Title: Wrong fully terminated for following the FAA regulations

Question:
I was working for a company at an airport for 8 months . I got fired because of not signing a write up notice. The reason I didn’t sign the write up notice was due to the fact that i was told to do a task on an airplane that i wasn’t licensed or trained in. Which was towing the airplane. Any action on an aircraft that you are not trained for is considered illegal in FAA and Airfield operation policy.

What can i do? All opinions accepted. Thank you in advance.

Answer: Are you in a union?  If so, contact your union rep.


Title: Can I sue our wedding DJ?

Question:
My wife and I got married in Houston, Texas recently and to make a long story short, the DJ screwed everything up and ruined our party, we are ready to sue, if possible.

The company we hired was paid for 6 hours and they are offering a refund for 2 out of the 6 hours we paid them for. We feel like the least they can do is offer a full refund, which we asked for, and they declined.

The DJ didn't play any music for the first 3 hours and about half of our guests left by the time the back up DJ came to the rescue. The party was dead, my wife was crying. This was a wedding disaster. All the time and money we spent to have this nice party for 150 guests was ruined. We will never get this night back.

The DJ company is blaming power problems, which the church has emailed me stating there were none. I believe the church because everything was working fine and the back up DJ used the same outlet as the first DJ.

Do we have legal standing? Can we sue? If we sue, what are our chances of winning?

This is emotionally draining, we are boiling with anger. Any help is MUCH appreciated. Thank you.

Answer: Yes, your recourse is to sue the DJ company for the amount of money you feel you're entitled to, as they allegedly did not provide the services you agreed to and paid for.


Title: I stole a tv from a hotel.. wondering what my options are?

Question:
I rented this hotel in AK and paid them $300 since I didn't particular like the place it was noisy etc. I thought I would take the tv as re-compensation (for some reason it wasn't screwed down or anything though there was a hole in the desk like they started to) the tv is a Samsung 1080p 32" smarttv pretty typical tv for a cheap hotel which this is I'd say it's honest value on the used market which it is is $125 or so in fact you can buy a nice one from dell right now for about that onCe the deal is done and that's new but most people don't know values so $125-300 is the value I guess

When I rented this hotel I wasn't planning on stealing the tv aka I figured i'd pay them and leave (which I did) but they have my name, dead credit card and possible address after I took the tv they called me, texted me with threats and swears :P and same via email (I use a catch-all email so ahh it's a make believe address but I do own the domain) I did not reply/answer. and of course they also said they were filing charges so in my typical experience of the police when I've been stolen from (which I have) they are inept/do nothing but I do notice in this case it's a little different since they have my "name" and all that I live in MO so this place isn't even in my state

So the questions I need help with is how do I know if there filing charges/or theres a warrant for my arrest? Who do I call/where do I look? Will there probably be "mister-meaner" charges even warrant enforcement? will the police bother?? And if they do how do you know?? they are?? Will the warrant only be in the originating state do they bother to move it to another?

If I want to avoid being arrested I assume even at my home I don't answer the door and I'm "sorta" safe, I assume?

Answer:
 >"mister-meaner"

Kek Answer #2: This might be one of the oddest posts I've ever read. OP,how old are you and how many drugs are you on?


Title: Is it legal to force an employee to tell stories at work in Texas?

Question: Part of our new safety program, employees are randomly selected to tell a personal story about a time they were injured or almost injured. Then a group will pick your story apart and tell you how it could have been avoided. I'm not comfortable with this. It's nobodies business and I don't feel like speaking in front of 40 people. I was told it is mandatory.

Answer:
 They can't force you to tell a story.

But you can't force THEM to keep you employed.

Unless you have a contract that says otherwise, they can absolutely fire you for this.Answer #2: Just make something up then. Safety is everybody's business. Google some accident reports, change a few details, and make that your story.Answer #3: Thats ridiculous. Make up a story, pull one from online, or just "pass" when it comes to you. Just say you always stay inside and once you cut your finger slicing an onion or something lolAnswer #4: No one can "force" you to do anything. You're certainly free to refuse, however your employer can legally fire you for refusing.


Title: Legal action against abusive brother?

Question:
(CAN)
My brother is the evolved form of a ______bag bully x3  (age 19). No joke, anyhow is behaviour is extremely abusive to my mother. He harasses her for money, whines about xyz, calls my mother an flurry of insults most popularly (bitch). Whenever something he doesn't like doesn't happen to the smallest extent -- literally, he would flip.
He constantly harasses my mother to leave my father (who we don't have a good relationship with), he obviously causes her *a lot* of emotional distress. Additionally, he takes the liberty of strangling my mother some times -- haven't been so in a while so no evidence on this. That being said, many traits points to him as being a psychopath.
If time comes I strongly believe my mother would not take any action against him and would side with him stating "Nothing happened". Perhaps I should start recording him without his notice? What are the legalities of this?

Answer: Your mother is an adult who is competent to handle her own affairs. If she wants to be emotionally abused by her prodigy there is nothing illegal about it.


Title: Threatened of Statuatory Rape by my girlfriend’s Mother

Question:
Background Knowledge: I live in Illinois where the age of consent is 17. I just turned 19, and my girlfriend just turned 17. Basically my girlfriend’s mom is psychotic and emotionally abuses her beyond belief. She puts her in tears every single day and treats her like complete garbage. Her mother and father have a very poor and one sided marriage, and have nearly filed for divorce multiple times. She used to like me, but as her relationship with my girlfriend got worse, she started to hate me. We have dated for almost 2 years now and I have no plans to leave her, just hope things work out. As I said, she’s always been nice but she’s had a sudden change in mind. Her father has always had a lot of respect for me.

So essentially she’s been continuing to treat my girlfriend poorly and has even threatened to cut off our relationship. She has just recently started saying that i’m a shitty boyfriend to her, despite how perfect me and my girlfriend are with each other. My girlfriend loves me very much and absolutely despises her mother. She tries to explain to her mom that she doesn’t have a strong point of view considering she isn’t the relationship, but she doesn’t seem to care. I have even reached out to her mom asking why i’m always painted as a bad person without reason, and that I felt disrespected. She left me on read. My girlfriend believes that her mom thinks if “she can’t break us up, the law can”.

Where the statuatory rape comes in: She found out we have sex about a month or two ago, and put my girlfriend on birth control. Now two months later, she said to my girlfriend that if she found out me and her had sex again she’d charge me with statuatory rape. I’m not going to say whether we had sex before or after she was the age of consent, but is she able to just all of a sudden charge me after knowing  about this for no reason whatsoever beside pure hatred?

Thanks for any help!
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 >is she able to just all of a sudden charge me after knowing about this for no reason whatsoever beside pure hatred?

She's able to report what she knows to the police who will handle the report in accordance with their departmental policies.  That she was motivated to report the offense by hatred is not particularly relevant in that.


Title: Dad slipped on spilled oil in grocery store. No sign was up.

Question:
My dad slipped on the oil that was used in a jar of artichokes yesterday.  He landed on his tailbone and bounced his head off the ground.

People gathered around, including the girl who said, "I was cleaning that up but then left and was going to come back."

There was not a caution sign up or any warning display to help him see something had spilled.

The manager said to him, "you wouldn't believe how often this happens."  I'm guessing he wasn't the brightest bulb.

The only other thing the manager said was to call if he needed to be reimbursed for the cost of cleaning his oil-stained clothes.

He said that he has had a constant headache and his left ear is ringing.

I am NOT happy with the grocery store but wondered if any of you had any sort of insight into the situation with things like these.

I'm in Illinois if it matters.

Answer: Your dad should get checked out by a doctor first. The store should have an insurance policy that would cover these types of incidents. You would just need to call and talk to the manager about filing a claim.


Title: My record is showing incorrect information and I get pulled aside every time I pass through customs

Question:
Hey everyone,
Long story short - was arrested in 2009 with 3 grams of marijuana and fake LSD (it was just paper that looked like it) - it was pled down in court to simple possession of marijuana.
After the case was settled I flew to Denmark and when I arrived back was pulled aside and had a whole other court ideal due to my green card. That was taken care of and my passport and greencard were returned afterwards.
But still - every time I land back in the US I get pulled aside by customs for a 'secondary check' which can take 30 minutes to an hour of waiting until they just hand my stuff back and say I'm okay to go.
But this time the officer handling my paperwork told me that my record shows "intent to distribute LSD" which I never pled guilty to? I was charged with it but it was lowered down to possession of marijuana as I earlier stated...
How can I go about fixing this? I really have no idea where to start and would love some advice on where to begin so I can put this behind me.

Answer:
 Your record likely shows an arrest for, and a charge of, intent to distribute.  It likely also shows a conviction of possession of marijuana.

You should start by getting a copy of your record and seeing what it says.  If it says what I said above, you can't change it.  If it says something else, you can work to clear that up.


Title: I'm being "sextorted" by a minor

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Almost certainly a scam, in that she isn't actually a minor. In fact she may not be a she at all.

Just block her. And stop sending nude pictures to people online.Answer #2: Very common scam. Check r/scams for more examples. The "girl" won't do anything. Of the multiple dozens of examples r/scams has seen, only one I remember had any follow up, and that was questionable.

Relax. Don't pay (you will be paying forever if you do). And keep your pants on next time.Answer #3: Hi OP I was in a similar situation unfriend them and do not respond also update your privacy settings to the highest level. Only friends see your content. This is an adult running a scam. They are doing this to hundreds of people simultaneously if you ghost them they will likely move on. If they post your nude pics well there's damage done. They will not go away if you give them money. If you give money to a blackmailer you are telling them their extortion scheme works and they will keep asking for more


Title: Professor is requiring us to have webcams for all class activities.

