Title: Did laws around Emotional Support Animals change?

Question:
Hello,

&#x200B;

So I had a friend tell me that they no longer allow emotional support animals on flights. I thought that was interesting because I thought that legally, unless the animal cause an issue, legally, people couldn't ban them. Anyone know much about what the laws around emotional support animals look like?

Answer:
 Yeah, DOT issued regulations on the topic late last year (https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-announces-final-rule-traveling-air-service-animals).

It defined service animals this way (14 CFR 382.3):

>Service animal means a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Animal species other than dogs, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training are not service animals

Airlines have to allow you to travel with a service animal if you have a disability (14 CFR 382.72). Airlines can, pursuant to their policy, allow you to travel with an ESA but don't have to.Answer #2: Yes, they changed last December. Service animals can’t be denied, but emotional support animals can:

https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-announces-final-rule-traveling-air-service-animals

However psychiatric service animals are covered the same as other service animals. And Emotional Support Animals are still offered housing protections.Answer #3: The ESA thing was heavily abused and as a frequent flyer, needed to be axed.


Title: Girlfriends parents called cops for letting her stay at my place. ( Massachusetts US )

Question: My girlfriend (18) decided to leave home to stay with me (20) for a couple of weeks. They can tend to get violent so she left without letting them knowing. They know shes with me and I've let them know shes safe and she will return in a couple weeks. They insisted to contact the police about this matter, but with no real context for what. They have a history to fear monger, but i just want to know if either me or her can really be in any legal trouble. They constantly keep texting me saying the cops are on the way to arrest me and even used there other daughters phone to harass me once i blocked their numbers. I know this situation sounds bad but i'm just worried about getting us in trouble...but to my knowledge she's 18 and can make the decision on where she stays and sleeps correct? There an no drugs or abuse happening so i don't see what the police can do but waste their time.

Answer:
 If she is legally an adult (Make. Sure.) then they have no legal standing. She is an adult that can move as she pleases.

If I were in your shoes, I would call the police non-emergency number ahead of time and tell them you suspect her family may make a false statement.Answer #2: > to my knowledge she's 18 and can make the decision on where she stays and sleeps correct?

Are you not sure that she is 18 because the difference between 17 and 18 here is also the difference between criminal charges and nothing more than a wellness check. Answer #3: Are you 100% sure she's 18?Answer #4: Having the police do a wellness check isn't really that out of line.  Their barely legal daughter takes off without a word or a note.  She doesn't call or text.  Then her boyfriend lets them know she will be back in a couple of weeks.  Assuming this is the first time she has taken off like this it's understandable to be a little concerned. Answer #5: >but to my knowledge she's 18

Make absolutely sure, because that can mean the difference between handcuffs or a friendly chat.Answer #6: I think the best bet would be your girlfriend going to the police station and tell them that she is there willingly. If her parents do end up calling the cops, they will already know she is there on her own accord. They might come over anyway and just confirm, but you would have beat her parents to the punch.

Also, she should do so on her own. If you go with her it would just look like you're making her do it.


Title: Attorney Behaving Very Bizarrely, Eve Of Pre-Trial

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You're just rambling. If you do this in person, it's not hard to see why your lawyer won't answer you. Calm down and just ask small and simple questions. Answer #2: tl; dr: there was a custody battle for a 17-year-old; when it was concluded, OP didn't receive final custody order and states that what he was told in the order is impossible to lawfully honor.

OP is now facing a contempt and emergency relief hearing as a result; the hearing is Tuesday, OP can't get ahold of lawyer and is panicking.


Title: Vagrants camping next to my home

Question:
So I have a fence around my property but on one side, city property and utility box. For the past 3 nights there has been a group (4-5) homeless people camping out there doing drugs, digging through my trash, leaving trash everywhere and creating a nuisance. The past 2 nights I've called the cops but they just show up and tell them to leave. Soon as the cops are gone these hoodlums are back being rowdy and making noise all night and during the day.

I'm disabled and bed ridden a lot of days. My bed is pretty much right by where these bums are camping. I can't get any peace and quiet. What sort of options do I have to protect myself and my property since the cops don't really seem to care? I live in CA if that helps

Answer:
 You'll need to keep calling the cops. Complain to the city as well. You can also light them up with spot lights and stuff and put annoying motion sensors/buzzers out there.Answer #2: If your trash is moveable, maybe consider putting them inside the fence if they aren’t already. (If you have a community dumpster instead of individual home ones, that sucks and clearly isn’t an option.)

No Trespassing signs, and maybe consider a security camera to capture said trespassing (if they’re going on to your property.) Maybe a light with a motion sensor? This is generally accepted as good practice- but if they decide to be bolder and damage your home, you have proof.

Continue calling the police, every time. Truth be told, there isn’t a lot the police can do if they’re not committing a crime. They can ask them to leave, but until you have proof of a crime taking place, that’s really all they can do. A lot of cities have taken anti-homeless measures (putting an armrest in the middle of public benches so people can’t sleep on them, for example) so homeless people tend to branch out a little more into the suburbs sometimes.

I know this is frustrating, especially while sick. Document everything, and PLEASE get that camera if you’re able.

Edit: IANAL- forgot to say that part. I’m an ER nurse and I’d really advise not speaking to them on your own. People under the influence are not always the safest folks to be around.


Title: Franchise owner is holding my right to work hostage. (TX)

Question:
So I work at a franchise of a restaurant. I was sent by the owner of the franchise a year ago to be certified as a manager. In agreeing to do so I signed a paper with the list of requirements for the job. The only obligation I had to the job was to commit a year or I would have to pay back the money he spent on training me. My year has been up for about a week. I've realized the job isn't for me so I am returning to school to get a degree. The owner claims that with this particular franchise, the person who paid for the certified managers training has the right to release or not release the rights to work for another franchisee in the same business. He claims that this is listed in the franchise agreement but won't cooperate in letting me read the specifics and has also given me a very vague idea of what the actual details are. I had no knowledge of this when agreeing to this position. My original plan was to move to a different franchise in the same company and work at a lower level but I've just been informed that in order for him to release my work rights he wants the new franchisee to pay him back half of what he paid to get me certified. I'm not really sure what to do and quite honestly I feel like a slave with no rights.
My questions are:
1. Has anyone ever heard of anything like this and does it sound legitimate?
2. Is he obligated to allow me to view the document?
3. Any general advice or ideas of any kind are very much appreciated.

Answer:
 Just work somewhere else?

It sounds like a load of BS anyway, but you can't force anyone to hire you, so it's not like you have some protected interest in some potential future job at some other restaurant. Answer #2: > 1. Has anyone ever heard of anything like this and does it sound legitimate?

It's possible that there's some kind of non-solicitation agreement where franchisees agree not to poach employees from each other, but I sincerely doubt there is a blanket prohibition on hiring.  Either way, you are under no obligation here.  At most, the franchisees are bound to this agreement, but not you.

> 2. Is he obligated to allow me to view the document?

Not unless he sues you under it.  But a general life rule is that if he won't let you see the contract, it's because he's full of shit and knows it.

> 3. Any general advice or ideas of any kind are very much appreciated.

Quit and apply elsewhere.  Worst case scenario here is that there's some kind of non-poach clause in place and you can't work for that particular franchise for a set period of time.  There are other restaurants in TX, last I checked.


Title: Family Company, Getting around no Prenup

Question:
New Jersey.  Two brothers own a construction company.  Each has a son working in company.  One of the sons just married without a prenup, and new wife is roundly hated by all.  Fathers plan to leave company to sons in about 5 to 8 years.

If each son owns 1/2 company, then non-prenup son gets divorced, is there a way around not having exwife own 1/4 of business?

Answer:
 Do the younger generations own any right now? If not the older generations can go to an estate planning lawyer to find a way to give the business to the younger generations in a way that minimizes the chance of losing the company to the wife. There are a few ways to get creative with something like this, such as using a trust or LLC, but you would want local counsel who knows what asset protection strategies work best under local law. This sort of planning could also be good for estate tax reduction if the business is valued high enough for that to be a consideration.Answer #2: In such a situation, the courts would end up deciding who got what assets from the marriage.

Contrary to popular belief, assets aren't always split 50-50; and even when they are, they're not split King Solomon style.  Even if she's entitled to 1/2 the business, the court can rule(or the parties can agree) that the husband would take all of the business, and the wife could take an equal value in other assets.


Title: Reimbursement or revenge on lying baby momma?

Question: So my sister was dating a guy of which a few months back had apparently gotten a girl pregnant. At first she wasn't going to keep the baby but when she found out that he started dating my sister she decided that she was going to keep it and, him being responsible, he would help her with money, gifts, and other baby essentials. The kid is now a little over 1 year old and the question of if this was his kid had been brought up many times but only recently had they decided to do a DNA test. If it's not his kid, is there any way to get reimbursed for time and money that she wasted? She's also a terrible mother with a drinking problem and is an angry drunk. Any advice?

Answer: No. He didn't have to give her those things. He chose to do so.


Title: Running away

Question:
Hi, I’m a 18 year old muslim girl and I want to runaway by next year summer. I want save up by then but I was wondering is there anything I needed to know legally on how to leave without any issues or any problems. My mom is mentally abusive and I don’t think I can stay here longer. I live in Canada and I don’t know where to start or how to leave.
Topic:
Canada

Answer: You are 18, you are an adult, you can walk away right now and there is nothing she can do legally to stop you. You will of course want to make sure that her name isn’t on any bank accounts or other property that you want to take, but you can leave whenever you want as an adult.


Title: Mold!! Do I pay rent??

Question:
Virginia resident here!

I made a more detailed post about this, but didn't get an traffic.

