Title: What should I do with bullying/discrimination evidence as an employee of a Fortune 500 company?

Question:
The title says it all. I was experiencing bullying, intimidation at a corporate store. Then, I was transferred to another corporate store to try to remedy the situation. My old manager has since retaliated against me for contacting the district manager by speaking ill things about me to my new manager - things he knew would upset my current manager and take seriously enough to color my reputation (since they both know each other and have somewhat of a professional relationship)

My current general manager has berated me, yelled, insulted me within earshot of my co-workers. He has also stated that he wants me gone and will do whatever he can to document my every move and make sure that I'm fired. Its a pretty hostile situation. One of the managers at my current store that is not the general manager, has been treating me unfairly since I walked in the door. After so much enough bullying, intimidation and discrimination(not sure if this term is technically correct), I started to audio record the details because every time I've ever confronted my current managers, or my previous old managers, they have denied it or remained silent.

When I went to the district manager the first time about the work situation and my manager, it was still denied by all parties involved other than me. I'm in a tipped position wage, and the manager at my store who has been discriminating against me, has reduced the opportunities for me to make a fair tip, including skipping me blatantly and lying about it until confronted over and over again. There was an incident that happened recently where she withheld money owed to me. I have audio recordings documenting the whole thing. I know this a bit vague but I'm trying to not reveal myself or the business until I make a decision about how to handle the situation. The audio recordings were the only way I could think of to document the bullying, intimidation, obstruction of work and reduced opportunity/withholding(discrimination).

A employee made a sexual pass at me and I didn't think my GM would believe me if I told him about it so I just walked away - I realize more and more now how dangerous this situation actually is.

I was thinking about posting the recordings to social media. I am also contemplating speaking to a lawyer.

Answer:
 What is your issue? All I see are a lot of claims and accusations and not a lot of specifics. Who is harassing you how? How are your being discriminated against? How were you sexually harassed?Answer #2: > A employee made a sexual pass at me

It's not necessarily illegal to make a pass at somebody. Consenting adults can engage in sexual relations, and sometimes these people are co-workers. What's illegal is if it continues after you have told them to stop or if it's somebody in a position of power over you who is either offering a favor or threatening repercussions if you do not go along with it.Answer #3: Bullying and being unfair is generally not illegal unless its provably due to your membership in a protected class.Answer #4: > I was thinking about posting the recordings to social media. I am also contemplating speaking to a lawyer.

Do not post the recordings to social media.  This could have serious repercussions as many areas have laws that do not allow recordings of conversations to be made unless all parties are aware of the recording.  Speaking to a lawyer is your best bet to see if the recordings are legal and useful and whether a remedy is available for any of your complaints.


Title: TW: Prosecuting for r*pe (UK)

Question:
I'm in the process of an investigation into a rape which I was the victim of last year. I've called the police and filed for there to be an investigation. I want to know what is likely to happen next.

What happened:
 I was assaulted by two male students simultaneously in my own dorm room in university residence. I had consumed 2/3 of a litre of bourbon, and I am 5'4". I was so drunk I couldn't walk on my own so they offered to take me back to my room. I don't really remember too much. I said yes at the time but started to realise I couldn't stop when I wanted to.

I cleaned up immediately and did not take any photographs. I do not have a hospital kit. I reported to the university but asked not to take it to the police. The university brought in the two male students and asked them whether what I said had occurred had happened, and they gave the same version of events. This was told to a member of staff at the university, whose job it is to protect students, though I don't know what kind of legal weight it has (?)

I waited 8 months until I was ready to prosecute. I do not have my family's support, so I have not informed them (I told them when it happened and they responded by blaming me, so I am choosing not to inform them of the legal proceedings).

I phoned the police yesterday and they are going to send an investigator to speak to me.

Will I have to appear in court, or can someone else read out my statement?
-----------------------------------
I feel differently about the way each of the two of them treated me. Will that affect what they are sentenced with?
-----------------------------------
One of them is a repeat offender. What is he likely to receive?
-----------------------------------
Will I have to employ an attorney or will the state assign one to me?
-----------------------------------
If I am going to settle monetarily, what is likely to be the cost to me? What do I stand to gain from it?
-----------------------------------
It seems only fair to me to get money for all the time that I've spent miserable about this. I would like the remaining two years of my degree paid for, my cost of living for two years, and my therapy in the future paid for. Is this likely to be part of it?
-----------------------------------
Will I have to sue?
-----------------------------------
Will this even stand up in court?
-----------------------------------
------------------------------------

Thank you so much for your help x

Answer:
 You might try /r/legaladviceUK for more specific info.  Here's what I feel confident saying.

Yes, you will have to actually testify in court.

How you feel about the two attackers can be stated and can be taken into consideration but it isn't everything.

You don't have to have an attorney to represent you as a victim in the trial.  But if you want to recover damages from the attackers, or from others who may have contributed to the situation, you would need to hire your own attorney and sue for that.  Whether that would be worth doing is something that potential attorneys can advise you about; keep in mind, the attackers may not be able to pay.  Answer #2: >Will I have to appear in court, or can someone else read out my statement?

If this goes to trial, you will have to testify and you will be subject to cross-examination by the lawyer(s) for the accused.

>Will I have to employ an attorney or will the state assign one to me?

Neither (unless you hire a lawyer to conduct a private prosecution). Criminal prosecutions are normally conducted by the Crown Prosecution Service; the prosecuting lawyer represents and acts on behalf of the Crown, not you.

As to the rest, you could apply for compensation to the [Criminal Injury Compensation Authority](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/criminal-injuries-compensation-authority) and you could sue your assailants (a civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal prosecution; you would have to retain your own lawyer).


Title: I (M 25) and my girlfriend's (19) parents have brought up rape accusations.

Question:
Hey all,

Sorry if this is rather incoherent but I am rather shaken right now. First, I live in Canada where the age of consent is 16 years old. My girlfriend comes from a conservative, muslim family and I met when I was 23 and she was 17. She lives about a 5 hour drive away and our relationship at that point was mostly conversations.

Now, during that summer, she left her household due to an abusive father who caused her serious damage (of which I have images of) and came to my city. Of course, I helped her get a hotel room and stayed with her because well, I didn't want her to be alone.

Fast forward 2 years, her parents are absolutely sick of me and my 'agnosticism'. Even though most of my interactions with their daughter are in her best interest, they still and will always paint me as the devil. Given her being an ex-muslim, she deals with a lot at home, including an abusive father whom she doesn't talk to anymore.

At this point, her mom reached her breaking point and called my mother (I know, its weird) and accused me of raping her daughter in a hotel room while she was only 17 (I was 23 - she lied about her age but that is another story). The age of consent in Canada is 16 and my girlfriend would never go along with such an accusation. However, even the mention of rape has my parents whom I understand still look out for me on high alert. I know the law, and I know I should be more than fine.

My question here is, how far can they as parents of a now adult take this case? Given i'm not a person of authority, I haven't exploited her at all (my gosh, I love her), and this isn't a relationship of 'trust', where is this going to lead? What can I do? Because my gosh, rape accusations can ruin a persons life, even if the accused is in the right. We still have a great relationship, even if its at a distance but her parents have had it.

Thank you all so much in advance.

Just wanted to also note. No police have been involved and no legal action has been taken. I guess Im just wondering how far they can take this, even with their own daughter defending her side of the case?

Answer:
 If the alleged victim says you didn't rape her that's pretty much going to end any rape investigation.

More helpfully: if they start making this allegation to anyone else, or especially publicly, you should make a complaint about harassment to their local police department and you'd probably (wait for a Canadain law talkin' guy) have cause for a civil suit.


Title: Landlord kicked a coffee table into my face while I was asleep and attacked my small dog

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 >I am contacting the police soon

This happened this morning and you haven't called them yet? damn it's almost 10 pm I would have called ASAP.


Title: Taking State Trooper to Court over Bogus Citations and Harassment. How do I do this?

Question:
Details: I am a white 22 year old female. I currently live in Alabama for University but am originally from California. It's also important you know I love the fuck out of my dog.

So, I was on 20-59 (for all you locals) headed westbound driving in the fast lane. I was in a pack and going decently over the speed limit, but was not an outlier in terms of my speed. I was driving quickly because I had been in Atlanta and was heading back to Tuscaloosa upon hearing from my roommate that my dog (who she was watching for the weekend) was seizing that morning. Upon seeing a few troopers in the median (in front of the benz factory, of course) I realize I need to calm down and decide to exit so I can call my roommate. I exit quickly after seeing the troopers (make lane changes) but safely make the exit ramp. I pull off the road after finding one that is a bit removed from the freeway. I don't have headphones with me so and I like to pace when I'm nervous, so this is why I want to get away from the freeway: so I can get out and talk. As I park, I see a trooper behind me with his lights on.
He comes up to the window and immediately begins asking me what I have to hide and why I "was trying to get away from [him] so quickly." Now, I'm caught off guard. His tone is very tough and I'm nervous about being in a place with little visibility from the road. I tell him I pulled over to make a call because my dog is very sick and I'm nervous. He asks "who're you gonna call, your dog?". At this point I'm visibly shaken by his harsh effect and weakly tell him I'm calling my roommate. He then proceeds to tell me I made unsafe lane changes and ran a stop sign. I did neither of these things. I say "I did?" and he laughs, steps back from the car, moves his body in an extremely frustrated way and points back and laughing says "yeah, you might want to take a look at on your way out." Once again he starts asking me what I have to hide and why I'm lying to him. I tell him I'm not lying. He keeps asking. I keep telling him I'm not lying. He take my license and reg and retreats. I ask if I can get out to make my call and he says yes.