Question:
Im taking an online class during the summer and everything was going normally. But I suppose that some students were cheating, so my professor made the decision that all students were now required to purchase or rent a webcam, and we would now be monitored during all class activities as well as our screen being recorded.

I’m trying to figure out if this is legal. It feels to me to be a huge breach of personal privacy and I feel as though it should not be allowed.

I attend university in Florida.
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer: Its completely allowed. They do this at most major universities for online classes. Proctorio is a main distributor of these services.


Title: I am a teacher and I am concerned that my assistant is verbally abusing my kids while I am not present. Can I secretly record my assistant in my classroom?

Question: I live in Mississippi, teach in a public school, and as the title says I've heard my kids tell me things before that lead me to think my assistant is verbally abusing my kids. Parents have shared with me things kids have told them after school. I want to know if I can audio record my room, even while I'm in there, to see what is being said. Is this legal?

Answer: This is why you have an administration.  If this is a serious concern you need to voice it in a professional manner to the appropriate parties.


Title: Allowing Pets at Work (TX)

Question:
I have a business with 7 employees.

Recently one of the women got a new puppy and after asking I gave her permission to bring him into work for now since she feels like he's too young to stay at home. Honestly, it's been fantastic. There's nothing like a puppy break at work.

Some of my other employees expressed interest in bringing their pets in as well. We don't have clients or customers in the office, so it's just us. Everyone has their own office. We do have a fenced in yard area for the pets if they need to go outside.

Other than setting some ground rules about being housebroken, well-behaved, being able to be left alone, etc. What should I do first before allowing everyone to bring in their pets? Would I be liable for anything if something was to go badly?

Thanks everyone!

Answer: A good idea would be vaccination records. That way if someone is nipped/scratched, there's proof of current vaccination. Answer #2: Must be neutered/spayed unless too young.Answer #3: Something to consider is when you have to hire be really upfront about being a pet friendly place so that anyone with allergies can steer clear...it will save you from a ton of possible drama


Title: Stay at home mom needs legal advice without ever recieving money from (now ex) partner- california

Question:
I guess a summary as best as I can put it:

Father didn't want child, I offered him to leave during pregnancy without pursuing for CP, he decided to stay.

Baby is born, he doesn't help with her at all. We lived with him but that was pretty much it; food and shelter. no money otherwise.

He never paid for clothing, baby items (except for crib), personal care products, etc. really just paid for housing and food. sometimes I was still left without food for the day because he didnt want to grocery shop and would bring takeout home after work and going to the gym (around 5pm or later)

He never really tried to improve our relationship either, and said many hurtful things when i would try to get him more involved in either the baby or myself.

I wanted to go back to work when baby was 3 months old, but he did not move us closer to my family as originally planned for support because it was an inconvenience having to drive an extra 10 or 20 minutes to work. every other attempt I made at working were shut down by him saying we couldn't afford the child care or that it impeded with his work (he's in the military)

Sorry, trying not to make this post too lengthy... but those are the most basic bullets i can make about the situation that I find relevant. I feel that he has been emotionally abusive, uninvolved in the baby, and is asking for equal 50% custody without knowing how to take care of her. He has a brother and sister in law who are lawyers that I am sure are giving him plenty of legal advice ever since he broke up our relationship. He has not funded me any money while living together, nor given me much money other than  barely being able to sustain ourselves during his last deployment.

now he is attempting to use the military to strike his name off of the lease, basically leaving me with no job and a baby along with our rent which is $1875 and the lease (that has my name on it) does not end until june or july

I need to know how to find legal advice as a SAHM who has never received (outside of minimal amounts during his deployment) money from previous partner. please help.

Edit: There's a lot of in between obviously that I have not been able to mention because I don't want your eyes to bleed from days of typing out finer details, heh. But regardless, I'd like to note that I am not actively pursuing to gain large amounts of money from him. The reason I put a lot of note on the money issue is because I cannot pay for a lawyer now. I'm not actively trying to hurt his career, and I am not actively trying to hurt his bank account either. I am only trying to figure out how I can help myself with getting a lawyer even though he has not provided me with any money for myself to use.

Answer:
 The military takes soldiers not supporting their children very seriously.

You don't even have to go through the normal child support channels; His commanding officer is empowered to make him support his children.

If he chooses not to, despite what his CO has decided, he will end up in a very small cell facing the end of his career.


Title: Kohl's sent me a rug I didn't order.

Question:
I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this based on Google, but I thought I'd get another opinion.

The previous tenant of the house I'm renting ordered it. She's been gone for months, so it seems she just didn't change her address. There is no Kohl's here, and it was sent via UPS.

Am I in the clear to keep it, or should I go to the trouble of returning it? From what I can find, if it was sent to me, I can keep it, but j want to be sure either way. I searched this subreddit, but wasn't totally sure.

Thanks!

Answer:
 Is your name on the mailing address? If it’s not addressed to you then it seems pretty obvious you shouldn’t keep it. Plus someone else paid for it so it’s really crappy of you to take it. Answer #2: It wasn't "sent to you."

It was sent to someone else at your address.

You can't keep it.Answer #3: > Am I in the clear to keep it

It's not yours, no.

> should I go to the trouble of returning it?

Yes, because it's not yours.


Title: Discriminated against during hiring because of medical marijuana use (AZ)

Question:
Hi everyone, hopefully the title makes sense.  I was working for a company in Phoenix as a temp for five months, and they made me an offer to become a permanent employee.  They had me submit to a background check and a drug screen, and I was told that I wouldn't be hired because of a "problem with my background."  They walked me out in the middle of the afternoon without any further explanation.

Yesterday, I received the background check report results in a certified letter.  It turns out that everything on my background check cleared, but I tested positive for marijuana on the drug screen.  I was genuinely surprised this was an issue, because I had told the medical review officers working for the lab that I had an MMJ card.

Do I have any rights here?  I've been told that unless my position required federal licensing (which it doesn't) that it would be illegal for the company to ignore my patient card.

The hiring manager in HR is telling me I wasn't terminated, and my contact at the staffing agency backs this up.  So what kind of attorney would I pursue to fight this case, if I have one?  Any help would be appreciated.

Answer:
 Arizona is one of the few states with employment protections for MMJ cardholders in an employment context.

>[ARS 36-2813](https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/36/02813.htm) - Discrimination prohibited

>B. Unless a failure to do so would cause an employer to lose a monetary or licensing related benefit under federal law or regulations, an employer may not discriminate against a person in hiring, termination or imposing any term or condition of employment or otherwise penalize a person based upon either:

>1. The person's status as a cardholder.

>2. A registered qualifying patient's positive drug test for marijuana components or metabolites, unless the patient used, possessed or was impaired by marijuana on the premises of the place of employment or during the hours of employment.

Although it’s not quite as simple as “the job needs a federal license” to be exempt from the law - if the job receives federal contracts or grant money which require a drug free workplace (like construction jobs with DOT funding), then it applies to those jobs too.


Title: Fled the scene

Question: I fucked up.  I drifted off the road and crashed into a ditch. I was scared and really upset with no phone so I walked away and went home.  I know I have dug myself in a hole but what can I do? I have to talk to the officer later but I don't know what to say if anything. How do I go about getting an attorney? I'm just very overwhelmed right now. Nobody else was involved btw. Thanks.

Answer: No you absolutely don't have to talk to the police.  They already think they know what happened. What they want from you is a confession. You shouldn't talk to any police without an attorney present.Answer #2: Stop driving drunk.Answer #3: Get an attorney before speaking to the police. Depending on your state this may be a hit and run even though the damage is only to your own vehicle.


Title: I struck a pedestrian with my car (Ontario, Canada)

Question:
Hello all.

I will keep this as simple as possible, please keep any hateful language about me to yourself I already feel awful. I struck a pedestrian with my vehicle. I was at a red light making a right, I crept out into the into the intersection and to be honest I can't recall if I hit them or the ran into me(they were running for a bus).

I immediately called an ambulance after I got out of my car, it was a young girl 14 years old. The police came and took statements from me and witnesses and the first responders came and attended to her while they waited for an ambulance, she went to a hospital as a precaution. The young girl is ok thank god - no broken bones, no head trauma, she might have some bruises on her leg. The cop sent me home before the ambulance arrived with a case, number. I called after \~1.5hrs of being home to check on the status of the girl and that's how I learnt she is ok. At this point I am just waiting to see if there are any charges or anything, but he is off for 4 days. I have not called my insurance at this point.

Is there anything I should do at this point? Feel free to ask more questions, I know a lot of people in the comments will be pissed and rightfully so, but please don't demonize me.

Answer: Call your insurance and let them know you were involved in a collision with a child. You likely have a deadline to inform them if you need to make a claim later - for example, if she needs physio or other treatment not covered by OHIP and her family come after you for the costs.


Title: [CA] What happens if I keep going along with my grandma's illegal schemes?

Question:
**Brief background TL;DR at bottom.**

Age 12 I went to a "behavioral hospital". I got out and was forced to go to a therapist. My grandma forced me to lie to therapist and say I saw and heard voiced, wanted to kill sister, and was extremely depressed. She filed for disability after my numerous diagnosis.

*****

I'm 16 now. I received a letter from SSA for an appointment to be tested by a doctor for a mental evaluation (haven't given it to her yet). She'll want to be in the room to make sure I don't say the wrong thing, and gives passive agressive threats to keep my mouth shut as she answers the questions.

