Title: My Employer is a dick, and I'm petty enough to do something about it. I need help. I want to know if it's ilegal in Texas for an Employer to NOT provided a working bathroom facility.

Question:
Background: I have been working for a phone retailer since the beginning of this year. Out of all my jobs I've ever worked, I've never had many issues, but with this job there are several. I do not get paid regularly. I'm supposed to be paid bi-monthly but on a regular occurrence, my pay checks have been late on a regular occurrence. This is very annoying. It's not too much to ask to be paid on time.

My main issue now is that they don't have a working bathroom. The water bill for this place is at $1300 dollars now and they don't plan on paying it. The water has been shut down for several weeks now, and I have to leave the facility if I need to use the restroom. Now I'm not usually a petty person, and honestly don't care that much. But the fact that my employer doesn't care, and doesn't care about me kinda irks me in the wrong way. Now I was to see what legal action I can take to let them know I'm not a pushover.

So r/legaladvice, what can I do?

Answer:
 Potable water and sanitary facilities are both requirements under OSHA. Call them and file a complaint.

Edit: and start looking for a new job. If they can't pay the water bill, they likely can't pay the fines OSHA is going to ream them with, either.Answer #2: Not even being petty. That's a pretty egregious violation of OSHA. Call and complain. Answer #3: There is a reason your paychecks are late.  And a reason they cannot pay the water bill.  This is a failing company.  Get out and get out now.  If they cannot pay their employees regularly, they are weeks from going under.

Some companies do pull out of that situation, but the late paychecks combined with inability to pay the water bill creating unsanitary working conditions shows that this company is in serious trouble.

Specifically, regarding the water, yes it's a violation and this is the way to contact the federal government office which oversees such conditions: https://www.osha.gov/workers/file_complaint.html.

However, I doubt the company will be in existence much longer to answer the fed's complaint or to have a facility to inspect and audit. You will be adding fuel to the fire that is already raging and is bringing this company to the ground.

Interview early and often, get a new job, and get out now.


Title: Need advice for how to end abusive adult guardianship

Question:
[CO]

When my friend was 17 (now 24) he and his brother got taken in by G (guardian) when she was 27 (now 33). She got the guardianship extended for my friend when he turned 18 due to his mental health problems and she forced him into inpatient care multiple times for questionable reasons and left him there for extended periods of time. She cut him off from friends and family (including his brother) by relocating them, and it’s been really hard for us to keep in touch – she’s not happy about it and I don’t even know where he lives. She has also made sexual advances on him and has threatened him with institutionalization if he ever tried to end the guardianship or get help.

His mental health has clearly improved over the past 7 years and he hasn’t had any recent problems in the past year. She, on the other hand, has become increasingly abusive and I’m really worried. She’s given him concussions, burnt him, split his forehead open and crushed his hand.

She monitors his laptop, his phone and their house has surveillance cameras. He’s tried to use the latter to his advantage, and has gotten evidence of her crushing his hand, but that’s all he’s managed to get before she’s deleted it and without her finding out.

She basically uses him as her slave, and recently she was screaming at him and hitting him, which made the neighbors call the police for domestic disturbance. He told the police the truth when they got there, his face was still marked, but after she told them he’s unstable and crazy they didn’t believe him, and that he was just red from crying, not from being hit.

She’s smart and thorough and seems to do anything to keep him trapped with her, I don’t know how to help him out of this and it’s so frustrating and we’re both scared. Is there anything he can do to end the guardianship? Can she use evidence against him that’s over a year old to claim that he’s still “crazy”, and how much evidence would he need to prove that she’s abusing him?

Any answers are appreciated, thank you.

Answer:
 >She’s given him concussions, burnt him, split his forehead open and crushed his hand.

Every single time something like this happens, call the police. Also, file police reports for all of these incidents. Just because they happened weeks or months ago does not mean you cant still report it.

It might be worth it for you to walk into the physical police station and explain everything to them in person. Answer #2: He's 24. When does this guardianship end?Answer #3: Is he employed? If yes he needs a lawyer asap.


Title: California - Does a pension awarded in divorce pass through to surviving children if that parent passes away?

Question: When my parents divorced, my mother was awarded a portion of my father's gov't pension upon his retirement.  She also requested that her portion of his pension pass on to my sisters and I in the event of her dying before him, but the court denied that request.  She passed away years ago and in accordance with that court decision, my father now receives his full pension.  My sister does not accept the courts ruling and relentlessly demands my father give her a portion of his pension.  Does she have any legal ground to stand on?  Does the court usually allow for an awarded pension to pass through to surviving family members?  It seems strange to me that my sisters and I would receive a portion of my father's pension while he is alive.

Answer:
 >My sister does not accept the courts ruling

Well, she's out of luck.


Title: Neighbor harassing me in my own backyard - what's the next best plan for action?

Question:
Hi Redditors,

Hoping to keep this short!

My husband and I got a puppy about 5 months ago. A few days into having our new pup, our "new" neighbor (she just moved into her mom's house - her mom had just died) was outside and began badgering my husband with questions and statements.

Literally the first thing said to him was, "You got a dog? Oh no, now this is going to be a problem!" she went on to make comments about how our dog is going to "climb over the fence" and demanded that we needed to get the dog fixed asap. (My husband gave her a little ammo for these answers, letting her know we weren't going our dog fixed to at least till he was 18 months old.)

Now, this woman doesn't have just one dog, she has a few herself. She actually knows nothing about us and doesn't how extremely experienced I am with dogs and well reverse with the animal ordinances here in our county. There were some issues with stray cats when we first moved her, and other issues were the my husband called the police because a dog in our neighborhood was chasing my husband on his bike. The laws, thankfully very strict here when it comes to keep your animals in check and free from issues with other people.

This conversation all unfolded while my husband was in our backyard. We do have a 4-foot chain link fence is around our entire back property - the chain link fence between our two properties however is actually hers.

Now, since those remarks she made against out 8-week old puppy at the time we've agreed and strong effort to completely ignore her. I work from home, so our dog is never outside by himself. I make sure if he barks it's not excessive in anyway and he will stop barking on demand. If she lets her dog out, or if she goes into her backyard and he barks (our dog is being trained as a guard dog for myself and protection of personal property) we're gracious to the fact that she's outside and bring our dog in the house so there is no excuse, and they have their own privacy.

Despite her bitchy behavior, we give her the same respect we'd want if we were to go outside in our own background. She's starting pace in front of our home with her dog on a leash trying to peek into our back yard. If she's home, she will almost instantly try to come outside with her dog and start harassing me or my husband. It's never "Hi, neighbor" it's instantly comments about or dog.

Even though we already have had a row of trees along our fence for privacy. She purposely peers into our backyard to see us and begin talking to us. I've seen her peeking outside through her window on our side to watch me. It's getting too much with her remarks (again we're not saying anything to her) that she'll yell things like "Heeeeelloooo." while I'm on my back patio. Our completely closed off from view with privacy curtains, but she'll her me sweeping or whatever.

Today I went outside, and I didn't notice she was outside and she began harassing me about our dog saying things like "I bet he can get over that fence!" and kept rambling our dog this, and our dog and I just walked right back inside with my dog. Our dog has never touched the fence, put his paws on it, etc. but obviously that's not the point here.

My husband and I talked during the first remarks made 5-months ago that we weren't going to tolerate it and I'd deliver a cease and desist letter to her for harassment.

This would be the one I'd actually be filling out and mailing to her, here: http://thompsonhall.com/cease-desist-harassment-intimidation-example-template-letter/

My question is what would follow? Say she ignores the cease and desist.

We have no problem taking this to small claims court. We have done nothing and her actions, I feel, are completely uncalled for. We shouldn't be harassed (let alone in our own backyard, on our own property). We're not going to tolerate basically being bullied from some 50-year old lady because she thinks she can get away with it (my husband and I are in our mid 20's).

I don't want to feel like we "need" to put up a 6-foot privacy fence in order to keep her harassing remarks at bay. 1) That's money spent on this matter and it doesn't guarantee she'll stop harassing us in any way. 2) She just got a free privacy fence herself. We've been considering getting her and her remarks on video camera because it's THAT bad. We've both gotten to the point where we dread going outside, we try not to even grill in her line of view, because we know if she sees us in our backyard she will come outside and start harassing us.

If we took this to court, assuming we win our case, what would likely occur? What would be your recommendation on what to do following the letter?

I really appreciate any advice or comments,  thank you!

Edit: A user corrected me, I meant small claims court. :) I didn't know civil court was different. I appreciate everyone's helpful comments and advice! Also, spelling.

Answer:
 If you don't want to talk to her, then ignore her.

She's not breaking the law by standing in her yard and talking to you.  Her remarks are not threatening, and she doesn't have to like your dog.

Have you TOLD her you don't want to talk to her?

Send her a letter if you want to.  If she doesn't stop, then your recourse (I guess) would be to try to sue her.  But since you have no actual damages, I don't think that would really get you anywhere.Answer #2: [In my view, the parties do not need a judge; what they need is a rather stern kindergarten teacher](http://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/2014/2014onsc3061/2014onsc3061.html)


Title: Getting kicked from house can I take our car?

Question: So this is happening right now so an answer would be great. In CA getting kicked out of my house right now. Wife won't let me take any vehicle. I have $40. My question is, one car is in her name the other (new car) in both of ours. She won't let me take the new one or the old one because "I'm not takin anything else away from her". She said if I take it she will call the cops and report it stolen. Only I work and I pay for the vehicle from each paycheck. Can I take it or am I SOL?

Answer:
 California cop here:

1. if you are married you can take either car.  It would be better to take one that's registered to you to prevent any shenanigans.