Summary of what's going on is there is mold in my home because of a leak and my landlord hasn't been on top of rectifying it.

My landlord told me to go through my renter's insurance to find a place to stay, but I have since been informed by a lawyer that they should've found me a place. My landlord gave me written notice that I would not be responsible for rent while I'm away from my home, but my renter's insurance is now expecting me to pay rent to them because they gave me a hotel.

The lawyer I spoke with today told me that if maintenance is going on in my home that requires me to be out of my home I should not be charged rent AND they should provide other living quarters for me. I would like to know other's opinions on this matter.

As of now I want to demand they pay my insurance company or reimburse me for my rent and I pay the insurance company. But based on what the lawyer said, I could possibly get both. Please let me know your thoughts.

Answer: No one here is going to second guess the advice of a local attorney. But it sounds like pretty good advice.


Title: [CA/US] New Roommate Didn't Disclose Tuberculosis

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 IANAL, but a graduate student in infectious disease.

If she has been adhering to her prescribed treatment, there is really no reason for her to notify you of her illness and really no reason for her to leave save for the reason that you do not want her there. You are treating her like a leper even though she likely was no longer contagious before she even moved in to the apartment. Treatment for tuberculosis is lengthy and comprehensive. She would not have been considered contagious after about a week of antibiotic treatment which she will probably stay on for several weeks.

As for her working with children, as long as she has been treated or has been taking her antibiotics for over a week, it is not really much of a worry that she hasn't informed her employer.

Just don't eat her used tissues and you'll be fine! :)Answer #2: IANAL, this is not legal advice.

Are you not vaccinated against TB? It's normally vaccinated against at infancy. But by living in a household with someone who has active TB, you qualify for a vaccine if you haven't gotten one yet. Google says it costs 100-200 USD, but someone smarter than me will have to tell you where to start mitigating that cost.Answer #3: IANAL but I know you have to show your vaccine records including TB before you can start work at a school so I don't know how she could hide that.


Title: Cited for cell phone use

Question:
So, this past Friday I was cited for distracted driving. I was at a light at around 9am heading to work. I do my daily ritual of just looking at everything around me. I looked towards my gear for a few seconds and then back on the road where the traffic started moving again. I noticed a cop who immediately flashed his lights. Just an FYI, my phone was placed on the cup holder, not being used. I immediately knew why the officer is pulling me over. The guy didn't give me a chance to explain, wrote the ticket and was gone to the next person to cite. My driving record is clean (roughly 10+ years). This cop pulls me over for looking down, do I even have a chance? Or am I screwed?

Note: Cited in California

Answer:
 I am not a lawyer, but I am a long haul driver.

While I can't help you with this, I highly suggest a mount for your phone.

I have what is called a Steelie Ball.  I have a small magnetic button on my phone.

On my dash, I have a small ball.  It attaches and keeps your phone mounted.  In view.

I tell everyone I know to mount your phone in full view so you can't be ticketed like you were.


Title: Child support from an illegal immigrant?

Question: I want to know what can i do if my baby’s father doesn’t have a social security and doesn’t want to give me child support?

Answer:
 Immigration status doesn't matter. A court order to pay will effect him if he's in this country Answer #2: I used to work for the Child Support Program in Florida. You should still go forward with getting an order established. It's probably going to be very difficult for you to actually get anything, but having an order in place will make it so it's at least possible.

With an order in place, if he ever has a job that's not under the table there will be a wage withholding order. If he ever files taxes and gets a refund, you'll get that. If he ever has any kind of unclaimed property, you'll get that. If he ever has any kind of insurance settlement, you'll receive part of that. If he ever wins more than $600 on a lottery ticket, you'll get that.

Realistically, it's gonna be a pain, but getting the order in place is a necessary first step.Answer #3: File a court action to establish child support and go from there.


Title: Is it illegal to not pick up your dogs poop?

Question:
I have this problem in my neighborhood of people letting their dogs poop in my yard and not picking it up.  I have no poop signs and I've spoken to several dog walkers who assured me they pick up theirs and even showed me their poop filled bags.  My neighborhood is big so I'm sure there is more than the 3i talked to.

If I catch who is doing it can I turn them into the cops? Will the cops do anything? Can they do anything?

Edit:

South Carolina

Answer: At most it would be an ordinance violation, but calling the police about this matter you know they will not be rushing over right away.


Title: Bought a house, turns out the fence is over the property line.

Question:
We bought our house at the end of last year, nice place, fenced back yard, nice neighborhood. A few weeks  ago we got a letter from the organization that owns the wooded property behind our house that they have noticed that many property owners have been encroaching on their property and are offering to sell an additional 20' beyond the original property line.  Our house was built 10 years ago and I'm sure everyone living here has been using the back yard just as we are.  I did some research and it looks like our fence is definitely over the line, probably by more than 20 feet, but we haven't had an official survey.  I haven't contacted the organization yet so I don't know their asking price, and even if we buy it we may end up having to move our fence, and our kids playground anyways.  Our back yard has a steep hill and most of the usable flat area is in the contested area.
  When we bought the house the fence seemed nice and square and we assumed it was on the property line.  I'm not sure what course of action we should take.  No encroachments were disclosed during the sale, not sure if title insurance covers anything like this.  We are in Iowa.  Thanks in advance.

Answer: Get a survey done first. Until then, there is no point in speaking to anyone about purchasing that property or moving the fence or whatever.


Title: Lawyers on both sides of case are good friends. Is that a good idea?

Question:
We are based in Florida and just hired a lawyer in a child custody/child support case after finding out that my husband's ex had hired one.

Upon talking to our lawyer we have discovered that not only does she know the other lawyer, they are good friends. Good enough friends that the other lawyer has been helping her with a different case she's been working on.

This worries me. Should it?

I know that most lawyers/judges do know each other but to be good friends just seems like a huge conflict.

Can anyone please give an opinion or advice on things to talk to our lawyer about when we meet up with her later this week?

Answer: Unless you have some other reason to believe the lawyer won't or isn't representing your interests competently, I wouldn't worry about it. It might even work to your benefit - from an attorney perspective, sometimes it's easier to get things done quickly (i.e. cheaper for you) when you have a good relationship with opposing counsel.


Title: Accidentally bumped into an insane person with a shopping cart.

Question:
  We were at Walmart, and my wife was pushing the cart, we turned the corner and she accidentally bumped into a lady at a very low speed. The lady made a very big deal about it and called for a store manager. We waited with her, my wife apologizing profusely, but the lady kept escalating it. I noticed the lady had her shoe shoved all the way down so that the sides of the shoe were under her heel so that her ankle was exposed, which I am now thinking she did in the hopes that she would get a visual injury.

  I eventually told her we needed to move on and she flipped out telling us we needed to wait for the store manager. I asked her if she had a pen so that I could give her our information, which she did not. I ended up leaving my wife to see if Walmart would have some video so that the lady could see that my wife pushed the cart very slowly, not that we were speeding around as this lady was accusing. We eventually gave her my wife’s drivers license (which I now regret) so that she could get our name and address, but when I refused to give her our phone number she decided to call the police. The police cane down and told her this was a civil matter and that they would not be filing a report. She lied to the police telling them my wife ran over her foot, when in actuality my wife bumped her heel. Walmart probably has video but is not willing to  release it except to the police.

I would have no problem paying this woman’s copay for a doctor visit/urgent care etc, assuming she has insurance. I’m not sure how I would feel if she does not have health insurance. The police asked her if she wanted an ambulance and she said no, that she would go get an X-ray tomorrow. My worry is that I am dealing with a possible scam artist. Is there anything I can do to mitigate the situation? My wife (who doesn’t speak English) was crying when the police eventually told the lady that she was wasting their time. I think it might have been a mistake to give her our contact info. Are there any strategies to dealing with possible scammers?

Answer:
 > Are there any strategies to dealing with possible scammers?

Yes. Ignore until actually served with a lawsuit.


Title: Direct Deposit Wrong Account

Question:
Location: Mississippi United States

My employer states the direct deposit has already went through and cannot help me anymore since she already paid that money.

 I checked my bank account and no deposit was made.

Anything I can do? I attached a direct deposit verification check along with my direct deposit form.

Thanks

Answer: File a wage claim. It's your employer's responsibility to pay you no matter what. It's on her to fix her mistake and go after the bank to get the money back, not yours. She's still legally obligated to pay you for the hours you worked even if she never gets a dime back of the incorrect payment. Losing the money does not clear her of this responsibility.


Title: Removing myself from a bank account.

Question:
Location: USA.

This is a hypothetical question based upon a post I saw on another website. My own research led me to a surprising conclusion, so I wanted to ask you fine folks. If state law matters, just pick your own, or one you know.

Let us presuppose:

* I'm a non-primary ("secondary"/"authorized user") joint account holder for a checking account.

* It was created when I was legally an adult.

* The primary account holder is a parent.

* This checking account is basically empty (<$100) and I no longer use it. I could withdraw the remaining pocket change at any point.

* I no longer wish to share an account with the primary account holder parent. Let's say they have developed a gambling problem, for instance, and I worry about being liable for overdrafts and fees.

* The primary account holder will not agree to let me leave the account.

* The bank will not remove me from the account without both joint account holders present.

* As a secondary account holder, the bank will not allow me to close the account.

To be able to force me to continue to entwine my finances with what amounts to a loose cannon seems very against the spirit of the law, but everything I've found online leads me to believe that the secondary account holder is SOL unless the primary account holder cooperates.

Did I miss something? Is this correct?

If so (or if you aren't sure, or if it depends on the bank, etc), what kind of court order would one need to forcibly remove yourself from financial obligations to the account?

