Title: Woman and man picked me up and wanted me to cash a check and I deposit 100 into my account, I did it and now I feel like I have did unshakable feeling of dread and I'm helping them do something illegal, they want me to do it on Thursday .

Question: [deleted]

Answer: The way this works is that they have you deposit a bad check. You give them the money and they let you keep some amount. When the check is found to be bad (the bank will make the funds available as a courtesy, but won't verify the check til later) the bank will claw the funds back and you'll be in the negative because you already gave the money in cash to the people. Don't do this.


Title: Apparently sued the wrong company with the same name...what now?

Question:
***NOTE: FICTITIOUS NAMES USED THROUGHOUT***

So, back in November of 2016, I filed suit against my old apartment complex, Apartment Complex, over security deposit issues. I am located in the state of Florida. Apartment Complex is owned by Apartment Management Company, LLC. Because the letter where they actually took back the deposit was on AMC, LLC letterhead, I sued them. I attempted to call the management company multiple times, left messages and sent emails. None were returned. Finally, I decided to use the Florida Business Registry (sunbiz.org) to search for their registered agent in the state (AMC, LLC is actually headquartered in IL). I searched fictitious names, DBAs, and every other option on the website but each time there was only one listing for AMC, LLC. This is the entity I sued.

Fast forward to January, I have my day in court. I get issued a default judgement because the defendant didn't show. I searched again on the registry and surprise surprise a new entry was created on December 16, 2016 (three weeks after I filed) for the *correct* AMC, LLC based in IL. I called AMC, LLC and Apartment Complex multiple times and never get a return phone call. Finally I threaten to file a writ of lien and get a call back from the manager at Apartment Complex. She informed me they were never served. I ask her why their name was not in the registry until three weeks after I filed and she states that they filed back in 2015 but blames the state for dragging their feet.

I am already out $240 for the judgement against the *supposedly* incorrect defendant and do not want to waste more money on another legal battle. What are my options now? I want to go after Apartment Complex for messing with my deposit but do not want to sink another $240 to get the job done. On another note, how can they not have had their name on file with the state while continuing to operate in it?

Thank you in advance.

**UPDATE (2/23):** Thank you all for the feedback and various viewpoints, it has really assisted me with this complex issue. I was just informed, about 30 minutes ago, that I received a letter from the *WRONG* AMC, LLC's (the one I sued and won against) attorneys stating that they would like to discuss the judgement with me. If they're willing to pay, I may just use the money to go after the right AMC, LLC. It's still up in the air at the moment. I have left them a voicemail already.

Answer:
 Fortunately there is a binding decision from the SCOTUS about this very issue. Krupski v. Costa Crociere S.P.A. They can't just change their name or create a new listing to get out around a valid judgment.Answer #2: Alternative strategy- if you become VERY sure that you sued the wrong company, and want to make things right, and know who you'd like to sue-

-settle the amount to be collected with company #1 as the amount it takes to refile and a reimbursement for your initial filing fee.  Considering they have a legal order to pay all of your judgement, they may go for this just to make you go away.


Title: [USA][IL] Is it possible I owe a debt collector on a debt that was released as paid in full by another debt collector?

Question:
In June 2014 I was contacted by a debt collector in regards to a Sprint bill that was unpaid from 2002.

After a few months of back and forth I agreed to pay 280.xx to settle the account in full due to the fact I had no records of paying the original bill combined with some statue of limitations questions.

As part of the agreement they sent a release of liability stating the debt was paid in full and that we agreed not to sue each other.

Today several members of my family and my employer have received calls from another debt collector that they will be filing a law suit in 10 days.

After calling the number and asking some questions and evading answering theirs I came to the conclusion that this is either a scam or they don't have a legal leg to stand on and told them to file their suit because there is no way I would have agreed to pay a 12 year old debt without it being paid in full and released.

Any thoughts on this? Should I lawyer up or wait to see if they actually file suit?

Answer: the new collector may have purchased a large portfolio of accounts from the previous collector.  you should provide them with the documentation you got from collector 1 and maybe demand debt verification and other legalistic sounding FDCPA stuff. hopefully they'll leave you alone. Answer #2: What kind of debt was it? And considering it is 12 years old the statute of limitations may have expired and they may now be violating the *fair debt collections practices act*


Title: [TX] Cop issued me a distracted driving because I was smoking a cigarette while driving. How the hell is this even legal ?

Question:
So, I was driving home from work. I was smoking a cigarette, when a cop pulled me over. He said that my driving indicates that I was probably under influence of alcohol. God knows what made him think that. I was returning from work and thus was obviously sober.

I blew in his breath analyzer and it showed negative. I even passed the sobriety test. He noticed that I was smoking a cigarette while driving. He then went on to give me a long lecture on how smoking was dangerous for my health and our environment.

I was already exhausted from work and had no interest to listen to meaningless lecture. So, I asked him to shut up and if I am free to go. He got annoyed and said I don't like your attitude. He said smoking was causing the distraction in my driving and gave me an distracted driving ticket.

How is this even legal ? I mean just because I told him to keep his mouth shut, doesn't mean he should take the revenge with misusing his authority.

Answer:
 It doesn't matter what caused your distraction, only whether or not you were distracted. The cop didn't pull you over because he saw you smoking, he pulled you over because in his expert opinion you were driving in a distracted manner.

You can contest whether you actually were driving in a distracted manner or not in court.Answer #2: >So, I asked him to shut up and if I am free to go. He got annoyed and said I don't like your attitude. He said smoking was causing the distraction in my driving and gave me an distracted driving ticket.

That is what screwed you right there. **Never** get chippy with a cop even if you're 100% right.

Technically speaking, smoking is distracted driving. You are engaging in an activity that siphons your undivided attention from the road. Distracted driving is not limited to cell phone use. It can be using a tablet, eating, or applying makeup. Don't like it? Oh well.Answer #3: http://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/videoresource/fsdrivdistract.pdf

Smoking is distracted driving. (Not the official law but this is good general guide to what the answer might be.)


Title: Condo Asking for Move Out Fees (New York City)

Question:
I live in a condo in NYC and am set to move out on Friday. The building is asking for a $1000 (refundable) fee to cover any damages made by the movers (this is in addition to requiring a COI). They are also asking for a $500 (non-refundable) move out fee.  There is nothing written in my lease about this, my questions are:

* Am I legally obligated to pay these fees?
* Why would a refundable fee be needed to cover damages made by the movers when the movers have already submitted a COI?

Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to give.

Answer: If it is not in a contract, tell them to pound sand.


Title: Couch defective after 5 years - what can I do?

Question: Bought a big sectional in 2009 for $7K - leather, high end brand. 3 years ago, color started rubbing off. Advertised as full aniline dyed, which isn't true, as we just found out from store's technician. Store is offering me a $3.5K shopping card to their store, but they have to take the sectional. I want the card and to keep the sectional. They say no. What's my recourse? I can't replace this big leather sectional for only $3.5K.  They are offering me half a couch, basically.

Answer: Most items that are lived with on a daily basis, cars, electronics, furniture, appliances, etc aren't worth half after 7 years. Their offer is entirely reasonable. Answer #2: If you feel that their solution isn't reasonable, you can sue them in court for the price of that couch or a replacement. If the small claims limit in your jurisdiction is greater than the amount for which you're suing, you don't need a lawyer.


Title: [CA] Landlord charging for carpet cleaning upon moveout

Question:
My lease includes "carpets will be professionally cleaned and charged to your Security Deposit. **CLEANING IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND SHALL BE PAID BY THE TENANT**".

On California's Deptartment of Consumer Affairs website there is a [page detailing security deposits](http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/sec-deposit.shtml). It includes this quote:

>Normal wear and tear to carpets, drapes and other furnishings cannot be charged against a tenant's security deposit.

Does the line in my lease override California's law on security deposits? Do we need to pay for our carpets to be cleaned?

Answer:
 Neither overrides, there is no dispute. Cleaning is not normal wear and tear. Cleaning is regular maintenance. Wear and tear would be if the piles of the carpet became less....springy?...or if he carpet was perfectly white at beginning it becoming dull over time (who the fuck has white carpet in a rental unit is beyond me).

You have the option of getting them professionally cleaned and submitting proof so they don't do it again and bill you.


Title: respite family interfered with adoptive family (Colorado, with possible involvement from Arizona and federal?)

Question:
A child in foster care, in Arizona, was adopted by a couple in Colorado. His behaviors became very challenging. The family sought services to help with this, including obtaining services from a therapist. They worked with the situation, with considerable difficulty. Eventually, one of the parents experienced PTSD and it was necessary to seek respite placement. A respite home was recommended by the therapist. A fee was paid per month by the adoptive family, to the family providing the respite services.

The adoptive family used this time to obtain professional assistance for the mother's PTSD, as well as couples therapy to work through issues brought up during the difficulties.

The adoptive family decided it was time to return the child to the home (the child is at this point 17). The respite family had been making statements that they wanted this to occur, unless the payments could be doubled as they were finding the arrangement burdensome. The child also made statements that he wanted to return home. When the adoptive family announced their intention, the respite family suddenly decided that they wanted to keep the child as well as the monthly fee, plus as much more money as they could get. They made it clear at this point they would not return the child. They ordered the high school at which the child was attending that there was to be no contact with the adoptive family. This was discovered when the adoptive family attempted to pick up the child at school. Due to difficulties that had suddenly arisen, they had made an arrangement with local law enforcement to accompany them. They were told the child did not want to see them, and were informed of the no-contact order. They were unable to regain custody of him.

