Title: Honda dealer has hurt my credit and repeatedly been "shady" ok no their business practices.

Question:
(note: I'm writing this in the first person for readability, I = my father) I will also try to make this short an sweet as to not mix up the story too much.

     Okay, back in 2016 I purchased a brand new 2016 pilot Ex and Civic Ex on a lease. At the time I was making more than enough to afford both vehicles and my credit was in the mid 700's. I paid every bill on time and made sure that my balance with them was always zero. After the first year in my wife had an issue with the pilot and took it in for maintenance however they had asked her if she was still employed at Walmart, she has never worked at a Walmart and is a stay at home mom.

     So after some poking and prodding we found it was so they could clear us for the cars faster and get a sale done. Immediately I knew that was wrong but the sale was done and I had to keep on going. They apologize to us by putting in an entertainment system in the pilot, which is too heavy so now bows the entire roof slightly, and sending us on with their apologies, we were all pretty pissed at them but it was a "system error".

     Now for what has recently re opened the proverbial wound. So my lease is up and now I need a new car, I got the pilot financed through a third party and the civic was *going* to be through Honda however upon arriving to the dealership to trade the car in and get something else, they told me that my balance was not zero and that I owed ~$600 on the civic, even though all of their online systems said I was at zero (and for a 30k mile lease a car with under 16k miles should not owe anything). They said they wouldn't be able to make a sale since it hurt my credit again and I guess again and again.

So now for my question, did Honda breach any contract for lying about my wife's job, is Honda liable for damaging my credit, what can I do to follow up with these issues and is anything able to be done. Thank you all for the help, sorry about any formatting (I'm on phone) if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer asap.
Topic:
Consumer Law

Answer:
 > They apologize to us by putting in an entertainment system in the pilot, which is too heavy so now bows the entire roof slightly

Uh, no?

If you damaged the car and owe $600 for repairs, then you owe for the repairs.

Audit all the payments, review the payment contract and figure out where the balance comes from.


Title: A stranger with a key to my apartment?

Question:
Background:  I'm a college student in Wisconsin.  My friend and I have summer jobs on campus, and since our year-long lease doesn't start until August, we had to sublet for the summer.  We found 2 guys in a Facebook sublet group, and we are currently living in their apartment.  We signed onto the lease through building management, payed sublet fees, signed a contract saying we would pay about 1/3 of the monthly rent, etc.  It is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath place.  So obviously my friend and I each have our own bedroom and share a bathroom (i.e. 2 open bedrooms and 1 bathroom).  The guys we sublet from are international students that are currently not in the country.  They are all still on the lease, either paying partial or full part of their monthly rent.

Fun background story:  When we moved in, my roommate, our parents, and I all cleaned for 3 hours because the place was a disaster.  There is significant damage around the apartment, but management assured us that only the original tenants would be charged for it.

Story time:  Today I walked into our apartment and there were two strangers there.  I was shocked and very confused, but it turns out one of them has a key. I asked him how he got it, and he is a friend of one of the original tenants.  Before the original guy left the country for the summer, he gave the key to his friend.  My roommate and I are pretty pissed that a stranger has access to our apartment, and that we will never really know who has the key.  Also, it's pretty safe to assume that, if someone ends up living in one of those open bedrooms, it will be an unofficial sublet.  This is because not only is the original tenant out of the country and unable to sign a sublet contract, but the guy who was touring today told me I will likely see him when I return to campus on Sunday (which leaves no time for a contract/lease/etc. to be written up and reviewed by management).  I can see this being an under-the-table sublet.

Question time:  If someone starts to live in our apartment, how do we go about making sure it's an "official" sublet like ours is?  Now, other than just being kind of upset that we would have to suddenly share our place with someone, if we were to allow this person to live here unofficially (i.e. the key just gets passed on to him without management ever knowing), could there be any potential legal challenges on our part?  In other words, should I be sure to let management know if someone moves in or should I be a nice guy and let them stay so they don't have to pay ridiculous sublet fees?  Lastly, if this stranger/friend of the original tenant keeps coming and going to give tours to potential subletters, is there any legal action I can take?  This is mainly just a security issue for me and my roommate, especially when we aren't always there always but our belongings are.

TL;DR:  A friend of the original tenant has the key to our apartment.  I found him in our apartment today giving a tour to a guy who will likely "sublet" and live in one of the open bedrooms.  However, this will likely be an unofficial move that is not known to management.  Should I tell management that the original tenant no longer has the key and that another person is likely going to be living in our place?  Thanks!
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 > If someone starts to live in our apartment, how do we go about making sure it's an "official" sublet like ours is?

You don't.  That's none of your business.  Relationships between your landlord and the other tenants are between them.  Based on your narrative, you only rented 1/3 of the place, and the other 2/3 aren't your concern.


Title: I was told what my boss is having me do is illegal

Question:
I’m an hourly employee at a tech company. We’re a huge company but recently due to a major miss calculation by one of the higher ups we have to cut costs. This means no over time.
Recently my boss is having me stay late to work on projects and then cut my time later in the week so I don’t get over time.
He has literally told me I cannot leave the office until things are finished. Last night he watched me update the documents on google drive. Besides being a creep....I was told that him not letting me record my OT is technically illegal.
I’m not sure if it is and tbh he is really chummy with hr so I don’t feel comfortable going to them about the issue.
Is this illegal? What should I do?

Answer:
 If you don't work over 40 hours for the week, they don't have to pay you overtime.

They can have you work 12 hours for 3 days and then 4 on the fourth and then be off after that with no overtime.  That's legal.


Title: [CA, USA] My former manipulative “friend” is filing civil theft on me and my family. I have tried to get a restraining order and it was denied.

Question:
Before things got to this point...I offered to help out an old friend who I had an on and off friendship with. It went from on and off because he would want more and I didn’t want to stay with him romantically. This caused friction and he’d call me several times when I did not answer, along with impulsively calling me names and message guys I liked. He found out he had cancer and reached out to me, he talked of moving to my city. I said ok hoping it would maybe be alright and feeling bad about his cancer. I told him I’d help him out if he moved here and I tried- so it goes.

He moved here to my city and he bought a 3000 car that he put under both of our names, and since he didn’t have a license I drove it. The deal was I gave him transportation and helped him with certain tasks. This entire time of me”helping” him out turned to chaos very quickly, he’d ask for help and then wind up just calling me across town for food or company. He suffers from BPD and has off perceptions about many things. During the time period of me trying to help him, he would start monitoring who I hung out with and would usually tell my parents too much information about my personal life if I did something that didn’t go right by him. To be fair, at this time I wasn’t in the best state of mind but I tried my best to comply if I thought he was trying to be reasonable. Lots of things like this happened where he would just want control over what I did, once he showed up in my neighborhood via Lyft to see where I was, it was 3 AM and I refused to give him my location. I saw him on my walk back from the gas station. He even made sexual or just romantic attempts several times making me uncomfortable, he would get upset when I did not comply. This even led to one time he publicly embarrassed me by yelling “You fucked —- but you couldn’t fuck me?” And stormed out, then demanded I go with him to where he stayed h til we had sex. I hated it but I felt I had no choice so I basically threw my feelings out of the door hoping that’d be it and he got what he wanted and would stop making things so difficult.

I messed up badly once driving in the dark and wrecked the car, he ended up paying 2000 in repairs. I said I would pay it off but I ended up telling him later I couldn’t- as I didn’t even have a job. I still “helped” him very often for at least another month after this.

So after enough of the torment he put me through before, I decided to do a big “F-you” and ignored him completely, I still had the car. After him getting pissed off calling me names and spam calling me, to switching to “I’m sorry” and “please”  for about 3 weeks, I finally gave him the car back with my fiancé’s pushing (now husband).

2 months after we gave the car back l messaged him on Instagram and mentioned buying the car from him since he was tied for cash and I had grown to like the car a lot- this never happened. In this I mention my husband and I may agree to pay it off but on a contract. Since this never happened, there was no contact- however he did agree to it and also wanted money for the repairs, I stopped replying because I realized it wasn’t a smart decision and it wasn’t worth it.

So about a month and half after this (disregarding his other messages because this stood out) he sends a message over Instagram saying directly to forgot about any money and that my husband and I can have the car. So that’s exactly what happened, and we picked the car up the next day before he changed his mind. We ended up selling the car anyways.

It’s been about 5 months now and I’m 7 months pregnant. Now he’s suing me, my dad, and my husband for the money on repairs (I assume he’s only making my dad and husband defendants because they make money). I’m not sure of what else because I haven’t been served. I tried to get a restraining order on him before this as he kept harassing me and my family calling us names and sending indirect threats. Also just going on several rant (some religious even as if he’d all the sudden found out he was the messiah). His state of mind is not ok. He’s been blaming me for not having good when he’s told me before he gets disability monthly. The judge denied it because there was no psychical abuse, an attorney came out as I was leaving and told me I had plenty of evidence. I’m so stressed out now. I don’t have the money for a lawyer.

The hearing is like 2 weeks from my due date. I have no idea how to go about this. He’s threaten to send things to the DA as well about criminal things I’ve done in the past- honestly I’m not very scared of this as the DA won’t give a shit but still. I want him out of my life before my baby is here.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 > It’s been about 5 months now and I’m 7 months pregnant. Now he’s suing me, my dad, and my husband for the money on repairs... I’m not sure of what else because I haven’t been served.

This is all I really needed to hear. Until you are served, everything about you being sued is drama. You don't have a court date until you are properly served.

