Title: Husbands long-gone ex girlfriend is causing life problems for us due to choice made years ago (MN)

Question:
So I don’t know that there is anything that can be done, but I’m getting desperate, and really angry.

Husband is a wonderful man, but unfortunately in his relationship before me, his kindness got him walked on. He financially supported his ex girlfriend through school, and co-signed on her student loans. He also signed off on a care credit card for their dogs (who are not with us). They broke up about 5 years ago, we started dating 3 years ago, and she’s been a financial problem ever since.

Over the course of the last 3 years, she has skipped paying her school loans for a month or two, many times. She racked up charges on the care credit card upwards of 3k and continues to not pay it. It is harming my husbands credit score, and he has multiple times made payments to these bills. We are not very wealthy individuals, and are struggling to pay off our own debt, with the hopes of purchasing a house.

Each time she defaults on payments, my husband spends at least an hour in the song and dance to figure out when she stopped paying, how much she owes, etc. He then attempts to contact her, and she will take 1-2 days before even responding, because she doesn’t appear to care. She’ll then apologize, say it won’t happen again, catch up on the balance, and all seems ok. Then two months later, here we go again.

It’s getting infuriating, because there’s always an excuse, and I’m getting the impression she’s trying to see if he’ll pay another payment, or help somehow. Thankfully, her loans for school have been paused since she is back in school (we had to start the process of deferring them when we got a collections notice, because she figured she could just stop paying and the financial institution would just magically know she’s in school). My husband cancelled the care credit card, and she agreed she was wholly responsible for the balance.

Here we are, a couple weeks before Christmas, and we got another collections call because she hasn’t paid the credit card balance... this is getting old, she clearly can’t hold her end of the agreement without constant supervision, and we’re both fed up with her constantly coming back into our lives like this.

Like I said, I doubt anything can be done, but is there any legal way we can remove him from the co-sign for her loans and the credit card balance? Or even just hold her to being the sole person to pay the balances? The loan provider has said there needs to be 2 years of consistent payment for him to be removed, or she needs to find another co-signer (which she refuses to do, and no one in her family will sign due to obvious reasons). We just want peace, and to know that if we buy a house next year, we won’t have collections trying to wage garnish us or go after our home if she messes up royally.

Sorry that this was so vent-y but I’m at my wits end.

Answer:
 There are generally two ways to remove yourself as a cosigner on a line of credit/loan:

1. Pay off the loan
2. Have the other signatory refinance in their name alone, or with a different cosigner

\#2 may be difficult, as there may be a reason a cosigner was needed in the first place (bad credit on her part, perhaps?).

If there was an agreement for payment/repayment, then your husband can sue her for the amount she agreed to pay that she has failed to pay.


Title: If someone were to lie about serving you and the court rules in their favor, what can you do about it?

Question: Specifically in California. If theoretically somebody lies about serving you and the court rules in their favor by default since you’re not there, what can you do?

Answer:
 This happened in Detroit.  A guy was sent to jail for not paying child support for a kid that isn’t his.

He didn’t attend the hearing to decide if the kid is his. Although they have sworn affidavits from servers that served him the summons that he was served in person. It would have been impossible as he was in jail at the time and would have had to been served through the prison system.

End result... I think he is still in jail.  He refuses to pay as they have DNA proving the kid isn’t his.

 It’s pretty much “ tough shit” in the D.
I think his name is Carnell AlexanderAnswer #2: The court cannot rule in favour of a person serving you, since you have to be served by a third party not involved in the case.

If you are said to have been served, the server should be able to provide documentation supporting that statement, for example a filled out proof of service in the case of personal service, or a declaration of due diligence in the case of another type of service. Those documents are usually quite detailed, and therefore easily disproven if fabricated.

If you can show the server to have falsified his statement, he's going to be in a world of shit, first of all. You can also file for a Rule 60(b) motion to be relieved of the final judgment.


Title: Tesla solar panel scam

Question:
So I just bought built a house through a builder and was told that solar panels were now required by law in California to have. They said I can either pay to install them in full or I'd have to sign a lease but it was a great deal blahblahblah, no further information. I just dropped a shit ton on my downpayment so I didn't have enough cash to buy it outright but they said I would be able to just let Tesla be one of my electricity providers and it's no big deal.

Fast forward a few months, I'm living in my house and they are getting ready to turn on my solar but I have to sign a contract.

The contract says I have to buy electricity from tesla for TWENTY YEARS. It also says that if I ever want to sell the house I have to get the buyer to sign the lease agreement or I can't sell the house. I've talked to other people who said that solar leases are a giant scam and will reduce my house value by at least 20k.

The panels are already on my roof.  I think I can afford to buy the panels in a couple years but I won't have the option to buy until the lease is up.

Are these solar leases legal if they force me into it/lied about how it was legally required?

Answer:
 It's unclear how they forced you into it. They may have lied, or misunderstood the relevant law (which isn't in effect yet AFAICT), but did they actually say you couldn't close on the house until this was resolved?

In any case, where you go from here depends on what you've already agreed to. Who put the solar panels on the roof, and what did you agree to as part of that process?


Title: Never loan money to a friend. I screwed up and did. Help!

Question: Never lend money to a friend. I screwed up by given a business loaning $20k to a friend. We had a signed agreement for some interest and payment due dates. I foolishly didn’t think I needed a lawyer and now it’s been 6 months past the due date on the agreement and I keep getting posted. What to do?

Answer: At 5 figures you most likely are out of small claims territory. You'll need to consult a lawyer and sue them for breach of contract. Answer #2: Well now it's time for that lawyer, don't you think?  What state are you in?


Title: With Epstein’s arrest, will those documents that were ordered to be unsealed remain sealed?

Question: The timing of it is strange. Last week they ordered an unsealing of documents from Epstein’s 2006 trial, something that would possibly/probably expose a lot of people. With him getting arrested, there’s a chance those documents will be needed for the case, right?

Answer:
 Can I get an ELI5 about this?Answer #2: They’ll probably be unsealed but with redactions, in the interest of not harming the reputation of “unindicted co-conspirators,” to use a phrase we’ve heard before.

But it’s probably up to a judge to decide.Answer #3: The 2d Cir. CA which sits in NYC, told the lower court to unseal some of the records in a defamation suit taking place in NY.  That has little to nothing to do with the FL state prosecution of Epstein or the AUSA in FL who put the plea deal together, whatever of those records made it into the NY defamation suit were unsealed already in FL.  If there is anything in the NY defamation suit that impacts the new criminal case (highly unlikely) then the gov would intervene in that civil case and ask that some things remain sealed (again, highly unlikely).Answer #4: The latest indictment is still sealed, so it isn’t even clear whether the arrest is due to old conduct or new conduct.  I’m not even sure the previous non prosecution agreement permits the refiling of any of the old charges, but I don’t see how this delays the unsealing.

I too am curious about the timing of the indictment.  I almost wonder whether the facts known by those close to the original investigation are so overwhelmingly vile that arresting him prior to that information going public was the only way to prevent a PR disaster.  The cynic in me wonders whether this is just the justice department taking a stab at another secret sweet heart deal.


Title: Ex wants back money for a birthday present [Czechia]

Question:
So, a few months back my mom started dating this guy and during their relationship he took her on a vacation as a birthday present. But my mom broke up with him recently and he didn't take it well. Today she got a text message from him basicaly saying that he's had enough and wants the money back (somewhere around $1500) and if she doesn't do so he'll get her fired. In said message he also insulted both her and my brother multiple times.