Answer: Bank manager here- as a joint account it does not matter who is primary. You can legally have the account closed.


Title: 150 students left without accommodation with three weeks notice before move in date

Question:
Hello, I don't know if anyone could help me but last week over 150 students including myself were told by an estate agent company that the building will not be built in time for the move in date. This has left me and others like me looking for places to live in such a short period of time. And with renting houses/apartments comes with extra fees for renting through another agency.

I paid a deposit to secure the bookings for the accommodation, the estate agent company is now re-funding this amount and that is it.
The estate agent company said they only knew about the delay two days prior to telling all of us, which only left us 3 weeks to find a new place.

My question is- Is there any way for the estate agent company or the building contractors to compensate the people for the extra costs of looking for new places to live in such a short period of time before university starts?
Thanks for any advice
Edit- United Kingdom

Answer:
 What did your contract/leases say.  It's an interesting situation as they took money for apartments at an unfinished building.  Depending on what was signed, you may be able to get them to provide temporary housing.

Did you get renters insurance?  Answer #2: Is this regarding a place in one of the two Newcastles in the UK? If so, get in touch with the student union and their advice centre (ASK). They have all the legal advice you need and will help you find new accommodation.

Source: ex student, used to work for the SU. Answer #3: /r/LegalAdviceUK would be the best subreddit.


Title: Can my ex force kids to do online school? (NJ/PA)

Question:
Hey lawyers of reddit-

My ex works in the restaurant industry, so his “weekends” are Monday and Tuesday. He has our twins (age 5) those two days, then they would be with me the rest of the time. This worked when they were little, but now that they are starting kindergarten, I told him that wasn’t going to work anymore.

He agreed at first, but now he’s saying I should keep them in daycare W,Th,F like we’ve been doing, and then switch to online school when they turn six in November.

We’ve never done anything through the court system, so we don’t have any kind of custody agreement in place. He says if we go through the courts, they will side with him, because this is the “status quo” since they were toddlers. I really want the kids to be in school, and I would have to quit my job if I were homeschooling them. I also want them to see their dad regularly, but it’s his choice to work these hours.

What should I do?

Answer:
 >He says if we go through the courts, they will side with him, because this is the “status quo” since they were toddlers.

That means literally nothing.

You should get a formal custody agreement. Answer #2: I'm not a lawyer, but I'm a divorced mom and I went through the courts. They will definitely not side with him. School schedule will always come first. He can relocate to make it easier to see them on those days or he can switch the days and find a sitter while he's at work. The latter seems reasonable.

Edit to add: you should go through the courts and have it all official. It's not as daunting as it seems and you don't even need a lawyer. I did mine without a lawyer.


Title: Do TOS actually hold up? If someone loses access to say, a steam account valued @ $6000, can they sue steam for refusing access to the games?

Question:
Not banned, simply argument with friend. They state TOS doesnt matter and they cant prevent you from having access from something you bought and that "TOS doesnt matter"

USA/IL fyi

Answer: You're not buying the games, you're buying a license to access them. It's hilarious that your friend thinks he's smarter than the people who write these things that you agree to when you purchase them.


Title: Customer wants $2400 for minor stain on driveway

Question:
Have a situation with a customer that I`m not exactly sure how to handle. (We are located in Maryland but this job was done in Virginia)

We cleaned a vehicle on a new white concrete driveway. In the process of cleaning the vehicle, we left a minor stain on the driveway.

The customer wants us to pay $2400 to get the driveway resurfaced (and threatening to sue if we don't pay). This seems extreme considering that the discoloration is minor and looks like what would naturally happen to the driveway after a few months of weathering.

I would like to get an idea of how things like this are normally resolved for when I talk to the customer again and attempt to work things out. I don't know much about law, but it seems like we might be liable for the extra wear on the driveway, like if we left it in a state similar to what it would look like after a year, we'd liable for a year of the wear?

How is liability normally calculated in this type of scenario, basically assuming that the damage is very minor but the cost of completely undoing it is the the cost of replacing the whole thing?

Answer:
 If you damaged the driveway, you have to pay the owner the amount of money it would take to get the driveway repaired to the state it was in just before you damaged it.

If you don't pay them, their recourse is to sue you in small claims court.  You will both go to the judge and tell your stories.  You should certainly go take pictures right now in case this happens and the damage is minor.  If the judge rules in favor of the customer, then the customer is supposed to be awarded the amount of money I mentioned above, plus court costs and any other costs they reasonably had to pay to repair the damage you caused.

They don't get a brand new driveway for free.

Your insurance company will handle this.
Answer #2: If it were me, I'd offer them a reasonable amount to clean their driveway as best as possible, and if they turn it down, let them sue.  I don't see a judge agreeing with them that the appropriate remedy is the cost of fully resurfacing the driveway.  If you lose in small claims court, you're just paying the $2400 anyway... may as well let them work for it.


Title: Im being taxed $30,000 as the owner of a company I made $14,000 working for in 2017.

Question: I don't know how he did it but the owner of the company put all his taxes on me, a former employee. It has been reported by others that i made about $110,000. He lied to me about how much money was made by a large margin. We were supposed to be splitting profits, but me figuring out that we weren't led to my termination. It looks like multiple sketchy companies have filed the business's taxes in my name. Should i attempt to contact the owner first or is this something that had to be done deliberately.

Answer:
 ...I think this is above Reddit's pay grade. This is huge fraud. Get a lawyer asap.Answer #2: you need an attorney who specializes in this area.  this is not something Reddit's equipped to deal with.  Your attorney will likely want to advise the IRS of the fraud so they can investigate.

Also, speak with an accountant.Answer #3: I suggest a trip to Costco, you'll want a large package of lawyers to deal with this.Answer #4: Get a lawyer but while you're doing that, post this to /r/tax as well.


Title: [California] Called 911 for a stranger, will i end up with the medical bill if he can't pay?

Question:
Hi guys, i've been worried since someone yesterday told me i might end up with the medical bill for the 911 call i made yesterday, after meeting a guy in distress on a hiking trail.

The story:
I was on a hike with a few friends when we met 2 young men. One of them asked if we had any water because his friend had become badly dehydrated so i gave him the rest of my water, and he then asked us to call 911 when we got to the end of the hiking trial.
We hiked 40 min back to the parking lot and i called 911 from a random persons phone as i did not have any reception myself.
I stated my first name to the 911 guy, and he told me the incident had already been called in, and medical assistance was on its way to the hiking trail. They got my cell number and that's it. They called me 15 min later to get a description of the guy to pick up as the helicopter had arrived, thats all i heard from them.

Now, some guy told me that i might be held responsible for the medical bill of the person in distress, as i made the 911 call (i wasn't the one to call it in though). This has made me quite nervous, as i dont have funds to pay for someone else getting medical care.

I hope you guys can help me clarify as i'm only here in the US for a few months on vacation, and don't want the rest of my trip ruined by feeling worried about living the rest of my life on the street because i called 911.

Thanks in advance
Mathias

Answer:
 They dont charge the person that call, they charge the person that used the serviceAnswer #2: No. He is 100% responsible for his own medical care. Not only that but most good samaritan laws protect you from any liability in any good faith situations of rescue. It's the same for people that say things like "I was blackout drunk/unconscious and didn't/couldn't consent, do I still have to pay the bill." No one would call 911 if this was the case. Answer #3: No. No you will not be charged for his medical care. If that was true then no one would call 911 for strangers and people could literally die over not getting treatment in time. Much of the US has Good Samaritan laws that calling 911 for a stranger would fall under on the off chance that this hiker did try to sue you for his medical bills.

So no. You have absolutely nothing to worry about and your friend is wrong. Don't worry about calling 911 for medical help for strangers in the US. Answer #4: The recipient of services is responsible for any charges.

There is no responsibility for a bill by the person notifying emergency services.


Title: Awful neighbor, need suggestions. • r/baltimore

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 If he is making false reports to the police or animal control then contact that department and tell them about the false reports.  The police may take a report for the false complaints.

Send him a letter that you want him to stop speaking to you about the dog.  Cite [section 3-803](https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2010/criminal-law/title-3/subtitle-8/3-803/).  If he continues to harass you then you contact the police and file a report for harassment.

If the camera he has facing your house looks in any of your windows then contact the police and report him for that.


Title: I almost ran somebody over today :(

Question: Basically, I was driving home from work and as I was approaching an intersection to turn left, I nearly hit a pedestrian in the cross walk. I feel so guilty :(. The person did come in contact with my car as I tried to push the brake as much as possible. Luckily she didn't get run over, however she was shivering and felt really scared. Some witness's were able to help her up and they called emergency services right away! I was turning in my correct lane, but I wasn't fully able to see her cause it was dark at night and she was wearing mostly navy.  The police obviously questioned me regarding the situation, and afterwards he gave me his card and advised me to call him and my insurance company tomorrow. He let me off on my way.... and well I'm scared shitless right now that I trumatized that girl. What's going to happen to me??? Please help

Answer: Notify your insurance now, don't call the police until you've spoken with an attorney (your insurance can support this).


Title: Im an Offender

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You dont sound like you accept responsibility like you claim, if in the same breath you accuse the girl of only seeking charges to be laid due to guilt of cheating. Apparently a judge disagreed with you.


Title: MA can I own a tank?

Question: Story time. My grand uncle owns a tank from ww2, but he is moving from his far in Texas to a retirement home (he's in his 90s) so obviously he can't keep it and I am the only one in the family who would want it. My question is is it legal?

Answer:
 A) Awesome.

B) Is it fully decommissioned?Answer #2: We went to a guy's house in CA that had tons of armored and tracked vehicles.  He even had a Scud launcher


Title: Can PayPal freeze money for breaking code of conduct. If so, what happens with the cash, does PayPal just keep it?

