Title: [UK] New residents attempting to claim unowned land just months after moving in - how do I stop this?

Question:
Apologies in advance for the lengthy post, this situation has spanned across a number of months now.

I live on a private road in the UK, so it is maintained by the residents not the council. The road's only wide enough for one car at a time and has a strip of trees/bushes about 3 feet wide on the right hand side as you drive in, which has been maintained by the restidents of my road for 16 years, myself included.

https://imgur.com/a/W7gwi

Here's two pictures from google maps for a visual - the red arrow shows the direction from which the street view photo is taken, the blue zone is the land in question.

Around 9 months ago a man (who I will now refer to as 'Brad') moved into the house on the corner of my road (yellow X) and in March he had ordered a gardening firm to cut down this shrubbery down so he could expand his garden. The firm were promptly shooed away by a member of my road and Brad informed that this is not his to cut down.

A month later at approximately 10am on a Monday, when the majority of the members of my road had already gone to work, one of the mums in the road, dropping her kids to school, returned to find a gardening firm cutting the trees down with only non-electric hand tools in order to avoid unwanted attention. I ran out and half the shrubbery was already gone. A shouting match ensued between myself and other members of my road, the gardening firm, and Brad's mother. Brad was in the house and did not want to come out becasue there was too much confrontation. His mother belonged on a leash however and barked at the gardeners to continue doing their job, in front of us residents, or they would not get paid.
The police were called and advised that from a legal perspective the land is unowned and unclaimed at this time. A person must maintain unowned land for a minimum of 12 years until they can make a claim for ownership - we as a road surpassed this minimum 4 years ago, however no claim for ownership was made. Because of this, Brad was within his rights to file a claim with reasoning as to why he should be given ownership, however until this time he is free to make changes to the land as he wishes. The police said there is nothing that can be done at this time, it will have to be handled in a court. We proceeded to watch the gardeners tear down these trees that have been part of our road since before I was born, and home to families of foxes and badgers.

But the fight was not over yet, this was just the beginning!

During the argument when these gardeners were first discovered, Brad's mother had mentioned that they had a fencing firm booked in to fence the land the following day so the trees had to be gone. However the road would not let this happen! Once the trees were gone, myself and the residents of my road parked our cars on the land to prevent any fences being erected and, fortunately for us, one of my neighbours has a good friend that owns a fencing firm. He called in a favour and at 7am the next day, a fence was put up around the land in our name. Signs were placed all across the fence stating 'PROPERTY OF CCFILMFAN, 99 xxxx ROAD' and CCTV installed opposite. Brad called the police - they arrived to tell him that he cant touch the fence because as it was installed as an extension of an already existing fence owned by a member of the road, any damage would now be vandalising someone elses property.

And so the war was seemingly over. Until last night.

Here in the south of the UK we were hit by viscious storms last night, and at 3am during the brutal rain, thunder and lightening, a fencing firm were putting up a metal fence on the INSIDE of our already existing fence, including 'CCTV In operation' signs, and a pole with CCTV cameras. The police were called once more and as far as I am aware at this time, they didn't want any involvement and left with no action.

So here I am now, writing this post - hoping someone out there has knowledge in admittedly very precise domestic law in the UK.

My questions are do I have any grounds to remove this metal fence? What can I do to stop this happening again? Have they broken the law by putting this fence there in the first place? And what are the consequences of this?

Any input on this would be appreciated, or if I've missed anything and you have questions please feel free to ask.

Thanks

EDIT: Formatting
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer: You've obviously have to put up a 3rd fence inside of his, that's inside of yours. CCTV, etc of course...Answer #2: I'd check with /r/legaladviceuk - this sub is primarily American/Canadian.Answer #3: If you were in America I'd advise having a plot survey done to determine where Brad's property line actually ends.


Title: Family member received diamond jewelry in the mail, addressed to her but she never ordered any.

Question:
So my aunt called me this morning and said she opened a package that was addressed to her. She was expecting another package and thought that might have been it. She goes to open it and there is around $12,000 worth of jewelry in it.

Thing is she never ordered any jewelry, especially not $12,000 worth.

All I could do to advise her is to just hang on to it a while and hope that someone contacts her about it.

Other than that, what else should she do? Should she try to contact the company that sent it, or what? This is in the United States.

Thanks.

Answer: It could be that someone meant to snatch the package before your aunt even knew it was delivered but she got to it first. That is also a common scam so that it will get traced back to your aunt instead of the people actually responsible for it.


Title: Do I have an affirmative defense?

Question: I live in Kansas. About a year ago I decided I wanted to try out a gym. I went into the gym and talked to the person at the front desk and filled out an application. I had previously lost my debit card and was waiting to get my new one from my bank (they said it would be 3-5 days). So I couldn't complete the payment portion of the application. The lady at the front desk told me that she would hold on to the application until I came back with my debit card info. After 3 days I got my debit card back but I realized I didn't have the money to A) pay the start up fee and B) afford the monthly payments. So I just never returned. With the understanding that nothing would be filed until I brought payment in. I never walked into the gym since. 6 months later I received an email saying that I owed 6 months gym dues. I explained what happened. The person I talked to sounded like he understood and that it would be taken care of. 6 more months later go by and now I've been served with a civil suit for a years worth of gym dues. I'm building my answer but I need some advice on the affirmative defense. I think estoppel might be something but I'm not 100%. Or any others? Thank you

Answer:
 A gym with shitty membership contract practices? Well I never!

>s). So I couldn't complete the payment portion of the application.

If you signed the "I agree to join this gym" part of the application, you could be on the hook. Mistake of fact might invalidate the contract but I expect you'd need to go to court to prove it.


Title: Dead Neighbors, Cat Dying Inside. Should I break in to feed the cat?

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 Hi OP! Thanks so much for being concerned about the cat, I wish you the best in finding a fast and legal resolution to this.

I do have a question, though. What makes you sure that your neighbors are clearly dead?  When you saw them last on your camera could you tell that they were definitely entering their apartment? Is there any way they took a cab to the airport during the night and your camera didn't catch it?

As others have said at 3 week in Florida two bodies would be smelling terribly, you would likely be able to smell it just standing on the porch. Some people don't cancel their mail before they go on vacation, and I've heard of some dummies assuming their cat would be ok for a few weeks if they left it a bag of open food and a faucet dripping. Answer #2: Call her employer, explain the situation and inquire if she should have been at work or not. Try not to sound stalkerish...Answer #3: Have you checked to see if there are any unlocked windows?

I am not saying you should break in, but maybe you could see if you can smell a decomposing corpse.  Turns out they stink.Answer #4: How do you know they are dead!? Slightly morbid.Answer #5: Any change with the cat? Have you been able to free him?Answer #6: Off topic of legal advice. Check perimeter windows for an abundance of flies. Number one sign there is a dead body inside. Answer #7: Why dead? What if they flew somewhere, spent all their money, and can't make it home?


Title: Is an IOU a contract???

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Business Law

Answer: We don't do homework here.


Title: [VA] Signing a lease for an apartment but not picking up keys until a month after lease begins. When does legal possession of the apartment take place?

Question:
When does legal possession of an apartment occur if you sign a lease, but do not pick up the keys until a month after the lease starts. The landlord is holding the keys during this time.

Does legal possession occur when the lease begins, or when the keys are picked up?

Answer: Are you moving in before getting keys? Why are you getting keys so late?


Title: I am on formal probation and got dui in a different county

Question: Will my county find out about my charge? I don’t get convicted for the charge until July 9. I do have another case that’s ongoing so I’m just worried about setting this first violation and facing another

Answer:
 Count on it.

Also, do the terms of your probation obligate you to disclose any arrests/charges?


Title: Boyfriend's roommate neglecting pet, what actions can I take?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You can call animal control and report the roommate. Offering to purchase the turtle would also be a reasonable course of action.

I don't mean to sound so cold, but no one (possibly even animal control) is likely to care about a turtle. They probably have bigger fish to fry.


Title: What happens if you're arrested, don't identify yourself, and the police can't identify who you are?

Question:
Let's say someone is arrested without any ID and remains silent. He refuses to give his name or other identifying information to anyone.

The police than try to identify him using finger prints, facial recognition, and even DNA but nothing shows up (this is likely to happen if the person is an illegal immigrant who has never been arrested before). The suspect can't be identified at all and continuously refuses to identify to anyone.

What is the legal system supposed to do at this point?

Answer:
 You get charged, convicted, and sentenced anyhow.  In the vast majority of cases your identity isn't relevant to your conviction.

Past that, if you're still unidentified, it's up to the courts to decide what to do with you.  Most likely, you'd be given an identity in the criminal records system and released.Answer #2: It would depend on the jurisdiction. And likely also on the crime commited.Answer #3: The majority of illegal immigrants are visa overstays that arrive here by plane contrary to the popular narrative. Their entries are documented and there is a photographic database of entrants along with biometric information. This day and age there is some record of you somewhere.  There are "stop and identify" states that can charge you with a crime for refusing to identify yourself correctly. Otherwise there is an indefinite hold on people who refuse to identify themselves until they can be identified. If this takes 10 years then you stay in jail for 10 years because the onus is on you to provide the information.


Title: I [23] potentially dating a 16-year old - legal? [Kansas]

Question:
I [23, male] have met a 16 year old girl who means a lot to me, we both live in Western Kansas. I realize the age of consent is 16, but my question is - are there any other legal repercussions I may face if we engage in sexual activity?

Factual advice is appreciated; however, I am not seeking any kind of ethical or moral coaching - please keep your opinions to yourself.