I just want to know if what he's doing is legal, or if we can do something about it.

Also suing is not an option since my mom is a state worker and would get fired because of it.

Answer:
 Not legal, the trip was a gift

How would he even attempt to get her fired?


Title: (california) knocked my co-worker's Trump MAGA hat off his head and said I would urinate on it if he wore it again, am I in trouble?

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Troll Post

Answer:
 Sounds like it could be simple assault.

Look I'm as upset as anyone could be about the election results, but you don't go assaulting anyone under any circumstances.

Get involved in local or even national politics. Vote. Do all the things that engaged citizens should do. Don't assault a co-worker.Answer #2: Hopefully you're fired, which is what you'd be screaming for if someone knocked a Clinton hat off of your head.


Title: "Following too close" ticket advice

Question:
Hey guys. I just got a ticket today for following a vehicle in front of me too close or "tailgating".

Story:

Driving down I-35 South in Texas. The speed limit is 75mph. I'm going that until my radar detector goes off detecting a Trooper who has someone pulled cover about a mile ahead of me. Moderate amount if traffic in road but they're going slower in the right lane so I'm continuing onward in the left lane at about 75. The troopers lights turn off and the person he pulled over drives off and the cop proceeds to speed up on to the highway. He was in-between exits so it's one situations of  where all traffic has to adjust for his abrupt entrance. So everyone slows down to about 60 (15 mph under the speed limit). There is now a pickup truck in front of me, an 18 wheeler to the right of him, another pickup to the right of me, and the cop is behind the pickup to the right of me. Naturally, people slow down because they're scared of a police vehicle so traffic became slower and we were all grouped up together. The truck in front of me started speeding up more to get in front of the 18 wheeler and move into the right lane so I proceed to speed up with him. In this timeframe, I am averaging about 1 to 2 car lengths between the vehicle in front of me. Then before the truck in front of me even gets close to moving over, I see the lights and am forced to pull over. The rest is nothing special. The trooper claims I was a danger on the road and was too close to the truck in front of me. He said I would have had no time to react if he were to suddenly slam on his breaks so he's gonna give me a ticket. $190. The reason is "following too closely". He said there is no proof and it's all his opinion but he's still gonna have to fine me.

I have a dashcam and have the whole thing recorded (no audio though). But I have all the driving recorded and that's what matters. I will upload it when I get home so y'all can see the whole thing play out. I wasn't an asshole to the cop and cooperated 100%.

Think I can contest this and get it dismissed? I personally think I wasn't doing anything illegal and have the footage of this whole thing.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer: Your defense was awesome, and your research was pretty good too.


Title: Ok, not ok?

Question: I'm a mom to 4 boys, 11, 10, 8 and 7. I am also in college finishing my bachelor degree. This semester I have a mandatory internship which makes my getting home an hour after the boys get off the bus. In the state of Arkansas, is it legal for the boys to be home without an adult for an hour after school each day? Money is really tight and we cannot afford child care.

Answer: There's not a specific law about this. If someone calls CPS it's their duty to at least look into a claim that there's an issue with them being left alone. If anything bad happens when you're not there as a result of you not being there, issues could arise. That being said I'd be a little surprised if they took issue with them being alone for an hour each day. However, it's in your best interest to look into affordable child care options near you, after school programs through the district, or see if there is a friend or neighbor's house they can go to for just that hour.


Title: Facebook are refusing to remove pictures of me I claim they dont have a right to host or use.

Question:
Ok so sorry if this has been posted in some shape or form before. So pretty much somebody has taken a number of photo's of me without my permission (this isnt from my facebook page, this is actually somebody taking photos of me) some of which are being using to embarrass and defame me. I have reported the photos numerous times to facebook (actually reporting to say you want it taken down isnt an option, facebook insists you have to message the user) and at each stage they have claims its not against their terms of use. At no point can i say why im contacting and reporting the photos and there is no way to contact anyone in facebook at all. Do i have any legal ground to stand on here, i'd like to think i have solid ground as they are hosting pictures of me i have not given permission to use and are refusing to take them down which I feel is a direct breach of my rights to privacy, and Im also maybe thinking there is some legal basis for having the right to reply on a complaint (or making a complaint for that matter). Also I should point out that I live in Ireland (i can see most posts here are American) and that im going by irish and Eu law although im sure what im asking would be similar to american law.

Edit: Turns out there is a form for pictures that violate image privacy rights (although as state there is a difference between the us and elsewhere) but it is buried deep in the facebook help centre, if anyone needs the link: https://www.facebook.com/help/428478523862899?helpref=faq_content

Answer:
 I don't think anybody here knows Irish law. Facebook is headquartered in the US. What law do you believe gives you the right to demand these pictures be taken down? Answer #2: I am not familiar with Irish or EU law, maybe /r/legaladviceuk would be a good place to ask this.

Were the pictures taken of you in public?  If so, then you likely don't have any recourse.Answer #3: >  im sure what im asking would be similar to american law.

Given that US law puts a significantly higher value on free speech than most of the EU, no it will not.


Title: (FL) Is it normal for DCFS to care so much about my last name?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Yeah, the DCFS worker is being an ass here, and you should definitely follow up with a supervisor. You may also want to complain to your local state representative if the supervisor blows you off.


Title: [IA] Friend has child porn on his phone

Question: I have a friend who was sitting next to me the other day. They were going through their pictures and I saw a picture of another girl who is a HS freshman on his phone, naked. They are a junior. Is there someone that I should report this to?

Answer: Non legal advice, but be careful if you're reporting to school administration, especially if you're attending a private school. They might try to wipe away the evidence to keep the school's reputation intact. Contact the police instead.


Title: People owe me money and 100% refuse to pay me

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 let's see.

no.

next post?


Title: [VA] Purchased land and received signed contract a month ago. Turns out person signing contract did not have legal authority to sign. Seller's agent just sent me a new signature page signed by someone else.

Question: A month ago we signed a real estate purchase contract.  The title company determined that the person who signed the contract for the seller did not have legal signing authority for the LLC. We notified the seller.  We sent second notice last week and seller sent us a new signature page signed by another person and a note that the LLC was working on a resolution to grant signing authority to the member who has signed the new signature page. I'm not comfortable that the seller is handling things entirely legally or in a timely manner.  Where do I stand in terms of the validity of the contract and other  contract terms like closing date? Closing was supposed to be 45 days from contract ratification and title company won't send to underwriter until they see the sales contract as valid. Thanks.

Answer:
 This is exactly why you have a title company and have title insurance.  They are making sure it is a legal transfer.  If there are issues in the future, it is the title insurance company on the hook to defend any title action.  If they lose, they pay you the purchase price (this depends on the policy but I have never seen any).

The title company has taken care of the problem.  You should be good.


Title: Purchased property in an online auction years ago and now cannot afford payments. I am worried about legal consequences and need help sorting out my next steps. [CO, USA]

Question:
I purchased land in an online auction a couple years ago and am now in a much different place in life. I cannot afford the payments any longer. I am worried about what legal consequences I may be facing when I stop making payments. I can provide more details via private message. I need help sorting this out. Thank you.

**Update:**
Land is financed through seller who will provide warranty deed upon final payment. Am I able to sell the land in this situation (Can I list land for sale that I do not own yet?) is there a term for this that I can lookup?

