Title: An Elderly Black Man Lost His Driver’s license for 20 Years Over Marijuana Possession

Question:
I’m a mental health worker in VA. A client of mine lost his driver’s license 20 years ago for a pot possession charge. After two decades my client is now eligible to petition for his license. The court is requiring this elderly, disabled man pay hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars and take VASAP (driver improvement) for 10 weeks to get his privileges restored. The nearest driver improvement course is over an hour away. There’s no way my client can get to these classes week after week. The probation office initially told us that we could schedule a hearing with a judge to ask that these requirements be waived, but they’ve back pedaled and are now refusing my client this opportunity.

What can I do? Is there anyone I can contact to review this case and allow us a fair hearing?
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer:
 Your client can retain an attorney and independently make a motion to be re-heard.

However, to be totally blunt: after 20 years, your client *needs* re-training to be a safe and effective driver.  It's unlikely you could argue successfully for restoration with *no* retraining.


Title: If I'm a co-tenant of an apartment, can my roommate legally deny a family member staying here 2 nights?

Question:
I can't find anywhere in my lease that says he has a right. Long story short, my roommate is a nightmare and I'm breaking my lease due to my "safety" concerns. My brother in law (who has 2 kids) is flying out to help me pack up and move. This is an NYC apartment.

My roommate claims that he feels unsafe regarding the circumstances of our argument and what I could've told another family member. He's trying to dictate that he will decide if my bro-in-law can stay. Is this legal? What evidence does he need to exercise this?

Answer:
 if you're both on the lease, you have equal power to invite or prohibit guests.

but you should not be asking an adult and two children to stay in a shared apartment against your roommates wishes for any amount of time. Answer #2: Right now, my roommate says he's willing to let him stay if he can interview him by phone. Is this a bad idea? Should I run with it and hopefully keep the peace? Could this somehow be incriminating?

I checked the phone number my roommate gave to my bro-in-law to call. It doesn't match the phone number of my roommate I've had all year. I'm nervous it's Google Voice and he's going to request him to call and record without consent.


Title: Lawyer for legal help with Facebook?

Question:
Last night, Facebook marked my account as “Disabled - Inactive”. I tried to appeal and they send me a cookie cutter response that their “decision is final for safety and security reasons”

I had used Facebook in the past as a scrapbook, and there are pictures of me and my best friend on there who is now deceased, and now, those photos are seemingly gone for good.

FB hasn’t deleted my data either - it’s just disabled, so they’re keeping it indefinitely apparently. FB’s customer service is one of those brick wall things where all you get is automated responses and can’t ever talk to a real person.

My question is: do I have any grounds to hire a lawyer to either get my data back, or permanently delete it so FB doesn’t have an archive file on me (I especially hate the idea of them just having and keeping it, and me unable to delete it permanently) ?

I don’t care about using Facebook ever again, I just want the photos, and I don’t want Facebook to have them either
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer: You can ask customer service likely.


Title: Is it a crime to punch myself in the face repeatedly in public? (VA)

Answer: No, have a great time.


Title: Separated Spouse wants to move back in. With New Girlfriend...

Question:
This is happening to a friend of mine. We live in Florida. Her (Jane) and her husband (Bob) separated a few months ago. Bob moved out, and moved directly into his new girlfriends (Megan) place. Jane has been paying the mortgage and all bills on the house on her own since Bob moved out. Jane met a new guy (Sam), and he needed a place to stay, so Jane let Sam move into the house. Sam has lived there about 2 weeks. Today, Bob emailed Jane, and informed her that Bob and Megan don't have anywhere to live, and are moving into the house on Thursday.

Jane and Bob have not filed for divorce, and the house and mortgage is in both their names. Is there anything Jane can do to stop him? Or can she require Megan to sign a lease before she can move in? Its super awkward all around, and Jane cant afford a lawyer right now after trying to keep up with all the bills.

Any insight would be appreciated!
[Edited the original to use names for clarity]

Another EDIT: So Bob and and Megan called Jane up last night to let her know that they aren't moving in, they had never planned on moving in, that they hate her, and they did it all just to fuck with her. Along with a bunch of name calling. Bob is in his 30's and Megan is 19. I find them both pathetic. I'm glad they did all this through email, so Jane has proof of this nonsense (don't know if it will help Jane in the long run, but whatevs.). Thank you everyone, Jane is going to  lawyer today.

Answer:
 Until they divorce or sell the house, they each have equal right to use and possession.  So neither Jane nor Bob can prevent the other from full use of the house, including inviting guests or allowing tenants.

> Or can she require Megan to sign a lease before she can move in?

She can't mandate it because Bob could allow her to stay either way.  But it would be smart to try, because it's in both (Bob & Jane) their best interests to outline her rights to the house as a tenant to protect themselves.  Answer #2: This sounds like the premise of a sitcom. Have your friend keep a journal of everything and then sell the story when they are divorced. Answer #3: It's much easier to follow a story if you give nicknames, rather than letters.


Title: [MA] My boss is refusing to honor cancellations of a monthly subscriptions and/or throwing away cancellation forms and claiming he never received them, scamming members out of money. What do I do?

Question:
I've been working at a gym for 3 years. We brought a new personal trainer on in the last year and now every week I average 1-2 phone calls about someone claiming to be falsely charged money.

I have first-hand witnessed the owner of the establishment throwing away contracts or not honoring cancellation forms. In the contract for a membership it is required to place a 30 day notice when cancelling. I have witness time and time again, the owner not honoring these 30 day notices and members getting screwed out of hundreds of dollars. Most of the time, the members return with a copy of the cancellation form and the problem is fixed. There's just one major problem...

Personal training doesn't have a contract. If you sign up for personal training it's literally done on a scrap piece of paper and you make a one time payment. Never are the members told it's a reoccurring payment or about a 30 day notice.

Recently a member typed up a short letter expressing their desire to cancel personal training. I made a copy of that letter, signed by both the trainer and the member with the date. I witnessed the personal trainer throw the written letter away and claim he never received one and will continue to charge the member. This happened 4 months ago. Now the member is being told they owe the gym $400+ dollars and that he must pay with cash as they fear he will charge back.

The member claims they were falsely charged $400 dollars and charged back on their card.

They yelled at the member, called the member names, threatened to sue the member and said they would ruin the member's credit score if the issue wasn't resolved in 1 day's time, with a payment of cash only. I and several other witnesses watched the personal trainer and owner refuse to grant any of the member's wishes of printing out payment history, printing out dates of appointments, or looking through his file to find the cancellation request.

Another issue is, there's only three of us that work at the gym at any given time. Any problem is immediately sent to the owner as we don't have a manager of any sort. The owner and the personal trainer split the profits from personal training 50/50, so there every problem that is given to the owner falls on the bottom of his priorities or delayed with hopes the members don't pursue.

I have dates, copies of documents from appointment dates and cancellation notices in favor of the members' claims. I also have evidence that the personal training is falsifying appointment dates with clients and claiming they've had more sessions than they actually have.

 What are my realistic options besides looking for a new job (which I already am in the process of)?

If there is any more information I could provide that will help I would be happy to do it.

Answer:
 Alert AG Maura Healy’s office of Consumer Protection/Fraud Division.

Refer disgruntled ex customers to her office.

Prepare to get fired for the second part...Answer #2: IANAL - It seems like this will be a case where you will become a whistleblower and report the fraud to the Attorney General's office in your state and they can take action.  Understand that you will more than likely be fired for doing so but whistleblowing is still the right move to make because eventually one of the upset customers will take action against the business and it may close the business anyway.

There are federal laws that protect whistleblowers from retaliation but as soon as you find a different job you may just want to take it and leave this one way back in the rearview!


Title: [TX] Won a prize at work, full retail value of prize deducted from pay?

Question:
Over Christmas I won an iPad Mini 2 Wi-Fi from work. I was told I'd have the tax on the item deducted from my pay. Instead, when I got paid today, it said I had deducted $215.46 categorized under "contest" in my electronic pay stub. I looked and that particular model of iPad retails for anywhere between $199 and $249. I am not confident HR or my managers will help me since they basically humiliated me today regarding an unrelated issue. What kind of recourse do I have?

Edit 01/22/15: I messed up, they actually added the value to my pay then taxed it and deducted that. BUT today one of the other managers came around and gave me $43 in cash and told me this was the taxes on the item. So now I'm even more confused.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 It's very possible this was just a mistake, especially if they don't have to deduct taxes for contest prizes often. You really do need to talk to HR first.

ETA: or pay roll. I didn't know they were different things.


Title: Will an actual lawyer send you a letter and call you about sperm jacking? (IL)

Question:
I didn't steal his sperm. I have no reason to steal his sperm (why in the hell would I want to ruin my life by being attached to an idiot?  But he read some things online after a condom broke ( I'm on the pill so I am not even worried) and started freaking out.

I told him I wasn't pregnant. Never claimed to be pregnant.

He freaked out and demanded that I send him proof I am on the pill.

I told him it was a ridiculous demand and a little late as it had been past a week and if I was pregnant the damage was done anyway.

Maybe I phrased it the wrong way but he freaked out. I blocked his number and moved on with me life.

A few days ago, still not pregnant, never claiming to be pregnant, I get a letter from an apparent lawyer saying he was looking into the matter regarding possible sperm jacking.

What the hell? Ok, the condom broke while he was inside me. He didn't bring one so I gave him one that I kept in a box near my bed. I keep them there because the pill doesn't protect against STD's and I am not dumb. I am in college and I date people and might want to have sex with some of those people so I am going to look out for my health regardless of whether I am on the pill or not.