Answer:
 +1 for you're a dumbass.

answer to your Q is although you may not be subject to prosecution for rape, you still have to watch out for:

1. contributing to the delinquency of a minor laws.  which are usually very broad, but who knows how they're enforced in your county.

2. she is under the control of her parents until 18.  they decide where she goes and what she does and who comes and goes from their home.Answer #2: Even though the sexual relationship is legal, keep in mind that if her parents don't approve, they can forbid her from seeing you and generally be a pain in your ass.

No nude pics. That's still CP until she turns 18.


Title: Flight delay US-Germany. Are we eligible for compensation?

Question:
Hello everyone!
This summer my family went to visit New York (we're from Poland) and their return flight from NY to Munich, Germany was delayed by 7 hours due to technical problems, causing them to miss their connecting flight in Munich, arriving couple hours late at their destination and what's more their bags were at the airport 24 hours after them. After they contacted the United Airlines they were offered $250 voucher or reward points. Seeing as we do not reside in US an won't use those vouchers anytime soon, or maybe even never we started looking for other options of compensation.

I know that the EU regulation 261/2004 applies only to the flights originating outside of the EU provided that they were carried out by an airline based in EU (which United Airlines obviously isn't).

So I was wondering are there any pieces of legislation (presumably they would have to be form US since the EU law doesn't apply in this instance) that would enable us to get a compensation or do we have to accept the vouchers?

Thank you for your help and time!

Answer:
 Almost certainly not. Your family likely agreed to this in the terms and conditions wherever they purchased the tickets from.

I'd love for somebody to tell me why they think I'm wrong, when the rules are very clear about when Europeans are/are not eligible for compensation when it comes to airfare.


Title: [AL, US] I'm a stepfather and I've raised my daughter since she was born. After 11 years together I'm realizing that my wife will never change so long as I'm around. Do I have any legal recourse to maintain a relationship with my daughter?

Question:
Story:  Got with my wife when she was about 2 weeks pregnant, had just broken up with her ex-boyfriend.  She wasn't sure until about 2 months in, tried to dump me, etc., but I stayed because of a strong sense of love/caring.  We broke up for a year in the middle, but otherwise have been together since late 2006.  The biological father hasn't been around for 5 years and never was around before that.  He basically abandoned her (as well as his other 3 kids....).  When I say I have the best kid ever...I mean....just....the best.  She doesn't get straight As but she's super smart.  The SWEETEST little girl...OK I'll stop.  She's just like me...she looks up to me...listens to me....I'm HER FATHER.

I don't know that my wife is going to take it really negatively but I have a feeling I'm going to lose her.  Is it worth sticking around for 7 more YEARS with someone who I love, but can't be with?  What do I do?

Answer:
 You should try to adopt your step\-daughter.  Your wife would have to agree to it, so there are some difficult tactical decisions about this if your wife already knows you are thinking about divorce.  For instance, do you propose the adoption without letting her know you are planning to ask for a divorce?

In the end, it's in everyone's interests for this to happen, though.  It's obvious why it's in  your interests, and it's in the child's interests because you are the father she has always known.  If you are splitting up, it's in your wife's interests too because it means you will pay child support.  \(You said you are willing to pay child support anyway, but be smart \- don't offer that if you don't get what you want.\)

The biological father would either have to agree or you and your wife would have to involuntarily terminate his rights.  Him having no contact with the child and not paying support for years should make that pretty straightforward.  But you never know, he could find out about the adoption, pay all the child support and seek to reestablish a relationship.

If you don't end up adopting your step\-daughter you may have a hard time getting a visitation order if your wife really fights it.  Of course, if she's willing to allow visits you can just visit without a court order.  Answer #2: You can fight for visitation rights. You are not guaranteed to get them.

You should talk to her about adoption now while you are together and the father is out of the picture. If you divorce you would have a right to custody and visitation but also child support


Title: Mods of r/legaladvice: how do you make it so your username is blue but when you need to lay the smackdown on roodypoos you turn it green?

Answer: There's an option when you post where you can post as a mod (green). If you don't click that, you just have a normal content. (Not a LA mod, but am a mod)


Title: My Landlord is awful (Boulder, CO)

Question:
I moved in 3 months ago and my new landlord sucks. We had originally agreed to move in late to allow for renovations to the place, expecting that they would improve upon what was there before. Wrong.

Upon move in there were no smoke alarms, no CO alarms, no appliances were hooked up, no outlets or light switches had covers, the shower had a newly installed clear glass window so the neighbors got a nice show if we decided to shower, and the yard was a jungle (followed by harassing emails about not taking care of the yard). I have since fixed all of these problems on my own with only reimbursement for the CO and smoke alarms (which I had to fight for). I know it was dumb for me to do that stuff myself but I was hoping to get on their good side to ask permission to allow a dog in the apartment.

To this day (3 months later) we still have holes in the floor and walls, exterior door thresholds that have large gaps to the basement on the inside, a basically unusable oven (control knobs have no markings), and the world's loudest (broken) refrigerator. I was able to get my hands on a free working refrigerator from a friend and the landlord refused to cover costs of transportation, She then followed up by saying if I wanted the new fridge I would have to pay for disposal of the old one and leave the new one when my lease is up.

A few smaller things that have happened (apart from being extremely rude) is that she threw out some of my property in the basement (after giving me approval to store stuff there), she and workers have shown up unannounced multiple times, she refuses to change the locks, and she refuses to supply a lock for the shared basement storage area.

At this point I'm fed up. I'm ready to leave but I know she'll fight it and I'll lose more money than I can afford if I break the lease. Do I have any legal recourse? A lot of this stuff seems illegal to me but then again I don't know jack about the law. I've tried looking up landlord tenant laws but they seem vague.

Answer:
 You might find some helpful links at the [Boulder Community Mediation Service](https://bouldercolorado.gov/community-relations/mediation-program).

For example, the [Entry and Repairs Resource Center](https://bouldercolorado.gov/family-services/entry-repairs-resource-center) says, "If the landlord is not responsive to requests for maintenance or repairs, you may want to check with an attorney for other options or call Planning and Development Services (if the property is located in the City of Boulder) to see if the maintenance issue falls under city housing codes. The phone number for Planning and Development Services is 303-441-1880."

The missing outlet covers and smoke alarm would likely have been a code violation, but I don't know if your remaining issues would be. Do some reading and consider giving them a call.


Title: Bus Driver attacked by Special Needs student. (Indiana)

Question:
Hi all - redacting some details to avoid identifying information.

I know a bus driver who has been driving the special transport bus for a special needs child (Child A)  for some time.. recently a new child (Child B) who has more aggressive behavior was put on the bus as well.

Not long ago, while the Driver was picking up thrown items in the bus aisle, while waiting in the school parking lot, Child B proceeded to attack the Driver. Child B got in kicks, bites, hair pulls, punches, and swinging items. The police eventually showed up, Child B was restrained.

The police called an ambulance but Driver refused treatment and drove the bus back to the bus garage after parents of Child A and Child B picked up the children. Once back at the bus garage, the manager went home, so the office was closed so no workers comp papers could be filled out.

That night Driver went to the ER to get treatment. Injuries included lacerations, contusions, fractures, etc. Luckily the child did not bring a knife from home (the police searched all his belongings).

The Driver and the Aide on the bus both were not trained in special needs as well as how to handle these type of situations, and when they requested training earlier in the year, it was refused. Child B also attacked his previous bus driver and sent them to the ER as well, this was with the same school district.

The school is now telling the Driver because the workers comp claim was not filled out within 24 hours (despite it not being available because the office was closed), the Driver will not get paid.

Not looking for a monetary payout - only feel that the school district was acting in negligence by not having proper precautions in place for this child, who now has assaulted 2 drivers, and they are saying that the Driver won’t be paid for the high ER bills. Just want to make sure the school district has done its due diligence in making sure the Driver is safe in future routes.

Answer: Driver could get a consultation with a personal injury lawyer to see about suing the parent of the child b as well as the school board.


Title: Naked on Private Property

Question:
A while ago I saw a post on LA from someone who was upset that their daughter could view their neighbor naked at their pool. The consensus was that because it was private property, and not visible from public property, that it was perfectly legal and nothing could be done about it.

Now imagine that there's an apartment complex with several buildings and they all have balconies. Some of the balconies are facing inward so that they're only visible from private property. What would happen if a tenant on such a balcony decided to hang out naked on it? Following the conclusion from the LA post, they are not breaking any laws. I'm assuming the property owner could make them stop, but what kind of trouble would they get in? If each unit was owned by the tenant (like condos or something), does that change the situation?

Answer:
 I think one of the important distinctions of that thread was that the neighbor was naked in a *privately fenced yard*. Or, if in your own home, there are walls (and ideally curtains) that prevent those from the sidewalk/neighbor’s house from seeing you. You’ve made an effort to make that area private, and you expect privacy in that area.

There’s nothing stopping you from putting up a room divider/ privacy screen/ plant trellis and hanging out naked behind it on your balcony. Hanging out naked in plain view of all your neighbors could lead to an argument that those balconies are really a public space (distinct from public property) that no one would expect privacy on. Ex: one’s front yard by a public sidewalk, or a private event in a privately owned building but that has many guests.

It may also depend on how a specific jurisdiction’s indecent exposure laws are written.


Title: Contract marriage?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You're talking about committing fraud. She can be investigated by CID  and subject to Army disciplinary procedures.


Title: Can I press charges?

Question: My wife had an affair and I messaged the other party and asked him to stop trying to contact my wife and leave my family alone.  He responded by asking me for $4,000 to block my wife on all social media and phones and he would never try to contact her or anyone in my family again. Can I press charges or have him arrested for extortion/blackmail anything?

