brings charges against the offender.

The police and prosecutor can go forward with or without your assistance, and they can decide to not go forward whether you like it or not.


Title: Amazon wont return money from gift card

Question:
I received the following after emailing amazon.

"Hello,

I understand your concern regarding the $1300.00 gift card order# *******

I understand that you would like the gift card to be refunded.

I'd have initiated the refund process, however upon checking your Amazon account, I see that the available gift card balance on your account is $1,011.75 which was originally $1300.00 and was partially used to pay for your order#*********  and order#******** on Wednesday, May 9, 2018.

As much as I wanted to refund the remaining gift card balance, it saddens me to inform that as of now we are only able to refund gift card balances which are not used (even partially) for any transactions.

In accordance with the records-retention requirements enforced by the U.S. federal law, once a gift card balance has been partially used on one Amazon account, the remaining balance has to be used on that account only. This is necessary in case if our customer's have any future disputes regarding the gift card, it will be easier for us to track the usage of the gift card transactions which may require such data.

We have to maintain individual account information separately, including the gift card usage history and all other information, from our system as it is part of our business transaction records.

In this case, I'd suggest you to use the gift card balance from the account on which it has been redeemed.

I'm extending the best hand that I could give because I believe that what you say with regards to our service means much to us. As a customer centric company, we strive for customer happiness.

Your cooperation and understanding is highly appreciated. We look forward to a very warm and fruitful association with you and wish you a great day!
We'd appreciate your feedback. Please use the buttons below to vote about your experience today."

I wouldn't have much of a problem with this, except I originally put this amount on Amazon to purchase a TV. This tv ended up being out of stock for 3 weeks so I called amazon to cancel this order. When I called they told me they would refund the amount back to my debit card, again I called the next day to verify, they told me it would take a day to process. This above email is what I received after the weekend. Anyone have advice to get my money back?

Answer: If that's their policy that's their policy. You did't provide a location so unless there is a law which says they can't do this, you have mechanism to force them to refund you short of a lawsuit.  I'm sure there is another TV you could buy.Answer #2: If the terms of an Amazon gift card are such that they can only be refunded in whole (I trust from your post that they are) and Amazon makes those terms reasonably available (they do), there may be no solution here to get your money back.


Title: [FL] Another "I was illegally towed" post.

Question:
This happened in Seminole County, FL in a private gated community where I live. It's townhouse style where the parking spaces are right in front of the residence, its not too large resident-wise. There are no parking permits or visitor permits and the Townhouses have 1 spot reserved which my roommate uses.

I borrowed my brother's jetski for July 4th weekend along with his truck to tow it. On the night of July 3rd I parked the truck and jetski in front of my residence. Instead of taking up 3+ spots like an asshole I detached the jetski and pulled it into a spot, I then pulled the truck into the spot next to it. I locked up the jetski trailer and went inside. A few hours later I thought, "man it would suck if someone cut that lock and stole the jetski." I went back outside ~1am and slanted the jetski in its spot. There was no spot on one side of the jetski, it was a small island with a tree. I then pulled the truck over the line in the jetski spot to block it in. My truck was taking up part of the jetski's spot and part of the original spot the truck was in, 2 total spots taken by 2 vehicles. Fine, I was double parked/parked over the line I fully admit that.