He didn't seemed concerned about my condoms that night. He got up the next morning, didn't even look at the condom, and everything was fine. It wasn't until a few days later when he was reading some shit online that he freaked.

In the letter it is saying that there was some concern on whether I tampered with the condoms. And that if I end up pregnant I could I actually end up paying that guy money.

I am not dumb so I called the number and some guy answered and claimed he was a lawyer. They wanted me to turn over the box of condoms for inspection and wanted me to prove I was on birth control.

Smelled liked bullshit so...

I asked him if he really was a lawyer, where his office was, his practice specialty, all the information I could think of that I might need to verify he was a legitimate lawyer, etc.

I told him that I'd have my lawyer call him back and hung up.

I googled his name and office and I found someone with a similar name working at a law office but it wasn't the exact name. I called the number on the website (different from the one on the letter) and left a message but no one has returned my call yet.

In the meantime, I thought I'd ask around and see if there was any real possibility that this is legitimate?

Do people really sue for possible sperm jacking?

If not, and this turns out to be fake, can he get in any trouble for trying to impersonate a lawyer? Is that an illegal thing?

Edit: he mentioned the terms rape by fraud and pregnancy by fraud. Are those things? Like I looked up rape by fraud but it doesn't sound related to a condom breaking or sperm jacking.

Answer:
 http://www.skokiecriminallawyer.com/2012/01/new-illinois-law-on-false-impersonation.html

I am kind of surprised that all the comments missed this.  Impersonating a lawyer is not just a bad idea, it is a CRIME.  Take your letter on down to the police station and file a complaint.  With a little luck this moron used his own phone number and will be easy to track down.

If the police figure out who this person is, and he is a student, notify whatever person handles disciplinary problems at your college.  This has to violate your student code of conduct.  Your college might just kick him out.

Have you googled the phone number?  Answer #2: It sounds like you've already got this figured out, but I don't know a single lawyer who would ever use the phrase "sperm jacking" in an official communication. That should have been your first clue that they're full of shit.Answer #3: Don't worry about his legal claim but do worry just a little about him:

I would to my best to avoid this nut job at all costs.  I'd keep notes and copies of all messages he leaves.  Not because you could possibly be under any legal problems for sperm jacking but because he is crazy and might end up stalking you or something weird and you might want the proof later if you have to make a police report or get a restraining order.

Edit:  After reading some of your other comments here I think you should file a police report now!Answer #4: Hey Op! Don't know if you're still about, but in just about *all* jurisdictions impersonating an attorney is an offence. This RP idiot is clearly batshit, and a swift action from your local bar association would do him a world of good!


Title: Me [M] 14 years old, have a brother [18] who issues death threats to me. I live in south east asia, not entirely sure if death sentence is permitted here, but can my brother go to jail for life/death sentence if he issues threats?

Question: If you need context, just comment and I'll try to see if it has happened. Today, I had just came back from school, extremely tired due to after school activities. He told me to go and sweep the floor while he mops the top floor of the house. I tell him to wait as I wanted to bathe first as I was extremely sweaty. However, he was still using the toilet. Me and him proceeds to get into a huge arguement about him saying how lazy I am,  although on days he goes out, he doesn't see the chores I do at home to make up for his absence. At night after he came back home, he told me if I ever gave him a smug look (wtf? never did anything to him.  He's an asshole so I don't talk to him much) ever again, he would make sure I got it from him. I am pretty sure death threats are not legal,  and he has a history of hitting me when he doesn't get his way or I disagree with him. What he fails to see is that, when my mother tells him to do something,  he doesn't do it immediately either,  so I could say he's quite a hypocrite. That's not the point however. Just wanted check if death sentences are possible here,  or what kind of consequences would there be for him issuing death threats. Thank you if anyone does reply. I live in Singapore

Answer:
 SE Asia is a big place with a lot of different countries with different laws. Nobody can tell you anything about your local laws without you providing a more specific location.

That said, your brother telling you you're gonna "get it" almost certainly does not rise to the level of an illegal threat. If he actually hits you or makes a specific threat, that may qualify under whatever domestic violence laws your country/state/city may have. The punishment for that offense will not be death or life in prison.

This is an issue for your parents, not for the law.


Title: My brothers debt and one annoyed older sister.

Question:
Hello. I live in the state of Mi. Recently I have been getting phone calls from my little brothers debt collectors (a ring he took a loan out on that was for his ex that he doesn't want to pay for because she never gave it back.) Turns out someone filed a civil lawsuit against him. He bought for 750 something dollars and they are offering to settle for 500 dollars if he calls them and work out a payment plan before the 29th. I told them I'd conciser paying but in the mean time I'd try to contact my little brother and see what he has to say about it, and that I knew he didn't have much money.

When I contacted my little brother he was very rude about the debt collectors. "Why would you talk to them?", "Drop dead!", "You are the worst person on the face of the Earth." "I'm going to sue you for slander." Grown ass man and he doesn't take responsibility for his actions. *eye roll* Of course him taking out a loan and not paying for it turns into my fault.

Anyway I'm annoyed. I recently remembered he has a bank account that also has my name on it that he still uses. I'm half tempted to turn that bank account over to the debt collectors. (Can I do that and it be legal?) This bank account is one that I asked him several times in the past to take my name off of anyway or to cancel the account. Can I do this and it be legal. I wouldn't even conciser if it wasn't for the fact that he was a complete ass to me when I brought it up and then He went on a rant to my grandmother, and told my cousin I told the debt collectors where he lived (I don't know where he lives), And his current girlfriend told me to keep out of it, that he is in no circumstances paying for that ring (like she doesn't seem to realize or car that that debt is going to affect her). He is making me out to be a complete bitch about this. I would be extremely happy to show him how bitchy I can be. I feel like this would be just the thing to do if it was legal.

Answer:
 > This bank account is one that I asked him several times in the past to take my name off of anyway or to cancel the account.

He can't take your name off, likely.  If people could just go around taking other people off bank accounts, mayhem would ensue.  You need to go down to the bank and take *yourself* off the account.

I think his current girlfriend is right -- it's not your debt, so it's not your problem.  Inserting yourself into the situation with the intent of showing them how bitchy you can be will not make the situation any better and would only serve to make it worse.  If your intent is to take a bad situation and make it worse, then by all means, carry on.

I think your best course of action is to remove your name from things you don't want your name on, and allow your brother to deal with his own debts.


Title: [Q]Forced 10% tip on restaurant bill?

Question:
Went to a new restaurant with a couple friends last week, service ended up being pretty bad (new restaurant like 2 weeks old at the time) but the question, is it legal for them to force you to pay a 10% tip? and if so is it enforcable? maybe force isn't the right word for it but they just added it to the total for the bill.

**Edit** bot asked me to add the location, so it's in the Netherlands.
Topic:
Consumer Law

Answer:
 /u/frisian2, you're up.Answer #2: Summon /u/frisian2, because I have no idea about the Neatherlands tipping culture; but if it's anything like the rest of the EU, I'm betting this is pretty unusual.

In the US it's extremely common. They typically add automatic gratuities of about 18% for large parties (which can vary, but generally mean more than 6). It must be posted publicly, like a sign or on the menu. Also, you can request it be removed from the bill by the manager of the service is bad. If it's that bad they're likely to comp part of the meal anyway as a customer service gesture.


Title: [MI] my mom died in her rental home, now the owner wants me to clean everything out. I don't know what to do

Question:
I found out my mom passed away in bed on Monday. So I immediately flew up to check up on the situation and cover the funeral etc.

Anyway, the place is a complete mess because she was sick and unable to take care of the place and her dogs for the last few weeks of her life.

If it makes any difference, she was supposedly given notice for eviction to be removed by July 1 2 weeks ago.

Now the owner left a message to me saying his attorney came to check out the place and he wants everything out of the house by Sunday afternoon (I'm leaving Sunday morning to go back home), and the funeral is Friday, so that's probably not doable.

It doesn't seem fair that all this can be dropped right on my lap before I am even done grieving. And I thought cleaning up afterwards is what the security deposit is for.

Was the rental lease and her responsibilities passed down to me or something? What do I do?

Edit: just learned my mom never signed a lease. She paid month by month, and didn't pay for June yet, which is why he says he has a right to demand it is all gone by Sunday, despite the eviction notice date of July 1.

Answer:
 So sorry for your loss.

This is a difficult time. I understand. However, your mother's estate is responsible for cleaning the apartment. Legally if she has no assets left that you inherited they can't come after you (in most states). If there is any money or assets, and no one "makes the landlord whole", they can sue the estate.

I have sympathy for the landlord, this is a problem and expense for them as well, which isn't fair either.


Title: [IL] can I kick roommate out if he stops paying rent

Question: We might get another roommate and he won't be on lease. If he doesn't pay rent can I not let him in the apt and move his stuff outside at the door. I'll prolly make him sign a roommate contract before so I can still collect rent for the term he signed up for and kick him out since he stopped paying. Either we don't give him keys or if we do we change the master lock after not letting him in

Answer:
 No. You would be subleasing to him. You would be his landlord and he would be your sub-tenant. If you wanted him to leave, you would need to either evict him or provide him 30 days notice to vacate.Answer #2: >  If he doesn't pay rent can I not let him in the apt and move his stuff outside at the door.

If you want to get sued for an illegal eviction in one of the more tenant friendly states, sure.

You'd be subleasing to him as a tenant. You can't evict him without following the process to remove a month to month tenant. Answer #3: > change the master lock

Also an illegal eviction. Don't do that.