Answer: That isn't extortion or blackmail.


Title: Can I legally send my abusive ex a letter? [CO]

Question:
6 months ago my ex choked me and threatened to kill me. This was over the course of a 1 year relationship that was physically and emotionally abusive with one more large incident of choking/threatening my life that was not reported. There was no police report of that incident (or one prior where something similar took place), however there is a police report from two days later after he tried to break into my house. No one was charged and I don't think the cops even talked to him, but my roommate called the police and they came and took down information. There is also a report for two days after that when he brought the police over to my house to pick up his things (he told the police I cheated on him, but my roommate told them it was because he was abusing me, I'm not sure if those details are in the report though).

After that, he harassed me for a few months until I asked him for the money he owed me for the rent he never paid and damages he made my my apartment. I asked over Facebook since I have changed my number and IP is easy to track on email and I don't want him to have any way of finding where I am. He blocked me, so I ended up getting in contact with his mother and today, after six grueling months of getting this money from him, I finally got the check in the mail.

I am in therapy and am on the road to recovery. I have talked a lot about this with my therapist and whether or not I want to charge him for domestic violence. After much thought, I have decided not to (I said nothing about this to him or his mother). This was my personal choice, I decided that pursuing him legally would not make me happy or feel better about this situation and my therapist agreed it is probably the right decision for me right now. I still do have all the evidence I need to charge him, if I decide down the road that I made the wrong decision, although I doubt I will. I just want to move on.

However, I have been struggling. There are so many things I want to say to him, so many awful, awful things he did that I just need him to know about. I just... I don't know. I need closure. I want to send him a letter. I have written him out dozens and deleted them hoping just writing them would make me feel better- they haven't. I think I'm on a good path emotionally to understanding this situation, but something keeps nagging me in the back of my head... I just need to say something.

There ARE several messages from me to him asking him to not contact me anymore, leave me alone etc etc etc. But none of him asking me to not talk to him...

My ex roommate and best friend (the one who called and talked to the police) offered to send a letter I write to him over FB, he doesn't have her blocked. I'm still on the fence, I don't know if I'm going to even do it even if it is legal. I still think I might chicken out. But I want to know, can I? What would happen if I send it and then decide to charge him later? Since there are two reports of incidents between us, is it ok for me to be in contact with him? And is there a way I could screw myself over with the content in the letter if I were to send it?

I'm sorry if this is a stupid question. I just want to know what my rights are. I want to find a way to move on... I'm tired of waking up in the middle of the night afraid and I'm tired of getting flashbacks when people touch me. I have help, but I also want to do something on my own. I keep trying to move on and something keeps holding me back like I just need to say something to him. When I was younger someone hurt me and I never said or did anything, and it has always been an open wound for me, feeling like this person didn't even know what they did to me and the repercussions of their actions... It's haunted me for years that I didn't say something to them. I don't think I would write a *scathing* letter, just an honest one laying out all my emotions and hurt he caused me. The emotional and financial toll and burden he put on me and an urge to get mental health help... I feel like he's taken all my power, I want some of it back... Please be gentle, this is a difficult thing to talk about for me.

Anyways, thanks. I really hope this question is ok to ask and I don't end up being mocked on /r/bestoflegaladvice. I visit this sub a lot and generally think the advice is on point, professional and way less dogmatic and emotionally charged than /r/relationships, and I do want to know where I stand legally with this. Maybe this question is stupid and maybe I'm asking something really obvious. I don't know...

TL;DR: Want to send my ex who abused me a letter for closure through my friend's Facebook account. There are 2 police reports between us, though neither directly linked to the physical abuse. Is this legal? Would this get in the way if I tried to take him to court? Can I contact him, is this allowed? Please be gentle...

The incident happened in April in Denver, Colorado. I do not live in Denver anymore, but I am still in Colorado.

Edit: and even if it is legal, I am going to talk to my therapist before sending the letter.

Answer:
 I understand that this can help provide closure for you. I also know that you may have some deep hatred for your ex, but this is not a good idea. If you want to write it out on paper, maybe even drop it in a mailbox with no return address & no postage just to get your feelings out, that is a much better idea.

There is nothing against writing a letter so long as you do not threaten or harass him, but at the same time, you don't want to spur further contact. You don't know how he will react to receiving such a letter and you don't want your safety threatened. It is really best to try to move on outside of contact with the subject, albeit how much closure this may bring, it can also open up a whole can of worms.


Title: Uninsured person unsure how to seek compensation.

Question:
I was riding my bike home after a trip to the grocery store. As i was crossing an intersection a car went through the red light and hit me. I was checked out by paramedics on the scene and I declined transport to a hospital as I do not have health insurance. I am sore and plan on going to a hospital if the pain and difficulty moving does not go away by tomorrow morning. There was police response and a written report and I also have the at fault drivers information. What i am struggling to figure out is short of going to a claims court, how can I make sure the at fault driver's insurance pays for my now damaged bike, my groceries, and any possible medical bills?
Edit: this happened in chicago.

Answer:
 You call their insurance company and start the claims process.

Go to an urgent care instead of an ER if you are waiting until tomorrow anyway.  Everything is much cheaper, and you probably won't wait as long.


Title: Washington State - Is it legal to say you are someone's lawyer, even if you are not?

Question:
I am not in any way a lawyer.

My friend is having some problems negotiating the terms of their lease with their landlord. My friend is not very well-spoken, easily confused, and is easily taken advantage of, so I was hoping to call the landlord myself as my friend's "representative" so that I can do the talking for him. My friend is the one asking me to do this, and I have his express permission to do this. He would be next to me and would have final say over anything that happens.

This would purely be for negotiating, because I do better over the phone than he does. I wouldn't be making any legal threats or anything like that.

I'm mainly just asking what I am legally allowed to say. For example, is saying "I am John's attorney" illegal? What if I say "I am representing John." I wouldn't be using a fake name, I'm not trying to break any laws or do anything illegal, I am genuinely just trying to help my friend out of a hard spot.

Answer:
 You are free to say that you are his agent, so long as you make it clear that you are not an attorney, but if you in any way fail to make it clear that you are not an attorney and leave it such that the person you are talking to thinks you are then you are opening yourself up to engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.Answer #2: Saying you’re an attorney when you’re not is the unauthorized practice of law. Answer #3: Yes. That is illegal. Dont do it.

You cannot say you are an attorney or representing someone.


Title: Nude photos

Question:
Ok so like I recently posted about how I got scammed with purchasing a phone on facebook market place, well the person sent me a screenshot trying to say how there was nothing to do and saying because I'm not 18 that I'm stupid and all that, well where they sent a screenshot it was a screenshot on iphone and where they took it it shows their recent photos at the bottom, their are multipal pictures at the bottom of their private areas , so basically they sent nude photos to a minor is this bad because idk what to do, live in Ky btw.

Sorry if this seems all over the place

Answer: It does seem all over the place, it doesn’t even make sense, what screen from an iPhone would you take a screen show of that would show you recent pictures?  Also, why are you still talking to this person?  Also also, what’s your question.


Title: [NJ] Doctors Office Called my Mother with Private Medical Information

Question:
Edit: title should say gave my mother  MY Medical Information without permission.

I had called my GP's office a few months back asking about referrals to an orthopedist and a psychologist. The office girl said she would talk to the doctor and get back to me the next day. Three days later, I was annoyed that they hadn't called me back. I mentioned it to my parents, and my mom told me she had a message from the office who called *her* about it that day.

I'm 21 years old, and fully in control of my facilities. My mother is *only* on my file as an emergency contact. I did not want her to know I was seeing a psychologist, as it's my own medical business. Without my permission, the office never called me, but went straight to my mother. I have since reached out to them for a variety of issues, medical and not, and every single time they have called my mother instead of me, revealing my information in detail. I leave my cell number on the messages and it is also on file.

Is this a HIPAA issue? It's only ever been the office staff, not the doctor, and it's been going on since November. Once fine, but it's been 10+ calls completely bypassing me. What are my options here, if any? TIA

Answer: This is a big HIPPA violation.  It's to the point of being ridiculous.  File a complaint at your state's Office for Civil Rights.  Answer #2: Under New Jersey law, unauthorized disclosure of patient information is a violation giving rise to a private right of action for money damages as well as possibly attorney’s fees.  See Smith v. Datla.  What happens here was not just a HIPAA violation, it was also an actionable injury under state law. You should contact an attorney.Answer #3: In addition to reporting them as listed above, I’d change doctors, and take your mother off the emergency list.


Title: Being sued for an accident 2 years ago

Question: Got a letter from the state Marshall in c.t. about an accident 2 years ago where I rear ended a guy on the highway. The document contains around 40 "injuries" he sustained and is during me for 15k for the hospital bills and lost wages. They go from his neck back hand and foot. I have until the 30th to appear at the court or have a lawyer appear..im calling bullshit on this..should I call my old insurance company and tell them about this etc..i had coverage I had 25k 50k for injury

Answer: You can call bullshit all you want, but if you ignore it then you will lose by default.  Yes, you should contact your old insurance company, that's why you have insurance, so they can defend this sort of stuff.  Unless there is a dispute as to coverage they should hire the necessary attorney and take care of this for you.