2.  She cannot make you leave the house.  No police officer would force you to leave though depending on her level of cray they may suggest it to keep the peace.Answer #2: If you name is on the title, you are not stealing the car. Feel free to take the one titled in your name. Assuming you're married, you are likely fine with either car but that can depend on the state and I'm not exactly sure about CA's laws there. Best of luck


Title: What is the most inconceivable not guilty verdict case that you have heard?

Answer: Can we just say OJ immediately and get it out of the way to get to the fun stuff we’ve never heard before?Answer #2: I'm going to go with Oscar Pistorus. That's an insane story.Answer #3: Casey Anthony. Accidentally or on purpose, she killed her daughter and hid the evidence.


Title: [US/TX/CA] Made a Twitter account with a now discontinued email service and can't reset or deactivate account

Question:
Reddit,

Like many young teens the early 2000s, I made a Twitter account and posted unprofessional content. Nothing too bad but it would be enough for a potential employer to pass over my application.

The account in question hasn't been used in 7/8 years because I forgot my log in information. The kicker and reason why I'm posting is that I made the account with the now discontinued Myspace email service.

I'm able to access the Myspace account but since the email  servers are no more, it's impossible for my Twitter account  to be reset or deactivated.

This has been an ongoing problem for over five years now and I've decided that this issue is out of my hands using conventional methods (Twitter/Myspace customer support) and I would like to explore legal remedies.

Has anyone else come across an issue like this and would it be worth it to seek professional legal help?

Thanks!

Answer: This isn't a legal issue. You can follow whatever procedure Twitter provides to regain control over this account. If there is none, that's that.


Title: Land, easement, driveway, neighbors question.

Question:
Hello again Legaladvice. I've come here before about the the farm in Minnesota I bought last year and now some new information has come to light that I would like advice on. I know how you love easement/boundary questions. Sorry for the novel.

So some background. We bought a 100+ year old farm last April, just celabrated the 1st anniversary of being here. The property is 33.44 acres, though we haven't gotten a survey yet. We have saved up and are getting an official survey this year (it's $2,400!). The land is at the end of a dead end dirt road. Both of the neighbors to either side (north and south) bought their land from their parents who used to own the farm. The neighbors to the north have the end of the "road" go directly to their driveway.

Now I have gotten this cool app on my phone which is interactive county GIS mapping. So I went walking around the bounds of our land and found out that the "road" is part of our driveway. We own 3-5 feet across the road (East)... which was just bought by new people and they're building a house. The "road" is not designated by the county, or township as a road. If this "road" weren't there neither the new neighbors across the way or the neighbors to the north would be able to get to their land. But the amount of property that we are loosing is well over an acre. There is no deeded easement, there is nothing that I can find that is allowing either neighbor access. The actual road ends about 300ft from the boundary of my land. All other driveways are on what is the actual county declared road. (there's about 3 other houses on the road)

What the hell should I do? We paid $2,500 per acre! I don't want to go to either neighbor and talk about this since it may ruin a possible case. I don't want them going to the county and having them declare it an official road which would mean I lose that land entirely. I feel it would be unfair to have new neighbors buy that land from us since they may have gotten screwed as well. But I don't want to ignore it then have an adverse possession case on my hands either. I'm sure I'm going to have to hire Lawyer Mclawyerface, I'm in the process of finding a lawyer who's familiar with AG law. There really aren't that many out there... I'm going to have to find someone who specializes in real estate aren't I?

Any advice would be great. Not only legal but how the hell to handle the neighbors and what to do in the meantime.

Thanks. I'll do an update whenever there is one.

Edit: [MS paint of the property.](http://imgur.com/anAsfI8) NOT TO SCALE. Not at all to scale.

Edit II: Apparently GIS is not always accurate. Will update when official survey comes in.

Answer: You are going to need an ms paint off the property. They are catnip to this sub!


Title: My friend is asking me to lie for her to the police. 5 days later got a letter I have to sign for from the police?

Question:
I got a notice saying I need to pick up and sign for a delivery... what could it be? It says it's specifically a letter from the police and that it's certified mail (after 15 days item will be returned to sender)

Let me preface this by saying that there was a situation that happened where my friend was driving my car drunk... I was in the car but she was the one that got arrested and charged. She apparently got a lawyer and told her family that I was the one driving and that if I admit that I was driving that the police can't do anything and we both won't get charged with anything... which i think is crazy and ridiculous considering there were like 4 cops that showed up and other witnesses, and isn't it a huge deal to lie to authorities? She says that if I just tell the lawyer I was driving that they'll take care of it...

She wants me to do this because this is her 3rd dui she'll spend up to a year in jail. Which.. is that true? We live in california. I think it's fucked up that she's even asking this of me and so do my other friends I discussed it with.

 Could this be a letter from a lawyer? or maybe a question regarding the incident? Whenever I get any kind of ticket I never have to sign for it and I wasn't arrested the night this happened.

Or could this be something else?
It's stressing me out though and I'm scared to actually go to the post office and pick it up.

Thanks in advance

Topic:
DUI

Answer:
 First, this lawyer does not have your best interests in mind. They were hired to help your friend, not you.

Second, you can get into huge trouble for doing this both legally with the police and any responsibility from the accident.

Third, your friend decided to drive drunk...again.  Also, letting her drive your car was a horrid idea. It is her responsibility. If this is her third DUI, then she needs to learn her lesson.  And she has no authority to say you will not get in trouble. She is only looking out for herself. Answer #2: Do not lie to the police, do not agree to lie to cover your friend's butt.  Her lawyer is only concerned about getting her out of this DUI charge, NOT protecting you - he couldn't care less if you hang for this.Answer #3: Not an answer, but if this is your friends third DUI, I'd say she deserves to be put in jail. I'd suggest your testify against her and help save other people's lives.


Title: Cousin is putting social media pictures of 28yo sibling as group profile picture, does not stop after telling him to

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >edit: location is mexico and u.s.

Kinda important what's happening in which country.

Though honestly, Whatsapp profile pictures? Really?


Title: Roommate wants to kick me out of the house. Need help as to what to do.

Question: So the house is under my now ex-friend's name and it is paid off. However, I helped pay it off 50/50 and some utilities are under my name. I've known my roommate since maybe 2nd grade and have been living together in this house for about 6 years. I finally got to see his true colors and I really have no idea if I can actually do anything about it. He basically just wants the house to himself and wants to get rid of me. Do I hold any legal ground here and what do you suggest I do? I have suggested just selling it and splitting the money but he really just wants to take advantage of me and I have no money to find a new home. Any tips and help is appreciated.

Answer:
 From what you describe it sounds like (from a technical perspective) he bought a house and you've been renting a room for the last six years - you can't exactly ask for the rent back. Answer #2: Your narrative is a little unclear as to what the situation is.  You say the house is in his name; does that mean that he bought it solo?  His name on the deed, his name on the mortgage, et cetera et cetera?  Did you have any piece of the homebuying process at all?

Do you have a lease or any other sort of agreement in place?


Title: (Alberta, Canada) uncontained asbestos in work place. Known by management. Still asked to work in there. Unionized.

Question:
So I don't want to go into it too much,  as this has only just come to my/our attention yesterday,  but I need to know what me and my coworkers should do about this.

Here's the story:

I work for the town (municipal goverment) ,  I am the highest position possible in my department before leaving the union and becoming management.  I feel a certain level of responsibility for myself and my fellow employees,  so I am trying to spearhead this and make the right decisions from the get go.
There is an outbuilding that has vermiculite insulation in the walls and ceiling,  this building is in disrepair and unheated so we store inexpensive/large things in there that won't freeze in the winter.  We also do a lot of work in there such as basic carpentry,  grinding,  painting,  etc.  (I should note a few things here :
- I'm typing this on my phone so I'm sorry if this is a mess to read.
- the vermiculite insulation has been falling out of the ceiling since I started working here 4 years ago.
- we have been asked many times to sweep it up and throw it away,  no P. P. E.  required.)
Yesterday we were told that the building has asbestos in the vermiculite,  I asked how they knew and they said a sample was sent to be tested at a lab and came back positive.  I asked for a copy of the lab report and it said the sample was sent a year and a half ago and the result came back a month after that.  The guy who took the sample was asked to sweep it off the ground and put it in a zip lock bag... No ppe. We have called a meeting with all upper management and have asked the union to get involved (the union Rep is going to drop everything and make time to come out for the meeting).

I think this is all the info I have right now,  and questions for clarification or something I may know but did not put down here would be welcome.  I'm very upset about this situation and would just like to know if there are any steps I,  or my coworkers should take leading up to the shit storm that is sure to happen.

Thanks!

[edited for spelling]
Topic:
Labor Law (Unions)

Answer:
 You have to go through your union and only your union.

What labour laws apply will also depend on your industry.

As a practical matter demand that a HS&E rep attend the meeting.


Title: Is it legal to display home security sign in your yard from one company while you use another? (Texas)

Question:
I purchased a DYI home security system and separately a monitoring plan that can dial emergency services.
So I have one system but I bought off of eBay a brand new yard sign from another home security company.

My municipality requires alarm registration. In the application I listed the correct monitoring service.

Am I on the clear in this scenario?

Answer: You don’t even need a security system to put up one of those signs in your yard.


Title: Renting a room out in my house, will a 3-day notice to end the lease work? @ 25 days now. In California.

Question:
I was under the impression if you live in the house you rent, in the first 30 days of a month-to-month lease it can be terminated with a 3 day notice.  (Instead of normal 30 or 60 day notice).  But I can't find anything about it online.