If he stops paying rent you can sue him after his tenancy has ended. If you illegally evict him, he can sue *you*. One of these things is way better than the other.


Title: Charged with possession of marijuana when all I had was a dirty pipe (virginia) xpost r/trees

Question:
Is there any ways I can fight this in court? They didnt find any actual pot but the pipe itself was dirty. Does that actually count as possession of marijuana in virginia? And if I Wasnt distributing the bowl to anyone and only had it for personal use, what would the correct charge and penalty be? Having trouble finding this information online.

I was given Asap and a 500$ fine but if theres any way I can get this reverted to a different charge and a lesser fine that would be really helpful.

Answer:
 From *2006 Code of Virginia § 54.1-3401 - Definitions*:

> "Marijuana" means any part of a plant of the genus Cannabis whether growing or not, its seeds **or resin**; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such plant, its seeds, or its resin. Marijuana shall not include any oily extract containing one or more cannabinoids unless such extract contains less than 12 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol by weight, nor shall marijuana include the mature stalks of such plant, fiber produced from such stalk, oil or cake made from the seeds of such plant, unless such stalks, fiber, oil or cake is combined with other parts of plants of the genus Cannabis.

Emphasis mine, for obvious reasons.


Title: Got scammed. What now? (CA)

Question:
i got tricked by a scumbag "landlord" who tricked me into renting a place he didn't even own. i paid deposit and first month's rent then some other bullshit maintenance costs that he swore he'd give me back out of the current tennent's deposits. The day the property became free i heard nothing from him, then next day he says the tennents are refusing to go and we have to pay to get the court to evict them and i'll totally get the money back off them blah blah blah. Alarm bells are ringing at this point and everyone is telling me he a scam artist so i tell him i want all my money back or i'm going to the police and so he disappears.

What's the best thing to do now? Go to the police? My friend wants to see if he has any other ads on craigslist and then contact him pretending to be someone else and then call the police. Is that recommendable? I have his cell number and email address. Is that enough for them to get him? Will they even try? If they get him will THEY make him pay me back or will i have to sue him seperately? Also, this is a longshot and i'm sure i know the answer -- the property is currently unoccupied and for rent, there ANY chance i have some kind of right to it even if it means paying some of this again?

Sorry if this doesn't make much sense. I'm pretty drunk and pissed right now!

Answer:
 > some other bullshit maintenance costs

Please, please, tell me you did not [pay that "repainting fee" after about thirty different people told you not to.](http://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/22j5wx/california_landolord_expects_me_to_pay_for/)

Answer #2: Maybe you should think back upon this whole issue the next time you'd like to insist beyond all advice that you're right and everyone else is wrong. Answer #3: Well, thank you at least for posting a confirmation follow up.

You need to go to the police, and then file a lawsuit to get your money back. *Do not tip the person off that you are onto the scam*.

**CALL THE POLICE**Answer #4: You have no right to occupy the property if you never dealt with the actual property owner or their agent. Have you met this person who you sent money to? How did you pay them?


Title: [VA] Parents Withholding My Subpoena

Question: About a month ago, my parents decided to press charges against a 36-year-old for having sex with me while I was 17. A few weeks later, a subpoena was delivered to our house ordering me to appear as a witness at court. Since I was still 17, they gave it to my parents; I was at school, so I never actually saw the paper. This week I turned 18 and I wanted to get the information about the court date from my subpoena, but my parents refused to give it to me. I'm supposed to bring it with me when I go into court. What should/can I do? I haven't been able to find any information about this online.

Answer: Is the case public? You can look up cases in VA online [here](http://www.courts.state.va.us/caseinfo/). Search that for the names of the parties in the county you're located. Once you have the case number, call up the clerk and ask for the subpoena information or how to get a copy of it (you'll need to go to the courthouse and pay a small copying fee).Answer #2: Contact the court clerks office to get a copy.


Title: Smoking in apartment hallways in Pennsylvania

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 The act specifically allows for some exceptions including private residence which an apartment building certainly is.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/clean_indoor_air/14187


Title: Craigslist post legal problem

Question: I am in Kansas. I posted an ad on Craigslist and was answered by a young lady with a nude picture of herself. She requested i send her a picture also, so I did send a nude of myself. She ask to text me so I gave her my number. The next a man called me saying he was her father and she was only 14 and he was going to go to the sheriff and turn me in. Can they arrest me for this?

Answer: Its a scam.Answer #2: Scam.  Google it.  Next they'll want money to make this go away.  Then more money....  There never was a girl.Answer #3: First of all, the picture that you received was MORE than likely not a picture of the person who sent it to you (more than likely the person who sent you the nude picture of the woman is the same dude who called you claiming to be her father).  This is probably just a blackmail scam.  It's a VERY common scam.  You are just lucky that you didn't send her any naked pictures of yourself.  If you had, then you would have received a blackmail threat to release your naked picture to all of your friends and relatives and to the internet at large.Answer #4: I'm an old married guy who doesn't use Craigslist for this sort of thing.  So maybe I'm naive and behind the times.  But if a guy posts an ad on Craigslist (I'm assuming in the Casual Encounters section) and the very first response from a woman is a nude of herself, I'm thinking it's either a scam, fake, or a prostitute.  It would certainly raise red flags, at least.  I would just assume a real woman would try to learn at least something about you, and build up some sort of comfort level, before sending a legit nude of herself to a complete stranger on Craigslist.


Title: Looking for advice on my email signature

Question:
This is a copy of the email signature I made a long time ago and that I've been using for every work and personal email. I was just wondering what you wonderful human beings thought of it. If this is the wrong place to post this question please let me know. Thanks!

The signature: "This email and any files transmitted with it may contain information that is PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL. It is the property of [my full legal name here] and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, do not disseminate, distribute, forward, print or copy this email or any of its attachments. Immediately destroy/purge the email and all attachments and notify the sender by reply of email. Any misuse/abuse may result in disciplinary action and/or legal liability. Unauthorized interception of this email is a violation of federal law.

The views, opinions and statements expressed herein are not necessarily supported by Acadian Ambulance Service Inc. or any of its affiliates. They belong expressly to the author and should not be misconstrued as having been influenced by his employers.

Answer:
 > I was just wondering what you wonderful human beings thought of it.

It's completely meaningless. Answer #2: Disclaimers are meaningless, I wouldn't even bother.  Also, might want to remove the company name from the last section.


Title: Dental Coverage

Question:
Location: Annapolis, Maryland

Situation: Did not add spouse to dental insurance. She took  my dental insurance card thinking she was covered. Dentist never ran insurance but proceeded to do a root canal. On her follow up visit for the cap and crown. They notified her while half her tooth was missing that the cost would be 3000. Freaking out she called me. I promptly added wife to insurance that day. I spoke with the Dentists office assitant and worked out $801 for both the visits. Now the Dentist is calling me trying to collect the money.
Honestly I feel that they could have ran insurance but they did not until they last minute. This has been pretty emotionally distressful to myself and my spouse.

I had just spoken with the dentist and went off the chain as he was trying to say we owed the full amount.

Should I seek out legal counsel? This office seems like they are going back on a deal we already confirmed. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Just unsure of my next steps...

Answer: Unfortunately Providers are under no obligation to verify insurance. Technically you have a contract that you should have (most haven't ) read and you are responsible for verifying your coverage.


Title: If someone killed my child could I sue for damages based on how much I invested into their life?

Answer: Usually they just go by the bluebook value.


Title: Can my girlfriend kick out her new roomate for being messy and loud? (CA)

Question:
My girlfriend said her new roommate is a strange one. My gf put up the ad to split the room so she is the one renting it out. My gf has been living in the apt for 6 months now.

The girl would sing softly one second to screaming loud the next as if she is singing opera throughout the day. She studies out loud which is very disruptive to her. She uses her stuff without her permission. She is also very messy with the room.

I was advising her that before she talks about kicking the girl out, she should try one more time to talk to her personally and make it clear that her action make her a difficult roommate. I also had the preconceived notion that she cant just kick her out because she does not like her, she is sharing a room with her, she is not a landlord.

But after doing some research on here...turns out she can? And oh, she has the verbal agreement to live there until March but the lease does not have her name on it yet.

Answer:
 No, she cannot boot her out. She has to giver her a notice to quit. Because she IS a landlord. The roommate is her tenant.

Once roommate goes on the lease she has every right to the property same as GF.


Title: Government took most of the money I had in my savings without warning

Question: I'm pretty confident it's the result of fines. I was fined a couple of times at the end of last year but I've moved three times since then and have never received warnings in the mail. Is there any way for me to get the money back?

Answer:
 Your first step is to go to your bank and ask who garnished your account. The bank will tell you who took the money, and they might give you a copy of the garnishment order. Once you know that, you can contact whoever took the money and ask why.

At this point, you will not get the money back. Whoever garnished your bank account went to court and went through a legal process that allowed them to take that money.


Title: My adjuster lied to me. Can I sue?

Question:
I got into a car crash a year ago and when my adjuster was deliberating, she told me since it was inconclusive and we would do a 50/50 payment; I would pay for the other person's damages, they would pay for mine. When I asked to go to court, she told me that I would have to pay for it regardless. When I asked whether this would harm my driving record or have any effect on my standing, she told me I would be not at fault.

I live in the California area.

Fast forward to today and I've decided to switch insurance companies, and the agent says my 50/50 shows me at fault and that I won't be receiving a safe driver discount from it. Can I do anything legally?