Title: [Divorce] middle aged man in child custody battle with no more than 400$. I need help

Question:
I am really out of options here.  We are not divorced so there is no type of child care plan. In order for me to see my child I had to live with either her mom or her dad.
 Well one evening her dad freaks out on me and it no longer became safe for me to stay there. So I moved out. I haven't seen my son since. This goes back 8 weeks. His birthday is monday. Between my house payment and bills I virtually have no money left over to afford an attorney. I have shit credit and no way to make more. I have 450$ to my name outside of that and anyone that could help has. I called legal aid in my state and they denied my case for unspecified reasons. I am at a loss.
 As a result my son is being kept from me. His grandparents will not let him talk to me because for fear that they would be denied the right to see him. This is the type of person she is. I need your help.

Answer:
 You are going to need a court order. Try and find other legal aid or free/low-cost family law clinics in your state--call the bar association or any nearby law schools for referral.

If you absolutely can't come up with a lawyer, you can file on your own. This is not usually a good idea, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Depending on your state (which you didn't mention), you may be able to obtain the proper paperwork from the court, including obtaining a temporary order spelling out when you are allowed to see your child.


Title: child's choice

Question:
I have divorce papers stating the father gets time spent with our children, 10 yrs old, and 7 yrs old. The children do NOT want to go and stay with their father. They have told him themselves as well. Can he MAKE them go and stay with him if they do not want to, or do they get a choose. If he trys to make them go and stay with him, can the police help? who can i call for help?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 Yes he can make them. They are seven and ten, no one should be entertaining the illusion that they have a choice in this.

If you refuse him visitation he can go back to court and you will be at risk of losing custody time.Answer #2: Yes. Their is a court order. They don't get to choose. You need to facilitate this also.


Title: Background check for private schools? NJ

Question: My kids go to a very small private school (K-8 and about 50 kids total) in NJ and something concerning came up recently.  Apparently, my daughters 4th grade teacher was out and the subsitute for the day was the teacher's husband.  The class is about 10 kids and it is concerning to me having basically a stranger in charge of my daughter in class.  The reason this became a big issue is that my daughter claimed her arm hurt for whatever reason and this teacher "rubbed it to make it feel better."  This has me really questioning this schools policies of teachers and their backgrounds.  I have no idea who this man is and I very much doubt he was certified or underwent any background checks.  Is this school doing anything wrong or illegal by letting these people just waltz in to take care of these kids?  I'm still in the process of understanding what exactly happenes with my daughter but I feel strongly that even if it was "well-intentioned" it is really inappropriate.  Am I crazy or missing something?  Any advice?

Answer:
 If you want vetted proper background checks and qualifications for your educators take your kids to a public school.

Private schools have much broader authority to ignore all of those things. NJ has no state certification for a private school teacher.


Title: Getting sued by Capitol one- Houston Texas

Question:
I'm a bit in debt to Capitol one. and they are suing me. for breach of contract because I have not been able to pay. For quite a while. Due is 1300.

Before I stopped paying, I asked each time I called to make a payment if they could cancel my credit card. I read in a few places (online) that you can cancel a credit card that is maxed out, to prevent further debt.

I wanted to cancel my card because I would make a payment, and get my self out of maxed out mode, and the following month I would get a charge and it would put me back in the maxed out mode. We are talking about me making nearly $2000 in payments and not get out of maxed out mode.

I must have made 7 calls 1 email, and one snail mail to make a payment and request my account be closed and each time i was told that it would not be possible.

Am I incorrect in thinking they should have closed my account when I asked the first time that way I could get out of debt?

Answer: Closing the account doesn't stop the interest from accruing. Wherever you read that is either wrong or you didn't read it correctly.


Title: [IL] Got a court case against me, didn't get served

Question:
I have gotten very ill, spent months in the hospitals and lost my job. Buried with medial expenses and no source of income, I then defaulted on my loan with Lending Club (and others).

Got a mailer that attorneys want to help me and that a lawsuit has filed against me. I went on the IL Cook Country Clerk website and see there is a case against me and I must appear on April 5th. I have no idea where to go and what I can do to defend myself due to unable to pay, because I was never served with any information. I do have the information of the lawyers that are suing me from the Clerk's website.

What can I currently do? I have very little time and looking for advice. Thank you so much for your help.

Answer:
 You were likely served via public notice in a newspaper, which is allowed in IL.

Start poking around the Illinois State Bar Association website. They have a search feature to find attorneys licensed to practice in IL.Answer #2: hire an attorney if you can. Google free legal services resources in your area. go back to the courthouse and ask the clerk how to file an "Answer" in which you list at the very least the defense of "improper service."

do not miss your court date.

are you working?  you might be able to contact the law firm and negotiate a payment plan. Answer #3: You need an attorney.  Your attorney should reach out to the other party and should begin to work on your defense.

Now that you're aware of the case, do **not** ignore it.  Go to that court date on the 5th, and keep up with the case, even without an attorney.


Title: Restaurant won't refund my money and it's been a week. Owners won't answer my calls or respond to messages

Question:
Indiana, USA.Title. It's only $10 but thats not important. It bother me that they think they can just take money and no one will pursue them. I bought my food (paid half in card and half in cash) and when I received my order it was wrong. I just decided to get my money back and go somewhere else. They gave me my cash back and said they would refund my card. It's been 9 days and I haven't heard anything from them. They won't answer my calls or respond to Facebook messages (they read them but dont reply). What can I do here??
Topic:
Small Claims Procedure

Answer: ITT: OP trying to get justice for his $10 but wants to spend less than $10. Just leave a yelp review or something. Answer #2: Just do a chargeback on the card.


Title: Can a high school revoke your driver's license if you are excessively tardy?

Question:
My school just implemented this rule and I can't figure out how it is legal to do this....

I live in Indiana

Answer:
 1.  Your school itself can't revoke your license.

2.  Your school can report you to the DMV and DMV can revoke/suspend your license, if you are under 18.  [Indiana Code 9-24-2-1](http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Qmbi2GvAHacJ:https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2013/ic/titles/009/articles/024/chapters/002/pdf+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=opera) lays it all out.Answer #2: Driver's license?  No.  Parking permit?  Yes.Answer #3: > Can a high school revoke your driver's license if you are excessively tardy?

Maybe. How old are you?

Indiana does revoke your driver's license if you're expelled, and if you're 13 or 14 with ten or more unexcused absences ("habitually tardy") in a school year they can keep you from getting a license until you're 18. [Here is the law in question](https://iga.in.gov/static-documents/0/6/5/3/06534921/TITLE20_AR33_ch2.pdf) [PDF] and it's a bit hard to decipher but it appears that if you had those truancies before age 15 then:

    An individual described in subsection (a) who is at least
    thirteen (13) years of age and less than eighteen (18)
    years of age is entitled to a periodic review of the individual's
    attendance record in school to determine whether the
    prohibition described in subsection (a) shall continue.

The "prohibition in subsection (a)" is that a "habitual truant" ...

    may not be issued an operator's license or a learner's permit
    to drive a motor vehicle under IC 9-24 until the individual
    is at least eighteen (18) years of age.

At least that's how I read the law. Maybe my interpretation is wrong, and maybe there is an additional law.
Answer #4: The high school cannot revoke your license, but they can certainly inform the DMV that you have been excessively tardy, and the DMV can revoke it.  Many states have laws requiring revocation of driver's licenses for people who are truant from school, although I'm not sure if tardiness counts.


Title: Quick question about storage rights in apartment building. Can landlords throw things away inside storage unit?

Question:
Hello everyone,  I'm in Illinois (Chicago)

I currently have an apartment in a building that does not officially provide storage. There is a line in the lease that says 'no storage provided' and a different line that says (paraphrase) 'not responsible for lost or damaged items'.

In the laundry room/basement of the apartment are a bunch of storage units though. They have locking hooks and everything and a space for your own provided lock. I was told by the sales agent that they do not offer storage but we could use these at our own risk of damage or loss. When one opened up a few years ago, I put a lot of stuff inside it.

The other day the maintenance crew posted a sign that said that they are going to be performing general repairs in the basement and anything in the 'common' area will be discarded. I'm still waiting for clarification on what the common area is (everything outside of the storage units, or including the storage units), but are they allowed to throw your stuff away?  Is 3 days notice enough time?

I'm willing to do whatever to comply I just wanted to know if there is any legal advice regarding the amount of time I have to move things (is three day notice enough). Also, can they let everyone use the space for so long and suddenly remove everything?

Answer:
 Your lease states no storage provided. They also stated you could use it at your own risk of loss.

Why risk losing your stuff. Get it out of there. It's not in an area provided for your use under your lease.


Title: Is it legal to make servers stay after closing and still pay them server minimum wage? (TX)

Question: My girlfriend works at a restaurant that requires servers to stay 1-2 hours after the restaurant closes to perform other duties like cleaning and organizing silverware.  Is this legal as long as they make federal minimum wage over the course of their shift?

Answer:
 You mean when they aren't getting tips?

Answer #2: Not a lawyer.

From what I've learned reading this sub, it is legal so long as they make federal minimum wage (including their tips) over the full course of the working day.

It isn't illegal to be a douche.Answer #3: As long as the time spent on non-tipped duties (closing, rolling silverware, cleaning, etc.) is less than 20% of the work week, it is legal.  Minimum wage also needs to be met, calculated over the entire pay period.


Title: If government pays you compensation, can this compensation be taxed?

Answer: Of course. Don't you think government employees pay taxes?


Title: Free, reasonable legal help in the States

Question: [deleted]

Answer: If by "free" you mean "in exchange for money" there are plenty of attorneys in Michigan who can do the job.


Title: Left a crappy job and looking to be an OSHA whistleblower. How to make it hurt the most?

