Title: DUI -Lawyer failed to file paperwork...for five months. Oklahoma.

Question:
Alright, long story short. About a year and a half ago I was charged with a DUI. My representing attorney plead it out to a deferred sentence, to which I met every obligation required by the court. On January 19th I gave him the paperwork for the fulfilled sentence. (Class, panel and assessment).
Well, apparently he never filed my paperwork and I'm now in a world of hurt. I was very lucky in that I found out because I tried to purchase a firearm, but was delayed and got curious as to why I would have been delayed with no violence/substance abuse/mental deficiency on my record.
So, the paperwork was due January 20th. I wasn't served at my new address, but at my old one because I was moving at the time. He, however, was served on April 17th saying that there was a failure to meet requirements.
He did not inform me of this, and didn't even attempt to call(I'm glad phone records go back so far now). He failed to appear in court. I failed to appear in court because I was unaware. The court date was in May.
They did not file the paperwork that was required to complete my sentence until JUNE 21st. Five full months after the fact.
Now, my case was accelerated in to a conviction, my license was suspended, and there is currently a bench warrant out for my arrest.
What do I do here? I called my representing attorney for this case and he said, "I'll look in to it and call you back by 10 or 11 am."
Do I need to sue him, and can he fix this? How deep am I in?

TL;DR: Lawyer failed to file paperwork, world of hurt ensues.

Answer: Have you spoken with the attorney directly?


Title: [US - NC] Family member works for Georgia Pacific, no heat in winter, no air conditioner in summer, works with moldy wood. Works 70~80+Hours a week.

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 Heat and AC are not an issue.  Take it from someone that works in a iron foundry.  The company is providing water and electrolyte replacement drinks.  If the company does not provide or forbids dust masks or respirators, that may be an issue.  OSHA has most likely conducted air quality tests at the factory.  If they are getting overtime, there is really no problem with the amount of hours they are working.  If they don't like it that much, they are free to quit and look for a better job. Answer #2: How on earth is your family member working a 12 hour day in 130+ degree heat dying?

Your gonna need to give us more info, what temperature does it reach during winter, is respiratory protection available? Is he paid overtime/double time? Is his schedule mandatory?  (IE hes not picking up extra shifts) when you say 80 hour week how is that split up? 5-16 hour days m-f or 7-12 hour days 7 days a week? Is it so hot because he works in the dryer section?

If you are unable to or simply dont know you can still file with OSHA (go to their website) but the more specific you can be the better. Especially in regards to respiratory gear.


Title: 'Locals Only' Discrimination?

Question:
Hey all, not sure if this qualifies as discrimination or if it's just a shitty thing to do.

So I moved to a new city (Los Angeles, CA) and landed a job interview. I'm qualified from the position, and I am from one county/an hour drive to the south (Orange County). The HR representative asked if Tuesday at 10am would be alright with me. I said that doesn't work with my schedule and gave her some alternatives. She emailed me back saying never mind--they really want an LA native. Maybe once I've "settled in," and if the position is still open, I could try again. She warned me that they have many strong applicants that are actually from LA, though, so it's unlikely that it will still be open.

Is this a thing? Any advice?

Answer:
 That's legal. And in some places like LA normal.

Some practical advice, unless you're getting an organ transplant, find a way to make it to interviews even if you have to rearrange other things. Answer #2: This isn't illegal discrimination being local is not a protected class. Answer #3: They don't want someone who is going to be a 1-2 hour drive from work.  This is a perfectly legitimate concern, and also completely legal.

As a southern Californian, take my advice -- look for a job within 10-15 miles of where you live, at least in the first instance.  Your life will be much happier.


Title: Florida University asking for a summary of my criminal history as part of their application process. What are my rights, in this situation?

Question:
After submitting my application for Graduate school, I received an email saying that my app had been put on hold until I supplied supplementary documents regarding 2 misdemeanor charges from 2009. Supplying the actual legal documentation is not an issue, but they also want me to write

"A personal statement that describes this incident in full from your perspective; summarizes your life since the incident, including jobs held; and details your educational goals."

My question is, are there any laws in Florida that describe the right to privacy, in this circumstance? Especially with charges that are almost 10 years old?
How detailed do I have to be? There is a lot of auxiliary info, which I don't feel is necessary to include.
Also, are they able to deny my application because of criminal history? It doesn't seem right that something I barely ever think about, anymore, would keep me from being able to improve my life.

Thanks in advance!

Answer:
 You should look into getting your record expunged. A criminal history can create problems beyond this application, including housing and employment.

In most states, there is no legislation prohibiting considering criminal records as a part of a university admissions process. Many professions are also regulated as to exclude people with a criminal history.


Title: Can I legally run away at the age of 17 in Tennessee? I turn 18 July 4th and plan to leave May 25th, after school ends. Can they legally take me back? Does the state of Tennessee charge a 17 year old as a run away? I plan to move to Florida to live with my uncle.

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 Yes, you can be returned to your parents.

Why not wait until you can do it legally?


Title: Life Insurance Policy - Do I have any recourse?

Question:
My father passed away on 22Feb2017, and had a 200,000 life insurance policy. After a long hassle, Aetna notified me that my mother was the beneficiary of the policy.

My mom promised that she was going to distribute the funds to my sister and I once she figured out the tax implications. Several weeks later, we received a letter from an attorney saying that my mom will be keeping the funds for herself. She ceased all communication with her kids and has not contacted us for a year now. When cleaning out my Dads place, I found their divorce mediation agreement which stated;

"The mother shall be named the beneficiary of the fathers life insurance in trust for the minor children, for the purpose of securing child support throughout their minority. The father shall be responsible for the cost of the insurance"

In the original letter from her attorney, it stated that as I (youngest child) reached majority in 2013, she was now entitled to the whole policy. My dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and must have never changed the beneficiary.

Answer: Seems like the original purpose of the policy was to protect your mom in the event your father died before his child support obligation was finished. Since he didn't die until after you were a legal adult, that was no longer a concern. If he didn't update the beneficiary selection later, you might just be out of luck.


Title: [IN] Do I have grounds for involuntary commitment of my brother, and if so, what do I need to do?

Question:
I am not sure if this is strictly a "legal" advice question, but hopefully someone here can at least point me in the right direction.

My brother (20 years old, lives with me) has a history of self-harm including at least one overt suicide attempt.  He has been hopitalized for this behaviour at least twice, including one mandatory 72 hour stay at a mental health facility 2 years ago (he was 18 at the time).  Outside of this instance he has not obtained any professional help.  He does not take any medications, but has been prescribed them in the past.  He did not take them then.  We have a history of mental illness in the family (pretty much all the kids and mom have severe depression).

Recently he has gotten in to some legal trouble and is being investigated.  He is out on bond awaiting trial for one incident, and now a second issue has come up.  I don't know the details (he won't talk about it).  The police came and served a search warrant a few days ago.  They took his electronics.  He was not arrested.  The warrant specifies exactly the kind of thing that, well, warrants taking someones electronics.  It is life-ruining stuff.

Since then he has done nearly nothing but lie in bed.  He barely eats (he almost never eats in the first place, but in the last 3 days he's eaten a bowl of soup, a small plate of pasta, and a slice of pizza).  He won't talk.  When he gets up for any reason he just mopes around.  He has been to work, which I had hoped would lift his spirits some (he is fairly well liked there), but he comes home in the same condition.  I do not know what his behaviour or demeanor have been like a while he has been at work.

I have stayed home from work and drunk a lot of coffee to keep an eye on him.  I believe that if he is left alone he may try to kill himself.  He has not made any specific statements regarding self-harm since immediately after the search warrant was served, when he denied any specific suicidal intention while reaffirming that he still harbors suicudal ideation.  There's nothing I can point to and say, "see, he's a threat to himself or others," but I believe that he is.  Our sister (28) is roughly apprised of the siuatuon and agrees with me, and that he should be commited.  He needs help, and refuses to seek it himself.

Do we have a leg to stand on here?  Is this enough to get him help, and if so, how do we do it?  Who do we call and what do we say?  He has a criminal attorney; would his duties to his client prevent him from helping us in this?  If we are successful, could the police remove him and put him in jail in the event new charges are brought against him, or would he just be placed under closer watch/protection?

I just want to help him and I don't know how.  Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 While what you have said doesn't warrant commitment necessarily, it might be wise for you to call the suicide prevention hotline.  They may be able to send a crisis counselor oit2 immediately and get him at least some short term help. Good luck

800-273-8255. Answer #2: No, based on what you wrote there are no grounds for an involuntary commitment


Title: [Indiana] I was in a car accident where due to freezing rain I failed to stop at a red light and rear ended a car in front of me, they are suing me for $8,000 that I don't have. Is there any way to negotiate it down?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You drove without insurance and caused someone $8,000 in damage and you're wanting to haggle?


Title: I am an illegal immigrant and I don't know what to do.

Question:
Hello. I'm hoping to find help on here maybe perhaps. I'm 22/M and have lived in Texas for 20 years.

My mother brought me here illegally (as you already know) and now that I'm an adult my life have effectively come to halt. I can't go to college and have difficulty finding a job and I've been depressed about it for years now.

My mom herself is here on a work permit and had to smuggle me in cause apparently my dad didn't deem it necessary to register me as a baby. I was basically in a backwater clinic, specifically, in Honduras, more specifically in San Pedro Sula, which apparently has one of the highest murder rates in the world so I've been a bit skeptical about trying to get myself deported, an option I'm considering if all else fails.