~630am I wake up and the truck is gone and the jetski had been moved in the spot. WTF. I eventually find out it is towed. I called the property manager and asked if she had it towed. She stated she didn't and rarely if ever do they call to have a car towed, great so this was a roam tow. I have NEVER seen a tow truck driver in my hood. People park like assholes and pull boats in to multiple spots regularly.  I call the tow truck company and asked why they towed, at first he said someone called and I quickly shut that down. He then said my car was "parked illegally." I asked him what is "illegal" about double parking on in a private gated community, he said "its against the law to double park, you were parked illegally." As you guessed it he was rude and eventually hung up on me. I head to the tow lot to figure this out, I actually got a deputy to show up too. I got there before the deputy I had a discussion with the tow guy and it didn't go well, the guy is a maniac. I then ask him if I can retrieve my wallet out of my car, he says no and I need to wait till the deputy arrives. I wait, deputy arrives and tells the tow guy to release the car (I still have to pay). In the presence of the deputy the tow guy says he was on his way back for my jetski, he couldn't get it the first time because it was locked. I ask him why and he says "no recreational vehicles allowed." Whatever, this guy is talking out his ass because I know our HOA tow policy does not state that. Now comes time for payment. Pricing isn't posted anywhere but I know the county ordinance states $125 flat fee for basic tows. This tow was 4.5 miles and it was a normal tow. There is one sign that says "police impounds are cash only." I attempt to pay with a card and I am told cash only so I go get cash. I don't have exact change just $160 in cash (I took out extra), then I am told he has no change. How are you cash only but have no change? I go to a gas station and get change, I am then told there is a $18.75 fuel surcharge. County ordinance specifically states a fuel surcharge fee cannot be assessed. This guy is hearing none of it and says "pay it or you don't get your car." At this point I am stuck as the deputy is gone and will not come back so I pay it and decide to deal with it later.

I get home and review the HOA tow policy, which i should have done first but I was too pissed to think. No where does it state if you are double parked you will get towed via roam tow. It states if you are parked on the grass, sidewalk, curb between 1a-5a you will get roam towed, I was doing neither. It states if someone is parked in a "handicap spot, blocking a driveway, expired tags, abandoned car, etc" a call will need to be made by the property manager or registered HOA rep. Ok , my double park could fall into that category but I checked with all of these people and they did not call. Also, it states you cannot have boats, trailers, etc over 3/4 ton parked unless previously ok'd by property manager, HOA, etc. 3/4 ton is a big boat that would not fit compact in one spot, jetski and trailer is ~800lbs. Nowhere does it state "recreational vehicles are not allowed." This tow guy was trying to blow smoke up my ass and the deputy's ass. I had the property manager call the tow company on the 6th to find out exactly why it was towed. They told her it was a roam tow because I was "illegally double parked" they also confirmed to her they were on their way to get the jetski also. She manages multiple properties and didn't know out tow policy specifically so she didn't really argue with them. I also asked her is the HOA tow policy lines up with contract stipulations with the tow company, she replied yes.

My question: Is small claims court my only recourse here? How about attempting to file a police report for a stolen vehicle? How about the fuel fee that is against county ordinance, how do I follow up with that?

This was a predatory tow, the guy did not follow the HOA guidelines or the contract stipulations. He had no right and certainly no legal authority to tow my vehicle. He does not understand double parking is not illegal, it is not against any law to double park on private property. On a public street it probably is and I could get a ticket or parking enforcement may have my car towed but certainly a tow truck driver can't make a decision on his own to tow. It sucks when this happens the only recourse is to pay and try to fix it later by paying more money out of pocket.

Seminole County Tow Ordinance: http://pwof.org/ordinances/SEMINOLE_COUNTY.pdf

Pic of jetski, truck was double parked on left of photo. This was after a tow and after I re-secured the jetski, they removed the chocks from the tires: http://imgur.com/EcDQLIE

Answer:
 >Is small claims court my only recourse here?

Yes.Answer #2: In addition to small claims court, you should speak to your HOA board about banning this towing company from the property.Answer #3: Small Claims seems like the only option here.

If the guy who towed you is with a company you might have luck going to the owner/management.

If he is the owner, small claims seems like the best bet. You could also report him to a regulating body if one exists


Title: I get paid below the minimum wage, what can/ should I do?

Question:
I live in Ontario, Canada. I'm currently working a part time job at a convenience store.  Last year things were pretty good at work, no real issues, but since the minimum wage was raised to $14 an hour I've had to face some serious issues.