Question: I recently left my job in a meat processing plant. Needless to say, they do not treat their employees well. I had a workplace accident back 2011, and I found out today that they never reported this to OSHA because they had a previous violation due to a similar accident in 2008. How do I make this hurt

Answer:
 > How to make it hurt the most

By reporting the violations while you're still employed there and when they occurred. A 7-year-old and 10-year-old accident are not going to be of deep concern to OSHA at the moment.


Title: Can I face legal repercussions for a coworker hospitalizing themselves? (TX)

Question:
Preface: I'm a "heat seeker." I collect bottles of hot sauce and enjoy finding restaurants with hot food challenges. Usually I'll put sauces ranging from 800,000 - 4,000,000 Scoville's in most everything I eat depending on the flavor profile.

Further preface: coworker is apparently a thief.

I bring my lunch to work daily. Stored in the community fridge, clearly labeled with my name. We've had issues of late with complaints of food thieves but I'm yet to be victimized. The other day I brought pasta. As most individuals are intolerant of the flavors I enjoy, I do not keep any hot sauce at work, as means to avoid this exact upcoming predicament. Naturally, I still pre-seasoned the dish at home. And thus, as you were likely expecting, our notorious thief had his way with my homemade Italian cuisine to the most unfortunate of repercussions. I'm not aware if the individual had IBS or just a weak stomach, but they ended up hospitalized for dehydration from excessive vomiting and diarrhea. Should I be worried that they have any grounds to target me legally for medical expenses? The bossman is aware of what happened and has no issues with me or my "masochistic diet" as he calls it, but the individual who ended up being the thief is definitely the kind to refuse to accept responsibility and potentially sue. Does he have a leg to stand on?
Thanks!

Answer:
 Bossman has every right to fire the thief.Answer #2: You are fine. You labelled your food and he chose to eat it anyway. Plus, spicy food is subjective to the person eating it! Whose to say your intentions were malicious? Like you said, you enjoy your food hot! To a willing person no harm is done - he opted to eat your food.Answer #3: I had a similar problem once, I kept a bottle of Dave's Insanity Sauce in the work fridge, guy asked if he could borrow some of my hot sauce to liven up his leftover curry, I said sure, and as I opened my mouth to warn him, he gives it a shake like real tabasco and puts a lot, a good tablespoon, on his curry.  I warned him but he ate it anyway.  Dude looked sunburnt when he was done, his head turned that red.  I like hot stuff (obviously) but I can't imagine that much Dave's on a dish.  He took it like a champ though.

I told him to eat a bowl of ice cream afterward, he asked "why?" so tomorrow when you're on the shitter, we'll all hear you screaming "COME ON ICE CREAM!"Answer #4: Not that this answers your legal questions, but did this coworker eat ALL of the spicy pasta? Did this person not realize after a couple bites that the pasta was spicy as hell and then just insisted on finishing it anyways? I mean most people are aware of their spice tolerance or lack thereof right? Every person I know who can't handle spice also would not be able to handle eating a whole dish like this!


Title: [MI] Now living in [CO] Driver's License issue, COMPACT Law

Question:
Moved to CO in 2010. Took the bus for the better half of a year, and while accompanying a friend at the DMV I decided to talk to an agent to see what it would take to get driving privileges restored. (I had 2 prior DUI's that fell within a 7 year period in MI - 2004 and 2008). That resulted in immediate revocation of my Driving privilege. Understandable.

But after talking to the agent, they said Michigan is not part of the COMPACT law- so they could issue me a license (I would just have to do road test/vision test). Did all that, got my license.

Went to renew my license at the end of February. They said "no can do the law changed Feb 20th, Michigan joined the COMPACT". So since I was denied a license I was eligible for a hearing and scheduled that.

Went to the hearing. Told the hearing officer the law changed and my driving privileges are suspended due to the law change and the DMV won't issue a license.

He said he needed to do research and will get back to me in a week. One week turned into 4 weeks and I got a letter in the mail saying"MI is not part of the COMPACT Law and DL is restored".

So I went to the DMV. They gave me a hassle. They couldn't understand why the agent gave me free clearance because they said as of February all 50 states are part of the COMPACT law. But in his letter, which was sent to the DMV, he stated "MI is not part of the COMPACT" so they HAD to do over-rides and issue me a license based on his findings. They had to go with what the hearing officer said.

I was told at the DMV that even though I have a license (now) that I am going to have trouble in 5 years when I try to renew it.

I can't find 1 article...not one....stating Michigan joined the COMPACT law. Not even an inkling.

Here are the States as of June last year that are not members:
Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Tennessee.

Can anyone find an article from Feb. 20th stating a law change (COMPACT Law)?

Answer: Michigan isn't a compact state. But they exchange information and take adverse action, meaning they honor out of state license suspensions.


Title: Little brother's new girlfriend is pregnant, not his kid.

Question:
My brother(20) started dating one of his friends(23). She is about 4-5 months pregnant from a previous boyfriend.  He ran as soon as he found out she was pregnant and doesn't want anything to do with the baby. My brother is ok with the situation and really likes this girl. He is already talking about marriage next fall, they have known each other for a few years.

I really like the girl too and think she is good for him. I do think he is moving a little fast. What does he need to make sure he does(or doesn't do) so he doesn't get stuck with paying for the baby if they don't stay together?

Edit: This is in the US, Georgia state.

Answer: Don't sign the birth cert/paternity paperwork. Answer #2: don't get married before the birth and don't put his name on the birth cert, but if they start living together and he basically starts raising the kid, unless the bio dad is paying support, your brother might be on the line as the father figure if they split.


Title: ON, CAN-Interrogated at work for two hours on how I could afford my purchases

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You could have stopped answering personal questions.


Title: [NJ] My rented parking space was moved to another space in my garage that my car barely fits in. What can I do?

Question:
Brief Backstory: I rent a parking spot in a garage in Northern NJ for $175/mo. When I first obtained my spot, I was unable to see the actual parking spot (the rental office and parking garage are in different locations). After signing the paperwork and making it to the garage, I found that I was given the very last spot up against the wall. The smallest spot in the garage by far. This is considered "Spot #1"

http://i.imgur.com/BCAP1St.png

My car fits, but barely, and that's only because my neighbor noticed how bad my situation is and intentionally gives me extra space. However, I shouldn't *have* to rely on my neighbor to be able to park.

Anyway, I kept this spot for a good year and a half and called the management company periodically to see if I could switch spaces to a vacant one. I was always told nothing was available and that I'd have to keep checking, until I sent another email mid May and got a response saying that "Spot #3" was available and I could switch to it. Thank god! This was about 6-8 weeks ago. I switched and all was well.

Fast forward to yesterday, I get a phone call from the management company saying "Hi, although we discussed moving your spot to #3, it turns out that was a mistake on my part and we have to move you back to spot #1". I told the woman on the phone how I was not happy with the fact that I am suffering due to their screw-up. I was told that I'd be getting a call back today when she "talks to her supervisor" about possibly giving me this spot at a discounted rate. By the time I got home from work, there was already another car in Space #3. At the end of the day, I just want a spot I can fit in. Yesterday when I got home I couldn't even park back in Spot #1 because my neighbor (to my left) hasn't left extra space recently since he knows I wasn't in that horrid spot anymore. I literally wasn't able to fit.

I decided to measure the spot. And the width is 5 ft 8 inches from the inside of the yellow line on the left, to the cement block on the right of the space. There is also a bracket/pipe that encroaches into my spot (pic below). Can they even legally charge me for such an undersized spot? I tried researching 'minimum parking spot sizes' but did not find anything directly helpful. Are they even allowed to just move me like that against my will?

It's unfortunately the same management company I rent my apartment from so I don't want to create any bad blood. What should I do?

This is how much space I have when my neighbor doesn't give extra room: http://i.imgur.com/8NutDxB.jpg

This is what the 'pipe and bracket' look like: http://i.imgur.com/cVczzoS.jpg

I'm worried there isn't much that can be done here, and I am hoping I'm wrong.

Answer:
 Honestly that looks more like the access space for that stuff on the wall in the corner rather than an actual parking space. Answer #2: I'm curious what OP can do if he approaches the management company, tells them the parking space size is well below the minimum recommended size, and they tell him, "Tough luck."

Could he take them to small claims court? Who would he report them to?


Title: If you breach an NDA while giving testimony in court, is that testimony thrown out the same way evidence is when obtained illegally?

Answer:
 That would very likely depend on the type of proceeding.

From what I've seen of judges in big boy civil court (not small claims), if you're under oath and answer a question with "I'm not allowed to disclose that information under a contractual obligation" the judge is going to be happy to order you to do it anyway, thus relieving you of your burden.  The interest of justice generally trumps your NDA.

In a criminal trial, NDAs are not a valid excuse not to answer any question, and testimony is not thrown out, again, because the interest of justice is greater than the NDA.

Most NDA's pertain to trade secrets and/or business contact lists, which don't really make for exciting testimony.

Forcing your sub-dealers to sign an NDA so you can be a drug kingpin is not advised.  It won't work.


Title: Offered a Crypto Internship in San Fran, CA, made arrangements for the job and then the company withdrew offer saying there was no offer!

Question:
Hello ladies and gentlemen,

&#x200B;

To clarify I am a British guy whom was offered a job in CA, the company which I won't disclose their name as of yet offered me a position to be an intern.  An executive member of staff offered me the job via email. During the negotiation period conducted by the same member of staff the CEO messaged informing me that the position had now been changed from in-office to remote, having been originally told that the position was in-office I argued the point saying that you offered me an in-house role thereby I believe it is fair that you honor your decision. However, she emailed me back saying that an agreement could not be made despite another member of the executive team offering me a full time internship - a truly monumental dog shit communication issue.

