Title: Last night I was charged with disorderly conduct, consumption of brewed beverage, and operating a vehicle with alcohol in my system. I am scared to death of what this means for my future and I could use some guidance

Question:
Hello r/legaladvice, I am hoping you guys might be able to give me some guidance for the situation I'm in.

So here is my story. First off, I am 20 year old male living in Pennsylvania, and here is what happened last night in a nutshell: I get picked up to go to a friend's house, we drink a few beers around 11 pm, I get driven home at 1 am , my ex-girlfriend invites me over to her house (she lives with her parents), I drive there, we hang out, I leave to go to work but I forget my phone in her house around 4:30 am, I go back to try to get her attention by tossing pebbles at her bedroom window, her parents wake up and call the police, I run and hide, when I am driving home I get pulled over around 6 am and get cited for disorderly conduct, operating a vehicle with alcohol in my system, and consumption/purchase/transportation of alcohol.

So that's a quick summary of the night. Here are the details of when I got pulled over. I was leaving my ex's neighborhood and a car started following me. After a few minutes of driving, he pulled me over. He asks me where I was coming from and why I thought he was pulling me over. I told him I was at her house and that I must have startled her parents. He asked me if I had drank any alcohol that night, I admitted to drinking three earlier in the night. He decided to cuff me and take me into the station for a sobriety test. When we got there the breathilyzer machine was not working, so they did not test me. They ended up giving me the three citations and told me they were cutting me a huge break.

Now I have a few questions. Was it foolish of me to admit to drinking? Do I have any chance to get any of the citations dropped, and if I do, what should I do? If I can't get these dropped, what is my best course of action and how long will they be visible on my record?

Thank you for any help you guys can provide. I have never been in any trouble with the law before, and I am scared shitless that this could really mess up my future. Let me know if you need more details.

Answer:
 > Was it foolish of me to admit to drinking?

Yes. It is generally not advisable to admit to the police you have broken the law.

You should either get an attorney now, or plead not guilty at your first court appearance and ask for a public defender. For now, your goal should be to getting the charged reduced. Worry about expungement later; that is a ways away.


Title: CA:My undocumented uncle is embezzling company funds from the family business and is threatening my Dad and Uncle with IRS audits.

Question:
*Located in Southern California*

So my Dad and two of his brothers, whom I will refer to as Uncle R and Uncle J own a trade business here in Southern California. The company has been around for almost 15 years now and it was fairly prosperous until recently.

The company has been slowly bleeding clients due to actions by my Uncle J. Long story short, he's been dragging the company down with poor customer service, not showing up for work, not completing or refusing work related tasks, etc. It is estimated that the company has lost about 20-30% of their clients due to my Uncle's actions. My Uncle R and Dad can't exactly get rid of him as he owns part of the company and my Dad has a loyalty to family, something that will become a recurring theme in this tale. That being said, My Dad and my Uncle J aren't on speaking terms and haven't been for quite some time.

A few weeks ago, the company accounts have been reported as overdrafted and suppliers have complained about not being paid on time. After some looking into the issue, it turns out Uncle J has been embezzling company funds intended to pay off suppliers into his own personal account. My Dad and Uncle R immediately take action by freezing him out of the company accounts and moving to a new one. Uncle J retaliates by taking all the ignition keys for the machinery needed for their type of work and leaving my Dad a letter, stating that if he did not restore him access to the company accounts, he would sic the IRS on him, Uncle R, and the company for Audits. My Dad pretty much told my Uncle to go fuck himself and to come back to work, but refused to report him.

Now here is where it gets interesting.
My Dad became a US Citizen last year. My Uncle R has been a legal resident for some years now. My Uncle J is undocumented. My Dad won't report him because not only might he get in legal trouble for Embezzling, but also be deported and barred from applying for residency. There's also the fact that going against his own brother will upset his family back home in Mexico, which is a post more fit for r/relationships than here.

So my Uncle J hasn't shown up for work in weeks and my Dad and Uncle R are picking up the slack working 70+ hours a week. My Dad claims he's completely fine as his biggest source of stress, my Uncle J, is gone. Still, he's working himself tired and having to bypass his own machines to start to get his work done. There's also the fact that my Uncle J is still out there making threats against both my Dad and Uncle R.

My Dad has refused the help of both my Brother and Myself. He claims that this issue is only between his two brothers and himself. Still, I feel like I should help him, even if he doesn't want me to. What can I do?

Answer:
 If he doesn't want your help, you can do exactly nothing.  You can't force him to report his brother.  Answer #2: A threat to call the police or the IRS in this case unless a civil demand is met might actually meet the requirements of extortion Answer #3: Can't your dad call the manufacturer of the machines and get a new key?Answer #4: >Still, I feel like I should help him, even if he doesn't want me to. What can I do?

Get your uncle deported. If he doesn't want to be, maybe he shouldn't be committing crimes while undocumented. Answer #5: If it's standard construction equipment, a lot of the keys are interchangeable.


Title: Looked at a vehicle for sale, seller says I damaged vehicle after inspection.

Question:
I looked at a vehicle for sale that was claimed to be in perfect condition.  I drove the truck and shut it off and after shutting it off after the test drive, I tried to restart it.  The truck would not start and the lady that owned it played dumb about it not starting.  I opened the hood of the vehicle and looked to see strange wiring going on.  There was a wire dangling in the engine compartment and I touched it to show it to the seller and it touched the metal of the engine compartment and started sparking.

I stopped touching the vehicle at that point and said not interested and left.  I received a text message from the woman today claiming I tugged on the wires and broke them loose and it ran perfect before me touching it.  She is having it towed and wants me to cover costs.  She said this in the form of a text message.

I have yet to respond to her but I can tell she is trying to do something sketchy and has already implied she does not have a job.

What should I do/say at this moment?  Not respond at all?  Contact my lawyer?  Tell her that her mechanic is responsible?

I am located in Florida.

Answer: Block her number and let it be.  You have no responsibility to take care of her vehicle.Answer #2: Don't take her calls/texts/emails/anything. If she continues to harass you, call the police. But just avoid her and live your life. Answer #3: This might be a scam she tries to play on people. It's probably something very simple to fix.


Title: Would a lawyer seriously take a case regarding consensual underage sexual activities?

Question:
I'm just wondering if a lawyer would seriously take a case like this considering it is probably extremely common and most teens are doing things nowadays. Male 17, Female 14. Age of consent is 16 but both parties consent, parents are okay with it.

I want to know for example let's say a jealous ex-partner wants to report them. Would the lawyer first need proof BEFOREHAND to start an investigation or would they take the case anyway with minimal proof that the two are involved with each other? I'm new to all of this information so any advice is appreciated, thanks!

Answer:
 Lawyers don't investigate criminal offences like statutory rape. The police do. Most departments take sexual offences seriously.

A credible complaint is enough to start a more formal investigation.


Title: Tenant law advice help on bedbugs?

Question: Hello I'm writing today to ask for legal advice for bedbugs in Washington state I previously had a infestation in the apartment at the time I did not know I originally had bedbugs when I moved into the new apartment my complex treated by heat treatment for the first infestation then they made us pay the bill via rent installments as an add-on originally they said they had a warranty to the company that did the treatment now the same bed bug infestation is back it just moved to a different room in the apartment me and my husband was just told today that the original warranty was covered for 30 days at the time of the first treatment they give us the all clear but now they are back the owner of the complex is blaming us for this infestation and forcing us to pay the whole bill within 10 days or will we will get evicted if we surrender the property the manager will give us 30 days to move out either way we have to find a department what is legal advice do I need and what lawyer I should contact thank you for your time.

Answer:
 **I was bored so I tried to make this legible for /r/legaladvice - I think I translated the important bits. OP please correct me if I got anything wrong**
> Hello,
>
> I'm writing today to ask for legal advice about bedbugs in Washington state.
>
> My old house apparently had bedbugs although we didn't know about it at the time.  Three months after moving into a new apartment complex we had a bedbug infestation on our hands.  The complex treated (heat treatment) the first infestation, and made us pay the bill via installments as a rent add-on.
>
> Originally the complex said they had a warranty from the pest control company, but now the same bed bug infestation is back - it just moved to a different room in the apartment.  My husband and I were told today that the warranty only covered the work for 30 days. After the first treatment they gave us the "all clear," but now the bugs are back.
>
> The owner of the complex is blaming us for this infestation and forcing us to pay the whole treatment bill within 10 days or will we will be evicted.  If we surrender the property, the manager will give us 30 days to move out.  Either way, we have to find a new apartment.  What legal advice can you give me, do I need a lawyer, and if so what kind?
>
> Thank you for your time.

^^*edited ^^to ^^clarify ^^things ^^but ^^this ^^was ^^difficult ^^to ^^parse


Title: 4-profit school and student loans.

Question: Hello, I am a 21 year old female that has been enrolled in a 4-profit university/vocational school for pharmacy technology in California since March of 2013. I have been on two medical leaves of absence due to my lupus/fibromyalgia for one, which I was diagnosed with after my enrollment and my anxiety and depression for the other. I have had many trials with the school as my graduation was pushed back due to classes not being offered at certain times because of my absences. In some classes I was failed purely due to a thing called professional development grade because of my absence due to my illness's. By the time I realized the school was not going to help me as they had told me in the beginning I was trapped in loans and attempted to stick it out, but recently I have realized I cant mentally, emotionally or physically handle it any longer. There were multiple incidents of rude behavior by administrators, and times I was told, " Well how will you work if you can't handle getting to class." but I stated after I finished school I would not immediately be working in my field and by now I never want to. I understand I have exceeded the 14 month period the school gives as a start-graduation time frame and I have had threatens of termination for failing classes (all due to absences and illness). I am not thinking of suing but I am wondering if there is anyway to lessen the student loans I have.