While there are other undocumented immigrants living here for years working just fine, I'm somewhat ashamed to admit I can't really work in typical jobs like construction and landscaping. I'm physically quite frail, my skin is white and sunburns easily, and am often confused for a woman from a distance. Also, I'm pretty effemomate in general. I grow my hair out and wear makeup and dress androgynously sometimes, basically an anime pretty boy. Point being, that I'm just not fit for intense manual labor and am often shunned in my community.

I had all advanced classes in high school, was fairly popular if a bit secluded. Anyway, I was well on my way to a bright future until my legal status threw me into an abyss I can't climb out of. I could, for example, very easily pass a citizenship test if I could take one.

I managed to get a passport a year ago but without a valid social security, I still can't really do anything. My mom thought I'd grow up into a proper working man so she never bothered doing anything until recently and also I'll admit I don't know very much about these things either. I tried getting into DACA but I'm not sure if that still works considering who's currently president. I've also found an immigration attorney but I don't really know what it is they do exactly and my mom is of no help.

Last thing to note, I have a sister who turns 21 in one year. I could also just wait it out just a bit more so she can sponsor me. And finally lastly and definitely least, I'm also strongly considering suicide, but you know.

Any advice would be appreciated and I don't really know what else to add so ask me stuff if you want.

Answer: Work with the immigration attorney, that's the only answer. This is not something you can do on your own. Answer #2: You definitely need to speak with the immigration attorney that you have been in contact with. Your case is most likely beyond the scope of this subreddit. Just make sure that he is a legitimate immigration attorney (license to practice law in your state and not currently ineligible to represent somebody before an immigration court) as there's some shady people (notarios) out there preying on the immigration population. Answer #3: contact a immigration lawyer ASAP. Answer #4: You should talk to an immigration attorney. If you call the bar association in you area they should be able to give you some referrals, hopefully even some that can work with you on a sliding scale.


Title: Do height challenged people have to use booster seats?

Question: Since most states require children under a certain height and weight to use a booster seat, do height impaired adults have to comply with this rule?

Answer: Not in California, and we're the biggest safety nerds around on a lot of things


Title: NC. Someone made a "hate blog" on Tumblr, i have also become a target

Answer: If you are trying to find a "safe space," this is not it.


Title: Park Rangers Seized My Firearm

Question:
A few days ago, Park Rangers  seized my firearm after running a serial number check and the firearm came up as stolen. However, the serial number they ran was on the barrel of the pistol, not the frame.  I was not arrested and only issued a citation. I was not given a receipt for my seized property as well.

The firearm was owned by my late Grandfather for 40+ years and I would like it back. Please advise on what steps I should take. I am already looking into getting a lawyer.

Answer: Any serialized part of the firearm that has been reported stolen makes the whole firearm stolen at least in terms of the eyes of law enforcement. You will need an attorney. What were you cited for?  Depending on your location and whether you have a carry permit it was legal for you to have the gun on you.


Title: Ex-wife's attorney is investigating me (TX)

Question:
My darling ex-wife's attorney is investigating me. He has interviewed at least one of my kids (17 yr old).
Apparently they think I am a major drug dealer. I am not. I am not a minor drug dealer. I don't sell drugs. I have smoked the weed.
Can I file a complaint against the attorney? What should be included in the complaint?

Answer:
 >Can I file a complaint against the attorney?

Why? They appear to be doing their job. Investigating on behalf of a client is not illegal, or even immoral.


Title: I was convicted of dui, despite not owning a car

Question: Long story short. This was in Virginia, USA, basically I was sitting in my driveway drinking during a Halloween party. As a cop rolled by, he stopped and asked if we were drinking. Of course we were. But Because I had my house keys on me, they asked me how much I had to drink. I told them I lived here and the keys only went to my house. They didn't believe me and hauled me to jail and charged me with dwi and a refusal charge. The cop lied on the report and said I refused to stop, i was uncooperative, despite I had no car and wasn't lying, and he had no real evidence. The judge said I "broke the public trust" and convicted me with no real evidence other than this city has a 100% convication rate. Now, in order to get my license back, I have to install an interlock on a vehicle I don't even have. What are my choices? Do I have to buy a vehicle just to appease the court? Or are there ways around this Bullshit charge?

Answer:
 >basically I was sitting in my driveway drinking during a Halloween party.

Sitting in a car in your driveway? Or sitting on the ground or in a chair? If you were sitting in a car was it running?

>The cop lied on the report and said I refused to stop, i was uncooperative, despite I had no car and wasn't lying

Did the Officer claim he observed you driving a car when you actually were actually never in or around a car? Were you in a car earlier in the night which refused to stop for police?

>this city has a 100% convication rate.

I don't buy that.

>are there ways around this Bullshit charge?

If you've already been convicted then there isn't much you can do except hire a lawyer to appeal the conviction.

>Now, in order to get my license back, I have to install an interlock on a vehicle I don't even have.

If getting an IID is a requirement to get your license reinstated then yes, you will need to get a car to fulfill that obligation.Answer #2: Hire a lawyer NOW!


Title: Co-worker runs a lottery pool at work, but leaves people out, make separate pools for different groups, and asks people to contribute sporadically, sometimes more than once a week.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 If you don't participate in his silly little games it's not your problem. He can't force you to participate if you don't want to.

If you want to play the lotto buy your own ticket.


Title: Got caught with percocet, how much trouble am I likely to end up in?

Question:
I live in Ohio and I got caught with weed and percocet in my car. The cop said he'd only bother with the pills, so I'm being charged with a fifth degree felony, but this is the first time I've been in any trouble. I admitted the weed was in my car, and vaguely suggested there might be prescription drugs that were not mine as well. Was trying to both not incriminate myself and not piss off a cop. This was before he read me my rights though.

At some point he told me he found what he believed to be black tar heroin (it was marijuana resin), I was half asleep and a little bit high, got a bit panicky and was just like what no there's only percocet in there, and I can't remember if I had been read my rights yet, but I don't think I had. Does it matter? Is it too late to say I didn't know they were in there? I've already been saying my friend must have left them.

They had me do a drug test, and they're not going to find any opiates.

I also said I didn't consent to any searches, he had probable cause to do the search anyway, but still needed a warrant to unlock anything, and I'm 99% sure my trunk was locked. If it was and he opened it without a warrant and I didnt consent, could I use that to my advantage in any way even if that's not where he found the drugs?

Sorry about all the jumping around, I'm not good at putting information in a coherent order lol. Thanks for any advice you can provide, I really appreciate it.

Answer:
 >  so I'm being charged with a fifth degree felony

You're in the kind of trouble that means you should shut up, get a lawyer, and only speak to your lawyer. Answer #2: Percocet is a controlled substance. You are what I call VUCSA. Violator of the uniform controlled substance act.

A felony is very serious. You need a lawyer. Clam up and don't talk to police.


Title: I might've been lied to by a cop

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer: You were doing 40 in a 25. It isn't 35 until after the 35 sign. So the officer clocked you in the 25 zone (it sounds like)


Title: Double jeopardy and DUI in New Mexico

Question:
I just learned that New Mexico is requiring me to have an interlock device for one year because I was convicted of DUI in another state. I fulfilled all my obligations and paid all fees in my home state but New Mexico requires me to install and pay for the interlock portion all over again in order to become licensed in this state. I must carry an "interlock license" for a year and have the DUI transferred over to New Mexico ... isn't this a case of double jeopardy? Any possibility an attorney would be successful in an appeal or in asking a judge to suspend/defer this?

I am horrified.

Answer:
 That is not at all what double jeopardy means. Double jeopardy means that new mexico can not put you on trial for your previous crime.

They can make whatever requirements they'd like for obtaining a new license.


Title: [NH] Tenant taken to psych ward, not sure what to do...

Question:
I am a young landlord of several apartments and because of this get screwed over fairly regularly-- tenants trashing apartments and disappearing, destruction of property, all sorts of interesting things. Most of my tenants are fine, and I never hold any grudges and accept this is all part of inheriting property.

Recently I was called to one of my apartments by the police. A tenant was drunk and hostile, had barricaded himself in the apartment and wouldn't answer the door so the police forced entry (kicked the door down).

The tenant called me today to apologize and said that he was in the hospital but on his way to a psychiatric facility for mandatory 3 days, and then very likely to another facility for what could be months (being treated for alcoholism but also mental problems).

At this point I have an apartment with a broken door full of his stuff, no rent this month and no potential future rent for several months.

What are my next steps? What do I do with his belongings? Please help!!

Answer:
 Get a round of estimates, and have a contractor repair the door. Keep your receipts and the estimates. Once the door is repaired, you can also ask your tenant to pay for it, or sue them, as their actions directly lead to the damage; I'll let someone more intimately familiar with ~~NJ~~ Edit: NH tenancy law advise as to whether you can also evict. You cannot touch the tenant's property to pay for the repairs.

Right now, your tenant's tenancy is intact. However, they've done serious damage to the unit. The front door is, presumably, inoperable; have you been out to assess the unit? That's enough to give you [grounds](http://www.evictionsunlimited.com/nss-folder/1nocontent1folder/NJSTATUTES.pdf) to issue a cure-or-quit notice.

Once your tenant _actually_ falls behind on rent, you can also use non-payment of rent as a basis to evict. That won't happen for a couple of weeks, yet, so sit tight and start looking for a local landlord-tenant lawyer to advise you during the eviction process. As a professional landlord, you need a relationship with a lawyer anyways, so this might as well be your chance to build one.


Title: My car is being forfeited to the state of Minnesota because my friend got a DUI in it.