Answer: No.  Any funds that are seized for compliance purposes are held during the investigation and then sent to the state.  Banks and financial institutions are not allowed to keep money that isn't theirs.


Title: (California/CA) I am a 17 year old undocumented immigrant who feels trapped in an abusive home.

Question:
(CALIFORNIA)
I'm 17 year old undocumented immigrant who came from Mexico in the first grade.  My parents tend to hit a bit.  But yesterday it got bad.

My brother(11, mildly autistic) and I had a fight when we were playing basketball. He swung first and hit me in the jaw and I got furious and socked him in the stomach. He grabbed my phone from the car and took off I went after him and my mom seen us.  My mom said give her my phone.  I said no since I bought it.  And it was technically my property. I went inside because I wasnt going to make a scene and then I told my mom I wasn't going to give her my phone because technically it's mine.  And this is where things start.  She pushed me down the bed and tried getting my phone force.  She pulled my hair,  slapped me across the face, and she cornered me at my room and started choking me.  My dad joined in and grabbed the belt and started hitting me with it. I didn't feel any thing bc I was in the moment  but I took a shower and I like 2 marks where it hurts.  Before he got the belt he moved my mom out of the way and because he's really defensive about my brother he started slapping me then he wanted to swing at me but out of anger I pushed him back because I wasn't gonna let him land a punch on me and he got mad and swung and hit me in the eye.  I don't think it looks swollen but it feels really hot.  More fighting happened and but she just let me keep my phone.  She told me that she was gonna take away the clothes that she bought me and that didn't really bother me TBH but what she said after is what hit me. She said she was taking it and leaving me with scraps and dirt. Because that's what I deserve in life scraps and shit. We left our separate ways after and did our thing.  But I'm so lost.  Right niw I don't know what to do.  If I call the cops I go to Mexico and my mom does too.  My brother gets sent an place by CPS and my dad goes to prison.  I can't do that.  As much as I have no respect for both my parents and I hate my brother.  I can't see him go to there because I know he will try any means to kill himself.  And I can't live with that.  And she has me by a string because I'm getting my papers fixed by her and I can't do shit or else I go back to Mexico.  I want to go to college in UC Berkley which is my dream school.  I'm not an a perfect little angel. I had one minor run in with the law, which was I got caught taking a pack of 2 dollar Listerine from a store.  I was forced to pay 10x the amount and was banned from the store. I overheard from many of my friends that there is a program for abused immigrants but I don't know if it will include me due to my run in with the law.  After that I really changed things around and I'm no longer in the same path.  I'm a 3.6 GPA student and involved in two sports as well am part of the schools student council.  So I haven't had any run ins with the law since then.  What option do I have? Am I safe from deportation? Can I get citizenship due to my parents abuse?

Edit: Since so many people are saying that I was at fault for hitting my brother in the first place.  My brother is 5'6" while I am just a bit taller 5'7" and I'm around 184 while he is about 20 pounds heavier.  He can pretty much fight as if he was my age and if I'm supposed to just let someone just beat me up on the street and not fight because the person is autistic, then I shouldn't be complaining about my parents.

Answer:
 I skimmed your post. Couple points

1.  You are describing felony child abuse 273a PC.  Choking and closed fist punches are particularly alarming.

2.  You parents could get deported because these are felonies.  Will they? No way to say but it's definitely possible.

3.  Just to be clear here, your parents have the right to take away your property as punishment. They can't sell it or anything (someone feel free to correct this) but they can deprive you of it.  For example, you buy an XBox with your own money but your parents take it away because you failed 3 classes this semester.

Check here for CPS hot line numbers in your county.  PDF warning.

http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cdssweb/pg20.htmAnswer #2: I'm not an immigrant attorney, but, if you're in Los Angeles area, there's a non profit that can help you figure out your options regarding your immigration status.  CARECEN.  http://www.carecen-la.org/Answer #3: You are a minor, so your parents have the right to take away your phone.  You can't own property in your own name until you're an adult.  Even if you bought it with "your" money, it still belongs to them.

With that said, you were subjected to child abuse and you should talk to a counselor at your school or call the police.

To answer your last question, no, you can't get citizenship due to being abused.  If you are eligible for DACA, you should apply.  (Do it quickly, because there's no guarantee that the next president will continue the program after Obama's term ends.)


Title: *Ohio* Fiancee owns her home. I live there and contribute half. We both want a legally binding contract stating that if we separate she will financially buy my out of everything I have invested in the home (My half of mortgage and taxes x months lived there and major purchase i.e. appliances)

Question:
The title explains mostly everything. Further elaboration here. Her family owns approximately 200 acres. She bought her parents house and her parents moved next door. Our neighbors are; her parents, grandma, aunt and uncle. If her and I splt up I have absolutely no interest in the house, and no interest in making her sell the house. It's her childhood home and her forever hom, for better or worse.

With that being said, I live there permanently and contribute half of everything (Mortgage, tax, bills, groceries etc.) if not more. If we split up we both want me protected more than just "whelp get out". We agreed that, for me to leave the residence, she will buy my out of my investment (half of mortgage and tax x the number of months lived there, major home repairs or purchases). I take my things and she keeps hers. We aren't worried about small convoluted purchases. Literally just mortgage and taxes per month and any joint purchase more than say, $5,000.

This is our agreement, this is what we want. The question I have is how do we make this legally binding? Just write up a contract and have it notarized? Or is it more in depth. As the title says, we are in Ohio.
Topic:
Contracts

Answer:
 So if you live there for two years and then break up you want to be reimbursed all you living expenses? That makes no sense. You still lived there, you should be paying something.

If you're getting married you can have a lawyer draft a prenup but the set up you're asking for is so unbalanced that a court may throw it out even if you execute it properly.


Title: [FL]Being sued for having topless photos of a minor in my bar who claimed to be 21

Question:
Apologies for the rather strange title, but I am unsure what to do. I own a bar in Miami very near where a lot of college students are based. Our clientele is obviously heavily student based. Recently to drum up interest we ran a competition among female patrons. You would win a month of free drinks if we got a photo of you topless in our bar, posing for a modeled photo. The photos were taken when the bar was empty but for the professional photographer and the girl.

Obviously you need to be 21 to drink in the bar and not only do we have bouncers who check but there are also multiple signs up saying "no minors allowed". Although we had this anyway, I insisted that whenever any girl applied to enter this competition, alongside the form she filled out with her name, address, date of birth and so on, she had to hand over her state driving license or passport if not american for us to photocopy and keep as a record.

This all went fine and soon we had big photo posters up of the various girls naked on the walls of the bar. Then the other day I got a letter from a law firm. It stated that their client was 16 and was one of the girls who was in a photo now on the bar wall. It wanted me to remove the poster of her from the wall but was also saying I/the bar was being sued for causing her serious emotional damage.

I obviously do not have a problem with removing the poster of her from the wall and did that as soon as I received the letter. However I do not understand why I am being sued when I used all precautions possible to ensure no minors were in the bar/the competition. My staff are very stringent about checking IDs - in the office there are two crates full of confiscated IDs so it's not they were lazy about checking.

What should I do given I do not have much money for a lawyer- and how likely am I to win the case? The bar is my only livelihood and I am terrified of losing it. Thank you

Answer:
 Man how did this go wrong?? Sounds like such a great ideaAnswer #2: The fact that they are demanding monetary damages for what should be a criminal charge leads me to believe strongly that this is a scam.  Doing so could easily be considered blackmail.
Answer #3: Do not do anything until you consult with an attorney regarding the legality of possessing said naked photo of an underaged girl. Putting anything before your criminal interests is risky thus it should be treated as priority #1. If this girl is indeed underage, you can be looking at a felony. Whether or not you will be convicted is another thing, but being charged/arrested is a possibility. So consult a criminal defense attorney on this first.

Second, if she is in fact underage, then any contract she would have had with you would be voidable by her as she cannot consent.

Finally, damages for emotional distress would be unlikely as Florida follows the impact rule. Without any physical damage, it is not possible for a person to receive emotional damages unless they can prove it was intentional and not negligent. Highly unlikely they can allege that you intentionally displayed this pictures to inflict emotional distress, so you should be fine here.

tl;dr - talk to a criminal defense lawyer as what you are doing is possibly a felony. do not destroy the photo as that can be another felony.Answer #4: A little off topic, but is it legal to only offer that to female patrons?


Title: WA, Following Behind a Cop Car going 90 and I got pulled over

Question:
WA = Washington State
OK, I got off work and was on the interstate heading home. A police vehicle is driving besides me so I decided that it would be better if I just trail him so I don't get caught for speeding. We're driving for a good 15 mins and then all of a sudden he slams on his brakes, I slowed down as well confused and BAM! his lights are on. I pull over and he says that I was going pretty fast there, I tell him I was just trying to stay behind and not to speed; he states I did a really good job because I was going 90. I didn't realize we were going so fast. So I ended up getting a speeding ticket. Is there anything I could do about this?

Is it possible for him to radar me while he's driving? (he was alone)

If he didn't radar me, how can he prove I was going 90?

Are police vehicles allowed to go faster then the speed limit without lights on?

Thanks for any help.

EDIT: Thanks for letting me know the error is with me. Just gotta paid the fine now.

Answer:
 >better if I just trail him so I don't get caught for speeding.

I think you made an error there.

>If he didn't radar me, how can he prove I was going 90?

Because he was going 90 and you were a consistent distance behind him? Answer #2: > Is it possible for him to radar me while he's driving? (he was alone)

Yes

> If he didn't radar me, how can he prove I was going 90?