Answer:
 You are a legally competent adult who made a contract. There is no do over for poor decisions when you contract. Pull yourself together and go forward. Answer #2: You are in the process of learning a very expensive lesson, that being that for-profit schools care about your money and your money only.

Exactly what kind of loans are they? Are they federally secured, from your bank, or just through the school?


Title: Is my mother liable for this debt?

Question: Ill try to be as brief as possible. My stepfather passed away in Aug 2017. He was purchasing a home from a family member that owner financed the home. His name was the only one on the contract, my mother's name was nowhere on the contract. My mom just received a letter from a lawyer demanding late payments on the house and it states if that's not played then the full amount will be due. She's pretty upset as she has no real property from the estate. Also this is in Georgia. Thanks for any advice.

Answer:
 If you are currently living in the home, this needs to be handled asap to see if she is even eligible to take over the loan.

If you are not living in the house, then you can let it default and let them foreclose on it. They will go after the estate, if there is no money from the estate, there is nothing for them to get. Answer #2: Are you or your mother living there? Because it matters.

Assuming you aren’t, and your step father was the only one on the deed or contract, they can only make a claim on his estate, and not your mother personally. Ok which case, the guy is SOL. Has your step dad’s estate gone through probate or did he have a will?


Title: Need credit cards back from friend who won’t release them. Help!

Question:
Hey everyone.

I made a friend who’s father gave me financial advice (an expert in tax advisory and financial management) back in 2012.

He offered to open credit cards in my name and my dumb, 19 year old ass agreed. He has two credit cards with my name on them that he ran up $10,000 in bills on, and none of the charges made on the cards are mine. What’s worse is my current credit score on all 3 relevant sites is now under 600.

I asked him to pay them off (because he’s rich) and hand the cards over because he has fucked up in a clear and obvious way. He’s stonewalling me and pretending like it’s not my cards or his mistake.

What can I legally do to get the cards back without having to pay off his charges in the process? My friend and no one else that knows him has done anything to help so it’s a stalemate. Any ideas you have would be a huge assist.

Thanks.

Answer: Your first step is filing a police report for identity theft and fraudulent transactions, provided you didn't authorize this person to use the card on your behalf.


Title: [MD] High school breaking IDEA and 504?

Question:
I've struggled with mental and physical illnesses throughout my life and I feel as though the way I have been treated by my school is discriminatory. I have a meeting with the principal of my high school to discuss these issues and I want to know where the law stands before hand.

To provide context for these events, I need to explain a little about my health. I struggled with severe mental illness my 10th grade year which went into remission that summer, at the start of my 11th grade year I developed a multitude of physical illnesses, my main diagnosis being postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and a suspected diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (a genetic disorder).

Events that occurred in my 10th grade year (mental illness):

* Told I wasn't sick enough to qualify for accommodations, even though I had just been discharged from a psychiatric hospital and was unable to attend school for the month after my discharge.

* Getting a meeting to discuss accommodations took three months

* Repeatedly told by staff that if I just showed up to school I would be fine (therefore I didn't need accommodations)

* Forced to disclose information about which medications I was taking  and was then told that "those drugs are no good, you need [x]" by my guidance counselor

* Same guidance counselor forced me to discuss causes of my mental illness, even after my doctor said it was inappropriate to do so.

* Assistive technology was denied even though I had two doctors documenting a need

11th grade year (physical illness):

* Questioned my diagnosis from my cardiologist, my vice principal asked my mother if she "had ever actually seen [me] faint" (a hallmark of POTS) in an accusatory manner

* Told by guidance counselor I did not have POTS, I was just depressed

* Guidance counselor didn't answer emails and legitimately yelled at my mother over the phone when my mother tried to explain I was not "just depressed"

* Accommodations based solely off teacher recommendations, even though said teachers had no clue what was going on with me and from the outside I just looked like a lazy student

* Necessary accommodations were denied based on the statement that "other students at [high school] with POTS don't need that"

* I had "too many" accomodations

* Denied usage of mobility aid because doctor was out of town and unable to provide documentation immediately

I feel as though the school has not provided me with a free appropriate public education, I went from scoring in the 99th percentile to failing a majority of my classes due to illnesses. It has gotten to the point where I feel unsafe in the school environment due to the constant disregard from administration. This has effected me so much that I had panic attacks when called to the guidance office.

Is there any legal action I should pursue? Should I just give up on receiving a high school diploma?

Answer:
 Hello. Your post is making my blood boil. Please quickly familiarize yourself with any local contacts for due process (district / county/ state level) as well as any agency that will provide an advocate to attend the meeting with you. Please do not give up! While state laws and district policies may vary, federal laws do not bend. There are so many things you listed that are out of compliance and illegal...

There may be some relevant information or a lead on who to contact in this publication:
https://disabilityrightsmd.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Special-Ed-handbook-rev-July-2013-final.pdf

Edit: Also, does your district have a 504 coordinator (sometimes the direction of special education, or guidance) who can attend as well?
Answer #2: If your parents are willing to help you pursue this, personally my first step would be to seek out a lawyer familiar with IEPs and 504 plans. Preferably one who's sued your district previously.

You'd be shocked how many schools pull the kind of crap you're describing and then immediately toe the line the moment they get a phone call from a lawyer.


Title: [NJ] My divorce decree says if my ex remarries, alimony stops. What if she has a religious (Jewish) marriage, but not a legal one?

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 You'd have to go back to court and have a judge decide if that constitutes "marriage" as intended in the decree/settlement agreement.Answer #2: You'd have to go back to court and have a judge decide if that constitutes "marriage" as intended in the decree/settlement agreement.Answer #3: The easy answer is that signing a ketubah in NJ doesn't create a legal marriage.  NJ Rev Stat § 37:1-10.  And any rabbi she got to solemnize the marriage in NJ without a license would be breaking the law. NJ Rev Stat § 37:1-15 (2013).

The better answer is that the answer depends.  Mainly: it depends on where she were to get married and under what circumstances.  Even though NJ requires a license (and other stuff) for a legal marriage within its borders, if she has a religious marriage in a jurisdiction where a license is not required, then she is legally married under NJ law and NJ courts will enforce that marriage (I'm assuming you gave her a get, because if you didn't, then she couldn't execute a valid ketubah, and couldn't even do erusin).

Finally, assuming she just does a religious ceremony in NJ, I'd still advise a client to open a petition to modify the support order, simply because while she may not be legally married, she's still engaged in an act that is sufficiently material to amount to a change in circumstances warranting judicial review/modification.


Title: I am a picker of sorts and recently I found a large sum of cash(under $10,000) in some boxes that were in a big pile of stuff that was being thrown away by the family of someone who was recently deceased.

Question:
EDIT: THROWAWAY FOR OBVIOUS REASONS

As soon as I left, another picker pulled up and started going through it all so he would have possibly found it and if not, it was heading to the landfill. I think the people who had the nerve to throw shit away without checking what it is are so dumb. I kept the money and have no real plans on ever seeing these people again.

My questions are : Should I avoid putting any of this in the bank?
Did I violate any laws by not giving it to the people?

Here is a pic of the cash
https://imgur.com/a/PxbNF

Answer:
 INAL but you should probably check to see if they’re counterfeit or not Answer #2: Where was this?

In some places trash that has been brought to the curb is no longer considered private possession.  On the other hand, lots of places have laws or city ordinances that prohibit the others raiding of trash in order to [deter organized rings of criminals from profiting from people's trash. ](https://www.local10.com/news/is-it-legal-to-take-items-out-of-someones-trash).  It seems like it is legal under the same law for a casual passerby to  see and pick something out of garbage.

As for putting it on the bank; again, depends on location, some places have laws that deposits over a certain amount are reported at the federal level and could have consequences.Answer #3: In a lot of places trash is treated as abandoned property.

While a lot of people here are saying you should report it as income, I would be sure to include your reasonably necessary expenses in acquiring said property over the year.Answer #4: I can't speak to the legality of keeping the money. However these appear at a glance to be old bills and may be worth more than face value to a collector. It would certainly be worth it to take to a currency specialist to have appraised,  even if you can't legally keep it.


Title: [Ontario, Canada] found a wad of cash. what should i do?

Question:
i was just walking around when i found hundreds of dollars in cash blowing around in the wind. it wasn't an obscene amount of cash but whoever lost it is definitely going to miss it. i am guessing it fell out of someones pocket. at first i was really excited but now i feel bad. the person who lost this money is going to feel awful when they find out its missing. i'd really like to get this money back to its rightful owner but i don't want to risk giving it away to a dishonest person. i'm sure there is no shortage of people out there willing to falsely claim this lost money. if i can't find the owner i think i am just going to donate the money or something. it wouldn't feel right to keep it.

anyone from Ontario willing to give me some advice?

Answer: You have no legal obligation in Ontario to turn the money in, and no tax implication for keeping it. Armory v. Delamirie (1722) still applies here.


Title: Hypothetical: Protesters blocking a road

Question:
In say Texas, if a road is being blocked by protesters and you drive through them injuring them severely are you held liable or is it as if they were jay-walking and they are liable for damages?

Just curious.

Answer:
 Of course you are liable.

If they are jaywalking and you hit them, you can be liable for that too.


Title: Hong Kong - Forced to be referred to as birth name (exactly) and gender on the basis of no Gender Dysphoria diagnosis, then refused testing for diagnosis (both by the same psychiatrists)

Question:
Okay so this is a particularly long story with a lot of background information, I'm not terribly good at keeping things short but I'm going to try.