I've made an appointment with the school counselor who knows about it. I have no one to turn to. No family, no friends, no job. She threw me out before, I told CPS worker who didn't really do anything.

*****

She uses the money to buy unnecessary things. Walk into the front room and you'll see a 60" flat screen, leather couch, and a leather chair.

CPS had to force her to pay for my medication (I'm trans). Now, she says she'll only pay for half. Anytime the money is used for my expenses she makes me out as selfish and hates doing it. Always keeping tabs on how much money she's given me to make me feel guilty.

I'm not sure what to do at this point. I also got a long awaited package from my doctor for my name and gender change on the same day. I reported her for fraud a while back (few months ago), so I'm not sure if this is just coincidence or they're advancing their investigation.

*****

**TL;DR: Grandma forced me to lie so she could claim disability payments. A letter was sent with a date and time for a mental evaluation from SSA. What happens if I do/do not go along with it?**

Answer:
 I would like to add, on a personal note, not legal, that you should get this fixed as soon as possible. I had a therapist that had children (well parents) try to this with her. She was saying it could ruin(or at least extremely inconvenience) the children's life because they would always be labeled as such. You may, or may not, be worried about getting your grandmother in trouble, but she is just using you for a meal ticket. Get things set right sooner than later, so your life isn't screwed up in the long run.

  Does the paper have an email address or phone number? give them a call and tell them to say to your grandmother the interview MUST be in private. Then tell them what you need to.Answer #2: Meet with the medical professional on your own if at all possible and tell the truth. Answer #3: Here is how to contact the Social Security Administration to report fraud: http://oig.ssa.gov/report-fraud-waste-or-abuse/fraud-waste-and-abuse BUT I think you don't have to go right to filing a report. Try calling their fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 and just asking some questions. You should be able to ask questions without giving personal information, and they're not gonna trace the call to try and find someone just asking questions.

I hope your guidance counselor can also give you some good, well, guidance. :D Best of luck to you!Answer #4: Tell the doctors the truth and your fears


Title: Legality of acquiring DNA samples

Question:
So I'm watching one of those forensics shows, and they have a murdered woman.  There is evidence that she had sex the same day she was murdered.  Husband submits a DNA sample willingly; wasn't a match.  Her boyfriend (she was having an affair) says it wasn't him, but refuses to volunteer a DNA sample.  They have no legal reason to compel him to give a sample, so they're stuck.

&#x200B;

So here's the question.  Let's pretend I'm the spouse of the boyfriend.  I hear he's been banging some chick behind my back, that's bad enough.  But now she's been murdered, and my husband, the big dick, is a suspect.  I want to know the truth, and if Husband did it, I want him to fry, baby, fry!  So I get him to give me a little loving that night.  The next morning, I sprint to the police station and say, "You want a DNA sample, I got you one right now!" and get them to get his DNA from my ... person.

Is that even legal?  would that sample, acquired in such an odd way, be legally admissible in court?

Answer:
 It's not *illegal* necessarily, but it would not be legally admissible for a *lot* of reasons.

The biggest is that if they had a reason to suspect that the boyfriend was the person who had sex with her the day she was murdered, then they *could* actually compel him to submit his DNA.  If they do not have enough evidence to do that, then they don't have enough evidence to use his DNA.  The entire seduction is pointless - if they *could* use DNA obtained in such a way, they would have a legal route to get it.

In fact, a stunt like this can make the court's job a lot harder.  There are rules about how evidence has to be obtained; breaking those rules can get the evidence thrown out.  *From any source*.  So a stunt like this, in a worst case, could make it impossible for the prosecutors to use the boyfriend's DNA *in the case at all*, even if later it's determined that his DNA is necessary.

The *useful* thing to do would be to let the police/prosecutor know that you have evidence that your BF had sex with the murdered woman the day she was murdered - even if all you have is your suspicions.

CSI and other similar forensic shows are usually about as realistic as a Batman comic.  Real evidence collection is boring, procedural, and methodical.  Exciting stunts result in inadmissable evidence.


Title: Was given counterfeit money. Tried to deposit. Investigation ensuing?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Cooperate with the investigation. You didn't counterfeit the money, but you know who gave it to you…Answer #2: The bank will send the suspected counterfeit money to the Secret Service for inspection. If the money is legit the Secret Service will send the money back to the bank and they will deposit it in your account. If the money is counterfeit the Secret Service will keep it and you are basically screwed.

The Secret Service might contact you and ask for more details about where you got the money from but they have millions of dollars worth of counterfeit bills to deal with and $660 might not warrant an official investigation.Answer #3: Well the friend owes you $660 so I wouldn't give him the car unless it comes back real.

This is probably a time where I was paid x from y for my car is probably worth telling the police if and when you are questioned (for $600 I would think they will but YMMV).  Do be aware that you will be under suspicion here so be careful what you say as it could come back to haunt you. That said in this case remaining silent will probably just leave you on the top the suspect list.

If you have money a quick consult with a lawyer would be a decent idea though hopefully you don't actually end up needing it.


Title: (Romania) If someone ALIVE is legally dead and the appeal has been denied, how does this affect how laws affect them?

Question: Sorry if this has been posted before. This question is based on a TRUE STORY from March of this year. A man was declared dead by the courts when out if the country, and when he returned his appeal was denied. Would he be given a new identity? If not, would he still be liable for taxes? Would he be eligible to drive? What about crimes committed against him or by him?

Answer:
 I addressed some of this over there: https://www.reddit.com/r/Wellthatsucks/comments/8rkk25/comment/e0sm3ub?st=JII7YS4U&sh=5874ddb7

This was back in March, pretty sure it has been straightened out since then. He won’t be given a new identity, the declaration of death will be simply annuled. From a criminal law standpoint, none of this bears any relevance. He’s, of course, not exempt from any potential criminal charges should he commit a crime.


Title: [CAN] Sold a home, now new owners trying to sue us for "deficit/damages" we must have known about.

Question:
(Edit: Canada)
So, the new owners had an inspection and signed off on everything.

We got a note three months after closing saying they had emergency sewer work and there was a problem on our main lateral drain as it goes out to the city. Their repair person said it was blocked to the point that "we must have known."  They said there was water on the floor the day they moved in yet it wasn't conveyed to their/our lawyer til later.

In the 7 plus years of us owning the home we had Roto Rooter twice to clear blockages and both times it was for tree roots and thick toilet paper (my ass can't take it.)

The place where we lived is notorious for basement backups and even the city has offered a reimbursement program for backwater valves.  The new owners keep escalating their lawyer saying we're responsible and hid something.

Any wisdom you can give is appreciated!

Answer: If you're sued don't ignore it, but I wouldn't worry. It's notoriously hard to win a suit for undisclosed problems after buying a house. The sellers have to *prove* you knew about it and didn't disclose it. A plumber saying "they must've known" likely doesn't meet the criteria. It would have to be something like, you had a plumber come out and they told you that if you didn't fix a pipe, it was going to break and cause a flood within the next 6 months, and you decided not to deal with the expense because you were about to sell your house. They would need to get a statement or testimony from that plumber confirming that he had informed you of the problem, and then show that you didn't inform the sellers.


Title: [US, CA] Sold a product to a company, is it legal for them to say they made it.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: What were the terms of the sale?


Title: Keep getting calls from “the irs”

Question: I keep getting calls from different numbers saying that they are from the irs and I need to get back to them immediately or the local police will come and take me into custody. It’s a phishing scam right? Just making sure

Answer:
 Yes, it's a scam. The IRS will never call you.Answer #2: It’s a scam, but a downright fun one! Pretend to be scared and give them fake information. (Google Fake Name Generators)

I used to get cold calls all the time from a variety of scammers. Given my job, I have time on my hands to waste as much of their time as I possible can. Every minute they spend with me is a minute they’re not working on some poor soul. Have some fun with it, offer to pay them thousands of dollars and ask if you can write a check, or if they accept some unknown currency. I don’t get as many cold calls anymore, this saddens me. :(


Title: Signed for 1 apartment, given another, I don't know what to do :'(

Question:
I'm not sure if I can post the pictures here, or the contract, or the info of where I am renting from - or if I should keep all that private until after I hire a lawyer.

I live in Saint Louis, Missouri

I've been picking up a lot of OT at work to help pay some of the bills, so I hadn't a lot of time to go apartment hunting, I found a apartment online, which looked really good for the price - 1 bed, 705sq - 735 a month.

I called in and spoke to "A" for about 10 minutes over the apartment, was told they were recently renovated, and that I would have a washer dryer hook up in my apartment, I said cool, I'll swing by.

Now at this time, I didn't have a lot of time to look at all the different places I went to, I can't remember if I looked at this apartment or not, but I do remember going in and getting the papers and brochure of the place and leaving, I then looked at all the apartments and decided on this place.

When I called back in "A" said the apartment would be ready to go on the 9th of Sept - she sent me some info over, I looked it over, and put it on hold for 150$ and paid the 50$ app fee, well at this time, the head manager sent me the link and the apartment to apply for, WHILE person A still worked there, and knew what kind of apartment I wanted, well person A didn't talk to the manager, and the manager sent me a different apartment.