So, a note about me: I have never been one to kiss authority's ass, but I have never had a problem wanting to be and being respectful.

At this point I am so upset that I am being spoken to in a way that makes me think a human being reviles me for no reason that I am near tears. I'm also terrified about my dog's well being. I call my roommate, no answer. Call again, no answer. Now I start to panic.
I go back and sit in my car to cry. I get it together before he walks up to the window but he seems to have a sense of twisted pleasure that I am meeting his expectations of crying as he says "I don't have time for you to cry." "Fuck you, my dog might die" I think. I don't say this. I want to say this. He tells me I have a warning for speeding. I say okay. He then yells I need to stop crying (I already have) and I say okay. He asks me why I lied to him and this time I raise my voice a little and say "I'm not!" he says "OKAY" walks back to his car and issues me a citation for running a stop sign and making an improper lane change, throws them at me, and goes on his merry way.

I did not make improper lane changes. I did not run a stop sign.
I'm taking him to court on principal. I felt harassed and intimidated by this man. I felt like he saw me as a little white girl who would try to get out of this by crying. I feel like he did an injustice and I want to make the best case for myself. Oh, I should say, my dog is okay. I cried and held him when I got home and realized my roommate may have been exaggerating (we talked about the seriousness of saying a dog is having a seizure when they are in fact just shaking a bit).

How do I best present myself to the judge? I don't want to seem like I'm not willing to accept the tickets because I don't want to pay them. I would pay them if I committed the infractions. I would not make this an issue for the courts if I did not feel like the officer needed to be reprimanded. Do I request cam footage? Do I make a display? I know it's not possible the trooper would have even been able to see my alleged lack of lane change and stop sign run. He was too far behind me.

My court case is tomorrow afternoon. I just found this sub. I know I should have tried to be more resourceful earlier. Any tips and tricks for how to present a level argument in a traffic case as this would be appreciated.

TL;DR trooper said I did shit I didn't do and berated me while questioning me.

Answer:
 >Details: I am a white 22 year old female. I currently live in Alabama for University but am originally from California. It's also important you know I love the fuck out of my dog.

Literally none of these things matter.

If you have a defense to the charges, you can present them in court. Your chances may be improved by retaining the services of an attorney.


Title: Is this business strategy legit, or illegal? (TX, USA)

Question:
I Have often wondered, that when selling an item that requires licensure/permitting to sell, could I simply give it away, with the purchase of a marked up innocuous item?

Example: Selling Raw Dairy items in Texas is only legal with a state license, on location of the licensed dairy. So, enterprising me, with no Raw Dairy License, sells glass jars at $10 a piece, offering to give away complimentary raw milk.

Someone actually pointed out that you can sell non-retail raw milk on location, but I'm curious about the principle.

I know there are legal "loopholes" around some things, such as "Clubs," being a legal work around for bars in my City, where they are just like a bar. Walk in customers, sign a piece of paper saying that they joined the club, and are then allowed to buy alcohol, valid until they leave for the day. It seems to me, it's obviously working around the intentions of an antiquated law.

Does this problem just come down to how particular laws are written?

Thanks!

Answer:
 > could I simply give it away, with the purchase of a marked up innocuous item?

The courts are staffed and operated by people who are, just as much as your customers are, capable of drawing inferences about your intentions from your behaviour. "Free pot with every purchase of a paper flower" isn't going to fool anyone.


Title: mild child abuse or punishment?

Question: i'm 14 and live with my father and 17 year old sister. my mother died in a car accident when i was 3 years old and left us behind. we were a good family until that day. everything died. after my mom's death my father became an alcoholic and starting giving harsh punishments. i remember when i went to summer camp, my dad came 20 minutes late so a took a friends car to my house. when my dad couldn't find me he called my sister and he became angry. he threw me across the wall and i broke the window with my body. this happened when i was 9 years old. i was just told it was a punishment for defying him by my sister. sometimes he won't feed or give me water or food for days, the longest being 4 days. when i took a ginger ale from my sister she twisted my arm and stepped on me. my father treats my sister just fine, giving her tv and internet access while i just have an old tablet. he doesn't know i can get free wifi from my room and that's how i make posts. he makes threats to kill me and hurt others when he gets angry. one time i threw up in his chair when he was yelling at me  and he started to punch me 20 times. this has caused me to feel like i will never get a good job, or contribute to society and making me try to self-harm. is this child abuse or fair punishment?

Answer:
 This is child abuse. And it isn't mild.

Seek help immediately.


Title: Deadbeat dad

Question:
This just happened today to my mother.
   The sheriff came to the door with a summons for her to appear in court. Her daughters custody is 100% hers since the father doesn’t do anything and hasn’t done anything since before she was born. He hasn’t paid the proper child support in years and has fought the legal bullshit so he can pay less and less. Now that he hasn’t paid in years and he didn’t get the luxury of claiming his daughter that he doesn’t even know what she looks like is suing my mother.

What can be done?

Answer: You have to review the summons, see what the lawsuit is about, and possibly retain an attorney to help you understand the lawsuit and guide your response. There's no way for anybody to give you any advice because we have no idea what the nature of the lawsuit is.


Title: Is the company I worked for stealing my money?

Question:
I opened up my Chase app and learned that $440.85 had been withdrawn from my account, and I wasn’t the one who did it. I called the help line and they said the withdrawal was made from within the store. So I was led to believe someone had stolen it. They told me they couldn’t do much over the phone, so I had to go inside the branch.

They ask me about a $60 check that was deposited on 10/1, along with a $440.85 check as well. I told them I had deposited the $60 check, but had never seen the $440.85 check. This was confusing to the banker and I both because on 10/1, both of those checks were deposited as the same time, and both had my signature. The $440.85 check was from my previous employer, but the signature looked very off. The $60 check was a child support check and it checked out.

So at this point we were trying to figure out where this check came from, because I hadn’t worked for that company since August. Chase had actually spotted it as fraud, and took the $440.85 out. But it just didn’t make sense because I never had a deposit notification anywhere saying that $440.85 went into my account! The money that was in my account was from my previous paycheck of $1080. So suddenly I was out $440.85.

I tried calling the previous company where the check had come from, but they haven’t answered and hasn’t called back.

The banker suggested I open a new account, but cannot do so yet for other financial reasons.

TL;DR
Someone has possibly jipped my account information, and is using it to write fraudulent checks. What could I do for this?

Answer:
 Freeze your account. Noone can get anyone out of it that way. Secondly, hope that you can find the person who forged your signature. Was this at the bank? Videos. Was it only delivered? Videos. The bank will help you.
Also file a police report, if your signature is forged, its a serious crime.


Title: Advice on a long term relationship break up

Question:
Sister in law had been with this guy for 20 years, never got married but have 3 children (17, 13, 6) together. He has a criminal record (felon) and has never held a job more than a month or two at a time and receives disability. She is an RN (nurse) and works 2-3 jobs to keep the family going, in other words all household income is hers.

 She gave an ultimatum (you go or I go) and he left willingly at the end of April. He has been very vindictive (cutting off cell phone service, electric, etc (bills were in his name and have since been switched to hers.)) He's been showing up to the house unannounced, which has resulted in a restraining order. She has temporary custody of children. Kids don't want anything to do with him. 6 year old is fully disabled.

Today was 1st court appearance. He lawyered up. She has a legal aide. Questions are this: What should she worry about? Does he have a leg to stand on? Think there is any reason she would lose custody or have to pay him anything?

Thanks in advance

Answer:
 \>  Questions are this: What should she worry about? Does he have a leg to stand on? Think there is any reason she would lose custody or have to pay him anything?

The oldest two are at an age where their opinion matters, especially the 17 year old. The court will take the fact that the oldest two don't want anything to do with him, and that may filter down to how they deal with the 6 year old. His felony will work against him, as well as the restraining order and his vindictive shutting off of services. I can't make guarantees, but assuming there aren't other surprises, the judge will probably grant her physical custody. The question is what level of custody/visitation will be mandated. She should push for all visitation to be supervised. If he has a history of emotional/physical abuse, demand that he get counseling and complete it before going forward.

This is the time to use the court to start getting services for the 6 year old. If they are expected to be fully disabled as an adult, you can go through legal aid and court services to get on the waitlist for adult services \(starting 12 years early, in some states, may not guarantee service at 18/19, which is why I throw this out there\). She may also want to work with her state's child welfare agency also for service referrals.


Title: [AZ] Girlfriend's father cashed health insurance check meant for doctor and won't pay

Question:
My girlfriend received a letter in the mail from a health provider stating that a check was sent from her insurance that was meant for them. It was sent to her father, who she doesn't live with anymore, and he cashed it and doesn't have it anymore. The check was for roughly $1,000 and fraud in Arizona over $500 is a class 2 felony.

We called the health provider and they said there is no grace period so that we can work this out with her dad, the payment is due immediately. We don't have the means to pay this.

Answer: How did her dad cash a check that wasn't made out to him?


Title: Is stopping two children from fighting considered child abuse?

Question:
Literally just made an account just to ask this for a close friend who is going through troubles. TLDR at the end.

So my friend has younger siblings who play soccer, ages are young teens. During the match, the sibling kicked the ball along with the leg of an opposing player who was attempting to take the ball away. On the field, the opposing player shoves the sibling, the sibling shoves back, and the opposing player punches the sibling in the face ensuring a fight.

As both teams rushed to the fight, several of the parents rushed into the field, first one on the scene was my friend's dad who shoved both his son and the opposing player away from each other to stop the fight.

From here the parents of the opposing player claims that shoving is child abuse and calls the police. As the police arrives both my friends parents and the other child's parents talk to the police and decide to arrest my friend's father.