I'm currently 16 years old and was unwillingly admitted/sectioned to a public hospital's child psychiatric ward based on indications of suicidal ideations and self harming behaviours in Hong Kong \(where I live\) December of 2016. I'd been diagnosed a few years before with Anxiety, ADHD, Depression and ASD \(Autism\) so I don't think it was a huge surprise for anyone, had been having therapy and taking medication for all of those since diagnosis as well. However something I never received a diagnosis for was Gender Dysphoria/Gender Identity Disorder, essentially the diagnosis of being transgender \(Which I am, female to male just in case that might be relevant\) due to the fact that I did not feel it was necessary for me to have some label to confirm something I already knew, and at the time the only people who didn't refer to me by correct name and pronouns were my parents and psychologists as the school had been fairly supportive after my parents confirmed it was alright for them to do so \(but refused to do so themselves as they did not feel comfortable doing it, but I knew that a diagnosis wouldn't change that either\) and because of my situation at the time a diagnosis wouldn't've benefitted me with transitioning physically either as my parents would not have allowed it \(and possibly HK law wouldn't've either\).

Now back to me being admitted into the psych ward, I was asked what I wanted to be called by a nurse \(of whom would not have been aware at all of anything other then I was a new patient coming in and basic information on my HKID\) and instead of saying my preferred name I said my birth name as my father was behind me and I didn't want any fights to ensue or confusion to be caused. So I go a few weeks just in the psych ward slowly dying every time I was referred to as female or with my birth name until somehow \(I genuinely can't remember how but I don't believe it was by myself unless it was during a breakdown over the name\) it came up with one of the psychiatrists, dude blatantly said that as I'm Autistic I can not be easily diagnosed as Gender Dysphoric and that he and the entire team \(of which none of the others had never so much as seen me\) all genuinely believe there was no way I could possibly be transgender, giving no other reason aside from the Autism. \(There are very little studies on the combination of the two, and there is conflicting information on it as well\)

Now if the psych had just stopped at saying "you can't be transgender" I would've been fine with that, but he continued onwards to state that as a result of me not having a diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder or Gender Dysphoria I legally could not be referred to as anything aside from my complete first name and female pronouns. Now this is where I feel like it's absolute bullshit as my school was informed they would have to call me those and not only was staff told this but my classmates were informed of this as well. Thankfully my classmates choose not to but teachers and other staff had no other choice. But the thing is separately from my gender identity I have an incredible hate of my legal first name, even before I knew I was trans I'd had people calling me by my legal middle name, I had suggested being referred to as that instead to the psych but they said that wasn't possible, same went for being referred to by my last name \(even with a "Ms" in front of it to make it less awkward.\) Even being called as the name I prefer still aligns with being a legal name as it's a shortened version of my middle name, yet somehow the psych made it out to be illegal? Following this logic any Chinese student who hasn't got their english name written on a legal document shouldn't be able to be called their English name, every student who is referred to by a nickname or shortened version of their name shouldn't be allowed to go by that name either.

Now it's about a year on from when that first happened and I've been discharged from hospital for about 10 months, but the situation is still going on, some of my teachers have reverted back to the name I prefer as I started writing it on every  \(non\-legal\) document as soon as I was discharged \(Had written it once on the front of a test whilst I was still an in\-patient but on school\-leave and had been forced off of my school\-leave to stay completely within the hospital for another week\) and a few use my last name \(by itself\) which has made things a little easier but there's many who still continue to use my first birth name and it is fairly hard to deal with without wanting to harm someone/myself.

 I've also found documentation that suggests it's possible I've had a diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder, my father gave me his old phone when he got a new one and despite me wiping it it still had documents left on it \(presumably it was on the SD card\), I didn't realise this until a few weeks of having the phone when I was looking for a document and found one that had my full legal name in it and the "..." to signify a cut off title. Purely out of curiousity and confusion I opened the document and skimmed through it to figure out what it was, turns out it was an admission letter from my psychiatrist prior to hospitalisation to the hospital psychiatrist \(that my father must've had a copy of as it was on his phone\) and within it there was a paragraphing explaining my issues/reason\(s\) for admission, one of the disorders listed was Gender Identity Disorder, y'know, the exact disorder I apparently can not possibly have? I had never been aware that this diagnosis was made and had always been told that I would have to wait till I was more stable/older before it was recommended to test for it by that psychiatrist, he had allowed for me to be called whatever I wanted at school but was always planting the possibility of me not being trans into my head, at the time I thought it was him just trying to make sure I wasn't pushing myself into something I wasn't and giving me the freedom to change my mind \(which I never did and probably never will\) but now I'm just confused.

 It's possible that my parents \(who aren't the most supportive when it comes to my gender identity\) asked that I wasn't told about my diagnosis but is that even legal? Also is the whole not letting me be called what I want legal either? Is there anyway I can view my psychiatric patient notes from the hospital? What can I do about this, what are my rights in this situation?  Any other general advice?

Answer: There’s no real legal issue here. You are a child. When you reach the age of majority you can make your own legal decisions.


Title: (FL) Can my landlord require pet liability insurance for my ESA?

Question:
I have provided documentation to my landlord for my Emotional Support Animal. The lease does not require that I have renters insurance. Thank you.

Edit: I should add that I have two roommates who are not being asked to pay renters insurance. And I received a violation notice today. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it to seek legal counsel or if I need to just accept it and find a new home for my dog.

Edit 2: The violation notice said I have a month to get rid of my dog. I'm worried that it's too late to just get pet liability/renters insurance. I'm a first-time renter so I don't know a whole lot about how this all works.

Answer:
 > I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it to seek legal counsel or if I need to just accept it and find a new home for my dog.

If you're so willing to give up your "ESA", one starts to wonder if there is a true need or if you're just claiming ESA to get around pet restrictions.

That said, either way it's incredibly stupid not to have renter's insurance.Answer #2: To clarify, your LL is willing to accommodate your ESA if you are willing to bear the potential liability of any bites through a renter's insurance policy?

Answer #3: I am unaware of "pet liability insurance".  However, I am aware that if you choose not to have renters insurance, you are foolish.

You can get an awesome renters insurance policy for between $5-20/month.  It is worth it.  Trust me.Answer #4: What does the violation notice actually say?

Your ESA is a pit bull that trashes your apartment when left alone, escapes or tries to escape regularly (requiring help from neighbors to catch and bring home), and has been in at least one fight with another dog while unleashed.

It is phenomenally reckless to not have renters insurance in general, but especially when you have a completely uncontrolled pit bull. Your landlord is required under the FHA to make reasonable accommodations; allowing an ESA is reasonable but allowing **this** ESA may not be.

Also, renters insurance will probably cover vet bills for the next time your unleashed dog draws blood from another dog at the dog park.


Title: Are there red flags you should listen for when hiring a lawyer to represent you?

Question:
Hired a lawyer that has a lot of experience, but seems a little old school. Are there things you should listen for that are concerning? This lawyer has mentioned:

* He asked me to deposit a cashier's cheque paying his fee in full prior to telling the court I'd retained him
* He was unaware if I needed to do it at his branch or could do it at any branch in that chain
* He wears a QRay bracelet

He also has a long tenure as a former prosecutor and knows many of the people in legal system. He's also previously handled cases like mine. I might just be being overly nervous due to my situation.

Thank you all for any responses.

Answer:
 1) Not strange

2) Is this lawyer being retained to help you with a banking related issue, financial crime, or something financially complex? If so maybe red flag, maybe ask him more questions about his expertise in these matters?

3) What's a QRay bracelet?


Title: [CA] I was just served papers stating I am being sued for an accident that I was never apart of.

Question:
Hello everyone.

About an hour ago I was served papers stating that I was being sued by an individual for “clipping the end of their car,” and it is a civil suit for the amount of around $14,000.
I was never in an accident. I have never hit anyone at all.
It does not say the name of the plaintiff, just the insurance company that this is going through (which is actually the same insurance company I have)

I called my insurance company and they said there are no claims on my file and nothing in their system that shows anyone has contacted them about the accident.

My question is, what exactly should my next steps be? I plan on going in and speaking with my agent face-to-face on Monday with the documents I was served.
However, I am feeling a bit frazzled and would like to know if there is anything I should be doing beforehand.

Thank you.

Answer:
 Definitely talk to your/their insurance company about this.

Whenever you're sued, you do have to respond (by showing up, or providing a response, depending), so make sure to note any court dates or 'respond by' dates. But I suspect this will get sorted before it comes to that. If it isn't, it could reach a point where you want to retain an attorney (you're not there yet though).

Basically, you're doing the right things.

Do you have a record of what you were doing when this alleged accident happened?


Title: Wage garnishment from judgement over 13 yrs ago plus interesrt?

Question:
So, my very close friend is freaking out and I thought I would throw this out to see if there was any usefully advice.
A few months ago she received a letter saying her wages would be garnished. The judgement was from 2003 in the amount of $13XX.xx but they were going to garnish $36XX.xx because of interest. It does not appear that they have attempted to collect this debt for 13 years!!
The debt and judgement were both under her maiden name but she had been married and living at her current Residence for 2 years at the time of the judgement.
She thought it was a scam when she received the paper. Idk why but the garnishment started last week.
 Does she have anything she can do, it's been 13yrs? Is it even legal to charge interest after a judgement? We live in ohio if that helps.

Answer: So long as the creditor sued for payment within 6 years of the original debt (so if the debt was from 1997-2003), the judgement is valid. Interest is also legal to be charged. If there has been a court order for this, there is a very good chance that this is valid.


Title: Can you sue for slipping on mud and breaking your wrist on someone's private property?