I didn't know this, but I put down the 150$ and 50$ app fee thinking that I was getting the apt with the washer dryer hook up, well I never did the app, got busy with work, and time passed by, and sept the 6th rolled by, i get a e-mail from the assistant manager stating that person A was no longer working in that office, and she was taking over my move in, and I needed to sign everything to move in, I did it all online, and signed the contract and everything on the 8th.

on the 9th in between appointments I swung by gave a money order for 422.00$ and got my move in letters, well I took the keys and went back to work. that Night I swung by the apartment to check it out...

it wasn't what I was told I was getting, it didn't even have the washer dryer hook ups, well... this is where things get crazy

The apartment smells really badly of smoke, there is a lot of minor damage throughout the apartment, they put two buckets under the AC system to catch the dripping water, the closet door fell off when I tried to close it, the bathroom was not clean, there was a gap between the molding on the tub, and the wall, there was a big hole I could stick my finger through, i mean there were so many things wrong, even a outlet plate was broken.

I took pictures of everything, and I have a ton of pictures, I even took pictures of the smallest things because I wanted proof of everything wrong, I sent a e-mail that night to the assistant manager telling her that I was not happy with the apartment, and she needed to call me asap

she called me the next morning, and asked me what was wrong, I told her there was to much stuff wrong to talk about, I was with a customer, and I would meet at the place later to do a walkthrough with her, she said she wasn't going to close the office for that, and I would have to wait till next week to do that.

I still showed up between an appointment and showed her all the photos of everything wrong, and at almost every picture she just rolled her eyes, and kept saying, ok...what's wrong here, and one of the photos shows a cabinet leaning off the wall, and inside the cabinet it shows the screws not even being all the way in, only 3/4 of the way in, which is why it wasn't firm against the wall, she said it's been like that for years, it was fine how it was, and the screw sticking out wasn't an issue.

and everything I pointed out, they sprayed white foam stuff in the oven for cleaner, then only cleaned the very front, you can see where it was missing not being cleaned, and she said she knew the cleaning lady very well, and wouldn't do something like that, even while looking at the photo.

this went on for every photo, excuses, and rolling eyes on every issue, she said the only thing she didn't like was the bucket collecting water for the AC and she would take that out, but then I told her about the bad odor of smoke, and she said that she was very allergic to cigarette smoke, and had there been someone smoking in there, she would of been sent to the hospital from being sick of the smell, so that it was not possible there was a smoke smell, I said there was, she said maybe one of the neighbors above or below me was smoking and it just came through... no... it didn't, it was bad... even the AC didn't work

what can I do? I don't know where to go, I told her I wanted a different apartment or to be let out of the contract, she said they had no other apartments, couldn't let me switch, and said "well you signed the contract, you can't get out of it, there is nothing we can do for you"

what rights do I have? can I go somewhere? this is clearly a place I wouldn't want to be, even IF I got a different apartment.

Answer: Was the exact unit you were shown stipulated in your contract? Did the washer/dryer hookup you wanted come in the contract as well?


Title: Friend being strip searched right now

Question:
   BC CANADA

 Just got pulled over (I as a passenger). Driver of the car had a small amount of marijuana that he turned over to police as the cop said he could smell it and was going to search. He also had 4 morphine tablets with no prescription and he "crotched" them. Ironically he has been clean for 2 months and was going to leave the last bit of what he had at a friends who has a narcotics prescription. They had a dog who "alerted" on his persons and they are taking him to the station for a strip search, he declined all searches and said he wanted to talk to his lawyer right away.

I would like to know

a) Will the strip search likely be complete to the point of going inside underwear?

b) If they find them how long will he likely be detained/jailed

c) Is there anything I should be doing? ie. looking for a lawyer.

thanks

Answer:
 No one is clean for 2 months, has 4 morphine pills, and sticks them in his crotch to give them to someone else when cops pull him over.

Source: Recovering from addiction

He needs a criminal attorney. If he is clean, a urinalysis will reflect that, which may lessen the blow a little.


Title: [Colorado] My room mate passed away, I am still living in the house she owned and her daughter gave me 30 days notice.

Question:
I started renting a room from a wonderful lady this summer, and then 11 days later she passed away from natural causes, she was 66. Now her daughter is giving me a 30 day notice that I have to move out, even though I have not signed a lease with her, and her mom didn't make me sign one either.

Yesterday while I was at work she sent me a text saying that she was getting a deep freeze from the garage as she had sold it to a friend. She specifically said that she was not going in the house, however she did and texted me after telling me. I felt that my privacy was violated, and when I spoke up about it, she told me that its best that I move, via text, saying that it was my official notice to move out and that they would give it to me in writing some time.

Can she enforce the 30 day notice with out me signing a lease, since the property is not in her name?

Answer:
 If the house passed to her daughter you're being a complete ass and are entirely in the wrong. You have no grounds to stop her from getting a freezer and your privacy concern is baseless. You're a month to month tenant renting a room not the whole house. The daughter wants you out and is doing everything by the book. You will have to find a new place to live.    You seem to think not having lease gives you more rights to stay when in fact the opposite is true. Answer #2: Are you sure the property isn't in her name, now that her mother has died? It very well may be.

You are considered a month to month tenant, so you can be given 30 days notice to vacate. You should be grateful you're getting 30; In Colorado, landlords are only legally obligated to provide 7.Answer #3: So, first of all, you're just renting a room.  She is (assuming the house is now hers through inheritance) perfectly legal to enter the house and do whatever.  She just can't enter your room.

Without a lease she can give you notice at any time to leave since you're a month-to-month tenant by default.


Title: I received a summons to appear in court for an illegally dumped car. I never owned the car.

Question:
I am located in New York, and the summons came from New Jersey. It did not come to me under my name, rather under my business's name.

It states that I have to pay a sum of $1070 for missing plates, uninspected, obscured plates, and missing registration. They sent me a VIN number as well.

I have never owned this car and when I went to the conference to discuss this, they gave me a 450$ plea deal, which I still will not pay considering I never owned it.

I was also told by a worker from the DMV that it is up to me to provide proof that I did not own this car, rather than them showing me the proof that I did. I find this fucking ridiculous, and while I am pretty sure that is bullshit I do not know how to proceed.

If anyone can help, that would be great. Thank you.

Answer:
 Demand evidence that the vehicle is yours: registration, a bill of sale, something. Then you'll likely have to contest the charge in court.

There are a lot of shady towns & villages out there who love to issue citations left and right - particularly to out of state plates - but the judges are usually a bit less crooked.


Title: Request to have my name removed from online obituary being ignored by funeral home [WV]

Question:
I’m not really sure if this is the right place to ask because it’s not the kind of thing that should require a big deal like lawyers and court, I just wanted to know if I have any kind of right to privacy or something like that.

My name and location were included in an obituary last week. I did not expect to be mentioned in it since I’m not a close relative, if I thought they were going to list me in it I would have asked the family not to do that beforehand. The reason I’m uncomfortable with this is because I have been stalked for the past six years and if you’ve ever googled yourself you know that online obituaries are one of the first things that pop up when you search someone’s name. Almost every city/town in WV is a “small town” so it’s not terribly hard to locate someone if you have an idea where they live, but instead of just listing the city I live in *they named the specific neighborhood within the city*. You could drive around for less than 15 minutes and see every house there is to see here, having that out there makes it extremely easy to find me. I have gone out of my way for the past six years to be as discreet as possible, I don’t even use social media because of him. This guy is legit insane and dangerous, I live alone with my young daughter and I don’t want this information out there.

So I contacted the funeral home several times last week, I called them twice and emailed once. I very politely asked to have my name edited out of the online listings and briefly explained why. I know it’s been published in one physical newspaper and I can’t do anything about that but I’m more worried about it being searchable online anyway. And the longer it’s out there the higher the chance it will be picked up by other websites (legacy.com, tribute.com, etc) which will make it even harder for me to get my name removed. The person who answers the phone told me they don’t have the authority to do that and they’d have to take a message to the owner which has not yet been returned nor has the online obituary been changed. I could tell that the lady I spoke to was taken aback by this, her tone just sounded offended like this was very disrespectful for me to ask. Maybe it’s not a common request, I don’t know. But they won’t respond to me. I’m going to try again, probably today, but I doubt it will make much difference. I thought about asking the person who handled the funeral to contact them but that’s sort of a last resort as I don’t want to bother them while they’re still grieving, and again I’m not exactly close to these people. I didn’t even go to the funeral.

Answer: If you have a lawyer write a threatening letter that might work.


Title: (Minnesota, Minneapolis) Charged with 5th degree possession "not small amount of marijuana" in 2015 waved my right to speedy trial, messed up again (info in comment)

Question:
So I was arrested in 2015 with 36 grams of marijuana and a scale. In Minnesota 42.5 grams (I think) is a felony, so my charged was bumped up to a 5th degree possession (felony) with addition to the scale for intent to sell. I have done well in having no police contact but was pulled over with me and my girlfriend last week and had roughly 12 grams confiscated from me that were personal, I was recently given notice in the mail to a court date for a "drug possession, posses diversion , schedule 1,2,3,4 not small amount of marijuana" does this mean with my new charge of marijuana that my non felony
Amount of weed in 2015 is now considered a felony? (I was already charged with a felony for the sales but the amount was to small to charge me for a felony quanity of weed in 2015) thank you all

Answer:
 Not legal advice but maybe you should strongly consider not continually breaking the same laws that you are waiting trial for previously breaking.  When the DA sees your second arrest for the same thing do you think that he/she is going to say

A) Imscrewedarenti420 is a good citizen who fucked up once and deserves a chance to get themselves cleaned up and to be the best member of society possible.  Let's go easy on them and maybe downgrade the felony to a misdemeanor.

Or

B) Imscrewedarenti420 is a habitual criminal who has learned absolutely nothing from their first arrest and continues to defy the law in spite of pending felony charges.  I should ask for the most significant punishment I can so that maybe, just maybe he/she will learn something from this occurrence and not have a third round.