Question:
My buddy and I decided to drive to the lake for the weekend.  I had been drinking more then he had, so I knew I wasn't good to drive.  He said he was fine to drive and that he only had a few drinks.  I offered to use my car since it was more reliable then his car.  I had cracked some beers while he was driving so I had an open container.  We were about 15 miles away from the destination before I realized he was swerving.  I told him to pull over and that we could get a cab the rest of the way.  As we are pulling into an old gas station, a cob turns on his lights to pull us over.  He gets charged with a double DUI because he blew a .20.  I'm told my car is getting impounded and that I can get it on Tuesday.  When I go get my car on Tuesday, I'm told its being forfeited.  I know I need to challenge it, but how can I prove that I'm an innocent owner and get my car back?
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 >innocent

You and your buddy go drinking. You decide to continue drinking while you allow your drunk buddy to drive... but you are innocent. No. You allowed someone wasted drunk to drive while you got more wasted.


Title: Employers want me to sign waiver for company insurance which I was never offered in the first place

Question:
Hi legal advice,

My employer just gave me this paper and told me I needed to sign it .

https://i.imgur.com/fgNqMhE.jpg

It says "After careful consideration, and despite my employers contribution towards coverage, I hereby elect to waive coverage provided by my employer.."

But I was never offered health insurance coverage. My boss is apparently seeking coverage for his own family through an employee plan, which is not being offered to us.

I'm 25, turning 26 in a few months. I'm covered by my parents insurance currently, but won't be in a few months.

I don't want to sign this. My understanding is that I'm not eligible for Obamacare marketplace coverage if I deny coverage through my employers.

Am I misinformed here ? This seems shady.

[Colorado]

Answer:
 Don't sign. Insurance fraud. [Here's another person with the same issue](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/7jhg5u/small_business_boss_says_i_must_sign_healthcare/)Answer #2: Fully insured group plans require a waiver or application from every full time employee to setup a plan. If you "waive" this coverage you forfeit your ability to receive a subsidy from the exchange. Answer #3: Bring this to the attention of HR. Do not sign anything untrue. Answer #4: Hello I’m an HR manager so here are my thoughts on it. The company really needs something showing whether you elected or not, the fact that this is an afterthought means you shouldn’t sign it. I’m assuming the HR guy isn’t concerned because he either isn’t keeping up with current HR trends or is acting casual to help make you feel more comfortable signing it (which you shouldn’t). You should ask for your plan documents, our plan has a clause that if we never offer benefits during the employees eligibility period and the employee comes back later asking for benefits then we have to back date it and pay the employee and employer costs for the month(s) missed. This is why getting that sheet signed is so important for our plan to show that you said no and we showed you what we had to offer.

Also, when you fall off your parents insurance that is a qualifying event and you will be eligible for benefits once again. Usually you only have 30 days to sign up past your birthdate so make sure you don’t miss that period of time.


Title: [TN] Employer fired me first day.

Question:
Nowhere in the interview process did they ask if I had completed my B.S. nor was one required for the position so I did not bring it up either.

First day the CEO introduced me by saying I had a B.S. when I informed HR I did not they told me it was probably not a big deal.

They then fired me at 4:30 for "misleading" them. I told them I never pretended like I had one and my resume nor their application mentions a graduation date or a degree possessed. They basically told me to fuck off anyway.

Is there anything to be done here legally? This was a huge deal to my family and now I'm legit screwed.

Answer:
 File for unemployment. If you have other wages in the last year you may qualify.Answer #2: They can fire you for any reason or no reason at all, provided that reason is not illegal.  There’s nothing you can do.Answer #3: Sadly, for every state except Montana, you can be fired for this reason, wearing orange argyle socks, liking the Seahawks, or professing your undying passion for sushi.

You'll have to find another job.


Title: Girlfriend and I are frantic- Just found out we’re being evicted

Question:
Sorry for the long post, here’s a TLDR: 1/2 of last months rent didn’t go thru, we didn’t know until we just went to pay October’s rent and saw that we were being evicted. We never received any notice or warning to the eviction, only an automated email 10 days later saying our payment was past due that unfortunately we didn’t see. Rental company sent a 3 day eviction notice to our address but it was addressed and completely made out to the previous tenant for her amount of monthly rent. We threw it away. Now we’re being evicted and don’t know what to do.
—————————————————-

We just moved into a new house that we are renting in mid August. My girlfriend and I paid the security deposit, pro rated August’s rent, and other move in costs by certified check at the realty office in person, and were to split the rent from there on out. On the first of September we logged in to our online portal to pay September’s rent, and did so, splitting the cost which came out to somewhere around $650 each by linking our bank accounts to the portal. We received 2 emails both stating that they had “received our online payment”. We logged off and didn’t think about it again until yesterday evening, when we logged back in to pay October’s rent.

We navigate to the payment portal last night to see that we had a balance due of over $1,200. It turns out I had accidentally entered in an incorrect digit in my bank account info last month, so we only payed half the rent, with the other half changing back from processing to being past due. There is also a $100 late fee, and $40 returned payment fee. But above all of those, is another added charge titled “resident responsibility eviction” for $485. The payment portal is now unavailable to us and it says to please contact the property manager. At this point we are extremely concerned so I start digging and find one email sent on sept. 11th staying that our payment was past due and to please make the payment ASAP. Unfortunately my email is blown up with junk, which is why I opted for phone and text notifications when we set it up and I didn’t realize until now that the payment for my half of the rent hadn’t actually gone thru.

So, with the rental company being closed, I’m canvassing the web trying to find anything and everything I can about this situation. I typed my name in on our county clerks case search and sure enough there is a case stating that I and my gf are being evicted. One of the documents states that a 3 day “pay or quit” Notice was mailed to us on the 7th, and it has a section stating that it was delivered on the 11th and has a “proof of service” line attached that I assume was signed by the mailman when he supposedly put the letter in our mailbox.. but we never got a letter. We had no idea any of this was going on until 5 hours ago. Here’s the thing, though- this made us realize that a few weeks ago (very likely on the 11th), there was a letter in our mailbox addressed the the previous tenant from our rental company. We opened it (i know we shouldn’t have- so this makes it even more conflicting), and it was a 3 day notice addressed to her, stating that she had 3 days to pay  $1250(not the same amount we unknowingly owed) or vacate the property. Looking back we should have looked deeper into that but being unfamiliar with any kind of eviction process we suspected nothing wrong and shrugged it off and threw it away thinking that she must have been behind on rent before we moved in or something.

There is also a document containing a summons in the files online, and I suspect we will be served with those papers very soon. I only know what I’ve been able to research in these last few hours, but it seems like due to a few very unfortunate mistakes on several ends, we are now waist deep in the process of being evicted. We are frantic and don’t know what to do. The rental company’s office opens at 730 and we plan to be there first thing to try to see what we can do about this at this point. Money isn’t a problem, we can pay whatever we owe, but it seems like we may even be beyond that being a possibility. The documents were filed to the clerk by a law firm on the 24th. Time is obviously of the essence. I’ve already canceled my work for tomorrow so we can try to get this figured out. Will the rental company be willing to help resurrect the problem or do we need to get a real estate lawyer ASAP?

Thank you so much for any insight, like I said we are just crushed right now and feeling unbelievably trapped and stuck in this situation.

Answer: Contact the management as soon as they open today, arrange for payment by the end of the day, and you will likely make them happy enough to drop the eviction.


Title: Germany: In the military. Bought a car from a dealership. Payed it off through a bank loan. Found out that the bank does not have the title. Then found out the dealership does not have the title. Supposedly it is "on the way". Although it has been for 9 months. It a US spec car. Any advice?

Question:
Topic:
Non-US

Answer: You are probably better off posting in /r/LegalAdviceEUAnswer #2: If the JAG isn’t able to help you, contact the police yourself. If someone broke the law somewhere along the way, you’ll want to establish that it wasn’t you.


Title: NC: brother arrested for drug-fueled B&E

Question:
Hey, really not sure where to start. This happened in small college town North Carolina. This is second-hand from my mother so I apologize if anything isn't clear. Any info I'm missing let me know and I can get updates.

My brother was arrested last night after an apparent LSD+antidepressant-fueled violent outburst, which included assaulting a few other kids and twice breaking and entering dorm. The magistrate was able to remove whatever charges besides what is apparently a felony, possibly two felony, breaking and entering charge(s).

He was supposed to be in court Friday for a speeding ticket. He's in jail. What do we do about that?

He's still in jail right now. Bail is $3000. We're a pretty broke family so I'm really not sure what we should do, and I could use any advice. Not sure about lawyers or how to find an affordable one. What should my mother be doing right now? She's in the town now freaking out. What should I be doing? I live and work in a different city on the other side of the state and just received this phone call like an hour ago.

We know lawyers in different parts of NC—could hey help with this case, or is it impossible since they're in different parts of the state?

I'm also not sure what to expect about all of this. He's in college but he can't return to the one he had this outburst at. Are his college days definitely over? This is his first offense ever, and it's 100% unlike him (which makes me think it wasn't exactly LSD he ate not that that matters), so should we expect this charges to stick? Is he almost certainly a felon?

Thanks for any help. This is scattered but I honestly am at a loss here. Please let me know what I can do to help.

Answer:
 He needs a criminal defense attorney licensed in NC.  A good way to find one is to ask your attorney friends for referrals.

College days are not necessarily over but it's going to be tough and may take a while.Answer #2: Typically you can pay a bondsman 10% of the bail amount, and they will put up the bail. The difference being you don't get the money back. So if you can come up with $300 + fees you can get him out of jail.