So my manager divides my hours in two halves and pays me $14 an hour for say the first half (on SIN) and only $9 an hour (in cash) for say the second half. So officially they show only half of my hours on paper and for the other half I'm paid $9 an hour, off record. When I ask him why he does so, he simply tells me that the store is running on a thin line and is barely breaking even and thus the company can't afford to pay me in full. He's been telling me that the situation will eventually get better, but now I'm just fed up.

I'm a student and so don't have huge expenses and therefore even though the money I make currently is enough for me to pay my bills, I just think there's something sketchy here and perhaps my manager is pocketing the remainder of my wage.

As I said, I don't have big bills to pay and that's probably the reason why I didn't care to think about this issue so far.

Also, I'm an international student and so I'm not familiar with the Canadian judicial system at all.

Answer: Your employer is taking advantage of you. Contact the [Ministry of Labour](https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/feedback/) ( 1-800-531-5551 ) and prepare to look for a new job. Even if you do start getting you due wages, your boss will most likely try and fire you and you don't want to work in that environment.


Title: Can my company require me to pay for and receive mandatory training off the clock?

Question: I recently started work in the front office of a Physical Therapy company and they’ve just told me I have to get CPR certified for the job. However, they require me to pay for it myself (which is over 100$ in my area) and they don’t pay me for time in the training. I was under the impression that mandatory training meant that the company both had to pay for my training and pay me for my training time, at least that’s how it’s been at past employers. Is there some sort of exemption since it’s a medical job or is this illegal?

Answer:
 Not a lawyer but from my experience, these types of jobs typically require the certification before applying to get the job.  Are you already hired? Or are you hired with the stipulation that you'll get the certification? If it's the second, you'll most likely have to pay for it yourself Answer #2: I would contact the Texas Workforce Commission's Labor Law Section at  800\-832\-9243 \(in Texas only\) or 512\-475\-2670.

[This is their page on whether training has to be compensated.](http://www.twc.state.tx.us/news/efte/g_meetings_training.html) "The important thing there would be that the employer did not instruct  the employee to attend such classes or otherwise make the course a  condition of the job." That statement leads me to say that they should compensate you. There's also the fact that this training is for the benefit of the employer, which is another test used to decide who should pay.


Title: What is the legal mechanism the US govt is using to compel Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores?

Question: I understand that the department of commerce is making this move to comply with the executive order Trump issued but how do they compel private corporations to follow suit with those directives? I get that a lot can be done under the guise of “national security” but if someone could help me understand the legal mechanisms used in a situation like this they would be really helpful.

Answer:
 The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security manages an [entity list](https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/cbc-faqs/faq/281-1-what-is-the-entity-list#faq_285), which are entities that require approval before you can transact business with them. The regulation that justifies this is [15 CFR § 744.11](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/15/744.11). Edit: Left out that 15 CFR § 744.11 is empowered from [IEEPA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Emergency_Economic_Powers_Act).  If Apple were to keep TikTok up while it was on the entity list, they would be subject to hefty penalties.

In simple terms, the president has far far more power to regulate imports than native companies, and has broad national security power and scope. Because TikTok and WeChat are foreign entities and can be articulated as a national security threat, they can be regulated (in this case blocked).

For example, [these companies got slapped on the Entity List](https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2020/08/commerce-department-adds-24-chinese-companies-entity-list-helping-build) for being involved in China's project to build islands in the South China Sea to expand their territorial waters.


Title: Legality of killing a rooster?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 This sub is very frustrating to me sometimes.  Why do people feel the need to just say something without having any idea if they are right?  I assume that's what's happening here I don't know.

Chickens are livestock.  No one can tell you what the exact legal penalty for you killing someone else livestock is going to be without going through your counties code but it's not NOTHING.  This isn't your bird, yes I could go buy a rooster for a dollar from tractor supply and I could kill and eat it whatever it's my bird that's fine.  I absolutely cannot steal livestock and do what I want with it, their are very stiff penalties in place over and above the current retail price of a chicken to stop people from doing this.

There are real and criminal penalties for killing livestock that isn't yours. Answer #2: Make sure to eat it.


Title: Can my mom get in trouble for spying on my phone usage without my consent?