&#x200B;

To rub salt in the wounds the CEO then replied to my next email in which I displayed proof of a job offer and evidence of flights which I had cancelled (I was originally going to travel to Brazil to see friends - then was offered the job so I cancelled it as the opportunity was great). She replied saying, "I don't believe we have made any offer to you". Thereby, making an attempt to avoid responsibility in regards to refunding my flights and wasting my time.

&#x200B;

If anyone has any background in law in the U.S. could you please let me know if I have any legal ground here, it would be massively appreciated!!

Answer:
 Assuming you have a firm offer from them and made plans dependant upon that offer, you *may* have a case for promissory estoppel and they *may* have a responsibility to reimburse you for expenses you incurred relying upon them.

If you went that route you would probably need to speak to a lawyer in California and file a claim there, so it may in fact be cheaper for you to let it go. Answer #2: Can you share the contents of what you perceived to be the "job offer"?


Title: Roommate got fired from messages he doesn't remember sending. What should he do?

Question:
Tl;Dr: Roommate got fired over sexual harassment towards a minor. Has no recollection of doing so. We think his account was hacked. How do we clear his name and get his job back?

Today my roommate got fired from MalWart as soon as he clocked in. Apparently, a girl (minor) he had a falling out with a couple of years back in high school as friends claims that he sent her sexual messages and even a dick pic.

My roommate was confused when told about it and has no record of the conversation because he hasn't spoken to this girl in years. But the manager of the store had a print out of the messages.

My issue is from the way they were described, my roommate doesn't talk like the messages do. He's either very formal or silly in his messages. He talks like an old person on messenger. The messages the girl received say something about him "being too big" to find anyone, despite that he's engaged to my other roommate who...well quite frankly loves their sex life.

The girl apparently asked "What about your boo?" And whoever responded didn't use my other roommate's name. He always uses her name, especially if it her people don't call her by it.

This is just all to suspicious because he hasn't spoken to this girl or even seen her at work that often. Plus, we think that this may be havking done by someone we all know who likes my roommate and wants to fuck him, but can't cause 1) he's straight and 2) he's engaged. This guy doesn't like me or my roommate's fiancee and has been known to have other people's Facebooks, phones, email, and has even driven someone to suicide before.

My question is, what do we do? We've tried looking up how to handle it on Facebook, went to the cops, tried seeing if there was another account in his name and none of that helped.

So where do we go from here?

Answer:
 The only suspicious thing in that story is that you believe him. "I have no recollection" is bullshit.

Regardless, his employer can fire him over this, regardless of how credible it is. Answer #2: > So where do we go from here?

Your roommate should look for a new job.Answer #3: >How do we clear his name and get his job back?

You don't.  Even if you *do* manage to clear his name, it will make no difference; his employer is under no obligation to give him his job back.

>My question is, what do we do?

You do nothing.  Your friend looks for another job.Answer #4: Your roommate finds a new job. His employer isn’t taking him back after this, regardless of what happens next.

If he’s contacted by the police he should politely decline to answer their questions and retain an attorney.

Someone here will talk about pursuing this other person for defamation. I suppose that’s possible. Though for me, where exposing oneself to a minor is on the table, if it can fade away, it should fade away. Especially where there so little to gain.


Title: [Minnesota]Time to prepare for the worst w/my tenant or not?

Question:
I'm a first-time landlord, using Renters Warehouse as a Property manager.

In the last two weeks, my tenant has installed an ADA ramp (not a huge deal, just would have appreciated a heads up) requested a Dog (rejected) and requested a convert my hookups from gas to electric (will reject).  Prior to all this they also requested a service call for flooding in the basement...ended up being because they had unhooked the outflow tube from the washer that went to the sink to drain...and in order for that to happen they must have manually removed it, as it was clamped to the sink when we lived there.

In the listing, it was stated that pets are negotiable w/a deposit.  They applied and stated they would not have a dog.  But now they want a Husky puppy, and I would not approve the breed for numerous reasons.  I love Huskies but don't want one in my rental.

They responded saying they were upset, as they had already put down a $300 non-refundable deposit.  That didn't change my stance.

Now over the weekend, they submitted a request, stating that because the Mom (it's Mom, daughter and daughter's BF) in the house is on oxygen, they need an electric stove and not a gas one.  So they want us to replace the stove and convert from gas to electric.

Renters Warehouse said that this was not something that we needed to do.

Frankly though, as one of the tenants is disabled, I'm concerned that eventually they will work to get the dog unilaterally allowed as a "therapy dog" and try to contend the stove should be converted to electric for safety reasons.

I'm starting to think I should be reaching out to a lawyer experienced with Landlord/Tenant law just to make sure my ducks are in a row...am I overthinking it?

Also - if they continue to have issues with the place, can I (without involving a lawyer) amend the lease so that they can leave early?  It's a 24 month lease and we are 2 months in at this point.  I should also note that the gas stove was a **selling point** for the house when they walked through.

I realize many will just say "Talk to a Lawyer" and I most likely will at some point have a consultation regardless of what Reddit says...but I know most people on here are also experienced in deciphering what is and isn't something to be concerned about, so that's why I'm reaching out.

TL;DR - Tenants seem like they could be troublesome...is it time to consult with a lawyer or am I overthinking things?

Answer:
 Your insurance might exclude huskies anyway, if they aren't service dogs.  Go read your policy.

Therapy dogs or emotional support dogs or whatever are not the same thing as [service dogs](http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html).  This has a specific legal definition.


Title: Anyone have experience with using online sites to expunge a misdemeanor?

Question:
E.g. cleanupmyrecord.com? I live in WA state and have a 4 year old misdemeanor. I meet all the requirements and I want to get the conviction expunged but I no longer live in the county where I was convicted.

I want the easier, fastest way to get the charge taken care of. Would anyone here recommend one of the many online sites that claim they can expunge convictions for you?

If no, would it be best to seek out a lawyer in the county where the conviction was?

Thanks guys!!

Answer:
> cleanupmyrecord.com?

According to their site, they only do work in California.

> If no, would it be best to seek out a lawyer in the county where the conviction was?

That would be best, yes.  They're likely to better know of your chances for success, and your local court's rules.


Title: Rental is unfit for occupation after Hurricane Florence

Question:
TLDR: The ceilings collapsed because the landlord failed to replace the roof before the hurricane. Am I responsible for rent until I remove my property and complete my move out inspection? Should I look for a lawyer?

The roof to our house was leaking prior to the hurricane. I had sent several emails in the year prior about losing shingles with no one coming out to inspect. They were notified in late June/early July about the leaking, and the company who came out said it needed to be completely replaced as it was missing tar in some areas. I called them again in mid August to say the roof was still leaking at the front window, but no one came out this time.
Hurricane Florence hit, and all the water leaked through the roof causing the ceilings to collapse and extensive water damage. There is fiberglass insulation covering the only bathroom, second bedroom, and living room. We vacated the property immediately.
I sent an email to the property manager detailing the damage with pictures and a second email to terminate my rental contract under NC GS 42-12. They replied stating we are responsible for rent until we provide a receipt for the carpets to be professionally cleaned (per our lease), all possessions are removed from the property, and a move out review can be completed by their office. It's not unreasonable to say we have to get our destroyed property off the premise, but my understanding is that we cannot be charged rent after the date of destruction.
I already filed a claim with my renters insurance for our personal property.

Answer: Change your language from "unfit for occupation" to "uninhabitable." A house without a ceiling or a bathroom is uninhabitable and in most states (maybe all) they can't enforce a lease on such a property, never mind charge you full rent to live there.Answer #2: Yes. Because it is entirely feasible for you to clean the carpets when the ceiling has collapsed upon them. I'd go for a realty attorney. Your landlord is obviously not going to be reasonable about this and a scary letter on attorney letterhead may change their mind. Answer #3: No carpet cleaning company is going to just come on in and clean carpets around moldy wet fiberglass insulation covering the house with no roof. That’s laughable. If you have to, call a couple reputable companies, describe the situation in all it’s gory detail, and ask them if they are willing. When they laugh at you, ask them to put their refusal in writing via email. Forward those emails to the landlord. You did your due diligence to attempt to do what they’ve asked. And it might make them wise up.


Title: Diversity in the workplace

Question:
I work at a tech company in Colorado.  Today, one of the employees shared an article about our company saying how we are promoting diversity in the workplace.  The article said that tech has been a "boys club for white men" and that women and other races are needed to "disrupt the rules created by them."

The article talked about how the company is promoting inclusivity and tolerance, but to me, it seemed like they were singling out white men and demonizing them for some reason.  I personally have never seen the "boys club" that was mentioned, and I don't know what "rules" were created that need to be disrupted.

I feel like the article not only harmed white males, but also women and minorities because it makes it look like they are not being hired because they are great, talented people, but instead because there is a quota of diversity that needs be met.  I would love for us to hire the best people no matter what they look like.

The article made me feel uncomfortable, but am I overreacting here?  No one else seemed to care, and I feel like maybe I am just crazy.  This is also not the first time the company has done something like this.  They have talked in the past about how interviewing candidates should "not just be done by a group of white men," and once in a while they host women-exclusive events.

Is it legal for a company to share these sorts of articles and do all of this?

Answer: Generally speaking yes. No laws were broken.


Title: [VA] Ex is threatening to throw away son's cell phone.

Question:
TL;DR - My ex, who is not the biological father of my 14 year old son, is threatening to throw away his cell phone; would I have any legal recourse if he did?