I don't like the threatening language, but your ex's spin is 99% bullshit. California small claims court handles matters of $10,000 or less. He is making up drama, and unfortunately you are currently buying into it. Maybe he's convincing, who knows.

Your first instinct, to go no contact, was the right move. Revisit that plan and rededicate yourself to 100% no contact. Stop messaging him on instagram, and on everything else. Stop looking at any of his accounts. Delete all contact information you have on him. However you heard about this claim and this date? That is one of the channels of communication you should shut off. If you have any mutual acquaintances, tell them your plan, and that you do not want to hear from/about him. If any mutual acquaintance ignores this go no contact with those acquaintances as well.Answer #2: The restraining order will not stop him from continuing the civil suit. Based on your story you may owe him the money for repairs.

Have you blocked him on your phone and social media?


Title: (FL) Any plausible legal repercussions to girlfriend moving in?

Question: My girlfriend is fed up with her family and is considering leaving her household but needs at least a temporary place to stay while we build income for a new home. I have asked her if she would be ok living with my parents and I, to which she said sure. I asked my mother if she would allow her to house with us for at least a week or two and my mother said she would not because she is afraid my girlfriend's mother would sue or pursue legal action against us. My girlfriend and I are both 18, which to me means that we are free to make these types of decisions so long as her and the property owner are ok with it. Is there any legal action my girlfriends mother can pursue against my family, my girlfriend, or myself, in this scenario? It is quite likely she will badger us some way, I just want to be sure that this isn't one of them.

Answer: I have some bad news for ya, bud. Your mom is probably just saying that because she doesn't know how to tell you that she doesn't want your girlfriend moving in and mooching off of her. That's her right. Move out and get your own place, then you can let anyone you want move in.


Title: Defamation of character

Question: Hi all- going to keep this sort. I am being excused of doing something "unethical" and "illegal" by an ex-customer. Nothing I did was that! It has to do with contracts. This claim came to my boss and she has also agreed that I did nothing untoward. However, the fact that this ex-customer would be so bold as to state that, with what seems like an attempt to damage me personally in emailing my boss, feels defaming. Is it legal for someone to do this. I know I'm not providing a lot info. But I assure I did nothing that was illegal.

Answer:
 > Is it legal for someone to do this.

Generally, people can say whatever they want to.  We decided that prior restraints are bad.  However, you may be free to say whatever you want, but you're free to be punished for it in some circumstances as well.

Defamation / slander / libel are fun areas of the law (criminal and civil), in that everyone thinks they have a slam dunk case when they heard that Sally said that Susie said something to Billy that was wrong about me.

I don't see your location, so I have no clue about the defamation statute where you are.  But very generally, **defamation is a false statement of fact**.  Someone can have the opinion that you are unethical.  That is not defamation.  For example, "/u/grasshoppa1 seems like the type of person to have intercourse with a goat," or "I saw /u/grasshoppa1 having intercourse with a goat down in the courtyard."  One of those is defamation, the other is not.

Further, and most importantly, defamation generally requires some quantifiable damages.  If you have not been financially harmed, then you cannot win your case.  However, some jurisdictions allow for defamation *per se*, which does not require a showing of damages, but the burden you must show is elevated drastically.  Now you must not just show that the statement was a false statement of fact, but also that it was made with actual malice.

**tl;dr - you probably don't have a case . . . most people don't.  But if this revolves around your profession, and you are suffering economic harm related to the false statements of fact, it may be worth consulting with an attorney.**


Title: Custody question

Question: Is there any truth behind my ex telling me the non custodial parent has to make all pick ups and drop offs with the kids?? This is in Virginia

Answer: What does your custody agreement say. IANAL but I thought most people meet at a neutral place somewhere in the middle.


Title: [WA] Father of 9 mo refusing to give baby breast milk even though it's provided. Also overnight visits.

Question:
So my wife's child is 9 months and is primarily breastfed with some solids and baby food to supplement. We have tried formula in the past, but she won't take it. Twice she has left her with the father and his mother and they are refusing to give her the breast milk my wife is providing for them. Today she picked up her daughter screaming for breast milk. We feel that he is forcibly trying to ween her long before she's ready to do so. Is there anything we can do about this?

Also, their custody agreement says that the father will have her overnight every other weekend for 2 days. Up until now he's completely disregarded the entire parenting plan only seeing her maybe 1 day a week for a few hours. My wife and I both feel that this would not work because she's breastfeeding multiple times a day, and especially at night. She wakes up 1-3 times each night to breastfeed.

Answer:
 If he's not feeding her - and at 9 months, "she's refusing to eat this other food that I'd prefer to feed her" is not an excuse - then yes, your wife should go back and file to modify custody. Food is not optional.

She can also use the fact that he's not actually using his full visitation to reduce visitation.Answer #2: Your wife needs to remind the father that breast milk is baby's main nutrition right now. He may very well just be ignorant of that. She might also add that baby needs breast milk given before solids, and that breast milk may help her calm down a little.


Title: Please read this and tell me what could happen if me and my roommate go to the police (I’m sorry idk how to title this one)

Question:
So a couple days ago my roommate came home and told me not to get mad but something bad happened. She just had the worst breakup I’ve ever seen with a crazy guy. He got her to go to his house by saying that he was going to kill him self if she didn’t come over. They talked for like an hour and when she told him she’ll never get back with him he grabbed a gun. It was a B.B. gun but in the moment she had no idea and she was super scared. She tried to leave his room and he slammed her up against a wall. She screamed and the guys brother and mom ran into the room and saved her from who knows what. She doesn’t want to report the guy or even get a restraining order on him but I’ve been convincing her that she needs to do it.

Now the real question is can anything be done about this. It’s been 4 days since it happened and she didn’t have a mark on her which is why she said she didn’t want to report it, because she doesn’t want to go through everything just to have the cops tell her she’s lying. She has been really depressed lately and it’s because of this whole situation.

Also if she doesn’t want to report it would I be able to on her behalf. She’d get mad at me for sure but if the cops asked her what happened I don’t think she would lie about anything and she would forgive me eventually.

We live in Arizona and I’m about to do something if nothing else gets done

Answer:
 She needs to go to the police and report everything.  The boyfriend can be arrested and get the mental help he needs.  She needs to tell the police he made a suicide threat, then threw her against a wall when she attempted to leave.

Even if they don't do anything about it, there'll be a paper trail in case stuff happens later.Answer #2: An officer will take her statement and conduct an investigation. He may want to talk to the BF and see if your friend has any bruising or marks consistent with her account. If he finds probable cause to support an arrest, he can arrest the BF for some variety of domestic violence charge.

Unless you’re dealing with a child suffering abuse, I almost never tell someone to report a crime against the victims wishes.

With that said, I would encourage your friend to report this. The time issue isn’t really a big deal, and she needs to document this in case his behavior escalates.


Title: It impersonation illegal?

Question: My friend and his wife are divorcing. She moved out months ago. He needs the fiber-optic line for his internet replaced. However, customer service says that she has to call in order to order a service call or cancel the account allowing it to then be put in his name so that he can order service call himself. She's refusing out of spite. So he can't get service of his own nor can he repair the service that he has now. He's asked me to call and pretend to be her. Is this illegal?

Answer:
 Oh, for pete's sake. You friend is being lazy. There are always exceptions to rules like that. He just needs to escalate the issue beyond the person who answers the phone.

Don't get involved in this.


Title: Writing an online review of the doctor who prescribed the opioids that killed my sister?

Question: [removed]

Answer: Consider that such a review might actually steer pill seekers in his direction.Answer #2: Not a lawyer. Seems like you could do better by getting in touch with a malpractice attorney. Especially in the current climate regarding opioids. Assuming she did indeed get all those drugs from him.


Title: Is not paying me overtime legal in my case?

Question:
I'm a salary employee at a tool design company in the united states. i make $40,000. We have mandatory 45 hour work weeks and anything over, instead of getting paid 1.5 our hourly rate, 1 hour goes into our "Bank hour" system. By the way, me and the designers are THE ONLY ONES on this system, managment and the rest of the office work regular 40 hour weeks.

For example, I work 50 hours one week, 5 hours will go into my "bank." I can use these hours as extra paid vacation without using my actual vacation time. BUT once i get to 60 hours in my bank, they just start paying out the hours as straight time...not x1.5 my hourly rate.

Working 45 hours a week, should that be 5 hours overtime right there? I agreed to it when I was hired because I didn't realty think much of it. Never had been salary before so assumed maybe this was a regular thing? Anyways the 5 extra hours that go into my bank, that's straight 5 hours, but since it is over time, shouldn't it be 7.5 hours (5x1.5)? I tried googling but couldn't find much information pertaining to my situation.

Thanks for any and all help, this has been bothering me quite a bit as of the last few weeks and I feel like I'm really getting screwed here. I'm not worried about possibly getting replaced if i demand overtime pay, I'm on contract with this company for 2 years (apprenticeship program)

Answer:
 > Is not paying me overtime legal in my case?

> I'm a salary employee

Exempt ("salaried") employees are generally not entitled to overtime pay. However, you state's law may give you more protection.


Title: [NV]Question regarding 4th amendment rights & CPS workers / Police

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > At which point my brother in law looked up what advice we could find, and what we found was that threatening to take the children in order to obtain entry was illegal.

Can you point out where? I'm not seeing it.

You want and need an attorney immediately.


Title: [Oregon, U.S.] I'm 18, Unemployed, and Terrified (x-post /r/MensRights)

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > I've been struggling to secure a paying job for almost a year now,

I get downvoted for saying this from time to time, but in this country almost anywhere if you want a job you can get one.  The issue is, you need to be less choosy.  Work landscaping, work at night, be a roofer.