Question: A friend broke their wrist because they slipped on a muddy hill on someone's private property (their relative, whose house they were staying at). They're 100% not gonna sue, but someone keeps telling them to. Now I'm curious, would this be likely to succeed or get thrown out immediately or somewhere in between?

Answer:
 In that scenario, generically, probably not (though it would matter somewhat why the hill was muddy).  It sounds like your friend would qualify as a '[licensee](https://www.findlaw.com/realestate/owning-a-home/homeowner-liability-invitees-licensees-and-trespassers.html)' in a premises liability sense:

>Licensees
>
>A licensee is a person who has no contractual relation with the property owner, but who is permitted -- expressly or implicitly -- to be on the premises. A social guest at a residence is normally considered a licensee. **The homeowner is usually liable only for willful or wanton injury to a licensee.** This means that the homeowner is required to exercise enough care to prevent injury to a licensee who is actually known to be -- or could reasonably be expected to be -- within the range of a dangerous act or condition.


Title: If I [18M] have sex with my boyfriend [15M], would I be able to be charged with rape in Florida?

Question:
Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer:
 The age of consent in Florida is 18, meaning those under 18 cannot legally consent to sex, and if you two have sex, you are risking a statutory rape criminal charge.

There is a close-in-age exemption in Florida that would allow someone aged 16 or 17 to consent to someone up to age 23, but since your boyfriend is 15, this would not apply and sex between you two would be illegal.


Title: I want to learn everything I can about my father's crime

Question:
When I was young my father committed a sexual crime in our home state at the time (Florida) against someone in my immediate family, was convicted, and I haven't seen or heard from him since. That's literally all I know. My family will never tell me what happened but I believe I have the right to know. The only information I can glean from searching the sex offender registery is that he committed sexual battery, and that the victim was a minor and the gender was not specified.

What else can I know? I don't have any experience with obtaining court documents but I'd imagine, with a minor involved, mostly everything will be classified.

Answer:
 The details of the minor's identity might be excluded from public disclosure but the crime itself and details thereof are generally not. This varies to some extent by state but you probably will be able to get pretty much all of the case records, potentially with the minor's name redacted.

You might also learn more than you want to know. If your family is going to such lengths to keep it from you, perhaps there is a reason for that. Are you prepared for whatever you might find? What if the victim was someone you are close to and care about and you find out things you'd rather not have known? What if the victim was you but you are too young to remember? You may already know enough to make a judgment about the kind of person he is, maybe the case details are more than you need? Just a thought.

Anyway, write or call the clerk of the court where he was prosecuted and ask how to obtain copies of those records. Google may be able to help as well if you search for your city/county and "public records laws" or something to that effect.


Title: I think someone has repeatedly entered my house without my knowledge [Pictures attached]

Question:
This is something that I would never imagine posting about online. After countless calls to the police and, by far, the most frightening events that have ever happened to me, I don't think I have anywhere else to turn.

&#x200B;

On January 7th 2016 I received a strange email, the address was a jumble of random numbers and letters which I thought was odd. I assumed it was spam but noticed an image was attached. I felt hesitant to open it, at the time I was taking a cybersecurity class which warned that these type of files can contain viruses. However, my curiosity got the better of me and I opened it anyway, something which I will probably regret for the rest of my life.  Inside was a photograph of the side of a house, I've uploaded it to imgur:

&#x200B;

[https://imgur.com/a/J1M65XW](https://imgur.com/a/J1M65XW)

&#x200B;

I didn't really think much of it and brushed it aside. I was taking exams around that time, so I didn't have much time to think about it.

&#x200B;

A few weeks ago, while I was lying in bed and calling my girlfriend I noticed a scraping sound outside of my bedroom window. It is summer where I live, so I keep my window open to let the breeze and moonlight in. The various animal noises and sounds that occur around a rural New Zealand home far too often allow my imagination to spook me, so I typically don't pay attention to much things. However, the next day I received an even more unsettling email. It was from the same address as previously mentioned and contained another photograph. I have uploaded the photograph to imgur:

&#x200B;

[https://imgur.com/a/6t8kgPi](https://imgur.com/a/6t8kgPi)

&#x200B;

I was beginning to feel uncomfortable about this whole situation, so I showed the images to my parents. They pointed out something that sent shivers down my spine and I sometimes wish they never even told me. The images sent to me look very similar to the side of my house and outside of my bedroom window.

&#x200B;

We have contacted the police which refused to help us, telling us to contact them if it happens again. To make matters worse I recently started receiving phone calls where the caller immediately hangs up when I answer.

&#x200B;

I don't know what actions I can take to get the police more involved, because they seem to be disinterested in the whole matter.

Answer:
 Make sure those pictures are actually your house.  Not just similar, but actually are.  It could be a strange coincidence and someone things they're mailing themselves pictures and they're ending up going to you.

General security tips:

Get some security cameras and install them.  They're relatively cheap.

Make sure your windows and front doors are secure and can be locked from the inside.

If you ever feel like it may be unsafe to enter your house (door's unlocked or open, things are misplaced, or you hear someone in your house), get to safety and call emergency services.Answer #2: You don't recognize your own house?

And why do you think that someone was inside?  These pictures are from the exterior.


Title: [FL]Landlord just gave 10 day notice to vacate. Confusing scenario but we're getting screwed.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: She can kick you out, but she has to give you written notice, give you until the end of the month, and give you notice at least 15 days in advance. If she doesn't give you notice by the 15, you've got until the end of December. Also, no, of course you can't be held liable for the bad pipes.


Title: Rental Driver hit me, Hertz giving me the runaround. Atlanta, GA

Question:
May 8th I was in a collision with a Hertz car. The police cited him for improper lane change, so he is at fault for the accident.

The driver didn't purchase the rental insurance so his personal insurance is liable for the damage to my vehicle. His insurance information wasn't taken by the police and Hertz is telling me they don't have his insurance information and they are "investigating."

How could this be true? Wouldn't his insurance information have been recorded when he rented the car?

Hertz send a property damage appraisal company to asses the damage to my truck. That was on May 26th. I have been trying to get in touch with them since then but the claims office refuses to answer the phone, return my calls, or respond to my emails.

Should I hire an attorney? I only have basic liability coverage on my vehicle so I can't get it fixed until they write me a check. What do I do?
Topic:
Insurance

Answer: Get the police report, give the info on it to your insurance company. Problem solved. They can find out the other guys insurance...that you should have gotten at the scene


Title: [UK] Can I ask my son to get a different teacher if he comes out as gay?

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Troll Post

Answer: I hope this is a troll. Jesus I hope this is a troll. If not, let it be known that you are the worst humankind has to offer.


Title: A friend of mine has a mexican federal license to operate trucks in mexico, on the back of it, it says its valid in USA and Canada. Anyone know if police do validate it here in the US of he's driving a small vehicle?

Answer:
 ...maybe

https://www.usa.gov/visitors-driving

>People who drive in the U.S. must have a valid driver's license. Some states require an International Driving Permit (IDP) from foreign nationals, in addition to a valid license from your own country. Contact the motor vehicle department of each state you will drive in for its requirements.


Title: [USA] Unknowingly exposed to asbestos for 6 months straight during a demolition job.

Question:
As the title says, this is fairly self explanatory.

I worked on a job site for about 6 months, during which I literally shovelled asbestos insulation (unknown to me at the time) into trash bags. AFAIK we were never informed that the insulation was containing asbestos. I hadn't received any special training or equipment, not even "right to know". It was my first ever job, and I was *very* naive at the time.

I am making this thread, because I don't know what else to do. I spoke to my family and they are now scared shitless for my health. As am I.

Edit: Sorry about turning this into /r/medicaladvice or something, I'm just a bit freaked out.

Answer: First priority is to go see a physician. If asbestos comes back positive, second priority is probably a lawyer.


Title: Felony arrest record with no conviction?

Question:
I'm engaged to someone with an arrest for felony robbery in Washington state. (Five to seven years ago, she shoplifted something under $5 and pushed a security guard. Plea of no contest on a public defender's recommendation, the judge dropped the charges because she felt they were trumped up, from what I understand.)

So there's no conviction to get expunged, but a felony arrest pops up whenever a potential employer runs a background check. How long will this follow us around for? Forever?

I'm worried about her having a hard time finding work after we're married. Currently she keeps applying places but gets turned down, or gets invited in for an interview, addresses the arrest, everything seems fine, then she doesn't hear back. Is there anything she can do to improve her chances of getting hired? Is there any way to have the record expunged that I don't know about?

We're planning on living in Oregon, so that's the place I'm most worried about, law-wise.
Topic:
Background Checks and Expungements

Answer:
 > How long will this follow us around for? Forever?

Yes.

> Is there any way to have the record expunged that I don't know about?

You can talk to an attorney about [expungement](http://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/index.cfm?fa=newsinfo.displayContent&theFile=content/guideToCrimHistoryRecords#P131_22380).  This would remove the criminal history permanently.  It appears that she may qualify under Washington's statutes.


Title: my uni prevented me from going abroad so I went on my own. Can they legally do anything if I sarcastically tag them?

Question:
Throw away account for anonymity's sake

&#x200B;

Back story I have on and off again seasonal depression. I am in my late 20s and getting a phd  so my university has free mental/health services and in an attempt to save money I went and saw them this march when I was having a rough go of it. I didn't hit off with the psychiatrist at all and she was very much more into my past issues than my present ones. So I terminated our therapeutic relationship and found a counsler outside of the school. So far so good. Seasonal depression passed and I moved on.