Question:
When I was 13, my Mom revealed that she had been tracking everything I do online. Her exact words were “I see all the little things you type!”

She then went on to tell me what she saw and what she was mad about, which was me telling strangers online that I was being emotionally abused and also physically abused (denied inhaler by Dad during asthma attack). She made me stop talking to people online about my suicidal thoughts and said I should hate myself, refusing to let me get any help.

A few weeks later, some kid at school accused me of being gay because he didn’t like me. She got really mad and questioned me. I told her I wasn’t gay. She told me that she saw how I was defending a gay user on a Minecraft forum online, and that it was proof I was gay. I explained that just because I defend a gay person, it doesn’t mean I’m gay. She didn’t believe me, but eventually let it go.

My Mom has denied these events have ever happened. There’s been many times where she has repeated stuff I’ve said online, but these were the only two times where she had flat out stated something like “I know because I spy on your phone usage”.

Is this legal? I’m 17 now and I’m very sure she still does it frequently, based on things she’s said. I live in Florida, if that helps.

(She will probably see this too)
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer:
 No, she cannot get in trouble for this. You are a minor; her actions are legal.

You should consider talking to a teacher or school counselor, if your parents are abusing you. They will be able to help.


Title: Work discrimination against military spouse

Question:
Hello, I'm wondering if I have any legal precedent or what actions I should take. I recently received a promotion at my workplace and am supposed to be starting in my new position on Monday. However, my husband received orders to a new base recently and we will be moving in several months.

HR caught wind of this and informed my new supervisor of it and will be discussing it with me tomorrow. What can I do if they refuse my promotion or fire me?

Clovis, New Mexico

Answer:
 You can show up to work. Or you could not show up.

Moving in a few months is not a protected class and you have no legal protections because of it.


Title: 24 year old, looking to adopt an 18 year old "surrogate" sister.

Question:
So I've got quite a conundrum here. I'm a 24 year old, living on my own and supporting myself. Over the last year or so I've become very close with an 18 year old girl who has been like a little sister to me. Yeah, it's outwardly a weird situation but most people don't even know we're not related until I tell them because of how much she respects and looks to me for guidance.

To make a long story short, she grew up in a series of horrible situations that have led her to develop severe mental illnesses. She had a stable home when I met her until she moved back in with her abusive mother. Now she lives in constant fear of her biological mother. She's a candidate for suicide and she really has no one to help her. At this point putting her back in the system could drag her away from the only solid parts she's managed to tack down over the years.

As someone who could support her financially, and someone who has been the only emotional support she's had other than her grandmother, I'd be more than willing to adopt and take care of her. I live in Indiana and what I've read up on is that adopting an adult is entirely possibly but it will be left up to the discretion of a judge. She's fully emancipated so custody isn't an issue.

EDIT: Should have added this. I want to adopt her for health insurance purposes. She can't support herself at the moment and only works part time. Basically, I'd be wanting to make sure she can get her meds and see a psychiatrist regularly.

I'm just not sure as to the legal hoops I'd have to jump through. This is a weird situation but any help would be appreciated.

Answer:
 She's 18. Adult adoption is a thing (see a family law attorney) ... but she is an adult. She can cut her parents off at any time if she is willing to endure their lack of financial support. If you are willing to provide replacement support, why not do that?Answer #2: 1. She is an adult, and can choose to live with whoever she wishes.

2.  Adopting her will not give you more leverage, unless she is sufficiently mentally ill to need a guardian.  IF she does need a guardian, then you need to talk to a lawyer soonest.

3.  You are free to support people who are not related to you.


Title: Pedestrian hit by car, not sure what to do, NY state

Question:
Located in NY, and first want to make it clear, I am NOT after advice on suing the at-fault driver.