We gave notice today, but I'm not sure he cares.  Tenant has done nothing illegal, other than be a douche.

Link(s) to anything official would be appreciated.

Answer:
 It needs to be 30 days unless your tenant has done any of the following:

* Failed to pay the rent.

* Violated any provision of the lease or rental agreement.

* Materially damaged the rental property ("committed waste").

* Substantially interfered with other tenants ("committed a nuisance").

* Committed domestic violence or sexual assault against, or stalked another tenant or subtenant on the premises.

* Used the rental property for an unlawful purpose.

* Engaged in drug dealing, unlawfully used, cultivated, imported, or manufactured illegal drugs.

* Using the building or property to conduct dogfighting or cockfighting.

* Unlawful conduct involving weapons or ammunition.

[Source](http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/terminations.shtml)


Title: [PA] - Ordered a mattress and a boxspring, delivered 3 mattresses

Question:
I ordered a mattress and boxspring set the other day, the box is split, so there's 2 of them.  They came to deliver it today, and showed up with three mattresses.  The salesman made a mistake on the invoce- line one has the SKU for the mattress, and the price of it.  The second line is where the boxsprings (again, quantity of two) should have been, but he mistakenly listed the SKU for the mattress.  The boxsprings were a promo- free with purchase of the mattress, so we ended up getting two extra mattresses for free.

When the delivery guy told me its 3 mattresses, I told him I ordered one mattress and two boxsprings, but he didn't seem to care- didn't say anything about how to correct the issue- didn't even acknowledge the mistake at all-- which I'm sure he was aware of before he even arrived- he does look at these invoices every day, and it must have stuck out that there were mattress -- for free -- where the boxes should have been listed.

What do I do here? I've heard that there are laws saying if you get something you didn't order, you're legally allowed to keep it.... however, this is a bit different in that we sort of technically did order them- they're on the invoice, but are marked down to zero dollars. Can the company come after me if i keep them?

Answer:
 You call the company, tell them "you made a mistake with the order".  Then give them back the mattresses and take your boxsprings.  Don't over-complicate this.  The law does not allow you to profit from honest error.Answer #2: >I've heard that there are laws saying if you get something you didn't order, you're legally allowed to keep it

That's when you receive items with no prior contact. It's to prevent let's say a magazine company from sending you one every month (out of the blue) and then billing you for it.

This is different, because you ordered things from them.

You should call them up, explain the mistake, and tell them you'll gladly return the mattresses in exchange for the box-springs (at no cost to you)


Title: Is there a way I can legally change my name, social security, my entire identity basically?

Question:
Like my question states, I would like to change my identity. I have been trying to flee from my abusive, controlling parents for the past four years. I am twenty seven but my parents have had an iron grip on me since I was a baby. I don't want to go into too much detail because it is a long story. But every time I move into a place, they find out about it immediately. They have a private eye on retainer who ALWAYS finds me through my information. I want to change my identity to avoid being found. WHen I am found, they harass me and manipulate me. Yes, I took out various restraining orders. Yes, I have called the police. Yes, I have a security system. My parents cannot be stopped and they are never arrested despite going against court order. Please, let me know.

Current state: NJ though I've lived in FL, VA, and DE.
Topic:
Background Checks and Expungements

Answer:
 /u/Arudin88 Already gave you a very practical answer.

I just want to add, if your parents are actually hiring a PI to track you, changing your identity won't do much to hide you from them.

The book "How to be Invisible" by J.J. Luna has some practical (only legal) tips on how to "hide yourself" so to speak.  It's mainly showing you how to use LLC's and various trusts to own a car or rent an apartment, pay for a cell phone...etc.

Answer #2: Your best recourse it to hire a lawyer to help you understand what are the best steps. A competent PI isn't going to be shaken off by a name change.Answer #3: NAL but it might be worth contacting a private investigator and asking how to stay hidden. If a PI is finding you, a PI might be able to help you hide Answer #4: Sure you can change your name, but it is still going to be public record.


Title: What can I do about my unstable neighbor who's been threatening to kill me?

Question:
(Montana, United States)This neighbor has had a vendetta against me ever since me and my girlfriend helped his wife once. That is she spent the night a few times...domestic violence...whatever.

Point is that he was generally troublesome since. First it was simple name calling. Then he tried filing a police report against me and restraining order. He said I'd come over there with a gun and threatened him. I used to own and open carry a hand gun (legal open carry in my state and I'm a military vet). But I'd actually turned the gun into the police about a month before that. The thing misfired twice and I was told that was the best way to dispose of it.

Anyway he just ended up getting a ticket for falsifying a police report.

Well me and my girlfriend are moving out and out of state. Last day moving stuff out, he came out on his porch (we live in houses) and started threatening me. That he'll f*** me up and kept asking where I was moving to. Didn't wanna deal with that so I just called the cops. They advised him to stay inside till I was finished.

Next day my GF and I stop by the house just to make sure we didn't leave anything. Found the side door open. Didn't think much of it till neighbors wife told us he had broken In the night before - armed. Disconcerting to say the least.

Went to the police, nothing they could do. Too much here-say.

Finally, Angry Neighbor called my GF at her job.  Threatened to "put a bullet in [her]". Again, called the police. They told him to cease contact and for us to call 911 if he came around. Police LT. Also said he'd have the regular patrol pass through my neighborhood keeping an eye out for his car.

All in all I'm seriously bothered by this. According to his wife, he's a regular heroin user, violent, and unstable. I don't want me getting shot by this guy to be there only way to take action. But I'm freaked to say the least.

Anything I can do?

Answer:
 >Anything I can do?

You can continue to call the police when things happen. You can file for a restraining order. It is unlikely to do anything. If the guy doesn't listen to the police he isn't going to follow what a piece of paper take him. Answer #2: Fellow brother in arms, you might want to reinvest in a personal defense weapon.  Cops will respond only after the incident happens.


Title: [Lynnwood, WA] One of the office employees from my apartment complex is retaliating against me and its costing me money. Can someone give me some advice please?

Question:
Here is the back story.

A couple of months ago I went to my apartment complex office for a service request. After 5 minutes of speaking with the employee, let's call her Sarah, Sarah starts to tell me about her business ventures and how she has a lot of rich friends who help others to open their own business. She told me I can retire at 35 and be a millionaire and not have to work again. I knew where this was going. I said thank you but I'm not interested. I then complete my maintenance request and leave.

Two days later I receive an email from her. Sarah tells me in the email that she's emailed me from her personal email and that she would like to talk to me some more over coffee. She left her personal phone number in my personal email which I never provided her. I was not happy that she emailed me from her private email and gave me her private number to try and recruit me for an obvious Ponzi scheme. So I thought about it for a week and decided I was going to speak to the apartment complex manager and let her know my concerns. I let her know I was not happy with my information not being safeguarded from such things. The manager told me to forward the email to her so that she can take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.

Fast forward to yesterday. I thought the issue was resolved. I didn't receive any more communication from Sarah. The manager was on vacation. Sarah was now sitting in the managers office. I went in for a service request. Sarah asks if I have any pets that the maintenance crew needs to be aware of. I said yes. Sarah says I never told them about my pet and so effective this month she's going to enforce pet rent on my rent and I would have to pay a pet deposit of $500 immediately. I told Sarah that I notified the apartment about my pet when I signed my lease originally. It is stated in there. I've notified the apartment complex on every service request I submitted online. She said she doesn't see where I notified them of my pet on the original lease. I have been approached about his before by previous employees and they were able to look up application and see that I in fact did put a check in the box for my pet. None of them ever asked me to pay because they felt it was their negligence. But Sarah on the other hand seems to not give a shit. She seems like she has a personal vendetta against me for going to her manager about her contacting me on my personal email.

What are my options? Did they break any laws by Sarah contacting me through her personal email to my personal email? Can she really enforce a pet deposit and pet rent in the middle of the lease even if I notified them of my pet since the first day of my lease?

Thank you in advance. I appreciate any advice.

Answer:
 As I said in your last post, if your lease says you have to pay a pet deposit to have a pet, then she can enforce it. Answer #2: Tell her you'd be more than happy to discuss it with the manager when they get back. Then email the manager directly to discuss your concerns. Be polite and concise, but do voice your concerns that you thing she's targeting you because you reported her behavior.

Then get your copy of the lease and give it a once over. Did they ask for a deposit when you moved in?

If you don't hear back from the manager, drop by in person once they return.

Don't discuss the issue with Sarah at all. If she badgers you, let her know you're waiting to hear from the manager. Nothing else.

If the manager DOES need you to give a deposit after you speak with them, do that. $500 is a lot, so ask if you can pay a bit extra on rent till it's covered.

INAL


Title: Could this e-bike accident seriously screw my girlfriend over?

Question:
Hey all, here is the backstory:

About 2 weeks ago me and my girlfriend were driving around downtown Toronto and my girlfriend was turning into a parking lot but did not notice the bikers lane beside her. As she turned a middle-aged lady on her e-bike collided with the car. There is a medium sized dent above my girlfriends right tire and the lady fell onto the sidewalk. She had her helmet on and her bike was barely damaged physically and could still turn on (we tested it). In short, the ambulance came (lady claimed she was fine at the time), police came (did paperwork and left) and we exchanged info and went our separate ways.

Fast forward a week later and the lady told my girlfriend that she has a big bump on her hip area and her back is bruised black and blue. She said the doctor told her after an xray there are no broken bones so she just needs time to heal. The lady sent us a quote from her bike dealership for all the damages to her bike that came to $650 in total. I'm helping my girlfriend pay it slowly because we did not want to start another issue even though we both agree the parts being fixed are ridiculous.