Again I'm not a lawyer but I kinda have a suspicion as to which way this is gonna go.


Title: No women on business trip

Question:
Throwaway account. I’m in Texas.

There’s an annual trip at work. This is for both employees and customers in a male dominated industry. It’s a weekend filled with drinking and activities.

This year, they are not allowing women. It’s for safety reasons and because the men can’t be themselves. Nothing bad has happened to cause this.

Is this discrimination? I can see them changing the wording to no office workers, because there’s no men in the office and no women out in the field.

Answer:
 > because the men can’t be themselves

You mean act inappropriately? Companies probably trying to prevent any sexual harassment cases coming through. A better way of doing this is obviously a "Keep your hands to yourself and don't say it unless you'd say it to your mother" policy, but that would be too mean on the men(!)Answer #2: If women can't go doesn't that effectively mean that the men are being paid more, ie the cost of the business trip more than women?


Title: Charter has been charging me $12.99 a month over 4 months for a service I was explicitly told would be free

Question:
When I called charter back in August to setup my account, I was explicitly told that I would get free DVR service for 12 months with the service I signed up for. I recently just looked at my billing statement (I had autopay so I never noticed), and I'm being charged $12.99 for this service that was supposed to be free. I tried calling charter and explaining the situation, but she was like, "well you can add on a landline and then get free DVR". NO. I want was I was explicitly promised through verbal agreement.

Is there anyway I should go about this to get reimbursed and pay the amount I was told I would pay? I'm surprised that at the least, they didn't offer to reimburse me for the last 4 months charges, and offer to cancel DVR service or then allow me to knowingly and willingly pay for the service from here on out.

I live in Madison, WI if that makes any difference.

Answer: Escalate with their customer service. Threaten to leave them altogether. It's more of a customer service issue than a legal one at this point.


Title: Hello I need advice asap about DUI

Question: My girlfriend who is 21 was just arrested and is being taken to a facility to be booked. I'm really not sure what is going to happen. Can anyone tell me what I should do as her boyfriend? Will I be able to pick her up today? ty

Answer:
 State?

You likely could. If you know what jail she is at, she may have jail bond already that you can pay to get her out. If you do not know, you can call a police station to see if they know.


Title: [Newport, Maine] Being sued by customer over treatment by an employee; employee was fired and is also suing me too.

Question:
I run an auto sales dealership and repair shop, and I had to fire an employee last week who I'd hired on a TN visa (a Canadian woman); she was fired for sexual harassment of a customer.

I received an email threatening legal action from a woman alleging that an employee at my garage had sexually harassed her by asking about the color of her underwear and if she could try on her sports bra and skirt and asking what her bra size was. I'd already fired the employee anyway, because it was on CCTV.

I have evidence, CCTV footage but obviously I can't link to that here.

That same week the employee was fired, she sent me an email saying she was going to get an attorney and sue me for unfair dismissal (she's worked here since 2012). She's also claiming that I fired her for being Canadian, when I only fired her for sexual harassment of a customer and stealing from work (she ate a birthday cake meant for a long-serving staff member, who's worked here for 25 years).

What are my legal options, aside from getting an attorney?

I'm in a clusterfuck of a situation here. I can't provide details for confidentiality reasons, but it's a new situation and I don't know what to do before things get worse.

Any legal eagles able to help?

Answer:
 > What are my legal options, aside from getting an attorney?

Do nothing.

Neither of those idiots is going to sue you. If either of them somehow finds a lawyer who doesn't laugh them out of his office and you get served with papers, then hire an attorney. For now, just cease communication with both parties.


Title: Is it possible to deport someone with no passport and identification ?

Question: im planning go to iceland from norway and destroy all my identification in air. then claim asylum in the terminal. is there a chance they can refuse and deport me with no papers and proof whatsoever of who i am ?

Answer:
 This is a pretty horrible idea.

You don't claim asylum by standing up and shouting "I CLAIM ASYLUM!"  The country has to willingly offer it to you.Answer #2: Yeah, it's entirely possible for them to refuse. They're going to want to know who you are and why you want asylum. If you're a fugitive for certain crimes, for example, they may not be willing to grant you asylum as you may not be worth their risking of their relationship with whatever country you're fleeing from.Answer #3: I really hope they send you back to Turkey.Answer #4: I once got stuck in Iceland because I flew standby and there weren't any available seats out for like a week. KEF is a very nice airport, but there's not much in the little area before customs. I don't recommend trying this.Answer #5: >is there a chance they can refuse and deport me with no papers and proof whatsoever of who i am ?

Yes, they will without doubt. Iceland does not grant asylum to refugees it can't identify.


Title: I rented a house and the owner locked off a large section of it and left for Taiwan. The lease says nothing about staying out of these areas. Can I pick the lock and use that area?

Question:
I'm also concerned there's something sketchy in there.

Thanks!

Answer:
 No.  Stay out of the locked areas.

It is common for rentals of houses like this, or seasonal rentals, to have areas where the owner locks off to store private stuff they don't want people rummaging through.  And by private I mean ordinary stuff and not "sketchy" items.   For example he just might not want you sleeping in his bed or digging through his clothing, underwear and personal toiletries.  He might have other such personal items stored in the basement.

If you don't like the limitations then tell him you thing that putting those areas off limits is inconsistent with the lease and vacate.  But do not break into his private areas.

There is a strong possibility he has alarms or surveillance in the locked off areas which would detect a break in and if you do so you could find yourself in various types of civil and criminal trouble.Answer #2: Did you rent the whole house? What does your lease say about those rooms? What does your landlord say? They have phones and email in Taiwan.

Also don't pick a lock. Answer #3: >I'm also concerned there's something sketchy in there.

I'm concerned there's something sketchy out here.

Did you have access to the whole house, including the master suite, before, and you ~~lived alone~~ had exclusive use of the house? Or is this a roommate situation?Answer #4: You're renting a room, not a whole house. You're entitled to the room and the common areas that aren't locked off.Answer #5: We had someone do this at my school and when the head found out he was charged for not only his suite but the other one as well! Be careful!


Title: [MD] Landlord is saying that if I cannot find a place in time to move into before my lease ends on April 15th that I will be prosecuted.

Question:
My lease date ends April 15.

Maryland's governor has announced that you cannot be evicted during this time. I really feel that things are going to get worse before they get better here in Maryland (and everywhere else), and that it is going to be significantly difficult and risky to move out at the peak of the escalation of a global pandemic hitting the United States.

Landlord claims that since my lease is ending it doesn't count as eviction, and I am not protected by our governors promise to help ensure people have housing during the crisis. We have signs on the highways now sponsored by the state government saying "Stay Home, Save Lives" and we are highly encouraged to limit all non-essential activity.

How can this possibly be fair? We are in the ramp up stages of an unprecedented pandemic and I am going to be made homeless because I could not find somewhere to move everything into during the peak of the crisis here? I am supposed to risk my family's health breaking the travel restrictions encouraged by the government just because my lease end date happened to end at the worst time? Even if I find a place during this time, is there any guarantee that there will be movers available in a few weeks if they are all on lockdown too?

I have no idea what to do and am panicking immensely.

Answer: Your landlord is wrong. He would still have to evict you.  But if your lease is ending you do need to find a new place to live.  What efforts have you made to find a place? You can submit applications, send emails, and call people without leaving your home.


Title: Uh... What?

Question:
Sorry for the vague title, as I'm still a little shaken over this, though I can't really think of any reason to be.

About nine months ago, I moved out of my rommates' house and moved on with my life. I now live nearly 3 hours away, and I received a call from my roommate asking if I was okay. I, of course, answered with "I'm fine." I haven't been up to much. Working, eating, sleeping. She said the only reason she was asking was due to the fact that a police officer had gone up to their door asking for me? I can't imagine what I could have possibly done, but my heart is fluttering in the worst of ways. Any notion as to why the police would be looking for me? My roommate didn't act like they came off as urgently trying to get into contact with me. The police officer had asked her when I moved, and she had expressed that it was roughly nine months ago, which they responded with an , "Oh, okay." Or something like that. It was dropped there. I'm a little concerned. Even then, I had gotten a warning for speeding maybe 7 months ago, and nothing was said to me about anything then? By this time I had a new address which was provided to the officer that pulled me over.

About a year ago, the boyfriend of a friend I am no longer in contact with had been incarcerated for something stupid he did, but I don't think that would have anything to do with me? Wouldn't my local PD try to contact me if it was urgent? Do I have reason to be as concerned as I am?

I try very hard to abide by all laws. I don't even j-walk when I can help it. I'm pretty worried over this. I'm sorry that this is all over the place. I'm just trying to categorize my thoughts. I understand that I am likely going to need to go into my local police department and ask them about it, but I can't do that until my manager gets back from her vacation in case I am detained for something I had no idea I did. I sound like an idiot right now. Sheesh. I'm sorry.

Answer: Ignore it. If it’s real and important you will be easy to find by police. Less so by non police


Title: Grandma was scammed out of $8000 dollars trying to get my parents into a low-income apartment?

Question:
First and foremost I’m located in Southern California. I learned most of the story second-hand from my parents so apologies if I can’t get super specific.

I’m pretty sure that due to the lack of documentation that my family/grandma can’t sue in small claims court and the sort of legal nature of it (?), but I wanted to ask if there is any actions that my family can take.

The basic story goes that my grandma paid someone who goes to the same church as her to help my parents get into a low-income apartment. To my knowledge there was no contract signed and nothing written down other than through text/phone calls/in person. From my understanding this money would go to this woman and the person who manages the low-income apartment applications to speed up the move-in process as it is competitive housing. (Which I’m pretty sure is illegal?? But my mother told me it was also super common? I’m not sure..)