Come June i'm all set to go abroad on my uni's dime for research and I get a message to go see the health center. Turns out because I terminated the therapeutic relationship the therapist at the school had put a note in my health record that I was unstable. I am informed that despite my current therapist saying I am healthy and my previous ones being willing to write affidavits to the same effect  (issue is seasonal depression its the summer she's fine) the school for my 'own good' refused to let me go. But they also said I wasn't a danger to myself or others just that given the issue and me terminating my health care with them they had concerns and didn't trust me abroad under their name. So I couldn't go abroad but my educational status etc were all fine with the school and unaffected.

SO i'm getting back in a week or two and want to make a lovely collage of pics from my time abroad and someone was like you should tag the school since they helped you go. (they didn't remember?) I was like that's brilliant I really should. So now I want to do it and tag it 'so glad to have had this opportunity because of /my university/ special thanks to Dr /asshat/ "  . My partner says this is a bad idea and could get me into legal trouble. But since i'm not defaming them I don't see how it would be an issue. Its just me being sarcastic and if they make a fuss I can be like ?? it literally says thanks whats the issue. however, I just wanted to check.

Answer:
 OP- As long as what you write is truthful (or at least clearly your opinion), it's not illegal to be sarcastic.

I'd however suggest as a PhD/graduate student, your conduct is often held to a higher/more professional standard than an undergraduate, and doing what you're suggesting would be poor form.


Title: (California) Put my boyfriend's bodily fluids in my lunch, can my co-worker sue me?

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Troll Post

Answer:
 Oh Trolly McTrollerton you've posted this story previously. Couldn't find the original but I believe it was in  /r/relationships. Find some new material. You need to bring your A game trolling to this subreddit.Answer #2: She certainly couldn't win if she sued. You weren't setting a trap of any kind.

You should report the theft to your employer, though. And there is no need to mention the... specific contents. Just say that she has been stealing your lunch.


Title: Eviction warning New Jersey 32F with 15 month old

Question:
TLDR: landlord gave warning. 3 months rent due in one week or being evicted. How much time do I have to get me and baby out? While not paying rent. Don't have money or many options. Do judges give extra time in Nj when you have a baby and are single parent?

Hello. I have never really been on this sub. So I'm not sure the type of commentary I am going to get so please be nice. I am 32 y/o F with 15 month old baby. I work a full time job. But with new expenses that come with a baby I have fallen behind on my rent. I live in NJ on a month to month with no signed contract just verbal agreement. I have lived here 8 years and I suck so much paying on time but have always paid never bounced a check but sometimes late and sometimes REALLY late but always paid. The landlords have always been nice and understanding but I have not paid since December and in about a week and a half owe 3 months rent. I tried to give her six monthly post dated checks breaking up the past due amount into 6 monthly payments while paying the current rent and I gave her these checks in advance so she knows I'm not jumping ship. We recently had another tenant in building with same story except this baby was five and they were nut jobs. So I think they are afraid  I am going to trash place and give them a hard time. Anyway this is really long and I'm starting to think this might not be the sub I need. I am just possibly dealing with Post Partum anxiety and am super stressed about this warning. She will not except the six month checks I dropped off and want me to pay the three months I owe her in a week. So my question is how long is the eviction process in NJ? As a tenant how long do I have if I now need to save money to deposit a new apartment. And I know I would be screwing my landlord over but I don't have any extra  money. If this subs comments go more on the landlords side I understand. I didn't make good choices in life and now live like this I guess. I just have a kid and need to figure out what to do. Also I make just enough money to be over poverty line so I don't have many options on government help...

If wrong sub please direct me to who can help! I just need advice.

Edit: spelling

Answer:
 They're serving you what's called a "pay or quit" notice.  In New Jersey, they must serve you written notice and give you at least 30 days to fix the issue.  That's paying your back rent, and applicable fees/interest/penalties, **in full**.   Post-date checks don't count.

If you don't leave, and don't pay, they'll move to evict you.  They will very likely win.  You will be given a short period to move, but likely not terribly long.  You definitely do not want an eviction on your record, so you should either pay your rent or begin moving immediately.Answer #2: Judges dont give people extra time to pay rent, but there are many government agencies and charities that will help.

If it is only a notice, you like have a few weeks, as the landlord will have to file in court, get a court date, then an order for you to be out. If you are not out by then, the landlord will get a court order for the sheriff to set you out. Answer #3: The eviction process requires at least one court hearing.

He's warning you that he will *begin* eviction proceedings if you don't pay your rent.

She has no obligation to accept the post dated checks.

Start looking for a new place to live, but don't worry that you'll be out on the street tomorrow.


Title: Previous employer won't fill out the paperwork to rollover my 401(k)

Question:
I recently accepted a position at a consulting firm which accepts 401(k) rollovers. I sent my previous employer an authorization needed to release the funds but I'm not getting a response. What other steps can I take to get my investment rolled over?
Topic:
Business Law

Answer:
 You can call the plan administrator yourself and deal with them directly.

How long has it been?  Because these kinds of requests usually fall pretty low on the priority totem pole.  They may have just not gotten around to it yet.  Follow up with HR or whoever handles it at your old company.


Title: Ex-Roommate gone unhinged

Question:
First (and hopefully) last post here. Me and my girlfriend moved out of a place we had been renting with a friend yesterday. We lived there under an implied lease, no actual written obligation to stay.

Our roommate has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and flipped her lid on us over something incredibly petty yesterday (us wanting to be left alone in our room). This happened very regularly, at least 3/4 times a week.

We have her the benefit of the doubt for 3 months, but yesterday pushed me over the edge. I told her to go fuck herself and that we were moving out. She practically started foaming at the mouth, slammed the door on her way out and went to her boyfriends house for the night.

I’m not one for empty threats, so we stayed up til 1 last night moving our things out and back into my girlfriends mothers house. However, my girlfriends car has had starter problems and is currently stuck in the driveway at our now previous residence.

This morning, upon seeing our things gone, she proceeded to fly off the handle, sending my girlfriend death threats and threatening to destroy her car. As an NC resident, I’m aware that she can be charged with communicating threats, but I’d like to know if there’s any more I can do.

My girlfriend is on the process of trying to get her car towed, but the part to fix it is being mailed to the house we had to mass exodus from last night. Roommate is also threatening to destroy the part upon its delivery. I’m fuzzy on the law here, but it’s addressed to me, so wouldn’t this be tampering with mail if she goes through with it?

Sorry for the jumbled mess, I’m currently at work shaking because I’m so furious.

TLDR:
Ex-roommate goes berserk and threatens to kill my girlfriend, destroy my girlfriends car and tamper with my mail. Pls help.

Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 You can intercept the package with most carriers. Usually you have to pay a small fee. Is it being shipped through USPS, UPS, Fedex, or something else?

I wouldn't take the death threats lightly, I would contact the police if I were your girlfriend.Answer #2: Contact the police with the text messages. Answer #3: Some insurance policies have a road service included for towing, jumping etc. Have your GF check her policy.


Title: [NZ, AUCK] Wedding venue stole my photos and used them for promotion

Question: [deleted]

Answer: What makes you think that they don't own the photos? Do you have a signed contract where they gave up all the rights to the photos they took?


Title: Landlord says I must submit to pest control inspection and/or treament or pay fine. New rule. Can do they do this?

Question:
Landlord put a note on my door saying I must clear my stovetop/refrigerator and "put away" pet(s) for a pest control inspection "per your lease" and/or treatment and that I must comply or pay a $50 fine. I'm in Texas and the lease is a boilerplate standard TAA lease. The lease says nothing specifically about pest control. It has a general clause that I must pay for "cost of repairs or service in the apartment community because of a lease or rules violation". However, in the community rules and policies section, it only says they may regulate "(A) the use of patios; (B) the conduct of delivery persons and movers; (C) common areas". It also says they are allowed to enter at "reasonable times" for "reasonable business purposes" but, again, says nothing about me being obligated to board or otherwise put away any pet(s), or move anything around in my kitchen for inspection, or submit to any pest control treatment.

I don't believe it's a violation of either my lease or the rules they're allowed (per the lease) to make to not comply. Can they really fine me for non-compliance here?

Answer: Yes. Pest control is part of maintenance and care of the property. If you get cockroaches or bedbugs, they can not only damage the property you are in, they can spread very quickly throughout the complex and create havoc. I have actually evicted people who refused to comply with pest control efforts because of the chaos they create. Cooperate, nobody wants anything you have, including your critters.


Title: Photo Copyrights - USA

Question: Compiling a picture book of cars and writing descriptions/commentary for them. One day, this book will be printed and sold. Does Fair Use Law grant me the ability to use photos of cars found from the web, without enquiring for permission?

Answer: No. If they aren't your photos, you can't use them. This is not even close to any form of fair use.


Title: NC - School Punishes children for absences

Question:
So, at my son's Elementary School, each child who has 100% perfect attendance for the month of October will be rewarded with a trick-or-treating parade around the school. Is it legal to discriminate against sick children, especially those who provide doctor notes? My niece and nephew have chronic illnesses and will have a routine doctor appointment at a hematologist this month, this making them miss out on this reward. They have enough stress in life and now they are kicked while they are down. The appointment is scheduled like 6 months in advance so it isn't going to be easily rescheduled.

Do I have any legal rights here? How do you suggest I go about expressing my frustration with this
attendance requirement to earn rewards?

Edit: The principal made a change from you can't have any absences to you can't have any unexcused absences. As it should have been stated the first time.

Answer:
 I hate rewarding kids for perfect attendance -- I'd rather sick kids stay home with their germs! And you're right that it's not fair to kids with chronic conditions. But there is not an inherent right to participate in a parade and your niblings are not being punished for absences.Answer #2: I missed the halloween parade in 3rd grade because they were testing my eyes for the third time at school. Found out I needed glasses.