Re: the traffic ticket, it's not really a big issue now because most likely he was just found to have been speeding. Nevertheless, you should send a letter to the court that he was going explaining why he wasn't there and requesting a new date.


Title: [US, PA] Potential employer wants to receive permission from current employer's HR to interview me.

Question:
As stated.  I placed an online application for a position.  The hiring HR person called me and liked my qualifications and said they want to move forward with me.  The problem is, she says that there is some sort of agreement between potential new employer and current employer to not hire from each other without permission.  So, they won't even interview me.  I told her I hadn't signed any non-compete or anything like that and asked to see the arrangement so I could get the details.  She wouldn't let me.  Clearly, I'd rather my current employer NOT know I'm actively seeking to leave the company.

There's always been rumors at my current employer that this "backdoor" deal has existed, so I don't think anyone has really tested it before me.

So, my question is based on what little information I have this seems to be a violation of anti-trust laws.  Can someone confirm this?

https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/992623/ftc-doj_hr_guidance_final_10-20-16.pdf

The potential employer is hesitating to interview me because they can't find out who the correct contact is with my current employer to talk to.  This is a very desirable job for me and I want to be armed with as much information as I can before I try to nudge them towards an interview.

Thanks, lawyers and future lawyers.
Also, any HR professionals care to weigh in?

Answer:
 No idea whether this applies in your case, but "no poaching" agreements are very common for consulting/client engagements, so if (at one point in time) one of the companies was a client of the other for some consulting work, this could be leftover from that.

That doesn't mean its necessarily still valid, of course, but there is a chance that the origin might not be as nefarious as you are imagining.Answer #2: A lot of the comments are saying that this is a violation of anti-trust law, but I wouldn't be so sure.  Typically a non-disclosure agreement and non-solicitation agreement are entered into between businesses during due diligence as part of a sale or acquisition.  When doing due diligence, the selling business discloses a lot of customer and employee information.  In order to protect itself, the selling business may prohibit the buyer from hiring the employees of the seller unless certain conditions are satisfied.

Here, the employer you are applying with may have tried to purchase the company you currently work for in the past and may be subject to such a non-solicitation agreement.  These agreements are standard, legal, and enforceable.


Title: Someone is ruining my friend's reputation

Question:
Long story short. Someone is spreading or posting ads online impersonating my friend and ruining her reputation, causing random people at her workplace and on the street to give her looks of disgust and call her derogatory names. We are both unclear on what is happening, who is spreading false info about her, and why. Every time we turn around to confront people who are calling her names they just give us dirty looks and turn away and walk away faster. It's gotten to the point where literally everywhere she goes this is happening. And she has left several jobs due to this and not getting any answers. She is considering hiring a private investigator but they are pretty expensive.

&#x200B;

What can we do from a legal perspective and how can we find who is doing this?

Answer:
 What is your legal question?

Have you personally seen these supposed ads?Answer #2: And nothing comes up when either of you Google her name? If people are recognizing her on the street, does anything come up during a reverse image search of photos of her?

Also, it sounds like she’s quitting jobs because of this - when she’s asked for a meeting with her manager and/or HR, and told them of her concern that someone is trying to defame her but she can’t find the sites being used, and asked if they’ve seen or heard anything about it, they’ve totally clammed up and given her nothing?

If all that’s the case, yeah, I’d definitely ask a PI for help. If this is happening as often as you say, should be pretty quick for a PI to solve, which means it won’t cost much.


Title: i just got caught stealing from walmart, whats going to happen?

Question:
so im sure they caught be because ive been repeating the same ritual there for a few months

i buy my normal groceries, but scan only one item, and bag a couple at a time. not for everything, but just for whatever i can manage

so this time, as im walking out, a lady cuts off my cart and asks to speak with me about some unpaid items in my cart. all i say is okay, and she leads me to the exit on the opposite side of the store. while im following her, there is someone walking behind me.

her office was in between the two sets of double doors at one of the exits. she opens up her door, asks me to step inside, and i weigh my options and decide to just leave the store. i briskly jogged out of there about a quarter mile down the plaza and go into a different store until my roommate picked me up. when i started bailing she said "dude im gonna call the cops"

so idk. i fucked up and have been doing so for a couple months now. i never took anything high dollar, just scanning the cheese and meat together so i only had to pay for one of the two. she might not have even caught me because she recognized me, maybe she just caught me because of this one incident.

whats gonna happen.? i live in texas. i used my debit card with my name on it. when my roommate picked me up he drove me right to my truck and i got out of there as quick as i could. i wouldn't imagine that the cops are looking for my truck or anything, but can i expect some cops to show up at my apartment or anything like that.?

im worried. and now i need to find a new grocery store

Answer:
 There's a reasonable chance they'll have the police arrest you. If they have you on camera (which self check outs definitely have), theyll have the option to do this.

They'd be able to find your address with your payment method.


Title: Manager made my legal status/personal information available to coworker

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Your immigration/permit status are not protected information. It's not professional to disclose it, but it's also not illegal.


Title: [UK/US] Man has admitted to sexually assaulting minors and is trying to pay me for nudes

Question:
Hello, throwaway for obvious reason. I'm 16 Y/O male living in the UK.

Last night a man messaged me on a dating app for young people and offered to pay for pictures of me in a uniform. Of course, I was extremely naive and want money, so I accepted.

While I was sending them I realized that he obviously was a pedophile when he started just speaking weirdly and at that point I just ended the conversation and said I needed to go to bed. The most 'lewd' thing I sent him was a picture of me rubbing myself. He admitted to me that when he's been to the UK that he's "had a few" schoolboys.

He has sent me money and I believe I have his real name, or a fake name. He's also sent me money through paypal (he was showing me how it works and the amount was not substantial at all.) He's also told me he lives in Missouri.

I really don't know what to do, because I feel like just blocking him wouldn't be enough, he'd do it again to people. The only thing I've thought of is reporting him to the FBI using the anounymous tip section, but is there anything else I should do?

Answer:
 Phone 101. The non-emergency police line. Explain the situation. He can't buy nudes off of you as you're under 18, so that's an offence in itself. He's a sex offender.

Collect as much info as you can. Keep all your messages.

Remember you have done absolutely nothing wrong but he really has. The police will help you. You can tell them you don't want your parents to know all the details and they can help with that.

I know it's embarrassing but please do it! If he did it to you, he could he doing a lot worse to someone else.


Title: We are Tenants and we have a nice issue...

Question:
EDIT: MICE issue. Damn auto correct.

So long story short, my girlfriend and I have been living here for about 4 months now. And we have just recently started spotting Mice.

Now, the problem is in the lease, it states that after 48 hours of occupancy, if we don't report any infestations, rodents or insects... Then it is our responsibility. OK, cool. Whatever.

But also in the lease, they also promise us a rodent and infestation free apartment.

With that being said, we started noticing droppings and recently started spotting them. I ended up chasing one under my sink and there was actually a hole into the wall waaayyy in the far backside corner.

Upon further inspection, there's tons of mice droppings and... EVEN A MICE/MOUSE poison trap/device hidden under the cabinet wooding under the sink.

Do I have anything here? The landlord obviously knew there were mice and didn't tell us. Where I live, it's a guarantee my neighbors have mice and the connecting buildings must have them as well.

There's mice droppings on my counter, dish dryer/hanger, stove and in the sink constantly.

And to be honest, I feel cheated. I'd honestly rather just move out. I know I signed a lease stating that upon my own inspection, all was well... But you know, If people hide shit intentionally, dunno how I'm supposed to inspect it all.

Answer:
 Try getting a cat. Not a kitten, a full grown cat. A building I lived in had a scorpion infestation but all I ever found were dismembered tails everywhere. Answer #2: Alright OP, now that we've got a location, here's what you've got going for you.

Maryland's state code [§8–211.e.3](http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmStatutesText.aspx?article=grp&section=8-211&ext=html&session=2016RS&tab=subject5) states that "infestation of rodents in two or more dwelling units" qualifies as a "serious and dangerous defect" which "present[s] a substantial and serious threat of danger to the life, health and safety of the occupants." Landlords are obligated "to repair and eliminate conditions and defects" listed in this section.

Maryland's attorney general's Consumer Protection Division has [a Mediation Unit](http://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/landlords.aspx#assist) that might be able to help you knock some sense into your landlord.


Title: Guy does a small paint job for me, he never sends invoice, calls or emails me. 7 months later he texts me that he wants his money, do I have grounds to not pay?

Question:
Pretty much what the title says, had a guy send his Mexican crew to do some painting last year at a property. I left before they were done and told em to lock up before they leave. I expected to get an invoice or call about the bill and payment but I never did. My wife came home after I left while the guys were still there so I brushed it off and figured she had paid them. 7 months later I get a text saying he wants the money. I explained to him that I never received any form of bill or communication after the job was done, I thought my wife paid you guys and for me to spend this money now is unexpected.

If I refuse to pay what can he do, especially since it's been so long? Does a time limit to bill someone for work exist?

Thank you guys

Answer:
 Why would you refuse?  He did the work.  Just pay him for it. Answer #2: He completed the work; he should be compensated. He can sue you if you refuse to pay. Answer #3: Yes, he provided a service and you have to pay for it. Also, why bring up the fact that the work crew was Mexican? Does that make them less worthy of payment?Answer #4: > Does a time limit to bill someone for work exist?

Maybe.  But it's sure the hell longer than 7 months.