I spoke with seller regarding my situation and the response was that they would foreclose if I did not make payments and that it might affect my credit. Any idea why they are uncertain if it will affect my credit?

They did not mention coming after me for any deficiency, but I want to be as sure as possible that this would not occur.

I will definitely research any helpful terms provided. Thank you for the responses so far.

Answer:
 You can sell the property.

You can stop paying and let the lender foreclose on the property.  If you owe more than it is worth the lender may come after you for a deficiency judgment.

You can also try to give up the property in exchange for the lender releasing you from the loan.

We don't do PMs here.


Title: A year ago my mom noticed that $3200 was missing from her bank. She was refunded the money and detectives opened a case to look into. She just got pictures of the ATM and saw that it was my brother who stole the money

Question:
As the title says, my mom just got pictures from the detectives and recognized that it was my brother who stole the money from the account. I told her she needs to talk to a lawyer about what steps she could take to help prevent my brother from be prosecuted, but she says she doesn't have any money even for a consultation. Does any one have any experience with soemthing like this and if the bank will just drop a case / not prosecute if my mom says it is a misunderstanding and pays the money back? My mom is scared about this ruining my brother's life and wants to try to avoid any kind of lawsuit. Any advice from anyone who has experience with this or what to do would be greatly appreciated

edit: location is in California

Answer:
 Not even from a legal standpoint but a familial one, he did it once he'll do it again. He'll do it with less regard next time if she tries to protect him. He has proven himself harmful and you and your mother need to take steps to protect yourselves. A little jail won't mean you love him less, he could have prevented this and the fault is his own. Answer #2: i know this isn't legal advice and i'm sorry, downvote if you must, but i just can't NOT ask this -

why was your mother outraged by being ripped off by a stranger, but her biggest concern upon finding out her own SON ripped her off is that he might be prosecuted?  this kind of thing might be the reason he feels entitled to steal from his own mother in the first place.

and yeah, what all the cops and lawyers said.


Title: Farm cat went missing, I don't know what to do :(

Question:
To start off the post, I'm a teenager and I live in Romania. Sadly, I do not know what pet laws my country has :( I'm very sorry for my broken english.

I thought a lot about posting this, because this happened 2 months ago and my cat would've returned by now. But, he didn't.

My cat is a black and white male, 2 years old, and he lives at my grandparents' farm. He usually walked around the village, but he would always return. 2 months ago he went missing. I told my grandparents to tell the police and make fliers but they didn't want to, thinking he would return. But he didn't and we have no idea what happened to him.

The worst thing is that he does not have a collar nor is he microchipped. The only proof of owning him I have are photos, which I don't know if they are enough.

I'm afraid that if he was stolen, he'd be microchipped by the thief and maybe given a collar. As I said, the only proof I have are photos and I don't know if they are enough proof. But Oliver is not an inside cat, he does not like being indoors and would always scratch the door.

Another possibility would be that he is dead, but I hope not. I prefer him bejng stolen that killed :(

Can you give me some advice, please? Should I contact the police? Should I just forget about Oliver? :(
Topic:
Non-US

Answer: I don't think police can help, but I would still put up flyers and go around the village calling him. I hope you find him!


Title: Can I fix the single financial mistake 18 year-old me made without filing bankruptcy? It's a big one.

Question:
I'm on mobile. Buckle up, boys and girls. This is gonna be a long and bumpy ride. Louisville, Kentucky.

**Tl;dr:** Signed my first lease in 2010 with a predatory buy here pay here lot. Crazy shit happened, and after 5 weeks the car was gone. They now want to garnish my wages. Originally financed $7K, 5 years later it's $13,000 at 22% APY until paid in full. Am I boned?

**Note: I just spent 20 minutes typing out this epic saga of my shit luck (seriously must have murdered kittens for fun in a past life or something). Finished, put a TL;DR at the top after seeing how long it was, and was touching up the formatting. My tablet died and I lost everything. I'm crying.** ^^1

^^1 Not literally. I use footnotes like these btw. Extra details and stuff. Feel free to skip em.

Let's begin.

In 2010, right after I turned 18, I got my first loan. I went to a Buy Here Pay Here lot (henceforth referred to as BHPH) and picked out a P.O.S. 2000 Ford Taurus. ^^2

They financed me for $6995, and I put a grand down. $65/week at 22% interest. ^^3

5 weeks into owning the car, I had an accident which left it totaled. I was not at fault. ^^4 I had liability only insurance. A couple of weeks accident, my insurance called me and said that the id and insurance card the other guy gave the officer on scene was fake. ^^5 There was nothing they could do.

The police towed my undriveable car to a nearby store parking lot. I called them and got permission to leave it there for 3 days. 2 days later, the car was gone. I assumed they had it impounded, but when I called they said that a "black male and white female (who we assumed was you) came up with a tow truck and hauled it off." ^^6

**Footnote break!**

^^2 In the short time I had the car, it burned through 2 quarts of transmission fluid any time I drove more than 20 miles.

^^3 !!! I was young and dumb. No idea what a "normal" rate would be. Now that I'm slightly less young and slightly less dumb, I'm appalled.

^^4 I was going straight through a green light, the other guy was coming the opposite way, didn't see me, and turned left into me.

^^5 The PI I consulted with later told me he was probably an illegal Swahili immigrant.

^^6 Several months later, I saw on the news that a couple fitting this description was busted for hauling off junkers for scrap.

**And now, back to our regularly scheduled shit-show.**

So, my car was totaled, insurance wouldn't pay anything, and to top it all off, the lifeless corpse was stolen. Poor little teenage Kat was in WAY over her head already, and BHPH couldn't care less.

I called them, explained everything, and asked if there was anything they could do. ^^8 Nope. No dice. Just gotta keep paying $65/week for the next several years for nothing.

**Fuck. That.** I stopped paying after about a month.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Today, I got a "Notice of Rights to Assert Exemption to Wage Garnishment." Apparently, there was a judgment passed against me in September, 2013. I assume it got sent to my estranged father's house.

From the time that judgment was passed until recently, I was making less than the exempted "30x federal minimum wage weekly ($217.50)". I was also staying with a family member, rent free.

Now, I have a halfway decent job ^^9 and a house I'm renting with two roommates. Now, they want 25% of my take home pay.

**Last footnotes, promise!**

^^8 Some lots will transfer your debt to another car in situations like this. Not BHPH.

^^9 $1400/month, not great but enough for me to pay my bills and put a bit in savings.

**Here's where you come in.**

I don't want to file bankruptcy. I don't have a lump sum to try to settle with. I don't want to lose my house. And I definitely don't want to pay $13,000 + 22% interest.

The judgment is in place. Is it too late to appeal? Do I have anything to appeal *with*? I think I could afford a lawyer if they aren't garnishing my wages. Hahhh.

Any other advice?

Thanks guys.

**Edit** formatting.

and again.

Answer:
 TLDR: OP totaled his car then stopped paying on the loan. Ignored it for 5 years. Got sued. Didn't know. Now getting garnished.

You got sued. You lost due to not showing up (you would have lost either way, it was a valid debt). You can hire an attorney to look to see if they illegally served you but without knowing all the facts no one here can guess.

Settling is off the table really. They have a judgement. They are unlikely to settle.


Title: Filing bankruptcy with foreclosure history?

Question:
My SO is finalizing her divorce with her husband (Florida). In lieu of alimony, he is taking all credit card debt (approx $20k). Maybe not the best idea for her, but we are not overly concerned about that.