I was a pedestrian and a car turned and hit me. I agreed to let him go, because I was in shock and wasn't sure what to do. I got his cell number and after he left, decided to get an ambulance just to be on the safe side etc. The police also turned up (after he left) and file a report. I passed on his information. On the way to the hospital i texted him and asked for his insurance info on the advice of the EMT's and police. He refused, saying that now the police were involved, he would give it to them. I want to hospital etc, they treated me, and i was given a 'New York motor vehicle no-fault insurance law assignment of benefits form'. which i am now trying to fill out.

A few days after the accident, i got a copy of the police accident report, having been told it had the other person insurance info on there, however i am looking at it and it does not. It has the number plate, the VIN, the registration address, but no insurance company name.

I have 2 questions:
1. how do i get the other persons insurance info, or is the above enough info? Should I ask the police to contact him for the info? If so, what should I ask for?
2. How do i fill out the no-fault form to get it back to the hospital? It's asking for social security # - is that my number? or the drivers? It's also asking for the account #, claim number and insurance Co number, which I guess is related to question 1, right?

I feel like these are really simple and stupidly easy to answer questions, I'm sorry, I've never been in this position before and all i want is for his insurance to cover my medical bills so I want to fill out the paperwork correctly.

Answer:
 You should talk to a personal injury attorney. His insurance company exists to represent him, not you. Their job is to protect the other drivers' interests at your expense, as far as the law will allow them to do so. That means that they may find that you were jaywalking. Or that you failed to look before crossing. Or that you deliberately ran out in front of the car.

Remember, the insurance company's decision has nothing to do with the police report. The two are completely separate from each other.


Title: [CO] A company called Appfolio is running my credit on a nearly daily basis, sometimes more without my permission.

Question:
I first noticed this a few weeks ago when I signed up for wells fargo identity protection. I get alerts when changes happen to my credit score.

I updated the credit check in late December, and I see that some company called Appfolio has been making daily inquiries for over a week at that point for "Rental Verification".

While I do rent, I leased the place back in November and management has told me they do not use any service by that name.

Additionally when I contacted them through email they gave me a list of the properties that are being run, many are duplicates but all are places I've never lived, seen, or leased.

Their email contact tells me they can do nothing about fraud until I have an account set up, and can't do anything about a fraudulent account unless I can give them specific details to verify I own the account. Since obviously whoever is responsible isn't giving them my actual address or other information that is incorrect and all they can tell me is to talk to my bank.

I fully understand my bank has nothing to do with credit, only charges.

-------

The good news is that apparently I've been approved for all of the properties.

Answer:
 Step one is to put an actual *freeze* on your accounts at the three bureaus; this will stop all hard pulls until you manually unfreeze your accounts.

Step two is to write a letter to Appfolio demanding proof of your authorization for each of the pulls, giving them 30 days or a reasonable amount of time to respond. Send this letter via certified mail.

Step three: When the deadline is up, or when they send you bogus proof or inform you there is no proof, open a dispute with the credit bureau(s) listing the pulls, *for each incident*. Work with them and give them copies of any correspondence with Appfolio.

Step four: talk with an attorney. This can be done now. Appfolio is liable for  any hard pull with no proof of your authorization, attorney fees, and potentially punitive damages. The bureaus are liable for any incident they do *not* remove in compliance with the FCRA, attorney fees, and potentially punitive damages. But a lawyer can help you through this.


Title: [US,DE] "Friend's" Dog (Pit bull) killed my Neighbor's dog (Terrier)

Question: Hey guys, need some input here. A "friend" left his pit bull at my place about a month ago and today, the dog escaped from my garage (he had a leash on) & ran to the neighbors yard and killed their dog (she had to be put down due to a punctured lung). I agreed to watch his dog for a short period of time while he gets his living situation in order (he was kicked out of his apartment). I had contacted my friend as well as the ASPCA/Animal welfare on multiple occasions to come and get his dog but was unsuccessful since all the shelters were not taking in any animals & my "friend" wasn't much help either. I just talked to my neighbor & he's very distraught about the whole situation as he should be. My friend finally came  today after the incident & took the dog away against Animal control orders not to take him. My neighbor wants the pit bull put down. My question here is, what would my liability be if my neighbor decided to sue me? Who would be liable for the vet bill? Any in put would greatly be appreciated.