Answer: Your prior adjuster does not control the circumstances in which other insurance companies award discounts. Answer #2: No?  I don't understand the issue here, really.  You were at least partially at fault in a car accident, it's on your record, and it affects your safe driver discount.  The adjuster may not have communicated this with you very well.. so you could complain to her management, I suppose, but you aren't owed for reality to match your misunderstanding.


Title: [Illinois] Working 80+ hrs/wk?

Question:
My friend works as a manager for a local retail store (the company/brand is a big international chain), he is full-time salaried (about 40-45k per year).

Usually his job is fine - working 8 hour days, 5 days a week. He still thinks it's a sucky job and hates it then. But it really goes into overdrive during the holidays (obviously).

He is currently working anywhere from 12-15 hours in a day (sometimes 20, which is insane). He is expected to keep this schedule 7 days a week, no days off. He is ready to quit at this point but he doesn't have another job lined up and needs this job.

I'm just wondering how this is even legal? How can it be legal to expect employees to work anywhere from 12-20 hours in a day, 7 days a week, no days off, and it NOT be some type of health/safety /emergency job? Does he have any legal options?

I'm worried about him.
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 he can be required to work overtime as needed with no extra compensation, but Illinois has a provision called the One Day of Rest in Seven Act that requires that he have at least a full 24 hours off of work unless he specifically agrees to work that day. with how the Act is worded, however, he could technically be legally scheduled to work for twelve consecutive days because the Act only requires one day off in a calendar week (Sun-Sat).Answer #2: To sum up the post below: maybe. Illinois, unlike most states, does have laws in place designed to limit the number of hours one can be made to work in a week. In particular, it guarantees *most* employees the right to one full day of rest in every 7 day calendar week.

It's possible (but not likely, in my opinion) that your friend is exempt from this law. To be sure, he should contact the Illinois Dep't of Labor.


Title: [CO] HOA is trying to pin the poop of passerby dogs on me by fining me

Question:
Hello, I live in Aurora Colorado. I got a violation when I first moved here, still getting used to apartment living I guess. Admittedly, at that point there was poop in my section of the grass in front of the apartment building. Ever since, I've been beyond diligent in removing the poop. There has been none left from me. However, when the cleaning people were landscaping and whatever, the dog was basically just staring at the people tasked with cleaning the property. I think they saw him and just decided to pin it on me again even though 100% of the poop is twenty  or thirty feet from my front door, and right next to the sidewalk.

 I emailed them and am supposed to go to the next meeting, but I'm starting a new job where I can't miss the first 90 days, and this falls smack dab in the middle of my work day. Can the HOA fine me based on a loose assumption? Since I can't call off work, I feel like they're going to use this against me, is there some sort of standards for being available or are they allowed to just screw me over since I can't make the meeting?

Thanks

Answer: What, specifically, do your bylaws say about lawn maintenance and pet droppings?


Title: Driving with a copy of my license

Question: I lost my license at the airport, and while theyre searching for it, Ive been wondering if printing a copy of my license could bail me out of a last resort from not having my license on me if I get pulled over. So, if I get pulled over with a printed copy, what happens? I live in the Dallas area.

Answer:
 A photocopy of your license isn't worth anything.

The DMV should be able to issue you a temporary card.


Title: Was pulled over, with weed in my car, and a well-known local "crook." What happens next is even crazier.

Question:
Throwaway account, for obvious reasons.

This occurred in a small rural town in Central Florida.

Last night, I was getting off of work at around 11:30pm.  I received a text from a former HS friend that he was stranded and needed a ride.  I don't hang out with this kid, virtually ever, and I haven't really even spoke to him much as of recent.  In all honesty, since HS really...  But I did run into him over the weekend, which is how we re-touched base and he mentioned to me that he was going through a bit of a rough patch, and to top it all off, didn't have a car because it was in the shop.

He texted me an address, and I figured since I was heading back toward that area it wouldn't help to pick the kid up.  I'm generally a very nice guy, sometimes too nice maybe.

Anyway, not within 45 seconds, as we were pulling away, a cop starts tailing me.  I turned once, and as soon as we approached a stoplight, his sirens go off.

Now initially I was a little confused, I wasn't sure why we were being pulled over.  Immediately my friend to the right of me goes "aw fuck."

Apparently, he had some weed on him (not much, 4-5 grams), and "forgot about it" until the cop was right behind us with his sirens on.

So, I tried to stay calm.  I figured maybe this was just a fluke, a coincidence; that I had made a rolling stop or whatever.  Well, before I could even think the officer was asking me to step out of my vehicle.  He also KNEW the kid that I was with BY NAME, immediately, and wasn't surprised when he saw him in my car (which makes me realize that he probably saw me pick him up).

Still, I tried to stay collected.  I felt that I personally didn't have anything to hide, and while I was very nervous, I was calm in the fact that if I explained to the officer my situation, I wouldn't be the one in trouble.

Then he informed me that the area in which I picked him up in was one of the "heavier areas for narcotics trade in the city."  Immediately my heart sank and I realized that I may have been in some deeper shit than I had imagined.

Well, he asked to search my car.  Initially I told him I felt it wasn't necessary, to which the cop to the right of him IMMEDIATELY rings in the K9 unit.

I have a vast amount of respect for law enforcement.  I have many close friends who are police officers, and my uncle himself was a cop back in the day.  I didn't want them to have to waste their time and resources for this crap, so I changed my response.  I told the officers that after what I had heard about the area in which I picked my friend up, I became a little hesitant as I did not know what my friend had on him.  (I DID not rat him out, I'm not a fucking rat)

So, they searched my car.  My friend was taken out, they searched him too, and found nothing....  Which is when it hit me.  The guy left it in my car.

It took not 45 seconds for the cops to find the baggy in my center console, which apparently is where he left it.

And what do you know after this?  The mother fucker tries to pinpoint it on me, yelling phrases like "OWN UP TO IT BRO, YOU KNOW IT'S NOT MINE" blah blah blah, just a bunch of bullshit.

I still, stayed collective and said nothing.  I was always told growing up that "the less you say to cops, the better."

Well, a few seconds after that, I see him take my friend over to the sidewalk, where they empty the baggy out and crush it into the sidewalk (virtually destroying all evidence they had, which confused me).

He then, walked over, pointed at me and said "you, get out of here.  Go home."

He let my friend go too, but made him walk.

The last thing the officers said to me was "delete and block that kid's number, he's bad fucking news."  So, when I got home that is exactly what I did.

I don't know how, or why the cop decided to bless me like he did, but jesus you know I got out of there as fast as I could.

I had a little aftershock about it throughout the day, but all in all I'm just very grateful that there truly are a lot of non-asshole cops out there.

I did, however, receive a call from a private number around 8pm this evening.  I didn't answer, as I was working, and they didn't leave a message (however I think my mailbox may have been full as I'm currently applying to different jobs as I intend to finish school in December).

My question is, is there anyway I can still get into any trouble for what happened?  If the private number WAS indeed the police trying to contact me (for whatever reason), what should I do?

Please help, as I may just be incredibly paranoid.  I just want to make sure that I know I'm in the clear from this so I'm not worrying about it over the course of the next 2 weeks.

Thank you

Answer: IANAL: I have a stoner friend to whom this has happened multiple times. With small amounts, they just dump it and send you on your way. I always assumed that if they were going to hit you with possession, why would they destroy the evidence?


Title: When i went to the heart doctor, he told me that if i pay without showing insurance for a procedure i would pay $200 but if i show insurance and it doesn't cover i might have to pay around $600.

Question: my question is how is this possible or legal? wtf

Answer:
 >my question is how is this possible

It could be that there is some kind of program for uninsured patients.  It could be that the doctor is willing to offer a discount for not having to deal with an insurance company.

>or legal?

Because there is no law preventing it.  Answer #2: Insurance companies have negotiated rates for services, prescriptions, pretty much every thing medical. When you go through insurance you agree with the contracted price. Not going through insurance is cheaper in some cases


Title: Unlicensed tribal loans

Question: I ran into some hard times this year. Was forced to take two online payday loans for 500 each. The plan was to pay them off immediately, but soon after my fiancé left me and all the bills fell on my head. Now I get 300$ taken out of every check and I can't make it. I tried contacting both companies to ask for extensions or lower rates, but all I got was threats of severe penalties for being late or moving a payment around. Both companies are tribal lenders, and I just found out neither are licensed in Alabama where I reside. I've already paid wel over the principal to both parties. Can I get out of these because they're illegal in my state? And can they force me to appear in tribal court?

Answer: They're not illegal. They don't have to be licensed by the state because they're tribal. You agreed to the terms when you took out the loans. Answer #2: You should go to a bank and get a personal loan and pay off the payday loans if you can't get that then try getting a credit card basically any other form of debt is better than a payday loan.


Title: [NY] I smacked something from somebody's hand, can I be charged with assault?

Question:
I was at the movies to see Brightburn, some guy and his girlfriend took the seat I ORDERED and PAID for. I asked them to get up and they refused, got into a confrontation but they eventually relented. I accidentally spilled my popcorn because of the shuffle of switching our seats so I ask him to buy me a new one and he refuses. I got pissed so I knocked the popcorn his GF was holding for revenge, and he got mad an threatened to have me charged with assault. I just laughed then left and decide to see it on another day.

Can I actually charged or was he bluffing? I only smacked it from her hand, didnt touch her at all.

Answer:
 > Can I actually charged or was he bluffing?

You can certainly be charged with **something** such as disorderly. Will you? It's doubtful now. However, in the moment you absolutely could have been. You were wrong, and I wouldn't suggest doing it again. If this same situation happens again, the appropriate thing to do is go report it to management who will get them to move. Playing vigilante is usually never recommended.