He was going 90 and you were following him... he looked in the mirror.Answer #3: >Are police vehicles allowed to go faster then the speed limit without lights on?

Yes.

>If he didn't radar me, how can he prove I was going 90?

It's called pacing and is a common method for determining speed.

>I didn't realize we were going so fast. So I ended up getting a speeding ticket.

Did your spedometer quit working? You should have been checking your speed. This ticket is your fault.


Title: I'm 18, and my mom paid for a computer for me when I was 17. Who legally owns it?

Question:
[Idaho] I'm 18 and in college now, and my mom bought a laptop for me when I was 17 and still living with her (she offered to pay for it even though I was going to pay for it myself). She's threatening to discipline me for taking it to a friend's house (she is worried I won't take care of it and it will get broken) by requiring me to pay her back the amount she paid for it before I am allowed to use my own money in any other way.

Does she have the right to do this like she owns the computer? I'm the only user of it and she has never even touched it. I believe i understand that when I was 17, she technically owned it because I was a minor, but I'm now 18 and living on my own. Does she have the right to force me to pay her back should it actually be harmed?

Answer:
 If this went to court, and was determined to be a gift, the property would be yours. But if you're in court, both of you have already lost.

You're 18 in college. You have to submit your parents information to FAFSA every year. Where do you live during breaks? Are you going to need something from your parents in the next ~40 years of your life?


Title: Can they do that?

Question: My management tried bullying me into signing a file note for something i had no involvement in, i took them to a harrasment and bullying hearing and it was decided at the end of the meeting by the person doing the investigation that they had bullied me, and that i can expect an apology. When i received what i thought was my apology it turns out the investigator had changed his mind and is now saying i was not bullied?? Can he do that?

Answer: How do you figure this is a legal issue?


Title: Ex fiancé moved out of a house in my name only. Does she have any claim of ownership?

Question:
I broke up with my fiancé of 7 years exactly one year ago. We were living in a house that we purchased in my name only (my name is also the only name on the deed) for the last 6 years of our relationship. Our breakup was friendly for the most part and she moved out and got an apartment. I gave her basically everything she wanted as far as furniture goes, and I stayed in the house.

While living together she did contribute to the mortgage and bills (while working, she had 7 different jobs in 7 years and has multiple lengthy periods of unemployment). We had no written co habitation agreement of any kind, and Massachusetts is not a common law marriage state.

We tried to remain friends and recently I became serious with a new girlfriend. Now my ex is making comments about my house being half hers and insinuating I need to sell and split the proceeds with her. I have not spoken to a lawyer but I’ve done some research and to the best of my knowledge my ex has no legal right to my home. Any thoughts? Is it worth seeking a lawyer for a consult or should I want and see what she does now? My plan before this recent issue was to give her a few thousand when I do sell the house in the near future, but now I’m less inclined to be honest. Her work history is the major reason we broke up, and I supported her numerous times with working 2 jobs.

Answer: Don't give her any money and stop talking to her about this. You have nothing to gain. Did she give you any money for the down payment?


Title: [NE] My company provided personal info about an employee to a deranged parent, and now he's made threats and showed up at an employee's home.

Question:
I'll try to be as brief as possible without leaving out important details.

A child sees my company for health care related services. Her mother has full custody. We don't know what rights the Father has. The father has been banned from our establishment long ago for reasons unrelated to this incident.

A coworker of mine took one of the very first phone calls from the father. The father claimed one of our employees sexually abused his child. As we are a mandatory reporting agency, the employee logged the claim in our electronic healthcare records database and notified a superior, per company policy. All legal channels related to possible abuse were followed. The accused employee is a physician, and another employee was present at all times during the interactions. The accusations were entirely baseless.

Over the last 6 weeks the father has called the company and harassed employees well over 500 times; this includes 15+ departments and over 50 different employees. About 5 weeks ago, the director of our medical records department met with the man in person. The director turned over the log files for all the recent medical records, which included the first and last names every employee who's logged information. The father was outraged that my coworker logged his sexual abuse claim. (This claim was on a recorded line. Undisputed.) The father had to be removed by security on the day of the meeting with the records dept because of his behavior.

Since that meeting, he's harassed, insulted and made legal and physical threats towards employees. Thought we have been unable to definitively prove it, a man with the same first name showed up at an employees house and played catch with the children of the same employee who logged the initial abuse while the employee was inside the home. When the employee went outside to see who the man was, the man left. The family has identified the man in the yard as the same man we have on record of surveillance at the medical records department. This employee has filed a police report and restraining order against the man.

After further investigation, the man has a very long and well documented history of this behavior with other healthcare facilities in the city. Most of the employees at the county courthouse know him on a first name basis (not in a good way).

My question is: How liable is the employer? Are they responsible at all for turning over the names of the employees? What kind of legal obligation do they have to make employees feel safe?

Answer: Why did the director of medical records meet with the father and why did he let him see the records?


Title: Car ran into the condo I am renting, and landlord has ghosted me about repairs to make it fit for occupancy

Question:
In San Diego, CA

Tl;dr Lady crashed into condo I am renting and I am now paying rent and for a hotel out of pocket. Landlord has not responded to me in any shape or form. Am I at the point that I should just get a lawyer or file costs with her insurance and/or mine?

About a week ago a car crashed through the livingroom of the condo I am renting. The driver admitted fault, landlord came almost immediately when I called him and information was exchanged and police reports were filed, etc.

The city's structural engineer deemed the condo unfit for living and marked it to limited entry. I was told I could only enter to get personal belongings.
Landlord asked what needed to be changed to get the restrictions removed, and was told some sort of shoring or bracing structure--even temporary--would suffice. Cool, so some shoring and plywood and I can move back in? Easy.

Landlord told me the HOA could cover 3 nights of a hotel stay and not to worry because everyone had insurance (me, the driver, and him).

Well after 2 days nothing had changed with the status of the condo (not even a single piece of drywall has been cleaned up) and I had to check out the next morning so I called. And I texted. And I emailed. Repeatedly asking for any info. Nothing.

Then late at night in an email from landlord (to me and all the members of the HOA of said complex) that says in essence "The driver is responsible for all damages, if you need anything here is her information and claim number." The thing is I had already filed with the drivers insurance for my personal property (TV, furniture, etc) and he knew.

I sent him an email stating politely that although she (the driver) is responsible for the damages to his condo, he has a responsibility to his tenant and he needs to make it habitable and let me know if and when I will be able to move back in.

It has been 2 more days since I emailed, and I still have not been able to get in contact with him. Neighbors also have said he has not replied to anything.

So far I have already paid rent this month and I have paid for my hotel stay out of pocket. I have extended my stay for a few more days and it is currently at the limit that my own renters insurance will cover, however, I have not filed anything with them.

Lease is very bare bones and doesn't talk about repairs other than giving proper notice when something breaks and right of entry for repairs.

Can I force him to pay for my accommodations if I'm stuck in a hotel for weeks? Can I withhold rent? Is it worth it to file a claim through my insurance? Is there anything else I should be writing to him to keep a paper trail about his lack of responses?

I feel like I'm spinning my wheels, should I give up and just get a lawyer?

This is all a nightmare, and I just moved in a month ago! Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer:
 May help to get in touch with the HOA, seeing as a damaged condo is not in their interest any more than it is in yours. They may be able to lean on the landlord to get him moving.

Aside from that, you'd probably need to talk to a lawyer about breaking your lease and getting out of there if landlord isn't going to get fixing. Obviously you have soid grounds to do so, if the city has declared it uninhabitable.


Title: Landlord charging me rent for August, when new renter is moving in early in the month.

Question:
Hello everyone,

I was renting out two \~1700 sq ft units for my business, but ultimately decided I needed just one, so I informed the landlord that I would only need one and I would be happy to move out of one of the units. Over the phone, the property manager told me that I would be on the hook for any time that they don't have another renter in the unit, I accepted and prayed they would get another renter in ASAP. I got everything moved out right away (and did some drywall repairs in the unit)

I guess the market is pretty full right now in my area, because it generated a lot of interest and they told me they already have someone proceeding to take over the unit, and they should be moving in early August. I asked him about the rent that I have due, and he said that I would need to pay the entire balance for the rent for August, and that I would only be getting 1/3 of my security deposit back.

I asked him if I would be entitled to any of the money for the part of the month that they have another tenant in the unit, and he told me that it was part of the new tenant's deal that they would get an 'early move in period' that I'm basically funding.

Now, I did sign a 3 year lease agreement that will expire August of 2019 for the unit in question, and I know that is a pretty rock solid contract. Is it legal for them to charge me for time that they have another tenant in the unit? I would hope that I would at least get a pro-rated amount back from the landlord.

Thank you for your response and I appreciate your time!

Answer:
 No, it's not legal.  Your rent gives you access to and use of the apartment.

What they're really doing is ending the lease as of (whenever the renter is allowed to move in) and *claiming* that the two or three weeks of free access they're giving this tenant is a necessary cost of mitigating the damages they were caused by you backing out of the lease.

Tell them that you disagree it is necessary and are happy to argue the point in court if they want to sue you for it.


Title: [IL] Gave someone a ride home who had illegal substances, facing 2-10 years.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Get an attorney. Don't speak to anyone about this.Answer #2: > I consented to search because I had nothing to hide.

"Never consent to a search", "never give rides to meth heads",  "never get involved in a land war in asia", and "Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line."

Had you not consented and the police officer claimed probable cause to search anyway, your lawyer would at least be able to argue that it was an illegal search and suppress the pipe.  You still might be able to get a nol pros out of this, but it depends a lot on the officer's report and the DA.