The adoptive family withheld further payments to the respite family. They contacted Arizona's Adoption Subsidy division which stated there was no obligation under the circumstances to give this money to the respite family, and it could be used for items such as therapeutic and legal expenses related to the boy. The respite family filed a motion in court seeking child support payments, without legal representation. The adoptive family obtained legal counsel and made their own motion to regain custody of the boy. The respite family immediately obtained legal counsel, whether pro-bono through their church or paid is not clear. The initial hearing resulted in an order that the boy was to remain in custody of the respite family at the time, but visitations and therapy were to be allowed. During this time, the boy had been working with his therapist, who had decided to no longer recommend the respite family to anyone. Also it was alleged that the boy had stated he wanted to remain with the respite family, and since he was 17, it was stated he could legally make this choice.

For months, the adoptive family had also sent clothing and other items for the boy, through the mail, and retained postal receipts. Some of this was insisted upon by the respite family.

The respite family refused visitations. They also blocked access between the boy and the therapist, and refused other contact. The boy was able to make it clear that he wanted to go home with the adoptive family and wanted nothing further to do with the respite family. The adoptive family was finally able to get visitation; when the respite family came to pick the boy up to take him back, the boy refused to go with them. The adoptive family was able to spend a month with him, during which time there were concerns that he had been malnourished, and emotionally abused by the respite family. As it turned out, items sent by the adoptive family had never reached him; he had been told they had never sent the items. He was shown the postal receipts.

Time comes for the next hearing. The boy, the adoptive couple, and the boy's therapist attend the hearing. Items including documentation are submitted to the court. The judge refuses to consider these, refuses to consider testimony by the therapist that it would be in the boy's best interest to stay with the adoptive family, refuses to consider the boy's adamantly stated preference to stay with the adoptive family, and says that his order was violated so the adoptive family must surrender custody of the boy to the respite family, and also pay them their adoption subsidy payments every month. The boy is afraid of the respite family, and yells that he does not want to go with them; this is disregarded.

The next hearing is in October. The adoptive family hears that there may be some violation of federal law by the respite family but exactly what is unclear. They have little money left for further legal representation, just enough to pay the attorney who has been unable to make a dent in the case for what remains of the proceedings. There are questions of whether the judge may have some sort of personal relationship with the respite family, such as whether they attend the same evangelical church. A report is made to Colorado's DHS about concerns, but the family is informed it is low on their list of priorities to investigate. The adoptive family had provided a phone to the boy, but it has probably been confiscated by the respite family. The boy is also denied contact with his brothers who are currently in Arizona.

Please help us understand what can be done next, or what really is going on here... it has been very confusing, the respite family has turned out to be very manipulative, and on face value it stinks but there seems little that can be done?

EDIT: adding the following:
The respite family as it comes out, is actually on welfare assistance and may not have been reporting the monthly payments to the State of Colorado. There is also an odd situation in which one of their sons can spend time at home during the day, but can't stay overnight, in relation to allegations made by one of their daughters.

Answer:
 Holy crap. This is incredibly complex and deserves better answers than I think you'll get here. But I do want to know how this turns out.
Crazy.


Title: My mother wants to hang a handicapped sign on my property to deter neighbors from parking on street.

Question:
Location: MA, USA

Title says it all. The property I own where she resides is right up against the street, and our retaining wall for the yard is maybe 4 inches from the pavement. Our neighbors constantly block the front steps and door so she can't enter her apartment - right up against the wall to the point that their passengers have to climb out over the driver side seats.

We've spoken to them about it repeatedly. The last time she talked to them (I was present), the neighbor was 3 sheets to the wind and began screaming hysterically and threatened to kill her. We did call the police, and the police didn't do anything except advise we could possibly get a restraining order. The police agreed that the parking was an issue, they were illegally too close to and/or literally ON my property and legally they couldn't block the entrance/exit of an apartment, and that they *could* tow the car but refused to enforce this and passed the buck to the Zoning dept to set up a handicapped parking spot for her instead since she is handicapped - ???. They declined to press charges of any sort against the neighbor even though we both wanted to and claimed it would only be a problem for them if "it" (the death threat) happened again. My mother and I do not take them particularly seriously seeing their reaction to the police arriving - everyone hid - but I'm including for background.

My mother in response would like to hang a handicapped sign, [like one you could buy from Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Federal-Handicap-Parking-Sign-Aluminum/dp/B003X3DT3G), on the front of the property on the retaining wall.

I do understand we do not own the street. What I'm interested in is simply keeping her unit accessible. I do not have an issue with people parking in front of the house as long as they do not block the steps/door. We have since called the Zoning dept and have yet to hear back.

I understand this is essentially escalating the problem, but I'm more wondering what, if any, trouble could she get in by doing this?

Answer: Tell your mom she needs to handle this properly (calling a tow truck if she cannot access her door/car is parked illegally) and she could be found guilty of a misdemeanor if she does the above.


Title: [USA-PA] Going to Trial for a citation on an accident. I have no idea what to say/how it goes.

Question:
Context: This afternoon on my way back from running an errand my car hydroplaned and was heading for the truck in front of me. Instead of smashing the back of his truck, I swerved out of the way and nailed a pole. Police came, insurance swapped all that good stuff.

I got a Citation for "Going too fast under the conditions" however was going around 15mph below the speed limit and following the flow of traffic (Very busy road at rush hour), but leaving enough space between me and the car in front of me. I was nice as possible to the officer, he was the one recommended I fight it. He was a cool guy.

I decided to go to a hearing about it. Though I'm not sure what to expect, or even what to do/what to say.

Also a Side Note: Im 19, this is not my first accident. My first accident was 2 years ago and then I had another one about 6 months later. If I read up right and my math is right I should not be in danger of losing my license, I am planning on checking with PennDOT tomorrow during their business hours.

Edit: I'm well aware about all of the driving rules and whatnot. I'm just asking what kind of questions I can expect and whatnot. Never been to a courtroom and I'd like to show up prepared.

Answer:
 So either you were going to fast/not maintaining safe distance, or you failed to maintain safety equipment.

If you want to blame this on your brakes, it's still *you* who is responsible for them.

If, after avoiding the vehicle in front of you, you still had enough momentum to hit a pole, then something about your description is wrong.

Your defense to the charge is an admission to another -- probably equally serious -- charge.


Title: [CA] Someone created a fake Blog on Blogger using my name, picture and profession. Wrote violent, racist accusations. Blogger won't respond. Need help.

Question:
I realized there was an impersonating Twitter account of me when I went to reset my password. The false Twitter account had links to a blog on blogger making extreme racist accusations about me, professionally. I have reported the blog multiple times with Blogger, claiming harassment through their automated reporting system. No response from Blogger. It's been months since my first report. Twitter acted to remove the impersonating account, yet any advice you have to help me take action with Blogger would be greatly appreciated.

My goal - get the blog removed. Can an attorney help me get Blogger to remove the blog? Thanks for your help.

Answer: Yes. Talk to a lawyer about defamation. They'll be able to give you better guidance on whether or not it's worth pursuing.Answer #2: if they're using your photo, and the photo is yours (that is, taken by you) perhaps you could submit a DMCA takedown request? they might respond to that faster than to a harassment report. Answer #3: Is the person on blogger pretending to be you or making accusations about you?


Title: Abandoned house next door

Question:
So the house next door is an eyesore.  The owner died almost a decade ago, the county seized it, and 3 years ago it was bought for $20k by some random guy who I met once a year or two ago.   This is in southern NC.

He told me he intended to have the house torn down so that he could build another in its place.  He gave up about a week later after removing one wall of one of the 3 sheds in the back yard, leaving it with a slanted roof and little else to show for his effort.  That was a year ago.  I really doubt he intends to follow through with his project.

I would really love to take possession of the property.  I'm eventually going to rent out my house, and to have another next door that I could also rent would be a great investment.  I know the guy's name, and what his address was at the time that he bought the place from browsing the public records.  I could probably get him to sell me the property for next to nothing.  The value of the land is about the same as it would cost to demolish the house professionally.

So, the legal part:  the house is a total loss.  In it's current state it's one neighbor's phone call away from being condemned (suprised it hasn't happened yet).  Would it even be legal for him to sell it in this state if I don't intend to use it as a residence for a good amount of time? (probably take years before  new house is up)

I could probably tear the damn thing down myself (albeit slowly) with enough research on how to do it safely.  What kind of permit/zoning issues would I run into doing this? Obviously I'd need a demolition permit/water & power disconnected/septic tank pumped, but is it more involved than that as far as involving third parties if I intend to do all of the actual demolition myself in a manner that doesn't endanger anyone in the neighborhood?  Will I have trouble getting a permit if I intend to do the work myself?  It was built in the mid 80's, so asbestos shouldn't be an issue.

It's outside of the city limits, so I've only got county regulations to worry about.  Does residential zoning mean I can't just take it down to a vacant lot without putting another building up?  If I didn't want to bother with a new house could I just extend my fence to double the size of my yard, or does it have to have a driveway since there's a separate physical address?  It still has to have a mailbox regardless, right?  Anything I'm not even considering that would make this a horrible idea?

Edit:  Hope this isn't the wrong sub, I'm not too worried about the engineering/labor/financial side of it, just want to make sure that I haven't missed any huge legal issues that would arise from such an endeavor.

Answer: This is where you need to talk to experts.  Real estate lawyers and professional contractors.  Doing this by yourself could cause a huge headache


Title: Texas: My first altercation with police

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Dude, you just met some of that seemingly rare breed: reasonable cops.

Go on with your life.Answer #2: Idk if the other commenters have been in this situation before, but I have. First, they did not find copious amounts of drugs. They found a small time dealer and his buddy.

They took your information, and took him to jail. If they wanted to take you to jail, they would have.

Keep studying, find somewhere else to smoke pot. Answer #3: The interaction will be recorded. They can also issue you a ticket up to the statute if limitations, which is years.