So is this considered child abuse, is there a case here?

TLDR: Fight occured at a soccer match and the father breaks up the fight by shoving both players from each other. Parents decide to press charges for child abuse.

Answer:
 It's almost certainly NOT 'child abuse' but could well have been some sort of assault.

The suspect needs a lawyer.


Title: Man died without a will. Sister is denied access to his bank accounts b/c unknown woman cosigned on accounts. Sister is now asking me to do some shady computer stuff. Need to know where to go next.

Question:
Oh man, I'll try to describe this as best as I can without this turning into a novel.

My friend, Susan, is in her 60's and just found out her ex-husband, Jeff, had passed away, with his sister, June, being his last relative. He left no will, and June is the executor of his estate.

In comes Allie, a woman whom Jeff has known sporadically all of his life. She was his friend from age 6 to 12, and has never contacted him for 40 years, until 3 years ago. She lived with him  for a month out of the year. She has a husband and a family and claims her and Jeff were only friends.

Once Jeff died, June found out that Allie had cosigned on all of his bank accounts, and in each account was the money from selling his house and a hefty inheritance, both of which are part of his estate. Allie refused to give June access, so June talked to a lawyer and filed a police report. Both say there's nothing June can do to get into those accounts because Allie is the co-signer on all bank accounts.

So Susan tries to reason with Allie. Allie doesn't budge. She feels like she deserves that money for being Jeff's friend. She does mention, however, that Jeff requested that his entire computer needs to be wiped if something should ever happen to him. Apparently Allie has a list of things that Jeff wanted, but refuses to show anyone the list. She has no idea how to do a reset on a computer, so she needs help.

Susan and June come to me. I'm a 20-something techie, while the 3 can barely use cell phones. They ask me to go onto the computer to wipe it, with a side mission (should-I-choose-to-accept-it style). The mission is to find anything relating to a will or his bank accounts to copy them over to a thumb drive or my cloud and comb through them later for evidence.

Honestly, I have no damn clue who's right, who's wrong, can I get in trouble for taking things off of a computer I was given permission to use, can June truly not get access to the accounts just because it's a joint account? Where do I go from here?
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer:
 > Once Jeff died, June found out that Allie had cosigned on all of his bank accounts, and in each account was the money from selling his house and a hefty inheritance, both of which are part of his estate.

If these were joint bank accounts, the normal situation would be that they are owned jointly until someone dies, and then upon that death, they are solely owned by the other person.  They do not become part of the estate.  So, no, these assets aren't "part of the estate".  They are simply money owned by Allie now.  She gets it all.  Neither Susan nor June have any legal right to the money.  Essentially, Jeff did some estate planning by putting this woman on his accounts, and now it has come to pass.

> Apparently Allie has a list of things that Jeff wanted, but refuses to show anyone the list. She has no idea how to do a reset on a computer, so she needs help.

Why is Allie in possession of this computer?

Things that are in the estate would go to his next of kin, apparently June.  She gets to decide what to do with the computer, which may or may not include wiping it.  If you're given permission by the personal representative of the deceased (June) to access the computer, you should be on fine legal ground.  Get it in writing if you like.Answer #2: I would not do anything. She needs to talk to a good probate lawyer, as this seems messy, and you dont really want to get dragged into two people fighting over money with no will. Not to mention since the issue of whos computer it is has not been adressed, you may have some possible issues with the legality of accessing it.


Title: Township prohibiting vehicle traffic on public boat launch.

Question:
 A township in Wisconsin is blocking all vehicle traffic on the public boat launch (starting 3rd of July of all days) and will persist the block on all Friday-Sunday weekends going forward. They are citing safety and noise concerns. Do they have this right (seems as though yes) and do taxpayers/users have any recourse? Town meeting is coming within a week to discuss it further.

Link to news story: [https://kstp.com/news/north-hudson-boat-launch-closes-to-traffic-frustration-follows/5412906/](https://kstp.com/news/north-hudson-boat-launch-closes-to-traffic-frustration-follows/5412906/)

Answer:
 > Do they have this right

Almost certainly yes, through the city's incorporating statute, but if you really want to be sure, ask your state rep or hire an attorney to read the law and give you an opinion. Incorporated townships generally have the ability to control access to public facilities and to set reasonable city ordinances for public safety or traffic management.

> do taxpayers/users have any recourse?

The ballot box, ultimately.

Talk to your alderman/town council member, though. They may be willing to hear you out or explain the situation for you a bit further.


Title: What happens if things don't go through my business bank account?

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Business Law

Answer: If you're not actually keeping the funds separate, you're at risk of losing some of the protections of an LLC.


Title: Grandma is getting a settlement from an accident and is looking to avoid the state taking her money by "gifting" it (AK)

Question:
So awhile back my grandma was in an accident and is now receiving a fair amount of money in a settlement.  She doesn't work and has no source of income aside from her money from SS (I think) each month.

She asked me the other day if when she gets the money she "gifts" it to me so that the state for whatever reason wont be able to take roughly half of it from her.  I'm not sure of the basis on which they would be taking it from her but she seems concerned with losing quite a bit of the settlement.

In her mind gifting me the money but her actually keeping it is the best solution and honestly it does seem that way but I know that there is more to consider than just the obvious.  She said she would cover whatever taxes I would get on it for reporting it and such.  Just looking for advice or whether I should even be considering doing this.

Thanks in advance!  I'll try to respond in a timely manner.

Edit: Sorry for the broadness of the whole post.  It isn't taxes.  She said the state is trying to take the money because they help her with medication costs and and Alaska doesn't have the Medicare supplement plan.  She is on Social Security and since she gets help with her meds that is why they are trying to take the money.  So I think they have the right(?) to take the money legally and she is trying to get around that but im not sure.

Double Edit: If anyone happens to know or could point me in the direction of information on this, is it possible to have her gift me the money once she gets it so the state cant take it and I gift it back to her?  Apologize for the wall of text

Last Edit: Just wanted to say thanks to this sub for responding so quickly and answering all my questions.  Seems that the solution is just for her to pay it and deal with it otherwise she is trying to commit some sort of crime.  Thanks again r/legaladvice.

Answer:
 Not a tax expert, but "gifting" someone money and then keeping it yourself to avoid taxation would probably be fraud.Answer #2: The intention of needs based government programs is that if your assets go up, you aren't the most needy person anymore. So it's highly unlikely what she's trying to do is legal. Without knowing all the details, it's hard to give more exact advice. She should go in to her SS office and ask them the best way to handle this settlement money. Answer #3: Assuming this is a personal injury settlement, that amount is not taxable.

You, as the receiver, would not have to pay taxes on any gifts received.

If it is a taxable settlement, she would not avoid taxes by gifting it.


Title: Apartment removing amenities due to vandalism.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Is it specifically in your lease? Also, does your lease say anything about cancellation of amenities? Because if it's in your lease and there's nothing in there about the landlord's right to remove amenities, they've broken the lease which means you can leave.

Also, barking animals are grounds for eviction since the ADA specifically says it doesn't cover out of control animals but that has nothing to do with you.Answer #2: If your LL is really that afraid of an FHA claim, might be a good time to request an emotional support BBQ.


Title: [TX] I just caught my coworker recording our conversation, what do I do?

Question: Mind you, this isn't the first time I had my suspicions. I once walked into him listening to a recording of a Lt. that payed him a visit, as soon as I walked in he tried to cover everything up by immediately stopping the recording. By then, I was hoping that he wasn't doing the same to me but about an hour ago I saw him in plain view opening the camera app and pressing record as he was talking to me: bashing the receptionist at the main office. I don't know if I should jump straight to corporate or anything like that or if I should just talk to him about it. I've never experienced anything like this, so what should I do?

Answer:
 INAL but Texas is a single party consent state. Meaning as long as one person in the conversation consents (him) it can be recorded. However, if you were having a conversation with the receptionist and he recorded you, that’s illegal.

Side note- that guy sounds like an asshole at the least and a huge troublemaker more realistically. I’d be VERY careful with anything I say around him. Answer #2: He's not breaking the law.

Does your company have a policy against this?


Title: How to deal with my neighbor and his uncontrollable, young sons(under 10 years of age)

Question:
So, the neighbors kids have been coming onto my property and being quite a nuisance. I thought one of them could become friends with my son - they're the same age - but they don't get along. As a matter of fact, the neighbor boy hit my son in the face with a foam nerf sword, causing him to cry. I told him never to come back over. Before this, these kids would kind of welcome themselves onto our property(We've even caught them barging into our house and hiding in our basement without us even knowing, uninvted.)

Well, he comes back over while I'm kicking the soccer ball around with my friend. I reminded him that he's not welcome over there and very impolitely told him to "Go away." He didn't. He was hitting and tennis ball with a racket. At some point, I got a hold of the ball and threw it into his yard, telling him to leave.

He didn't. After a couple of trespasses, I threw it into the dense, fenced woods by my house. He left, but not after calling me names and threatening to slit my throat and cut my head of in my sleep(He's like nine and has major crazy eyes already... And here's why...)

Later, however, his father came over onto my property, uninvited. Okay, whatever. I asked him to talk because of what happened earlier today and our kids have been having some conflict outside of today's incident(They walk home together, his are always the one that antagonize mine. My son is very soft spoken and likes to keep to himself.)

This man was not having any of it. Like son like father. He only came over and demanded that I retrieve the ball that I threw into the woods. Fair, I was kind of a bully to the child and threw his ball somewhere where he can't go and get it. I just wanted him to leave though.