When this is over (hopefully not after a prison term)  please explain to your friends why consenting is a bad idea.
Answer #3: As far as I can tell it is up to 1 year in jail plus a fine of up to 2500 , not 2-10 years. You do need an attorney to deal with this though.Answer #4: This is why you always refuse searches to your car, and why when I was in HS and I saw cocaine in my friend's bag I pulled over to the side of the road and physically removed him from my car.

You need a lawyer.  Its not as expensive as you think, and even if it is its cheaper than a year in jail and a record.


Title: Sister has a child with a man who wants nothing to do with the child. How does she go about getting Child support

Question:
Hello everyone,

My sister had a child this past November and the guy she had the child with wants nothing to do with him.She texted him when the child was born and he never responded and has texted him a couple of times since and he hasnt responded to those either. Before the child was born he made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with her or the baby. I finally convinced her to go after him for Child support but she has no ideas what steps to take. If anyone could provide some advice that would be great. We are located in Canada

Answer: She needs an attorney, and she owes it to her child to get one.Answer #2: Is he on the birth certificate?


Title: Was arrested for PI after trying to file a police report for a stolen wallet and assault with a vehicle.

Question: So I was at a bar the other night, I'd had a beer and a shot of whiskey total. My wallet was sitting in front of me on the bar between my arms and the guy to my left snatched it and ran for his truck, I chased him down and tried to open the door to his truck, he promptly took off, sideswiping me as he did so and sending me tumbling across the asphalt. I have pictures to prove injury although it wasn't severe (just some pretty gnarly road rash). Once this happened I stood up and ran across the street to the police station, I found a cop and told him what happened. He told me he couldn't do anything so I walked up to another officer I personally recognized and know, and he got mad at me for telling him what I'd told the first officer. This is where things get crazy, 4 other officers walked up and they all surrounded me, telling me that I was drunk and needed to walk away or I would be arrested. I did so with my hands out to show I wasn't trying to do anything to them. I admit that I did shout "you swore an oath to the constitution, when did protect and serve become harass and extort" I walk back over to the bar and tell my friend I was with that we needed to leave soon as I was being harassed by the cops and no longer had ID to prove my age. We walk out of the bar and the first cop I talked to is waiting outside. My friend was pretty drunk so instead of driving he wanted to get some water, at this point two other officers pull up and start telling him that either he can drive me home, or I can be arrested. My assumption is they knew he was drunk and were trying to use my freedom as a way to threaten him into a DWI. I was arrested and put in a cell for 5 hours with no phone call or anything, they even took away my glasses which I very much need. When they released me they told me to walk home, gave me back my stuff. They switched my lighter out with one that had obviously been used to pack a burning weed pipe as there were ashes covering the bottom, they also took a few of my smokes. The didn't get any BAC, breathalyzer, or even a feild sobriety test. Is there anything I can do? This happened in Texas by the way.

Answer:
 Is sound like you ran into a police station, made a huge scene, they asked you to leave, you insulted them, then you got thrown in a cell for a few hours to calm down.

If you insist on pursuing the original issue, do so calmly and completely sober.


Title: Forcing a worker to do work they cannot do?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Get the doctor note they asked for?


Title: (Boston, MA) Landlord asked me to leave the apartment then used my last months rent for the month after I moved out

Question:
Hi r/legal advice.

I am a graduate student who lives in Boston, MA. I recently was told to leave my apartment after my landlord discovered I had a caged guinea pig. The lease said no pets so I understand I am in the wrong here. I did as she asked, and moved out within 2 weeks. This was in September and I already had paid that months rent. Previously to moving in, I paid $1000 security deposit and last months rent which was $2600. I moved out of the apartment in late September, and my landlord recently contacted me saying that there are damages in the apartment equaling up to $2300. This was after deduction of the security deposit. She then informed me that she used the last months rent ($2600) for the month of October although I had already moved out.

My question is, is this legal for her to use the last months rent when she asked me to leave and I complied? My goal is to not have to pay her any more money, and if she used the last months rent for the damages then I would not owe her any additional money.

Please, any help or advice at all would help me greatly. I would really love to not take out another loan (on top of my other grad school loans) to have to pay my previous landlord.

Thank you.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 Contact your university see if they offer free legal aid.

$2300 is a lot of damages to take out of a security deposit. Did she provide an itemized list?Answer #2: Were you in a month-to-month lease or a fixed term lease?


Title: I have been out of school for 7 years, and thinking of going to Law School. My GPA sucked during undergrad, I dicked around and got drunk a lot. Any of you ever "upgraded" your GPA to get into Law?

Question:
My background is in Computer Science and Business Management. I never put much thought about my schooling, I honestly just needed to pass so that's what I did.

7 years later it's coming to bite me in the bum. To apply for schools in the States / Canada I have to have a GPA of 3.8 or greater, have any of you ever went back to upgrade your marks? I graduated with a 2.5 GPA a long time ago, and it would be nice if I could go back and do a second degree or something to better reflect what I can do. Or better yet, something where I don't have to waste another 4+ years

[Canada][USA]

Answer: Why do you think you needed a 3.8 undergrad GPA? That seems oddly specific. I know someone who got a decent law degree and does *very* well now who graduated from a medium difficulty state school with a 2.8 but did pretty well on the LSAT. Granted, that was quite a while ago, but I know lawyers that definitely didn't get a 3.8 at any point in their academic career. Could you talk to an admissions advisor at some of the schools you might apply to? I was really surprised when I found out that law schools don't think I'm such a horrible candidate after all, you could be in the same boat.


Title: [PA] Restaurant forces staff to park off property, about a 300 yard walk, making mugging a common fear among servers carrying cash at night.

Question:
I work at a very popular restaurant in Pennsylvania. The restaurant is large and has ample parking, but management is still worried about having enough parking space for guests because of how busy it can be. So they force us to park at a grocery store (with their permission) that is roughly a 300 yard walk from the restaurant. The walk includes several confined and low-light areas that would make mugging very easy for someone who was smart enough to realize that 10-12 servers walk by there every night carrying 100's of dollars in their pockets.

I'm wondering if it is legal to force us to park off property, and if any of us would have any legal fallback against the restaurant if something were to happen.

Thanks for any advice.

[SOLVED] The answers came in pretty swiftly.. The restaurant can make us park wherever they want -- regardless of any safety concerns.

Answer:
 >I'm wondering if it is legal to force us to park off property

Of course, it's legal.

>and if any of us would have any legal fallback against the restaurant if something were to happen.

No, you would have recourse against the criminal.Answer #2: Legally speaking? You'd have limited, if any, recourse against your employer.

Practically, speak to your boss about either doing walks in pairs or letting 1 or 2 people drive into the restaurant lot, who can then provide rides to everybody else's vehicles parked 300 yards away when the restaurant closes.Answer #3: This is legal. They aren't required to provide parking at all and there aren't any rules about parking if they decide to provide it.


Title: [NY] Hit a parked car while biking and ended up in the ER. Confused about liability/random bills I'm getting.

Question:
Hey /r/legaladvice,

Was biking to work in Brooklyn about two weeks ago and ended up in an accident. I'm not sure exactly what happened since my brain seems to have blacked out about 20 minutes of time, but from what I can gauge after reading the police report I lost control of my bike (not sure why/how) and ended up sideswiping a parked car and falling off my bike, breaking my collarbone and sustaining a concussion in the process. The first thing I remember is the ambulance; the EMT told me I knocked the side mirror off the car. I was not intoxicated in anyway and don't recall being distracted; think it was just some kind of freak accident.

Anyway, now that I'm out of the hospital/back to work, I've been getting some calls from insurance companies and received a bill from a doctor that I don't really understand.

First, the doctor. According to this bill "[Doctor] was your treating physician.. enclosed are no fault forms that require your signature in order for the doctor to submit a claim for services rendered. Please sign where indicated and return the completed forms.. we are also in need of the no fault insurance carrier, policy number, adjustor's name and contact information." They conclude by asking for my attorney's name and phone number. The bill is for $250 for "Emergency Dept Visit."

First, I don't have no fault insurance, and I don't know why they're asking for it since I wasn't driving a motor vehicle at the time. I also never saw this doctor while I was at the hospital--his name isn't included on any of the paperwork the hospital gave me either. So why is he sending me a bill? And what should I do since I have no insurance information to send them? I have health insurance that was given to the hospital by my relatives, so I don't understand why I'm receiving this additional bill.

Second, the car owner's insurance company has been calling me and recently sent me two letters. The first asked me to fill out the "New York application for motor vehicle No Fault benefits" if I wanted to file a claim. The second (dated the day after the first) informed me that since I hit the car while it was legally parked, "we are unable to make any payment to you." I don't dispute this--the car owner wasn't at fault as far as I'm aware--but I'm not sure if I should respond to them in any way and I'm worried that the owner might ask me to pay for any damages I might have caused to his car.

Any advice/info is appreciated, thanks.
Topic:
Insurance

Answer:
 So, just to be clear, this was a bicycle?

If you have questions about your hospital bill, you should call them up  or mosey over to them and have them explain things to you.  The bill might be your deductible, which is the part you have to pay that insurance doesn't cover.

The car owner's insurance company is going to go after you for the cost to repair their vehicle.  I don't know what the 'no fault benefits' thing means, so you can either consult with a lawyer to explain it to you, or ask the company sending you the letter to explain it.

You absolutely owe the car driver any damages you caused to his car, and if you fail to pay, they'll take you to court.


Title: [USA] [MI] Is this considered medical malpractice?