Contact the principal.

#neverforgetAnswer #3: Missing out on a minor reward in elementary school is not a legal issue.  It could be a lesson that not everything is always fair.  Just move on with life.Answer #4: First, do you have custody of your niece and nephew?Answer #5: The school is rewarding good attendance; not punishing absences. You have no legal recourse.Answer #6: Are the children covered by a 504 plan or an IEP?  If not, that might be the best way to proceed.  It is essentially accommodations for health issues, and I'm fairly certain it can have provisions for absences.  Answer #7: Do they have IEP's?


Title: Roommate is giving me their cat when moving out

Question:
Hi all,

My roommate moved in to my apartment with a cat, and they are moving out soon to another place that does not allow pets. The roommate decided that it would be best to leave the cat behind, whom I am now adopting.

I've grown quite attached to the cat, and I want to make sure I am prepared in the event of a change of heart down the road on the part of the roommate. I have the cat's entire medical history and original adoption, vaccination, and medical records. Is there anything legally that I should/could be doing in terms of the adoption, to make sure everything is set?

Thanks very much in advance!

Edit: I'm in Massachusetts, USA.

Answer: Draw up a bill of sale for the cat.Answer #2: A bill of sale is a super simple document. I am usually hesitant to advise people to find a form on the internet... but I'm sure you can find a form on the internet.


Title: Pass an annual fitness test to stay employed

Question:
My employer has instituted a mandatory yearly fitness test. Failure to pass will result in a “non-disciplinary separation”.   Which doesn’t seem like a real thing, but that’s a different issue.

What are your thoughts in terms of workout time “off the clock”?

There are people who cannot pass the test.

My main question is, if an employer demands I maintain a level of fitness to stay employed, aren’t those hours compensatable ?  Under the department of labors verbiage of “suffer or permit to work”, it would seem so.

I recognize that my employer isn’t saying “run for 30 minutes on Tuesday night” but isn’t having a requirement a soft way of directing people to run?  Or is that why it’s non-compensatable?

For the record, I’m not opposed to a reasonable requirement, I just don’t feel people should lose their jobs under this new policy.    Give people some time to get there, don’t just slap guys in their 50’s with new requirements.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 It all depends on the job. Is it a job that requires physical activity (fireman) ? Is it a position where being in physically fit is a factor in the business(e.g. a gym) ?

I would doubt you would have argument for working out to be compensable. For staff that cannot pass, I'd be speaking to an employment attorney if it was a new requirement. There are plenty of physical ailments and medical conditions that make this mandatory fitness test an HR nightmare & an attorney's dream.


Title: [US] My ex (28F) and I broke up after a domestic dispute in which she was charged with Domestic Violence (Battery). She is a green card holder. We still talk, and she wants to know how this will affect her ability to apply for citizenship.

Question:
The state is KS, if that is relevant. Basically, a few weeks ago while I was in the process of moving out of our duplex (she is the leaseholder, and my name is not on the lease) she attacked me. The cops were called, and she was arrested for Domestic Violence/Battery. She was taken to county jail, booked, and released less than 12 hours later. She moved here from the Philippines in March of 2009, and has worked full time after attending school for a year the entire time she has lived here. Some of her sisters have taken the citizenship test and received citizenship, but she is still a green card holder. She was planning on applying soon, but is worried about how this will affect her chances or ability to receive citizenship.

After some internet searching I received mixed and inconclusive results, and from what I gathered there is no hard and fast rule as to what offenses will permanently, temporarily, or not at all prevent her from gaining citizenship. In the grand scheme of things, this is a relatively minor offense, and she has had no prior arrests since she has lived here. The worst thing she had done previously was receive a speeding ticket. The information I found listed certain crimes that will (obviously) definitely prevent one from achieving citizenship, but those were all mostly very serious or heinous crimes, or drug related ones.

She had her first court date two days ago (Tuesday) and submitted an application for deferred adjudication/diversion, which basically stipulated that if she pleads guilty, attends an anger management class, pays the court fees and fines as well as the diversion program fees, then after one year the court will remove charges with prejudice (which I believe means that it cannot be brought up again) so long as no new charges arise.

Does anyone know what answer I might be able to provide her with? I'm assuming this means that she should (or maybe must) wait until the year is over, after which she might be in the clear...but will this still possibly held against her? And if so, will it merely make it less than 100% that she will receive citizenship, all else being equal? Or will it have no effect at all?

Any insight, suggestions, or further reading on the issue would be much appreciated.  She really is a great person who, in the heat of the moment of being distraught at my leaving what was a less than perfect relationship, attacked me (hitting me, slapping me, scratching me, and preventing me from leaving without incident). I feel bad for her because, even though our relationship is over, I still want her to be able to become a citizen and ultimately live a happy life. Thanks for any input guys, I appreciate it!

Answer:
 If she is convicted her chances of becoming a citizen will hit rock bottom. She should get a lawyer. Answer #2: If this is a felony and she pleads guilty, she'll likely have her Green Card revoked.

She really should discuss this with an immigration attorney in addition to whatever defense attorney she is using.


Title: Landlord won't wire 220v in the garage (NY)

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Nope.Answer #2: Why did she say no? Because she didn't want to pay for it, or because it isn't feasible, etc.? Does the lease say 220 will be in the garage?

You don't have a legal right to having it wired.


Title: (TX) Local law enforcement has been using their social media to call suspects "idiots" and post pictures of them in cruisers.

Question:
This is more a general question, so forgive me if I'm not doing this right.

My local law enforcement has been using their Facebook page (the official department page) to do several things I feel are at best unprofessional and at worst, possibly legally risky. First of all, on several occasions, they posted pictures of suspects in the back of cruisers with officers giving a thumbs up. I'm interested how this intersects with "innocent until proven guilty?"

Now, they have begun posting things like "Another idiot apprehended by PD..." And "The dummy ran, but we caught him!"

Is there anything legally wrong with PD using their social media account to do these things?

Answer:
 >First of all, on several occasions, they posted pictures of suspects in the back of cruisers with officers giving a thumbs up. I'm interested how this intersects with "innocent until proven guilty?"

Arrests are generally public record when we're not talking about minors, many states even post mugshots that are searchable online.  This seems like it would fall under the same category.  The fact that they were arrested is "true", there is no "innocence" here, they will always have been arrested.

>Now, they have begun posting things like "Another idiot apprehended by PD..." And "The dummy ran, but we caught him!"

This is unprofessional, but probably legally permissible.  It's hard to imagine a defendant proving damages by a single Facebook comment calling them an idiot.Answer #2: Nothing legally wrong.

You could petition your state legislature to ban the practice.


Title: Former best friend brutally assaulted his parents recently, I have information about him I feel the court should know, is there anything I can do?

Question: For a bit more background I have known this person for about 14 years now. I spent a lot of time with him and his family and have seen a lot of not so great things. He recently stabbed both of his parents repeatedly and is currently in jail awaiting trial on felony assault charges. I was reviewing the court documents that are public record and it listed him as having no history of substance abuse, I know this to be 100% false. I have witnessed him first hand abusing drugs and have been the victim of a lot of verbal and psychological abuse from him while he has been using. He is also an alcoholic. Instead it lists him as only having a history of mental health problems (this is true, but it started after a year of extreme substance abuse). I also witnessed him verbally abuse his parents unprovoked on many occasions. What I fear is that he will get found not guilty due to insanity and end up back on the streets quickly. I have reason to fear for my safety and the safety of my family because our friendship did not end well just a little over a year ago. We live in different parts of the US now, but now that I know he is this violent, I don't feel any distance is far enough. Is there anything I can legally do to inform the court that he does in fact have a very serious history of substance abuse? I don't have any saved conversations or anything, only first hand accounts of what I've seen and experienced.

Answer: Getting out of this due to an insanity please is not likely. Most people in jail are mentally ill. My guess is if he stabbed his parents he is going to jail for good while.


Title: Given more responsibility and promised a promotion that never came through

Question:
At the end of 2016 I was assigned to manage an employee with a higher salary and title than me due to performance issues. I was told that come April my title (and compensation) would be adjusted appropriately. My title was not changed and I also received an extremely minimal raise and bonus compared to the increase in responsibility. My direct report still maintains a higher title and salary (by at least $10,000) than me.

I am in California. Is this worth speaking to a lawyer about? I have one email promising a title change and other adjustments (no specific numbers though.

Answer:
 Your boss is allowed to lie to you. A lawyer will not fix that. Your boss is allowed to put someone under you that makes more money than you. A lawyer will not fix that.

I am not sure what you think your lawyer is going to do besides piss off your boss.

Have you tried talking to your boss?


Title: [south MS] Declared Deceased

Question:
This is going to be a little strange typing out and explaining.

On 9/5/16 I went to the local ER for a swollen leg. They moved me to a 'clinic' area to save the ER rooms for real emergencies, the nurse said anyway. I was there a bit over 4 hours, got n x-ray and Ultrasound. Nothing was really fixed or done.

on 9/8/16 I was declared in Gulfport, about 2 hours from where I live and the local coroner approved it with my SSN and on the 14th all my stuff was locked down.

I didn't know this until that Friday evening the 16th because I had 2 letters in the mail. One stating I was Deceased and the other stating my insurance was cancelled due to this.

I tried to call but everything was closed or kept me on hold until they closed. I learned my Bank, Insurance, EBT, Disability, and SSN were now all closed or unusable.

I spent 3 hours Monday the 19th at the SSA office. But most of my stuff is still locked or cancelled. No one will tell me anything about who, where, how or why I was declared and now I'm not sure what to do next. The person at the SSA office told me everything would click back open 24 hours later but it hasn't. The insurance won't even believe I'm not dead when I'm the one calling them with all my information. I also can't exactly do much because my SSN is 'restricted' still for I'm not sure how long or why.