After getting the ball, I again asked if we could talk. But I was cut off. This man does not want to discuss anything about his kids. He was loud, boisterous and cussing. Just would not listen to anything I had to say. Like son, like father.

Reddit, I don't want to interact with this kid. I dont want to feel like a bully for throwing his ball somewhere where he cant get it. I just don't want him on my property or around my family. What can I do if he comes over next time?

Should I record him on my property and call the police? If I call the police, he'll surely run back home and act like he did nothing.

Can I file any charges against the father? What can I do to get this kid to stay away from my family as much as possible?

tl;dr kid keeps coming on my property, father doesn't want to hear about it. What can I do?

Answer: Have you considered acting like an adult? You're getting bullied by a nine year old, for fucks sake.


Title: [TX] Mom claimed disconnected business phone number, business wants it back

Question:
Without going into to many details, my mom used to work for a business in a small town.  The owner of said business up and left town (primarily to get away from their significant other), and made it clear they had no intention of coming back.  This led to the business phone being disconnected by the business owner's SO.

Over the past half a year, mom has stepped in and started her own business, of the same type, in the void left by the one closed, and has been doing reasonably well.  All of a sudden, the original business owner has shown up saying they plan to re-open the business, and need the phone number back.  The phone company (AT&T, I believe) is saying they have a year to re-claim the disconnected phone number.

Anyone in the know happen to know if this is legally correct?  It's a small town, and losing the phone number could potentially hinder my my mother financially, so looking for advice in the matter.

Answer: This is between her and the carrier, and their contract together.  If AT&T allows for such a thing, then she's basically out of luck.


Title: [CO] Moved in with girlfriend a few weeks ago. She got mad and wanted me out. She had her friends move all of my belongings out to a storage garage without my knowledge or permission to "help me" while I was out of town. Any legal recourse?

Question: Needless to say we are no longer together. But does she have a right to let other people move my stuff, some of it very expensive, without my knowledge or permission? It's bad enough breaking up and being kicked out on the street. But to not have known all of my things were moved, with no idea ow they were handled is very sketchy to me and a real lowlife move on hers.

Answer: Your legal problem is more with being kicked out illegally then someone touching your stuff. If anything was broken you can sue for that. You can also sue for all the damages due to the illegal eviction. You likely can also call the police and move back in, depending on when this all happened.


Title: [Utah] Need help with knowing what to do with a gift given by someone who soon after died

Question:
My grandfather gave me a used car he had purchased with financing from a credit union. He was in Utah, and the credit union is in Salt Lake. The day after he gave me the car he had a stroke. One week later he died.

In the process of cleaning up his estate it looks as though his wife and her family had been taking money from him and right after he died they wouldn't let us come to the house before they got there. We immediately found that family heirlooms were missing and that the house had been almost completely cleaned of any financial record that was dated within the period of their marriage.
Her family insists that I must give the car back to the *dealership* in order for the dealer to resell the car regardless of the fact that the title is held by the credit union. They insist that the loan is in her name, ignoring the fact that all the paperwork is only in *his* name. None of the paperwork lists both of their names. They further insist that the credit union can not come and get the car from me, but that I must take the car back to the dealer that her (the wife's) family specifies.

I need some help understanding what the proper course of action is here. I've been told that in Utah up to $150,000.00 in debt is usually wiped clean after a person dies assuming that that debt is solely in the decedents name. Is this true? I have a strong feeling that my grandfathers wife is trying to steal my grandfathers estate. They refuse to turn over financial records to the executor of the will, and it is highly likely that my grandfathers estate was worth something in the millions, which would have covered all of his debt (his debt really only seems to include his credit cards and two cars, one of which the wife's family has taken, the other I have)

It's important to stress that the wife is (as well as was my grandfather) elderly. Also, she shows signs of Alzheimers and doesn't always seem to know whats going on. I do not believe that she comprehends what her family is doing.

As I said earlier, Grandad gave me the car the day before his stroke. During that day he showed me (along with his wife) a number of his most prized possessions including a gold lighter that was his grandfathers. By the time we got back up there for the funeral (about a week later) things like the lighter were gone, and his wife claimed to have no recollection of any of these things existing.

I don't know if we have any recourse. The will wasn't the most explicit and didn't include an inventory of his possessions.

What should I do?

Answer: Contact a probate attorney immediately, if you suspect the estate is being tampered with and have reason to believe you are a rightful heir  (however, by law in absence of a will you probably are not) you will need an emergency court order to protect the estate while the probate process proceeds.


Title: Rental textbook charges

Question:
Location: Wisconsin

I rented textbooks from my college and paid a rental fee/signed an agreement.

I went in on the final day of returns to find out that the school store had closed earlier than usual that day, noon instead of 6pm.  My fault, but aggravating.

The thing that seems unjust to me is, the late return fee and processing fee add up to be far more than the books are worth, and that's not including the rental price I already paid.

I emailed the bookstore and if I understand correctly, the only possible way for the charges to be taken off are if they never fully processed due to a lack of funds in the renters account.

I understand that I messed up by missing the return date, and there was a rental agreement, but these charges seem absurd to me.

Answer: Maybe you can sue or wait til they sue you and force the store employees to answer under oath whether closing 6hrs early on the last day of returns is an intentional ploy to collect unreasonably large late fees.


Title: [WaPo] Rand Paul was possibly attacked by neighbor over landscaping dispute involving grass clippings and leaves.

Answer: I'm gonna need to see an MS Paint rendition of the layout of the property and where exactly the alleged grass and leaves were placed.


Title: Was asked if I had children after job interview with one of panelists in lobby of potential employer before leaving building. CA

Question:
I told them no. I mentioned I am married during an example in the interview. I thought it was rather strange to be asked a question like this. Why should this matter? Is this discrimination? Is this a clever way of determining commitment?

Thanks in advance.

Answer: There's nothing illegal about just asking the question.  It's illegal to discriminate based on the answer, but proving that is incredibly difficult as a practical matter.Answer #2: It might just be polite idle chatter that the questioner didn't realize/remember was inappropriate pre-hire, or it may have been more insidious. Realistically, you may never know.


Title: I am the prime suspect in a very serious theft investigation. The DEA is involved and possibly the FBI. What kind of lawyer do I need and where do I find one located in Central Washington state?

Question: I am not entirely sure if the FBI is involved, but I know the DEA is. As I stated, the investigation is very serious. If I am somehow convicted, there are other people who are also innocent that may get in trouble, and I absolutely cannot let that happen. I have never needed of had to find a lawyer for myself, so I am hoping to find some help with doing so. I am located in Central Washington State. At this point I have not spoken to any police or made any statements on my behalf.

Answer: You need a criminal defense attorney.  Ask your family or friends for referrals or contact the Washington State Bar.Answer #2: Get a criminal defense attorney who practices regularly in Federal Court.  This will be expensive.


Title: CA. Dog bit a woman riding her bike and the husband threatened to sue us. After not hearing from them for two weeks we received a text.

Question:
Happened in CA.

About two weeks ago my wife and I were at a public spot with our dog. There are trails and walking paths, but people can freely roam around the area. We set up underneath some trees in a hammock and tied our dog to one of the trees our hammock was attached to with about five to six feet of leash. After being in the hammock for about 20 minutes a woman riding here bike through the trees, rode very close to our dog and scared her. Our dog jumped and bit her leg causing her to fall over.

The woman's husband, riding right behind her, got off his bike and when he came closer became very angry shouting profanities and threatening to sue us right off the bat.

I'm trying to be as factual as possible, but would like to say we were and are concerned for the woman, who was actually very sweet considering what happened. My wife and I wanted to help if we could, but the husband remained highly agitated and we focused on trying to calm the situation down. Eventually we gave them our contact information and they both rode the bikes back into town, saying they were going to receive medical attention.

My wife gave the woman $20 for her ripped pants.

From what I could tell our dog's bite broke the skin right above her ankle, but no blood came out of the wound. The husband emphasized he would be in contact with us about a lawsuit or medical payments.

After not hearing anything from them for two weeks we received texts today that said: "We spent the day in the hospital, my wife is recovering from her injury have they contacted you yet?" My wife and I aren't sure if "they" in the text refers to the hospital or a lawyer.

My wife and I have not responded to the text messages as we don't know if saying anything could be bad for us. I am writing to ask for advice about what we could expect to happen from reasonable to worse case scenario, but most importantly what should we be doing ourselves in response to what is happening.

We'd like to respond and express concern for the wife, but we're afraid to say anything because the first words out of the husband's mouth were, "I'm gonna f\*\*\*ing sue you."

Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Answer: Do not reply in any way whatsoever to them.  If you receive notice from a legitimate law firm then it will be time to send it on to your lawyer.  But until then, ignore everything they say no matter what.  Do not block them and save everything they do send.  But until and unless contacted by a lawyer, do nothing.


Title: Roommate (41 old hispanic female) kicked me (22 old south african male) out forcibly today. One of my worst days as an international student.

Question:
Hello guys, i am having a terrible day and i need your advice on this one.
So i came here to america about 2 months ago. I had contact with a guy who helped me find a room and stand on my feet for the few days (although not out of kindness) so he found this room with this 41 old lady, me not knowing anything and being new to the country i didnt get to sign any lease and she just took the money and gave me a receit. First month went by she complained every day about something, sometimes about the kitchen (which i dont even use) sometimes about the bathroom not being dry or leaving the bathroom window closed, sometimes about me talking on the phone with my parents, sometimes about my bed being ontop of the heater (which it really is not). Now this is an old house, ac from 90s not working, she turns off wifi at 10 claiming the "box" overheats, which when i checked wasnt even warm, i wake up every morning to find my clothes full of her dog's shed hair which i have no idea how it got there. My room and the bathroom are usually filled with ants etc.