The money was paid upfront and my parents went in to turn in their application, only to be denied due to their bad credit. The manager told us to apply again when all the outstanding credit was cleared. We were all very confused as my parents were told the credit wouldn’t matter as my grandmother had paid $8000. But turns out the woman who took my grandmother’s money kept it all for herself and spent it all. She refuses to pay us back, saying that she doesn’t have the money, or just to “wait a little longer to get an apartment/refund” (Its been well over a year now since the initial payment and it really sucks not having much money and having someone take advantage of your family...)

My grandma is at her wits end and wants to just drop everything entirely while my dad and I are looking for legal options. My grandma apparently talked to some people and they advised her to not bother suing due to how long it will take to get her money back and the probability that she will only get a partial amount...

But if there is no way to get money back is there any way to take legal action to get this scammer in trouble or at the very least fined? It makes me sick that there are people out there who scam people who can barely get by and lead them on for months.... Thank you for reading and I appreciate the advice!

Answer: Your Grandmother bribed someone. You should probably think about that before attempting legal action, she could spend a lot more than $8K on legal fees if you open up this can of worms.


Title: State sent me someone else's notice for their unpaid taxes, and has been snatching up my shit. [IN]

Question:
Long story short, a few years ago, after filing my state taxes, I got a letter from the Indiana DOR stating that I hadn't paid my taxes, which included details about income, taxes due, etc., none of which were mine.  After freaking out for a few hours, I realized the letter wasn't even addressed to me--it was a name very similar to mine, with one letter different.

I sent a letter back, detailing the error, and assumed it would be fixed.  It wasn't.  Since then, I bought a vehicle, state took the title, and I've been receiving calls from collections agencies.

I've refiled my Indiana taxes for that year, hoping to set their records straight, but I was wondering, is there anything else I can do about this?  Should I get a lawyer?  How can I clear my credit/the lien on my vehicle title?

Answer:
 /r/tax might be able to give you some advice. Tell the collection agencies to give you their address, then send them a letter via certified mail with return receipt disputing the validity of the debt until you can get this figured out. You can also requests that all communication be via mail so that they quit calling you.

It probably wouldn't hurt to try to find yourself a tax attorney to speak with about all of this, too. That is who would be most qualified to help.Answer #2: How exactly has the state snatched up your title and such if you said the name is different than the one listed on the letter? Answer #3: IANAL, but you might also try contacting your state representative or senator.  They can often cut through any red tape in dumb mistakes that a state government made.


Title: Copyright and Blackmail

Question:
This is a bit of an odd scenario, but I'm writing a novel and I'm hoping someone can help me out.

A paparazzi takes a photo of a closeted public figure kissing their same sex partner. Instead of selling it to the press, the paparazzi offers to sell the photo to the public figure in question, basically trying to blackmail the public figure. The public figure in question responds by calling a press conference, coming out, naming the paparazzi and giving all of the reporters attending copies of the picture of them kissing their partner.

Are the new agencies covering the press conference able to run the photo, or do they have to seek the paparazzi's permission and pay them for the the use of the image? Does the paparazzi still hold the rights to the photo at that point? What happens to the copyright?

Answer:
 Blackmail is a crime far worse than copyright infringement. After that press conference, the paparazzi will have to worry about much more than his copyright.

It would be very difficult to argue for copyright infringement in this case since:

- The paparazzi hadn't published the photo and sent it to the public figure of their own will.

- The value of the photo is not its intrinsic artistic qualities. It's only valuable because it holds information regarding the public figure's privacy, which is not copyrightable.

- The public figure did not use the photo commercially in any way.

- The public figure used the photos as evidence of them being blackmailed and to comment on what it shows. So I think that would be fair use anyhow.


Title: (Austin, TX) I ordered furniture from an online company four months ago and have received nothing. Company now seems to be avoiding my phone calls, I just want a refund.

Question:
On September 20th, I ordered a bedframe from Pearl Igloo - https://www.pearligloo.com/

They didn't specify a date when it would arrive, but their website says that nationwide deliveries take 2-3 weeks. I called them every week to see where we were at with the furniture and they kept telling me that it was delayed by the manufacturer and they didn't have in stock (to which I said that when I ordered it it had been in stock). Anyhow, they never once contacted me throughout this process and after a month I submitted a complaint to the FTC because they were violating "The 30-day Rule" - https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/business-guide-ftcs-mail-internet-or-telephone-order

I was so upset with this company I didn't think they would give me a refund (why I submitted with the FTC). So after a few more months passed, I continued intermittently calling and basically being ignored.

So I filed a complaint with the BBB, but realized this company had no address (so the BBB could not go forward) - although, it is a child company of another one which does have an address (but the BBB rejected my update).

I sent them another email over a week ago citing that they were breaking the 30 day rule and that I was demanding a refund - I've gotten no response. I've even recorded my last conversations with them where they are telling me they'll get me a refund (but never do).

I really feel like I'm getting screwed here - none of the resources available to me seem to be helping and I'm pretty sure these guys have no intention of refunding me my money. Please help me.

Answer:
 How did you pay?

If it is by credit card, talk to them about reversing the charge.

The BBB is just Yelp for old people, btw.  They have no legal force behind them.


Title: Apartment maintenance keeps coming in unannounced. On and off issue for 6+ months. US/FL

Question:
This started back in December of last year. They knock once then unlock the door immediately. They’ve claimed a plumbing issue every time. But they have spent multiple hours here (back in December and again in January) fixing the plumbing. Back in February, I once came home to my door wide open... the door to the apartment that I pay extra to have indoor cats in. I asked them nicely to close the door if they came in, and the maintenance guy said that he did close it and got moody.

Fast forward to the month of May, they’ve come in 3 times this week only to run the water in the kitchen for 30 seconds and accuse us of smoking weed when we ask for a minute to clean up.

For what it’s worth, I am smoking weed, but I have my medical card and have had it the entire time I’ve lived here.

What can I do? this is getting old. The lease doesn’t say anything about a warning before coming in and I have talked to the people in charge of the complex and they claim that for plumbing emergencies they are allowed to come in whenever they want but were apologetic.

Answer: They can only come in without reasonable notice in the case of an actual emergency (and even then, they have to make reasonable efforts to get permission). Contact them today and notify them that if they enter without permission again, you will call the cops and swear out a trespassing complaint, and possibly pursue a restraining order.


Title: Can my job (Hooters) force me to quit/take a leave if I need to wear a catheter for 4 weeks following surgery? (Texas)

Question:
Is this legal & how should I approach the situation? Please help, I cannot find any information online. Note that Hooter Girls are hired as "entertainers" instead of waitresses.
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 If a catheter prevents you from properly performing as a Hooters girl, possibly. They have to make reasonable accommodations for your medical needs, but creating new job duties just so you can be assigned to them isn't usually a reasonable accommodation.Answer #2: Ask your surgeon if you can use a catheter plug instead of a leg bag. With a catheter plug you would empty you bladder into a toilet by removing the plug when the bladder gets full. Whether or not you can do this will depend on what type of surgery you are having. Answer #3: Unless there is some job you can do that allows you to wear more concealing clothes and/or be out of the public eye, I don't think they are wrong in asking you to take leave.

Nobody is going to want to be served food by someone wearing a visible urine bag taped to their leg.  It may be completely sanitary but I'm sure you can understand how it would be off putting to customers.

If you can't work, look into whether there is some state short-term disability that might pay part of your wages for that time.


Title: (Chicago) Landlord changed the locks on my apartment in July. Now I have to wait a few hours for him to meet me for my key.

Question: Long story short, I was in Michigan taking care of some family business and i just got back to Chicago today. Back in July, while I was away, he changed the lock on the front door to the apartment and refused to mail me the key. Now that I am back in town i need access to my place, but he says he won't be around for a few hours. Am I allowed to call the cops to gain access to my apartment? What evidence do I need to show to prove this is my residence?

Answer: Why did he change the locks? This could be considered an "illegal eviction." He should have waited until you returned. Good thing dumb LL are common on this sub. In this case, I would suggest waiting it out unless it is URGENT.Answer #2: I'm assuming you meant that he changed the lock on the front, common area door, and not your individual apartment, right? This is not an illegal eviction nor is the landlord "dumb". Wait a couple hours for him/her to meet you with the key. You've been away from the apt for two+ months so doesn't seem like too big a deal. That's much better than possibly bring subjected to issues with a crazy pants former tenant that the landlord is obviously trying to keep out.


Title: Do I need to present an ID for family court? I want to testify for my brother who has a custody case coming up but i don't want my former SIL to know my address. Florida

Question: Me and my SIL's cousin has years of back and forth beef but a couple years ago i stopped participating in that lifestyle and moved and am safe and secure. Her cousin is still very active in that lifestyle and i don't want her or the cousin finding out my address. Does family court require an ID to testify? If so can my SIL or her lawyer (her family friend) get a copy of it? Can they request to see it? Broward County FL

Answer: Does your brother have an attorney? If the custody case is reaching the point of in-court testimony, your brother should NOT be doing this on his own. Your testimony could do more harm than good if not brought forth through an attorney. If he DOES have an attorney, then you need to let him know your safety concerns so he/she can do what they can to protect your address, if anything. Note that in my experience you don't present an ID, per se, but witnesses are usually asked identifying questions on the stand. That is why it's important to discuss it with the person who will be eliciting your testimony, the attorney. Answer #2: Fyi passports dont have addresses on them


Title: [NE] My brother's (31M) girlfriend (26F) is spreading false rumors about him sexually abusing their daughter. Can he get the police involved for defamation of character without getting arrested himself?