She is now thinking that to get around paying the CC debt, he'll just file for bankruptcy, leaving her holding the bag. More details: she gave up her interest in the current house with mortgage. But they also had a house foreclose on them about two years ago in Mississippi.

Would he be able to file for bankruptcy with that kind of history? Thanks for any help.
Topic:
Credit Debt Bankruptcy

Answer: She needs to talk to a lawyer about all of this. He could certainly screw up her credit or leave her with debt in the future if she's not careful.


Title: 32, texas. This is a 100% honest question, and I think you in advance.

Question:
So, let's say that my friend Vern was picked up by the Feds for of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. One that requires a minimum mandatory 15 years. Vern figured since he played the smallest roll, just the run of the mill drug addict, he should only see a year or 2. Instead, he was forced to take the mandatory.
    Now on to the question. When Vern takes the case to trial, the defence will show the steps Vern took that qualified him to be charged with the crime. But what if the jury didnt think this was fair, and refused to declare Vern guilty unless the sentence was reduced drastically.
   Is this allowed, can the jury refuse to vote because they dont agree with the time givin?
And instead vote

Answer: What you're talking about is called jury nullification, and it is real and legal, though rare. Basically, a jury cannot be punished for giving a "wrong" verdict, so as a matter of conscience or disagreement with a law the jury can find a defendant not guilty.


Title: Can a worker-owned cooperative discriminate in hiring, if all workers are technically owners, not employees? If so, what are the limits? Can there be an all-black, all-female, or all-Jewish worker co-op?

Answer:
 I'd say there's probably a loophole here where you don't really hire an owner.

But people working at a co-op aren't considered owners, they just have more say in the company than most places. So, no they can't discriminate.

If you were starting a business and wanted everyone who started and owned it with you a certain way I'd imagine that's allowed since you're not hiring in that scenario.Answer #2: A private club is not regulated by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 so long as it does not provide “public accommodation.” In other words, so long as a place isn’t open to the public in any way, they can pick and choose their members and/or employees. This is the same way that golf courses are able to deny membership based on gender and race. Note, they’re not able to discriminate against protected classes of *customers*, if they have their doors open for public business. Of course, other social constraints might work against those types of clubs, but only if they’re really outspoken about their policies.


Title: Is it legal to install cracked Windows OS on PCs that are being sold?

Question:
My friend is opening a company that sells PCs in Singapore, and he is wondering if it is legal to install cracked Windows OS on PCs that he would be selling to people. He will not profit off of the cracked OS, only the PC.

Also, will it be legal if he left the choice to the customer whether he/she wants a cracked OS, despite knowing fully that they are getting a cracked OS?

Edit: He was planning on getting the cracked OS only for his future clients that choose that option (when he starts the business). However, if his clients do not demand it he will leave it as an assembled PC, or one with a legit OS if they want that instead. No extra charges will be incurred if the customers opt for the cracked OS. However, he notes that cracked OS is illegal and will keep that in mind when he starts his PC business. Thank you for the enlightenment!

PS: Any idea how to get legit and lowest priced OEM OS in Singapore?

Answer:
 I don't know what you mean by a "cracked OS" that is installed on a PC, but I assume you mean that your friend would be stealing the OS by not paying for a licensed copy of it.  So if that's the case, then it is in fact illegal, and giving a customer the choice to have him steal something for them doesn't get him off the hook.Answer #2: I'm not an expert in Singapore law, but let's look at the question another way...

If my friend opened a used car lot, and he is wondering if it is legal to install stolen car parts in the cars he would be selling to people?

Also would it be legal if he left the choice to the person purchasing the car whether they want stolen parts?

I'm willing to guess that the answer is it is illegal everwhere.


Title: HELP: How do I retrieve my cash? *frozen venmo*

Question:
 An acquaintance of mine owed me cash and he paid me through venmo only to see my account get frozen.

Now the money is stuck in there and Im banned from using venmo services again from what I seen in my email.

Upon asking why I was frozen I get,

" " If you have questions regarding this decision, please note that we do not divulge our decision-making criteria in order to protect the systems that monitor activity on Venmo. "

And asking where my money is, I get the response

" There appears to have been an issue processing the payments you received, and therefore we were unable to credit your account. We recommend getting in touch with your transactor since we have no additional information we can provide about these particular transactions.  "

His account has been frozen also and he's not willing to pay it again as it was 800$ and he's no longer in the country.

So venmo detected of our trade as 'fraud' or against their rules. Who do I contact to fix this mess?

Can I do anything about this? I'd like the money back that is owed.

Should I sue them? I'm terribly confused on how to approach this.

Answer: Your issue is not with Venmo. It is with the person who still owes you $800 since the transaction failed. Answer #2: INAL; came here to ask if you’re absolutely positive that your friend didn’t pull something weirdly shady like transfer the money and then put a chargeback on the transfer? I had a “friend” that did that on another platform similar to Venmo and it also showed the funds in my account + got everything frozen. It “appeared” to have the funds because the transaction had begun between the two accounts, but the money wasn’t technically available.Answer #3: Your friend paid Venmo with a stolen credit card, or paid Venmo then reported the transaction as fraudulent. He still owes you $800.Answer #4: sounds like your roommate scammed you


Title: [KY]/[TN] Bar tender messed my tab up, changed the bank charge day after I sign receipt for lesser amount.

Question:
Long story short, didn't lose a lot of money on this one, more like i just didnt get away with a cool mistake. But i went to a concert the other night and drank 3 beers, cashed my tab out (bar tender was in a huge hurry cashing everyone out at once) and only charged me $0.13 instead of $13, so i thought "cool" and signed the receipt with a line through the tip section (i dropped a 5 in the bucket).

however, today i checked my bank statement and the charge went from $0.13 yesterday to $13 today, my only question is if it is legal for them to change the charge after i put my signature on the receipt for $0.13
Thank you!
Topic:
Contracts

Answer:
 > my only question is if it is legal for them to change the charge

Yes.  You attempted to screw them out of money and got caught.  Pay what you owe.


Title: [NY] Husband wants half of MIL's apartment in divorce. Is it his?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Your husband wants half of his mother's apartment?  Or this is the MIL's husband you're talking about?  And whose grandmother is this?

How about you re-write this while keeping the same reference point all the way through.Answer #2: Property that your mother (MIL?) obtained by inheritance or gift (from someone other than the spouse) during their marriage is considered separate property that is not subject to equitable distribution in New York.


Title: (FL) Can I make a new statement to the State Attorney and will I be arrested for false imprisonment?

Question: I got into an altercation with my boyfriend. I got dropped off by a driver to my apartment, where there was a cop car and an ambulance there from a previous incident. The driver talked to the police officer while I got my elbow bandaged up. I told the police officer that I got into a verbal argument with my boyfriend, I fell and that was the end of it. I felt like I was getting interrogated, I just wanted to go inside, and they kept persistently asking if he pushed me. At this point I was willing to say anything to just leave so I told them he did in fact push me. They told me regardless if I press charges or not, the state will pick up the case and arrest him because it was a domestic crime in the state of florida (he was charged with battery) I therefore told them I want to press charges. Also, the police report states that the driver who dropped me off said I was scared my boyfriend would attack me, which I never said. It also says that I have a 5 in cut on my forearm and a scrape on my elbow. The elbow is true but there is nothing on my forearm. If I go to the state attorney to change my statement because I was intoxicated, scared, and felt pressured will I be in trouble?