There are people in your town who will hire anyone who is willing work.  I guarantee it.Answer #2: >What should I do?

Get a job, and start supporting your child.

>What can I do to at least not be scared of this?

The fear will fade as time goes on.  I bet in 18 years you won't be as worried about it as you are today.  Cheer up, and enjoy fatherhood!


Title: Fired from a job, but they won't pay out on the commission.

Question:
I was fired from my job yesterday after 6 years of employment. We get paid hourly on the 1st and 15th. The 15th included our totaled commission from the previous month. I have been paid on my hours and the previous months commission.

However, I have approximately $20,000 in sales that have been "rung out" for this month and an additional $57,000 in layaway. (Layaway means the product has been sold and paid for but the customer has not received the delivery yet.) We usually don't get paid out on layaway until it is in the customers position.

If I had stayed employed I would have been paid out next month on the 15th approximately 6% of the totalled $77,000. ($4,620 before tax)

The company refuses to pay me out on what I sold while still employed.

I would imagine that if I hired someone and payed that person a percent of their sales every 30 days, but fired them prior to those 30 days, I would still have to pay them off on what they had sold.

I live in CA. Any help is much appreciated.

Answer:
 Talk to the company.  See if this is just some kind of error they can fix.  I see you said "...company refused to pay me out..." but what did they say?  Did you just not get it in your final check?  Did they tell you "bellsbeard, we know we owe you the money, but we just decided we're not going to pay you."

If the company doesn't fix it (through talking and being nice), look into filing a wage claim.  Keep your old commission checks/stubs around a while.


Title: How do I respond to former partner if at all?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 In the US, my advice would be don't ever respond to her or representatives from her, including demand letters from attorneys, unless you are actually sued with a lawsuit.  She does not have good intentions here, and legally the best solution would be to ignore it unless you are actually served.Answer #2: IANAL

Unless you receive court documents, ignore her.  1) you don't know if her $2000 dentistry bill is legit in the first place and 2) giving somebody money because you feel bad is a rabbit hole you don't want to go down.

I'd continue the no contact, and just not reply.  If you really *really* feel the need to continue down this path, I'd look into a consultation with a lawyer in your local area.Answer #3: Do **NOT** respond to her.  There is no consequence for this.

Do **NOT** respond to any letters of demand that she or a lawyer may send.  There is no consequence for this.

**DO** respond to any official summons to court by consulting a lawyer, preparing for, and ultimately showing up to argue against giving her any money in a court at the appointed date and time.  Failure to do this often results in a default judgment against you.

Also, stick with your therapy, stop punching people, and avoid drinking near glass doors or windows.Answer #4: No idea about Australia law, but the first thing I would do is actually maintaining your No Contact, that you are not doing. Block her on everything, facebook, instagram, telle, EVERYTHING. Second thing I would do is NOT PAY HER A DIME. Paying her could make you look guilty. The last thing I would do is find a good lawyer in Australia, Civil, if that is a thing down there, and then do nothing, chill.


Title: Home Abandonment Law in Ohio

Question:
So back in August of last year my grandfather died leaving all of his possessions including his home to my mother. She owned her own home at the time of my grandfather's death, however it was in poor repair and had a rather large mortgage on it. My mother decided that she would move into my grandfather's home which he fully owned and would attempt to sell her other home somehow. It is now almost March and while my mother has mostly moved out of the old house she still has yet to go search for a good lawyer who can help her with getting rid of her house.

Recently, my mother visited the home as she does several times a month to check up on it (make sure everything is still working) She found a note was stuck to the front door claiming the home was abandoned. She also noted that there were footprints in the snow all around the property going to each window. She called the number on the slip of paper taped to the door and they claimed they were probably contacted by the bank to inspect the home however they didn't have a file on my mother's home and so therefore were not able to give details. (Which in my opinion is really suspicious) In the previous month she also received several very aggressive calls from the bank at work asking if she intended on paying her mortgage this month despite not having been late on her payments since she took out the mortgage.

I am coming to suspect someone is calling either the city or the bank and is attempting to claim the home as abandoned to buy it at a cheap price. Is this something someone can do? Should my mother be worried about these notices and bank calls? She does plan on selling it but I don't see why this is turning into such a big deal with the bank, all the utilities are being paid as is the mortgage, there are lights on a timer on in the house, the heat is on, the home does still get mail and is visited at least once a week and the sidewalk gets cleared of snow.

On a side note if anyone is suspicious of why her son is asking there are 2 reasons. 1. I lived with my mother until very recently (January) as I moved away to attend a new college but still come home in the summer. 2. My mother has always involved me in her financial situations and i really would like to find an answer to this question since the situation seems to have escalated since I left home.
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 What did the abandonment notice look like? Has she called her mortgage company to ask if they're involved in this? If she's current on her payments, there's no reason the mortgage company would call her at work to ask if she's planning to pay (unless it's those bastards at Seterus), so you might want to do a little digging into who's really making those calls.

You did mention her home wasn't in good condition - is it possible it's the city's inspectors trying to post notice of uninhabitable conditions? Doesn't sound like conditions are at that level if heat and lights are on and pathways are cleared weekly, so that's a longshot.

Finally, I'm not aware of any law besides adverse possession that'd allow an outside party to claim ownership of a house in the manner you've described. Adverse possession involves years of obvious, conspicuous use of the property in addition to tax payments made by the possessor. IANAL, though, so if there's another loophole I'm missing, I'm sure someone will pipe in.


Title: Had payment plan sorted, or so we thought, now neighbour wants to go to small claims?

Question:
Hi all,

Looking for some advice/confirmation here.

I am located in Ontario Canada and just over a month ago my long term boyfriend was involved in a DUI that ultimately wrecked our neighbours car.

He has worked out everything separately on the criminal side and has been doing everything he can to cooperate with the neighbour in terms of repayment.

My boyfriend was under the understanding they were about to start a payment plan, and was allowed to defer the payments by one week while he ordered cheques to make the payments. I understand he has this in writing as well as the original cost/payment plan, and while it was discussed between he and the neighbours lawyer, the neighbour has been copied on all communication.

So the initial payment was to be last Friday but was deferred to this week but he just received notice from the neighbours lawyer that the neighbour no longer likes this payment plan and will be taking him to small claims. Why would they wait the week to say something? Is there any benefit?

My boyfriend is a full time student who doesn't make a whole lot of money and was already planning to be pretty broke for a long time even with the payment plan originally in place. He has decent work all summer but as soon as he gets back into school in September his hours will be limited.

Now, I work full time and pay the majority of the bills and rent, but from my research my neighbour cannot come after me for anything. I have no ties to any of my boyfriend's finances nor his debts, and he does not for mine either.

What would be the benefit of him taking my boyfriend to small claims court? Is there any? Other than maybe he adds his legal fees on to his bill?

Another note is that he was and maybe still is employed by the neighbour and he does have an outstanding paycheque. Not sure if that is applicable to any of this.

Just looking for some direction and wondering if I'm missing something as I don't want to be blindsided as the outside but close party in all this.

Thanks in advance!

Answer:
 > What would be the benefit of him taking my boyfriend to small claims court?

The victim now has a court order to back him in case your BF decides to defer another payment, like he has already done.


Title: Moving company possibly stole a lock box with my girlfriend and I’s federal documents and money

Question: To make the story short I got a moving company to help move us from Michigan to Nevada and kept things separate from what they were to take and what to not take. After they left and we got ready to go we couldn’t find out lock box which had our social security cards, birth certificates, and roughly ~$600USD. We thought about it and thought maybe they packed it on accident and after panicking for a little bit went on with our trip. When they arrived there was no lock box. Our boxes were torn and damaged. AND my girlfriends disk golf disks were now in someone else’s bag which was given to use. I can provide pictures of the boxes and the suspect bag if needed. The drivers who picked our stuff up also asked me if I had any drugs they could give them for the trip and then demanded a tip. When the movers finally got here I also saw a empty bottle of booze on the passenger side seat. I’m thinking of going after this in a legal manner but I don’t know if I can prove they actually did anything.

Answer:
 You can file a police report for the lost items. Everything is just circumstantial.

> The drivers who picked our stuff up also asked me if I had any drugs they could give them

Say what? How did that go down?


Title: Lost life savings in penny stock scam

Question:
An elderly family member of mine lost all his savings in a classic pump and dump penny stock scam, where investors are tricked into buying worthless stock. The company's CEO seems to be personally involved in the misleading advertising. I'm in Ontario, company is based in British Columbia with shares traded on the TSX.

 I know there's not much that can be done, but I'm curious if anyone knows anything about the laws on misleading advertising and disclaimers about investment advice. The company puts out press releases hyping their stock but they contain a disclaimer warning about "forward looking statements" and the website links to a disclaimer saying "in using the website, you agree that [company name] shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever."

However, the CEO also participated in an interview hosted on Youtube. The interviewer suggests that "it seems to me that you're bringing in huge amounts of money" (even though the company is actually losing money) and the CEO suggests that "we can deal with [big name company]" (even though he made no attempt at forming a relationship with this company and currently has nothing he can offer that company). The video description has a disclaimer that the CEO has an advertorial relationship with the interviewer, but does not have the disclaimer about the forward looking statements. There are also no disclaimers whatsoever in the video itself, so people watching it embedded on other websites would have seen no disclaimer at all.

Do you think the company made a mistake in not including these disclaimers in the video or are they still protected even without the disclaimers?