Title: [US:Federal/Missouri] SO is incarcerated & being denied medical attention

Question:
*UPDATE: I heard back from his attorney who forwarded my concerns to the US Marshal that's responsible for his care(? not exactly sure how that works)*
My SO is currently incarcerated while waiting his hearing regarding an alleged violation of his supervised release terms.

For the past 2 nights, his legs and feet have been burning to the extent that the pain is keeping him awake, and “spider veins” have started to appear on his feet. He's put in several requests to see the nurse without receiving a response. His most recent request for medical care (about an hour ago) was denied as it’s not considered “life threatening”.

I’m concerned because I’m not sure who is making the judgement as to whether or not his symptoms could be related to something life-threatening (since it’s not someone with medical knowledge) and I don't have a way to contact his attorney (he has a public defender representing him - I did send him an email). Is there any immediate legal action/recourse that can happen to make sure his health/safety is not at risk?

To a *much* lesser extent (i.e., to appease my curiosity) my understanding is that it’s a violation of a prisoner's constitutional rights to leave him in pain without offering any treatment. Is this true?)

Thank you!

*(Any input would extremely appreciated.This whole thing has been a nightmare. He's been incarcerated since 7/18/15 for possession of a pocket-knife (sitting out on his desk during a home visit) and because his PO didn't think he'd have turned in a smart phone that was delivered during the same home visit within the allotted 24 hour time frame; very "Minority Report". I just want my SO to at least be safe.)*

Answer:
 >(Any input would extremely appreciated.This whole thing has been a nightmare. He's been incarcerated since 7/18/15 for possession of a pocket-knife (sitting out on his desk during a home visit) and because his PO didn't think he'd have turned in a smart phone that was delivered during the same home visit within the allotted 24 hour time frame; very "Minority Report". I just want my SO to at least be safe.)

He's sitting in federal detention w/o bail because of a pocket knife and a cell phone?


Title: Question about annual pay raises

Question: I hope this is the right place to ask this.. say if you worked for a company that gave you a raise every year on your hire date. Say in July minimum wage got raised bumping everyone up to the same amount. You were hired first but we’re hired in January so you have to wait until next January for your next raise, but someone who was hired in August (after you) is now getting the raise first and making more than someone who has been there longer. I’m just wondering if there is any kind of action that can be taken or is it up to the companies discretion?

Answer: Start pay and raises are always at the companies discretion. Although you can ask for a minor one to be competitive and to compensate for the time difference


Title: What are signs of malicious drugging in infants?

Question:
My dad just told me that he believes my older step-sister had drugged her infant so she would behave during a feast a month back.

He recalled that before the event, she was insisting that her baby had to be on her best behaviour for the feast/ceremony and could not cry whatsoever... during the feast the baby seemed extremely off, unresponsive, not moving or making any noise, giggling, smiling but just stared straight ahead. He thought it was extremely bizarre and poked her little nose to get some sort of response and she didn't react whatsoever. He said it was so weird to him that he wondered if she had some sort of disability.

The feast went on for SIX hours, he says she was like this for the entire time. But even more strangely that sometime after the event the baby seemed completely normal, making noises, giggling and cried when she wanted something. My dad later looked back on it and had strange feeling in his gut. He decided to ask my other younger stepsister if she thought the baby seemed off at the feast and she got real quiet. They both said at the same time they believe she was drugged.

My step-sister has always been an extremely toxic and manipulative person. I can't think of anyone else I have ever known as awful as she is. Everyone in her family has distanced themselves from her. She has never been able to have a long term friend because they all eventually see her for how she really is. She has been physically, mentally and emotionally abusive with every partner she has had. She has been already monitored by Child Protective Services because of reports of domestic abuse before her child was even born.

I don't want to believe it but if it's true I think this is sick, I just learned that some abusive parents have been known to constantly drug their child to keep them quiet and if they've done it once, chances are they do it fairly often. I'm so new to this subject though and am not sure what to do other than try to report it even though there may not be proof.

Answer: How to tell if a child is drugged is a medical question. What you should do if a child is being drugged is a legal one so I'll answer that. If you have reason to think the child is being drugged or otherwise abused call CPS


Title: Employment law question

Question:
I have 2 Jobs.  One is a self employ type thing and the other is for a grocer.  The last time I worked I was dragged into the manager’s office and (I’ve never lied before) but he starts the conversation with I’m going to ask you some questions and I want the truth. I’m 34 BTW. He The tells me about this incident involving a rude woman in the aisle. I correct him and explain further that I was in a hurry, my cart was full, and this woman and her grandkid stop in the middle of the aisle with no warning and for no foreseeable warning.  I said excuse me and was trying not to run them over.  The woman made a nasty remark about be doing just that and I responded by saying that most people don’t just stop in the middle on the aisle with no reason and no warning.  Did I mention I was not working on the day this happened?  I wasn’t scheduled and I wasn’t in uniform.

Well I got reprimanded and was told that when I was in then store I was held to a higher standard than regular customers and had I been another customer he would have told me I could no longer shop there.  This seems all rather extreme. 1. Threatened with banning when I wasn’t fighting or brawling to stealing.  2. The company has strict policies about working off the clock but it can choose to punishment eh. Off the clock for  “reasons.  And I didn’t really get into it too much above, but he manager told rude ass and one other person about ,y history of nerve having had a previous complaint.  Is that not part of my confidential employment file?  How is any of this legal or acceptable?  I am from SC.

Answer: I'd saying stopping in the middle of a grocery store for no reason is right up there with ignoring the prompt to provide your location.


Title: Ran away from home. need to recover stuff

Question: I'm 18 years old and just finished my first year of college. I was staying with my father and his girlfriend in a camper trailer in their machine shop, but ran away tonight due to what feels like abusive behavior. (They threatened to call the cops and have me put in jail for arguing with them. I was hit, but they both agreed to back up the other and say I'm lying. I don't have documentation of this). I'm safe at my mother's house for now, but worried they'll attempt to throw away or pawn off my belongings, including several personal items and expensive uniforms. Barring pressing charges or anything, what legal means do I have to force them to return my personal belongings?

Answer: You can call the local police department non emergency number and ask for an office to be present while you go there with your mother to retrieve your belongings.


Title: [Belgium] My landlord just lost an expropriation case, and now my backyard belongs to someone else. Is there any way I can delay construction?

Question:
I'm renting a house in Belgium, and my backyard has been the subject of a 5-year expropriation case.  Basically, a developer got the government to expropriate a building abutting my backyard so that he can convert it into lofts.  At the time, the building was unused and uninhabited.

The problem is that the government _also_ expropriated my backyard by mistake, and the developer just won a case to uphold that mistake rather than returning it to my landlord.

_My_ question is whether there's anything _I_ can do now to delay construction.  Is there some sort of paperwork _I_ can file as a resident that would at least delay construction?  What would happen if I camped ("squatted") on the land before construction begins?

Answer:
 Don't know Belgian law but my guess would be that since your landlord no longer owns the backyard you're no longer renting it. This would mean that:

* Using your backyard would be trespassing and if you did block it the developer could call the police to remove you
* Since you're renting less than what you originally agreed to, you should probably be able to get a reduction in rent and/or break the lease prematurely if you wish

However, tenant protection differs greatly from place to place and I don't think there are many Belgians here so the chance of getting a good answer here is small. In the Netherlands we have a "Juridisch Loket" which gives simple legal advice and referrals to lawyers; if Belgium has something similar I'd recommend going there.


Title: Husband got arrested and violated his probation

Question:
Hey all,

My husband has a small backstory. When he lived in Texas, he got arrested a few times between the ages of 16 and 19. In 2014, he caused a drunk driving accident where he injured one of his friends. He wasn’t 21 at the time (if that’s relevant) and was charged with intoxicated assault. It’s possible they reduced(?) his charge, I’m not certain. He spent 8 months in state prison in Texas and was let out on probation. When he got out of prison, he moved to North Carolina with his family and got his probation transferred. He still has correspondence with his probation officer in Texas, but not much. He’s about halfway through his probation term, I believe

Since moving to North Carolina, he’s done well. He passes all drug tests, is current on all his fees, holds down a job, etc. He’s done REALLY well.

However, tonight he went out drinking with a friend. The friend decided not to give him a ride home and my husband decided to drive (why?). He got pulled over and arrested and blew a .22

I’m not sure what he’s being charged with because he’s just now being booked. My first question is, what do I do next? Is it likely he’ll go back to prison for this?
Topic:
Alcohol Related Other than DUI

Answer: He needs a lawyer.Answer #2: He will be charged with DUI in North Carolina. Because it's his second offense, he could face jail time. He will likely also face some sort of discipline for his parole (I'm assuming that's what he's on, rather than probation, because he spent time in prison). It could mean they revoke it and he returns to prison in Texas.Answer #3: You need to get him an attorney. And yes, he might be going back to prison for this, especially with the .22 during probation.


Title: What are the laws on naming conventions of subreddit surrounding a product I don't own.

Question: For example, epic games owns the name "fortnite", if I wanted to make a sub called "/r/fortniteguns" could I get in legal trouble?

Answer: No. You will not get in trouble.


Title: Landlord refused to fix the plumbing for 4 months and now wants to stick me with the bill

Question:
This is Indiana. God, I hate this state. And yes, I have property management background. I have done this as a job.

The property management company owns many different properties: houses, apartment buildings, condos. Same written lease for all units. This includes language for grounds maintenance, trash removal, repairs, and noise nuisance. However, the property manager verbally explains what does and does not apply as she goes through the lease with me.