Answer:
 You are not going to get in trouble for changing your statement. The police and the prosecutor won’t believe you because they will recognize you for what you are: a battered woman caught in the cycle of abuse and now feeling guilty about the consequences for her abuser. They will look at how successful they think they will be prosecuting your SO for this crime without you as a cooperating witness and make decisions about his case accordingly.

Get away from this guy. Cooperate with the prosecutor to ensure he pays for his abuse. If he evades responsibility, it is that much more likely that he will continue to abuse you and all the other women who come after you.


Title: School Network Legal Advice.

Question:
Good evening Reddit,

My name is **REDACTED** and I am wondering if theirs anything wrong and what I can do against the Network Administration Team and my School. \(**UK LAW BY THE WAY\)**

For reference here is what you are forced to agree to be able to login:

"***Warning***

**When logging on to the school network you must be aware and agree that the school can and will monitor, check and log computer files saved. Details of files you download of files you download messages that you might receive or send, Internet sites you visit and centrally view users computer screens.**

***Damage or Misuse***

**Any user of this network who damages computer equipment or contravenes these rules of responsible use may be banned from network privileges without notification, letters sent home outlining the contravention and details kept in the school records**

***General Use of Computers***

**You must not use a Computer without a supervising teacher being present in the room.**

**You must report and damaged or missing equipment when you first use a computer or you will be help responsible for any subsequent reported damage."**

I was also told by one of my friends in Discord \(Like Skype, Team speak and IRC Chats\) That they can't make you sign this since if you don't sign it to login to the network you get a detention and you can't do homework or Subject Tasks and you are not able to use a Laptop inside of school since certain files are inside network shared hard drives which are needed to do everyday tasks.

The School Network Administrators obviously look through all of our passwords as one user of the Networks password was forcefully changed because their password was a certain "Swear Word"

As it is said in the beginning bit in which we are forced to agree too they watch and record our monitors to what they please.

They also key\-log because if you where to type in things like Fortnite, Kill and keywords like that the Program you where using will be shutdown and a network admin will be notified and a screenshot will be sent to them.

 **I would like to know if this is in anyway illegal and If there is anything I can do also my Friend pointed out the new Privacy laws coming in effect today \(25th May 2018\)**

Thanks  \- Bear.

Answer:
 Ask this in r/legaladviceuk

But generally speaking, schools can do bunch of shit that other entities can't. I'd be surprised if this wasn't 100% legal.


Title: [Ohio] Can I get a restraining order for what I believe is emotionally manipulative behavior?

Question:
I am wondering if I have a sufficient reason to file a restraining order against a former friend. We are both college students in Ohio and classmates. I feel that he was harassing me and regularly practiced emotionally manipulative behavior, for example, he has
* told me how easily he could kill me if he wanted to.
* Insisted that it would be easy for him to hack into my bank account as well as my parents bank accounts and steal all of the money that we owned.
* Said that if I ever hang up on him while on the phone, he would drive to my house and continue to insist that I do what he wants.
* Said I should feel personally responsible if he had to drive drunk and died.
* Pushed me to drink and smoke weed even after I had repeatedly told him I did not want to, and then repeatedly insulted and belittled me for refusing.
* Called me repeatedly late into the night (sometimes as late as 1:30am) even after I told him to stop calling me on school nights.
* Joked about physical violence against me several times when I would say no to hanging out with him.
Unfortunately, I have no proof that any of this occurred, but he has recently contacted me again expecting us to go back to being friends. Since he has had a few emotional outbursts while drunk and we will be classmates next semester, I want to be ready in case he starts doing this again.
Would I have a legitimate reason to file a restraining order against him if he starts this behavior again? If so, what kind of evidence would I have to collect to follow through with it?

Answer:
 No.

You need to stop talking to this person and block their number.


Title: I work in law enforcement. I was always permitted to have a neat and trimmed beard. They just changed the policy and told me to shave. Are there any laws. Just curious.

Question:
I have been in law enforcement for 12 years for a large department in New Jersey . I am in a supervisory position now and have made rank about 6 years ago. Our department has always permitted “a neat and groomed beard no longer then two inches in length”. For years the department has told me to shave despite the policy permitting beards. I am bald and my beard keeps me from looking like Charlie Brown, so that has always been a good thing lol. Every time I ask why they say, “it makes you look better” my response has always been the same. It dosnt effect my work performance and it’s within policy and that I prefer my wife’s level of attractiveness to my bosses.

Anyway, they just changed the policy banning facial hair. I make good money so push comes to shove I will shave. I was just curious if anyone knows of any laws on the books protecting people. It seems a little prejudice to me that a man is unable to have facial hair that is neat and clean. Some men are bald and can only grow facial hair. It is their identity and self expression off duty. To me it’s like telling a woman she has to shave her head. Anyway any advice or education on legal rights is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 > To me it’s like telling a woman she has to shave her head.

Except it's not like that to a rational person.

They can have reasonable grooming standards.  Absent a legit religious or medical reason they can tell you to shave.

If you have a union, you could talk to them about it.  If not, you're likely going to be shaving.Answer #2: Maybe a religious or medical accommodation would allow you the beard, other than that, no. Answer #3: If you need a beard for religious reasons they should allow you to keep it provided it's not a safety issue. Besides that it's completely legal to require men to be clean shaven at work.

And the allegory you're looking for is "making a woman wear makeup to the job" not shaving their head. Forcing anyone to shave their head male or female would probably be struck down. Forcing a woman to wear a full face of makeup even if she doesn't want to would be permitted provided she didn't have religious objections or allergy issues.


Title: Texas. Apartment complex under new management. CLAIMING I DIDN'T PAY JUNE'S RENT. Clear as day i did. what do I do?

Question:
I've paid my rent two weeks early for 18 months now. The apartment came under new ownership this month, and they are trying to evict me! I paid on may 18th, have a confirmination number, and have where it shows the money came out of my account.

I've walked in with a printed reciept. THE OFFICE MANAGER GIVES ZERO FUCKS. I can either pay my rent again +$50 a day (+$1,000) late fee, or pack my shit and leave by noon tommorow!!!

I'm clearly in the right. This isn't a misunderstanding, I have a paper trail proving I paid it, even called the bank and confirmed the payment was processed.

What can/do I do???

Answer:
 You can defend the eviction action in court with your proof of payment.  Answer #2: send them a copy of the receipt by registered mail with confirmation of delivery, with a cover letter stating that as per your meeting where you showed them a copy of the receipt, here is proof that the rent was paid in full and on time, and if they proceed with any kind of eviction proceedings that you will sue them for damages

> Notice on door saying I have to leave by 2pm

lol, no, it does not work like that, unless what you are actually describing is a "pay or quit" notice, which means you have to pay the missing rent within X days otherwise they will being eviction proceedings. When that happens you'll get a court date, etc. If this is the case, again send a registered letter with the proof of payment
Answer #3: Also, keep your valuables and irreplaceable items in a storage unit in case you get a lock-out/clean-out situation.Answer #4: What instructions were you given about paying rent to the new ownership?


Title: Got rear ended by a driver with same insurance company. How to proceed?

Question:
I got rear ended by a driver with the same insurance company (Geico). I was stuck in traffic when suddenly got hit hard from behind. Long story short, Geico arranged my car to be fixed but suddenly today I was informed that the other driver said that the accident was my fault. She said I was cutting in front of her and now she won't accept responsibility. This is a total lie. How should I proceed? Her insurance company is the same as mine. Should I start looking for lawyer to defend myself?
Edit: I'm in California

Answer:
 You tell Geico that she's lying.  Tell them where you were coming from and where you were going.   Pull up your location history from Google and give it to Geico.