So today as i was preparing to leave for college i tried to go to the bathroom take my shower as usual and leave, but she was in there for more than an hour and i had to pee in a bottle. She leaves the bathroom and comes knocking on my door doing her usual complaining telling me im irresponsible and that she will call her father (so much for responsibility babyhag) and that i have to leave as soon as possible (even though i paid the 600 hundred dollars for my rent and it wasnt even halfway through the month) i told her i need sometime to look for the room so she agreed and i left and came back later on and she asks me if i found a room and that i have to leave. I told her its gonna take at least a few days and she kept persisting that she cant have me here i got kinda ticked off and told her she can call the cops, at that moment she snapped and started calling me names like dirtypig, motherfer, and that she will call the cops and she started yelling and screaming "whats your problem dirtypig) at one point she started picking up my stuff from the fridge and throwing it at me while i just stood there in shock. I left the house to call a few people i know of and some suggested calling the police which i did not wanna in fear of starting any problems and ruining any chance i have here of studying, i go back in to talk to her and i find that she packed some of my stuff (mostly grocery stuff) i go in my room and she comes yelling and knocking hard on my room telling me to find an uber and get the f out to a hotel (she returned 200 dollars which isnt even half what i paid) she started threatening me telling me she will call her father and brother and even the cops even though i was silent and polite the whole while she stood there yelling and calling me names and even hitting on my door so hard i just stood there trying to calm her down and calming myself down before doing something i might regret ( all while secretly recording a video of her confronting me at my room and the horrible way she treated me) i start packing my i leave on my way to the police to talk to them cause i was panicking and did not know what to do and had nowhere to go. They said they could come see what's going on and deal with the situation but i told them i did not want to start trouble they suggested i pack my stuff and theyll pick me up and take me to a nearby hotel which i agreed to because i had no other option. I packed half my stuff (i couldnt pack everything cause it needs time and alot of stuff) so i leave with them they drop me at the hotel i thank them and proceed to the reception. To make it short im staying at a hotel for 100$ a night with nowhere to go and on a tight budget skipping school tomorrow and no idea what to do.

Half my stuff is at her house (which she isnt the owner of) and i dont even know where to go from here.
Also am i allowed to tell her that i have recorded the whole thing and going to take action if she crosses the line again? Or is that illegal?

Please help i am lost

Edit: i have the video recording on phone am i allowed to upload it for you guys to see?

Edit2: this is in NJ jersey city

Answer:
 > i dont even know where to go from here

Go right back to that house and tell her to fuck off. If she tries to force you out, call the cops.

You're a legal tenant. You can't just be thrown out. If they want you gone they have to go through the legal process of eviction.Answer #2: Even if you're not on the lease, they accepted your money and allowed you to move in, and you've been there for over 30 days... that's an established residence. You have the right to be there for now.

The police can help you, you need to tell them you're the victim of an illegal self-help eviction, and need assistance regaining entry to your room.

This woman may not even be your legal landlord, she may have illegally sublet a room in the house (you said she's not the owner, right?) and when the legal LL found out demanded you leave, but even an illegal sublease is still an enforceable lease within the terms of the law.

If she of anyone else wants you out they have to give you written notice (usually 30 days) to get out.

Also, the money she gave you, attempt to return it, if she wont take it, put it in a sealed envelope marked MAY RENT (or whatever month it's for) and keep it safe. You can live there for now, and until 30 days have passed after you get a notice (not the same as an eviction) but you still have to pay rent.


Title: [NY} Had surgery a few months back and a miscarriage this past week, my company seems to be preparing to fire me despite hitting all my professional goals because I'm "Not Committed"

Question:
Suppose this could be an update to this: [https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/bisg0b/ny\_is\_it\_legal\_to\_be\_criticized\_in\_a\_performance/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/bisg0b/ny_is_it_legal_to_be_criticized_in_a_performance/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x)

&#x200B;

I've been at this company for 16 months.  I had surgery a few months back and was placed on short-term disability, the company and CEO (it's a small company of 85) gave me grief in my performance review for "frequent absences" affecting my work.  I have quarterly metrics that I have never missed and a bonus that reflects it, I do and always have hit all my goals.   On Thursday I was sent to the hospital for an early term miscarriage.  Monday after a doctors I was brought into a meeting after a doctors appointment by my boss about "if I want to be at this company".  My boss told me I've missed more time than anybody else at this company so far this year despite always being logged in and attending to my work.  They categorized my surgery as "elective" despite being necessary (I wouldn't DIE without it, just been in chronic pain) and say I picked the "worst time" to have it done.

&#x200B;

Overall the company has a toxic culture and I am looking for another role, however I feel like I am going to be terminated over this and my boss is hinting at it without saying it.  I asked if I was on "probation" or had anything to worry about, and mentioned my metrics (which she called "low hanging fruit", she was not here when I got hired).  She said "you just need to commit to being a part of the team."  I was told I am not to take any vacation time and anytime taken would be unpaid (despite my medical leave being on short term disability).  Overall after the weekend I had this has been incredibly upsetting.  It's like whatever I do right is overlooked and anything I do wrong is put under the microscope.

Answer: Did you request FMLA when you had your surgery?


Title: Do I have to legally give an eviction notice to my "roomate"? Or can I give her a week then throw her stuff on my curb?

Question:
Florida

Im technically the homeowner, my name is in everything. The house, the insurance, everything. Shes not doing anything illegal or anything. Her dog keeps fucking up my backyard. I plan on renting it out next year and there are a lot of holes in my backyard.

I thought itd be awesome to help relieve some bills so shes my roomate. There is no official contract or lease agreement.

I have a puppy that digs too but they never dig under my supervision. Ive told my roomate to ALWAYS observe them when they are outside or they will dig. Im no hole-repairperson but holy fuck its already a few hundred dollars.

I plan on giving her an ultimatum that if she doesnt stop letting them dig in the backyard she can either repair the holes or she can find somewhere else to live.

Do I legally have to give her time? If so how much? She has her mail sent here so she has an address change if that helps.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 How long has she lived there?  That will determine how much notice you need to give.

But if she’s a month to month tenant, you’ll have to give her 15 days notice.


Title: dogs previous owner wants dog back, implications i Ohio

Question:
ocation is Cincinnati, Ohio.

Pamela gave my wife/girlfriend(this part is important), Angie her dog of 8 years, Queenie.  Queenie was apparently biting her newborn, and had to go.

Pamela, 1.5 years after the fact now wants the dog back.  During the year and a half, Angie and I  fed the dog, paid its vet bills,  licensed/registered it, and generally loved it.  Angie for the entire time claims that Pamela gave her the dog, and it is now her dog.  Pamela claims that we are just watching it for her.    According to Angie, it is now her dog.

Between the two women, nothing is in writing, and *everything* is strictly Pamela's word vs Angie's.

We recieved via USPS a letter from Pamela stating she wants her dog back.  My assumption is that Pamela is preparing a civil suit to regain custody/ownership of the dog.

Questions:
Angie and I have lived as a married couple in Ohio for 5 years.  We are technically not married.  There is no marriage certificate, even though everyone assumes so and we present ourselves as a married couple.  All household monies except taxes are co-mingled, and the dog licenses are in my name.  Assuming Pamela sues and wins a lawsuit, could I have any financial liability at if she sues for emotional distress/pain suffering?  Would the liability for any damages stay strictly with Angie?
What are the chances of Pamela's winning a lawsuit for custody of the dog?

Answer: You could countersue for the cost of room and board, as well as the vet bills, as that would be the natural progression of 'looking after' a pet.


Title: NY: Laid off & Employer hired someone to replace position instead of calling me back

Question:
New York State: My mother has been working for an employer for 13 years. She has recently been catching some trouble at work due to another employee starting rumors. (My mom is friends with said employee's new boyfriend, who is also shift manager.)
My mother knows how to do every position in the factory as it is a small factory and has worked there for 13 years. She is always on time and never calls off. Although, these rumors caused a lot of problems with the new office manager as they are not familiar, yet, with my mother.
She was recently laid off due to lack of work. She is collectinf unemployment although it is not enough to cover the bills that need to be paid. She was hoping to get a call back.
She has discovered that the employer instead hired a new employee to replace her.
It now feels like she was laid off just because they didnt have a reason to terminate her.
Is this illegal? Should she pursue legal action? What should be her next steps?

TLDR: worked at a company 13 years. Got laid off and employer hired new person to replace position instead of calling back. Is this illegal ?

Answer: They don’t need a reason to terminate her. They can just do so.


Title: [CA] I'm being evicted because property mgmt company says I didn't pay rent two random months but I definitely did

Question:
I'm not sure what to do, the company managing my apartment building apparently has terrible bookkeeping because I'm being evicted for not paying rent two random months of this year. The months they claim have been changing, but I've definitely paid. I'm up to date for everything except for November because they told me they aren't taking money from me anymore.

The major caveat is that I didn't keep the receipts/stubs for the money orders I used to pay rent. I don't have every single one from the last year, so I have no way of proving I did actually pay my rent. I don't know what to do, and it seems to me I might be forced to eat an eviction.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: you won't get evicted if you pay the alleged missing rent. you can also let LL sue you and go to trial and force LL to prove that they didn't receive the money and present any evidence you may be able to muster that you did pay (find the receipts, get a witness who saw you pay, show withdrawals from your bank account when you bought the MOs, etc). and if you lose at trial, then still, you only have to pay.