He did the work.  You owe the money.  Pay up.


Title: Cop hiding behind a tree with radar, paper, and camera? Should I expect a speeding ticket

Question: Was going 37 in a 30 zone saw the cop pop out of a tree and zapped my car. Was never pulled over as he was on foot. Has anyone else experienced this, is this a speed trap? Should I be expecting a speeding ticket in the mail?  After picking up my food 10 min later I drove back and he was still in the same spot zapping cars. What is he doing...

Answer:
 All he does is catch speeders with his radar gun and radio it over to another cop who’s hiding up the road. If you didn’t get pulled one minute after seeing homeboy in the tree then you’re good!Answer #2: That is not a speed trap. It is just a cop who has picked an opportune place to catch speeders.

If you weren't pulled over, and you didn't see a camera flash, it is unlikely (though possible) that you will receive a ticket in the mail.


Title: Is taking back a gift considered stealing?

Question: If I buy a gift for a family member and keep the receipt as proof of purchase, can I take back the gift or would this be considered stealing? How could the gift be retrieved, if possible?

Answer:
 Yes, taking things that don't belong to you is theft.

Unless the gift was obviously conditional _when given_, it's not yours any more. You can't get it back unless its owner gives or sells it to you.


Title: [NY] Why is it legal for insurance companies to charge men more than women?

Question:
I'm sorry if it's a stupid question, but I'm genuinely curious. It seems like straight up unfair treatment based on nothing but people's sex.

Me and my twin brother  had our 19th birthsday not long ago. Our parents gave us both almost identical cars (Ford Edge), we both work at our parents' company for the same salary, and we both still live at home. Neither of us has had any accidents, trickets or other problems with the law, but when I learned what my brother's insurance payment was I was absolutely shocked.  They're making him pay a lot more money than they're asking from me, and he has a lot more experience behind the wheel than I do as well.

Why are they allowed to overcharge him by a considerable amount of money? As a feminist, who firmly believes in the equality of sexes this really bothers me.

Answer:
 IANAL.

 When my brother and I got insurance mine was actually higher because I am a girl. Same deal - clean records and same background.

The agent told me it was because I could be letting my boyfriend  (didn't have one) drive my car.

I switched from that company to find better rates and a more reasonable one. Maybe he can shop around to see what's out there.


Title: Need advice for a Surveillance problem. My girlfriend's neighbor set up a camera that only monitors her and it's making her uncomfortable. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated! (x-post /r/Seattle)

Question:
Apologies in advance for the long post. I don't know where else to go. I posted this already in /r/Seattle.

My girlfriend lives in a condo which she owns in Kirkland, Washington with her mom and her 2 year old dog. Recently, the HOA of the condo property implemented some new rules regarding pet relief and off-leash dogs. Essentially, they mandated that there is only 1 plot of land that can be used for pet relief and all dogs must be on leash at all times. The condo property is quite large and the pet relief area is really inconvenient for people (like my girlfriend) who's condos are on the other side of the property (up one flight of stairs, then down two other flights of stairs). Regardless of how silly it is to try to mandate where a dog does their business, it's had an unexpected consequence.

The tenant that pushed for these new dog rules is a dog hater (refers to all dogs as "beasts") who actually lives in the condo above my girlfriend. In the bylaws that the HOA released, they said that tenants are encouraged to take pictures of non-tenants who pass through the property and allow their dogs to eliminate on the property. Her neighbor took this several steps further and set up a surveillance camera in his window. The problem is that the camera points to one small grassy area that is only accessible by my girlfriend and her mother.

To give you some relational context, her condo is the "last" condo on the property, it's on the edge of the property. To get to her condo, you have to walk through a small walkway that passes the neighbor's door and leads to a grassy area at the top of the stairway that leads down to my girlfriend's condo. The camera points in the direction of this grassy area, but there is absolutely zero foot traffic for anyone other than my girlfriend and her mother. There is essentially no chance that someone other than my girlfriend and her mother would be monitored by the camera. Needless to say, this has made my girlfriend and her mother (two women who live alone) incredibly uncomfortable.

I did some online searching and it looks like the only law in place surrounding surveillance is about unknown audio surveillance. As in, I cannot record audio of someone without their knowledge and consent. It also seems like you have the right to surveille a "common" area that is not private property. However, this camera that has been set up doesn't even point to the front door of the neighbor's condo, so there is essentially no "anti-theft" functionality for the camera, it literally only points to this grassy area, presumably to catch anyone (my girlfriend) who lets their dog eliminate in that area. So, the "intent" is really key to this situation.

My question is, does anyone have any advice on how to proceed to try and get this creep to take down his camera? It is disproportionately affecting my girlfriend and her mother, to the point where they feel uncomfortable walking to and from their home. He's taken the HOA's rules too far and the HOA has already said that there's nothing they can do to force him to take it down. I want to go knock on his door and confront him about it, but he's just crazy enough to say that I intimidated and threatened him and I don't want to get caught in a "he said, she said" situation (I'm a 6'4" 200 lb. guy, I can get scary). Really, any advice or help would be a huge help, we don't know where else to go or what else to try.

Answer:
 Your girlfriend is in public, and has no expectation of privacy.  Additionally, there's generally no problem with someone recording something they can see from a legitimate location.

Your girlfriend can raise this with the condo board to see if they want to make new rules but there's no legal issue here.


Title: [AR & MO] Estranged father wants to give me $150k in cash before he dies

Question:
I'm 40 years old and live in Arkansas. My estranged father (who I haven't seen or heard from in 35 years) lives in Missouri. His brother (my uncle) contacted me two weeks ago stating that my father has 6 months left to live and that he had a few personal items/family heirlooms that he wanted me to have. I drove to Missouri to meet both of them. In addition to the personal items/family heirlooms he gave me, he also handed me a small suitcase full of cash. I haven't counted it but they both said there is over $150k in there. Not knowing if I'd be breaking any laws or doing anything illegal, I refused to take the money at the time and said I needed to think about it. For the record, my father did confirm that the money was made legally over the course of several decades (but again...I haven't spoken to him in 35 years). Can I legally take this money? Would I potentially be doing anything illegal? He suggested that we open a jointly owned safe deposit box and put the money in there until he dies; at which time I then take all of the cash out. Is that an appropriate option? Should I deposit the total amount in my bank account now? Should I set up a trust and designate myself as the beneficiary? What is the most appropriate way to handle this?

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer: Take the money - it's a legal advanced inheritance. He should file paperwork to protect his estate from gift taxes, but that's his problem and not yours.


Title: A bicycle shop in NYC is threatening to press charges against me over a stock mistake on their half. What do I do ?

Question: I ordered a track bike frame from a bicycle shop in NYC in early October of 2013 and after two months of waiting and getting the run around from aforementioned shop, they offered me a display frame for my impatience. I went to pick the display frame up, I wasn't even asked for my name or ID. The mediocre hipster employee there at the time didn't even bother to have me sign anything to prove I picked it up. A week later I get an email from the shop that my bike frame had come in the mail. I went along with it and sent my brother in law to pick it up. I only did it because I was still angry at the shop for taking so long with my frame so I guess I acted off of impulse and spite. The frame is $666. The company owner found out someway and is now threatening to press charges.  What are my options here? Any legal advice is welcome. THANKS !!

Answer:
 > What are my options here?

What fucking option do you imagine exists, aside from returning the frame or paying for it?

Where the fuck did you come from, before you stepped foot in my great city, that you don't know the answer to your question?

How could you ever think you are entitled to two frames for the price of one?

I just do not understand you kids today. I really don't.Answer #2: So, you paid $666 and got two frames?

Give them one back or you might get charged with theft. Edit: Heck, you could still get charged with theft even if you do take it back, but it's less likely.


Title: My (17) Uncle is withholding things left to me in my Great Uncle's will 6.5 years ago. He refuses to answer questions and it has become very personal. Is there anything I can do?

Question:
So first I think it is important to mention that I am a 17 year old female in Maryland about to head to college in Vermont. I will be 18 in December.

My father died in December of 2008 and my Great Uncle died just a few months later at his home in DC. My father and Great Uncle were very close and my great uncle left a lot of his money to my father. Since he never got a chance to edit his will after my father died, the money was split between my older brother (22) and myself. We were each set to inherit a few personal items as well; specifically, I was bequethed his china and the opportunity to choose an item from his art collection. My Uncle in South Carolina is the executive of his estate.

Fast forward 6.5 years. My Uncle in South Carolina is yet to send anything that was left to me (or my brother). He put a chunk of my money in an education fund (UGMA) and the rest in an open market account. He swears up and down that my Great Uncle asked him to put the money in this type of account, but we have a copy of the will and it says nothing about what should happen to the money if my father were to die.

The problem is that I cannot obtain the money until I am 21. I have absolutely no intention of abusing the money as I need it for school, but my uncle is barely allowing me to use it for educational expenses. Every time I have asked for money (for things like a $100 parking permit so I can get to college, even things like SAT/ACT/AP exam fees) it seems to ends in this big go-around before he sends the money, often weeks after we needed it, if he sends it at all. He is also not answering my questions about the money - I currently have no idea how much I have, how much I have lost/gained on the market, or even if I will be able to afford college and/or grad school. I am attending an expensive college (61k/yr) that I would be able to afford (financial aid) were the money not in that specific type of account. I know I am fortunate to have this money, but at this point it is making things harder to afford and adding unnecessary stress.