Answer: Yes. The dog was under your control and caused damages to someone else. You are liable


Title: Shoplifting alcohol from my college's target.

Question: So im dumb, i attempted to shoplift 2 bottles of whiskey ( which totaled less than 50 dollars) from my college's target. They caught me asap, and told me i was banned from the store and that if i came in the store again i was basically going to get arrested. They asked me if i was a student and i said yes, they took a picture of my ID and passed to my college department of safety, which is going to be passed on the to Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards. What is going to happen to me?

Answer:
 You might be charged with petty theft and you might be subject to university discipline. Also Target might sue you. But no one can say for certain what _will_ happen to you, only what might.Answer #2: Oh boy. Well, first, stay away from the store. You don't want to give them a reason to call the police on you. You can still be charged for the original shoplifting, and if you go back, you will be charged with trespassing.

Second, as far as what your school will do, anything from nothing to expelled. We cannot tell you what will happen. You might want to talk to a lawyer who has experience dealing with colleges in similar issues.


Title: My landlord changed my locks without my knowledge

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Have you asked the landlord what happened?  Are you sure it wasn't a mistake or that you didn't miss a notice about picking up your new keys?

If this was eviction you likely would have recourse. But as an eviction it would be so foolish as to challenge belief.


Title: Made a dumb mistake and have a couple felony drug charges pending, will Jeff Sessions pursing mandatory minimums etc. fuck me over?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 What does your lawyer say about this?

None of us has a crystal ball to know what the future effects of the current administration will be on your drug case about which we have a whopping 78 words from you.

Could it?

Sure.

WILL It?

We have no idea.Answer #2:  His policies affect the department of justice – which is to say US attorneys and deputy US attorneys. It's only relevant to you if you are facing *federal* charges. Are your crimes being charged by the federal government or by the state?


Title: I found out my shower was unusable after I closed on my house. Can I do anything legally about it?

Question:
Some details. I closed on a house on May 30th. The previous owner did some sketchy stuff like leaving a bunch of shit behind (in the contract that they wouldn't) and taking a TV mount that was attached to the wall off (again, in the contract that they wouldn't). I got moved in and I was really excited to use the shower downstairs and when I did it flooded the whole bathroom. The drain is about and inch above the rest of the floor and it doesn't all slope towards the drain. I missed it, the realtor missed it and the inspector missed it. It appears that this was a DIY project (so no contractor to go after) and I already contacted the inspection company who told me that they had specific language in their contract that said they didn't test for this. They said that they only check that it turns on and water goes down the drain but they don't actually take a shower in it. The realtor basically ghosted me after the sale and now I'm on my own with this. Is there anything I can do?
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 The disclosure has a section about water and flooding. I don't recall exactly what the wording is on it at the moment. Check your disclosure to see if they mentioned it. They had to have known there was a problem and should have mentioned something. This is your starting point.

After that, consult with a lawyer. You may be able to send a demand letter (this would require getting a quote from a contractor on what it would take to fix it). You may need to sue to recover costs. The lawyer would be able to help you navigate the process. Answer #2: Whether or not you'd have a legal case - which is iffy - this is the kind of problem where you could easily spend more on a lawyer making the seller fix the issue than on just fixing it yourself.


Title: Saw someone back into my car and drive off. I tried to stop her and she drove off, but I got her plates. (WA)

Question:
When I was leaving the dog park, another woman there backed into my car and drove off as I was leaving at the same time. There didn't appear to be any visible damage from that incident and it did not appear that she hit it very hard at all. She must have been aware she hit it and drove off quickly. I was pretty surprised as I was literally right next to my car when this happened, but I was able to get her plates.

The car was already scratched from another person doing presumably the same thing a few months ago. I don't think she caused any damage, but I'm upset she just drove off and I have no idea if she caused any damage that may not be visible.