Title: Am I required to repaint my apartment when ending tenancy? (Ontario, Canada)

Question:
I rented my apartment for 7 years.  I'm in the process of moving out. I've given notice to end tenancy at the end of this month. There is no damage deposit in Ontario.

The original paint in the unit is white, a cheap builders paint with a texture of chalk. During my tenancy I painted two walls a neutral, green colour with good quality, washable paint.
(Paint colour: http://www.cil.ca/Colour/Paint-Colours/Greens/10GY_58-105)

The management company called me today and said they noticed that I painted some of the walls and they want them returned to white before the end of the month.

I've looked at the Act, and it says that's tenants are responsible for repairs due to negligent or wilful conduct. This paint doesn't fall under that, IMHO.
http://www.ontariotenants.ca/law/act04.phtml#RTA34

The lease says "the tenant agrees to maintain the rented premises in the same condition as existed at the commencement of this lease agreement, or as improved by the landlord thereafter, reasonable wear and tear excepted. The tenant agrees to keep the rented premises in a reasonable state of cleanliness and shall be liable for the costs of damage and repair to rented premises caused by willful or negligent conduct of the tenant. Other than repairs or replacements caused by normal wear and tear, the tenant shall be responsible for all repairs and replacements in the rented premises, including, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, broken glass, torn screens, damaged fixtures, plugged toilets and plugged sink drains."

I would argue that the paint I put on is an improvement over the existing builders paint, since the original builders paint is scuffed due to wear and tear, and my paint has held up well over the years and isn't scuffed at all. I'm not asking to be reimbursed for the paint.

Am I responsible for returning the two walls to their original colour?
If I don't, what recourse does the landlord have, if any?

EDIT: I spoke to several small landlords and I have discovered that in Ontario, there is little to no recourse for landlords concerning paint colours when ending a tenancy. Painting and cleaning before a new tenancy starts is the responsibility of the landlord, not the previous tenant. It is a nice gesture for a tenant to clean the apartment somewhat, but it is not their responsibility. Neither is it their responsibility to return walls to their original colour. In my case, I should have left the apartment as-is.

Answer: Yeah, you need to paint them back. It absolutely falls under "willful conduct," and your lease explicitly says that you agree to "maintain the rented premises in **the same condition as existed at the commencement of this lease agreement.**" That means you need to leave it in the same condition you found it, aside from wear and tear.


Title: Some huge family issues going on and need advice.

Question:
Okay, so there's this huge conflict breaking our family apart right now, a lot of information is being thrown and I have remained neutral through all this.
So a few days ago my cousin, let's call him Joe. Joe started sending the female cousins sexually explicit text messages (not too sure of the content, but they've all said it's dirty, inappropriate, and flirty. Joe is I'm his 30s married for 10 years with 2 kids. All of the female cousins are over 18, and we live in Illinois, the United States. Joe also helped the eldest female cousin involved, we'll call her Sally, by helping her with her résumé. She sees the résumé being bait for starting to message her. The messages went on for a few days and even spread to other female cousins. Yesterday, Joe came on to the Family Whatsapp group chat and said his phone/account was hacked and to disregard any messages accordingly. His phone passcode is pretty easy and doesn't do 2-step verification. Joe and his wife left the group chat shortly and blocked a lot of people on social medias. Soon after another cousin, "Simon", said he was ready to kill someone, and me not knowing about the situation yet thought he was joking. So I commented, he then said now is not the time implying he was serious. Simon has a firearms license, but doesn't own any of his own (that I know of). He lives with his parents still. This morning, a few sentences were said that especially needed legal backing:

"The police can't get involved, everyone is over 18 so there won't be a case"

"Whatsapp encrypts all their data, if the government can't get in, a hacker can't"

Is there anything I can do to clarify anything? Especially those last 2 sentences were especially peculiar. Please help by any means. Thank you. I will answer any extra questions needed.

Answer: You call the police if you think someone is going to kill someone else


Title: Snow plow driver passed on left with plow facing right. Car wrecked and truck didn't even stop driving.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 No idea about New York, but I know that in many places, it's a violation to pass a snowplow working in tandem with other plows. So if you passed one of them to end up in that position, you should review the law before filing a complaint, you may receive a citation on top of everything... Answer #2: so how did you end up in the middle of their snow plow formation?
Answer #3: Contact your insurance company, for starters.Answer #4: Contact the police and your insurance agent.Answer #5: Not legal advice, just an anecdote.

50 odd years ago my dad loved to do this to illegally PARKED cars on snow days. They would all *lift* slightly from all the snow being crammed under as he went by with his plow.

One time the last car in a line lit up with red and blue flashing lights.

Dad kept going.  Not like the cop was going to follow him.

Note: he never did what this guy did to you, OP.Answer #6: Was this before or after the state of emergency kicked in? I ask because my recollection of snow emergencies in NY state is you're meant to be off the roads. I have no idea how it might impact the legal response to your snowplow incident, but you might want to check with the lawyer you will eventually hire.


Title: [MN] Did a Minneapolis Councilwoman violate any laws when she posted people's addresses and phone numbers to twitter and hashtagging #BlackLivesMatter?

Question: [An article about the subject can be found here](http://dailycaller.com/2015/12/23/minneapolis-city-councilwoman-doxes-constituents-who-criticized-her-black-lives-matter-protesting/).  I saw this when it was originally posted to Reddit and wondered if there could be legal repercussions to her actions.  Especially since by posting their addresses and phone numbers it could lead to harassment or construed as an invitation to harass.  Could someone explain to me?  Thanks.

Answer:
 For many, many, many years, people would receive a great big white book every year containing a list of everyone who lived in that city's name, address and phone number, and all for free!  Fast forward to the Age of Google, and now everyone thinks an address or a phone number requires Top Secret clearance to release.

It makes no sense.


Title: Gfs crazy mother

Question: Okay so, I live in the beautiful state of Michigan but I’m not so in with the laws and what I need to know. My story is that I am 17 currently and my gf is 15. Her mom has been on her since the day we have been together since October. She always grounded her every time she asked if she could come over. So yes she had to sneak out and her mom has called the police on us and put a restraining order so I can not come near the house, before that I would pick her and her sister up for school everyday a 40 min trip before and after school so her mom did not have too, but her mom has basically been hinting at statutory rape when I turn 18 for the last month and I turn 18 on March 1st and she turns 16 on June 4 I really just need to know how I can’t get in trouble and loopholes for when if she does take me to court. Long read but please help

Answer:
 >  I really just need to know how I can’t get in trouble

By staying away from the minor child whose mother had told you to stay away, repeatedly and forcefully.


Title: My grandma wants my help making a secret will (Oregon)

Question:
She's about 80 and pretty healthy, so no super immediate concerns there. But she pulled me aside about a month ago and whispered to me that she'd like to make me the executor of her will and not to mention it to anyone. Then yesterday, she pulled me aside and mentioned it again, said she like to get it done soon and asked me to google "holographic will" for her. A quick google very easily told me that those aren't recognized in Oregon, at least not without two witnesses and a notary and some forms.

So, I am a bit confused. As far as I know my grandma doesn't really have any money or assets. Her husband is pretty well off but he is like her 4th husband and has his own kids and grandkids and everything (though they've been married since I was little and I definitely consider him my grandpa and all), so I've always assumed anything would just go to them and that my family doesn't really have any money. No big deal; I've never worried about it.

But now I'm thinking that maybe grandma has assets that maybe her husband (of almost 30 years to be fair) and my mom don't know about. That seems fine to me and I initially don't have many concerns about doing this for her. It's her estate and I figure she can do what she damn well pleases with it.

As far as my grandma goes she just has my mom and my uncle. My mom struggles a lot financially (lives in my basement in fact) and her and my grandma are pretty much best friends. My uncle also has a pretty close relationship and is doing very well as a big corporate exec in the Bay Area. I am pretty sure that either of them would be just fine with whatever grandma wanted to do with her estate. I assume she would just split it between the two of them or maybe spread some between my brother and I or my uncle's two little daughters. I also have two small children that are very close with her. I feel like anyone on this end of the family is going to be fine with however she wants to do things.

I am a little concerned about what if my grandpa passes before her? He has a rather decent estate and he also has like three or four adult children who all have a couple children each. I don't know any of them well but they always seemed like, well, I'm not sure how else to say it, but really uptight yuppies. I feel like they will fight tooth and nail for my grandpa's estate.

Besides the obvious, that we need to get a notary and stuff, what do I need to talk to her about? I can tell you that she is a penny pincher in the EXTREME and she is NOT going to be willing to pay much and will shoot me down on getting a lawyer.

Answer: She needs an attorney, there is no way around it.  Tell her if she wants to have the will done her way she will have to pay a few hundred dollars for it to be done properly, and that by paying for an attorney it will save the estate money in the long run.


Title: [WA - Benton County] Discriminatory Job Listings?