It's really, really, rare for the person in the back of a rear-end collision not to be at fault.


Title: International non compete

Question:
Hello, I'll try to make it short. Tough decision for me because I have a good offer.

Old employer is in Florida. Very employer friendly state.

New one is in Hong Kong and I'll be working in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Non compete explicitly states USA, Hong Kong, and China as regions I cannot work for a competitor.

Is the Florida non compete enforceable in Hong Kong if I relocate there?

Answer: Non-competes have to be limited to a reasonable geographic area in order to be enforceable. Reasonable meaning enough to protect the business owner's business interests. I would assume that an international non-compete would be considered unreasonable in this case.


Title: Girl claiming rape (Arizona)

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 your buddy *really* should've had an attorney present when he "admitted to everything."  that is quite unfortunate, that he didn't.

you and your other friend should learn from his mistake and consult with attorneys.  like, now.  if you (or your friend) get picked up for questioning before then, ask for an attorney.  don't answer any questions, don't plead your case, don't 'tell the truth.'  the cops aren't on your side.  ask for an attorney.

as for the underage drinking, it is the very, very least of your concerns, but certainly ask that question in your attorney consult as well.  you'll need a lawyer for that, too.


Title: Animals inside stores in Utah

Question:
Hey, I just need some guidance on where to look some stuff up. My grandparents run a gift stop at a really small resort in Utah.  My grandma got a kitten and she’s only 7 weeks old so she we don’t wanna leave her at home all day so we bring her to the store. she lays down in a blanket and naps or sits on a chair and plays with her toy. people like her and pet her. no one has a problem with her.

but my grandpa is convinced that since she isn’t a service dog she can’t be in the store (he has a service dog that is great in public but they have broken every training rule and she’s slowly becoming unhinged. he is t super well informed on service dog laws other than they have public access). Is this true? we aren’t a restaurant, we only sell bottled drinks and packaged food. i can’t find any laws against it and many stores have a shop dog/cat/bird.

It’s just making me really upset because he makes multiple comments about it every day and i wanna be right before i say something to him.

thanks y’all.

Answer: As long as you don’t have a health department restriction (such as a restaurant would) then it’s entirely up to the store owner / staff (baring a lease restriction of some sort). if they wish to allow pets or not.  Unless I’m misreading this, it seems that your grandparents are the owners / managers of the shop, so if they say it’s good, then it’s good.  Restaurants and other places that have a health code (legal) restriction can’t override it.  I doubt a gift shop would have such a restriction though.


Title: I'm not allocated time for breaks at work, even though I am legally supposed to. And the 30min that would be each break is automatically deducted from my pay.

Question:
This all takes place in Massachusetts.

I'm using a throwaway account because I like the people at my work and don't want my or their reputation ruined by the internet. I haven't spoken to any managers about this for fear of being fired though I have spoken with a few other employees.

- My previous job did things correctly. This is how it went down:

I worked 5 hr. shifts earning minimum wage and was given one 30min. uninterrupted break where I could sit and eat food. I clocked out when my break started and clocked back in when the break ended- so my break time was documented and taken out of my paycheck accordingly.

- At my current job, not so much:

I work 6-8 hr. shifts earning minimum wage but am not given breaks. I do not clock out for 30min. and clock back in after 30min. is up, because I don't go on a break. I have been there almost a year and I never have taken a break. No one has ever told me "Hey you, go take your break now."

However each shift I work, 30min worth of pay is automatically deducted from my paycheck.  The first day on the job I asked about how breaks work and was told "5 minutes here, 5 minutes there, it all adds up."

I'm a teenager and didn't know at the time how this stuff worked so I didn't think much of that answer. My mom works in finance so when I asked her about it recently she seemed really upset. I think this is a big deal. I'm sure there are laws about this. Is there any way I could get all the money I lost back? It must be hundreds of dollars now. It's like every shift I work they get 30min of free labor.

Answer:
 File a wage complaint. http://www.mass.gov/ago/doing-business-in-massachusetts/workplace-rights/file-a-complaint.htmlAnswer #2: > am not given breaks

> No one has ever told me "Hey you, go take your break now."

Have you tried to take a break and been refused, or are you just not going on break? Do other employees take breaks?


Title: Secret camera at work. What are my options.

Question: I work at a manufacturing company on 2nd shift and was informed by the 1st shift that there was a secret camera like a go pro that was recording us. One of the quality control employees also confirmed there was a secret camera but no one knows who placed it there. Is there any legal recourse I can pursue? Live in California, San diego.

Answer: cover it up?  I doubt you have a right to privacy at the workplace.


Title: Sandwich shop manager making us deliver open top fountain drinks instead cans and bottles. Is this illegal?

Question: I work at a chain sandwich shop in Minneapolis. We recently got a new manager/owner and he wants to deliver open top fountain drinks to customers to cut costs. I think this could fall under food service laws regarding unsanitary delivery conditions and the potential for issues  regarding health and safety. [Minnesota]

Answer:
 I've had drinks delivered to me this way for the last 25+ years, in 13 cities in 5 states, with no issues. I had Starbucks (I know, I know) delivered today. However, I've never lived in Minnesota so I can't speak to that state's food safety laws. And cities add things on to their codes.

Is there something specific you think is unsafe about this? I presume these drinks do have lids?Answer #2: You know what? I'm feeling grumpy so do you really consider this a health and safety issue or are you just looking to cause trouble?

I think it's vanishingly unlikely that this contravenes any H & S regulations. All over the country, waitpersons are delivering coke products to their patrons in open top glasses. Really, get a grip. You don't like your new manager. I get this. But find a legitimate gripe.Answer #3: It's a bad idea -- fountain drinks spill, even with lids, and the drinks are likely to be flat by the time they reach the customer -- but I doubt it's illegal.  Coffee places deliver.  Call the health department if you really want to ask.


Title: [Canada Ontario] Underage coworker is spreading rumors that I have been sending her nude photographs what can I do to protect myself.

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 This may actually constitute sexual harassment, meaning that your employer has a legal obligation under provincial law to step in once they become aware of it. Telling her to stop and notifying your boss and HR is a good step - see what your boss does, before you take this any further.

If you're fired in response to this, it may be worth speaking to the human rights tribunal and filing a complaint. You should also file for EI while you look for a new job, if you would otherwise qualify, and seek payment of your pay in lieu of notice through the ministry of labour if it's not paid out.

I would not expect a defamation suit to be worth your time. Recovering money for the loss of a minimum-wage job isn't going to be worth the substantial expense even if the case hits every element of defamation, unfortunately.Answer #2: Archive any online contact with this coworker. You’ll need it in court


Title: Parent is getting remarried and we feel his new wife is looking for a payout and may get it. What is our next step?

Question:
Throwaway account here.

My father is remarrying a woman who has been married 3 times before, this will be his second marriage.  He is 70 years old with 3 kids and she is 60 with 1 (all grown with children).  He has way more assets than her and has a prenup draft but nothing has been signed as of today.  They are scheduled  to wed in about a month.  When we try to urge our dad to get his business taken care of before the wedding date we get massive resistance from her ( she throws tantrums and tells him that we are being greedy assholes only concerned with his money).  Due to her checkered past, we always knew she was a bit shady but he was happy so we left it alone.  Two years ago they were supposed to get married but she resisted the idea of a prenup so the wedding was put off.  We thought that was the end of it but...nope.