I moved in to a 6 plex in mid-May. The first day, I noticed my drain in the tub was slow. No problem, try some Drano. Next day? Still an issue. And the tap fixtures would not shut off fully -- so the water ran from the spigot. Called maintenance and asked for him to come out and snake the drain and take a look at the fixtures. Two days. Three days. Someone comes. Still not fixed. I call once a week about the issue. No results. I document every call. In July, I stay up all night because my tub stops its slow drain (two to three days) and stops up entirely. I empty the water, still coming out from those busted taps, every three hours, down my toilet. I wake up management and tell her this is not happening, this will get fixed because I do not want the neighbors below me to have water leaking through their ceiling.

In the morning, maintenance shows up and snakes the drain. The fixtures are fixed the next day. My electric bill is close to $200. I am also assured the drain will be fixed-fixed. Nothing happens with the drain. I research my rights.

August begins. I drop off a letter to the property management office detailing my calls, what I have been promised by management, and what compromise can be made for the situation. By mid-month, I am growing impatient. I have not had a shower since I moved in. I contact the office and discuss the issue with the property manager. She makes an appointment with the plumber. They come out. No issues. A rag was found in the drain.

Two days later, I receive a letter from the property manager dated the day the plumbing company visited me. It stated that she and I had had a verbal discussion about a walk through when I moved in and how it needed to be completed within 48 of my movein. As it had not, this meant I was responsible for repairs (blahblah) and all costs (blahblah). I do not recall having any such discussion with her. There is no policy or verbage on the lease regarding walk throughs nor did I receive anything from this office regarding their protocol on walk throughs.

 Today, I received the bill for the plumbing company and letter from the property management company stating my responsibility to pay.

This all seems very retaliatory.

Answer:
 >It stated that she and I had had a verbal discussion about a walk through when I moved in and how it needed to be completed within 48 of my movein.

Unless that is in your lease tell them to roll that letter up real tight, turn it sideways and......Answer #2: That's a ridiculous statement by the landlord with no legal standing. If I didn't have a migraine I'd explain why, but if somebody doesn't PM me later.


Title: Are police jerking my friend around about getting her birth certificate?

Question:
Hey guys. My friend is 18 and was recently kicked out of her dad’s house. He is refusing to hand over her social security card and birth certificate. Friend called the non emergency police line and talked to the sergeant who said they couldn’t help her unless she calls the magistrate and gets a search warrant. Something about that just seemed weird to me and that’s why I’m here. I don’t want my friend to be jerked around. Shouldn’t they be able to just go with her to her Dad’s house and make sure she gets her stuff? Why does *she* need to call the magistrate? Is that a thing? Friend doesn’t do reddit and gave me permission to post this here. Also, we are in Virginia if that helps.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 Her birth certificate likely does not belong to her, it belongs to her parents. She can go get a new oneAnswer #2: The police can go do a “standby” where they make sure that everyone behaves like a grown up while she gets her stuff.

What they can’t do is make her parents give any particular items or force their way in if Mom and Dad don’t want to cooperate.


Title: Can Best Buy do this ?

Question: Lets say I bought something at Best Buy and then I put my old one that broke into the new box and went back to Best Buy and claimed the one I just bought was broken. They then give me a replacement so now I have two new ones. my question being, can or will they be able to charge my card if/when they find out ???

Answer: That would be fraud. Not to mention the fact that is an *incredibly* common scam and they would just refuse the return.Answer #2: Your legal advice is: don't do this and you won't find out the hard way.Answer #3: Not a lawyer but a retail monkey. They're going to open the box, lol.


Title: heyy y’all so a cop recently knocked in my door

Question: he said he need to check my premises because someone had called saying there was people fighting he kept insisting after i told him nobody was fighting and that everyone was okay he said he need to just check so i let him through. are they allowed to come into my home after i told them everyone was safe ? he checked every room

Answer:
 You consented nothing else mattersAnswer #2: Are they allowed to ask multiple times and give reasons? Yes.

Are they allowed to barge in without cause/suspicion? No


Title: Arresting for possession Under 50 and resisting arrest

Question: Ok guys I was charged with possession under 50 and resisting arrest. I'm 20 years old in NJ & this is my first offence ever. I was wondering should I get a lawyer? Could I go there without a lawyer and do fine? I'm just looking for my best options. Any help is appreciated.

Answer:
 > I was wondering should I get a lawyer?

Yes, immediately

> Could I go there without a lawyer and do fine?

Do fine?  You mean successfully negotiate a plea agreement with the DA?  I wouldn't bet my freedom on it, would you?


Title: (TX) Can you legally take someone's house after paying the mortgage?

Question:
First off. I'm mobile,  sorry in advance for formating errors.

Here are the relations of those involved.  B is the son of A. C is married to B. A, B, and C were all living together for 2 years. The mortgage and Deed are only in A's name. A left to live in a nursing home. B & C have started making the mortgage payments for A. B&C are informing family that they spoke with an unnamed lawyer(pretty sure they never met with a lawyer)  that told them they own the property after making the mortgage payments for 7 years.

My thought on this is that B&C are tenants and have no legal claim to the property. They would have to buy out the property from A. Is that thought process correct?

I just am looking for information I can share with B&C to help them make an educated choice on throwing money into a property they could lose.

**Tl;Dr:** A family member has informed me they are getting a house after they pay another person's mortgage for 7 years. Is this possible?

Edit: thank you everyone for your input. I really appreciate you all taking the time to respond.

Answer:
 > B&C are informing family that they spoke with an unnamed lawyer(pretty sure they never met with a lawyer) that told them they own the property after making the mortgage payments for 7 years.

No, that's not accurate - at least, not the way presented.  It's possible that B&C have an agreement with A where this is allowed.  It's also possible that they could make a claim for "adverse possession" after some period of time.

But automatic ownership after seven years?  No, that's not happening.Answer #2: Potentially you can take steps to reach that end, but no its not automatic and it has multiple pitfalls.

Someone will be along shortly to explain it in more detail. Answer #3: > B is the son of A. C is married to B. A, B, and C were all living together for 2 years. The mortgage and Deed are only in A's name. A left to live in a nursing home. B & C have started making the mortgage payments for A. B&C are informing family that they spoke with an unnamed lawyer(pretty sure they never met with a lawyer) that told them they own the property after making the mortgage payments for 7 years.

Bar exam is in less than a week.  Pretty late to start studying now ;)


Title: [USA, CA] Not sure if here's the right place for this but our Landlord has stalled for months to fix stairs, gets 3 weeks while we're in mexico and leaves this garbage

Question:
Update: Called fire dept they sent me to police dept. Called police dept got sent to code enforcement. Called code enforcement and they said they'd send someone today and no one arrived. Gonna have to call again tomorrow, it's been 2 out of the 3 days and the landlord hasn't done a thing. -_-

http://imgur.com/a/SZUxc So since like July he's been meaning to fix the stairs because they were to narrow. He asked for about 3 days to a week to work on them and we've been out of the house 2 other times for a week and he wouldn't do it. Now we were gone for 3 weeks and he did nothing because he doesn't want to pay to get it done and he's been doing it himself and we just got back and we have this to use. In the few times I went up and down to get the luggage I almost fell twice on this crap. He asked for 3 more days to finish it but I know he's not gonna do that and it's dangerous for my mom to carry my 8 month old sister down that to take my 3 younger siblings to school every morning. I'm not really sure if I can do anything about it but if there is any help would be great.

Answer:
 I know everyone is going crazy about going after your landlord, but really, you need to find another place to live.  IANAL, so can't address breaking your lease but I would be willing to bet an awful lot that an apartment with this access isn't to code, legal, and cannot be enforced.

Try to focus more of your energy on finding another place to live.  Give notice.  NOW.Answer #2: The reason no lawyers are chiming in here is because they all had heart attacks from looking at that setup.  That is complete garbage.  Call the fire department, that is a huge risk.Answer #3: Is that a Home Depot ladder?Answer #4: email these pictures to the city.

they will come down hardAnswer #5: I'm dying for a lawyer to chime in on this one. That looks terribly unsafe. Answer #6: Call the local building department
Call teh local fire department
Check which local TV/news station has a website that allows you to ask for their help with problems to investigate.

Is this the only access to your apartment?

It is Monday January 4. Call a local lawyer. There are things you can and need to do about health and safety, your rent obligations but only a CA lawyer can advise and help you.
If you need help finding someone knowledgeable and local, reply and I will show you how.

IamaL but not in CA
Answer #7: He -has- to pay for you to stay somewhere if that's the only means in and out of the place. That's so incredibly unsafe I can't even visually process it.


Title: Can my rapist sue me for defamation?

Question:
I’ve already taken it to the police but it’s been over a year since then. The police didn’t really take me seriously and I felt stupid because I didn’t have any physical or hard evidence of the rape. I know the wheels of justice are slow but the guy who raped me is very dangerous and I’m scared for the other women in his life.

I recently made a public Facebook post warning my friends and family about him. If this somehow gets around to him, can he sue me for defamation or anything else like that?

Answer:
 >I recently made a public Facebook post warning my friends and family about him. If this somehow gets around to him, can he sue me for defamation or anything else like that?

Yes, he definitely can.  Whether he would win is a different question, but he could sue you and force you to spend money to defend yourself.


Title: DUI Question --

Question:
Portland, Or

A friend of mine got her 2nd DUI and will be going to jail for a little bit.  The weird thing, though, is that she keeps having court dates where literally the only thing that happens is they establish the next court date.  This has happened twice.

My question is why?  Why not schedule a court date for the sentencing and be done with it rather than time after time go into court only to literally have only the next appearance date established?

Answer: Some judges hold frequent "status conferences," to keep close tabs on the pending cases.  That may be what is going on, but without looking at the docket it is difficult to guess what exactly is happening.


Title: Hospital ruined my ultrasound, and therefore pregnancy. What actions can I take?