Question:
Hi! I've been job hunting and have read a lot of job postings, but I've found one from a fairly popular local employer that seems to be discriminatory - they're looking specifically for female house keepers:

> Female Part Time Housekeeping Night Shift
> [COMPANY NAME] - [LOCATION REMOVED]
> $10 an hour - Part-time
> [REMOVED] is looking for a Part Time Female Night Housekeeper. . .$10.00/HR
>
> POSITION SUMMARY: To work toward maintaining the best possible condition of order and cleanliness at [REMOVED]. This position maintains the cleanliness of the common areas to ensure an immaculate, friendly, efficient and safe environment for the members and staff.
>
> SPECIFIC TASKS: Responsibilities includes: Remove trash/recycle, clean and maintain all areas of [COMPANY REDACTED], vacuuming, detailed cleaning, windows, restrooms and locker rooms, organizing storage areas, floor care, pool maintenance, performing all other duties as requested by management and helping the maintenance team with small projects.
>
> JOB REQUIREMENTS: Must have an energetic and positive attitude at all times, attention to detail required, must be team oriented, great communication skills, dependable, and have a strong work ethic. Must have prior experience in cleaning, be able to work weekends, willing to cover shifts, and able to lift 50 lbs.
>
> SCHEDULE: 7:00 PM -- 1:00 AM -- Monday's and Tuesday's OFF (SCHEDULE TO CHANGE)
>
> SUBMIT: COMPLETE RESUME, COVER LETTER AND REFERENCES IN PERSON TO THE HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER...NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE!
> Background Check required for this position. . .No felonies!
>
> Job Type: Part-time

Is this a legal posting? I called L&I to ask and they said nothing can be done until someone files a complaint saying they were unfairly discriminated against due to employment practices. I'm a woman, so I don't really have any cause to complain except for unfairness.

Edit: It's a gym/tennis club.

Answer: It could be legal, if this were a battered women shelter for example.


Title: [CA] Can't appear in court for criminal charge

Question:
Nearly a month and half ago I was arrested (for the first time) and given a citation for petty theft, as well as a notice to appear in criminal court next month. The very next day after my arrest, I left the country for a long-planned semester abroad program through my university. Thus, I cannot possibly make it to my court date.

I have called several offices to find a solution to this problem. The courthouse clerks office and DA office told me I cannot reschedule my court date without appearing in person, and the public defenders office told me I cannot arrange for someone to appear for me in court without meeting in person. This is, of course, also impossible for me.

As I understand it, if I fail to show up on my assigned court date, the judge will issue a bench warrant in my name, meaning I will be arrested as soon as I arrive at the airport back home in a couple of months. I have attempted to contact as many people as possible in my county's court system, emphasising the seeming impossibility of this problem and my full willingness to appear in court as soon as I possibly can. So far, nobody has offered any help. What at all can I do about this situation?

Answer:
 > What at all can I do about this situation?

You can show up in court, or you can create an even bigger problem for yourself. No one cares about your excuses. Answer #2: > What at all can I do about this situation?

Be prepared to go to jail?  I don't know what you're looking for here - your priority should be clearing up your criminal issues, not travelling the world.  Court orders are not requests.

You've been given your options: show up, or go to jail when you get back.  Figure out what you want to do.
Answer #3: Bright side is at least when you arrive back in the states you'll have transportation to court waiting for you.

Going abroad for a semester is a privilege, not a right.  If you didn't want to be dealing with this stuff, or having it interfere with your trip, you shouldn't have done illegal shit.


Title: How are porn sites able to legally operate? Don't they need to have proof of every performers age?

Question: I am talking about tube sites, that, presumably, do not retain that information.

Answer:
 The producers do retain that information, yes. Answer #2: The simple answer is most tube sites are, as you correctly presumed, operating in violation of 18 US Code §2257.

When I worked in legal compliance in the porn industry (for legitimate 2257-compliant companies), we raised this issue constantly as tubes began to flourish. Most of them felt they were safe from prosecution due to being registered under foreign entities (even though the operators, parent companies, and principles were often in the US), or they got some terrible legal advice that convinced them they could somehow apply the kind of safe harbor protections found in the DMCA to 2257 laws due to the content being "user uploaded" (even though most of it really isn't).

The porn industry doesn't have much in the way of lobbying power, but we tried numerous times to eliminate tube sites by trying to convince various government agencies to deal with this problem (mostly because they were stealing the content from legitimate companies and profiting from it, and we all felt that pushing the 2257-violation angle would motivate the Bush-era politicians to swiftly eliminate them).

Keep in mind though, when it comes to these tube sites, you're talking about large empires built upon stealing and pirating content without license, and making millions from doing it. These people are arrogant and once you get away with something for a while, you think you always will and stop caring about it.


Title: [Missouri] Fired without Reason and Severance - Legal Options?

Question:
Hi, I was let go from my most recent job this Friday with no notice or reason given. This was a corporate job at a small-medium sized family owned company in Missouri. Two weeks before this event I had received my yearly bonus and had been sponsored to attend an industry conference, so something is amiss. Their reason was that it was at-will employment so the employer or employee could be terminated or leave with no reason or notice given.

Do I have any legal options? I didn't receive a severance or any written termination letter. I feel like I'm missing out on critical information that can affect my career.

Answer: No reason or severance is required. That's precisely what at-will employment means. You can be fired for no reason at all.


Title: Cousin got "scammed" by a locksmith. What can we do?

Question:
If you look up Locksmith scam, that is pretty much what happened to my cousin. We reside in California (Bay Area), our cousin was visiting for the break. She accidentally locked her keys in her car at around 4:30 AM and she didn't have a spare with her at the moment (she left her spare in her house back in Davis). We called this locksmith place that my cousin found on google and was directed to one of those call centers -- we told them the car make/model/year/etc and asked for an estimated price. They said $29 is the service fee(?). Keep in mind that it was New Years at 4:30 AM, I was expecting the cost to be around $100... I also found it odd that they couldn't give an estimate range of how much it would cost...

"Locksmith" gets here, checks out the car, and goes to get his tools (which was just one of those "car opener airbag door wedge" and a rod). He opens the car door in 15 seconds and told us that it would cost $285, which would include the $29 service fee.

I knew something was up but my cousin was willing to pay. He came back with a "invoice" for my cousin to sign. She signed it and provided her debit card. He rubbed the copy of his invoice (carbonless copy paper) on the debit card to create an image copy. My sister asked again to confirm that the price was $285 total, and he said, "yes, that is correct."

At this point it was 5AM, it was hard to see if his vehicle was marked or unmarked. He parked it in a way where the front headlights were facing us, and from a good distance. He had my cousin sign the invoice with her facing away from the locksmith's headlights so it was difficult to see. He drives off. When we got inside, my cousin noticed that the total cost was $438. WHAT?! They charged $29 for the service call, $256 for opening the car door, $85 for the trip (which btw, only took him 15 mins to get to our house), another $29 for a service fee (?), and $39 for tax. We all come from a lower income family and my cousin is a college student so this is a lot of money for her. And for it to happen on New Years? Damn... I did a little research on them and it seems like a lot of customers had the same thing happen to them. They have 1-star on yelp.

So reddit, is there anything that we can do? Or was this a $438 lesson-learned?

If it helps, we have security cam footage (although hard to see, no sound) of everything. I told my cousin to call Wells Fargo on an open business day to see if they can help...

-
tl;dr - Cousin locked keys in her car with no spares with her. We called a locksmith and the call center rep told us there is a service fee of $29 but wouldn't give us an estimate. Locksmith unlocks the car in a few seconds, told us it would be $285. We were charged $438. What can we do?

Answer: Call the bank and dispute the charge.  Let them know what happened.


Title: [NYC] Landlord reduced my rent via an e-mail. 6 months passed, the lease is over, and now he's suing for unpaid rent.

Question:
In February of 2018, the apartment I was renting was brought into a new management company.

As they started managing, they sent us a notice saying our rent was being brought down from 4200 to 2400. Surprised, we confirmed with them (in writing) before we paid that month, and they confirmed 2400 was the new total rent.

We paid 2400/mo. through to the end of the lease (August 2018)

Right after the lease ended, the landlord reached out demanding back-rent, saying they made a mistake and 4200/month was correct.

I moved out in August, but my 3 roommates & friend stuck around at that apartment. Four days ago, they were served with a lawsuit with their 3 names on it for unpaid rent, listing every month going back to February 2018.

I'm going to meet the property manager with the 3 of them tomorrow.

Is any of this legal? Can my name be added to this lawsuit? Should I refuse to settle directly with this manager tomorrow?

I've checked a bunch of resources but I couldn't find anything for this kind of situation where a landlord DECREASES rent.

Thank you in advance!

Answer:
 For that kind of money and where they were already served it seems a no-brainer to chip in together for a consult with an attorney, especially before deciding to settle or not.

It seems like a messy situation and I can see in a suit that the rent listed on the lease could be looked at more favorably than an email.Answer #2: IANAL. Please do NOT settle or meet or whatever before you talk to a real estate attorney.

Your challenge is whether the email lowering your rent validly modified your lease. IMO, which is worth nothing, is that you owe the back rent.Answer #3: Sounds to me like he was trying to make the rent 2400 each not total and that from his perspective, you paid but the roommates did not.Answer #4: Do you have a signed agreement between yourself and the LL starting the new rental amount?


Title: My grandpa's girlfriends may be a conartist and might be faking disability.

Question:
Sorry for any errors I'm on mobile.

So I am 18 and live with my grandpa. I moved in a few years ago to help with my grandma's health problems. She died about 3 years ago. My grandpa has been dating for three years and I get it times are tough cause he knew his wife for most of his life. He doesn't realize it but he is looking for a girl that is exactly like my grandma was if not close and I feel for him. All he previous relationships ended with the girl saying she couldn't be his dead wife. So his new one rolls around and they have been dating for about 6 months. Last Christmas he gave her a ring as a present but I'm not sure of it was a proposle because he didn't really say anything about it. She wears it on her engagement finger.