Fast forward again to now and the lady has told us she has a meeting with her lawyer to decide whether or not to file a personal injury claim from the pain and not being able to work. My girlfriend is very deep into debt and can't afford any more really so i'm just wondering what her options are at this point and what could happen if this lady files a claim?

**Tl;dr Girlfriend collides with e-biker, bike looks and works fine but $650 in repairs that girlfriend is paying. Lady claims to be fine at the time but is now saying she is bruised and in pain/can't work. Lady may end up filing personal injury claim. What are my girlfriends options/consequences?**

**EDIT: The lady and my girlfriend agreed to handle the repair cost outside of insurance to avoid my girlfriends monthly rates increasing.**
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer:
 This is why your girlfriend has automobile liability insurance. She reported the accident to her provider, right? Answer #2: > The lady and my girlfriend agreed to handle the repair cost outside of insurance to avoid my girlfriends monthly rates increasing.

NO! When you are in a injury accident you report to your auto insurance company so their lawyers will handle it for you. It is possible you are not responsible for the accident, but by paying her before turning it over to your insurance you may have admitted liability.


Title: Roommate is stealing from me and my 3rd roommate and is bringing a lot of people into the house to stay for days on end without notifying us first. ENDLESS troubles. (Wisconsin)

Question:
So I moved in with somebody I worked with for probably about 3 months. I've been here roughly 7-8 months, and when I moved in, the reason why was because I needed a place to stay, and she had just broken up with her girlfriend at the time, and this was the apartment they got together, so she could no longer pay the bills. Her half brother (3rd room mate) was already moved in for some time. She had a 6 month lease with the landlord (I was never added to the lease), and now that the lease is no longer active, it is month to month with the same rules as the 6 month lease. I was unable to be added to the lease, because when the lease had ended was when the landlord found out I was a permanent tenant in his building. I was not trying to hide the fact I was a tenant, rather I just didn't know he had no idea I was here. Prior to moving in, I was told that the landlord did not care who lived here as long as the bills were paid for and no trouble with the tenants (Which was a lie on her part, and now she is trying to move others into the apartment without getting consent from me and the 3rd room mate OR the landlord. The landlord thinks the individuals in the apartment are family staying for the week).

I've confronted her about multiple things since I've been here, for instance her not locking the doors leading outside whenever she leaves or if she is the only one in the apartment and asleep and said that if he continued to do it I would have the landlord change the locks or get permission to change them to door knobs that lock by themselves so she doesn't have to be responsible, stealing my food or my personal hygiene supplies, having 5-6 people over all day and night drinking and doing loads of drugs, going into our rooms without permission (I've since put a lock on my door), letting the pets in the apartment outside on 'accident' and so forth. MULTIPLE issues.

I know this specific landlord does not care much about drug use in the apartment, as long as it doesn't bother another tenant in the building. I am okay with light drug use as long as it doesn't effect anything financially or legally. She is going over the top though, staying up for days, doing prescription drugs, drinking and driving under the age of 21, and it had just gotten worse over the time I've been here.

After confronting her about not locking the doors and having them replaced with auto-locking ones, she went back shit crazy and told me that since I was not on the lease, she was going to give me 72 hours to move out, knowing the laws in Wisconsin I told her she needed to present me with a court ordered eviction notice since the primary lease holder can not evict me without consent of the landlord unless there is a lawful reason behind it.

My big question is, my 3rd room mate and I are wanting to have her removed from the apartment, but I am not exactly sure how this works since him and I have never been on the lease and she is the ONLY member still in the apartment that was on the original lease before it was converted to a month to month. I don't have much proof of really anything other than screen shots on my phone of her saying she was going to get me kicked out as well as all the drug paraphernalia in her bedroom in plain view (Her door doesn't shut and it's the first room from the front door, so everybody walking past can see EVERYTHING).

What should I do guys? Seriously in need of some help. I have tried to be added to the month to month lease and the rental party states this can not happen unless the primary lease holder approves it as well as signing another 6 month lease. I am all perfectly fine with signing another 6 month lease, but in the mean time, how do I get rid of her?

Answer:
 Going off of only your title.

Report this immediately to the landlord. If roommate continues doing this tell the landlord that this is a major breach in the lease; most lease have a clause stating either who can stay on the premises (non-guest) or how a guest is defined. Answer #2: Your best move, IMHO, is for you and #3 to find a new apartment together elsewhere. If there's an opening in the same complex, try there, if not, you should both move ASAP.


Title: Adultary in Japan

Question: Can an American woman who married a Japanese man sue if she found out he was in an adultrous relationship?

Answer: Short answer, possibly. Was the affair for business purposes?Answer #2: Even if there is a valid claim arising from the husband committing adultery. The Japanese legal system is notoriously difficult for foreigners to navigate. Answer #3: Who would she be suing: the mistress/john (if it is a same-sex affair) or the husband?  Answer #4: Possibly. They absolutely can sue the person he was cheating with though. I've heard of people getting 3,000,000 yen+ as compensation from their husband's mistress/wife's lover for damaging/breaking their marriage


Title: used a photo from someones tumblr in an ebay listing. They are salty.

Question:
So I used an image of someone wearing the same vintage dress and credited them in the description. someone told her about a post I made about it asking a vintage fashion page for description help and she spammed the hell out of my sub (that never had her thing posted on it anyway) with "Cease and desist" and several dozen exclamation marks.  I edited the photo and blocked out her face but people from r/flipping want me to know that the black helicopters are on their way.

on her page when I grabbed the image it said that it was okay to use her stuff so long as it credits her. She has since removed this.

State Pennsylvania

Answer: Just remove the photo? Why is this that hard?


Title: Advice on an OUI/DUI in mass... blew a .09 first offense... last month there has been an embargo on DA's using breathalizer's as evidence (more info in post)

Question: edit: thanks for trying to dig up my personal information instead of a little advice on what to expect and how to pick a lawyer. that was pretty awesome of you guys to do.

Answer:
 Were you high on [heroin](http://www.reddit.com/r/opiates/comments/326cu6/i_may_have_just_done_the_single_most_retarded/) again?  Is that why you were "out of it"? Answer #2: > .i was just wondering...how should i proceed?

Get an attorney.  Decide whether to fight the charge.

> i was BARELY over the legal limit,

Barely over is still over.  More, .08 is **not** the legal limit.  Over .08, you are automatically drunk in all circumstances.  You can still be DUI below .08, the government just has to offer more evidence to prove it.

Answer #3: >  i was not 100% "with it"

It sounds like the combination of xanax, alcohol, and fatigue impaired your ability to drive.  Breath test or not, you said it yourself.  Get a lawyer and do what you can to get the lightest penalty possible.


Title: Landlord held all of $625 security deposit and then charged us $465 on top of it, for carpet he told us he had planned on replacing anyways (AZ)

Question:
To say that we've had problems with this landlord would be an understatement. We lived in our unit for 4 years; when we first moved in the unit was not cleaned and the carpet was extremely stained, worn, and destroyed in some areas (unravelling ect). We worked out the cleaning issue when we moved in, cleaning ourselves rather than him hiring a cleaning crew, to which we were credited $50.00 towards our nonrefundable cleaning deposit. No move in/out checklist was ever provided to us, before move in or after move out (I believe as a Landlord in AZ, you must legally provide these documents).

During our move out inspection, upon him noting the carpet we informed the landlord that it was like that prior to move in (he was living in Florida at the time and so was not personally present) and he said, and I quote "Im not worried about it, I plan on replacing it anyways" and also "I see no problems here." We have photographic proof of this claim, as we had hired a carpet cleaning company to clean the carpets, and called them off once we all pulled up and saw the stacks of tile outside of the house that he planned on using. It seemed redundant to clean a carpet he planned on ripping out anyways. He had mentioned replacing the carpet with tile two years prior as well, when the tenant in the adjoining unit moved out (its a duplex) and he replaced the carpet with tile and he asked us if we would be interested in moving into the other unit for a week or two while he renovated our unit. We declined, as the carpets really didn't bother us, but the hassle of having to move everything did.

Had he told us the carpet was not in good enough condition, we would have paid to have it cleaned or replaced at our own expense, but he made it clear that he was satisfied with its condition. Can he turn around and charge us for replacing it, when he specifically told us it was not only acceptable, but had the replacement materials (the tile) he planned to use on hand already?

Additionally, he's trying to charge us $225 for installing a new thermostat that we had to replace during our tenancy because "he didn't get to pick it out". The thermostat worked perfectly fine since we installed it two years ago, and he was also made aware that it was changed when a minor hiccup resulted in an electrician having to come out and swap some wires (which we paid for) and he did not request that we change it to a unit that he had "picked out" then. So he knew of the issue for more than two years and chose not to do anything about it.

Tomorrow I will be sending him a demand letter, and then after the 10 day period filing in small claims court. Will any of his claims stand up in court? Am I in the legal right here?

Overall, he's saying we owe him $465.02 on top of our security deposit, for replacing the carpet and the thermostat.

**Edit: To breakdown the costs he sent us, for further clarification-**

Security deposit: $625.00

Living room carpet replacement ($865.02) - please note this was about a 250 sq ft area, tops. (unit was 750 total)

Thermostat replacement ($275.00)

Total balance owed: $465.00

**TL;DR: Landlord told us move out conditions were acceptable, then not only held all of security deposit but then charged us for costs on top of it.**

Answer:
 Usually, owners can only charge a set, depreciated amount for things like carpet and paint. I.e., if the law specifies carpet lasts 5 years, and he has to replace it one year earlier than otherwise when you move out, you are only on the hook for 20% of the cost. And I believe the owner holds the burden of showing both the costs of replacement, and the age of the carpet.