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Troll Post

Answer:
 > I'd settle for having this poor excuse of a tech fired

So generous.  Much amaze.  Wow.

> wondering if there's anything specific.

Yeah, there is.  Getting over yourself.

But seriously.  At this point the entire pregnancy is over.  Might as well start from scratch, eh?Answer #2: grow up. be happy you're having a healthy baby.Answer #3: In a situation like this, the best recourse is probably to move on your life and find something better to get worked up about.

Congratulations on the boy though!


Title: (WA) Target took $300 out of my gift cards

Question:
I bought target gift cards, none of them are expired and they took $300 out,

One with $500 now has $400 and two with $100 are now at a balance of $0

Is there anything stating what they did is illegal?

I would really appreciate the help.

Thanks a ton.
Topic:
Consumer Law

Answer:
 Where and how did you purchase them? Do you have receipts?

Target should be able to look up the transaction history of the cards.


Title: Someone send me a shortened link to a porn site with a banned search term and now my IP has been logged. Is this reason for concern?

Answer: I'm fairly certain I know which redirect you're referring to. It's not a real threat from authorities. It's a fake page added by the website to discourage people from searching the term, but nothing actually gets logged. Linking to that page was a common prank used on internet forums for years.


Title: Carmax kinda screwed me, can I do anything about it?

Question:
Hey r/legaladvice, I’m in a bit of a pickle and after a few hours of research I’m not sure I’ve found a solution to my problem so I hope someone here will be able to help.

I recently purchased (a parent and I co-signed through Carmax) a 2014 Ford Focus SE in the state of Florida back in December. Fast forward almost four months, and my car is having very bad transmission issues. As it turns out, there is an ongoing lawsuit against Ford for this very issue.

[Information](http://fordpowershiftlawsuit.com)

Tl;dr, there are millions of ford vehicles affected by a very poorly designed “powershift transmission” which is generally described as a manual transmission that is assisted by a computer. Thankfully I am the beneficiary of an extended warranty due to this lawsuit, so when the transmission is finally fixed, I will not have to foot the bill.

My issue however is more with Carmax. I do not have any sort of extended warranty from them, but I find it difficult to understand how they can get away with selling a car like this. When I view similar vehicles on their site and examine the recall information, I find nothing related to the transmission issues. Can I go to them and ask that they make it right by giving me some of my money back towards a new car?

P.S. - Through the frustration of this situation I have learned many lessons, and I now know to thoroughly research a vehicle before buying it. I honestly feel very stupid to have missed this, though technically it is not listed as a factory recall, so I do not feel completely at fault.

Answer:
 Are you saying that no one should be able to sell a car with a known potential defect?Answer #2: >but I find it difficult to understand how they can get away with selling a car like this.

It was in working order when you got it, and for many months after.

> When I view similar vehicles on their site and examine the recall information, I find nothing related to the transmission issues.

Well are there actually any recalls for it?

> Can I go to them and ask that they make it right by giving me some of my money back towards a new car?

Sure you can ask. They'll tell you no, and point to the contract you most likely signed when you bought it.


Title: [Oregon] Remove comments I made as a minor on a town website

Question:
Greetings,

When I was in middle school, I spoke in front of my town's council. My statement were later posted on the town's website. Yesterday, I contacted the admin and requested my words be removed, but they said it would be illegal to do so, stating that they were part of the public record.

I imagine surely they could remove my name, given I was a minor. Is there any law that would allow them to do so?

Thanks

Answer:
 No they could not.

Public records are *public*.  They cannot edit or delete them by law.

And even if it was a private website and not a public one, you could only ASK them to take it down.  If what they write is true, you can't force them to take it down.


Title: My landlord implemented an “earn your deposit back” type system, without ever informing in anyway. I will not receive any of my deposit back now.

Question:
My landlord has allowed one roommate, his relative, to come help with restoration efforts of the house. This roommate was unaware he was working to earn his deposit back, and was assuming he was helping out of courtesy, as it was never discussed that this would impact his deposit. My other roommate, a relative of the landlord, has never once asked me to come help, told me they needed help, or even discussed any of the work being done in the house with me. In fact, he blocked my number and all other forms of contact I had with him so that I could not reach out. Now, they will both get their full deposits back, and mine will not be returned. I don’t know how to go about fixing this, as I did my absolute best to leave my tenancy with as minimal damage (short of nail hole repair, and maybe a little bit of painting). I can’t believe that I won’t be getting any of my deposit back. I have a meeting with everyone this Friday, and I want to be as prepared for it as I can be.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: We'll need a state or province for this, but most jurisdictions - nearly all of them - place statutory obligations on the return of your deposit that your landlord cannot avoid, even if it's explicit in the lease.


Title: Purchasing a 2-family property in Bronx, NY. Tenant requires a few weeks after closing to find new living arrangement. How do I protect myself?

Question:
Looking to purchase a 2 family property in the Bronx that comes with tenants. 1 of the tenants is going to require a few extra weeks (so they say) to find a new apartment. I'm worried that I might be stuck with a squatter with no recourse for up to 6 months, possibly longer if the judge refuses to evict in the winter.

Owner wants to close immediately. Is there anyway that I can protect myself or at least minimize my exposure in this situation?

Answer: Close vacant. Under absolutely no circumstances should you close with a tenant in place, especially if the seller is pushy about it. Either you delay closing until the tenant is gone, or you and the seller come up with a plan to buy out the tenant for immediate vacancy. In my mind this is a big red flag that this is a problem tenant and some way and the seller is eager to make him or her your problem. As you seem to be aware, evicting a tenant in New York City can be a colossal hassle and cost you a lot of time and money.Answer #2: You fully understand your available options. Either you close with the tenancy in place and take over the process of ending it, including the eviction process, or you refuse to close until the tenant is out and run the risk the seller backs out.


Title: I just got a drug test bill for $420

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You can start by providing your location.


Title: Hospital resident or cnm violated me during delivery of my baby. Is there legal action I can take?

Question:
I gave birth 8 days ago in Vancouver in Washington State. During delivery the doctor and this resident who was there to 'observe' (observation is hands on?) were involved. Nearing the end one of them stimulated me. I told them to stop, they wouldn't. They did a lot of stupid stuff like argue over my stiches and it was frustrating but I was abused as a child and they sent me to being violated as an 8 year old while I was trying to deliver my baby.
I don't have witnesses (my husband didn't notice) but I sure did and I was telling them to STOP Touching me as best I could between pushes and they ignored me completely.
Can I sue? Do I have enough evidence to sue? Is my experience enough to take to a lawyer and send the cmn and hospital legal notices?
I feel completely violated and like that event was extremely traumatic.

I emailed the cmns clinic and notified them of what happened and they said they would investigate. I don't feel like that will result in anything.
I did not give verbal or written consent for them to do that.
Please advise.

Answer:
 This is going to sound crude but I'm not sure how else to put it.

Did they stick their fingers inside to help you stretch? Because that's normal. My ob had to do that because my son wasn't cooperating and the student doctors were useless.

If you feel like they did in fact violate you, you can contact your hospital and file a report. If you wish to file for sexual harassment, you need to file with the police department. Fair warning, they will ask you to go into detail.Answer #2: To agree with the others, a fair amount of touching, poking, prodding and rubbing goes on during delivery. Without a witness you are going to have a hard time proving intent. Answer #3: ...and how did they stimulate you?


Title: Sister (24) died of cancer in 08 after meeting and marrying older guy who was changed to executor of the estate at the last minute. He has not settled after 6 years. He has broken my family down and I (now 23) finally grown to see this. Please help

Question:
So in 2008, my sister died at the age of 24 following a 5 year battle with a rare cancer. During this traumatic and terrifying period, she managed to meet and marry her 30 something year old 'musician' husband.

In the final stages of her life, she was swayed to change the executorship from our experienced aunt who had previously dealt with such matters, to her husband she met and married within a year (she also started to turn to alternate therapies and become very religious, a far stride away from what any of our family would come to expect of her). The whole situation stunk of her being taken advantage of. But it's what she wanted in her current state of mind. What are parents supposed to say to their dying child??

Cut to today. Despite continued contact from my parents, he is yet to settle the estate and my family has large concerns that her cash and assets has gone to feed his poker habit. There is money owing to my family members and myself as well as her assets and possessions named within the will. He managed to score himself 30k with no delay in pay. This is not about cash, I care only on principle now that I have grown to an age where I now see what the fuck he has done to my family. He has several valuable rings that have been passed down my mothers side for generations and she desperately wants them back in the family also.

I live in Australia, and was 16 when my sister died (now 23). My mum can barely think about it before she breaks down, let alone take any steps towards litigation. The guy has otherwise disappeared and ignores any correspondence through known numbers and emails. We do however know where he lives. I have no idea where to even start. My chosen field was as far as you can get from law.

Please help me reddit.

*TL;DR* Sister died aged 24 in 2008 of cancer. Married older guy less than a year after meeting and last minute changed him to executor of estate. Still hasn't settled. Parents unable mentally to litigate. Me, younger brother now 23. I hate this man, I want him to carry out the task he was entrusted or be held accountable for his action/lack thereof.

Answer: Unless the named heirs retain a lawyer and take him to court, you have no options, I'm sorry to say. If you have a copy of the will, that's good. If you are named, you can talk to the lawyer, and hire them to represent you, your parents do not have to be part of it, if they choose not to. Good luck - estate issues can be very complicated, expensive and time consuming.Answer #2: Get a Wills and Probate lawyer if you want to have a chance of seeing anything ever again. This happened *SIX YEARS AGO*. Answer #3: Has he even opened an estate with the court? If not, why don't your parents ? Being named as executor in a will doesn't mean he's the only person who can act as personal rep for the estate . Answer #4: You need an Australian probate attorney. This is not self-help.Answer #5: I mean no offense but how large is your sister's estate?  How much is in conflict?  Sometimes the size and worth of something is what motivates anyone to take up the cause.