Question:
My brother and his girlfriend are both high functioning mentally disabled, but not to the point where they don't understand that lying about serious crimes is not something people should do.

My brother's girlfriend told a lot of people that my brother made his little girl play Hot Wheels in the nude and put cars in "the garage." Note that she's still living with him, and she hasn't gone to the police. You would think that if that really happened, she'd take the kids away immediately and call the cops rather than just gossip about it while out drinking. She has friends and relatives who could come pick her and the kids up if she wanted them to. And people who know about her intellectual disability must have suggested to her that she should get the hell out. Furthermore, though I know this isn't proof of anything in itself, she laughs about the story while she tells it and then switches gears to act like he's a horrible person.

Something else to note, she has a previous conviction for spreading false rumors about sexual abuse. She made a false police report when she was 18 and said that a teacher had been fondling her breasts while he walked by her in class every day. She and a friend admitted it was a senior prank. She got off with just community service and mental health treatment, but it's still a conviction on her record for defamation of character. To get that conviction, the court obviously had to prove she was mentally competent enough to know what she did was wrong, and they were able to do that.

She's continued to tell stories that seemed fishy ever since then, and I think she might be a compulsive liar. I don't have any way to know if she is right or wrong, but her history of lying keeps me from trusting anything she says.

If my brother goes to the police for defamation of character, can he get her locked up? Or will they assume the sexual abuse actually happened until it is proven false and arrest him instead? It is his word vs hers. Their daughter is 3 and answers "yes" to the question, "Did he touch you?" not understanding the implied meaning behind it.

Answer: Defamation is a civil matter, not a criminal one.  The cops will advise him of this and won’t do anything unless the story triggers them to investigate him.  He can talk to a civil attorney if he thinks he has a case for defamation, but again it’s a civil,  not a criminal matter.Answer #2: No. Defamation isn't criminal it's civil.


Title: Could I convert to Christian Science and stop paying for my employees' health care on the basis of the Hobby Lobby decision?

Question:
What about Scientology and just stop covering mental health?

Location: CA, USA

Answer: My sincerely-held religious beliefs preclude me from answering silly questions, sorry.


Title: Can congress make a statute that cannot be adjudicated and, if so, are there limits on this power?

Question: This question comes from the 3d printed guns dispute. The law in question, [22 U.S. Code § 2778](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/22/2778) contains the text "shall not be subject to judicial review". Is this power unlimited? Could congress add this language to the end of every bill, effectively neutralizing the Judicial branch?

Answer:
 The full clause reads

> (h) Judicial review of designation of items as defense articles or services
>
> The designation by the President (or by an official to whom the President’s functions under subsection (a) have been duly delegated), in regulations issued under this section, of items as defense articles or defense services for purposes of this section shall not be subject to judicial review.

It appears that this law creates a framework by which the executive branch can issue designations on certain items, and that, as a purely executive function, _the designation process_ is not subject to review, but the law itself is still subject to review. It's fairly likely that, under the right circumstances, the courts would still consider a case that required them to consider a specific designation, in spite of that clause, but they might limit the ruling to issues that don't directly impinge on the executive branch's authority.


Title: [MI] Chinese friend is afraid of being denied reentry to US due to unpaid debt.

Question:
My friend is a Chinese national in the US on a G-1 visa while she teaches at a Confucius Institute. She'll return to China in mid-June for a bit before she comes back to America on a student visa to get her Ph.D.

During her stay in US, she's had a few medical problems, culminating in a $2,000 trip to the ER.

She doesn't currently have the money to pay for the debt before she leaves for China, and she fears that this could become a larger problem: She thinks that if she were to to leave the US without paying off all her debts, that she would not be permitted by US Customs to reenter the US.

As far as I know, the only purpose of Customs is to screen people based off of their documentation, content of luggage, and extant criminal status. So as long as she has the proper documents (her student visa), doesn't have anything illegal in her luggage (of course not), and isn't wanted for a crime in China or any other country (also impossible), she should be fine, right?

I believe it was the hospital that originally put this idea in her head, as they feared she might just go back to China permanently and never pay off her debt, but obviously they have a biased effort in wanting her pay off her debt ASAP. I figure they're jsut trying to intimidate her, and there's no real substance to their claim or her fears.

Any insight on how Customs screens non-US citizens upon entry to the country (and whether credit or debt plays a role) would be highly appreciated.

Answer: She likely wouldn't be denied at customs due to unpaid debt if she has a valid visa. She may be denied the visa due to unpaid debt. Answer #2: She is probably afraid of *public charge* inadmissibility as defined by INA 212(a)(4), however this does not apply to private debts ([USCIS fact sheet](https://www.uscis.gov/news/fact-sheets/public-charge-fact-sheet)).Answer #3: I've never heard that customs checks for unpaid debts and I don't know how they could do so. It's not like they run credit reports.


Title: [WV] My best friend's husband is trying to get her to break the DVP she has against him and may be stalking her

Question:
My best friend's relationship with her soon-to-be ex-husband has been rocky for a long time, and last week she finally filed for divorce. During the inevitable backlash, he threatened to take their three children and go out of state. She filed a DVP against him and was granted emergency custody. It has been made clear to him by law enforcement that he is not allowed to contact her. She has blocked him on Facebook and changed her phone number, but he has been continuing to message her through Instagram (she says she can't figure out how to block people on Instagram, I have been encouraging her to figure it out ASAP). She has not responded to his attempts to contact her.

While she was at my house over the weekend, a friend of hers who wasn't aware of the situation let it slip that she was with me and he proceeded to drive to my house in an attempt to find her. I called the police as soon as I saw him parked outside and he eventually left. When I finally spoke to an officer (a sherif, I believe) almost two hours later, he told me that they couldn't prove that he came to my house specifically for her and that there wasn't anything they could do.

Since then, he has been employing various tactics to try to get her to break the DVP and talk to him. He threatened to "pay a visit" to a male friend of hers if she didn't answer his calls (she didn't, and he didn't). He strongly implied to several family members that he was going to kill himself and several hours later, his mother informed my friend that he told her he wasn't really going to do it and evidently did it just to get to her. Yesterday, he called my friend's grandmother saying that he was having chest pains and thought he was having a heart attack, and when 911 was called he refused medical treatment and said he would only go to the hospital if my friend took him there (she didn't, and he's still kicking).

Tonight, it became evident that he may be stalking her. She went to run an errand in a nearby city and took the kids with her. She didn't tell anyone where she was going. When she got home, there was a message from him on her Instagram asking her what she was doing in [nearby city where she ran the errand] and why she took the kids.

It's obvious that he doesn't have any desire to follow the terms of the DVP but the police haven't been much help (she's called them several times). They have a court date set for tomorrow afternoon (which he has told a few of his family members that he isn't going to), but in the meantime, I want to know if she has any legal recourse for any of the things he's done over the past week or so.

Answer:
 Wait...

So, he has a court order preventing him from contacting her... and he is still messaging her on Instagram...

Take screenshots of the Instagram Messages. Documents each and every one. Testify about his attempt to show up at your place.

Get the threats to other people, the threat of suicide, and the attempt to threaten her with knowledge of her location all on paper.

The judge is going to be *very* displeased. Incredibly so. That Instagram account is going to pay dividends when it comes to the hearing. Also, make sure that you have copies of all the reports and get corroboration from all the other people involved in the various escapades.

In the mean time, you aren't likely going to be able to have him hauled to prison on anything, but this is very likely going to result is a much harsher restraining order upon him that will result in him in prison if he persists.


Title: My 20 year old brother admitted to looking at child pornography and we're seeking help. Will he get sent to prison in the process?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 I would highly recommend that he contact a criminal defense attorney, one that has experience in child pornography cases, and ask for his/her advice and to receive help in getting therapy. This is an incredibly difficult road to navigate and can have horrendous consequences if pursued incorrectly.Answer #2: Where is he located? In some states, like California, [therapists are now required to report](http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-therapists-pornography-20150712-story.html) anyone who discloses that they have viewed child porn. I personally think it's a huge barrier to people getting help, but the law is the law and I now have to report. This is something to be aware of, although I don't have a good solution to offer.

> He's the sweetest boy you can ever imagine, and personally I feel the core of all of his problems comes from his porn addiction rather than having true malicious intent to abuse children.

Be aware that his intent is irrelevant. Regardless of whether someone *means* to hurt children, looking at those images is just another way of victimizing those kids all over again. If someone committed a terrible crime against you and filmed themselves doing it, it would feel pretty shitty to know that others were choosing to watch footage of you being victimized, right? Viewing child porn for fun (or out of boredom, curiosity, etc.) is morally indefensible.


Title: [DC] 40hr paid internship, denied ACA & Transit Benefits

Question:
So, like many folks in our nation's capital, I recently took a paid internship for the summer. Over the past month I've been working 40hr weeks with a consulting company and getting paid for all 40 of these hours at an hourly rate. I'm billable, working for a client, and generating value like any other entry level employee.

However, the benefits folks at the company informed me when I asked that I was unable to apply for pre-tax transit benefits (something all employers of 20+ people in DC are required to offer). I've also be informed that they do not offer any ACA compliant coverage to interns only "full-time employees."

Is there some legal definition of "full-time employee" that would exclude someone simply because their job title includes the word "intern"?

Just to be clear, my job is indistinguishable from the employees sitting next to me. I work 40 hour weeks, bill the client at the same rate on our contract, and do the same sort of work. I do get paid slightly less and don't get any sick days or vacation days.