Question:
So patient goes to the doctor with wrist pain. The physician who does the exam states they think that they possibly feel a cyst and want a x-ray to follow up. The x-ray report states the patient has a subcondral cyst in the dystal ulna (below the surface cyst in the pinky side) and mild negative ulnar variance (the ulna is shorter than the radius). Six weeks after the doctors visit, the patient is still having pain and follows up with an orthopedic hand surgeon. A x-ray is taken that shows no cyst. The specialist orders an arthrogram and a contrast MRI to see if there is a tear. Turns out, instead of a cyst there is a tear in the wrist. The patient gets the original x-ray scans and takes them to the specialist for a review. The specialist can confirm no cyst is seen on the original x-ray. Does this give grounds for a malpractice lawsuit? The patient kept working because they were told they only had a cyst when in reality it was a tear.

***EDIT:***

**Full story:**

I work at a hospital, in direct patient care. I went to occupational health a few weeks after I had been experiencing some pain in the wrist with no incident, that I can recall, to accompany. I had been wearing a brace to help protect myself when working. Honestly I thought it was just a sprain or something of that nature. On the initial visit the physician who did the exam state to me that she was unsure what the issue was but that she thought I had a ganglion cyst and wanted an x-ray to confirm. Just shy of a week later I went back in for the results. A Physicians Assistant saw me this time and told me what the Diagnostic/Radiology Report imaging report stated.

**Reason For Exam:** (XR Wrist Complete Right) rt wrist pain

**Report:** Clinical History: Pain Ap, lateral, oblique and navicular views of the right wrist were obtained.
Findings Osseous mineralization is normal. Joint spaces are maintained. The radiocarpal articulation is unremarkable. Mild negative ulnar variance is noted. A subchondral cyst is noted in the medial articular surface of the distal ulna. There is no fracture, subluxation or dislocation. Soft tissues appear unremarkable.

**Impression** Mild negative ulnar variance with subchondral cystic changes in the distal ulna.

**FINAL Dictated BY: And Verified By:** (physican's name)

**Electronically Signed Date:** 04/03/15 08:25

I was told not to continue wearing the brace because of patient safety. I was put on no restrictions at the time because I stated that if I needed help, I could ask. I returned to work immediately. About 6 weeks after on May 13th I was experiencing pain while brushing my teeth. I called into work and made an appointment with an orthopedic hand surgeon.

At the first office visit I had an x-ray that did not show a cyst. I had an MRI and an Arthrogram that determined I had a tear on the ulna side. I don't have that report to tell you specifically what kind and what location the tear is in. I was casted for 6 weeks and 4 days with a steriod injection. I have had several appointments with that doctor since the initial visit. I go to physical therapy twice a week.

I also receive short term disability because I was denied workers compensation. I was told that because there was no specific incident that I was being denied. I filled out a work incident after the initial Occupational Health visit and my superiors knew of the situation and the pain I was experiencing. I have a workers compensation lawyer working on that part of the issue for me.

Recently I had to have another MRI and Arthrogram because the pain came back. I am most likely going to have to have surgery now to resolve the issue. Its been a whole 7 months of me in pain and almost 5 months of me being out of work. With surgery, I will be out for even longer. Not to mention I went to school for what I do. If I can no longer work in this area of expertise because of this injury, then I really feel like I have considerable damages and loss of wages. I'm still paying student loans from my schooling.

As far as the tear being "worse than at the time of the initial visit" to Occupational Health, I would have to say yes. Anyone who works with their hands for 6 weeks after a doctors visit with a tear can make it worse. Not to mention it has not healed and now I might (very likely) need surgery..

I did have the Orthopedic Specialist review the **ORIGINAL** X-ray and brought him the radiology report for review. He specifically told me that he does not see a cyst on the original scans. To me, its not necessarily the physician or physician assistant that is fault. I feel as if the Physician who dictated and verified the Radiology Report is the one who wronged me. Clearly there is no cyst on the film. So stating that there is, only delayed me getting the medical attention that was necessary to heal my wrist.
Topic:
Medicine and Malpractice

Answer:
 I doubt it. Medical malpractice is highly fact dependent. IANAL, but I am a physician. From what I remember about cartilage and osteoarthritis, I don't think there is any malpractice here.

The first doctor had a report from the radiologist who read the X-ray where he/she saw a subchondral cyst... which is a very common condition. It's been a long time since med school, but IIRC they can "improve" and even disappear without treatment. So, just because it didn't appear on the second X-ray, doesn't mean it wasn't present on the first. They follow-up test showed your tear.

It sounds to me that both your Primary MD and your orthopedist (as well as the first radiologist and the second radiologist) did the right thing. Plus, re-reading an older X-ray "after-the-fact" with a diagnosis from a more specialized scan done later with the benefit of hindsight does not necessarily imply malpractice.

But if you believe there might be, call a malpractice attorney and get a free consult. They often work on contingency. They will review your medical record and all scans (and they'll hire experts to do the same) and evaluate what your "real" monetary damages are. If sufficient to warrant their time, they'll take your case. Be aware though, most perceived cases of "malpractice" are either not actual malpractice, or there aren't enough damages to warrant going forward.


Title: Can I get in trouble if my roommate lets underage kids drink in our home? [FL]

Question: [deleted]

Answer: I think it's safe to say that it is not outside of the realm of possibility for someone to be charged in connection with any illegal activities that happen in their residence.


Title: My Spanish teacher is marking my grades down for nothing and changing my test answers so I get them wrong.

Question: I live in Oregon and at my public school my Spanish teachers grades me with a higher standard than other students, changes my test answers so I get a lower score, and marks me down for nothing. My principal ignores my complaints. What can I (A minor) or my parents do?

Answer: Start answering the tests in pen instead of pencil. Answer #2: Start photocopying or taking photos of your work before you turn it in, then collect the changed work when you get it back. Then try talking to your principle again with that evidence in hand. Generally schools get all kinds of wild accusations against teachers from pissed off students. Being able to show it happen is a different thing.Answer #3: Do you have any proof of this?Answer #4: any thoughts why they would do that?Answer #5: If you can prove this, have your parents (or you, but it's stronger coming from a parent) call the HR head and ask how to submit a complaint against a teacher. It will be in their permanent file, so even if they don't have a firing offense based on just your word alone, they will have a record in case another student lodges a complaint. Answer #6: Had a german/spanish teacher do this in HS (also in Oregon); if you were a male in her class, you'd often get a full letter grade lower than the females.  We had several examples of multiple choice quizzes with identical answers but different grades that strongly supported our claims.  School did nothing, claiming it was all simple grading errors.  It took the (parent backed) threat making a lot of noise *externally* to get them to act.  Document everything you can.Answer #7: Document the paperwork before you give it to her so you can prove she's changing them


Title: Woman just text me saying something crazy, I fear she may damage my vehicle...is there anything I can do to protect myself in the interim? [California]

Question:
"It is [crazy bitch], you probably deleted my number already.  But that was not nice of you to treat me the shit.  But what comes around goes around.  Just remnember that you fucker!"

I spelled everything verbatim.  She knows where I live and where I park my car.  Is there anything I can do to protect myself now? I saved the text.  I do not think calling the police would be wise because nothing has happened and the police have better things to do now.  Am I wrong?

Thanks.

Answer:
 If you feel your car is at risk, then I'd park it somewhere different.

I'd also take lots of dated pictures, in the event that if she did damage your car, it would be more difficult for her to state that it was damaged a long time ago.

Also, avoid crazy people.


Title: I tried to buy legitimate theater tickets online but instead bought over-priced secondary market tickets. What can I do?

Question:
**TL;DR**

* I tried to treat my wife to a special event and bought tickets through San-Francisco-Theater.com thinking that the website sells or is licensed to sell tickets directly from the box office
* San-Francisco-Theater.com uses the artwork, logos, names, etc of various productions and venues and appears to be a legitimate primary market seller
* Tickets were actually sold to me through TicketGallery
* Tickets were marked up from $312 to $575!
* TicketGallery has the exact same ticket availability as TicketNetwork but at much higher prices and uses TicketNetwork's delivery system
* San-Francisco-Theater.com is owned and operated by TheatreLand Ltd. A London UK based company that has identical websites across N.America and UK

What can I do?  I feel like I was deceived and am getting screwed by these secondary market sellers.

**Here is the story:**

A couple days ago I thought I would buy some tickets to the SF Ballet for my wife as she loves theater/ballet/opera and I thought this would be a nice treat for her.  I wanted to get her some good seats so I was prepared to spend a bit of money to make it a special night for her.  So I got on the internet,  googled for "san francisco theater" to find what was going on, and ended up going to a site called "San-Francisco-Theater.com".  The "San-Francisco-Theater.com" site touts itself as an independent guide for live shows and after browsing through some of the promo flyers they have up I decided to buy the tickets to the SF Ballet.

The process of buying was very easy, quick, and felt very seamless from start to end.  On the front page they show what looks like official promo materials and on the purchase pages they featured the official logo of the SF Ballet.  I didn't look closely enough and from the graphics and promo material I thought that this site must sell tickets directly from the SF Ballet.  I selected my seats, having never bought Ballet tickets before I thought the price was bit high but in comparison to some other Theater/Opera prices I've seen I thought it was similar.  I entered in my credit card details, again thought the service charge was a bit high but decided to buy them anyways. And then I hit buy.

As it turns out.  Once I got the actual e-tickets in my email I saw that I had made a terrible mistake.  San-Francisco-Theater.com had sold me secondary market tickets at an exorbitantly marked up price.  The face value of the tickets are $150 and they sold the tickets to me at $247 per ticket instead!  On top of that markup they charged a $37.50 service fee per ticket and the another $7.50 for online delivery. The grand total came to $575.60!  It should have cost only about $312 if I had bought the tickets from SF Ballet directly.