Title: I got arrested for possession, need some legal counsel reddit

Question: Okay so me and two other friends smoked marijuana and decided to save some (two grams roughly) for later and left it in my friends car, later on we go park in an alley to finish it and a cop pulls up and questions us thinking we were some garage thief, he ends up asking us to exit the car so he can search it, he finds the weed and a makeshift bong and arrests us for possession and a fine for paraphernalia. All three of us want to plead not guilty since I don't think they can charge three people for possession (I may be wrong i've never been in this type of a situation before) I live in texas and this is my first drug offense. i have a back up plan should i get deemed guilty which would be the federal first offenders thing where id have to agree to a year of probation, but i really want to avoid that if possible. If the charge could be dropped that would be amazing, i have barely any legal knowledge so any advice is welcome, also if you know any good lawyers to recommend that'd be appreciated too. I already have to pay close to $1000 from this whole mess (350 for my jail bond, 519 for the paraphernalia ticket) Please help reddit =)

Answer:
 >  I don't think they can charge three people for possession

Yes they can.

> i have barely any legal knowledge so any advice is welcome

Hire a criminal defense lawyer ASAP. We don't do referrals here though.


Title: Fortnite account stolen! Worth $1000+

Question:
As the title states my friends fortnite (Epic) account was hacked into and stolen. He has spent over $1000 on the ingame store and the items that he has do retain their value. He has taken steps through epic and is in the process of obtaining access back into his account.

My question here is: Is this a legitimate theft crime? and, Can he press charges?

Answer: The foolishness of spending that much on cosmetics aside, he didn't have anything really stolen from him, the company that produces the game owns these items. The hacking is something Epic would have to probably take care of. But know one thing; these accounts get cracked and hacked all the time, sold online, and then eventually taken back by the original owner. It's far easier for them to just give him the account back and work on security than it is to go after people stealing these accounts.Answer #2: The hacking isn’t legal, but Epic technically owns those in-game items.


Title: [SC] I'm divorced. My separation agreement stated my ex couldn't have anyone spend the night while my child was there...

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You could try to take her back to court for contempt, but morality clauses aren’t generally enforced all that often.  Consult a lawyer to see what your chances of winning would be.


Title: Would the use of mobile devices be a reasonable accommodation? Seminole County, FL.

Question:
I am a recovering alcoholic and suffer from anxiety. Sometimes at work I use my phone as a timer for breathing exercises to keep my cool. It doesnt hinder my work as I can do it without having to take up a lot of time or resources. Just my phone and I. I am not in a position where I am responsible for life or death. Its the service industry.

My employer doesn't know about my conditions as I try to seem normal. Lately one of the managers has been going around confiscating phones because a lot other employees take advantage of them and use their phone during work for non work related reasons.

Last night my phone was confiscated and caused me to have an anxiety attack.

Can I put in a request to allow mobile use as a reasonable accomadation? The breathing exercises are only intervals of 30 seconds to 3 minutes.

Answer: Would a stopwatch serve the same function?   That is a more reasonable request than keeping your phone when nobody else is allowed to have one.


Title: (DE) Me and my fiancee want to buy a house, but my credit is not the best. Can I create a contract where I put in my half of the down payment but can be assured that I get it back if we split?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Never buy a house with someone to whom you are not married.

If you split up the house will be a boat anchor holding you together. Often these situations cost thousands to resolve in court, ruin credit through foreclose, or both.

If you marry and then buy, the problems surrounding the house will be resolved in the divorce. You may hate the resolution of course, but the divorce provides an orderly means to resolution. This is what you want.


Title: IRS Notice dependent claimed by someone else

Question:
Located in South Carolina

Rundown of the problem. My daughter's grandmother claimed my daughter as her dependent in 2016. I claimed my daughter as well because I had permission from her mother ( we are separated and we're not married). I did not file form 8332 because I was 1. Oblivious to it at the time, and 2. Even if I knew about it I was not expecting anyone else to claim her.

My daughter lived with her mother at her grandmother's house for the year of 2016 which is her basis for claiming her. From what I understand, only the custodial parent ( my daughter's mom) can choose who can claim my daughter.

My question is, can I just ammend my return and attach form 8332 or is this going to be a more involved process?

Answer:
 How much support did you provide your daughter? More than her grandmother who housed her and I presume fed her?

You can claim a qualifying relative under some circumstances.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/family/rules-for-claiming-a-dependent-on-your-tax-return/L8LODbx94

You might want to crosspost this to /r/tax but if the IRS finds you shouldn't have claimed her then you will owe interest and likely penalties in addition to the tax owed.


Title: False Child Abuse Allegations

Question:
I am in Illinois, my sons father lives in Indiana.

I am the mother of the minor in question. My sons father is making false allegations of child abuse against me. It happened May 10th at 5:30pm when my son (5 years old) was picked up for dinner. Bright sunny day, not a cloud in the sky. His father claims there was a huge bright red hand print on my sons face that he says he did not notice until dinner. He never contacted me or responded to my many texts and calls at 10pm wondering where our son was and when he would be home. I ended up driving the 45 minutes to his house in a different state to find a police officer exiting who proceeded to tell me my son was abused and matter of factly stated it was me who did it. I was denied to see or speak to my son, even to this day I have not been able to see or speak to him at all.

I complied with the police knowing full well his dad was full of it and it would be situated soon. I waited a week for DCFS to start their investigation, never getting an answer wether this was an Illinois case or an Indiana case. I had no idea where to get a lawyer from. May 16th DCFS shows up with a tiny picture on a phone that showed a week old very faded pink line on my sons face. He’s 5. I explained to the case worker I needed a bigger picture and she said there wasn’t one. Alrighty. Case worker told me I had a court date set for an order of protection against me but didn’t know the date so I had to wait to be served or ask my sons dad.

I immediately asked him the court date via text that same day, no response. He refused to tell me who our son was with while he was working or what was going on.

May 28th he texted me the court date for May 30th. I’m not sure why he was intentionally trying to make me miss the court date

When I got there he lied straight away about a previous time DCFS was involved and said it was because I had “mental problems” when it was in fact because he refused to bring our son back to me and the local PD called DCFS. He took out images to show the judge that I had zero knowledge of. I had never seen this giant red handprint on my sons face until I seen her going through the images and it was only a glimpse of where I was standing. It would have been impossible for me to make the left handed mark, the bruising timeline he explained wasn’t accurate (it was VERY fresh) and that mark was literally IMPOSSIBLE to miss in the daylight and especially shady that he didn’t see a mark like that until almost an hour later into dinner?

Nobody allowed me to see these images of my son in the hospital, not once. He was granted a one year order of protection against me on the basis of the pictures alone. Even after I called him out for lying right at the stand minutes prior.

I had only found out the images the DCFS agent showed me were a week old AFTER this court date. I have proof in messages with my sons father that he has a history of coaching our son and often takes away his bed as a punishment.

My 5 year old is in danger and DCFS has me in a chokehold at this point. I need help please!!

Answer: Get an attorney ASAP.


Title: How much trouble can we get in

Question:
Okay so last year my friends and I went ding dong ditching and we found this guy with a long ass drive way. We rang the bell and ran but this guy found us and yelled at us. We thought that was the end of it but 5 minutes later this guy gets in his car and looks for us again. He finds us and tells us he's gonna kick out asses next time.
  Couple weeks go by and we do it again. This time two friends go ahead and ring it and the rest of us stay back. They waited a few minutes cause they thought the coast was clear but as soon as they cross the street the guys car pulls up and he threatens to kick their asses next time.
  Five months later is tonight and we get him again. As soon as we rang the bell 5 sec later we already hear his car leaving the driveway to find us. We had a few close calls but he didn't find us this time ! We plan on getting him again next week. If we get caught, what would you say happens?

 New York btw

Answer:
 Legally, you could be looking at harassment.

However, I'd be much more concerned about this guy snapping and beating you to death with a hammer.Answer #2: If you get caught what will happen? Pain.Answer #3: You, son, are a royal prick. With a bit of luck you'll end up getting charged with harassment or trespassing.


Title: Public Intoxication

Question: I was at the fair last night, and I was arrested and charged with public intoxication. They took me to the proccessing center in Indianapolis and I spent the night there. Today I saw the judge and he let me leave without any bond/bail. But I have to appear in court in two weeks and he told me to get an attorney. This is my first time involved with anything involving jails. What do I do next? How much trouble am I really in?

Answer:
 >  What do I do next?

Well, let's see...

>  But I have to appear in court in two weeks and **he told me to get an attorney.**


Title: My mother is stealing thousands of dollars from me [18 yrs old] and I don’t know what to do

Question:
TLDR: My mother is stealing thousands of dollars from me by putting my checks into my account and transferring it to hers (we have a joint account). I have another check coming and I need to stop her before she does it again. Please help.