The only substantive difference is that I'll be attending a university in the fall.

Is this really a legal thing for my employer to do? Do I have any recourse - especially if I need the work experience for future employability (long term) and the paychecks to cover my DC-priced lease (short term)?

Answer: You have a summer internship and you think you are entitled to full benefits? You need to choose your battles wisely. They do not have to provide you health insurance at all. If you do qualify for possible coverage they would simply have to pay a tax for not providing you health care insurance. YMMV. IMHO.


Title: [ca] terminated nanny after moving van left

Question:
This is just a giant cluster fuck

We had a verbal contract with a friend to nanny for us for $10 per hour plus we would foot the cost of relocation

Nanny has showed up to do her job 1/3 of the time that she actually commited to.

Spoke to nanny, sent a text informing her that her attendance was unacceptable and that if she wasn't able to fulfil her obligations we would look elsewhere for child care

She promised that she would not miss any more work.

Saturday she came by our home and loaded her stuff into our moving trailer while we were at a birthday party after being specifically instructed to put it in the backyard so we could load it last in case we needed to ship her items separately

She confirmed she would be at work Monday and our movers loaded our items into the van behind her items. We ended up paying a lot more than quoted for the move due to her poorly packed 1/2 empty boxes and the fact she had her bed in the moving van fully assembled instead of broken down. She had told us she had taken her bed apart. Movers informed us after they had worked around the bed or we would have asked them to disassemble it at the beginning.

Anyways she told us late Sunday night after everything was loaded in the truck that she couldn't make it up to our home on Monday or any other day this week but she was looking forward to moving with us.

We had a text exchange where I told her that I needed her to be commited and she said she couldn't so I stopped texting her. Mutual friends offered rides and tried to convince her to change her mind until midnight ish.

She messaged me the following morning and asked her to email me and told her that my husband and I were trying to survive work and then discussing the situation. At this point we still had every intention of taking her with us but having her on probation for attendance.

She continued messaging me and things escalated to the point where her employment was terminated about 12 hours after the moving van had already left headed across the country.

She sent me a message that night apologizing and telling me to please just sell all her stuff to try and make back some of the money we spent on her.

I did tell her not to be ridiculous (we have no intention of keeping her belongings hostage or selling them out from under her)

She blew up my phone for some time after that until I told her to stop contacting me and that a lawyer would be in touch (for the second time)

She told me she would file a police report if I did not pay to have her stuff shipped back to her because by allowing the truck to leave (with items she placed in the moving truck herself) that I stole her items because she can't afford to ship them back herself.

I have a consult with a lawyer and would ultimately like to allow her to retrieve her belongings at her own expense as I have already spent over $1800 on her and do not have the funds and my job is currently in jeapordy due my not being able to fulfil my obligations while scrambling to find child care.

She is threatening to sue us and is harassing my family at this point even though we have no access to the van that is in transit right now.

I'm at a loss right now

Answer:
 Not smart to threaten legal action, when better solutions exist.

Are you truly in a financial position to afford a nanny? Also, why hire someone before you move across the country? Why hire someone who will need to relocated across the country?

Want better child care? Pay more than minimum wage.


Title: Lost wallet. Has drugs in it. Found by police.

Question:
So a friend of mine(Australian) lost his wallet on the west coast of Australia. Now it was a massive bummer. Had petrol money in it. More importantly it had my weed and acid, those delightful camping supplements. He was sad. So was I. Anyway halfway across to the east coast he gets a call from the Perth police. Sir/madam we have found [his] wallet. Oh OK me says, well, I can't go back. He's gotta get to work. Could you send it to my house? No, but they can send it to the nearest police station.
Anyway the guy goes to a closer police station near the central coast to get a police statement so in case i am stopped he has a document to show I am not driving without a license. The west coast police station sent a list of the things in the wallet: $2:(, cards, etc. No drugs on list. So he suspicions that the person who found it took the money, drugs and then handed the wallet in.
So it is sitting in the police station near his home. He loves that wallet. It's pretty sweet. Fits his tobacco like a delightful glove. Should he go get the wallet? Could it be a set up? As in I go in and find out that they know the drugs are there and they will charge him with possession? Is it worth it? Or could I say I have no idea how the drugs got there. Someone may have used the wallet or something.
Thanks for any advice. My friend really appreciates it. So do I.

Answer: I'm not sure why people recommend you renew your license. If the police want to talk to you or press charges, they already know where to find you.


Title: Help getting my property back.

Question:
Let me pre-face by saying this all took place in Alaska.

This year my friend asked if I wanted to move into his parents’ house with him. They moved out and left him to take care of the house, but are having him pay for electric and heating. The home has a well, fire place, and lots of wood. This amounted to the per monthly upkeep costs being little to nothing. My friend (the son) had said multiple times it would be $300 a month. I am a broke college student and thought this was a great price compared to everywhere else in my town.

My whole time staying there I never directly talked to the owner of the home, in person, over the phone, via text, or via email. The home owner would talk with her son (my friend and roommate) and he would relay it to me. I had started to move in and clean, the place was a dump and in my opinion now should be condemned due to the hazards it poses to health, mold, mildew, cat feces, vole problem. All of this I found out as I was staying there.

 So I move in, not once did I agree on a payment or anything. I asked my roommate about how we were going to make payment and all I got was “we will talk about it”. Two weeks go by and ive asked a few times and not received anything other than “we will talk about it”. One day my roommate comes to me and asked me for $600 for rent. I stop in my tracks and say what happened to $300? Apparently his mom wants $600 now. I tell him to have her write up a renters contract that we can agree on so that no one gets screwed over here, because they have already changed price on me. A few days later he comes back and says that his mom said “I don’t need a fucking contract, it is my house”. This is when I realize I am not dealing with a rational person and start looking for other places to stay.

 This goes on for another week or two were every day the roommate asks for money, and I retort with “write up a contract”, and nothing happens. Then finally the roommate says his mother is coming from out of town for her son’s birthday and I can speak with her then. The day of I am up in my room waiting, and the women goes ballistic because her son moved her stuffed animal collection off of the stair landing (it was posing a fire hazard because it was directly in the way). This woman was the most enraged person I have ever heard in my life, she was screaming at him like she was going to murder him. I waited in my room waiting for her to calm down for an hour, but she continued in this rage.

I realized she was not going to calm down and that I am definitely not dealing with a rational human being so I left via the back door. I came back when she was gone and moved as much as I could out before this woman could return. Fast forward to today she is ransoming my possessions that I could not get out of the house. She says that unless I pay her $1500 she will be throwing my things out, and that I have until Friday. She sent this via text and this is the first direct contact I have had with this women.

My thoughts were to contact my local police station and tell them that I would like an officer to be present with me as I go and get my belongings because this lady is crazy, and I owe her nothing. We have no verbal or written agreement between the two of us. I then though that I might need some kind of paper work from the court house or something, and that is where I came here looking for help.

tl;dr
 Moved in under false amount, never made a signed or verbal agreement, never talked to the homeowner until this week when she demanded and exorbitant amount of money for me to get my possession’s back.

Thanks in advance guys.

Answer: Yes call the police and ask for an escort to go get your stuff. She can't hold your stuff hostage lease or no lease.


Title: Suburb of Chicago, IL (Will County): was given money by a "friend" to purchase illegal narcotics and I was robbed in the process. Friend doesn't belive me and thinks I stole his money. Need advice

Question:
Hi guys so I'm just going to go into greater detail about what happen. So like the title says a friend of mine (really more of an aquantence) gave me 70 dollars to drive up to the city and purchase 6 Suboxone (a narcotic used to treat heroin/opiate withdrawal) so when I got to dudes apartment I park my car and walk up to the front door to be buzzed in. Right when I get to the door 2 guys come up behind me and one shoves a gun in my back and long story short stole all the money I had on me (buddies 70 plus 20 to 30 of my own money). I feel at this point I should point out that since I am looking for the most accurate advice possible I want to mention that I am being 100% honest and accurate with you guys. Anyway after this happens I tell my buddy what happen and right off the bat he doesn't believe a word I am saying and thinks that I am making it up to steal his money even though he has given me money countless times to do this for him and there has never been any problem. Anyways,  I'll cut to the chase I am worried that he is gonna call the cops and tell them I stole his money. I have saved text messages that prove he voluntarily gave me the money to go and buy drugs for him.

So my question is, in the eyes of the law have I done anything I can be arrested for. Yes I intended to buy an illegal narcotic but I never made it that far since I got robbed. So in the end there is no money and no drugs so if he were to try and get me jammed up with the police do I have anything to worry about?

I would super appreciate any advice you guys can offer me and thank you for taking the time to help me.

Answer:
 > I have saved text messages that prove he voluntarily gave me the money to go and buy drugs for him.

Generally it is considered poor practice to keep written records of your involvement in a criminal conspiracy.


Title: Uncle has been using my land without informing me, how to proceed?

Question:
I plan on paying a lawyer a visit soon but an extra opinion won't hurt.

So the situation is the following, uncle has been pruning and extracting olive oil from olives that belong to me, he has been doing this for the last >5 years and I only found out now by accident.The original land has been split in two between me and my uncle and the borders are not fenced.I got no proof other than the fact that he should be the only person with access other than me.

What am I required to present as proof and what results can a lawsuit have?

I live in the EU, Greece

Yea guys, forgot to mention that I fear of him using the adverse possession law and that's the reason I'm trying to find out what I should do fast.

Answer: You need a surveyor to prove which part of the land is actually yours, followed by a stern warning, then trespassing if it continues.