Now that she's agreed to a prenup, he has a draft but that's all it is.  Basically useless.  When we push him to get it finished she flips the fuck out on us and him, basically making him miserable. She has definitely turned him against us.  This is not her first merry-go round as her previous marriages have had similar drama. We understand his position and are trying to navigate this situation as delicately as possible because we love him very much, but we are starting to feel that it's futile.  We are resigned to the fact that it will be a shit-show if he passes and are looking for ways to mitigate this.  Should we just give up? Is there anything we can do now legally or any steps we should take now for the future fight just so we are ready?

Answer:
 You father is an adult and is entitled to do whatever he wants with his money, including leaving it to a new wife you dislike.

Unless he is declared mentally incompetent by a court, your only recourse is to appeal to him to consider the implications of his actions and hope he listens.

You do not have legal recourse here - stick to trying to eplain your concerns to him and hope he agrees with you.


Title: How long do I (legally) need to store a partially-paid-for order?

Question:
So we sell custom-made things and take a 50% deposit and final payment is due about a month later, once we've assembled their product.

I have 5 or 6 orders sitting here that have paid deposits, the orders are made, client has been notified by phone, text AND email (multiple times)... but they haven't come to pick up yet.

I have no intention of pursuing them for collections (at least not thru a collection agency or courts), but I'm thinking at least 1 or 2 of these orders will never be picked up (they have been here for 9 and 13 months). However, I don't want to throw them away and be responsible for either making the order again or refunding their deposit.

There's nothing specific on the Receipt or Bill of Sale that gives them any deadline for pickup, although it does show a Balance Due date, which we always set 30 days after the order.

These aren't taking up a lot of space (maybe 2 cubic feet on a shelf) and won't "go bad". So it's not a big deal just letting them sit here.

But my actual **LEGAL QUESTION** is:   How long do I have to hold onto them before throwing them away, WITHOUT having the legal requirement to deliver the product and/or refund the deposit?

Secondary question:  If I were to send them a Certified letter saying, "Your order has been here since (date) with a balance of (amount). If not picked up within 30 days, the order will be discarded and your deposit will be forfeited"... would that absolve me from liability in the future?

This is in Tennessee....

Answer:
 You should go to a local attorney to have him or her advise you on terms of sale to use going forward, and they can advise on this question.

I believe Tennessee's version of the Uniform Commercial Code would apply and so you have to make a "tender of delivery" on reasonable terms, which the certified letter would certainly provide, but your damages on the buyer's breach or 'repudiation' of the agreement would be limited to original purchase price minus amount paid minus fair market value of the goods.  If they are custom-made, FMV may be pretty low.

But take it with a grain of salt, I'm not a TN lawyer so you should probably  talk to one at some point before disposing of the goods.Answer #2: Statute of limitations for breach of contract is 6 years so that would be the soonest I would feel comfortable advising.


Title: Vermont suspended my license because of a traffic violation in Florida.

Question:
I'm a 21 year old male in the US Navy living Virginia. In February of 2016 I received a speeding ticket in Florida for going 80mph in a 70mph zone. I was issued a $198 ticket, and was assigned to do a defensive driver course that cost $7.95. I never did the defensive driver course. I tried to do it when I got back to Virginia, but the website was not letting me enroll. I quit out of frustration and I forgot about the course, never doing it. I'm on a ship, and the mail normally takes a long time to arrive to the ship so I get my mail sent to a friend's house. Normally stuff like gifts from parents, amazon prime, etc. I never gave this address to Florida, but they still sent the letter there. They sent it in July and my friend never told me. I got the letter today, and saw that my license has been suspended since July. The notice says "Obtain clearance from Florida and provide a copy of the document to Vermont." Going to court in Florida is not really an option as I live and work in Virginia. I was only in Florida to attend a Navy school. What is my best next move(besides getting a bike. ha ha)

TLDR: From Vermont, living in Virginia, speeding ticket in Florida. Florida told Vermont to suspend my license. Found out about the license suspension 6 months after it became effective.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer: You can stop driving and wait out the suspension.  This is the consequence for not following the procedure after your ticket .


Title: Utah distracted driving while eating.

Question: I was driving to a college event in early may. I looked away for a second and went to grab a sandwich with my right hand while driving in stop and go traffic. The car in front of me stopped earlier than I was expecting and I rear ended it which pushed it into the back of another car. Neither of the other cars received significant damage, cosmetic or otherwise, and nothing has gone through the insurance. Can I contest this case?

Answer: You rear ended someone while looking for a sandwich. What exactly are you going to contest?


Title: How can we safely approach this?

Question: I need some advice. My fiancé has been falsely accused of child porn solicit subject. His Facebook account was hacked and sent messages to his niece asking for nude photos. I know that he didn’t do it because I was right there when it happened. We explained the situation and thought that was the end of it. Now her mother is pressing felony charges and he now has a warrant for his arrest in the state of Maryland with 7 felony charges. What’s the safest approach to this situation? Can’t they check the IP address and see that it wasn’t him? Use me as a witness? This is extremely frightening

Answer: He needs an attorney. You are way past any other option.


Title: Indiana-Sold my car, 4 months later i get mail with $300 worth of parking fines.

Question: Looked up pictures and they were of my car in front of buyers house with my plates. I appealed and it was denied, but i could appeal again and set a court date so I did. I have a court date for a formal appeal but still not sure what to do.

Answer:
 Take all the proof of the sale that you have to your court date.  Check with the court, way ahead of time, and see if you have the option to subpoena the buyer so he/she has to be there for court too.

Next time keep the tag and make sure your go through whatever DMV hoops necessary to clear your name from the car's registration.


Title: [TX] My apartment complex has started locking their security gate, but has given none of the new residents a way to open said gate. If I call the police next time I get locked out, will they be able to do anything?

Question:
Maybe not technically legal advice, but I would like to be able to go home at night.

A few days ago, there was a break-in at one of the apartments in the complex. Understandably, the leasing company responding by starting to lock the security gate at night. When I first moved in, I was issued a remote for the gate, but it hasn't worked the entire month I've been here. I brought this to their attention two weeks ago, and they said they'd issue a new one, but haven't done so. It didn't really matter until a few days ago after they started locking the gate.

Last night, I came home from work, and found I was unable to get into the complex because the remote doesn't work. I waited half an hour for someone else to leave, then slipped in the gate. It's not really a perfect system, especially considering I sometimes work until midnight.

When I went to the office to be issued a new remote, I was told that they can't do it because no one there knows how the remotes work. I was told to park in front of the main office (where parking is always full) or in the nearby shopping plaza (where signs make it abundantly clear that I will be towed). Essentially, what they're saying is that I'll be consistently locked out of my apartment complex until someone figures out how the remotes work, which considering it's already been a couple weeks since I last brought the problem up, could be a while. I'm also not the only one this has happened to - other residents have come in with the same complaint and have been told the same thing.

My question is basically what I should do next time I'm locked out. Is it at all reasonable to call a police non-emergency number, especially on days when maintenance isn't working (i.e. the weekend)? Is there a way to make the complex management issue me a working remote or give me a code for the gate or just leave the gate open? I'm rather frustrated, and wondering what to do. Thank you for any advice!