I have often heard it being five years, but you probably want to check that this is actually true in AZ. If it wasn't new, and you lived there 4 years, it seems *exceedingly likely* that you don't owe anything for that carpet replacement, though perhaps some more minor cost for cleaning. (He will have to show receipts or some reasonable itemization for this too, he can't just charge 1,000$).Answer #2: I'm pretty sure that he isn't entitled to any additional money and I agree with you that the carpet deduction doesn't sound right. I also point out that Arizona allows you to sue for double the security deposit for improper deductions.


Title: Is it really illegal to grow wheat at home?

Question: I have heard that it is illegal under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938. However, *Wickard v. Filburn* is often cited. This case only dealt with the amount of wheat, not the fact that it was there in the first place. Anyone know whether it is federally illegal (i.e. ignoring local zoning laws) to grow small amounts of wheat for private use?

Answer:
 I'm going to continue the 'off topic' end of this whole conversation, but how much wheat do you think you're going to grow?  Not commenting on the illegality, but this is pretty ridiculously impractical.Answer #2: Filburn was using his wheat to feed his livestock and he was a commercial rancher. The court reasoned that if every rancher used some land to grow their own wheat the aggregate effect would be huge on interstate wheat commerce.

The case is not about growing a specific type of crop. It's about Filburn' effect on interstate commerce as a commercial operator.Answer #3: Yes, because it requires stalking.


Title: How do I pursue legal action against an 18 year old who has nude pictures of me from when I was 14? (New York + Pennsylvania)

Question:
Hi. Made a throwaway specifically for this.

4 or 5 years ago I (18F) was manipulated into sending nude pictures to a guy who lives a state over from me. He sent them to 50+ people from my home town and absolutely destroyed my reputation.

Last night I spoke to him for the first time in a year. He told me that he still has the picture, and some of my friends pictures from when they were 13 and 14. He then sent me my picture over imessage, so I have proof.

The problem is I have no idea on time limits, or how to even go about this. No one who is involved wants to help with any legal proceedings. I don’t have the money for a lawyer. I live in New York and he lives in Pennsylvania. I have been wanting to press charges against this little fuck for years. All advice is welcome.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer: You can contact the FBI https://www.fbi.gov/resources/victim-services/cpva


Title: Car dealership denied service under warranty staying warranty wasn't good there.

Question:
I bought a used 2012 Nissan Sentra last year at a dealership, and I bought an extended Nissan warranty.  I have a receipt and the terms they gave me that clearly state I can have my car repaired at any Nissan dealership.

I had a problem with the window master switch malfunctioning, so I took the car in to the dealership I bought the car from.  They said the car wasn't under warranty and wanted to charge me for repairs.  I not so calmly stated I paid over $3k for an extended warranty when I bought the car and yes it was.  They looked up a receipt or something on their computer and seen all the details of my purchase, then told me my warranty was only good at the original dealership and not there anymore.  My terms and conditions state otherwise.

The dealership location I bought the car from is under new management and isn't a part of the "chain" that I bought the car at any longer, but still a Nissan dealership.  I called the chain to inquire about my warranty and they claim that I have the warranty I believe I have and that the new dealership should have had no issues.  Now instead of repairs I want refund for the entire warranty due to breach of contract.  Good idea?  Or should I just accept a prorated refund?

Location: Texas

Answer: Have you tried calling Nissan corporate? That would be a good next step.


Title: A friend left weed in my car without me being aware of it, if he testifies it's his what will happen?

Question:
A bit of background:

I lent a friend my suit jacket for a nice date. After their dinner he and his date had smoked weed and  my friend accidentally left maybe half a gram of weed in the jacket. He gave it back to me and forgot the weed was left in the jacket. Right after I picked the jacket back up I left to go to a friend's house where I was spending the night and accidentally fell asleep in my car that was running (the car was parked legally in a cul-de-sac), and was woken up by 3 local police officers to see if I was alright.

I rolled down the window and said they could smell weed (which I doubt)  but even if it reaked I wouldn't have noticed because I was fighting a sinus infection and my car just generally smells very strongly of cigarettes anyway, so needless to say I couldn't smell a thing.

They search the car, find the weed. I get charged with a misdemeanor possession.

Here's my question. The friend who's weed it was is more than willing to testify to the fact that it was his and I had no knowledge or anything to do with the matter.

Would this help me in court/ and or nullify the charge against me?

Answer:
 > Here's my question. The friend who's weed it was is more than willing to testify to the fact that it was his and I had no knowledge or anything to do with the matter.

> Would this help me in court/ and or nullify the charge against me?

Yes, but only if you could also persuasively testify that you didn't know the weed was in the jacket.

But don't count on your friend. What people say they'll say on the witness stand and what they actually say is sometimes very different. It's easy to tell your friend you'll throw yourself under the bus for him while you're having a beer (or whatever), but much harder to do it in court...under oath...while being watched by a judge and jury...with a bailiff standing nearby with handcuffs ready to arrest you for confessing to a felony...


Title: How do you find your social security number

Question: I want to find my social security number, but the only help i can find is about replacing it or help dealing with identity theft.

Answer: The only way to do this is to ask your parents or go down in person to the SSA and present them with identification. There is a reason you can’t just look it up online.


Title: A telecom provider wants to have an easement on our property and bury a cable.

Question:
USA - Montana

We received a letter in the mail from a telecom company that wants to put a cable (underground) through our property nd have it be an easement where they will be able to come access and maintain the wire as needed. We don’t have a house on this property. Should we ask for some form of payment for allowing them to do this? I know the government can take land through eminent domain, but this is a private company and I’m pretty sure everyone in the area already has some form of phone/Internet. Just thought I would post for advice! Thanks

Answer:
 You should absolutely get something out of the deal (money). I’d consult an attorney before signing anything as this is going to change the title and rights to your land.

It may cost a bit to consult a lawyer but an easement across your property is forever.


Title: Need to get out of a bank account shared with crazy mother.

Question:
I was added to my mother's bank account when I was underage and now I'm trying to distance myself from here now that I'm married and want nothing to do with her.

She harasses my wife and is threatening us about closing the account. The bank has told me that I can go in by myself and close it and basically be done, but could there be any repercussions? How should I go about it?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: wife reminded me of an important part. We applied for a credit card through the bank, and they sent the letter to my mother's house instead of ours. She opened it and was saying we were committing fraud and everything, all the while, we used our address and the bank screwed it up. That would be the main reason for wanting it closed.

Answer:
 so this is a joint account? do you have any funds in there, or is the money all your mother's?Answer #2: Banker here. There are no repercussions. Go into the bank and ask to close the account and open a new one.

She can get mad all she wants. She cannot take any repercussion if you are also a signer and owner on the account.


Title: [California] I'm suing a guy that hit my car and totaled it. Are the damages the cost to repair the vehicle, or the current fair market value of the car?

Question: I'm taking him to small claims because the driver's insurance is not willing to pay as a result of being unable to contact the driver, and I don't have any witnesses. Do I sue for the cost of repair, or the current market value of the vehicle?

Answer:
 If it's possible to repair the vehicle for less than the current market value, you sue for the cost of repairs. If those repair costs would be higher that the market value of the vehicle, you sue for market value. Mind you, I think the industry standard is that if the repair costs are more than 80% of the value of the vehicle then you go for fair market value.

I assume you have only liability and that's why you aren't going through your own insurance?


Title: My work doesn't want people to smoke at the designated smoking area outside the door.

Answer: They don't have to allow it on their property at all.


Title: My dad died 3 months ago; just found out yesterday. No contact with brother.

Question:
Hi um I don't know if this situation is common, but I need some help from someone familiar with estate law.

Last night I found out that my dad died... on July 27th. I live in North Carolina - my dad and my brother live(d) in New Jersey. I found out third hand from my mom (they are divorced, she lives in Minnesota), who found out yesterday from my uncle (he has known since it happened). I was in contact with my dad up until \~June 20th, when he suddenly wasn't returning messages or calls.

My brother has autism and was always hard to get ahold of, it was mostly my dad that could get him on the phone. I have no way to contact him besides a cell phone that is turned off 95% of the time, which still goes unanswered. I tried to reach out to extended family to find out what exactly happened; my uncle did tell me in a voice message that my dad died of COPD, that my brother "handled things", and he didn't contact me out of respect for my brother. And he told me to never contact him again.

As far as I know, my dad did not have a will, but he had a house in Wayne, NJ under his name. It still is under his name, and my brother is currently residing there, alone. I can't find any records of a funeral, obituary, or any acknowledgement at all that he had passed away. At this point I mostly want information so I can grieve. I'd like to be able to give him the send off that he deserves. I would also like to know if his estate is being handled (I am getting the impression that it is not), but the only family I have in New Jersey besides my brother... has told me to take up any further questions with my brother, who I have been unable to contact as previously mentioned.

Does anyone here have some insight in these kinds of situations? What do I do? Do I jump straight to lawyering up?
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer:
 I think you need to confirm your father is dead. I think you need to go to NJ and get some sort of information from the hospitals directly. It is possible he had a stroke and is stuck in a nursing home somewhere.Answer #2: >my uncle did tell me in a voice message that my dad died of COPD, that my brother "handled things", and he didn't contact me out of respect for my brother. **And he told me to never contact him again**.

This part is very confusing.


Title: Private Investigator pretended to be a friend to get my information

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Yes, no, and no, respectively.