Hi, I’m 18 years old and I’ve been getting checks from various things. My first check was for about $3,000 from a lawsuit from when I was younger that became available to me when I turned 18. I didn’t get much from it. My mother told me that the check was for a much smaller amount and only gave me $800 (that’s what she said at least, she will not give me access to our joint account so I don’t really know for sure)(she forced me into a joint account with her, saying it would be a good idea since she can transfer money whenever I need, me being stupid and not seeing through her usual manipulation, I agreed) I called the insurance company and they told me it was for $3,000, not the amount my mother had told me. My mother puts the check in my account and then transfers the money to hers, she told me that. I didn’t bring it up to her because my father (doesn’t live with us, very rich while we are pretty poor, and believes every word she says) would cut off my phone bill immediately at her say-so. Before all this Coronavirus mess started I had a school trip to Italy/Greece that was paid in full (my dad), around $3,500. Since that’s no longer a plan he said I could use the money to buy a car. It’s been a long process but I am finally getting my refunded money sent to me... only my mother told me she’s giving me $1,000 for a car and she’s keeping the rest. I have another check coming in December (my birthday) that’s also for $3,500 and she was trying to get the insurance company to send it to her back in Feburary. I am sure that she will do the same exact thing. I don’t like speaking bad about her but she really is an awful person and has walked all over me her entire life, even putting my life in danger multiple times due to her decisions. I really don’t owe her anything. I want to be independant and be able to do things on my own but she makes me totally dependant on her. I can’t drive, I don’t have a license, I don’t have a car, I don’t have any money to my name, she won’t let me get a job (she would be my way to and from), and she wouldn’t let me move into college dorms when it was a possibility (thank you so much Coronavirus). I’m positive there’s SOMETHING I can do but I really don’t know.

Answer: Just start another account and cash the checks there.


Title: update: [IL] voicemail from FBI inviting me to a meeting

Question:
The local FBI office confirmed that one of their background investigators was trying to get in touch with me. I called back and picked a day.

At the meeting after the small talk she asked me how I met a friend and how long I had known him. (He was my roommate during a study abroad semester in Israel). She wanted lots of information about that time period. Did he have a girlfriend there? Did he maintain an ostentatious lifestyle? I gave her the names of some other classmates who were there. The interview concluded with some fairly perfunctory questions including whether I believed he could be trusted with confidential government information, did he have any debts, could he be blackmailed, and if he considered himself too special to have the rules apply to him.

I'm not much of a Starbucks fan, the coffee tastes burnt.

Answer:
 Did she pay for the coffee, and *this is important*, did she buy you a pastry?

Thanks for the update. We get FBI questions here often, and it is nice to know that at least sometimes there is a benign explanation for the meeting, and the reason OP hasn't updated isn't because they are currently in shackles at a black site.

Edited for clarity. Answer #2: Sounds like the standard stuff for security clearances. Answer #3: Not gonna lie, that's actually pretty cool.Answer #4: >The interview concluded with some fairly perfunctory questions including whether I believed he could be trusted with confidential government information, did he have any debts, could he be blackmailed, and if he considered himself too special to have the rules apply to him.

Top Secret Clearance!

Your friend put you down as a reference and they are questioning you as to his character. This happens when you join any government branch that requires a Top Secret Clearance. They really do dig deep on those.


Title: Can I still sue five years later?

Question: This hospital misdiagnosed me, was negligent, and the state took hold of my health decisions when they had no authority to do so. I have proof. CT. I ask because I know of someone who also suffered medical negligence from seven years ago and just now filed

Answer:
 In CT, medmal statute of limitations is [2 -3 years](https://www.thelaw.com/law/connecticut-statute-of-limitations-civil-actions.371/).  If that is even what you are hinting at....though....

>and the state took hold of my health decisions when they had no authority to do so.

sounds like there is a lot more going on.


Title: [US] Is it legal to create a law that only one sex can be charged with?

Question:
American conservative commentator Kevin Williamson was recently hired, then fired, by The Atlantic after statements he made advocating for hanging women who have had abortions came to light on several media platforms.

Would making abortion a capital crime be legal, given that only (reproductive) women could be charged with it?

Answer: It's illegal in many places for women to bare their breasts when it isn't for men.


Title: Employer Suddenly Requiring non-compete after years

Question:
Edit: this is in OH, USA.

I've been with my company for years.  Recently they have grown a lot and there are more managers and lawyers involved.  Someone handed me a contract to sign today and it is a highly specific non-compete regarding a project that is already finished.  I don't have the option to not sign and just not participate because it already happened before I was ever given the contract.   How can I handle this?  Also is it possible to force the company to provide me with copies of any other signed "agreements" I may have with them?  I hate that we have to behave like both parties could sue the other at any time.

Answer:
 Unless you currently have a separate employment contract, they can do that in Ohio.  The agreement will be enforceable as long as it's drafted reasonably.  Your options are sign, or get fired.

>  Also is it possible to force the company to provide me with copies of any other signed "agreements" I may have with them?

Not without a court order, no.  Ohio doesn't grant employees the right to access their personnel files except for medical or wage records.  You can certainly ask thoughAnswer #2: >  I don't have the option to not sign

You always have the option to not sign.

They have the option of firing you for failure to sign.

You would then have the option of seeking unemployment.

> I hate that we have to behave like both parties could sue the other at any time.

Umm, this is how it always is.


Title: Stuck in a lease with my severely unstable ex-girlfriend, what are my options?

Question:
I have already accepted I am not going to get my security deposit back because she has completely destroyed this place with her temper tantrums. She doesn't even pay rent anymore or help with utilities, she's living here for free because she knows I can't kick her out. I've tried getting the police involved several different times, but they said there's nothing they can do, that this is her residence, too.

Every time she throws a temper tantrum, I fear for my life. She has attacked me with a knife before, but I stupidly told the police she was mentally ill and suicidal so they would take her to the hospital instead of jail. I try to get her help, but she's so manipulative and is a freaking liar. I'm at my wit's end.

We live in Michigan.

Answer:
 > I have already accepted I am not going to get my security deposit back because she has completely destroyed this place with her temper tantrums.

your liability is not limited to the amount of the security deposit


Title: WA EWU Police cruiser legality. Are they breaking the law?

Question:
http://i.imgur.com/wVhJhOm.jpg
Above is an example of the "ghost livery" of all of the EWU campus police cruisers. According to [Washington State Law](http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.08.065), only a sheriff can operate an undercover cruiser. EWU's use of non-contrasting colors for their police markings violates RCW 46.08.065. Can anyone prove me wrong? I'd really like to get to the bottom of this.

Answer:
 > According to Washington State Law[2] , only a sheriff can operate an undercover cruiser

Quoting from the law you cite:

> This section shall not apply to vehicles of a sheriff's office, local police department, or any vehicles used by local peace officers

Any police, sheriff's or peace officer can operate such a vehicle.


Title: Can I go on the plane to different states as an illegal immigrant?

Question: I have my drivers license and daca/employment authorization card. Am I able to use these identification to travel to a different state? [WASHINGTON]

Answer: Legally? Sure, it does not make any difference. Your driver's license should suffice as identification, although there are even procedures for people without photo ID to travel by plane.


Title: Must I produce documents?

Question:
My husband's ex is taking us to court again and we were served with paperwork from her attorney requesting anything and everything that has to do with our finances..   The request for production of documents form was not signed by a judge, only by her attorney.  We can't afford an attorney so we are trying to go at this on our own.  Since it wasn't signed by a judge, do I HAVE TO produce these documents?
Our court date is a month away but the docs are "due to him" by Friday.

Answer: Document review is beyond the scope of this sub.  If this really is a court order and you just think it's not, and you don't comply, you can be held in contempt. Futhermore, if this request is reasonable, it's entirely possible a Judge would require you to produce it anyway so you're not accomplishing anything. You need an attorney at least for things like this. You're going to get taken to the cleaners without one.


Title: [MI] Pregnant Fiance and I were in a car accident. Other driver was at fault.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You don't sue insurances. You sue people.

50k is the max amount their insurance can pay. You have extra insurance to cover the rest if your expenses are more than the 50k.


Title: I was suckered into an online job scam. I need help protecting myself from further damage.

Question:
Before we get started- you absolutely may call me an idiot. Just don't beat a dead horse, I already am aware of the fact.

Background: I'm unemployed. I get an email from a very well known, HUGE video game company. The email says that they have a job opening for a remote position, they saw my resume and they want to interview me. The email says they pay suspiciously well for both the position and the skill level. I accept anyway, and they conduct an email at around 5:00 pm pacific time via google hangouts. I provide my name & address to begin, and then they conduct the interview as normal. This goes on until I am "hired" at 6:30 PM, and accept the position. They even assigned me a supervisor and provided an email for him and everything. They went all out with this scam!

Anyway. At 7 PM I am told that I need a new laptop and some new software, but the first red flag is that they asked me to print out a check for 3500 dollars & buy the items. I'm told that I need to print and deposit the check RIGHT away so I can buy every thing I need. The second red flag is that I have to buy it from their specific vendor. So, I tell them that my bank restricts mobile deposits to 1500 and only before 9 PM central time.

Then, at 8 PM the interviewer now tells me I need to go to target to get an amazon gift card for 300 dollars. The reason being so their vendor can order software for me so I can start right away. This should have been when i said "fuck no" and blocked this person, but I mean I can't lie...I did. I put it on my credit card and send her a picture of the activation numbers. (hope she's having fun buying shit on amazon right now...mother fucker).

The conversation keeps going until 9 PM. At this point, I have been speaking with this person for hours, trying to get answers, and finally at 9:19 she tells me that all my questions will be answered at our next meeting.

What do I do? I'm not worried about getting my money back at all, I know that's my fault. I just want to be safe, this weirdo has my sensitive personal information.

Answer:
 The scammer has successfully conned you out of $300.

What other sensitive information did they get;  your name and address ?   Maybe your social security number, because you thought you were being hired for a job ?

In general the best thing to do is freeze all your accounts and shell out for one of those identity theft protection services.   It's an additional expense on top of the money you just lost, but I'd say it's a learning experience and at least you didn't get scammed for the $3500 they were going to send you a fake check image for.

I'm not sure if Amazon can do anything about the gift card;   they're likely ordering stuff and having it sent to some other patsy who thinks they got a job as a "reshipper".