My Uncle and I do not get along - I have never been close to my father's family and issues were exacerbated once he died. We keep all communication over email (per my request) and I have a document with all of the email records. I have communicated to him numerously that I would like the things left to me by my Great Uncle, but he continues to evade the requests. He will not answer my questions about the money and it has gotten to the point that I am shunned from family events (including my grandfather's funeral) and called disrespectful for inquiring about my belongings.

Is there anything I can do about the situation? He is withholding things bequeathed to me, keeping my money in inaccessible accounts, and evading all questions about the money. My mother is well-aware of the situation, and though she thinks he is handling it all wrong, she is apprehensive to seek legal counsel. My brother received what is left of his money after paying for tuition and is generally uninterested in this situation. I will be 18 in December and am willing to get the process started on my own if I am able and believe I have a solid legal case. I know I am at risk of sounding angsty, but I firmly believe my Uncle is improper in the way he is handling the situation.
Any advice is appreciated.
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer: If you want to pursue this, you'll probably need an attorney. Use your state's bar association to get a referral to an estate attorney. Your university will likely have a student legal service and they will probably be able to give you a referral as well. Most attorneys will allow you to have a free initial consultation. Answer #2: It sounds like that he spent all the money in the money market accounts, but it's hard to say for sure. The standard "get an attorney to review" clause around here applies to a case like this, though.


Title: Realtor lied to us, out $7,800 in rental income, Cape Cod, MA. What are my rights?

Question:
We have an older realtor on the Cape that helps us rent out prime summer weeks at our property. He does not e-mail so all interactions are over the phone, thus not in writing.

He lied to us about having two prime weeks rented in August. We called and he verbally confirmed on multiple occasions that those weeks were rented. He has done this in the past to us so we are hyper vigilant with him on getting confirmation. We begin booking in December and usually have things wrapped up by the end of January. We called to verify in February and he said we were all good. Called again this week after we were missing some deposit checks. He just today told us that those weeks are not rented. In January, we can charge $3,900 a week but by mid March, people already have their summer arrangements made and we can not command the same high rates. That is, if we can even get a rental at all.

So reddit, it is my uncle and I managing this rental property. My grandparents built it and the only way it can stay in the family is if we keep up rental income. I have no background in this area. What are my rights? How do you recommend I handle this? Can my family get restitution for the fiscal compromises he has caused us? Do we have any leg to stand on with written confirmation from him?

Also posted in Real Estate. Thankful for any help!

Edit-Wow thank you for all of the responses! I need to explain that I manage a house that my grandparents build but is in a trust with their 7 children. I am 3rd generation thus not on the trust so I can not make decisions without clearance from a host of uncles/aunts. I have been trying to fire this realtor for a few years but was not able to convince gen 2. Anyhow, they are all on board now!

Question is- Can I terminate him even though he has four other tenants who have submitted deposits under him? We do not have a contract with him, my grandmother hired him about 25 years ago. Thanks again for the responses!

Answer:
 He has done this to you in the past and you still use him?  Hyper vigilant but he slipped it past you again?

You need to find a realtor/agent who lives in the modern times.  If you can't contact him via email then neither can prospective renters.


Title: My 14 yr old sister is being bullied/abused by a boy

Question:
Walked past my sister today and found a bruise on her shoulder, asked and she explained that a boy shes friends with punched her at a party. She later went on to explain that he was also saying things along the lines of "she totally wants to get raped" and "i wouldnt care if she got raped it would be funny"

I then pressured her to tell me more about it and she showed messages between her and the boy. They were along the lines of "dont you dare tell anyone about this issue or i will come and bash you myself" and "i will fucking kill you"

I have screenshots of all the convos, and photos of the bruises, i am planning on taking it to his parents and essentially saying "do something or i take it to the police" but im not too sure.

I live in Australia if that makes a difference

Answer: Hello! Fellow Aussie here - you /NEED/ to report this to police asap. I don't suggest going to his family - it'll end up being dismissed and not dealt with. This behaviour is bad enough for it to be considered stalking/harrassment/intimidation and even assault. You don't have to call triple zero, but I would visit a police station with your evidence and speak to them. Behaviour like this leads to many other antisocial incidents. Most schools also have a zero bullying policy and this is often followed through with school officials and the department of education.


Title: Apartment complex forcing tenants to pay for DNA collection on pets?

Question:
Florida

My parents’ apartment complex has a problem with people not picking up dog poop (disclaimer: it’s not my parents, they always pick it up and throw it away). They got a letter today stating that the complex is requiring pet owners to bring each pet to the office for a DNA swab that will be entered into a database for a $40 fee per pet to be paid by tenants. The complex will then be picking up the poop that is not thrown out and sending samples to be tested to see which dog’s it is.  Repeat offenders will be threatened with heavy fines, and termination or non-renewal of lease. I understand the desire for a clean community and the health hazards that go along with dog poop, but is it legal for the complex to force tenants to pay a fee for something like this?

Answer: If this isn't in their lease they can't make them pay but they could not renew their lease if they don't.


Title: Problems entering the USA

Question: HI! I NEED HELP! My sister and her family (husband and a 7 year old daugter) traveled today to Houston, Texas, from Bogotá, Colombia. They are planning to spend the holidays there and visit some family in a two month trip. But we haven´t heard of them, since the plane landed (6 hours ago). Apparently immigration retain them and have their cellphones. We are worried about the little girl, we don´t know if she is with them, we don´t know under what conditions they are, they haven´t communicate with any of us. We know this because people from immigration called the owner of the house where they are spending most of the trip and asked some questions, they think that they are going there, to the USA, to work. I don’t know what to do, who I suppose to contact? What can I do? Pls, any type of help is really welcoming. A little girl, that doesn’t speak english is there, maybe by herself, while immigration is interrogating my sister and her husband

Answer: About all you could do is hire an attorney on their behalf and even then it's probably not going to help much. Because the US government has a right to refuse entry to anyone. And despite my views about the INS and homeland security and border control, the likelihood is that your niece is currently with her mother and father. Very tired, probably upset and hungry but safe.


Title: [US/MI] Newly Married: She wants to add me onto the deed for our condo, how to go about it?

Question:
Currently my wife has the mortage in her name for our condo. The deed is also in her name. We are newly married and now making a combined mortgage payment. She and I want to put the mortgage and/or deed(title) in our name.

We have heard that we must refinance to get it in both of our names so that may not be an option yet (condo is only two years old, not much equity).

What are our options so that the condo is in both of our names (title/deed)?

Thanks! Living in Michigan, USA.

Answer: It's a bad idea because there are no advantages; if you divorce, you have to sell or refinance again, and it can be messy. Being her husband, if you leave it in her name, you'll still get the property if she dies. Also, only one person's credit is affected, in case you hit hard times one day and make late payments. Tell her thanks but no thanks.


Title: Relative Was Scammed out of Her Retirement

Question: Long story short:  Aunt was scammed out of her retirement account by a man she met and "fell in love" with.  He asked for a substantial amount of money for a loan to buy some equipment needed for his "business" but he's since flown the coop.  Aunt is in her 60s and is not of diminished capacity so it appears like any Vulnerable Adult Protection Act action is not an option.  Law enforcement told her she was out of luck.  Is there any case to file a civil suit against this guy?

Answer: You certainly have grounds to file a civil suit over this and it's fairly straightforward. That said, you'll have to track down the guy that's "flown the coop".


Title: Is it legal to tear down/deface neo-Nazi posters?

Question: Someone recently put up a bunch of them in our vacation town- don’t really want to get in trouble somewhere this far from home, so I’d like to know the exact legality of what I’m allowed to do with them.

Answer:
 Are they on your property?

You can't tear down or deface other people's posters on other people's property because you don't like them.


Title: CA hospital gave my father's credit cards and ID to somebody mislabeling themselves as his wife.

Question: My father was knocked unconscious and admitted to the intensive care unit. At no point did he regain consciousness and eventually passed away. It has come to my attention that his girlfriend told hospital administration that she was his wife at which point they handed over his wallet. We can't seem to find her and it will be quite a while before the coroner can provide a death certificate so that we can close and or cancel his accounts. Is it the hospitals duty to verify who they hand over belongings to? If so, could they be held accountable?

Answer:
 You can probably contact the credit card companies and report that card lost or stolen. However, a dead person can’t be liable for using the credit card after his death.

You can report this to the police as theft (the gf stealing it).

I don’t know if this is a violation of HIPAA or some other law on the part of the hospital. You can certainly complain to patient services at the hospital though.Answer #2: Ask the funeral home for a statement of death. We type them up all the time for family members trying to close accounts when there is a delay with the death certificate. That being said the Medical examiner will give the funeral home a working DC for filing. A DC is needed for whichever method of disposition is chosen for the deceased. Cause of death can easily be updated down the line by the medical examiner.


Title: (Oregon) is it legal to drill holes in a license plate?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Go to your local auto parts store, spend $5 on a plastic plate holder, attach to car.


Title: AZ - Apartment not doing maintenance for month (leaky roof, leaky sinks), mold is growing, changed the locks on amenities (fitness room) and want additional deposit for use even though lease said $0 deposit and includes fitness room key, raising rent while in lease due to tax increase. Can I leave?

Question:
Hi I'm in Phoenix, AZ.

I'd like to leave my apartment by the end of the month. They are raising the rent due to a tax increase and haven't responded to any maintenance requests for many, many months.

Issues:

1) Our sliding screen door is broken. It was missing a screw when we moved in, and after a month or so the maintenance crew replaced it, but it was too long so the door didn't fit on the track right. Due to this, it has been blown over during every storm for the past year, causing more damage to it. We put in our second request to have it fixed and eventually someone from maintenance came by, looked at it, said that they can't get it on the tracks due to the bad wheel and they don't have any other sliding screen doors. This was almost a year ago.