Answer: The best source of information about this topic is the Ontario Securities Commission. http://www.osc.gov.on.ca/en/contactus_index.htmAnswer #2: Don't put all your eggs in one basket == the kindergarden lesson that starts an investor's career.  Answer #3: Regardless, you also need to consider whether the CEO has any money for you to recover from. Even if you have a slam dunk case, collecting a judgement can be very difficult. I'm not saying you shouldn't pursue this, just that you should keep this angle in mind when deciding how much time and money to invest in obtaining compensation.Answer #4: If you think the CEO targetted your family member because he is elderly, you could try contacting Adult Protective Services.  They investigate and prosecute cases of financial fraud against elders and vulnerable adults.


Title: Bought a tea infuser on amazon, instead of returning it trying to sell it, got a cease and desist letter from amazon/developers

Question:
Bought [this](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GY8R9NW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) tea tumbler 2 weeks ago, and immediately upon first use I've noticed some issues with it, which I mentioned in my [review](https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2TB5KA1BOCD9A/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B01GY8R9NW). In trying to be lax on the developers and cutting them slack, I only took 1 star out of 5 when leaving a review.

And even though I had the opportunity to return the item and get a full refund, I decided it'd be more fair of me to try to sell it at a lower price and take the loss, since the main issue I had with this tea tumbler wasn't stated not to persist by the developer, of course one could assume there wouldn't be such an issue, but since developer didn't boast it as a boon that this tea tumbler doesn't specifically have such an issue, I can't really hold them accountable for having such an issue in their product.

Anyhow, I'm able to sell other stuff an amazon, yet why wouldn't I be allowed to sell this one?

Would the developers rather have me ask for a refund? This doesn't make any sense. [The cease and desist pdf](http://i.imgur.com/mel92LQ.jpg) that was attached to an [e-mail I received](http://i.imgur.com/wzu5gFf.jpg) from amazon.

And even if that's the case, when you enter the general market, a consumer should be able to sell the item purchased from the developer. Or is it asking too much?

I already talked to amazon chat, send them a letter, but it's too low on the chain for them to do anything about it. I wish there was like a community support forum on amazon.

Edit: the developer [accused me of breaching their trademark law](http://i.imgur.com/37mU1Fo.jpg).  They talk about reaching them, why? I left them 4 out of 5 star review out of courtesy, and was willing to take the loss by trying to sell the item on my own, at a lower price. Their tea tumbler was not impermeable, I'd have easily made it so that most of tea particles passed by tea filter through internal walls of the bottle.
Topic:
Intellectual Property

Answer: Yes, they would very much prefer you to return it for a refund.


Title: Can a major retailer who accepts credit cards refuse to take a credit card payment because they lost a credit dispute?

Question: I live in the US. I purchased minutes with Virgin Mobile (VM) and the first 2 times I tried to do it the purchase for whatever reason failed. The third time I tried to submit payment it finally went through. Days later I checked my credit card statement and it showed all 3 charges, but I only received minutes for the last charge. I spoke to a VM rep who confirmed two of the charges failed and they said to just call the card company and have them dispute the charges. I did this and it seems that the credit card company agrees I was charged incorrectly as I got the money back and according to the credit card the situation was resolved. Today I tried adding more minutes with several debit and credit cards but was unable to. I was then told the problem was because I disputed a charge. I was connected with a VM payment processor known as Vesta who said that they will not allow VM to take a payment from me because I owe them the disputed charges and want me to pay them. They told me that I incorrectly disputed the charges even after I informed them that I followed the directions of a VM rep and the credit card found the matter to be in my favor. They informed me they have no recourse or ability to challenge a credit dispute which I find hard to believe. Are they required to accept my credit cards as their website states they accept all major credit cards and is what they are requesting even legal?

Answer: I would be inclined to contact whoever "brands" your credit card (visa, mastercard etc.). They tend to take a dim view about retailers refusing to accept their branded cards. And there are rules such retailers have to follow. I haven't looked at them (google "merchant agreement creditcardname") to get an idea of what merchants can and cannot do.


Title: I was at fault in a car accident. Lawyer for victim asking to disclose limits. Good idea?

Question:
Hello,

I rear-ended a car which rear-ended another car on the freeway two months back. Everyone was fine at the scene, but I am now getting two medical claims against my insurance.

One of the claimants employed a lawyer who is asking me to disclose the limits of my liability insurance (25k person / 50k per accident) and property damage (10k).

Should I disclose this information?

Edit: I am in California.
2nd Edit: Apologies if this is unclear - the request to disclose limits is coming from my insurance company. They need my permission to release the limits.

Answer: You really need to consider upping your coverage limits.  If you don't believe me now, you're going to learn in the next few months that 25/50 doesn't really get you far.  Hopefully you settle for something within your limits.


Title: DUI in Atlanta (No Blow/No FST)

Question:
Hey got pulled over at a "DUI Checkpoint" recently, the officer asked me to pull over in this parking lot. I was with a girl that drunk a ton of alcohol, I had no drinks. Police officer comes to my window (which is slightly cracked) and says my car smells like alcohol. He asks me to get out of the car to determine where the smell is coming from and he said, 'he needed to ask me a few questions'. I told him, "I can answer any question you have from the inside of my car", I basically refused to get out.

He then opens my door and yells to get out the car. The girl starts crying and begs me to get out of the car as the cop started getting more aggressive, so I did. He asked, "can you come to my car for a couple of questions" I refused to do that as well. They asked me to blow into two breathalyzers and I refused both. I was arrested right after that, no drinks, no breathalyzer, no blood test. My lawyer says this is one of the best cases he's ever heard, there's no evidence at all.

EDIT: Sorry this is my first time

I actually did hire a lawyer, I meant to say, is my case winnable? Should I take it to trial or take a reckless bargain? Many have asked why didn't I just blow, at that point I lacked a level of trust with the officer, he seemed really adamant about locking me up. I personally think it was because I was in a nice car, I'm black and I had a badass white girl with me, he was a country bumpkin from south Georgia, you could hear it in his accent. I have a few friends that are officers as well and they tell me all the time that they will pull people over for something as simple as a tag light, hoping to find drugs or another reason to lock someone up. With that in my mind...it's hard to "just blow" when you haven't been drinking.

Answer:
 Automatic license suspension for refusing even if you are stone sober and found not guilty of DUI.  Get an attorney for the DUI portion.

Edit: refusing to get out, even just a verbal refusal for a few seconds, is also a crime. If you're going to assert your rights you should know what they are firstAnswer #2: Let me get this straight - you were dead sober at a dui checkpoint and instead of cooperating with the cop and answering a couple of questions and giving a breath sample and moving on with your life, you decided to be a beligerant smart arse?

For future reference the penalties for refusing to provide a breath sample and refusing a lawful instruction from a police officer are considerably more severe than the no penalty you receive for being sober when breathalized


Title: [Michigan] I want to buy 5-10 rental properties. Should I use one LLC or generate a separate LLC for each?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: While there are some general answers to your general questions, if you have the resources to buy 5-10 rental properties, you can afford to hire a local attorney to set this up for you properly given the laws of your state, and also to advise you on landlord/tenant law (unless you're planning on hiring a management company). Anonymous bozos like us aren't going to give you the thorough information you need to best protect yourself. Good luck.Answer #2: Separate for each, unless you want a legal problem at one property affecting all of the others.Answer #3: You are going to want a separate LLC for each property. And a lawyer to help you set them all up correctly.Answer #4: I am both a lawyer and a real estate investor. I disagree with what appears to be the general consensus here. The additional cost of having 5 to 10 LLCs, versus 1 LLC, outweighs the additional asset protection in my view. Each additional LLC could be several hundred dollars or more in cost every year. You likely have to file an annual report with your state, and each LLC has to file a tax return. Just make sure you have sufficient liability insurance, and have a lawyer at the ready if ever you get sued.  Answer #5: Would you be comfortable with a tenant at one property being able to put a judgment lien on a different property? Because that's what this comes down to.


Title: [California] Restraining order is ineffective, daily harassment and now death threats, help!

Question:
Backstory:
My husband has an ex that has been harassing him for the last four years.  The ex has been using throwaway phone numbers to text us (and our parents) graphic images and disturbing messages.  He's used my husband's SSN to open new credit cards and written himself checks using a stolen checkbook.

We've had no problem disputing these accounts and charges (phew), but the messages are very troubling.

We filed a restraining order.  Went to court (my first time seeing the ex), the judge ordered in our favour, and we have a restraining order that lasts until November 2020.  I'm on the restraining order, as are my husbands parents.

This has not stopped the ex from harassing us.

We went to the police with 200+ violations.  They downloaded texts from our phones, we have a police report number, and we were told nothing would happen.

Recently, I got a death threat from the ex.  I've screen capped it, blocked his number, and forwarded it to the police.

I am concerned for our safety, but the restraining order does not appear to have any effect.  Is there anything more we can do?

Thank you in advanced!

UPDATE: thank you to everyone who told me to demand the police do their job. Next visit to police resulted in an arrest warrant.  Before the arrest could be carried out, the ex was arrested for something else.  Oh well.

Answer:
 I'm unclear why the police aren't doing anything when the restraining order is in place.  Does the restraining order include texts?  Is it because of the use of burner phones?  I would imagine you should file in court if the police do nothing and/or talk to their supervisors.Answer #2: Go to the police and demand that they do their job.  Send an e-mail to your city council member, city attorney's office, city victim's advocate, clerk of the court, and police chief's office asking for help, since the police aren't doing anything.  Specifically include the names of officers contacted.  Visit offices if you need to.  The identity theft issue alone is sufficient to justify an arrest and significant charge, to say nothing of the threats. Answer #3: > He's used my husband's SSN to open new credit cards and written himself checks using a stolen checkbook.