Title: Hit a dog with my car

Question: I hit a dog with my car about half an hour ago. I’ve only been driving for about a year but there’s nothing I could have done. It was a thin road with no shoulder, and the dog was jogging along the sidewalk and made a quick turn into the road about 2 feet in front of my car. I was going the speed limit and tried to hit my break but it was just too close. I’ve never even come close to hitting anything before and I was in shock so I just drove the 10 minutes home crying and called my mom, who said I should have stopped but that there was nothing I could have done. I don’t know why stopping hadn’t occurred to me but for whatever reason it just didn’t. My mom said that someone probably already took care of it but I called animal control, and they got back to me saying that someone had already called about it and that the owner had come and picked it up. I assume that it was alive but I don’t know it’s condition and there’s no damage to my car. I’m really shook up and upset over this but I’m also terrified that I’m going to be identified by my license plate number and that I’ll get in trouble for not stopping. I live in Tacoma WA.

Answer: You have no obligation in this. You can’t be in trouble for a dog being off a leash and running around without an owner. If anything it’s the owners fault for not properly protecting their dogs. No worries, I hope you feel better about the dog but you did nothing wrong legally.


Title: Hard money lender denied my loan 3 days before closing, any grounds for lawsuit?

Question:
I am in New Jersey, using hard money lender startup that's based out of SF. Story is, found a house worth $300k after repair value(appraised by lender) going for $140k. The estimated repair cost is 60. I paid the application fee, title insurance, attorney fees, and appraisals.

3 days before the closing date, the sent a generic email message saying my loan was denied and won't answer any emails. Now I lost the deal and all the money spent.

I filed complaints to BBB, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and FTC but of course takes time to hear back. Do I have any merit for a lawsuit to recoup the losses?

Answer:
 >3 days before the closing date, the sent a generic email message saying my loan was denied and won't answer any emails. Now I lost the deal and all the money spent.

That is exactly what happens when you do not get approval for a loan - you lose your application fees.

And choosing to spend more money and schedule a closing date BEFORE being approved for your loan was your choice, so losing the rest of the money you spent cannot bee blamed on anybody else.Answer #2: >  Do I have any merit for a lawsuit to recoup the losses?

Why would you think they owe you anything?  You aren't **guaranteed** a loan.  Answer #3: Almost certainly not. You advanced costs before having firm financing in place, hoping for a windfall. Sometimes that works out. This time it didn’t.


Title: [NJ] Landlord didn't give enough notice for rent increase or follow proper steps. We don't want to remain in apartment if rent increases, what are our options?

Question:
My wife and I (and kids) on a one year lease which goes from Jan 1 2017 to Jan 1 2018. Our lease automatically converts to a month-to-month after the term (stated in lease).

From what I understand NJ state law requires landlords to give at least 30 days notice before a rent increase, however our landlord gave us the new lease on Dec 15th with not only a kind of large rent increase ($46 on a $1400/mo lease) but also changed the terms of the lease (no mention of garage parking, storage, wife no longer on lease, and also some legal things like paying for landlords legal fees, and entering our apartment with just 2hrs notice). The new lease is stated to begin Jan 1 2018.

My wife and I were only considering staying another year in this apartment, but with the weird changes to the lease and rent increase we would prefer to move instead. Unfortunately not enough notice was given, and we don't feel like we can scramble and find a new place in 2 weeks (especially this time of year).

My research seems to suggest that because the landlord did not give enough notice (or the proper Notice to Quit), that the current lease is going to convert to a month-to-month regardless using the terms of the current lease. The proposed rent increase and lease renewal then legally falls to February 1st, which we would refuse and then have January to find a new apartment and move.

What legally is supposed to happen to my lease? What options do I have if we refuse the new lease and rent increase? I have a meeting on Tuesday to discuss with my Landlord, but want to be prepared in case they try to make us pay for an entire year or something. This apartment is in a very cold market, before we took it the apartment was vacant for 5 months.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 It looks like NJ law would require two separate written notes at least 30 days ahead of time.  One is and end of lease notice and the other the offer of a new lease.  The amount of the increase isn't enough to likely be an issue but the date of it is.  That said, it sounds like you're going to be leaving eventually.  You are owed 30 days notice but sooner or later you'll get that and if the lease terms aren't acceptable you'll have to leave.Answer #2: In all fairness I would not consider a $46 increase on a $1400 apartment to be large. Have you been renting long? That increase seems below average for my state. I am sure things may be different there.

And if your wife isn’t on the new lease then get them to add her to it.


Title: How do I go about this issue?

Question:
Few years ago I was coerced into taking ecstasy by a medical professional (not in a medical setting, I knew the guy). I have messages saved that showed I didn't want any part of it although that was post incident. My not wanting to be part of it before it happened was only in person or on the phone in the months following so no concrete evidence. It caused me brain damage that has left me with a horrible life condition. I've suffered through the years and still having regular hospital visits for experimental drugs and therapy (never stopped since it first happened). There is a possibility that the condition would pass within the first year but at this point it's likely to be a lifelong thing. I spoke to a distant family lawyer last year. While he did brush off my condition as uncertain (it had been diagnosed by the hospital before that), he said it wouldn't hold up in court because I was an adult when it happened. The plea of coercion only applies to minors.

I've never mentioned my condition to anyone outside a few friends that I needed help with. Even my family and doctor only found out not long ago. The reference letter for the hospital was written by the person who did this to me, he wrote a different scenario on the letter and told me to lie to the doctors which I did for years until I finally told them the truth.

I wanted to ask him for compensation for what he has done to me. He has ruined my life. I am asking only minimum wage for the 3 years that I've suffered from this (I've not been able to work due to it affecting my sleep and life in general, I was about to start a new job when it happened). Although I feel I'm owed more for what he has done, I'm only looking for a small sum to salvage my life before it's beyond my control. I still struggle with the inability to sleep thus hoping I would be able to make investments with the money.

I will be meeting him soon to propose it but I'm not sure if it's blackmail. I feel the truth should come out anyway but I'd rather we settle it this way since that would be a long and painful battle for both of us. I had planned to tell him about the compensation and if he refused I'd walk away and bring out the truth to his family first (not asking them for any compensation). I haven't figured out how I'd go about the medical board given that the evidence isn't much to go on.

I'm not sure if I'm doing the wrong thing here legally. Please advice.

UPDATE: the consensus is to get a lawyer, which I'm working on right now. If it isn't feasible or there isn't a case I can pursue, when he calls me, can I inform him that I'm coming out with the truth with his family? I will not bring up any compensation demands. At the very least I can take comfort in that.

Answer:
 Define "coerced."

If he talked you into taking the drugs and you agreed because he was persuasive, then you likely have no case.

If he held you down or threatened you, then maybe.

Don't demand money for silence- that's literally blackmail.


Title: [RI/General USA] Can employers base hiring on socioeconomic status?

Question:
Basically I'm asking about the legality of "work study only" jobs on university campuses. At my university, there are many students who can't find employment on campus because they don't get federal work study aid. At the same time, there are a lot of vacant positions on campus because they're are not enough work study students to fill them. Since work study is connected to your family's income, isn't this akin to saying "for lower/lower middle class students only?" Why are they allowed to do this?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 > Why are they allowed to do this?

In our legal system, people (or universities) are allowed to do anything unless there is a law prohibiting that. We have some employment laws prohibiting discriminating in hiring on the basis of race or sex, but we do NOT have laws making it illegal to discriminate on the basis of wealth or (in this case) work-study eligibility.

Answer #2: They're not discriminating because they only want poor kids taking the jobs, they have restrictions on the money they are using to pay those positions. Particularly, they're paid for by work-study grants that can only go to work-study recipients. I'm not a lawyer but work in higher education, including employing students. Answer #3: The positions ONLY exist because of federal grant money. In other words, the university doesn't pay those wages, the work study program does.


Title: We are not given breaks at work no matter the hours worked in a fast food restaurant [MD]

Question:
For the last two and a half years I have been with a fast food company that taking breaks is not only frowned upon, it has basically been said we are not allowed to take breaks and they aren’t required to give us one. Myself and other included typically can work an 8 to sometimes 10+hour days and we are not allowed to sit down, clock out and take a 15 or 30 minute break. My GM doesn’t work us to the bone to the point where he runs the store with an iron fist, and in reality, the working conditions are fine. The problem is working a massive rush for 4 hours straight and no one is given a time to sit down and be able to eat. Throughout the day, we try and find ways to get a bite of food in or take a quick drink, but we are typically rushed back out to refill and clean.

We typically have enough people working a shift at a time to cover exactly every key area that needs to be worked for the day. Obviously the company needs to save money and only work as many people that are truly needed, but do they also do this as an excuse to deter you from taking a break because a portion of the line or section wouldn’t be able to run at peak efficiency if we get hit again?

The company is incorporated in New Jersey, but I work in a Maryland location. From my community college a while back, I thought I remembered from a Business Law class that a company usually follows rules and regulations from the state in which they are incorporated. A job I had previously was also incorporated in New Jersey and we were forced to take a break no matter the amount of time worked.

My GM and DM have both said that “we aren’t required to give a designated break because in fast paced food environments, you aren’t required to give a designated break.” For some reason I’m not buying it and rightfully so. It just sounds wrong.

I don’t want to sue if that would even be an option, but possibly report it to...OSHA? Or another type of employee help organization? Regardless, I just want to make the work environment better for new workers since we higher a lot of high school and early college kids.

Again, the working conditions are fine and normal. My boss is a nice guy and gives people fair hours (for the most part if you don’t plan to work full time), but having to work an 8-10 hour day running around like crazy to working a sweat with no designated breaks is very frustrating and unhealthy if I and other are unable to eat properly though the day.