Title: Medical Rights for Child Birth

Question:
My wife and I are expecting our 2nd child this June/July. One of the rules the hospital has created during this pandemic is that once I leave the hospital, I cannot reenter it. Meaning if I have to run home to check on my first child, I'm not allowed back in the hospital to see my wife and new baby. Last time she was there for 4 days. There is no way my first kid can go four days without seeing one of us. Is this even legal? If I have to leave the hospital the first day, I'm not allowed to return to help care for the new baby. My wife was in bad condition after the first baby, so she may not be in any shape to care for a new child 100% of the time in the hospital.

Thanks for any advice.

Answer:
 This is legal for the hospital to set their own policy.
Who will be caring for your first child? Just make sure whoever it is (grandparents or whatnot) are prepared that it might be days before you can pick the child up. You shouldn’t have to run home to check on the child. Whomever is caring for the child should probably have a backup (aunts or uncles or other extended family) just in case there is an emergency and they aren’t able to care for your first child anymore. Talk to everyone before hand and make sure they are all on the same page.

You can always FaceTime or call your first child to reassure that everything is ok.


Title: (Texas) Can an employer come in the exam room on a workplace injury?

Question: [removed]

Answer: This is super not legal. The doctor very likely violated HIPPA.Answer #2: My experience in worker's compensation law is that you can be required to go to an evaluation exam with a doctor of the insurer's choice, but you can bring someone of your choice with you and aren't required to allow any other representative of the employer at any appointment.Answer #3: I've accompanied injured workers to the ER before for workplace injuries. It's my understanding that if the worker consents a rep can be there. If they say they don't want anyone there then obviously that must be followed. Answer #4: I’m a nurse in Texas. No they have no legal right to be there. It’s a HIPAA violation. Ask them to leave the room. You also have the right to choose your own doctor if you don’t go to theirs first. Even then you can complain to workers comp and change doctors. I did it with an on the job injury where they tried to send me to a guy with no office that literally carried his stuff around in a tool box and used an empty exam room in some medical building that I think he leased by the day to see patients. It was shady as fuck.


Title: I found out yesterday that I "might" be a father.

Question:
In North Carolina here.

Backstory:

I hooked up with a friend's friend and we had a bit of fun. 10 months pass and she's having a baby. Anyway, she wasn't sure who the father was, and I get a bunch of text messages basically saying it isn't mine. Crisis averted, right?

Yesterday, I get a text from the ex and she wants me to meet the kiddo. Her and her boyfriend/finance want to "tell me the truth" about it all, and how the child has some "anomalies" and bears a striking resemblance to me. I'll admit, the kid *does* look like I did when I was 1, but they all pretty much do at that age,

She (the ex) isn't currently looking for money or support, right now, which makes me kind of sketchy on the whole matter. Also she's mentioned her boyfriend/fiance is basically "playing dad" with her and covering all the expenses for the child.

I know I need to have a paternity test done, would it also be helpful to have a virility test done? I hate to admit that I've literally used 2 condoms in my life and have only have had 1 "scare" where the gf at the time thought she was pregnant. I've slept with close to 30 women and have stayed in contact with them, this is the first one that's been "knocked up" by my pitiful swimmers.

Should I lawyer up at this point before the paternity tests?

Answer:
 So. . . you're hinging your argument that you aren't the dad on the fact that you always have unprotected sex?

Get a paternity test. The most a virility test can tell you is that you're *unlikely* to conceive. It isn't likely to say it's *impossible*. Even men with vasectomies sometimes get women pregnant.Answer #2: It's pointless to do a virility test for this. The kid is either yours or it isn't. The only thing a virility test could *possibly* tell you of any relevance is that you are entirely sterile. It only takes one sperm. Doesn't matter if you only had one viable sperm in your whole being and that sperm was the kakapo of sperms (so stupid it's driving itself to extinction). It only takes one.

Oh, and wrap it up. Are you suicidal?


Title: Amazon cancelled my Prime account with no warnings and no reason. 5 months remaining of my payment.

Question:
TLDR: title

I will preface this by saying I'm far out of my depth, all I really want is my Amazon Prime account back.

My account was erroneously cancelled by Amazon due to what they call violations of the terms and conditions, one email called it misconduct. 4 phone calls and about 20 emails later I am still getting the same response. I have now emailed Jeff Bezos, who as expected just forwarded it to customer services and they gave me the same carbon copy response. **They still have not told me why it was cancelled specifically** so I have no way to defend myself against what I assume is a system error.

I have spent the time and read the prime conditions repeatedly, I have not broken any rules whatsoever. I am not a seller, I just buy stuff. I have left no reviews, I haven't returned any items, and I have not sold anything I've bought off the site. My orders are largely video games, clothes, ebooks, and dog toys. I don't know what possibly could've been the reason.

There are other people this has happened to, a lot it seems. A quick Google search will show.

So my questions. State of Illinois fyi small town.

1. Will I be asking for huge trouble taking them to small claims court? Their terms say they do not seek lawyer fees unless they deem the case frivolous.

2. Is there a chance there could be a change of venue or I some how wind up being required to go to Washington state? I have never been to court for anything and am wholly ignorant of the system.

3. Is there a better way to seek out my account to be reinstated? By taking them to small claims am I guaranteeing that I'll never be able to do business with them again?

4. Better Business Bureau, waste of time or better option?

5. Am I an idiot to waste this much time over $45? In truth I am losing more due to how far I have to travel to a store that sells anything besides groceries.
Topic:
Small Claims Procedure

Answer: You have no rights to an amazon account or prime status.


Title: Purchased a home in September, now it’s falling apart

Question:
Going to keep this brief as I can go on and on about this.

&#x200B;

home was purchased in September. We made an offer on this home of $280k at the urging of the realtors assistant, who was the person we were working with to purchase the home. She stated that we had to offer full asking price because “there are other offers on the home”. We later confirmed after purchasing, by the previous owners, that there we no offers on the home besides ours.

&#x200B;

Within a month of purchase, it began falling apart. A pipe busted and the leak tore apart the house from my walk in closet, down to the kitchen And first level flooring.

&#x200B;

All the appliances, every single appliance in the house is dying. The dishwasher died. Obviously the house is completely ripped apart because of the busted pipe.  Under the kitchen sink and around there is constantly wet and leaking. Cabinets are brittle and moldy. I feel that there were things they didn’t disclose about the home, and looking at the house it’s obvious these leaks were repeated. My previous home which is down the street had one busted pipe in 5 years of ownership (that home had the same type of piping) and this home seems to have had a lot more than at the previous (we had a total of one leak and it was fixed and never happened again; this house seems to have constantly leaked).

&#x200B;

The previous owners did a lot of work themselves and it’s SHITTY. The paints smears off of you try to clean the wall.  Stuff is unfinished and crooked. I can go on and on but the gist is that the house is falling apart. There is so much work to do that the insurance company and rehab company hasn’t even started yet, as it’s just such a large job.

&#x200B;

 I’m upset that the realtors blatantly lied to us to get us to spend $280k on this house. We have no flooring downstairs due to the leak, and apparently according to the previous owners, this happened like just a couple of years ago. The house was torn apart and had to be completly rehabbed. So every few years the house is gonna fall apart and I paid $280k for this trash

don’t know what to do. I actually do like the house if it’s not $280k. Maybe $230k? Is there a way to reduce the amount through the bank or better yet must I sue the realtors? What happens now.

Answer: You should have done your inspections better. Nothing you can really do now for a legal recourse.


Title: I'm seventeen, can I file a restraining order ?

Question: I live In morehead [KY] , I've had multiple disputes with a girl who's about 20 I think she's 19, she frrquents my house and is starting to influence my 13 year old sister to smoke pot and drive her around while she's drunk. She's shoved my mom making her fall, she's made three death threats to me and my girlfriend both, and has had the cops called to my place for her boy friend assulting her, my mom is spineless and refuses to do anything. Is there any legal action I can take to make her stay as far away from my house as possible seeing as I'm only 17?

Answer: Who is letting this woman into your house and why?  The only thing that you can do is try to convince whomever is letting this woman into your house to stop doing that.  If this woman comes into your house uninvited by anyone who actually lives at your house, and she refuses to leave, then you can call the police.  The rest of it is drama that in all likelihood neither the police nor the courts will be interested in.


Title: Neighbor's dog mauled mine, now she's refusing to pay and I'm scared to be at home

Question:
In October, my neighbor's off-leash large dog mauled my small dog in the courtyard of our building. My dog needed an overnight stay at the vet ER and suffered wounds to her throat, chest, and eye.

I tried to work it out politely with the neighbor, but this keeps escalating. I gave her an itemized bill from the vet ($1,300) and asked her to please contribute and she slammed the door in my face.

Since then, the man who lives with her (I don't know the nature of their relationship nor care, frankly) has been following me around. She left a voicemail telling me that she has been recording me. I don't know the nature of these recordings but they are certainly not something I consented to.

I have really bad anxiety and I can't deal with this. I asked to please be allowed to break my lease. I had to pay the apartment management company over $2,000 as a buy-out to leave. I did leave a very straightforward demands letter to the neighbor for the $1,300 bill to be paid by Nov 30th.

The apartment assured me that I am no longer in danger since she is now complying with the leash law.

Last night, as I was moving the last of my furniture out of my apartment, the neighbor passed me by with her dog off leash. I was terrified and put the chair between myself and the dog until it had passed. I called up and said, "your dog is off-leash."

She told me that since she lives here, she can have her dog off-leash (signs indicate otherwise) and I am lucky that the dog is already upstairs.

I'm absolutely terrified. If I would have had my dog with me, I have no doubt my dog would have been mauled again. The apartment management company says that I need to have videotaped this with my phone, despite many prior warnings to this neighbor to leash her dog. They are aware of the mauling.