Side issue, but why hasn't your husband closed the checking account, and locked down his credit and checking profiles so it's harder to open accounts in his name?


Title: Driver pulled out and cut off lane from a parallel parking spot, resulting in me hitting him on my vespa

Question:
Note: some of the details are vague because it happened so quickly

I was driving my vespa down a city street in Seattle lined with parallel parked cars, moving at about 25mph, when a car driven by "S" swung out from a parallel spot about two car lengths ahead and cut off the entire lane.  I put on both breaks and aimed for the center line (wasn't any oncoming traffic from what I could tell) to try to avoid him, and next thing I know I'm bouncing across the asphalt.  "S" got out of his car apologizing and asking if I needed an ambulance, but I told him to just get out his information and that I needed to sit down for a minute. He gave me his license and insurance info for me to take a picture of, then a kind stranger "E" drove me to the hospital.  (This same stranger observed the entire incident and would act as a witness to his insurance later)

At the hospital, S sent me this text (the full history of communications with S were via text and are thus saved and documented):
"Hi.  I hope you are doing better. Sorry again, I feel terrible.  If there's anything I can do to help, let me know.  Let me know when you get home safely."

I responded positively and thanked him to for his concern and for reaching out.

Later in the evening, S sent this:
"Oh, so sorry for ruining your night.  Wish you a speedy recovery."

---FAST FORWARD---

After talking with S's insurance ("Geico") following them taking a statement from both me and witness "E" on the phone, they say they will only cover 50% of the damages and hospital bills, since both vehicles were moving at the time so there is 50/50 fault in the accident (I wasn't carrying insurance as it's not required for scooters in the State of WA - still, wish I had been).

Despite me objections, the agent goes on to tell me that "a scooter traveling at 25mph should be able to come to a compete stop at two car lengths" (my vague - recorded - recollection in the statement had been "about 25-30mph and I guess maybe two car lengths? I honestly don't know exactly.") - but he decided to insert his own facts).  When I explained that even if those speeds and distances were pinpoint accurate, had it been a brick wall that was stationary and I KNEW was there (let alone a car that swung out without warning) there is no way in hell I could have come to a complete stop.  He claimed that "a scooter is so light that it weighs practically nothing and should have been able to stop".  He went on to tell me that I should have remembered the minute details better because "people in traumatic events always remember every detail".

As you can guess, I was furious by this point.

I demanded to speak to a superior and what the process was for appealing, and he denied both.

---LONG STORY SLIGHTLY LESS LONG---

I reached out to "S" and explained the situation with his insurance and the fact that without even asking for portion of medical bills remaining after Geico covered 50%, (which would have been around $1K - I have health insurance), the difference that I am out and liable for on the scooter as quoted by the shop is $1,254.37.  Considering the circumstances, it seems fair for him to cover that.  S went on to say that he has good insurance and that I need to take it up with them, which I again explained (already had multiple time) that his insurance was being impossible and I couldn't get anywhere with them.  He proceeded to say he won't pay a dime out of pocket.  I mentioned that I didn't want to go this route, but I could seek legal representation if it came down to it.  He said go ahead and get legal representation.

---THE PROBLEM---

I am moving out of WA to CA tomorrow, and am convinced that I would need to be present for any legal proceedings.  The shop was able to get the scooter back into rideable condition for around $550 (Geico gave me $720 - 80% of 1/2 the valuation, or something), but I'm still out of a huge portion of the ~$2,300 valuation that was placed on the scooter by Geico that my scooter was worth before he pulled out in front of me.  It only seems fair to bring the 50% of the health equation back into the fold if things are going to go this route, as well.  The question is, considering the circumstances and the fact that he basically admitted fault twice via text, would I have a strong enough case to be worth fighting from CA?

You guys are the best.
Topic:
Insurance

Answer:
 If Geico offered you money and you accepted, that would considered a settlement that you accepted.

Suing "s" will result in Geico defending him and telling you that they already payed you and you accepted the settlement. That's why he has insurance and that's why he pays them.

I would sit down with a lawyer and speak with them. If you had insurance, your insurance would be fighting this battle for you.Answer #2: If you accepted the settlement you have essentially 0% chance of winning a lawsuit against S.

If you sue S, Geico will defend him by saying that you accepted the settlement (which from your story, you apparently did.) Answer #3: You really should not have accepted any money. That *might(?)* have locked you in as accepting their interpretation of events.

Regardless, your best bet is to go find an attorney right now before you leave WA and see if they agree with your interpretation and if you have the case... especially if you already accepted the money from GEICO. You won't necessarily need to be present for the lawyer to advance your case. *IF* your case even mages it to court, it will not be for a very long time. Until then, everything can be handled over the phone.


Title: My boss wants me to get rid of all of the Mexicans and Blacks from our Facebook page, California. - UPDATE

Question:
I posted this last week and got some interesting feedback, thank you. I went to the meeting on Monday, they again asked me to scrub our social media of anyone who isn't white and attractive and I just said I couldn't do it. So, long story short, I'm negotiating an exit from this company and will be jobless soon (not a big deal, the market is hot).

The irony, and I think I forgot to include this last time, is that minorities make up over 40% of our sales. Nothing like working with dim bulbs.

Answer: Make sure they pay you very well to not take this to the media. Answer #2: Original - https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/3e9wxj/my_boss_wants_me_to_get_rid_of_all_of_the/Answer #3: Good on you. Seriously, on a day when people are posting about "is it legal if I just post the audio from the child porn?" you give me hope for the world.Answer #4: Dang, that's a depressing one. Good luck in your job search. Hopefully their racist marketing strategy bites them in the ass some day.Answer #5: Glad you're leaving a toxic work place. That isn't always an easy thing to do. Good luck finding new work.


Title: Police Initiated Welfare Check

Question:
Recently I was stopped on private property for underage drinking. I was out at a bar, and returned home around 2am. When I got home, I stopped and sat on a concrete containment wall on our front porch for, I kid you not, 45 seconds before an office approached me. He claims I was puking, and he simply initiated a "welfare check" that allowed him to set foot on the private property unwarranted as I was an "endangerment" to myself. My question is, what is the legality of this? Is an officer allowed to make his own welfare check and enter my property uninvited? I have requested the bodycam footage from the night, but have not received it yet; witnesses who were with me claim I never puked. In the police narrative on the report, it states the officer asked if I had my ID on me, to which I responded "yes, but you don't need to see it. Im fine." However, he proceeded to push for the ID and demanded I give it to him.

This all occurred on a college campus in Georgia. Any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer: From what I can see, MIP in GA does not require evidence of physical possession, only evidence of intoxication.  So, your behaviors and odor are enough to bring the Plain View doctrine into play.


Title: Minor fender bender - is the other guy trying to shake me down?

Question:
I live in PA. Two weeks ago I was pulling out of my driveway and tapped the bumper of a car who was parked behind my driveway (he was a pizza delivery guy) and the front corner of his car was behind mine. I got out and he had a small piece of plastic molding popped out of where it was - it's possible I did it, sure, and I point out the damage at the time.  I give him my insurance info, at which points he says if I give him $100 he won't report it to my insurance.  I was getting a "shakdown" vibe so I declined, and told him to contact my insurance company.

This morning he texts me, and he says now if I give him $50-$100 and we "write something up" he won't report it to my insurance.  He says he has me on video admitting to the damage which is odd because he was never taking video of our cars while still at my place.  He said in court it would definitely go his way as a result, and thus I should pay him.

As soon as he mentioned court I told him not to contact me again and to go through my insurance.  Was this guy trying to shake me down for quick cash?  Did I make the right decision?  I didn't feel comfortable giving him cash and especially didn't feel right agreeing to sign anything.

Answer:
 If he offered to put something in writing, I would have taken him up on it.  The cost of your insurance premium increase is way beyond what $50-$100 will cost.

He may be taking advantage of the situation but 50-100 is chump change considering the long term cost.  Take him up on his offer but make sure you have the appropriate language in the agreement (payment in full, forever release any and all claims against you in regards to incident at..., agrees not to make an insurance claim, etc...)


Title: Manager not paying me or other employees tips for a customer complaint.

Question:
Hi, I’m a worker for a salad bar franchise in Texas. We earn cash tips from a jar and credit card tips that are split evenly between coworkers at the end of a shift. For the past two days our manager has denied our share of tips because of recent customer complaints. I’m not sure if she kept them or gave our share to other employees from other shifts. I am wondering if this is legal in my state because we usually make 5-10 dollars in tips each shift and it’s a part of our income. I’m also paid $9/hr. She has also threatened us by saying she will deny all of our tips for the month of July if we don’t attend a store meeting tomorrow.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: This isn't legal. She can write you up or fire you for customer complaints or for missing meetings, but she can't take away your tips.


Title: NY state APS removed my Fiance's brother (a non verbal austic adult) from his parents care and now have custody but are refusing to care for him, what do we do?