Any help would be great, thanks.

Answer:
 try and see if you can get in touch with the coroner that declared you dead, a phonecall from a dead person might prompt some double checking on his end.Answer #2: My condolences for your death.

On a serious note that sucks. I really hope this is resolved ASApAnswer #3: Why would they send you a letter informing you that you're deceased?Answer #4: It's probable something very mundane happened: in reporting to your insurance, the hospital accidentally indicated you died instead of being discharged, and everything went by-the-book from that point on based on the faulty information. It happens more often than you'd think.Answer #5: Question to the legal heads out there:

If OP committed a crime, would the state be able to charge him before correcting the mistake and declaring him to be a living person?

Not sure if the courts can put a *legally dead* man on trial.Answer #6: So then, does this mean there is a dead body in MS that is currently officially alive?  I would imagine a coroner wouldn't declare an individual dead if there wasn't a body there to be examined. Answer #7: A state representative might be able to help. Look up who is in charge of your district and call them. If nothing else they might be able to pull some strings and help get you through all the red tape.


Title: I'm Stuck in a Workers Comp Loop (NYC)

Question:
I had surgery on my right knee and because of difficulties I have had in healing it, my left knee is suffering compensation pain. The Workers Comp Board is fighting me and making my life a living hell and will not allow my doctors to look at my left knee before they go in front of the court.

That's still many months away and the pain in my left knee is increasingly unbearable. I don't have insurance because my city job cut me off due to medical leave. If I went to the ER because of pain in my left knee, could that be used against me in workers comp? I fear I am doing more damage by waiting and ignoring the pain.

Answer:
 My wife has the exact same issues in opposite knees. We are in TN so I cant help you with NYC, nor am I a lawyer, but I can tell you its been a nightmare. She had surgery on her left knee three times, the third being a total replacement. During those times she suffered stress fractures in her right knee from prolonged usage of crutches. They have fought her on it hard. She got an MRI done they pre-approved and then rescinded, so are billing us $12000 for. After almost 3 years she finally got them to switch her Doctor to one who is a 2 hour drive. Initial consult referred her to a specialist, and now no specialists will see her because her knee was already worked on by another doctor and they don't want to touch it.

We have a lawyer, its helping some but not much. Which I had better news. Workers comp is a travesty.


Title: [CA] I have no running water in my apartment. What can I do?

Question:
This is in California on the coast.

Since my boyfriend and I moved in three months ago we have had constant issues with our toilet. It went from bubbling loudly at all hours and then not flushing for a day or two then working again.

Because of this issue, our landlord has been having her husband and his friend (I was told he is a plumber) constantly working on it.

Today at 1 AM my boyfriend and I woke up to the sound of pipes clanging. We saw the plumber's truck outside and assumed he was working on the pipes when there is no water being used and went back to sleep. At 6 am today we woke up and there was no water.

We called our landlord's husband and he said he would be right over. I went to school and my boyfriend went to work and when I got home at 5 pm we still had no water. My landlord's husband was there and he told me he doesn't think that he will have our water back by today and that he cannot get ahold of the his friend. I asked if he called a different plumber and he dismissed it as too expensive and that his friend already knew all the details.

I can't even flush my toilet and had to shower at a friend's house. What legal rights do I have? I read that I can call my own plumber and take it off next month's rent but I don't know how much a plumber costs and I don't know if I have enough money on hand to pay for it. I also don't want to burn bridges with my landlord and get an eviction notice. I live in an area that has little to  no available housing and we can't couch surf because of pets.

Any advice or previous experience would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 You have a right to water in your apartment, you can ask to not pay rent for those days, however don't just pay less until it's agreed.  They also need to offer a solution,  like putting you up in a hotel until the issue is fixed.

Your landlord is also an idiot, hiring a plumber is a basic cost of being a landlord. Check your lease for causes to break, refusing to provide adequate maintenance may be a valid reason.


Title: Lost my job after 3 years at bank

Question:
Hi I recently got promoted to assistant manager from personal banker. My branch manager treated me badly on my third day try to get me fired but I got a final. I spoke to HR they told this should of been fixed at the branch but they reported me. After that I reported her of things she doesn’t do the right way. Then HR tells me I’ll be transferred out soon. I spoke to the temporary market manager he told will meet with me on December 5th. I did meet with him and his manager and they said I’ll be transferred out on the 25th. They told me my branch manager will be helping that branch till the 25th. We won’t be working with each other. My concern was her name was still  above me and I told HR too. Then they sent this lady who normally helps new teller trainees. When she first walks in the branch she asked  what happened to my manager. Was talking to me in bad demeanor in front customers and employees. She would come once a week. I didn’t let it bother me because it was once a week and I was going to get transferred out. On the 25th I called the temp market manager he said I’ll be working in the same location until further notice. Then the lady would would still come every Wednesday. That week of the 25th my branch manager and that bombard me with emails the whole week. I knew their intentions for me to quit. I was really stressed at the branch my associates would tell me the branch manager told them not to help me or listen to me. One of my employees would call in sick a lot and I would be by myself on the teller line by myself. One day I get an email from HR I was stressed i said what did I do now. That day I had are cash shipment ready for the people come pick it up. It was in a bag with tickets I had to process on our system. At the end of the day I had to count the vault and printed a sheet of all the dominations in there from our system with other associate. We had so many coin bags in the vault with the money I was going to ship out. I counted the vault and it balance at night just remember that the shipment people didn’t come to pick up the cash and coins. I forgot to reverse it in the system. The next day we get audited I told the audited I forgot to reverse the shipment. The lady who comes once a week came that day as well.  My appointment with HR was the same day. I spoke to HR and the temp market manager was on the line. They reported things about me that wasn’t true but then they reported i force balance the vault. I said I didn’t force balance I forgot to reverse the cash that was going out in a bag because they come that day I was stressed. They told they are going to do an investigation on these matters. I said that’s fine because it wasn’t true and my Market manager fully trying talk against me I had concerns. The next week the investigator asked me questions I told no one should get in trouble for the vault. It’s not like I put fake numbers to balance the vault. She said ok but I met with the new market manager and lady who helps after few hours. They told me I will go on leave of pay till the investigation is over. I had to turn in my keys in the meantime. I go home and get a call two days later from the temporary market manager with the new market manager. The temp market manager told they want to go their separate ways with me and said make it  easy for all of us resign from your job. So they can tell everyone that I resigned but I told them no why resign and he said fine they will terminate me. Then I told him he lied to and use me and he replied yes he did and for me to go see physiatrist. I was stress and harassed treated unfairly at this employer. Please and advice should I seek legal help to bring justice.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Nothing you incoherently describe appears to be legally actionable. Answer #2: This is impossible to read. You need paragraphs and a short explanation of the reason they gave for firing you. You also need to ask a clear legal question.


Title: Car Stolen and add to sell it is on Craigslist and the Police won't do anything (Nashville TN)

Question: So my friends car was stolen and now the add is on craigslist to sell it for pretty cheap. He told the investigator this and he told him that "that wasnt much to go on". There are literally pictures of the car  and everything with the license plate crossed out. What can he do to get the cops to get him his damn car back? This is ridiculous.

Answer: Does your friend have the original title etc that lists his name and the car's vin?  If so, try contacting the "seller" and arrange a meeting to inspect the car.  Call the police back and say you know where the stolen car is (don't mention craigslist) and ask them to go with you to retrieve the car.  If they agree, you can prove the car is yours by matching the VINs.


Title: US citizen arrested in canada for DUI

Question:
Tell me why i cant just skip court and go back home?

what are the consequences of that?

Answer:
 Because Canada can request the US extradite you and ship your butt back to the great white snowy north.

https://www.oas.org/juridico/mla/en/traites/en_traites-ext-can-usa4.html


Title: [New York] If my health insurer doesn't know that I'm ineligible for their insurance, can they backcharge me when they find out?

Question:
I am on a student health insurance plan, but I'm no longer a student (temporarily).

If my state student health insurance (NYSHIP) finds out, can they backcharge me for the health and lab services rendered when I was ineligible? They haven't tried to "check" my eligibility, and I'm still paying my dues out of my paycheck...

I know if I ask the office they'll just terminate my plan, but if they don't know can they get me?

Answer: If one of the conditions of your insurance was that you maintain student status, then they can bill you for any procedures they covered during the period that you weren't supposed to be.


Title: (Canada, Alberta) As an small employer am I allowed to call to check the validity of my employees doctors notes and details therein?

Question:
What info am I allowed to ask for? Obviously I do not want the diagnosis but more if they my staff says they went to the docs and gets time off due to it. Can I ask what dates were on the note to see if they faked it? Kind of a weird vibe from this guy so curious to know where I stand.

It isnt for a 48 hr flu folks. If it was that I wouldnt care.

Answer: You can ask for whatever you want. I sure hope the doctor wont tell you anything. FYI they'll probably be pissed off at you too. Doctors hate sick notes and hate employers that require them. They'd really not like an employer calling them verifying the note. Answer #2: Or you could just not? http://imgur.com/mPs76dQ


Title: [MI] - Unstable Ex-boyfriend of homeowner breaks into house. Police are called and search and leave, new police from another area come (sent by ex’s cop brother) and take the thief’s leftover belongings before he fled.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 1.) As people noted, throwing him out was an illegal eviction. She might have had cause for a restraining order, which would have forced him out - and she should still pursue one. Once a restraining order is filed, he can't generally come around unescorted.