(To be fair, during our slow season around this time, typically the night crew is mostly all one large break and only get a small dinner rush and a few customers popping in here and there. Regardless, we still all believe a break should be in place.)
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: In Maryland, adult employees are not legally entitled to meal breaks or rest breaks.


Title: [USA] [Mississippi] Teacher Took my Prepaid Credit Card and Won't Give it Back

Question:
Hello,

I am in 10th grade and someone directly behind me kept talking to me 2 days ago. He makes this joke where he says 'if your credit card number was your age, how old would you be?'

He made that joke to me. He's one of those kids that won't stop until you laugh. I had this prepaid credit card in my wallet with a few dollars on it that only works in stores, not online. Knowing this, I just gave it to him so I don't have to deal with him.

I just pulled it out and handed it back. I sit right in front of my teacher's desk and she took it up. She then moved me for misbehaving because I handed it to him. I'm guessing she thought me and the guy behind me have been talking the whole time. I'm not sure about this because she could hear everything we say.

She didn't give it back then. Next day i walked in and asked for it back. She said it makes her mad that she had to take it. I asked why, and told her she was the person who took it, not me. This made her say forget it, and she put the prepaid CC in her desk. Now it's today and she has refused to give it back again?

Is this legal? What should I do? Thank you

Answer: Tell your parents, try again to get it back if she doesn't speak to someone at the school. They are allowed to confiscate things but she can't steal your money. You best bet is to have your mom or dad come get it.


Title: At the DMV trying to get licence. Get ticket for $561 for driving without licence.

Question:
Hi, so this happened to my gf a while ago. It happened in Herns,Texas. My gf is 21 but she doesn't have a car. I've been teaching and letting her drive my car for a while. A few weeks back we were trying to get her a drivers licence. Long story short, she drove to Herns Texas, a small town thinking that the line there would be shorter. When pulling into the dmv, she backed the car into a pillar of the building. Now please trust me when i say this is just a small scratch. The car is fine and the building is fine. The lady working in the dmv flagged her down and wont let her leave while filling out a police report and calling the police. After about 2 hours waiting for and being detained by the cops, they wrote her a ticket for driving with an invalid licence. A week after that my gf took the driving test in san marcos texas and got her actual licence. Today she called the court in herns about her ticket and they want her to pay $561? (For a ticket??!!) or enter a plea deal. What exactly is going on? She is a full time student and works during the summer. Non of us got that kind of money. Please guys, i know there got to be something she can do.
I personally never heard of tickets so fucking expensive and I got pulled over without a licence, without insurance, without registration before ( not all at the same time) but was always able to get the ticket dropped or reduced.
Edit: she want me to tell ya'll shes black so keep that in mind while giving advice LOL (facepalm) I personally don't think race matters in traffic ticket court.

TL'DR: went to dmv to apply for licence. Backed into dmv building. Got wrote a ticket. Now have licence want to get ticket dropped. Nope they want $561 in fines.

Answer:
 Wait. You said she drove to the DMV without a license, ran the car into their building, and you don't understand why she's getting a ticket for driving without a license?

There isn't an exception to the "you must be licensed to drive" laws for people on their way to the DMV. You're supposed to have the owner of the car (or at least a licensed driver, depending on the jurisdiction) drive you to the DMV. Answer #2: The moral of the story here is don't drive without a license. She may be able to plead for some leniency before a magistrate or traffic judge, but she has no legal defense--she was driving without a license, which is usually a very large fine. Answer #3: Getting her license after the fact doesn't negate breaking the traffic law in the first place. This isn't a case of "I just didn't have my proof that I am legally able to drive on me at the time" like you mention about your own experiences, this is a "I am not legally able to drive and I did".

She might be able to get the fine lowered, or be able to pay for it on a payment plan, but it isn't just going to go away just because she is now legally able to drive.


Title: No Lease for Commercial Space, Landlord Threatening Legal Action

Question:
Hello all.  I'm a longtime lurker of this sub and now finally have a legal question of my own.  Any help is appreciated!

I found an advertisement for a subdivided commercial space in Illinois.  After viewing two of the available units, I was interested and placed a deposit, with the understanding that the landlord would tell me which unit was available after talking to a tenant who currently occupied one of the units (his unit was closer to electrical distribution and would involve less cost to get high-voltage service put in place).

Nearly three weeks later, I did not have a firm answer on which unit I would occupy, and I asked the landlord to return the deposit.  At this point a unit became "available" and he asked us to come down and sign the lease.  It took me a week or so to schedule the time to sign the lease.  When I arrived I was presented with a lease for both units, and was asked to sign both leases plus a third document that specified I would only be responsible for one unit.  Which unit I occupied was to be worked out later.

This really sketched me out so I bailed without signing either lease.  I asked for the return of my deposit twice with no answer, and on the third demand I was told that I had verbally agreed to the lease by putting down a deposit and therefore am liable for rent and penalties.

My question is - if I am sued, what are my chances of being held accountable for the unit since no signed lease exists?  (There are only e-mails stating that my intent is to take possession of a unit once I know which one is available).  My second question - if I sue, what are my odds of recovering my deposit?

Thank you for any advice!

**Edit 1: To clarify, I never took possession of a unit, nor was I given keys or access**

Answer: You didn't sign a lease. It is possible you could lose the deposit, but nothing more should happen.


Title: [NC] Noise Violation Every Night and the Police are not Responding

Question:
My girlfriend recently bought a new house, which I am super excited for! The window to her room looks behind to a shipping dock. Normally this wouldn't be an issue, she is up early everyday and can head to bed pretty late. Unfortunately every night from 3 am to 4 am, a time she does need sleep, a tractor trailer makes a delivery for 30-40 minutes. This lights shine into her room which we fixed with curtain but the rumbling of the truck, workers yelling, and the noise from unloading can wake even the heaviest of sleepers. For reference the dock is about 40 yards from her window.

We have tried to call the police every night for violation of noise ordinance. It has been a few nights and even though dispatch says someone is coming, no one does.

What is the next step to take? Vigilantism is not in her blood, joking of course.

TL;DR Truck wakes my girlfriend up every night and cops are not responding to it.

Answer:
 Uhm. She bought a house next to a shipping dock and thought it would be quiet?

She can call her local city building department to check but I am guessing that a shipping dock is not bound by the noise ordinance. They likely are allowed to work at any hourAnswer #2: File a complaint under the noise ordinances for your city. However, it's not likely it'll fix it. Instead, look into getting noise blocking windows, and noise insulation for the doors and roof. It's not cheap but it's worth it.

I live next to Perth Airport in WestAus. It's as busy as hell 24/7. I have insulated the house against noise and it's worked a treat!


Title: Will it be illegal to date my girlfriend once I turn 18?

Question:
I’m 17, and will be turning 18 next year in June, she will be turning 16 in April. We’ve been dating for quite awhile and we are both in high school, I’m a junior and she’s a sophomore. I’m wondering if dating her or having sexual intercourse with her would be considered illegal.

We’re in the state of North Carolina
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: The age of consent in NC is 16 so you'll be fine. Just don't go having nudes sent to you because she's still a minor.


Title: [USA] Married foreigner on unrelated Visa. We're filing for AoS but a mixup with the mail will delay the form's arrival until the day AFTER the visa expires. Will I be kicked out and barred from reentry due to the day I'll be in overstay?

Question:
Title says it all. My visa expires but I'm still in the US. Our immigration lawyer who helped us fill out the forms noted that it was fine and the form would allow me to stay in the US while I'm processed.

They are unreachable for the week - BUT a mixup with the mail means out forms for AoS won't arrive until after my current visa expires!

What should I do? Will I be given a new expiration date? Will the day of overstay disqualify me? Any advice hugely appreciated

Answer: USCIS has an unofficial policy of not caring about very short overstays; you'll probably be fine.


Title: Can dating a single mom make me liable for the child's support? (MS, USA)

Question:
I didn't search because I honestly doubt anyone has asked such a stupid, paranoid question before.

I have read of men who didn't know they weren't the biological father acting in that role, and when they found out that they were not, the judge deemed that since they had been acting as the father that they had to continue to do so (and provide support) for the good of the child. I'm considering dating a single mom with a one month old and I might be seen as a father-figure to the child if it works out, and I don't want to end up financially liable if a few years down the line we break up, because I had been acting as a father to the child.

Is there any precedent in this case, or, because I met the mother after birth, am I pretty much free and clear?

Answer:
 No. That case was very different from the norm and had a very specific set of circumstances.

But let's think about what you just wrote:

> I might be seen as a father-figure to the child if it works out, and I don't want to end up financially liable if a few years down the line we break up, because I had been acting as a father to the child

How fucked up is that kid going to be when daddy walks out , no more contact, just no more dad. And the kids gets told 'well that isn't your real daddy anyway' Answer #2: My life advice would be don't gets your toes wet if you're not willing to jump in. This is a child here not a pet.Answer #3: You won't be legally responsible for the child. Just morally responsible.


Title: Can an employer charge a potential employee for failing a pre employment medical test?

Question:
I applied for a job through an online job agency.

I get a call from a company i sent my resume to saying that they are interested in hiring me but i will first have to take a pre employement medical and drug test. I receive an email from them with details for the medical. In the email it says that if i fail the drug or medical tests, i will have to pay for costs associated with the tests ($700). In the email they attached a form for me to sign saying i agree to cover all costs for a failed test and there is a section included where they want me to fill in my bank account details.

Tbh the email raised my suspicions, and im wary that it could be some kind of scam. So i haven't sent them back the form with any of my banking details.