Question: So last week my Fiance's brother were removed from their Mother (legal guardian of both), the younger by CPS and the older by APS. He is non verbal and requires 1 on 1 care. APS took official custody and have had him living in a hospital, while on a test trial at a nearby assisted living facility, a newer employee saw he was a having a fit and called the police and he wound up at a different hospital (this was yesterday). We got a calling saying that the county's social services have exausted all options and can't find housing for him, and that he had been alone in a waiting room due to the hospitals refusing to admit him, we cancelled our work plans and others things for the weekend and raced up here to help and are now staying at a hotel with him and caring to the best of our abilities, which aren't very suitable, we are both young adults with little to no experience caring for autistic people. The big issue for me is that if we hadn't come to retrieve him from the hospital, the state is refusing to do anything even though they are his legal guardian. I understand that facilities are understaffed, but there was a several hour long period were an autistic adult was left un attened and if it weren't for us, the state was fine with that and would have done nothing to change the situation. The state says they have housing and care for him starting monday, but this can't be acceptable, is there anything we can/should do? Or am I just over reacting?

Answer:
 This is beyond the scope of this sub and is not a "simple legal question".

APS and CPS will not take vulnerable adults or children out of a home for no reason. Both of these agencies are given a lot of discretion in these situations. Once they have acted, there is very little that you can do other than hire a lawyer to make sure that they are following the law.

Sorry, but your only real option here is to get a (family) lawyer.


Title: A high school teacher I know is pitching a pyramid scheme to students in her class. Is this illegal, and is there anything I can/should do to stop this?

Question:
United States, South Carolina.

I don't have any direct connection to any of the students in her class, I only know about it because she posted on facebook about one of her students "joining her".

I assume most of the students in her class are ~18 since she teaches seniors if that matters.

I don't know about any specific laws, but I feel like even if it was a legitimate business it would be hitting an ethical gray area.

Answer:
 Probably at least contrary to school policy. Answer #2: I don't know if that's illegal, my guess would be probably not. However, IMO, it's highly unethical. I would complain to school administration.Answer #3: You can complain to the school administration and school board.Answer #4: Depends very much on the details.

> ethical gray area

Sounds like the very definition of "unprofessional."  Talk to your friend: if she's pressuring, defrauding, or altering the grades of her students then you need to speak to the principal.Answer #5: Looks like pyramid schemes are illegal in SC http://www.scag.gov/if-it-sounds-too-good-to-be-true-it-probably-is so if that's what it really is, then yes, it's illegal.Answer #6: By all means call the school administration. But do be realistic about the evidence you have - if it's just one vague post on facebook, there may be a lot more going on that you aren't fully aware of.


Title: TX - I met a woman on tinder who turned out to not be a woman.

Question:
Going to try to keep this as simple as possible. Met a girl on tinder. Went on a few dates. Second date there were sexual acts performed on me.

Third date we were going to have sex. Found out that she was not a biological woman.

I am extremely pissed and can not let this go. I was lied told a huge lie and had sexual acts performed on me that I would not have consented to if I knew the truth.

Is this sexual assault or rape?

Answer: Sexual assault is essentially sex without consent.  Consent is not a complete understanding of the characteristics of your partner.  If someone lies to you about their age, or political party, or profession, or income, or dies their hair, or gives you a false name, and you have sex with them believing that deception to be true, you have not had sex without consent even if you wouldn't have had sex with them if you had known the truth about those things.  That is true of somebody's racial history as well as their gender history.  The burden is on you to ask and/or verify if a particular characteristic is important enough to you.  Answer #2: [According to Texas Law](https://apps.rainn.org/policy/policy-crime-definitions.cfm?state=Texas&group=9), there is no requirement to disclose gender identity as a form of consent before engaging in sexual activity.Answer #3: It is no more sexual assault or rape than if you found out your sexual partner had a different natual hair color.


Title: Problem with closing costs at settlement

Question:
Using a throwaway but I am a regular lurker.

I bought my house back in May in Pennsylvania.  The mortgage company told me that because I opened an account with their bank, I'd get $200 off my closing costs.

Well, settlement comes around and the $200 isn't there. The mortgage broker admits she made a mistake, assures me she'll take care of it, but also says that refunding the money will take some time because "there's all these hoops to jump through on getting money back from the federal government." Ok that's fine.

It's October and I still don't have the money. I have emailed her every few weeks (just sent another one) and even told the corporate office of her bank that she promised me this money and still hasn't gotten it for me.

So my questions here are:

1. Is she telling me the truth? Is it that hard to get money back from the government? (Or do I post this question somewhere else?)
2. What are my legal options in getting this money?

Answer:
 NAL, mortgage specialist.

Government has nothing to do with the closing costs you pay a lender to close a mortgage.

You need to escalate this up the chain, I would advise you to print off proof that you were to get this discount and send it to them as a Qualified Written Request (google that to obtain the correct format).

If the person you were talking to was your loan officer than that money went to their commission, so start with their boss and the branch manager.


Title: What happens to spouse/estate after drunk driving accident?

Question:
To be clear, I'm not involved in this situation legally and have no financial/legal stakes in the matter.  I'm asking just out of curiosity and so I can prepare for the heavy conversations to come with my family members who are involved/provide emotional support.

Someone close to me died recently in a car accident. So far, authorities involved say that my loved one was most likely driving while intoxicated. They were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, and had no passengers.  The driver of the other vehicle also died, the passenger in that car was unhurt.  The accident occurred in my loved one's home state of North Carolina, USA.

I'm grieving, and trying to be there for for my loved one's spouse (who was not involved in the accident and was not aware that my loved one was driving while intoxicated). How does a case like this usually proceed? How long could my loved one's spouse have to be involved in proceedings? Legal representation has already been retained, so I'm not asking on the spouse's behalf--I just want to have an idea of what lies ahead without having to ask about that while everything is so raw.

Thank you for any insights.

Answer: That’s pretty awful.  It is hard to say how long any legal proceedings could drag out.  It will really depend on what remedies the other driver’s estate (via the executor) seeks.  They may be willing to settle quickly if there’s sufficient money in the estate to make it happen, but maybe your friend’s estate (via the executor) wants to dispute the DUI aspect and whether your friend’s husband was actually at fault.  Really, it could be months or years.  This circumstance is so fact-specific that there’s no way a stranger on the internet could make an accurate prediction.


Title: (SK, Canada) Elderly grandfather with Alzheimer’s receiving driving lessons without a license

Question:
My grandfather lives in Saskatchewan, is in his mid 80s, and received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease about a year ago. His condition both physically and mentally have declined significantly since then (he’s very rarely mentally “there”, unable to comprehend basic things, argumentative, confused, etc.) and also has physically deteriorated- he now uses a walker and has significant trouble staying steady, he complains of lack of feeling in his legs, and is incontinent. All of these symptoms are exacerbated by a head injury he sustained several years ago from a car accident he was in. In fact, he has been in, from what I’ve been told, between 3-4 accidents in the last year or so alone (one of which involved hitting a pedestrian, and no, I don’t know why he hasn’t received a ban before now) As a result of his diagnosis and symptoms, he received a letter about 5 months ago telling him his drivers license was being revoked and to turn it in.

Now he’s fixated on going through the (lengthy) appeals process which requires both a cognitive test and a 3 hour road test to reinstate his license. I do not believe he would pass the cognitive test but he’s been fixated on learning to drive again. Today, he called me and told me that he was paying $160 an hour for driving lessons to a driving instructor who, apparently, is well aware that he has had his license revoked and is fine continuing to give him lessons. I have no idea where he found this instructor, but this man has apparently been driving to his house and allowing my grandfather to drive his car for practice. Obviously this is illegal because he is not a licensed driver. I tried to explain to him that he doesn’t have a license and this is illegal, and that he’s wasting his money because first he must pass the cognitive test, but he won’t/can’t listen to me.

Now aside from the fact that I think that fee is exorbitant, and that the man giving him lessons is grossly irresponsible and preying on his inability to spot a sketchy situation, this is obviously unsafe to both him and other drivers. Can I do anything to ensure that he remains off the road? Should I inform the DMV of his poor judgement? And is there anything I could do to report this irresponsible instructor? This is further complicated by the fact that I live in the United States and have no easy way of going there without a $2000 airplane ticket. Sorry for the long read, I’m just at a loss for what to do!
Topic:
Canada

Answer:
 Contact the Canadian drivers License Agency that suspended his license and his Doctor. They are the ones with authority to do something about his driving.Answer #2: The [Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism](https://skseniorsmechanism.ca/resources-programs/information-line/) has a hotline to call and they can probably tell you who to contact for assistance in this particular area. [SGI](https://www.sgi.sk.ca/) is the Saskatchewan equivalent of the DMV, it can't hurt to give them a call either.

Having some experience with aging senior relatives in Saskatchewan, someone in your family needs to consult a lawyer to become your grandfather's Power of Attorney and be allowed to get involved in medical decisions. From there, his family doctor can order an assessment done which will figure out if your grandfather needs to enter care, and if so, assistance with that. Remember that as a Canadian citizen, your grandfather gets essentially free (paid with taxes blah blah blah) healthcare, and options for care homes are available if he is low income.


Title: Debt collector trying to collect on 13 year old debt

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 I would not recommend responding to them as that could "re-age" the debt. I woudl ignore and if they try to put on credit report to dispute the credit report directly with credit agency.Answer #2: Unless it's tax or student loan debt or a judgement from a court case, there is bupkes they can do except send a letter every once in a while, or sell on the zombie debt to someone else who will then send you a letter every once in a while.
Just keep throwing away the letters as they come.Answer #3: Don't even send them a letter.  It is well past the statute of limitations.  It is possible that the letter will reset the clock on the SOL.  It is, obviously, well past the zombie debt statute.

Don't communicate with them at all.  They'll get the message soon enough.


Title: If my mom declares bankruptcy, could I lose my truck? (TX)

Question:
My mom is looking at declaring bankruptcy.