I see the same people at this dog park frequently and there may have possibly been another witness, but I don't have his contact info. I didn't call the police  at the time and don't want to pin any old damages on her, but I don't feel like I should just do nothing know that I've had time to process what happened and have her plates.

&#x200B;

Do I have any rights here if I didn't call the police at the time of the accident? I'm not sure who I would contact and how to proceed if there were already damages to that area of my car.

Answer: You can call the police now, if you want.


Title: Can my business have workers compensation for only like a month? [ny]

Question:
Lets say im the only one working here... so I dont need workers compensation according to ny law (and probably everywhere else)

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Now lets say I want to hire someone for just one month.

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Can I have workers comp for just a month?

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Or is it the type of insurance you have to contract with for a whole year, like regular business insurance.

Answer:
 Yes you can buy a policy just for a month.

Let me suggest something else: buy a policy for yourself. Your private insurance will exclude injuries that happen at work and you'll be uncovered. You want comp insurance on yourself.


Title: Please help, what do I do? :(

Question: New Mexico. Last night my buddy and I were pulled over, my buddy gave the officer consent to search the vehicle as it smelled of weed. I also gave up my reasonable expectation of privacy and gave consent to the search. My buddy had weed and stuff in the vehicle and got charged with possession of marijuana. The officer also wrote me a court summons for possession of paraphernalia; however nothing was found on me or in my bags, yet because the pipe was under my seat he is trying to charge me for it. The citation specifies that it was under or near passenger seat I don t know where it was but do I have grounds for this to be dismissed?? I don t have cash for an attorney I m a broke college student. I also admitted to smoking to the officer but this was coerced, I did not smoke, but I was nervous and exposed to the effects and felt as if I d be lying if I said I hadn t smoked. The citation is as such "pipe underneath passenger seat where he was sitting, did state he smoked marijuana" PLEASE help I already have another charge that got a 90 day deferral and I m only maybe halfway through. I don t want to go to jail. I don t want to have a criminal record :( (already too late I know but any help is appreciated) I feel as though my dreams and aspirations have been shattered. I get that it's my own fault. I know I messed up but  What decent job will I ever get with two charged marijuana related :( I am only 19

Answer:
 >  do I have grounds for this to be dismissed??

That's going to be pretty unlikely without a lawyer. Constructive possession is a thing.


Title: Iowa - Is it illegal for a man to use the women's restroom?

Question:
I'm just curious as to if there are any actual statutes banning the use of the restroom by opposite genders folks in my state.

Thanks!

Answer: Are you asking about gender, or sex? This must be related to the recent headlines about transgender restroom access.


Title: Custody and child support

Question: I have joint custody of my 16 year old son .    We have come to a point that he will not obey me .  If I surrender my custody of him to his father I assume I will lose child support and possible have to pay my ex husband child support .

Answer: Yes you will lose child support because you aren’t taking care of him.


Title: Got arrested for failure to appear. For a misdimeanor warrant I didn't know I had. Help?

Question:
Thanks for reading! Here goes.

First let me start by saying I live in tennessee. Rutherford county to be exact. I was driving to my in laws house and as I'm driving and admiring the countryside I see a truck in the distance on the road. It doesn't have any brake lights or hazards on so I think nothing of it and continue to admire the scenery as I'm driving. Side note, this is on a 2 lane county highway. I see something from the corner of my eye and see the truck hasn't moved at all. I slam on my brakes but I ended up rear ending it anyways. The people living at the house it was parked in front of came outside and said that it was the same as if I hit a car in a parking lot and I needed to just go call my insurance. So I went about half a block to my in laws house. My wife saw what had happened and told me we needed to go back and call the sheriffs department. We did that and the officer issued the owner of the truck a citation for being illegally parked, and me a citation for failure to give immediate notice of an accident. The officer told the both of us we could pay our tickets and avoid court. I called the county clerks office and they told me I could mail them a check or come give them a check and I wouldn't have to appear in court. I went and paid the ticket about a week before the court date.