2.) File a complaint about the other cops with their internal affairs division (and possibly state police). They should not be leaving their jurisdiction to come deal with you.

3.) Anything he took that was not his was theft. File a police report for those items. If he in fact stole a shotgun, the police should take that seriously, and you doubly need that report, because without a police report, it's still **your** shotgun.Answer #2: 1.) As people noted, throwing him out was an illegal eviction. She might have had cause for a restraining order, which would have forced him out - and she should still pursue one. Once a restraining order is filed, he can't generally come around unescorted.

2.) File a complaint about the other cops with their internal affairs division (and possibly state police). They should not be leaving their jurisdiction to come deal with you.

3.) Anything he took that was not his was theft. File a police report for those items. If he in fact stole a shotgun, the police should take that seriously, and you doubly need that report, because without a police report, it's still **your** shotgun.


Title: Wrongful termination? California

Question: So I've never been fired, and today I was. The whole situation seamed weird so I have some questions on what to do next. I put a note into one of the binders at my work explaining where the signatures go because there were a lot of errors. The next week I came in and it had some caddy comments on it saying that the places for our signatures was changed per my manager and an arrow pointing to my example stating "this makes no sense!" underlined. My manager had placed her initials at the bottom indicating she approved, and the note was copied and left in 2 binders at my work all week for the other employees to see the disagreement/conflict. When I found it I took the notes out and emailed my manager that it was handled wrong. I used language like "it discourages teamwork, and initiative, is disrespectful to me and lowers respect for you as well because it is passive aggressive. Next time their is something I do wrong please speak to me about it directly. I also cc'd my managers boss because I felt the issue needed to be made aware of. Today I was asked to come in for a meeting. I had made copies of the document we sign because I felt like I needed it in my defense. I also had both copies of my note. My manager, the director, and the HR person were there to tell me my language in the email was disrespectful. My response was that the original action was more disrespectful and that perhaps they are misinterpreting my email. I sent it to convey my disagreement with the actions taken and why. They were very focussed on my faults and when I brought up my managers wrong doing they had said it was like "comparing apples to oranges." I said that I appreciated their thoughts but disagreed. When the blame game continued and I continued to defend my thoughts, I asked several times "what am I here for?" And "what part was disrespectful" They told me the tone of my email was disrespectful. I asked if I was fired and they said no. I left, and the they called and fired me. Also worth mentioning, during the meeting when I took out the documents I had they all made a huge stink over me having copies and taking them outside the building. I said they can have them, I brought them because I felt I needed the proof and that it wasn't the reason for the meeting so please can we stay on topic? It was like an "Ah hah! You broke the rules!" Is this wrongful termination? What should I do?

Answer:
 >Is this wrongful termination?

No.  So long as you don't have a contract or union bargaining agreement limiting the reasons that you can be terminated, you can be fired at any time, for any non-discriminatory reason (no matter how silly), or even no reason at all.  Perceived disrespect to management is a perfectly legitimate reason to can someone.

>What should I do?

File for unemployment if you're eligible.  Update your resume.  And begin the search for a new job.


Title: My ex coworker steals from customers

Question:
Alright, so I used to work at a restaurant whose main form of wait staff was baristas. It wasn't a chain or anything, the owners had two other restaurants and that's it. One of the baristas, a self proclaimed "manager" who was really nothing more than a thorn in the side to everyone there, admitted something really disturbing to me before I quit.
The credit card system they use there is, I'm pretty sure, Square or something like it. Where you swipe, then it asks how much tip you want to leave, then you sign.
She told me that, when customers rush her or leave without setting a tip and signing, she'll tip herself on their card. If she thought they were an asshole, she admitted to tipping herself upwards of $10 on an order for two donuts (which comes out to like $3-$4 for the order).
I didn't think there was anything I could do since the FOH manager/GM was almost never there and never responded to text messages. I tried setting up a meeting with her but it fell through. About two weeks after that, I quit. It has been a few months since but this has been weighing on me because there's no way she isn't still ripping people off like this.
Is there anything I can do to stop this? Some legal route I can take since she did confess it to me? I don't want to let her keep doing this. I know customers can be assholes, but that doesn't give her the OK to steal from them.

Answer: She is committing a crime. You can report it to the police.


Title: [NY] He wont give me my social security card

Question: Hi, so i have a bit of a problem on my hands. I [F,18] had a falling out with my father a year ago and haven't spoken to him since. He has my social security card and no matter how many emails or messages I send him telling him that I need it, and given him many opportunities to send it to me or have me go pick it up, but he wont give it to me. Hes very stubborn and petty, so he will do everything in his power to make my life more difficult if he can. Is this something I can go to the police about? Any advice on how to handle the situation and get my social security card back? Thank you!!!

Answer: Talk to the Social Security Administration and get a new one issued.  DO you have a copy of your birth certificate?


Title: When congresspeople are appointed to cabinet positions, are they legally required to resign their seat or is that just customary?

Answer:
 They have to resign.  It is covered in the Ineligibility Clause of the Constitution.

>No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.Answer #2: Cool scene in West Wing where they invoke the 25th and (with no VP n office) the Speaker of the House has to resign congress to take the oath of office. They mentioned he would have to run to get his seat back.

John Goodman become president. Good start arc.


Title: What's a good gift for free legal services?

Question: What should one gift a lawyer who worked at least 25 hours of free legal services as a favor to an acquaintance?

Answer: Single malt scotch.


Title: [GA] Someone backed into my parked car, and their insurance is saying it's my fault. Is the insurance company being rational?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Contact your insurance company, this is what you pay them for. The other insurance is not going to help you.


Title: Can a gym charge me a cancellation fee despite me never signing a contract?

Question:
I signed up for a gym membership last fall with a popular gym chain. Everything, including payment info, was done over the phone with a single phone call, and I thought I was getting into a simple month-to-month membership.

In January I moved to a different area and cancelled my membership, but the gym has continued to charge me through April. I disputed the charge with my credit card company who is no longer allowing the payments to go through, but then I started getting daily phone calls from the gym. Id explain the situation to each customer service person that called, but it was always a new person and the calls continued.

Now I just got an email claiming I owe them $150 as a 'contract cancellation fee'. That brings me to the crux of my question: can someone commit to a payment contract over the phone with no signature? If so, how explicitly does this contract need to be stated? I certainly wouldn't have accepted had I known that I was signing up for a 9 month contract, having planned to move in a few months anyway. Can they do anything if I just don't pay?

TL:DR gym keeps charging me after cancellation. claims i have a contract i never signed up for
State: IN

Answer: Did you agree to this cancellation fee?  Verbal contracts can be binding.Answer #2: The verbal agreement could be binding, but unless there’s a record of the conversation then that would clarify but if not it’s he-said she-said. If you were under a different impression and they keep having different people contact you it sounds like an error on their end. Maybe try escalating it to the owner. A lot of times individual employees just robotically keep pushing an issue since nobody knows the full scope.Answer #3: (Nta) Ask to see a copy of the contract you signed or a voice recording of the verbal contract... it might help them realize to fuck off if they can't find one.


Title: ADA violation for service animal. Please help!

Question:
Recently made a reservation at a hotel for 3 nights and was denied entry upon arrival with a documented service animal. They denied entry and still charged the full amount. What can we do? Tried to stop payment, call corporate, and was told because they are privately owned the corporate could do nothing. Booking company said they could not do anything. I’m out $400 plus cost of an additional hotel which we had to find at 10pm at night.

USA, South Carolina

Answer: Service animal, or an emotional support animal?


Title: Our school locked all but one restroom in our school of 1200.

Question:
Located in Dallas, TX.

Our school locked all the restrooms except one because people started writing on the walls, and now we require sign in to even use a single restroom. Is there anything wrong with schools allowing this?
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer: Most building codes require a specific number of bathrooms per number of students.  This is very likely illegal.


Title: Coerced to sign to become unionized, is this legal?

Question:
Recently was told there have been negations to become unionized (hospitality industry) The person who is representing our team has been very discrete on ALL the details and has only gotten signatures by deceitfully telling all who sign how great insurance is and nothing more.  There are many non-English speakers who also don't understand the cons to this deal. We have different departments to our team like kitchen, front of house, reception, AV, and such. Even I was excited of the prospect for a few minutes, but then I began asking questions and he was very discrete about any details. No info was giving to anyone about what a Union is, does, pros, cons, etc... A individual sheet noting that we are aware we are signing a vote to become unionized and our signature is a vote for yes. (I’m told they needed 51% to become unionized)
At this point ALL negations seem to have been made and all they need is the signatures. They got them a week ago and I’m told as of Friday 7/8 we have become unionized. However NO info has ever been given or addressed to any of us other then, the insurance will be great.
Is this Legal????? How can we not be told anything about what benefits, pros, and cons b4 being asked to sign something? It all seems so wrong, any idea if this is ok?I mean they got the signatures and the contract was immediately made a week later so ALL info must have been known b4 acquiring the signatures, are they allowed or suppose to to tell us what is in the contact?

Answer:
 I don't see even a bit of coercion here, and it sounds like you're missing an awful lot of details.

What they're doing now is getting authorization cards. They need around 30% of workers in the bargaining unit to sign these cards to be able to call for an election. If they get 50% +1 of the workforce to sign the cards, they can try to get the company to recognize them then. . . But odds are the company will simply refuse, and it'll move to a secret ballot election.

If 50% +1 of the workers vote yes, then congrats! You're one of a very slim percentage of people in the country to have a union!

Only *after* this whole process will negotiations start. Those negotiations (hopefully and typically) finish with a contract that governs things like pay raises, benefits, and for what reasons you can be terminated. Once that contract is signed, you'll start paying dues.