However, 7 years ago she helped me with a car. I paid for everything but it was in her name. It has been paid off for 2 years and we did a "gifting" at the DPS and the car is in my name now on the title.

She started having financial troubles about 3 years ago so I paid off her truck so it wouldn't get repossessed. Again did the "gifting" and it's in my name. This has been for 1.5 years now.

So if she declares bankruptcy could I lose these vehicles? I paid the entire car loan and about half the truck loan.
Topic:
Credit Debt Bankruptcy

Answer: The Lookback period is generally only 90 days.


Title: [California] I'm bored, can I walk the crosswalks of the intersection nearest my county courthouse around 8am asking everyone what jury nullification is?

Question: Perhaps on a sign. I'm just asking questions here!

Answer:
 You wouldn't be the first to do something like this.

Reddit acts like jury nullification is some big secret nobody knows about and is some magical hack over the judicial system. That may have been true before the internet but not anymore. I suspect even if they didn't know the name of it a lot of jurors probably realize such a thing is possible since it's apparent that the judge isn't going to question whether you're refusing to convict because you sincerely don't find the evidence convincing enough or because you disagree with the law. I knew about jury nullification from high school history classes. We didn't call it by that name, but it came up in the context of all white juries in the south refusing to convict people for murder in the context of lynchings (see Emmett Till).Answer #2: Yes. Yes you can.


Title: Help with possibly being evicted.

Question:
So I live with my ex(yeah, I know) and she owns the house and said she wants me gone on the 27th. I live here rent free and there's no lease.

She once gave me a notice to vacate back in march but never signed it and she never followed through with the date she had on there, otherwise, she's only been telling me she wants me gone on the 27th.

Basically, my question is, does she have to still go through the legal stuff to evict me or can she pretty much just kick me out? Also, what would she have to do exactly if she does have to do the proper stuff? I live in Texas if that helps. Can specify where in pm if that helps more.

Please and thank you!

Answer: Get out. You don't want an eviction on your record. It will make it hard for you to rent.


Title: Model asking for her photos to be removed from social media

Question:
I don’t feel like this is really a court issue, but I’m not sure where else to ask.
Last year I did a photo shoot with a model, and it was implied nudity. It was a very tasteful shoot but she is nude and her buttocks is exposed in the images. She has various images “painted” onto her body with a movie projector.
Anyways, a year later she’s telling me that she no longer consents to me having those images up because she’s “found God”
I’ve gotten great feedback about the images and worked hard to take edit them. I don’t want to take them down, but also don’t want there to be any issues. What do I do?
She did sign a release form.
Topic:
Business Law

Answer:
 > She did sign a release form

Then legally you should be good if the form is good. That doesn't mean she won't sue you to take them down, anyone can sue anyone for anything.

Practically speaking, or morally speaking, what is your opportunity cost if you take them down? You could ask her to compensate you that amount.


Title: Custody of stepson

Question: My wife has terminal cancer. I have a great dad/son relationship with my stepson (7 y/o). His father is around, but there is no custody agreement. While his father has said he wants me in the 7 y/o's life if my wife dies, do I have any legal recourse to keep him in my life? We live in San Diego, CA.

Answer: I'm not a lawyer but was recently adopted by my long-time step-father. I would recommend this if the bio dad is willing to give up parental rights. Otherwise, if your wife does die, bio dad still has parental rights and could be messy.


Title: [PA-USA]Personnel Testing and Consulting company costs me job with flawed questions.

Question:
I was recently applying for a job and during the process they directed me to take an aptitude exam from a third party company.

Due to my score the company where I was interviewing decided to no longer pursue me. The reason for my lower score was because I answered "N/A" for a three part question. Shown here: http://imgur.com/a/66tkP

Clearly Row 2 and Row 4 make this question erroneous, as 11 cannot equal 14. This seems pretty obvious, right?

The testing company will not admit their error and responded to my e-mail with the following response: "Walden is not permitted to respond. The grading is accurate. Sent from my iPhone"

**TL;DR** Aptitude Assessment company costs me job interview due to flawed test questions. I want to expose them and may possibly even have grounds for a lawsuit.

EDIT: The company I applied to is asking me to retake a new exam. Thanks all for the advice!

Answer: This is not grounds for a lawsuit. Move on with your life and find another job; there is nothing to expose.


Title: [CA] Attorney tenant was accidentally bit by my dog

Question:
Sounds worse than it is.  Here's the story:

My tenant, W, is a workers comp attorney.  27 year old hot shot.  He's a bit arrogant and condescending.  Can't win any arguments, he has to be right and won't stop until you give up.  Kind of an asshat.  But he pays the bills, and overall, he's a good tenant.

A month ago I adopted a 1.5 year old, one eyed Border Collie.  W has admitted to having years of experience with herding dogs (border collies/Aussies/Sheepdogs) growing up.  To be clear, the dog is not ever allowed inside the house when I am not home to supervise.  The entire house and backyard have been dog proofed.

One day after work, he came home to my dog and I in the back yard playing frisbee.  He joined in on the fun.  W and I were tossing the frisbee back and forth, giving my pup a lot of exercise.  W took the frisbee and held it high in the air above my dog and started running around (fast movements).  My dog jumped to try to get it.  On his way down, his tooth caught his pant leg and put a small hole in them.  W freaked out saying my dog bit him, though there was no marks on him.  I told him I'd replace his pants.  All is good.

I made sure he knew that herding dogs don't like loud noises or fast movements, and that they jump sometimes nip to control the situation.  It's how they are bred and it's instinct.  I told him if he does that, just say "NO" and walk away from him calmly.  He said that's not how herding dogs act and his herding dogs growing up were never like that (untrue).  A couple days later, W and my other tenant were joking around in the kitchen, and started yelling and pushing each other around (just roughhousing/playing around).  My dog jumped up on them to break it up.  Didn't bite, didn't bark.  I told them AGAIN they can't do things like that when the dog is around.

A few days later, his girlfriend brought her husky over, who didn't take kindly to my dog.  Trying to get them to get along, the husky attacked my dog 3 times.  The third time, my dog fought back and put a gash in her dogs face (nothing bad, didn't require going to the vet).

Well, last Thursday, we're in the backyard playing again, having a good time celebrating W's birthday (BBQ/drinks).  This time with a tennis ball.  W reached down to grab the ball before my dog was going to pick it up (was trying to beat him to it).  Dog went to grab the ball, and caught the meat on his hand right under his pinky.  Left a 1/4in. gash.

He laughed it off and said he knew it wasn't an attack, it was just an accident.  I cleaned off the wound and took him to the ER in case it needed stitches.

In the waiting room, a nurse came, looked at it, and said they would just clean it out and NOT put stitches in.  W looked at me, said "well, if they're only going to clean it, let's get outta here!".  We drove home, had a beer and some laughs (it was his birthday), and he went to Urgent Care the next day to have it cleaned out.  His reasoning is that it would be less expensive than an ER (which is true).  Obviously I made sure he knew I would cover the cost of medical attention.  I personally helped clean out the wound after that.  Saturday morning, he went camping for the weekend!

Last night, all the sudden he tells me my dog is vicious and unstable, and he's uncomfortable in the house because of the "attack".  He says the dog barks at him when he's at the front door (he sits on the couch and barks a couple times.  dogs do that).  He says he goes after him when he tries to leave and he's worried he's going to get bit (he just follows people to the door.  He doesn't try to get out).  He refuses to pet him, he'll only play keepaway with his toys for a couple of minutes only if i'm already playing with him.  He has made little effort to get to know the dog.  Most of the time just ignores him.  The dog is 100% fine with my other tenant, who pets him, gives him treats, and doesn't ignore him.

I've decided that W is not a good fit for my house, and want to terminate his lease (it's month to month).  I'm nervous that he'll sue me for a dog bite if I do.  I understand I'm liable and to be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if he did, though I did everything right.

I guess my question is - **Would I be able to fight the case given the above history?**

Answer:
 CA law is pretty strict. It does not require knowledge of aggression:

>California Civil Code section 3342.
(a) The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness. A person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner within the meaning of this section when he is on such property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner.


Title: [Texas]Ticketed for having a flashing light

Question:
This is a little weird.  I was ticketed in Texas for having a 'flashing light' on my car.  HOWEVER, I *do not* have a flashing light on my car.

I had just driven by a speed trap and flashed my lights to warn other drivers of the speed trap, and I got caught by a cop coming the other way.  Is there any way this ticket could stick?

There were two cops, the one from the original speed trap and the one that pulled me over.  They bitched me out about how they could 'arrest me for interfering with an investigation' and how they could throw me in jail.  Is there anything to worry about?

Answer:
 I believe flashing lights at other motorists to warn them of police was ruled as protected under the 1st amendment. I looked it up and it appears that it varies, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headlight_flashing#United_States , nothing there on Texas though. Answer #2: According to this blog post: http://thedalharttexan.com/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=34&cntnt01returnid=16

> Answer: No. Texas does not have any traffic laws that makes flashing one’s headlights to warn oncoming vehicles that a police vehicle is nearby illegal. The flashing of headlights serves many purposes. It may warn of other "dangers" like motor vehicle accidents or an animal in the roadway. Flashing headlights is a non-verbal method for communicating with other drivers. It may mean, "Dim your bright lights," "I’m about to pass you," or "There’s a speed trap ahead."

As long as you weren't obstructing traffic or causing a hazard, he has no way of knowing *why* you flashed your headlights.