However if the job turns out to be legit. Can you actually be charged for a failed pre employment medical?  (Australia)

Answer: ScamAnswer #2: Definite scam. Even if it isn't, do you want to work for a place that will try to pull this sort of stuff?


Title: [TX] My property manager insists I pay her after my lease is up.

Question:
First of all, the lease I signed is the standard [TAA boilerplate](http://www.taa.org/images/assets/PDF/renter/2009apartmentlease_forweb.pdf). It's supposed to end this month, but when I called my landlord to check what the prorated rent for this month was, she said that I hadn't given her notice to move out, so I owed her full rent for this month, and for another 120 days, even though the lease only runs through this month. Is that legal?

Also, there are a couple of provisions in there that should help me out.  First, she never sent me a reminder to move out as stipulated in paragraph 37.

>If we require you to give us more than 30 days written notice to
move-out before the end of the lease term, we will give you a
written reminder not less than 5 days nor more than 90 days
before your deadline for giving us your written move-out. If we
fail to provide a reminder notice, 30 days written notice to moveout is required

Secondly, paragraph 38 states

>The move-out date can’t be changed unless we and you both agree in writing.

These two are mutually exclusive, and both conflict with the interpretation that I owe this awful woman four months' rent. Which takes precedence? I gave her a check for the full month to shut her up and avoid (frankly ridiculous) late fees, but if my lease does end I expect I can demand the surplus back.

Edit: Thanks, everyone, for the help. You've really put my mind at ease. It's awesome having a community of people that exists to help people navigating unfriendly waters. You're the best.

Answer:
 In Texas you have to give 30 days notice. The portion of the lease you quote applies to when they require you to give MORE than 30 days written notice, so the 5 days would not apply.

Fixed-term leases typically convert automatically into month-to-month after the term ends, unless state law or some language in the lease says otherwise.

It sounds like paragraph 37 does not apply and that you owe ONE month of rent from this point forward. I'm not sure where she's getting 120 days from. If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will come along and correct me shortly.Answer #2: IANAL but I do live in Texas. You do owe 30 days notice, but unless your lease specifies I can't imagine that means you owe her 120 days. You should tender your 30 day notice immediately and pay a small amount for the few days in January you would be there. That's at least how it's been for everywhere I've lived. Also, it may be a higher rent then what you are currently paying as month-to-month leases tend to be higher, though I'm not sure the rules if she didn't give you prior notice to how much the raise in rent might be.


Title: (USA-VA) I am going full no contact with my parents for various reasons and I am writing something up stating that all of my assets need to be transferred to me as the primary and only holder. How do I proceed?

Question:
See title!  What do I do.  I'm extremely confused here and I need some advice.   Parents purchased a car for me with mostly my assets the other day, but it is not in my name.  I know there is a sizable amount in an education account set aside by my grandfather for me, as well as quite a good bit in stocks. It is all clearly in my name as every 6 months I get a letter from the institution about them. Somewhere in the 30k range.

I'm just not sure how to go about making a plan for all this and a document stating all my assets need to become solely mine, as my parents are evicting me on the 19th of April.

Any advice will be appreciated. thank you so very much.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 >  Parents purchased a car for me with mostly my assets the other day, but it is not in my name.

You mean you bought them a car.

There is no one document to do this. You don't just issue a decree for all in the kingdom to hear and obey. You will have to follow whatever the process is for each type of asset. But if this is a bank account for example you can't just force the bank to remove a name from the account.Answer #2: You don't need a document, you need to actually take control of assets you claim as yours. For the stock/accounts contact the institutions to make sure you are the sole account holder that you are receiving communication does not mean it is clearly in your name.

As for car, why did your parents need to to purchase the car if it were your assets? Why didn't you purchase it? As it stands this is their car and you have no claim to it without more information.


Title: Employer stealing hours, what do I do?

Question:
Hi, I'm 17m working at a fast food chain in CT. My boss is taking hours from myself and the other workers. He's done this before, I had my hours written down and he told me that I changed them to give me more hours. Last time he did this, he shorted me by about 14 hours. Well now I have my printed receipts for the hours that I worked. He told one of my co workers that the hours I stayed late with her, because it was busy, I won't get paid for.(to clarify this is maybe an hour once or twice a week) I get paid on Tuesday.
My questions are, if my hours don't match up, what should I do to get them back? Can I sue him over this? What about my co workers, they don't have any evidence that they worked more than he has said, can they get any hours back?

Answer: Contact your states labor board or whatever entity it is that they call themselves. In Oregon where I live I knew a guy that the same thing happened to and he had proof of his hours worked and called our labor department and he got paid his money. Simple as that


Title: My job deposited my check in a strangers account and now it's my fault. Also have to do the legwork to speed things up with the bank if i want my money in a timely fashion. It's been almost a month now.

Question:
So I have 2 jobs so it's not a super big deal. More or less the principle, but i still have to take out a cash advance in order to do some repairs on my scooter and have food for the week ( I get paid next week from my main job ). The place that's screwing me is subway. They got bought by another person when our previous owner retired. In the process of switching owners we all essentially got re hired. That meant they held that 1st weeks pay, than went back to paying every 2 weeks. So it was essentially a 3 week wait for everyone to get their money. I filled out for direct deposit and checked the info i entered in 3 times to make sure I wasn't accidentally giving some stranger my paycheck. Everyobe else got paid this last Thursday/Friday at midnight. Mine never got deposited. Turns out the person who entered my direct deposit info added an extra 5 in somewhere ( I was told i entered an extra 5 even though i know it wasn't me. Like i said, I reviewed it 3 times just to be sure ) and said to our new GM that I must have messed up. My new GM said that they can't pay me until my bank gets the money back from the random persons account they accidentally put it into and gets it back to subway, which at that point they have to email me a check which I have to print out ( that just sounds so odd lol ) and take to the bank myself ( why not just re deposit it? ). Not only that, but if I want things sped up I have to be the one to call the bank and figure it out. It'll be a month on this coming thursday since I've seen a paycheck after being bought out. I'm more than ok, but I was dwpending on that to get me through the week until my new jobs first substantial check gets to me ( finally got myself a big boy job :D, im so happy! I'm an ex con so it's beem EXTREMELY hard finding a good job, but I finally did! ). This all just feels off and wrong. The way I'm being told its my fault, and how I'm gonna get a check emailed to me that I gotta print out, the almost full month its taken to even get to this point before getting payed, etc. Who would I call to try and either report it to or to try and help me get my money by at least Monday? I know that's wishful thinking. My bank is closed over the weekend ( US bank for reference ).

Any advice is much appreciated.
Topic:
Labor Law (Unions)

Answer:
 Your employer needs to call their bank and do a recall because they misdirected your payroll.

You were not paid because of their incompetence.  I'd call the department of labor about a wage claim.


Title: [FL] Neighbor blocking my driveway

Question: The neighbor hired a tree cutting company and they are dumping all of the logs and limbs in front of my house. It's to the point where 2/3 parking spots we have are now blocked by debris. I asked one of the workers to stop putting it in front of my driveway to which he responded "it's the only place I can put them" and "we have someone coming to pick them up sometime later tonight or tomorrow probably". I tried moving my garbage can in front of the last spot of my driveway to stop them from dumping there, and managed to get a video of them moving the trash can and dumping more debris down. I'm hoping he was telling the truth about picking up the debris later today but I'm always assuming the worst. Is there anything I can do?

Answer: You can wait for them to pick it up today, if by tomorrow it's not gone you can possibly call your police non-emergency line for illegal dumping. Best thing to do would be to call the neighbor directly and ask them to have the workers put it somewhere else. Answer #2: They are hired by your neighbor so the neighbor is the one to talk to about this.  Your best bet is to work this out with them in a neighborly fashion.


Title: Can this cop really do this? (GEORGIA STATE PATROL)

Question: Let me just start by saying I am in no way complaining. Im just curious as to if he can really do this or not. I was being a stupid teenager (Im 18) and was driving to my girlfriends college. It was a long open flat highway, but the speed limit was 55. Well, with traffic, I was up to about 91. And the officer clocked me at 91 but chose me out of the stack to pull over :( .. anyway.. he was really cool and dropped it down to 78 (23 mph over) if I write a 20 page speeding research paper in one week. It seems like a pretty unlikely goal, but im busting my ass to do it.. its just.. is what hes doing legal? It says on the ticket that I was actually going 91 but he dropped it to 78. I mean isnt that falsifying govt documents or something?

Answer:
 Sure, it's fine.  The cop doesn't have to charge you with the worst possible thing you did; he only has to charge you with doing something that you did.

Can he prove you were going 78MPH?  Yes, because he can also prove you were going 91MPH.  Answer #2: Cops have pretty wide latitude when it comes to choosing whether or not to cite, arrest, or charge you with a crime.  If he was asking for a something that benefits him, that would probably be illegally soliciting a bribe.  But giving you homework instead of a ticket?  Not an issue.


Title: Create and sell an NHL calendar

Question:
I was wondering if I could legally sell a monthly calendar that would feature custom graphics of a sports team with the games that will take place that month?  This would be a typical wall calendar with a different graphic each month at the top, and the bottom would have the upcoming games for the month with the team logo. So I guess my question is two-fold.

First - Is there any copyright infringement if I take an image from google images and run it through photoshop to go from [this](http://imgur.com/wUKRcFO) to [this](http://imgur.com/q2s1lLn)?

Second - As far as using the team logos for the games is there any copyright infringement there?

Thanks in advance!

Answer:
 First - Yes, that is absolutely copyright infringement.

Second - Team logos are protected by trademark. They have a licensing program if you are interested in using them, though I'm not certain if you would meet their requirements.