My 14 year old's bio dad has not been around since day 1; I met my ex when my son was 2.  My ex and I we were together for about 6 years and had another son before we split.  My ex was the only dad my eldest knew so we agreed to have 50/50 custody of both boys so that they didn't have to be split up.  Everything was going fine until a few years ago and he stopped paying for his half of health insurance and now he's $14k in debt to me (although this doesn't have much to do with the story).

My husband and I were thinking of getting my eldest a cell phone for his 13th birthday and I asked my ex for his thoughts, which turned into no.  A few months later my ex bought my eldest a track phone (the kind that you have to pay for minutes and data); he didn't ask me before he bought him the phone but I didn't think anything of it.  My ex didn't supply him with additional minutes beyond what he originally bought him, so he didn't ever use the phone.

We bought him a phone as part of his 14th birthday gift last year; and ever since my ex had been demanding that I tell him why I bought the cell phone.  I've been ignoring his requests because I don't feel the need to respond when he bought him a phone too.  Now because I have ignored his multiple requests he is threatening that he'll throw the phone in the trash if I don't respond.  If he does throw it in the trash, will I have any legal recourse?

Answer: Isn't the phone yours, and on your plan?   You son is using your phone.   So yes, your ex throwing away your phone would result in a small claims court case.


Title: Is it blackmail to threaten someone with embarrassment based on a public post of their own?

Question:
Could someone please let me know if what I did is a crime? He was trolling a public FB post of a gay couple with homophobic slurs, and I posted the comment at the end.

http://imgur.com/NxVeoG9

Does that constitute blackmail, to put up a condition lest I further publicize comments that are already public?

He didn't apologize and deleted his comment, which I expected, and that caused all replies to also be deleted, including mine.

I'm curious to find out the legality of this because I usually send screenshots of public bigoted posts to people's employers, but since this guy is self-employed, I thought I'd take this route instead.

I'm in Brazil and this person is in the UK. Thank you in advance.
Topic:
Non-US

Answer: I doubt an international court cares about two people slinging shit at each other online. Don't sweat it.


Title: [North Carolina] Who owns the raw materials in an unfinished construction project?

Question:
I contracted for a guy to build a fence dividing my property from the adjoining lot back in March. Its a 550 ft section and he has only managed to get 5 posts up. Not only has it taken him 4 months to do 5 posts but the work is very sloppy. I told him to stop all work and wait til he hears from me again.

My question is who owns the raw material? I fronted him the cash (I have receipts for all the money he received from me) for the boards and they have sat in that field since March and most are now warped. I do not want to eat the cost of those since they are now unusable. Am I able to ask for my money back, or since he used that to buy the boards am I forced to just accept the boards as my refund?

Answer:
 > My question is who owns the raw material? I fronted him the cash [for the lumber]

That doesn't mean the lumber belongs to you. But that issue is a red herring.

> Am I able to ask for my money back, or since he used that to buy the boards am I forced to just accept the boards as my refund?

The deal was that he would build you a fence. If he didn't do it by the deadline, then one of your available remedies is a refund - not of lumber, but of money. Because you didn't give him lumber. You gave him money.


Title: Dad had $2000 taken from Joint Account without authorization. Anything we can do?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 It's not a crime to withdraw money from an account with your name of it

Your dad may be able to sue her for it, but it could be an uphill climb.


Title: I'm filing my first ever small-claims court suit against a fraudulent moving company. Is there a way to search if a company has ever been sued before? I think it would help my case if I could show this company has a history of screwing people over (Quebec, Canada)

Question:
Moving company absolutely screwed over my family when we moved. They used underage labor, they lost boxes, they destroyed property, they upped our fee by 50% without telling us and held our boxes hostage until we paid. They forced me to sign paperwork saying all the boxes were there and in undamaged condition before a single box had even been unloaded...I could go on and on. It was the worst experience of my life.

So I'm planning to take them to small claims court. It would really help if I could say "Look, this is a pattern with these guys. They've been to court X number of times before". Is there a way to search pass claims to see if they've been sued, who sued them and what the outcome was?

Thanks!

Answer: You can search reported decisions by keyword, or by case name, on [CanLii](https://www.canlii.org/en/).


Title: (Los Angeles)A Power and Water company is billing me $53,000 for electric pole damage

Question:
Approximately 2 years ago I was involved in a car accident; I was turning left and was hit by someone catching the yellow light and my car was sent into a power pole.

I had full coverage with my insurance, 15/30
And I was found at fault.

Now, two years later I have received a letter from  Power and Water company billing me approx. $53,000.  Mentioned in the bill is The Code of Civil Procedures Section 308, which permits for the presentation of damage bills within three years of occurrence.

The bill is broken down as such:
Labor - $29,052.46
Transportation - $2,582.19
Pole - {no amount listed}
Materials - $16,398.16
10% Administrative and General Expense - 4,803.28

This seems like an egregious amount of money.

What is my best route of action? How can I fight this, who can I talk to? How can I ensure my credit score is not demolished?

Thank you for all your help, greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 > What is my best route of action? How can I fight this, who can I talk to?

Give it to your insurer. There may be some amount of property damage coverage remaining under your policy then in effect.

>  How can I ensure my credit score is not demolished?

Tell them that you've sent the bill to your insurer and they may give time for it to work its way through there before doing anything else with it.Answer #2: Talk to the insurer you had at the time of the accident. If you only had minimum coverage (15/30/5), the property damage portion has likely been exhausted, but maybe not, and they can also tell you if that is in fact an egregious amount or fairly standard.


Title: California: I discovered that I have been paying full the electricity for the entire 7 unit storage area underneath my apartment. There is nowhere in the lease that states that I am paying for that. Any recourse?

Question:
As the title states, I live in California. I recently moved into a new apartment, so I cut the power to my old one.

When I cut the power, the power also shut off below my unit. Below my unit, is a 7 unit storage area. My neighbor has kept a fan on 24/7 for a year, because he believes that it helps with mold. Every unit also has a light switch and there is also a main light switch.

I was not aware that I have been paying for the electricity down there. It is not mentioned in the lease.

Do I have any recourse?

Thanks for your help.

Answer:
 Is the bill through the landlord or power company?Answer #2: Look into CA Civ 1940.9. They are required to either notify you of this if they know about it (hard to prove they do), or failing that, once you notify them that your power is being supplied to other dwellings they have to reach an agreement with you as to whom is responsible for this.

Seeing as this is at the end of the lease they could tell you to shove off.

I would recommend asking for a total reimbursement of all gas and electricity costs for your tenancy and if that fails, look into taking this to court.


Title: [MA] Landlord wont let me rent to black people.

Question:
I recently signed a lease and moved into an apartment in a house in Massachusetts. It is a two bedroom apartment but the lease I have with her is just with me with the understanding that I would find someone to rent the room to. The lease says that new tenants need to be accepted by her. I have been bringing people by the apartment to see the room with the hopes that I could rent it to one of them.

Today my landlord found me outside and asked me if I found someone yet. I told her I had not. She said "ok, just, no Blacks and no Hispanics". I told her that this was not ok and that this was illegal, to which she responded "I know, I've just had bad experiences" and that "I live alone [downstairs]". I told her that was not made part of the lease that I signed and that I may not have agreed to sign if I knew this was a condition.

At this point I am not sure what to do. I feel like I can't find a roommate since I won't post discriminatory housing ads and if I find a roommate who is black I have to get her approval (which she obviously wont give even if she doen't now provide a reason). Do I have grounds to terminate the lease? What if she refuses to give back my deposit (last month's rent)? I don't have a recording (don't worry I am aware of my states laws regarding recording) or written statement from her saying these things and if I took her to small claims I don't see why should wouldn't just deny it.

Thanks for any advice.

Answer:
 As a practical matter, you should probably post a normal ad and submit the candidate you like best to the landlady. If the landlady refuses, just pass that along to the candidate and submit your second choice to her. I'd normally be all for standing on principle, but having a negative relationship with your landlord can be a real nightmare, so I'd just carry on with the roommate search as normal and let the racist do the refusing if she must.

Also, just from my experience in looking for roommates in MA, the unfortunate reality is that your applicant pool is likely to be lily-white anyway, so the racist landlady will probably get what she wants just from demographics.


Title: Comcast and my apartment association is charging me $1,200 for performing some repairs I never asked for.

Question:
Hi /r/legaladvice, first off I just want to say how grateful I am for anyone in here that takes their time to help others.

Now to the case at hand, I live in Boca Raton, Florida and my apartment association contacted me today, telling me that I need to pay $1,200 because some Comcast repair people spent six hours doing work with cables inside my apartment. First off I never gave permission to Comcast or anyone to enter my house and start doing repair work (specially make 4 huge holes in my wall and just leave them there). Apparently my apartment association president had a key and just led them right in.

I told the association why I should be paying for this if I never asked for this? I'd rather cancel Comcast than pay $1,200 for some repairs. They said something about a violation because a wall from the kitchen was removed (was removed by the previous owner) and that due to that wall not being there the whole building didn't have Comcast (which is false because I've been living there for years without that wall) and also they said the Comcast people couldn't locate the cables and so they spent six hours making holes and stuff and now I have to pay. I barely have enough to get by and I can't afford to pay $1,200 to Comcast and my association, any help would be much appreciated thanks.

Answer:
 Not a lawyer, but I am a comcast expert.  Sounds like you have a neighbor who was having service issues due to interior building wiring that was either damaged or so old that it wasn't functional anymore.  Comcast will, in that situation, work with the owner of the building to have a contractor company rewire the building.  Sounds like when the previous owner removed that wall, the existing coaxial wires were relocated. That may or may not have been done correctly, which resulted in the rewiring crew  having to locate when the new cable runs were located.