Now to the story. She is on workers comp disability and hasn't been to work in a year but she is moving in and has lifted a bunch of furniture to move over to my house. She walks normally with no problem but the moment you look at her she acts like she has something wrong and falls over. I've been around a few disabled people and everyone of them always walk a little wierd and don't fly a few feet before hitting the ground. She fly's a few feet while spinning and then falls onto her knees and then hits the ground. She doesn't show any brusing or actually pain. She only acts like she is in pain when she know someone is looking and I don't know what todo. When she goes down our stairs she pourposly makes it harder than it needs to be when she knows I'm looking. The stairs I'm talking about only have 3 steps but at
 Her house she has a flight of stairs that have 15 steps and has no problem going up and down. I just can't tell if she is faking it or of I am over reacting.

Answer: You're not her doctor, some disabilities are invisible, this is none of your business.


Title: Do public schools have any obligation to pay part or all medical bill?

Question:
My son was injured on the playground during recess. It was a complete accident and I hold no one at fault. The injury necessitated a trip to the ER. Well...I'm starting to receive the bills from the visit and they are staggering. I haven't met my deductible on my health plan, so I'm going to have to pay out of pocket. I don't mind paying some of the expenses, but I'm curious if I have any footing to approach the school and ask for assistance with some of the medical expenses.  I would assume they have insurance for injuries occurring on school property.  Any insight on this is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Edit: location is in Texas
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer: This would depend on the specific facts of the situation. The best way to determine if there is a viable claim is to consult with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate the facts.


Title: Neighbor's lawyer sent letter demanding information about our dogs, us and our property after failed small claims suit and hinted that they want to try to make us get rid of our dogs.

Question:
Sorry this is going to be a novel, but since our dogs are like family to us this a very serious issue for us.  Also throwaway because of identifying info.

We live outside Minneapolis city limits but fairly close.  Our area is kind of "out in the country" a little bit but still people around.  We have four dogs weighing in at 50, 145, 155 and 220 pounds. They are all up to date on shots and none have ever bitten anyone. We have an 8.5-acre fenced in area behind our house and secure gates.  I could go on and on about the professional dog training they received, the reasons we believe they are not a threat to anyone, etc., but let me just say that our dogs are well-trained, well-socialized and well-contained on our property and have no history of dangerous behavior.

Not long ago a family moved in on the property next to us and were clearly not amused by our dogs from day 1.  About two months after they moved in their teenage son hopped our fence to get into our yard using a ladder, with friends in tow.  Our dogs surrounded him and backed him against the wall where his friends on the other side pulled him back over. It is very clear from our security camera video that they did not injure him in any way, just intimidate him (he had his hands up in the air the entire time), but on the other side of the fence he attempted to fold the ladder in a hurry and crushed his hand.  He told his parents our dog bit him.  The county sheriff saw the video and of course took no action against our dogs, but word didn't get back to his parents who sued us in small claims for his medical bills for the hand. In court his parents were clearly mortified and we have not heard from them since until this weekend when we got a letter.

The letter is from their lawyer.  He does not explicitly say he is writing on their behalf but says he is writing on behalf of a concerned party.  He's the same lawyer who they used in court before.

The letter begins by outlining the reasons there is concern over our dogs, that they are all very large, that they are breeds who can do a lot of damage, that there is not someone home supervising them at all times and that exhibited warning signs of a dangerous dog in the incident with the teenager. It says that dogs of this size and nature are not appropriate and dangerous to a residential area so they are seeking information to assess the threat and determine whether it is appropriate for all our dogs to remain on our property or if action needs to be taken to minimize the threat.

They list the following information that they request we send them by April 15th:

* Our vet name and contact information
* Copies of our dogs' vaccination records
* Rabies vaccination certificates faxed directly from our vet
* Copies of Minneapolis dog licenses (our dogs happen to be but are not required to be licensed in Minneapolis since we are outside limits)
* Copy of Minneapolis permit that allows us to have more than 3 dogs (which is actually not required because we are outside city limits)
* Contractor contact information and specs on our fences and gates
* Information about any accesses our dogs have to exit the house such as doggy doors
* Estimation of amount of time and hours that no one is home supervising our dogs

I understand that we are under no obligation to provide this information without the court telling us to do so.  I am not sure if we should respond in any way.  At first I planned to ignore it but I wasn't sure if that would look bad (like we don't care or don't take dog safety seriously) if something came of this.  I am not sure if we need to involve a lawyer at this time, we did not get one for small claims since we were confident due to our security cameras. And finally I am not sure how seriously we should take this, or if there are any general actions we should be taking right now.

I would appreciate it if anyone has the time to offer some advice on this.  Thank you.

Answer: Seriously OP, Be careful about them poisoning your dogs and add additional camera's looking directly at all angles of your fence line to be sure that if they did you'd see someone do it.Answer #2: I see a lot of good advise on ignoring the letter. Just my two cents: Be careful with these type of asshat neighbors. I can very much see them lobbing poisoned food over the fence trying to hurt your doggies.


Title: Landlord sent a check after being served

Question: My landlord refused to do a walk through of my apartment when I moved out and wouldn't respond to emails. After waiting 60 days I got a lawyer to send a demand letter via email and certified mail for my security deposit and interest. The certified letter was refused, so we went ahead with serving my landlord. Now it's 3 months later and today I get a check in the mail from my landlord for the security deposit and interest. I'm in Illinois and my lawyer is saying that it's a pretty open and shut case, and that landlord will have to pay double to me and lawyer fee as well. Do I continue with the lawsuit or just cash the check?

Answer: Listen to your lawyer.  That's what you're paying for.  Nobody here is going to second guess him or her.


Title: I am a woman being sexually harassed in my place of work, and I don't feel supported by my bosses. Please help.

Question:
I work in a retail setting in Colorado, and have a coworker who I'll refer to as "Frank", and has been harassing me in an escalating manner.

Frank has always made comments about my body. They started with things like "Do you play tennis? You have the body of a tennis player". Over the last two months, his comments have become more and more frequent . He has asked me to model nude for him twice, despite the fact that I said "That is not ever going to happen" to him the first time. He has told me how beautiful he thinks my figure is, to which I generally say "thanks" before walking away. He often seeks me out when I'm alone, and says "did you miss me?". He tells me I am his favorite at work, that everyone else is lame, to which I generally don't reply.

This past weekend, two things happened that prompted me to get our management involved. First, he tickled me in front of several customers. He has never tried to touch me before. Because I was in the middle of a sale, and because he walked away quickly, I didn't have the opportunity to say anything. I do not want to be touched by him.

Second, he tried to steal company property in front of me, and I loudly and clearly said "NO". He got upset and wouldn't speak to me. Later, I found a drawing he drew of himself and me. In the drawing, I have cartoonish large breasts, and my T-shirt says "Mean Girl". He drew himself wearing tighty whities with a big huge package, and a shirt that says "Nicest Guy in The World". In text bubbles, I am saying "No", and he is saying "But I would do anything for you!". The drawing is creepy, and makes me so uncomfortable.

Because I don't feel comfortable confronting Frank, I emailed my direct boss, our pseudo-HR person, and our General Manager, telling them about the comments, touching, and drawing (I also attached a photo of it). I asked them to please not schedule me with Frank again, I named his behavior as sexual harassment, and I told them I didn't feel comfortable around him.

They replied 24 hours later, and told me they'd give him a "stern talking to", and that they would schedule me to leave three hours early (4 instead of 7) and Frank four hours late (4 instead of 12). This is not at all the response I expected. I immediately responded with a strong no. I explained that it felt like I was being punished for being harassed, as I would be losing 6 hours of work a week. I also explained that I would still have to see him at four when our shifts changed, and that I could reasonably expect he would retaliate in some way since he would know I said something. Since no managers work on the weekend, how could they guarantee I would be safe? I have not heard back from them yet.

I KNOW this is sexual harassment.  I asked a friend who is a therapist specializing in sexual trauma, and she strongly agrees. My husband thinks I should contact a lawyer, but I'm afraid that will hurt my chances of being able to keep a job I love. Any advice is appreciated, as I feel out of my depth at this point.

Edit- added location.

Edit #2- I reached out to some female colleagues. The one I was able to get in touch with told me that she is also receiving unwanted sexual comments from Frank. She is planning on talking to our manager today.

Answer:
 Colorado is a one party consent state.

Get a nice small recording device for a few bucks off of amazon.

Record everything. When the harassment occurs, your discussion with management, your followup discussion with management, etc.

Then escalate up the chain of command and record everything every step of the way.

If they fire you, you have all the evidence you'll ever need for a wrongful termination lawsuit and a lifetime of early retirement if you so desire. It will work. Trust me.Answer #2: It helps to know your location.


Title: TIFU...needing advice as a first time jailbird in the grand state of Texas

Question:
Hello!

So i did a dumb thing, and after stating this please don’t tell me how dumb I am because I’ve already realized it and I’m already beginning to feel the consequences. I’m not here to be patented lol

Before i begin, let me tell you that i am entering my senior year of college. I am pursuing a bachelors degree in psychology and a minor in wellness, and i am 1 1/2 credits away from completing the undergrad requirements to eventually pursue fast track nursing school with my bachelors degree. I am a waitress and i have had a job since i was 16. The only legal trouble I’ve ever been in is getting pulled over, and the worst thing I’ve ever done is get a speeding ticket. I just turned 21 a week ago and i am pretty responsible...until now.