Title: My fiancée bought a used car and just found out the miles got rolled back.

Question:
So, my fiancée bought a used vehicle about two years ago from a dealership (Michigan, USA) with roughly 80,000 miles on it. Today she went to a different dealership to see about getting into a new vehicle. Upon inspection of the car they revealed to her the odometer had been rolled back about 20,000 miles. I looked at her title and paperwork from the dealership and it seems the vehicle was transported from Canada to the U.S. before she bought it. All of her paperwork shows the miles on the odometer not the actual miles.

My question is, does she have any legal standing with the dealership she bought the car from? As this brings the value of her car down significantly and seems to be quite the legal issue. Thank you in advance for the input and suggestions.

Answer: Excuse my ignorance but can this have something to do with converting Kilometers to miles? What year is the vehicle? Is it a digital odometer?


Title: Can someone help a guy figure out how to change his first name? (Pennsylvania)

Question:
Hi, r/legaladvice!

I'm trying to figure out how to change my first name in Pennsylvania. Northampton County, specifically.  My last name will stay the same and I'm dropping my middle one (I'm a transdude.) I understand the basics - that I need to declare I have no outstanding debts that I'm trying to escape by changing my name, file a petition to the court, get fingerprints done, and I think then make an announcement in two? local newspapers. Please and thank you in advance!

The problem is basically twofold:

One, I have no income (disabled, denied twice for SSI) and in order to do this I need to also file what the internet tells me is a "Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (IFP)" which I guess will waive both the filing fees and the newspaper posting requirement because of funds? Can someone point me in the right direction of how I find (or write?) this petition?

Two, I don't understand how to write or fill out a name change petition itself. My internet research tells me there's not one for my county, and so I have to find one from another county and I can use that as a template and edit it accordingly. I understand that this is step two, *after* the fees are waived re: problem one, is that correct? If I accidentally fill out the petition for name change incorrectly (I was very confused looking at the ones from the county over) is it possible for someone at the courthouse to help me fix it when I go, or can I just re-file? My original petition to waive the fees should still apply if I mess up the name change petition and need to re-file it, right?

Thanks in advance for all your advice, and I'm sorry for so many (arguably quite simple) questions all in one post!

Answer: Reach out to the [Transgender Legal Defense Fund](http://www.transgenderlegal.org/work_show.php?id=7). They have a name change project, and offices in PA. They can probably help you find a pro bono lawyer, or at least answer your questions.


Title: Could SCOTUS refuse to admit a Judge?

Question:
Congress has refused to seat members [a few times in the past] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unseated_members_of_the_United_States_Congress).  They base this power on [Article 1 Section 5] (https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript#articleI5).

[Article 3 Section 1] (https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript#articleIII1) doesn't provide the same language that was used for Congress, but it also wasn't covered under [Powell v. McCormack] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powell_v._McCormack).

"...shall hold their Offices during good Behavior..." seems to provide a way for the court to manage its members.  But the language seems to require that the "not good Behavior" be after joining the ranks.

Answer:
 The Constitution gives each house of Congress the power to make the rules by which they govern themselves. (Article I, section 5). That is how Congress can expel or refuse to seat someone.

It does not include any such clause for the Supreme Court. But it does explicitely say that the President shall, with the advice and consent of the Senate, "appoint... Judges of the supreme Court"Answer #2: It is ultimately a political question, not a legal one.

Suppose the Supreme Court does refuse to seat a justice.  What does he do?  He sues to be seated.  Who hears the case?  The Supreme Court, which refused to seat him in the first place.


Title: My six year old fell out of a top bunk bed onto a concrete floor on her face at an overnight camp operated by L.A. California Parks and Rec. and we didn't even get a phone call about it.

Question:
My daughter fell about five feet onto her face on a concrete floor saturday night. She has a bruise on her head and one on her hip. We were scheduled to pick her up on Sunday morning. We did not receive a phone call from camp, nor did she receive medical care other than ice on her hip and her head.

Another kid fell from a top bunk the same night before my daughter fell, then my daughter fell from her top bunk, then another kid fell from a bottom bunk, all onto concrete floors.

I'm pretty shocked that the camp counselors didn't think to (a) call a paramedic to determine that the kids did not need medical care, (b) did not call the parents in any of the three cases, and (c) that after one kid fell, two others were still allowed to fall.

What can I do about this? I suppose that I think these falls could have been prevented, and that after they happened, things were not handled properly.

edit 2: I'm really easygoing with people who care for my kid. I expect scrapes and bruises from playing and generally having a good time and horsing around, and I always let them know this. I don't expect a kid to come back from camp without some nicks and cuts or poison ivy or bee stings or whatever. But this bothers me in a different way.

edit for removal of photo.

Answer:
 You can't have identifying information here. Linking to the camp is probably disallowed. Posting that photo with people's faces visible is probably a bad idea as well.

You can call the camp and complain. If your daughter didn't suffer any injuries, then you are unlikely to have any civil remedies yourself.Answer #2: OP- If your daughter is fine, then you likely have no damages and there's not much you can do. Answer #3: Tell the camp you have an insurance claim and talk to their insurer. Explain what happened. Their insurance carrier will want to know these facts.


Title: CA: Lease Ran out but Landlord is continuing to accept rent. Am I month to month?

Question:
I'm renting a house in california. The lease is for one year and there is NO MENTION of it moving to a month to month agreement, after it ends.

The Lease ended Feb 28 and I paid rent for March. I did not give notice and have no intent to move.

The Landlord accepted and cashed the March rent check.

Since he accepted the payment, does this by default make me a month to month tenant now?

Answer: Yes, it's a constructive month-to-month. Because there is no lease, he/she must give you 30 days notice to vacate/non-renewal. if I were you though, I would get a lease in writing for whatever period you plan on staying.


Title: URGENT HELP. 2 hours ago I received a unsolicited nude picture on Whatsapp from of a very young girl. Obviously Unknown number. 1 hour ago, a man called me claiming that he is father of that girl and I forced the girl for nude pic. He is asking me $500 or he'll report me to cops for CP.

Question:
Please don't judge me for any grammatical mistakes. I'm literally shaking right now while typing this.

So, I don't know who this girl is. It is from a random number. His father  threatened me not to go to police or else they would arrest me for CP in first place. I don't know what do?

I'm from Florida.

Answer:
 [It's a scam.](https://i.imgur.com/R8uLyD3.jpg).  Seriously, it's so common that we see this same question several times a week.  A scammer is trying to extort money from you and nothing more.

Delete the picture.  Delete the chat.  Block the user.  And go on with your life.  There's nothing to worry about.Answer #2: This is a common scam. Delete the pic and ignore him.Answer #3: What do you mean unsolicited?  Out of the blue?  Or after conversation with the sender?

It sounds like a scam.  And it's extortion anyway.  Delete the pic and ignore him.

If the cops come (so unlikely) tell them you don't want to talk to them without consulting a lawyer.Answer #4: You are the second person to post about this common scam here today - does that tell you how common this scam is?  Of course there are always minor (no pun intended) variations on the scam, but the basic premise is the same.

Here is a link to the post earlier today and my response to that post.

https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/3ib2rn/xpost_rlegal_rtinder_tinder_advice/

Just to recap and reinforce what others have said. This is a well known scam. There was no girl and no mother. It was all just some guy in Nigeria or whatever. You were stupid to have given out your personal information (name and address), but you were smart enough or lucky enough that you didn't send naked pictures of yourself - because if you had, then you would be facing blackmail threats about releasing the pictures to your friends, family, and work. If you want to continue to correspond with this person, then the more of their time you waste the less time they have to successfully scam someone else (or so those who engage in scambaiting believe).


Title: Recently received my 1st ever ticket for speeding 20-25 over on the highway in Warrenton, MO. It’s a must appear in court ticket although I live in Chicago, IL which is about 5-6 hours away. Do I need a lawyer? How do I handle this situation? Court date has been moved to June 11th.

Question:
I (21yr M) was on a road trip to Kansas City from Chicago and while in the passing lane I tried to pass a Semi but in the midst of doing so a highway police officer pulls me over and decides to give me a ticket for speeding.

This is my first and only speeding ticket according to the police officer I was going 20-25 over and he caught me with his rear moving radar.

Anyways, since it’s my first ticket I’m not really sure how to handle this I called the court and asked if I can just pay the fines but they said no that I have to show up, they also mentioned that I can send a letter to the judge mentioning my situation that I live far from the location and see what he decides to do but other than that they just gave me an option to move my court date a couple weeks forward to June 11th. I am a bit stuck here as I mentioned before since it is my first ticket ever.

Do I need a lawyer? If so how do I go forward with getting one? Are their any other options than the ones I have been told?
I’ve never gotten a lawyer before either so how do I know to trust one?
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer: You'll want to get a lawyer in the jurisdiction where you got the ticket.  They'll be able to advise you on what to do and whether they can appear for you or plead it down to some other infraction so you don't have to appear at all.


Title: Overpaid, can I be sued?

Question:
My employer overpaid me for my last two months of work. I was initially making 10/hr and on my last two checks my wage was 15/hr. Am I legally obligated to notify them, and am I legally responsible if they come looking for the difference?

Oregon resident. Edit: these were the last two paychecks. I recently quit to pursue other opportunities and noticed it on my final check.
Topic:
Contracts

Answer:
 >Am I legally obligated to notify them,

No but it will save you a headache down the line

>and am I legally responsible if they come looking for the difference?

Yes.Answer #2: You will have to repay the over if they demand it. They would likely be successful suing you for the overpayment if it comes to that.