Most likely the property owner is attempting to recoup the rewire expense by charging you, you would need to dispute it with them. Comcast and the property owner would have an agreement on cost before the work was done.

For the holes in the wall, you should call comcast and have them submit a damage claim to get them fixed, they never should have been left.

Edit: Thinking about it more, the holes in the wall were probably done by building maintenance, not the contractor.  Still worth putting in a claim with Comcast so you can receive an official response if you need to hold your property owner responsible. Answer #2: What has Comcast said about the claims the apartment association is making?Answer #3: Curious about a few more facts:  Permission or not, was there any kind of notice from your landlord?  Were you provided a bill of any sort?  Did they repair your walls at least?


Title: Can I Sue an Ambulance?

Question: Yesterday night I was drinking and I decided to go for a walk down my street, I don't live in a city so it's a kinda rural street. I walked for a few hundred feet then got tired and slept under some trees- I think I got naseous so I wanted to lay down. Anyway I wake up to an ambulance a driver called when they saw me on the ground. They sat me up and when I realized what was going on after just having woke up- I tried to stand up and walk home only a few hundred feet away. If I could walk to this spot I could surely walk back to my house. But the EMT guys would not even let me TRY to stand up, they held me sitting. Then they put me in the ambulance and then I'm in the hospital waiting for them to release me for hours. They gave me a chest xray, saline to make me pee for a drug test, and that was it. I feel like I was forced a hospital visit when I could have easily made my way back home, and now I am probably gonna have to pay thousands as a bill. I should have a right to refuse treatment but they would not let me, now they're gonna charge me. People pass out drunk all the time in places, but because someone called an ambulance on me I have to pay a huge bill for a treatment that didn't even help me? I really want to know my legal options now, thanks.

Answer: No, you cannot sue the ambulance for this.Answer #2: No, you have no viable suit here.


Title: Woman lied about my son touching her daughter and convinced a friend to lie about my daughter touching her son.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 How do you know the woman told the other mother to lie about your daughter?Answer #2: I'm not sure what your legal question is. Are you asking how to get them to stop saying your daughter is touching their kids?

You can sue them for libel/slander (potentially).

This all sounds very juvenile to be honest.


Title: (WI) Need help understanding how my employer is able to pay me under minimum wage when I'm not making tips.

Question:
I am a tipped employee (delivery driver) and make $4.75 an hour. However, at the end of every shift I have to clock out as a driver and clock in as a dishwasher and wash dishes for 35-45 minites. When I'm clocked in as a dishwasher, I am not making tips but my employer claims they can still pay me $4.75 an hour. I've looked at my state's wage laws and, from what I can understand, if I am not making tips as they are defined by the laws, then it is illegal for my employer to not pay me the minimum wage.

I just need someone who actually knows this stuff to tell me if there's some loophole I can't find that they are using in order to pay me less. I would just talk to them about it, but I fear I would lose my job and I can't afford that right now.

Answer:
 contact your states labor dept like yesterday. Your boss thinks they figured out a loophole, but in all honesty, blatant and obvious attempts at fucking the employees like that are what they live for.

even at a tipped wage if you don't make enough to average the minimum wage across every hour you work they're obligated to make up the difference. Answer #2: You are correct: just because an employee receives tips and is paid a tipped wage for some of their duties does not mean the employer escapes their obligation to pay minimum wage for other, non-tipped duties.

https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/labor_standards/complaint_process.htm


Title: Parents making Child abuse allegations a second time to DCF... (Florida, polk/lake county)

Question:
It's a very long LONG story and main issue is my parents really want custody of my daughter.
They accused my fiance once of abuse, he was cleared. Police and dcf cleared him. He passed a polygraph...daughter failed interview
 wit CPS (meaning she couldnt keep her story straight and made it clear the story was somewhat fed to her). Here I am Months later and parents had my daughter (shes 5) tell a doctor she was abused (Dr. called in DCF) and now DCF is coming to my house again later today to investigate......wtf??? The investigator last time told me if she ever was to bring this up, I am able to bring up the past case to whoever she tells and DCF wont pursue cause the case has been cleared and closed. Im lost. Why are they doing this again when the month long investigation proved he was innocent and that it was tales fed to her by my mother. Whats going to happen this 2nd time around? Are we going to go thru this same process?

Edit 1: I spoke to DCF again, and they may not interview my daughter again since she has already been interviewed. But they still want to interview me and my fiance. He already went thru a polygraph. We both done the interviews. We proved the allegations were false the first time. Thats why they wanted to close the case so fast the first time.... Im just emotionally overwhelmed at this point.

Edit 2: Just spoke to DCF....at this time no police cause this seems to them to be my daughter repeating herself. They say they will try to close this within 7 days and have my daughter do a forensic interview. They are hopeful due to the fact evidence shows my daughter is very imaginative and has made it obvious in her past interview that she confuses imagination with reality. As in regards to my mom,  they said for her to stay there for the 7 days till my fiance is once again clear and then she can come back to stay with me. They said also my mother has no legal grounds to keep her away from me. In fact they are going to speak to my mom and tell her that if she refuses to hand ,my daughter over to me in the future...she will be arrested for kidnapping. Im hopeful that this will clear over. They recommend her seeing a therapist which I am going to pursue along with her coming to school closer to me. Thank you for all who gave me advice and support. I will for sure keep updates going if anything new happens. But as of right now, its looking good on my side. No police will be involved at the time and if all things check out, this case will be written off as just a checkup.

Answer:
 >Months later and parents had my daughter (shes 5) tell a doctor she was abused

How did that happen? Why and how do your parents have sufficient access to have your daughter tell anyone anything after what happened before? Answer #2: Why do your parents still have any contact with your daughter?


Title: Friend Had outstanding warrant for DUI in New York, who now lives in California, and just caught up with him... After 6 years

Question:
Is as it reads. Made work friends with a guy who is a trust fund kid. Great guy but horrible worker. But everyone rallied with him because he was such a nice guy. Anyhoo, there was an altercation with his roommate in the house he owns and the cops were called by a neighbor due to the noise and the because it was late. Cops show up, put them both in handcuffs and he sits for 2 hours while they run his info. All the while he's wondering what the hold up is. They inquire about a DUI charge he has/had in NY and he tell them it was cleared up years ago. After the 2 hours they let him go. Fast forward a week later. He's in his front yard dealing with a gopher problem and 5-0 shows up asks for his ID and haul him away(we find this out later.) We don't know where he is as he doesn't show up to work. His girlfriend calls in sick for him and says someone passed away and he had to go to New York. No biggie. But a couple days go by, he hasn't contacted anyone. We find out by going to his house and talking to his roommate that he went to jail. We looked up where he is and he's in Santa Rita jail, no bond, been in since memorial weekend (no one died in New York) and is scheduled for court July 1st for extradition to New York for a DUI from 2010. He's a 30 year old trust fund man child who always shows up late, leaves early and plays video games for an unhealthy amount of time, makes impulse purchases (like thousands of dollars worth) then gets bored of them and gives them away. As much of a shit worker he was, he had a kind heart and needs help. What can I and a few of us do to help out his situation?

Tldr: Friend with 6 year outstanding DUI warrant in New York, now in California, got found and is being held on no bond for extradition. How can I help, if at all?

Answer:
 What do you honestly think you can do? The guy has money and can hire his own attorney. So move on. He made choices. These are the consequences. Answer #2: You can offer money or moral support. Neither are likely to help him. Warrants never go away unless some sort of action is taken. Merely being 6 years old is nothing, we have warrants pending for 25+ years on people who are probably dead.

I'm surprised NY wants to pay to extradite over a misdemeanor. Something tells me it's not a simple DUI.


Title: Can you claim anything with only someone's drivers license after a minor bump?

Question:
So I drive a manual car, I rolled into the car in front of me on a slight slant.

\*NO VISIBLE DAMAGE\* a little yellow paint came off my licenses plate onto his bumper.

It was so minor, we got out, I said sorry. We agreed it would likely buff out. I gave him my number and said let me know if it needs a touch up. He asked for a picture of my ID...I thought that was odd, but it was a younger looking guys so I agreed. I foolishly didn't take a picture of his car. He called me the next day and said he wanted to take the car to his mechanic because "it was knocked into neutral from drive when it was bumped" I thought that was strange but told him over the phone if the yellow marks from my plate didn't buff out I'd do him right and to please let me know once he got his car washed.

Days later, I get a call from a lawyer asking for my insurance information because I failed to give it to his client at the time of the crash. I declined to give him any info.
Now I think this guy might try to take advantage of the situation, can he do anything with my drivers license that he has a picture of?
No police were involved when I bumped him.

Answer:
 Any time you get in to an accident. ANY TIME. You need to take pictures, then contact your insurance company and exchange insurance information with the other driver. This is to protect yourself in the event that someone tries to make up details later.

He has your name and address, he can take you to small claims court for any damages. It is in your best interest to contact your insurance company, explain what happened, and take their advice moving forward.


Title: Say I bet on someone winning in the triwizard tournament.

Question:
Say I make a legally binding contract with someone that if my guy wins in this competition I don't need to pay them back. Then my guy is tied for first with someone else so they say that I do not get my money back because "the contract was that your guy wins, not that your guy is tied for first".

Do they have a case in court? Who is right, legally speaking?

Answer: Just pay the money back, Ludovic. You can't hide from the goblins forever.