What can I do? I have no experience with this kind of thing. Since I doubt she'll pay by Nov 30th, do I just file small claims to try to get the $1,300 for the vet bills? I'm really scared and keep having anxiety attacks from this. I don't even know how to go about finding a lawyer who handles this.

I'm in Los Angeles. Here are photos of the aftermath of the mauling: http://imgur.com/a/H9NAd
I asked r/legaladvice about this earlier, but it's definitely escalated since then. Thank you for any ideas!

Answer:
 You should take her to small claims court for the cost of your vet bills.

> Last night, as I was moving the last of my furniture out of my apartment, the neighbor passed me by with her dog off leash.

Which included a call to your LL right afterwards, right?


Title: [WA] Started new job, pays well, company has 1000s of employees in the area. Getting harassed outside work by coworkers and security who think I'm mentally ill or a drug addict because of years old social media posts.

Question:
It's a weird topic but I've been dealing with this for years.

I just got a job in an area where the employer has 1000s of employees. I am getting harassed by other employees that work at this company, both months before I got the job and now that I have it. Some of the employees of surrounding businesses also harass me. The harassment is partially related to dated social media posts that were passed around private circles. I am not actually mentally ill or a drug addict.

I had to contact HR about it on my second day. Today the harassment caused me to have to travel 45 minutes out of my way for transportation. This is a repeat of the last two jobs I had in this area. I don't even know where to start.

Answer: We are missing a LARGE piece of the story, I can guarantee you that. None of this is logical. Answer #2: To be honest, this reminds me of the carbon monoxide guy, if this person says that the employees of SURROUNDING businesses also harass him - I feel like either we're missing the part of the story where this guy is literally George Zimmerman, or we're missing the part where he's a paranoid schizophrenic. Answer #3: I know you say you're not mentally ill, but are you seeing a psychiatrist? Answer #4: What harassment is happening?  How are new people finding out about your old social media posts? Is your old profile still up?Answer #5: I'm sensing something less than the whole truth in this post


Title: My fiancé was stiffed by her roommates

Question:
So my fiancé and I just bought a house in April.  She was currently renting a house with two roommates.  Because we were buying a house, she decided to end the lease early and therefore pay the early cancelation fee.  She was the only one who actually signed the lease agreement.  Both of her roommates were informed of this.  One was fine with it and agreed to pay, the other was not but also planned to move out anyway.  We were told by one of the roommates that they would pay, the other wouldn't talk to us.  At the end of the month, when the fee was due, both of them moved out and cut off all communication, not paying the cancellation fee or their half of the utilities.  We are now out $1400 from paying their half of the cancellation fee and their parts of the utilities bill.  Do we have a case to sue them for their part of the fee/utilities and is this amount of money worth suing for?  We are located in Jackson, Mississippi. Thanks!
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer: Just curious, why do you think the other two housemates should pay the cancellation fee when it was your fiance's lease and she's the one who ended it prematurely and forced them to move out?


Title: USCIS mishandled my family's case

Question:
In December of last year, my father filed an I-129F petition
to bring his fiancé to the U.S. (K1 visa). Then, in April he gets a letter from
USCIS (Citizenship and Immigration Services) saying they’ve acknowledged his
request to withdraw his petition and subsequently terminated action on his
case.
My father made no such request. No one except me knows his
case number. I don’t believe someone else could have fraudulently withdrawn his
case. It’s not possible.
He called their service center and was told that this was
the result of a rare clerical error that would take 7-8 business days to
resolve. His case wasn’t reinstated, so he called again. This time he was told
it could take 15-30 business days to resolve. We’re approaching that deadline
now, and of course he’s received no word.
I understand a withdrawal request would have to be made in
writing. Is this true? If so, USCIS should have this request on file. So… if
there’s no request (because my father never made one), and USCIS doesn’t have
one, shouldn’t this be resolved (relatively) quickly? I fear they’re stalling
and hoping my father just drops it. Is there a case here for an immigration lawyer
to pursue?

Topic:
Immigration

Answer: Spending money seems a waste at this point, however a call to his Senator or house Rep would be in order, a big part of that job is leaning on beaurocrats who aren't doing their job correctly.


Title: (California) i was assaulted due to road rage

Question: This just happen around an hour ago I am very shaken up. I have a three second clip of the person getting out of the truck with plate in frame and a quick punch at me. I don’t remember much I just know he  was hitting me and I have been sore from the gym so I don’t know which is his doing. Is it smart to go to the police? Can I sue? I don’t want this to make me a target this person was crazy.

Answer: Yes, call the police. If you don't have any real medical damages then you don't have much grounds for a lawsuit, but I would certainly pursue criminal charges.


Title: I'm 15 years old and i'm in a lot of trouble.

Question: [removed]

Answer: This reads like fiction.Answer #2: Stupid, made up post.  No one trusts 13 year olds with money and no "banker friend" deals with minors.  Move on.Answer #3: Take up a career in creative writing?


Title: High school is threatening to take disciplinary action against my sister for uploading a Tik Tok dancing to a DaBaby Song..

Question:
Hello. I'm going to make this as short as possible.

&#x200B;

My sister(we'll call her S, 16 yrs old) likes making Tik Toks of herself dancing and lip syncing, like many other younger kids. She posted a video of her dancing and lip syncing to a DaBaby song, nothing to worry about, right?

Well, someone from the high school made an account on Instagram called "<ourtown>racists>(ex: floridaracists). They posted Tik Toks of a lot of young girls from the high school dancing and lip syncing to rap songs, and "exposed" these girls for "racism". My sister happened to be one of those girls. That Tik Tok wound up on that Instagram and people were basically cyber bullying her. Police got involved from the town, and so did the school, and the page was taken down.

My mother just told me that the school "might be taking disciplinary actions for "dancing to a song that has the N word." Is this ridiculous or is my sister in the wrong here? I did not think that posting videos of yourself dancing and lip syncing to rap music voids disciplinary actions from the high school. Is there anything we can do about this?

Answer:
 If your sister is disciplined by the school, she can follow the school boards procedures to appeal the decision.  Students are generally entitled to hire an attorney to represent them in suspension hearings and appeals.Answer #2: No. The school cannot punish a student for dancing to a song off-campus just because it has a racial slur. That would almost certainly be a violation of the First Amendment, absent a substantial disruption at the school, but even that is suspect.

If the school presses the issue, your mother should retain a civil rights attorney. There are many nonprofits that might help you in a case like this for free.


Title: Can I get prosecuted for stealing and then returning something from Walmart? (MD)

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Yes.

"But I gave it back later" is not a defense to stealing.Answer #2: Just keep it. You're risking getting caught taking it back. They're not going to go through hours of footage later down the road to prove it was you. Just keep it.


Title: Legal to put a security camera in apartment without room mate's consent?

Question:
Hey I'm in NYC and I posted a bit ago about my room mate leaving the apartment door unlocked all the time and fire escape open sometimes. *and him trying to lock me out of the apartment

I just wanted to double check about security cameras-- the police told me repeatedly to install a security camera to protect my stuff. So I did. But now that things are heating up with my room mate accusing me of "threatening" him for raising my voice when he lied to my face, "menacing" and "harassment" for talking to him at all, I wanted to make sure I was really in the clear about the camera.

The apartment is railroad style, so I have two rooms. One room is in the center of the apartment, and really it was designed as a dining room that connects to the living room and kitchen with no wall in between. So I keep the security camera in that dining room area, and point the dining room toward the fire escape and front door. It's wide angle, so it captures my private room and also gets a bit of the living room.

My room mate destroyed my security camera. I suspect it was him because nothing was stolen in the apartment. Why would someone break in, destroy the camera, and then leave...? Not too likely I would think.

So, room mate doesn't like the camera, but he had to trespass on my private area to destroy it... also cam is located in my private area, and I don't feel safe without having a camera cause he keeps leaving the door unlocked and anyone could come in.

Thoughts?

Answer:
 >My room mate destroyed my security camera. I suspect it was him because nothing was stolen in the apartment. Why would someone break in, destroy the camera, and then leave...? Not too likely I would think.

Why don't you have the footage from that camera? it's not very good if he's able to destroy the footage perhaps you can set something up to transfer the footage somewhere safe where it can be retrieved and not easily deleted.Answer #2: If you are so concerned about your property, why don't you get a lock for your room instead of installing a camera against the will of your roommate?  What's the point of a security camera that is so easy to disable anyways?  Seems like one more thing to steal.  If you stuff gets stolen, having video of it isn't really a big help unless you can readily identify the thief.  It's not going to help at all if the thief steals the camera too.

Your handling of this seems deliberately antagonizing, I would never record someone without their permission unless it was unavoidable.  I'm setting up security cameras at my house now and I'm doing everything in my power to preserve my neighbors privacy and make sure they understand exactly what areas are captured on camera.


Title: Can I temporarily live in a small camper, tent or shed in someone's yard? (GA)

Question:
Can't access the sidebar for some reason (mobile?) so, apologies if there's already a link that could've answered my question. I'll be as tl;dr as possible but there are many specifics that I think might need addressing. I'll leave that to the comment section tho?.)

I need to escape my current living situation asap.

My mom and SO have both offered to let me hunker down on their respective properties ( both in Richmond County. Augusta, GA) until I can move in with my SO.

Cant make the move for at least 2 months tho. Maybe longer (He recently relocated for work.)

I've tried calling and googling the zoning and ordinances and whatnot but it's been a cross crosseyed, informationless wild goosechase so far.

I just wanna know if I can even do this and (if so) how I *should* go about doing this in way that won't legally bight anyone in the ass.