2 nights ago me and my old friends decided to smoke some weed in a public (secluded) place. I brought the weed and pipe, and we walked a trail down to some water area to smoke. Upon waking back up to the car, a cop had pulled up with his lights on. My friends, being the idiots they are, booked it to the car. The weed was in my friends purse and i had the pipe. Once i got to the car we hid the weed and pipe under the seat, and my bag (which did not contain drugs or other paraphernalia) was in close proximity. The cop approached the car, asked the typical “is there marijuana or alcohol in the car” bullshit and i was the only person answering with any confidence, and i was in the backseat. I said no to all of it, and he ran our ID’s and came back. He asked to search the car and because it wasn’t my car, and because my friends are idiots, they said “yes”. I’m pretty sure them running was probable cause but he searched it anyways. He found the weed and pipe, and handcuffed all of us (i was with 2 other people). He started the Miranda rights but didn’t really get through all of it. Then he comes up to me and goes “is this yours?” And i said “yes” knowing that it would’ve been worse for all of us if one of us didn’t take the fall. Fast forward, i get into and out of jail and I’m charged with a Class A misdemeanor for possession of marijuana under 2 oz in a drug-free zone as well as a Class C misdemeanor for paraphernalia, and they got away without even a written warning.

My question is, isn’t the driver responsible for all items in the car regardless? Also, what are my chances of getting to plead “no contest” and getting probation and eventually a non-disclosure agreement as i am a first time offender? Basically, what can i expect and how should i go about it when i go to court?

TL;DR — got arrested with weed, charged with a Class A misdemeanor and a Class C misdemeanor. What do i do next?
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer: If you want any hope of getting into nursing school or getting a degree in the medical field at all you do not want drug related misdemeanors on your record. You need an attorney asap. Don't even try to do this without one unless you're willing to consider a different career path.Answer #2: You call a criminal defense attorney.


Title: My landlord has not given utilities bill for the past 10 months. (California)

Question:
Hello, I live in California and in my apartments the landlord is supposed to give the utitlities bill to the tenants monthly and we pay them to pay the utilities. But for the past 10 months we have not been given anything except one bill. The rest are "coming later."

In the California-Tenant handbook there is no mention of this possible issue. We'll all be slapped with a huge bill, who knows when and I have to leave my apartments soon for my job and I don't want to get screwed.

Is there a rule I'm looking over or will I most likely have to pay up?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: All you can really do is set aside the money to cover the bills when he eventually gives them to you.


Title: (FL, US) Landlord does not want me having guests during the hurricane. Can I be prevented from inviting them in?

Question:
I'll keep this short. The question is basically in the title. My lease doesn't state anything regarding guests, and a precedent has been set where I am allowed guests in the home. Is there anything they can legally do to stop me from having people in the room that I rent?

A friend of my landlords will be here tonight at midnight (with his permission. We both live in the home.)

Thank you!

Answer: He can't stop you from having guests over. He might have grounds to evict you if somebody starts living there, but staying a few nights because of a hurricane is something every Judge will understand if he actually tries. If you are month to month he only needs to give you 15 days notice to move out in Florida, and if you are in a lease he can not renew, but he couldn't call the police and have the person removed.


Title: What rights do I have? (NY)

Question:
Hello everyone. I'm hoping I can find out some information for this very daunting situation I have found myself in.

Unfortunately my father passed away recently. This has led to some unsavory behavior from his wife. My father was ill for quite some time so he did make a will and had a life insurance policy. His wife has stated that she will be taking the entire life insurance policy as well as not showing the will to a lawyer.

From my understanding, myself and two siblings were named as the beneficiaries of his life insurance policy. My father also drew up a will with a lawyer, so I am confused as to how she wouldn't be able to show it to a lawyer. My father also told me he was leaving an undisclosed amount of money split between me and my siblings. This was shortly after he revised his will after finding out about his terminal illness.

It very well may be that his wife is trying to talk her way out of giving out what my father wished for his children to have; however from what I've researched, it doesn't seem as though she has any say in the matter. I feel as though she is attempting to pull one over on us, however I do feel the law, or what my father wanted, is on our side.

I do know the company my father had his policy through, do you think they would be able to tell me over the phone who the beneficiaries are? I'm not certain if his wife already notified them of his passing, but if she already has, and I am in fact named as one of the beneficiaries, who would be responsible for making me aware? I guess I would have the same question about his will. I'm assuming his lawyer would contact me if I was named in it.

I do not trust his wife to tell me the correct information and I want as much information as I can possibly get to ensure both me and my siblings are treated fairly in this already depressing situation. Thank you.

Answer: Get a lawyer, you certainly have that right.  I believe that insurance companies pay directly to to those listed on the policy, so I don’t know if his wife would be able to change that.  But a lawyer would help you navigate and assert any claims you have to your fathers estate.  Best of luck to you and condolences for your loss.


Title: Landlord hasn't asked for rent for 6 months and I am leaving in 2 weeks? MA

Question:
I moved into my current apartment last year, for 4 months I paid rent through the internet portal and then they told us that the internet portal will go down and we will have to pay by check, money order etc. in the office.

So I go down to the office on the 1st to pay and no one is there. For 5 days in a row I go there before and after work and no one is there so I email them and the office manager comes to my room and I pay him. He specifically told me he will come get the rent next time too. It was funny because everything else that I have emailed them about they have never replied. My carpet is coming up, the walls are crooked, half the drawers do not close correctly, the door is warped and you need to basically shoulder it to open it (this is a new development).

6 months later no one has ever returned to collect, I saw the office manager at the place we throw away our trash and he didn't say anything about the rent. It is almost as if he doesn't know? I am leaving from this place in exactly 14 days and no one has said anything to me about me moving out or about rent. Should I just leave? It seems like they have no idea what is going on, they are building so many buildings and have to deal with so many other people I am pretty sure they forgot about me (or the people that work in the office do not care)

Answer:
 I wouldn't kick the bear, necessarily, but the debt will continue to exist until you pay it or until the statute of limitations lapses (multiple years), and they can come after you to pay it at any time. If you want to be sure this won't come up, take proactive steps to deal with it now - contact your landlord or the property manager and cut a check for the outstanding rent.Answer #2: Personally, I’d open a separate bank account and put all of the outstanding rent money in it.  Roll the dice and keep doing what you’re doing.  Don’t touch that new bank account until either the state of limitations kicks in or they come asking.  If they do you just cut a check immediately.  If they don’t, congratulations on the nice chunk of money.Answer #3: Its possible you'll get very lucky and this will go under the radar for years and years until the statutes of limitations are up and you are no longer legally required to pay back rent.

But my guess is they will figure out you never paid rent for 6 months and they will come asking for it sooner rather than later. You will be required to pay them the money you owe. Even after you leave in 14 days they have every right to reach out and ask for the money they are rightfully owed. You had some sort of a duty to get your rent to the office every month -  it doesn't matter that no one showed up to your door.


Title: A bar broke my legitimate ID while checking to see if it was real? What recourse do I have?

Question: I'm a 21 year old college student from California (22 in February) going to school in Pennsylvania. Last night I went to a bar with several of my friends and while checking our IDs they broke mine in half while doing the "bend test" (apparently a method to test if IDs are legitimate is to bend them and see if they break. According to them, real IDs don't break at all, no matter how much you bend them). I now have to go back to California to get a replacement ID. I'll have to pay for a replacement ID, and I don't have an ID to use for the plane ride (my passport I have with me is expired.). Do I have legal recourse to get them to pay for my replacement ID? They were not apologetic at all, but continued to imply my ID was fake. The manager eventually implied that if my ID was real, they would pay for the replacement. How can I prove this?

Answer:
 Get a replacement ID then show it to them and ask them to pay for it.  Sue them for the replacement cost if they refuse.Answer #2: You can fly without an Id

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identificationAnswer #3: You don't need to prove anything.  Write a letter to the manager asking for reimbursement for the broken ID.  They will probably pay up quite quickly.

You can fly without ID, but the TSA will give you an enhanced search which includes more questions to answer about your identity (which they get from credit reports).Answer #4: How would thin piece of plastic be impossible to break? IANAL, but I'd call his bluff.Answer #5:  IIRC An expired Passport is still a valid ID you just can't leave the country with it.

Source after google search: http://getawaytips.azcentral.com/can-use-expired-passport-travel-nationally-usa-5475.html

So IDRC :D


Title: Oakland, CA Landlady is cancelling our lease without notice.

Question:
Okay, here's the situation.

 - Two of my buddies signed a lease and put down a deposit of ($4800) for a 3 BR in the Cleveland Heights neighborhood in Oakland.
 - The move-in date for this lease was today (10/12).
 - A few weeks ago we asked to put my name on the lease, to which we got absolutely no response despite several follow up emails.
 - Today (our move-in) when my two buddies asked for the keys to the building the landlord began yelling saying that she doesn't want "6 people living there" (her words, there's just 3 of us), and then not only did she not allow me to join the lease, but refused to let my two buddies move in at all. She says that she'll refund our security deposit but the lease is cancelled for everyone.

Is she legally able to break a lease like this? (Remember, we only *asked* if I could be added to the lease. Never once was I going to sublet or stay there secretly). Also, it seems absurd to not allow 3 people to stay in a place that was advertised as a 3BR. We're all now without homes for the time being, what action can we take?

Also, what legal action could we take if she refuses to give our $4800 back?

Thanks!
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: Does the lease say how many people can live there?


Title: In Texas what would happen (legally) If I actually striped down naked to fight someone who came at me?

Question:
>Sounds strange I know, but after hearing someone joke about striping naked to scare a would be attacker I got curious?
I'm  guessing you'd get arrested and charged with public indecency?  Is  there any defense you could use to save yourself from jail time?
So guess my question is
"What would happen if I stripped naked during a fight in an attempt to freak out the attacker?"

Answer:
 You risk criminal charges for your criminal act.

There is no exception in the law for this circumstance.