I called San-Francisco-Theater.com immediately after receiving the tickets to try and cancel, however, they explained that the terms and conditions state that the tickets are non-refundable. They also explained that they state on the website that they are a ticket reseller, however, it took me quiet a long time and I actually had to have a representative specifically point out where on the site those words printed.  They also explained that they do not actually sell the tickets, that is handled by TicketGallery, and that I should take up the issue with them.  Eventually, I asked them where I can send them written legal correspondence but the call center was not able to answer that.  Instead, they provide me with an email address: legal@mytickettracker.com.

I have also tried to call TicketGallery to cancel the tickets, however, they have provided the same arguments: that the tickets are non-refundable and that my only recourse is to sell them.  I haven't pursued the issue with TicketGallery as aggressively and may still do so.

I did a bit more digging around as the whole transaction seems really fishy and convoluted. The website mytickettracker.com is operated by TicketNetwork.  And when I compare the tickets for the SF Ballet listed on TicketNetwork with those on TicketGallery  I see that they appear to offer the exact same number of tickets in the same sections, except, TicketGallery has substantially higher prices.  As well, San-Francisco-Theater.com is operated by TheatreLand Ltd, a London, UK, based company, that runs nearly identical websites in 75+ cities in N. America.  Looking at couple of those sites they all seem to link to TicketGallery for tickets and charge all their prices in USD even in the Canadian markets.  Why am I being directed by San-Francisco-Theater.com to TicketNetwork  when I apparently purchased the tickets through TicketGallery?

Now, the actual tickets from the SF Ballet have terms and conditions attached to them, as I understand from looking at the policies on the website, that explicitly forbids reselling the tickets at above face value prices on the secondary market.  How can these companies then legitimately sell these tickets?

What recourse in the end do I have?  There is a web of companies involved here that I feel have tricked me into buying scalper tickets at a ridiculous price and now refuse to provide a refund.  Is there anything I can do?

Answer: Consider it an expensive lesson. There's nothing illegal about me buying an Arizona iced tea for $100 instead of $1 if someone is selling and I'm willing to buy.


Title: Son was attack by a dog

Question: Over the weekend my son was attack by my mother in-laws dog. After taking him to one hospital the emergency room told us there is nothing they can do so we took an ambulance to a bigger hospital to be told once again they could do nothing for us. Both of the hospital didnt have the surgeons on staff available for the surgery he would need at the time. this point the only option we had was to take an ambulance to boston children's hospital which was a 2 hour ambulance drive. After having his tear duct repaired and the plastic surgeon repair his face everything is ok. My question now is what legal course do I take to protect myself and my family. We filed a police report and animal control has quarantined the dog. One of my concerns is we have Mass health and I'm not sure how much it will cover and what I will have to pay out of pocket. I obviously don't want to sue my own family but with the ensuing medical bills coming my way I understand it's their home owners insurance I would be suing.

Answer:
 Make a claim with MIL's homeowners' insurance.

Don't think of it as suing family. Your claim is with the insurance company, not your MIL. It's business, nothing personal.


Title: Need legal advice for this super lame situation please!

Question:
Yesterday I went to my Mom's house to pick up some stuff I left there last year. I found one of my things and the other two were gone. My brother came out to talk to me and tell me the two other items weren't there anymore and then proceeded to tell me "I have no right coming there for stuff I left there, blah blah." ( This is my mother's property, he doesn't live there) Then he reimbursed me for the missing items (because he took them and sold them). Afterwards he yelled at me to leave and never come back or he'll call the cops. Now he's texting me and threatening to file a police report against me for "tresspassing" on my mother's property to retrieve my things. My mother greeted me when I got there and I told her what I came there for and she said "okay sure". She had no problem with me being there and never once asked me to leave. After I got what I came for I left. And now my brother is threatening to go to the police and report that I "stole" my stuff back and "tresspassed". This is rediculous and I feel he really doesn't have any ground to stand on, but for my own peace of mind I would really appreciate some legal advice on this situation. I recorded on video the entire event and have him in text admitting to selling what he knows is my property. Advice? Should I be worried?

I'm located in Oregon, US.
Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Answer: It's your mother's property. If she consented to you coming to get your things, then you're fine. Ignore your brother.


Title: ATTORNEYS WANTED FOR FBI SURVEILLANCE PRIVACY VIOLATIONS

Answer: Sure, we'll get right on that.


Title: My darling sweet husband is getting railroaded by his new employer and it's breaking my heart...

Question:
My husband wasn't happy with his last job and began a new job in November (we are in Washington State - not DC). On his employment application, he wrote that his salary expectation was $80,000 (which was high, and we were prepared to settle between $60-70k). His would-be new manager asked what he was earning at his current job, he said $700/week on a bad week, $1200 on a great week. His manager promised he would be paid around the same, but hadn't discussed specific pay before he asked my husband to quit his current job. This was a huge mistake.
They started him at almost $10/hr less than he was making. When he talked to his manager about it, the guy said that there was training available that would bump up his hourly rate. His first paycheck (for two weeks) was $1,100.

My husband has a discussion about unlocking training with his manager, and his manager knows that his pay is inadequate for him and there were so many aspects of the pay system that were not disclosed. For instance, his manager switched him to a new pay plan without notifying my husband. In this new pay plan, the workshop takes 20% of the hours you've worked off the top - and you don't get paid for those. Then 25% of my husband's hours get taken if he clocks out 10 minutes early or late in the pay period. So his paycheck, just before Christmas, was $600. To add insult to injury, his manager finally unlocked the training, but there is a big passive-aggressive note on it to let him know that it won't increase his pay rate.

He's been lied to at every turn in this job, he's miserable and depressed because he doesn't feel he's adequately providing for his family. I'm heartbroken that he feels this way.

Is there anything we can do legally? Most of the agreements made were verbal promises. Nothing they have promised has turned out to be true. Nothing in the world is so damaging to someone's psyche as being lied to and taken advantage of. Thanks in advance for any insight you can offer.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 Honestly, your time would be better spent just looking for another job.Answer #2: > the workshop takes 20% of the hours you've worked off the top - and you don't get paid for those. Then 25% of my husband's hours get taken if he clocks out 10 minutes early or late in the pay period.

If your husband is a non-exempt employee (paid by the hour), then it's illegal to pay him for less time than he worked.


Title: (CA) Divorce has been denied twice due to paperwork errors, can I hire someone to do it right/expedite the process?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: How about, and this might sound radical, a divorce attorney?


Title: [CALIFORNIA] Got a speeding ticket before I had passed any posted speed limit signs.

Question:
I received a speeding ticket for 15 over. This is on a wide avenue where people, including the police, go about 50-60. There is a long stretch of this avenue with no posted speed limit signs, so frankly, until a certain point, I don't even know how anyone would know the speed limit. Can I use this as a defense? I drove up and down the road, there isn't a speed limit sign until about 3-4 blocks past the point I was pulled over. Also, I'm in the city of Los Angeles. How do I find out when the road was last surveyed?
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer: In California the speed limit is 25 mph in business or residental unless posted otherwise. I feel your pain I got a ticket for going 30 something in a 25 even though I pulled on off is a side street and there where no signs except for either end of the long street. I went to court and lost the judge said I should read up on the California drivers handbook.


Title: [GA] Driving with a permit past midnight at age 18

Question: I am a college student in Georgia and I was a DD for intoxicated friends. I was driving them home at 1:30AM with a learner's permit (which I have had for 3 years + more than adequate driving experience) and was pulled over for not having my lights on. I was given a warning for my lights and a citation for a restricted license. I have a court date in about a month and a half. How much trouble am I really in? Any help with reducing the impact on my record is appreciated. Thanks, Reddit!

Answer: I'm having trouble finding a specific answer.  Does any of the paperwork you received have a specific infraction number or an official name for the offenses on it?  Also, are you certain the ticket was for driving after midnight and not for not having a sober adult over 21 in the car?


Title: (WI) 14yo boy, what are the consequences if I refuse to cooperate with a temp. visitation order while parents are in court?

Answer: It is a court order. So either the police show up and discuss that everyone has to follow court orders or the other parent faces legal consequences.


Title: Can the gas company break into my back yard?

Question:
I live in Austin Texas, I just got out of bed to my dad pissed off. Apparently someone came and rang the doorbell, and by the time he woke up and looked out the door he saw a man walk to his truck and take something out and walk to the side of the house. He took a look out the window and saw him walking into our back yard, where we have a locked gate. He immediately said "what the fuck?" And walked outside.

The man removed the hinges from our gate and walked into our back yard. Immediately my dad tells him he needs to get the fuck off our property. The man gets in an argument with him and says HE is going to call the cops, but my dad called them first. The man never identified himself, only said he was there to check the meter for leaks because it was rusty. (There was no rust on the meter.)

EDIT:

Got more info on the story. Apparently the cops did come by, and the cops agreed he shouldn't have just dismantled the gate like that. The cops managed to track him down, and confirmed he was in fact a member of the gas company, and had all his proper identification and uniform on, however he had none of that on him when he was at the house. He must have left it in his truck and put it all on when he left, after my dad said he was calling the cops. Gas company is now calling him, trying to talk about the issue but he's ignoring them for the day, wants to calm down a bit before talking with them.

The man also shouted "If you never came outside you'd have never even known I was here." Before he left, angering my dad even more- because he feels he SHOULD know if somebody was in our property. Either a phone call or a note should have happened.

Answer:
 If the gas company has an easement, then you don't have the right to lock them out, and they can dismantle any barriers to their access.Answer #2: There is no harm in calling the police to sort out if he belongs there or not and to verify that he in fact works for the gas company.

Most utilities have a right to inspect their equipment as a condition of providing service.  In many cases there's an actual easement.  If you don't want him going behind the locked gate, then you ought to move the gate so that he can access his equipment.