Title: Our app got ripped-off by someone in India

Question:
One of my customers has just showed me a 100% rip-off of our software  product.
Basically, some dude in India has taken our app (SaaS help desk software), slightly redesigned the UI and is now selling it as a "saas" app. (we have an option to buy our product with the source codes, and he was probably working for one of our Indian customers and has stolen the sources).

He also launched a website where 70% of the text is stolen from our website.

He used a restrictive "robots.txt" so he cannot be found online, using phone-sales and marketplaces like "capterra" to acquire customers.

But he was dumb enough not to hide his "whois" and list his personal phone number on his website. I decided to contact him (probably a mistake), sending a scary "cease and desist" PDF-letter with screenshots of his website and everything, letting him know that this is copyright infringement, IP violation and my company is hiring an attorney to fight him.

He replied and even ADMITTED that he copied everything, but claims he used a freely-downloadable "trial" version of our product to build upon (which is not true, our trial version is a half-assed demo, not a real product) and this is his "hobby". After a couple of emails (I basically called him a liar 1-2 times, and he replied with a "go ahead, sue me").

So. What do I do?

My 1st reaction was to hire a US/UK lawyer (my company is in the UK) but then I thought of hiring an Indian local attorney maybe? And let the lawyer contact him and maybe file criminal charges/lawsuit etc?

I guess I will have no problem proving that my website IS the original one? ("whois" history goes back to 2005, "archive.org" snapshots etc, I also have all the source codes in an online repo that is several years old etc.)

PPS. He probably rushed into changing the copy on his pages, but we made dozens of screenshots of the stolen content etc. Is that enough? What else could I do?

EDIT: Some clarifications

EDIT 2: It's not a mobile app, it's a web app. But thanks a lot for the suggestions.

Answer:
 Just a couple of thoughts ...

You could file a DMCA report with Apple/Google assuming this is an mobile app.

You can file a DMCA claim with the guys host company, assuming he is using a US host.

You could potentially file suit against him in your local jurisdiction.  He won't appear and you will get a default judgement against him. This cannthwn be used to compel the court to issue orders to the guys web host, domain registrar, domain registry, and any places that are disturbing his app to take the stuff offline.

You can file a claim with one of ICANNs using one of their rights protections mechanisms.  Answer #2: Report it to the app store as copyright infringement.


Title: How to get full custody of newborn daughter in Nebraska?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Nebraska is a one party state.  You can record all you want.

File an emergency custody order and RO.  Stop protecting him and call the police next time he acts like a donkey.

Who owns the house?  Is it rented?Answer #2: First you need to know that he has tenancy rights and you cannot force him to move without serving notice. You cannot just kick him out or change the locks.

You can file for custody however you like but courts favor arrangements in which the child get maximum time with each parent. Since she is breastfed this may limit the length of his visitation at first but he will likely get more over time.


Title: [CA] Flighthub cancelled two of my reservations in one day, charged my card for both of them

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Contact your bank and ask them to reverse the charges. There is a reason why they exist.Answer #2: The first rule of FlightHub is...


Title: I left my job 4 months ago, suddenly they're asking me to pay back the relocation allowance they paid me to move to the city when I started. I did sign an repayment agreement when I started, but I forgot about it, and it was not once brought up during the resignation process.

Question: I signed the repayment agreement stating I would reimburse them in full if I left within two years, but is it fair for them to have completely forgotten about it, just as I did, and come after me for the money now that I've changed jobs and been gone for 4 months? I asked them recently for some old paystub information for tax purposes and I believe this is what made them remember it.

Answer:
 You signed the contract. You pay the money.

This is pretty typical for many companies. I would guess they process these things in batches, especially if it's a larger company. Answer #2: If you believe it's somehow relevant that they did not mention it during the resignation process and are now bringing it up months later, it's not. Written contracts are good for years.Answer #3: You signed an agreement. You need to abide by that agreement.


Title: [Indiana] I got a dog, that the person who sold it to me told me it was a specific breed, then went back on that. Can I get my money back and keep said dog?

Question:
So basically I got a dog that on Facebook said the dog was a lab beagle mix. I went and got the dog, the mother of the dog looked nothing like a lab or beagle as I have owned both and the father was no where to be seen and when I asked the person said "Oh the dad is inside he's sick" which could have been.

This was 7 months ago. Last month, I went to the vet and the vet needed to know exactly what breed of dog it was for some shot or something it needed and apparently different breeds react differently to it. So I called the person up again and this time they told me it was a greyhound and lab mix. Apparently the beagle disappeared and the mother of this dog didn't look like a greyhound either.

The dog looks nothing like a greyhound or lab. She has the coloring of a beagle but that's about it.

So, I had a doggy DNA test done and this dog is a mix of a beagle and pitbull. So I was sold a pitbull mix basically and legally we have to inform the vet immediately if it's a pitbull because of their nature.

So, this person lied to me twice, charged me $200 for a breed of dog that is potentially vicious and didn't inform me of it, and thus I couldn't inform my vet and that ended up costing me $300 when they found out due to "negligence".

So can I sue someone for my money back and keep said dog because the person told me they'd give me my money back and pay the $300 fine from the vet but I'd have to return the dog, which I do not want to do.

Answer:
 Why do you think you’re e titled to money *and* the dog?

Setting aside the wholly incorrect suggestion that pit bulls are fundamentally dangerous, you don’t have a viable cause of action to pursue a refund (let alone both the dog and a refund), unless someone certified the mixed breed of your dog.Answer #2: You never had a certification, and it sounds like you always had suspicions and didn't care. You didn't due any due diligence before the sale either. You cannot get any money back here.


Title: Disbarred attorney practicing law (Colorado)

Question:
Hi r/legaladvice. In my job (Fortune 500 company, Michigan) we’re working with a company somewhat indirectly and we had to speak to “their attorney.” After Googling him and doing some research, it appears that he was disbarred six years ago in the state of Colorado, which is where this business is located. This surprised me. We got an email from this guy and sure enough, his signature says “General Counsel” and has a blurb about attorney confidentiality in the footer.

As it stands, my interaction with this guy and business has zero affect on our company. But morally, I want to report him.

Since I know this guy works in Colorado and his name has somewhat unique spelling, I’m fairly confident this is him. Should I report him? I’m not sure if the business he’s representing knows he’s a fraud, or if they know and they’re okay with it. Either way, I believe this is unauthorized practice of law. Yes?

Looking at the Colorado Bar and Supreme Court websites, it seems like I can’t report him anonymously. Is that correct? I don’t want to affect my job or our business relationship if this comes back to me. Any ideas?

Answer: Lawyer here.  As a disbarred lawyer he is not allowed to have any legal job or any job that is held out as being such.  He is not allowed to give legal counsel or advise.  If he is working as a lawyer then he has broken the law.  If he is engaging in legal work that involves your firm, you should bring it to the attention of your firm's counsel.  Let him or her check it out .


Title: Grand theft Auto, Felony DUI, and Felony Hit and Run

Question:
I will keep this short and don't want to provide too much detail. I live in California and this incident happened just a few days ago:

I was driving my friend's car to pick her up from a night out, it was 3am on a weekend. I noticed a Porsche swerving in and out of lanes, I went around them and sped off. Later on, I see them in my rearview and they basically merged across three lanes at once and slammed into the back of me. I was going approx 75mph, they were going 90-95mph by my estimation.

Luckily, I was able to maintain control of the vehicle, had they hit me at more of an angle it would have spun me out and maybe caused me to rollover. The freeway was quite empty, so at this point I am assuming they're very intoxicated. I kept driving after getting hit and soon they pass me, so I follow their car and they start speeding up to 90mph. At this point it's obvious they're trying to get away, but I kept following them for about 1.5 miles until they exited the freeway. At the exit, they blew threw a red light and turned at 25mph or so and I followed them. They then blew threw another red light until finally pulling over in a dark and completely deserted street.

Long story short, it was obvious that he was drunk and to me it seemed like he was also on ecstasy or possibly cocaine. He tried to get me to say that he hit me with his Audi instead because that's the car he owns. I later find out the reason why is because the Porsche he hit me with is a brand new 2018 dealer owned car. It is owned by a Porsche dealership in an EXTREMELY wealthy part of Orange County. He was an employee there and he decided to take it for a joyride that night. His plan was to bring the Porsche back to the dealer and then say that he hit the car with his personal Audi...which is the dumbest thing I've ever heard, that would never work...

My back and neck were injured in the crash and I went to the ER the same night, but not by ambulance. I had to miss work and also postpone a test at my university. I also plan on seeing a physical therapist as well as a mental health professional to deal with the anxiety I've been having since the crash. His personal car insurance will not cover him for this crash because he stole the car. The Porsche dealership's insurance is looking like they might refuse to cover it as well since it was stolen.

Now my friend has no car to drive and she is a doctoral student...and I'm injured. The driver was arrested that night by the CHP on suspicion of DUI charge, but I am hoping the dealership pursues grand theft charges as well. Hopefully the CHP will also pursue hit and run charges.

I want to know if we have a big case here and if it is pretty straightforward. If neither of the two insurances will cover this, then is the best course of action to sue the Porsche dealership for neglecting to properly lock up their vehicles? It shouldn't be so easy for an employee to gain access to one of their cars. Even if Porsche's car insurance DOES cover this accident, is it still worth it to pursue a settlement for my injuries and how this crash has affected me? I am not sure what to do here and I do plan on speaking to an attorney tomorrow, but I am concerned with the cost since I am still a student. I know that some won't make you pay and will just take a roughly 30% cut of the settlement, but is this the best way to handle this or can it possibly be done on my own so that I don't have to forfeit some of the winnings? Any advice would be appreciated, thank you.

Answer: Something seems off here. Did you call 911 while you were chasing this guy down?