2). The water gets shut off a lot even though we pay $50 a month for it. It's due to "maintenance work", but we never have any notice and it sometimes lasts a long time. I could end up going all day without being able to shower or drink any water and then having to go to work in the evening dirty and thirsty. This has happened several times over the past year. When the water does come back on, it's usually milky or foggy. I've called about this and they always just say to run the water until it clears up. It does get kind of clear but I was using the hot water last night for my WaterPik and the water coming out clearly had particulate matter. I've had to clean out the filters in both my sinks because they get chunks of stuff coming from the water lines and getting stuck in the mess filter/aerator in the faucets. I'm okay with drinking tap water in phoenix (I've looked at the city's water quality analysis and it's fine) but these apartments have their own water and pipes and it tastes horrible and makes me feel sick.

3). Both of the sinks have leaked and in spite of calling them and putting in online requests they are still leaking. A maintenance guy came over once about a year ago to look at it and he messed around near the garbage disposal but it still leaked after that. there is now mold growing under both the sinks which i have tried multiple times now to bomb with bleach.

4) The roof leaks. I'm afraid to look in the attic as a lot of water comes down where the attic door is and it's probably growing something.

5) They changed the locks on all the fitness room doors. I moved into this apartment because they advertised a gym (they still advertise it as an amenity) and my lease includes fitness room access and a fitness room key. I've asked for a new key as it is part of my lease but they won't give me a key unless I pay a $25 deposit.

6) They advertise a package holding service where OnTrac/DHL/FedEx/USPS mail packages will be held in the office and we can pick them up. However, I have had two packages go "missing" where the courier confirms that they dropped the package off, and in one case they had a signature from the office and another case they said the GPS showed the delivery guy at the apartments, yet the office claims they had no package. I think someone in the apartments office either stole my packages or was grossly negligent (these two incidents were almost a year apart).

Other things that probably aren't their fault but why we want to move: the towing company that handles the assigned parking spots illegally towed my car from one of the open (not covered) parking spots (and they tried to charge me over the legal limit for a tow in Phoenix), there's been a lot of crime/police sirens/lights in the apartments every night.

For reference, this is what the first page and termination page of the lease look like: http://imgur.com/a/6pAb9

Thank you. I hope that I can maybe get some of my deposit back (there is a slight bleach stain on the carpet where I cleaned up some mold due to the leaky roof). Largely, I'm just hoping that I can break the lease (I had to sign a renewal to stay here) without paying a $1000+ fine. From what I've seen, they haven't lived up to their end of their advertising and what's in the lease, so I'm hoping I wouldn't have to either. I'm also wondering if I can claim a "constructive eviction" due to the mold and water quality.

Answer:
 Check out the arizona housing authority, they have a good document that covers this. https://housing.az.gov/general-public/arizona-residential-landlord-and-tenant-act

Basically you need to notify them in writing via certified mail return receipt to prove they got the mail. Or have someone in the office sign it acknowledging the receipt. They have 10 days to fix it or they will be noncompliant and you can terminate the lease in court or have the repairs completed and deducted from your rent.

Most places in Arizona blow stuff off because they know the courts won't side with you unless it's in writing

Source: arizona landlord


Title: Got stopped by the security in a casino and asked for an ID. They said I'm banned.

Question: I refused to give my ID because I thought they must tell first what my offense is but they said they can't. The only thing they said was I'll be banned from the establishment. I don't understand.

Answer: It's private property. They can ask for your ID and if you don't comply then they can ban you from the private property.


Title: [NC] Failure to burn headlights

Question: My son (newish driver) was driving his mother's car back to her house the other night and forgot to turn his headlights on (after dusk), got pulled and charged.  We are looking for suggestions on the wisest move forward.  Thank you ahead of time for your thoughts.

Answer:
 That's actually a moving violation, for which (if found guilty), you would receive one insurance point, which would increase your insurance by 30%.  The increase in insurance, and not the ticket + court costs, is the expensive part.

The smartest thing is for your son to put on a suit and tie and go down to the courthouse on the ticket date and talk to the assistant district attorney.  This is a rather petty offense and your son is young, so there's a strong chance that it will just be dismissed outright or reduced to a non-moving violation.


Title: Advice date scam.. so worried

Question: 15 days ago met a girl on okcupid said she was 28 quickly she wanted to text so I did. We started texting I’m from New England she had a SC area code said she just moved near me. Anyway she quickly changed things to sexual and then sent me a half naked pic and asked for one in return. While I’m sending her a pic she says she is 16 and I didn’t see it until after that. Then she asked to meet and I said no. Next day get the call from her father saying his wife found her making videos and the police came and took the laptop. He eventually gets to the point and says he wants me to pay more than 1000 for the laptop. In his words using “cashapp” where I can link a visa or debit card is what he said. That number is linked to an ATT #. Next day get a text message from a spoofed number out of Ohio saying he was a private investigator and that he wants to speak to me before getting a warrant and telling everyone I can’t be around minors. I’m just worried I talked to the cops they said it probably is a scam. There are some differences with my version like the fact he wanted me to use cashapp instead of moneygram or something. And that it was on okcupid. All I’ve been doing is reading articles online about guys getting in trouble and going to jail. It’s all I can think about. I just don’t know how long I can keep my cool. It’s been 15 days and I’m still on edge and worried to death that the fbi will be knocking at my door at any time :( like I know it’s probably a scam I just can’t stop thinking the worst.

Answer: It's a scam.  There is no girl, father, or private investigator.  Change your number and delete any related accounts.  Don't worry about a thing.  Stop sending naked pics to strangers!  That will only lead to bigger problems.


Title: Child Eviction in Michigan

Question: I have a friend who is 18 who is being threatened with being kicked out on the street by their parents. Besides the obvious solution of trying to fix the problem that brought this about (which I don’t know what that is) what are the laws surrounding an eviction of an adult child from the parent’s residence, such as the time from notice to actual forced departure?

Answer: The same rules as apply to any other tenant without a lease.Answer #2: They would follow typical eviction procedures for a month to month tenant.


Title: Had my truck repossessed with suspension kit I installed, stereo I installed, and tires and wheels I installed.

Question: [Washington State] Wondering any legal routes I might be able to take to get just that stuff back at the very least. If this isn't the right place to post this, please direct me to somewhere I can. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 Short of becoming current on the loan payments, it is highly unlikely that you will get your aftermarket parts back.  Once installed on the vehicle, they become part of the vehicle.  And if your loan agreement is like most others, it gives the lender a security interest in the vehicle as-is, including any and all modifications to it.

If that wasn't the case, it would place lenders in the ridiculous position of having to remove aftermarket parts to be left with a vehicle in unresaleable condition with things like no suspension, no rims, and a bunch of wires where the stereo head was.


Title: Wife has gotten a subpoena to testify against her brother. Is there anyway to not have to?

Question: We're in Oregon. My brother-in-law has full custody of his kids and his soon to be ex-wife has told my wife that she will be getting a subpoena to testify against her own brother in an attempt to get the kids back. My wife does not want to testify and is trying very actively to not at all be involved in either one of their lives. Is there anything we can do?

Answer:
 If she gets a subpoena, she must turn up for the court date. Whether that will be helpful for the ex-wife I couldn't say, but your wife must turn up and answer honestly.

But it sounds as if the subpoena hasn't been issued yet, and it quite possibly might not be. I can't imagine that the ex-wife's attorney would issue this without being reasonably certain your wife's testimony would help the ex wife.


Title: Legal Guardianship of Disabled adult

Question:
Kansas, Sedgwick County: I am making this post on behalf of my brother, He is 19 this month.  Recently our mother has kicked him out of her residence and moved to a new residence without letting him know the address.  She has been collecting disability on him for quite some time, but he just found out. A month after he was kicked out, he came to me for help as he was homeless, jobless and had not birth certificate or social security card to help with rectifying this situation.

We got him established and he has been working for about 3 weeks now.  He reported to the social security office that he was no longer living there and she was asked to return the money. Now she has filed a claim for guardianship of a disabled adult.  He is no more disabled than any other 18 year old.  I just need to know if a template exists for him to write a letter contesting the guardianship claim.

Answer:
 Guardianship is a fairly serious process that usually requires the help of a lawyer familiar with family and guardianship law. When I became a co-guardian of my brother (he is severely disabled) I had to go through a court sponsored interview, and my parents had to have two separate physicians declare my brother totally disabled and in need of guardianship. Depending on your location the courts will require a lot of similar information and will take this into account before awarding guardianship. It's not something that happens quickly and if your brother contests it he will have ample opportunity. It might be worth asking a local legal aid group for assistance or get a few free consultations with lawyers in your area that practice family law. Answer #2: You shouldn't need to write a letter.  Your brother will be interviewed by somebody (maybe a lawyer, maybe a doctor, probably not sure who in Kansas).   He should be polite and cooperative during this interview, but firm and clear that he does not want or need a guardian.  Be forthcoming about past and present medical and/or developmental problems.  The interviewer may have the authority to access his medical records.  Don't lie.

In my state if it goes to court he would get a lawyer for free.  Hopefully they do that in Kansas too.

As a last resort, the decision about whether or not someone needs a guardian and the decision about who it should be are completely separate.  He can absolutely ask for you to be guardian, or even "anybody but mom".  Good luck!