Fast forward to three weeks ago. New car, was going slightly faster than I needed to be on a similar 2 lane county highway. Get pulled over literally as I'm pulling into my in laws driveway. The officer checks all my papers and gives me a warning ticket for speeding. Then he informs me I have an outstanding notice for failure to appear. I was arrested, booked, and bailed out.

I was unable to locate my receipt for my orginal payment of the citation, and so I called the county clerks office again to see if I could get a copy. In the process the woman I was on the phone with informed me I wasn't arrested for failure to appear due to the citation, it's because in addition to citing me, the officer put out a misdimeanor warrant as well for failure to give immediate notice of an accident. Not only did the officer not inform me of this, he provided me no ticket or paperwork of any kind that this would happen.

My question is, what should I expect in court? What do I say or do? I'm honestly at a loss, because this thing just keeps spiraling and getting worse even though all I want to do is fix it.

Answer: Since it is a misdemeanor, you can get a public defender appointed if you financially qualify. Do that and explain your story. Get written statements from your witnesses who can corroborate your story and give those to your attorney as well. Also find all paper documents and receipts and such. Don't forget the initial ticket/citation the officer gave you.


Title: Charged with false statement for giving my recollection?

Question:
To summarize it. A car was turning into a parking lot, I was running really fast. Didn't see the car and we collied into each other. I was in the middle of the cross walk when we collied. Went over the drivers side hood area and side of the drivers side and was dragged just on the side of the car..

The video looks like I ran Into the car so the police man arrested me for making a false police report because in his statement he says the video contradicts what I said.... But I have the video it's exactly almost how I imagined it. How can he charge me with lying if I gave him my honest statement? I have no history and had no reason to lie. I knew there were cameras all over.... And I'm still confused on what he thinks I even lied about and my public defender just wants me to plead guilty but I didn't lie.... I have a 2nd grade reading level.  I'm mentally disabled in some ways and have a very hard way explaining things. I once before got a DUI because how I talk..

Answer:
 Do NOT plead guilty!  Call family, anyone you know who can help, and get a lawyer that isn't a public defender.  I cannot stress this enough.

This cop hears people make things up all the time, so to put it very plainly, he does not believe you.  This is the type of thing an attorney can take care of very easily -- it's just incredibly bad luck that your public defender doesn't care either.

This is all very bad luck, but it can have serious consequences.  What state are you in?


Title: Can not physically attend California jury duty and also cannot postpone: Please advise.

Question: I’m currently a student studying 600 miles away from my home. 6 months ago, i received a jury summons to a court back home. I postpone to the longest possible date which ended up being next Monday (I want to do it during summer). All was good , it promptly left my mind. Today, I receive an email reminding me of my jury duty in a few days. Obviously, as a student studying hundreds of miles from the court, I tried to postpone again to a week during the summer when I know I’ll be home. I find out that I cannot postpone my date, according to the FAQ because it’s so close to my reporting week. After looking at my jury instructions, it looks like I don’t have to report in on Monday, but check again on Monday night. My question is, if I am indeed asked to report in, I cannot afford to fly down, Uber around, etc nor can I really miss classes right before finals. Is there any legal way to get a postponement (I truly do want to serve, just can’t do it right now)? Should I call and try to get to a live person and explain? What are the real life consequences if I cannot get a postponement and I do not show up?

Answer:
 You can try to call on Monday morning, but they will be very busy and you may not reach anyone.  Keep trying.

It was really on you to handle this well before now.


Title: I told my boss personal business, he went and told other colleagues of mine.

Question:
I took off to bury a family member, my boss asked how she committed suicide and I told him. Months later I realized he repeated this to other colleagues/peers of mine. I was very angry and felt betrayed. He was the only one I mentioned how it happened to. Actually he asked me with a smug smirk on his face, I'm upset I didn't tell him it was personal.

Is there anything illegal about him doing that? Apologies if this is the wrong sub.

Answer: Sorry for your loss. You don't give a location but I don't know of any location that has passed a law against a boss repeating a story.