Answer:
 So long as you don't make a nuisance of yourself and get the neighbors calling in complaints, you're likely not going to see consequences... even if the zoning regulations don't specifically address it.    I would not pitch a tent or park an obviously inoperable RV in the front yard, obviously.  But even sleeping in your car is generally allowed on a temporary basis.  (THOUGH - as a non-intuitive but would hate for it to come up if you were living there for a couple of months - don't do so when drunk!  You can get a DUI while asleep in your own driveway!)

You should absolutely check out whether either of their properties are subject to an HOA.   If so...  they likely WILL notice and levy fines if applicable.

That said...  why can't they let you stay inside?  And why are you needing to flee?   There are a lot of resources (though not enough, obviously) designed to help people who are temporarily or permanently homeless, and there's no shame in needing some help from time to time.  Homeless or Domestic Violence shelters may be able to help you find safer and less legally questionable housing in the meantime, and may help with other things too.  Answer #2: What even is the problem? Abusive family, faulty house, threatening neighbors? I see no reason why you would need a camper too, as any reasonable SO or parent would just let you crash at their place.


Title: I got threatened at a bar

Question: So last night I was having a couple of drinks at a college bar with a buddy of mine. The manager, who had been drinking the whole time I was there, pushed me, starts getting in my face, and then threatens to beat me up and kick me out. Just because he decided he wanted to sit at the barstool I was at. I cannot get in contact with the owner. Is there anything I can do or that is even worth my time? I don’t want money, I just want to be able to go into that bar without having the staff try to fight me over nothing

Answer:
 Not legal advice but life advice.

There are many bars where the staff won’t provoke into a physical altercation.

You should go to those ones.


Title: [IL] Husband facing multiple charges after nervous breakdown.

Question:
Just a little background information:
My husband's younger brother very unexpectedly passed away in the beginning of January. It goes without saying that the toll that alone has taken on him is unbearable. Two and a half weeks ago he was laid off. This only helped to deteriorate his mental state further.

Having said all of that, two weeks ago he was arrested. He has been charged with 2 DUI's, possession of cannabis<2.25 g., possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, and destruction of government property.

Now to explain the charges and ask some actual questions about the potential outcome and options.

Again, I don't want to give too many details so I'll try to give as much information as I can. He had been drinking and left our home, against my wishes, to meet a friend. While driving around together his vehicle got stuck in a ditch and at some point caught fire when they were trying to remove it, which caught the attention of locals. Fire, medical, and police were called. He was arrested on sight after failing a field sobriety test. I'd like to point out that he was never seen behind the wheel of the vehicle though.

The police found anti anxiety medication on him, which he is not prescribed. He was so out of his mind that he smashed a phone in the visiting area while speaking with his father(destruction of government property). He was released the following day after I posted bail, but has no recollection of any of the previous day's events.

This behavior isn't normal for him. He has struggled with depression and alcohol in the past, but it's only surfaced again after my brother in-laws death. He's a very hardworking man and a great father. We don't want this to ruin our future, or our children's, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to get the best possible outcome.

My questions:
1) Can the DUI's be dropped?
2) Can the drug charges be dropped if we offered for him to attend and complete a rehabilitation program?
3) Will they take his mental state into consideration when we go to court?
4) Will hiring a lawyer be our best option to help fight these charges?

I know nothing about law or how to navigate through this. Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Answer:
 >1) Can the DUI's be dropped?

In theory, yes. In this situation, it ain't going to happen. Not with 2 DUIs.

>Can the drug charges be dropped if we offered for him to attend and complete a rehabilitation program?

Again, probably not in this situation. But his attorney can negotiate with that.

> 3) Will they take his mental state into consideration when we go to court?

Probably.

> 4) Will hiring a lawyer be our best option to help fight these charges?

Yes.


Title: Neighbor plays music so loud i can hear it anywhere in my house, what can i do?

Question:
I live in Virginia, (a house not an apartment) my neighbor is playing his music so loud it can literally be heard anywhere. We have contacted the police once and they said they can ask them to turn it down but cannot enforce it until after 10 P.M. We have asked them to turn it down numerous times and he does for about 10 minuets.
He is 25, unemployed and lives with his mother. We are scared he might retaliate by vandalizing the house or cars, or pouring antifreeze in our yard the dogs might lick, he hangs out with a bad crowd.
What actions can be taken to have him finally turn it down or fined for it multiple times untill he finally does?

Answer: Keep calling the cops if it bothers you so much


Title: [California] Possibly poisoned after an argument when I was staying at a relatives house

Question:
I recently moved to the area for a job and some relatives I was very close with said I could stay at their house until I was settled in the job. I was staying with them for a couple of weeks and one day I got into a verbal argument with the wife. She let out that she has always hated me and had a grudge against me and she was going to make me stay at home with her and help her take care of her kids so she can go build her career.

A couple of days passed. I started to notice I was feeling very groggy. I then told her that I should probably go find an apartment. She got pissed off about that.

After that she would give me these teas and not too long after I would feel very dehydrated, have chills, etc. This continued for 2 days and while at work, I snuck out and went to the doctor and told him I might be being poisoned. They ran some tests and it only showed that I was dehydrated. This was 2 weeks ago.

I was scared to go to the police as well because the wife also insinuated that I might be getting too close to her middle school daughter. She also knows some of the management at my company.

I fortunately was able to get out of the house with the help of a friend last week.

Right now, it seems she has it out for me and may do anything. Not sure if I should report the possible poisoning and escalate the situation or just get on with my life. I don't know if I have a case.

Answer:
 Dog Law specialist here.

A doctor told you that you weren't poisoned, just dehydrated. You've got no case, because you have no proof. Answer #2: >Not sure if I should report the possible poisoning

The doctor said you were dehydrated.  Did they say you were poisoned?  Did they check?


Title: (FL) Dog Bite Lawsuit

Question:
Posting to get advice for a friend.

Incident took place in FL.

A family friend was at a hotel with her dog and children. The dog in question is a german shepherd mix, very well trained but young. The dog was registered to their room at a pet friendly hotel. The dog is up-to-date on required shots.
They were on hotel property and a man who was a guest began to approach them (mother holding baby, dog on leash, other children nearby including a child with special needs). The dog went on alert, as an unknown stranger was approaching his family.
The man complimented the dog, and asked if he could pet him.
He was told repeatedly “No, he’s too excited right now, please stay back. I don’t want him to nip at you or something.”
The man stated “It’s okay, I train dogs!” and disregarded her statements/requests and reached out towards the dog and children.
He was bitten on the hand (it broke skin but wasn’t a ripping/tearing bite). The dog bit once and let go immediately and began barking.
He sued the hotel.
The hotel is now suing my friend.
All advice and legal opinions welcome. Friend is worried about a hugely inflated lawsuits and/or having to register dog a vicious or put him down.

TL;DR: friends dog bit hotel guest while protecting his family. Guest ignored friend asking him to stay back and not touch dog, then sued hotel. Hotel now suing friend.
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer:
 Technically, your friend can be held liable for the situation because Florida is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites (see:  [FLSA 767.04](http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0767/Sections/0767.04.html),).

>A dog owner is liable for injuries if:
>
>the dog bites another person, and
>
>the person is in a public place or lawfully in a private place.

Your friend can (and should!) contact a lawyer immediately and push for a defense of comparative negligence (since the man insisted on petting the dog), but it's going to be a he-said, she-said situation that may be impossible to prove unless he admits that he approached despite the warnings, or if the area where the event transpired was under video surveillance.


Title: Neighbor put decorations around mailbox in my yard

Question:
In my neighborhood, all the mailboxes are on one side of the road, which happens to be my side.

The problem is that my neighbor put these ugly pink flamingo decorations around his mailbox. They're not affixed to the mailbox. They're on a stick in my yard, about 3 inches next to his mailbox. It's difficult to weed eat around them. With all the rain lately, they keep falling over. Not to mention they look very tacky.

I asked him kindly if he could remove them, citing my difficulties weed eating, and he said no. Side note, he's a hoarder and an asshole. His entire yard is full of tacky decorations.

Am I allowed to remove his decorations from my yard?  Is he allowed to put decorations there since the mailbox area is considered "city/state right of way"?

Answer:
 >Am I allowed to remove his decorations from my yard?

Yes.

>Is he allowed to put decorations there since the mailbox area is considered "city/state right of way"?

They aren't on the mailbox as you've described.Answer #2: Once deposit onto your yard or public land, they become abandoned property.  I our area we refer to it as "litter on a stick."Answer #3: IANAL, but here's my quick take. If the fugly fake flamingos are indeed planted squarely within the legal boundaries of your own property, you almost certainly have a right to abruptly remove them without further notice. For the sake of civility and neighborly harmony, you could politely make it clear in a letter that if your neighbor doesn't remove them within ten (10) business days, you will. If you do remove the cheaply made ornaments yourself, place them just outside of your neighbor's yard where they won't be repeatedly run over by an SUV with big-ass wheels. There's no need to be unnecessarily obnoxious about evicting innocent lawn displays who can't help being felonies against good taste.

For extra fun, offer to let the plastic abominations remain for a rental fee of $10 a week, which your hoarder neighbor won't want to pay. It's another way to remind him that this is your property and not his. The letter may come in handy later as "Exhibit B" in a small-claims court hearing. "Exhibit A" is the set of pictures you took to prove that the pink invaders are in fact bomping around in your private front yard without triple-signed permission. If your tetched neighbor inexplicably accepts the offer, enjoy the extra $520 a year. Buy some unfriendly lawn gnomes to glower at the pink flamingos. :-)