Source: not a lawyer, but I am a legal guardian in Michigan.


Title: [FL] A sports equipment store is trying to charge me $50 for looking at my treadmill

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > My impression was that I wouldn't pay anything unless they said they were able to repair it and I agreed for them to do so.

That's an unreasonable impression.  Most repair services will charge a fee for diagnosis.  Unless they **expressly** told you that diagnosis was free, you should pay your bill.


Title: Mix up paying house taxes and I lost my home.

Question:
Hi my name is Tom and I live in Michigan.  I waited in line for 2 hrs on tax deadline day 2/26/16.  When I got to the counter I slid the clerk my ID and said what address I was there to pay on.  Everything went smoothly, until today when I got a phone call.  In a call from my city about an address change on my water bill I was told that I no longer own the home due to failure to pay back taxes.  Immediate panic ensued.

I called nervously to the land bank and the county treasurer.   I learned that my tax money had gone into the account of the neighboring house of which I also own and that wasn't at immediate risk.  This was also the address on the ID i gave.  The receipt I received only had the lot number so I didn't notice the error.

A tax foreclusure judgement was ordered on 3/15.  I'm assuming by default as I wasn't there and never received notice of the verdict (nor my right to appeal).  I did get notice of show cause and forfeiture but that was before 2/26. I dont know what my options are, but from my recent readings and lack of memory of ever receiving a notice of default judgement.  Could I not file a motion to set aside or vacate as well as put forth a motion for rehearing on those grounds?   mcr 2.612

Im going downtown in the AM to check the paperwork.  Is there anything that I should look at that I have missed?

I just want to pay my taxes.

Answer:
 I don't think we are hearing the entire story.

Not paying your taxes does not result in it being sold a month later.  People lose their homes for *years*, not 1 month, of late taxes.

Where did this happen?


Title: Can drug use be protected under religious freedom?

Question:
Hello,

I am wondering if it is possible for me to legally establish a religion that ritually ingests psychedelic chemicals, and for the drug use to be protected under religious freedom. I believe that spiritual discovery catalyzed by psychedelics is the primary purpose of life. There are already a few churches like this in the US such as The Temple of the True Inner Light, and the Native American Church, which ingest psychedelics as part of their worship. The Native American church is protected under law, however I am not sure about the Temple of the True Inner Light. However - the temple, which is in Manhattan invites people openly on their website to come participate in ceremonies, and has existed for decades with no legal issues. Timothy Leary also founded the League for Spiritual Discovery during his time - and they (the religion, not leary personally) also faced no persecution for their ritualistic LSD use.

Any guidance on this would be greatly appreciated Thanks

Answer: Your problem would be convincing the court your "religion" is actually a religion worthy of legal protection. Answer #2: No.   The Supreme Court decided this issue in Smith v. Oregon.  Answer #3: Native Americans have been found to not be exempt from drugs tests for work when taking peyote for religious reasons


Title: Is this a hostile work environment? If it is, what do I do?

Question:
I am a healthcare provider (speech pathologist). I put in my resignation according to the terms of my contract. Said I’ve given my employer has been calling, texting, emailing me constantly. She threatens and attempts to intimidate me. I had to give 60 days notice, and she has taken my keys to the office, resulting in me being dependent on her to get in to get appropriate therapy and evaluation materials. She had me cancel clients just to talk to her. She has me performing evaluations without proper equipment.

Most importantly, she’s making me feel uncomfortable at work and is if I cannot properly perform my job.

What are my options here?

Edit: Location; Greensboro, NC.

Answer:
 No, that is not, legally speaking, a hostile work environment.

Your options are to stick it out for 60 days, complain to her boss, or arrange to leave sooner.


Title: [Georgia] Brother and friend charged with underage possession while walking along road at night. No alcohol on them, no blood/breath test/dropped off at home.

Question:
Hello, I'm writing this for my little brother and his friend (not 21, but very close) who were charged last night. I feel like this is a slam dunk but I wanted people's opinions here on how to proceed.

Here's what I know thus far:

-Waffle house is ~4 miles away, they're fit/athletic and like to hike/run whenever they can.

-At ~3am they got the bright idea to walk to waffle house, leaving our house walking down the sidewalk out the neighborhood and down the road. At no point did they cross into anyone's yard or whatnot. This is in rural suburbia.

-They ate at waffle house and about 1/3rd of a mile from getting home a police officer pulls up to them and lights them up with the spotlight. At gunpoint they put their hands in the air and go down on their knees. The officer cuffs and searches them while backup shows up. My brother had in his possession a hoodie/pocket knife/cellphone. Friend the same.

-The officers separated them and interrogated them for ~30 minutes, made them do a field sobriety test. The officers demanded a breathalyzer test and both declined. The officers cited them with underage possession and drove both of them home (this confused me) one against his will. Both are over 18, yet they drove his friend home instead of back to our house where his car/xbox and other things were.

In addition to this my friend has a large swollen nose and bruises on his wrist where the cop slammed his face down on the car but I'm not sure we can do anything about that besides file a complaint. Interestingly his father is also a cop.

How should I proceed here? My brother is terrified and I believe he should fight it. Everyone I know who got charged with that spent the night in jail, and I find the fact that the cops dropped them off at home weird. It feels like a bogus charge and with no alcohol present, as well as no test indicating alcohol was in their bloodstream I've encouraged him to plea not guilty. I know what they did was stupid, and being out that late can get the cops to approach you.

What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Also, I can see the citation. It's *only* for underage possession of alcohol there's nothing else.
Topic:
Alcohol Related Other than DUI

Answer:
 Hire an attorney is the next best step. They can determine if something unlawful or outside of policy happened.

Also remember that you are only get one side of a story and it may or may not be completely truthful


Title: Boss now rejects that I was hired

Question:
I have worked at a gym/pool for 2 years now as a lifeguard. Recently, over the past couple months I’ve been trying to move away from lifeguarding and do something else because we have been really short staffed and I’ve been working way more hours than I’d like while I’m in high school. So a couple months ago, I became an official swim instructor and got hired as a swim instructor at the same place about 3 months ago. Since then, they have not scheduled me to do swim lessons once, I have only done lifeguarding.
Last month I told my boss I wanted to go on call for lifeguarding and just do swim lessons so if they ever needed me once in a while for lifeguarding I could still do that. Last month, three other employees and myself all said we wanted to go on call. She let all three of them go on call except me.
Can she do that? Should I go talk to HR?
In addition she now rejects the fact that I was hired as a swim instructor. In an email she said that lifeguarding is the priority and that I am not an official swim instructor. But I have a contract that says I’m a swim instructor! Should I show her and/or HR the contract that says I am a swim instructor? I think I might just officially quit lifeguarding and then they’d have to schedule me as a swim instructor I think? Idk what to do about this whole situation. Should I just go talk to HR?
Thanks for any advice you guys can give me
(Not sure if it matters but this is in Idaho.)

Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 >  But I have a contract that says I’m a swim instructor!

No you don't. Your boss can put anybody on swim instructor duty that she wants to. Looks like she doesn't want you being an instructor.

> I think I might just officially quit lifeguarding and then they’d have to schedule me as a swim instructor I think?

Lol no. Then you would just not have a job. Answer #2: This phrase is likely going to govern you for the rest of your life, so learn it well now: At Will Employment

Means your employer determines the terms of your employment and can fire you, demote you, schedule you, or reprimand you however they want so long as they don't violate some other law.  Your "contract" says only that they will pay you some rate IF they schedule you for swim lessons.  They have no obligation to do so.  If you quit lifeguarding you will find yourself out of a job.


Title: (North Carolina) Employer wants to begin deducting me for shipping/work errors- also wants me to sign a "contract"??

Question:
I'd like some advice because i'm not really sure where I stand on these issues and what I can or need to do.

I was my employers first employee for their new business. I was promoted to Assistant manager and shortly after had an incident with a co-worker repeatedly being insubordinate and rude. Then this co-worker also got promoted to assistant manager. (this is important in a moment)

We have an online store & over the past 4 months we've maybe had 2 or 3 errors such as orders that got sent to the wrong people etc. I was informed today that any of my mistakes involving wrong shipments are going to be deducted out of my paycheck. She didn't specify if this meant the cost of return shipping or sending out a new item, or the total cost in whole.

She also really wants me to sign a contract. I guess that is what you would call it. It is titled "workplace assistant manager major duties and responsibilities". It mentions nothing about pay, commission, time off, etc. It basically has a lot of very generalized points about what I should be doing. But they lack in substance and I am not able to do some of these duties because my boss still does them instead.

For example; i'm supposed to be making a schedule, but my boss refuses and still makes it herself. Another bullet point says "enforces all company policies, procedures including health, security, and safety." but we have no hand book, employee guide, procedure manual etc. that can be referenced. Only word of mouth and the order forms I created.

My other concern is that my co-manager has the exact same list as me. What is she disagrees with my schedule? How am I supposed to equally share these responsibilities.

I'm not sure about how big of a red flag these are and what I need to do to protect myself until I can find another job.

Answer:
 It is not legal in North Carolina for your employer to withhold any of your paycheck for something like that without your written authorization.  Tell her that's not something you agree to and it's not legal for her to withhold your pay without your written agreement.  Also, employees making an occasional error is something the company just has to absorb as a risk.  If your employer actually withholds money from you that you've earned, make clear that you will file an official complaint with the department of labor about it if you aren't paid.

The duties and responsibilities thing isn't a contract, it's a job description.  If she wants you to acknowledge having received it, acknowledge it, but keep a copy for yourself.