Answer:
 Review what your lease says about parking.  Even if it isn't 100% clear that you are entitled to access to the lot, bringing up your lease and dropping a hint about relocation fees might spook the drones you're dealing with in the office to put more effort into the problem.

I'm not sure if you are dealing with a single person, or a management office with several employees, but a lot of times things like this stall out at large complexes because the management office is apathetic and aren't doing their job.  Once they mention to their boss that tenants are talking about breech of lease and relocation fees, problems miraculously resolve themselves.

If you can talk to your neighbors and have them go down with you, that will make the issue more pressing.


Title: How do I prove injury-in-fact when refused a mortgage due to illegal government regulation?

Question:
I live in Washington state.  About 4 years ago, the ex and I decided to replace the house on the property as it was in serious disrepair (had been a rental before we owned it and the ex refused to do work on it and I didn't know how, so it was in bad shape at this point).  I suggested we consider a manufactured home, we looked at what was for sale and bought one that the state inspector said was a nice one when he gave it the once-over for the occupancy certificate.  I bought 1800 square feet of well-insulated, well-built housing for $25K, and I believe I got a very good deal.

Two years later the marriage ended.  In trying to figure out how to refinance the mortgage (which has subsequently been paid off) I discovered reverse mortgages.  This looked like a good way to obtain the money to continue my education, pay bills, etc. after the money from the divorce ran out.  AFAIK, in WA all reverse mortgage lenders/underwriters are FHA approved, meaning they are required to follow the rules that the FHA (and by extension, its parent agency HUD) makes.  Nothing gave me any reason to believe I would be refused a reverse mortgage.

However, one of those rules (24 CFR 203.43f(d)iii) is that if, in the past, if someone ever moved their manufactured home from its first placement, no mortgage will be insured.  When I said to the lender in passing that I'd gotten a good deal on the house and moved it to my property, she said 'HUD/FHA has a rule that if you moved your house you can't get a mortgage.  Since I have prior professional experience with manufactured home movement, I know from that and research into this that the regulation has no basis in law, and in fact violates federal law in that it imposes a penalty without prior notice and is retroactive without prior authorization from Congress.

When I was refused, however, there was no contract signed as yet.  The process is that you go to the lender, find out how much you can get (theoretically), get counseled (and I've owned several pieces of real estate so a lot of this is I already know) and then go back to the lender to start the process of getting the house appraised, etc., etc.  Appraisers are required to report on whether or not a house has been moved, so the visual evidence, or an appraiser searching the tax roll, will give that fact away, so before I've 'signed anything', I've been refused a mortgage.  Note that in Yesler Terrace Community v. Cisneros, the Ninth Circuit said that the third-party implementation of HUD/FHA rules, even if it did not immediately apply to the plaintiffs, did not deny them standing.

How can I prove injury-in-fact when I haven't even got the chance to sign anything?  Would a formal letter of refusal from the lender citing the federal regulation do it?

Answer:
 Tough love: if your path to getting a reverse mortgage requires you to cite appellate decisions in an attempt to invalidate the regulation, you probably want to look at a HELOC instead.

To be clear, NAL.  But even the lawyers here (even the Washington real estate lawyers!) aren't going to be able to give you a definitive statement on a case like this.  Yikes.


Title: Harry Potter and Very Confusing Copyright Law

Question: I see tshirts and other products all the time with quotes from the series (heck I own several myself).  I do graphic design so I know what a legal muddle copyright it, which is why I have avoided making/selling anything in my online store that has any hp quotes or anything else.  But, could I?  Assuming the quote alone is taken from the series and everything else in the artwork is my own.  (and that it is properly attributed of course).  As an example, I have an awesome idea for an art print that would have Dumbledore's quote about remembering to turn on the light in the darkness - but would having the quote incorporated into the print be a violation (the quote would be the only part of the print related to hp in any way)

Answer: No. You can't. People have likely paid for the rights or are also facing infringement lawsuits of their own.


Title: Contractor trying to charge my mother-in-law triple what is stated in written estimate

Question:
Hi all, first time post here so pardon my ignorance.

My mother-in-law recently had her back deck replaced and to get the job the contractor stated that he would replace the railing on her front deck for materials cost only.

I just found out yesterday that he in fact charged her $850 (450 materials and 400 labor) for what he quoted at 250 in materials in his email so I called him this morning. His tone was not unpleasant but he kept saying why would I do this for free (even though he stated he would only do it for materials cost if she did the deck) and so what if my materials cost billed was more than what they cost. He also went on, and on, about how that deck should have costed more. I told him I understand materials and labor are expensive but his quote should have covered his costs.

This does sit well with me and here is what he said in email (the first part is a bit off topic):

"Comcast does not need to access buried cables. If there is a problem with the existing buried cable thy just replace them with new.  We can replace the front railings, if you have us do the deck I will replace them for the materials cost only, around $250.00."

My mother-in-law has already paid him in full. She did not want to argue the amount but this just does not sit well with me as I feel like he is just praying on and older widowed woman in her 60s.

He is incorporated in the state of GA. I am hoping after our conversation he thinks twice about what he put in email but I seriously doubt my 5 minute conversation has changed his mind.

Is this something that I should take to an attorney?

Edit: formatting

Answer:
 An attorney would cost more than it would be worth, but you don't need one, as this is in Small Claims Court territory.

Keep in mind that you can't sue on your MIL's behalf, though - she would need to be deeply involved in the process. If she's not willing to do that then the most you can do yourself is leave a mean Yelp review.


Title: [Altamonte Springs, FL] Son [16m] forced to wear sports bra in gym class, do I have grounds to sue?

Question:
I have a 16-year-old son in high school, on Tuesday he came home from school in tears, told me about gym class, said it was hell, said the whole experience was leftfield. He told me how the gym teacher forced him to wear a sports bra (one with a tick logo on it, AFAIK) and then told students to get their camera phones out and "take photos of this doofus in a gym bra, he's a fucking drag queen.". He then told me he had to wear it for the entire gym class session and got beaten up, called gayboy etc, by the other kids and photos were taken in the changing rooms.

I should add that my son is **not** transgender, either, probably the only legit excuse for a guy to wear a sports bra.

I should add that my  son is autistic, did it because he thought he'd get into trouble if he didnt follow the rules, he's in mainstream school.

He's now frightened to be in gym class.

As i understand it, there's no expectation of privacy in school gym class, is there, except for changing rooms?

IDK if the photos ended up on social media, but my son can't know since he's not interested in Instagram/facebook.

As a working mom, this concerns me a hell of a lot.

What should I and my husband (his dad) do legally?

Answer: Start by scheduling a meeting with the principal.


Title: "Surrogate" landlord chopped down all the bushes on the property without notice

Question:
I am a college student currently renting a house in a neighborhood close to campus, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is my second year in the house, and our landlord situation has been a little bit in flux. The owner of the house (the true landlord) lives a good distance away and I've never actually seen him or talked to him. Instead, his son (who was also a student) did all the work that the landlord is usually supposed to do - he was our contact for everything. That worked out just fine, we had no issues.

This school year, he went off to medical school in Michigan, and can no longer see us. Instead, he told us that the neighbor lady (whom is very peculiar, some might say 'crazy') would be handling any short-term stuff. Basically, she collects our rent checks every month and mails them to the landlord.

In the past, she has been known to us to do some seemingly irrational things, which has led me to call her crazy. We usually just let her talk through whatever crazy thing she is up to and let then let her go on her way. However, this last Friday, she hired someone to come cut down all the bushes on our property. No one was home at the time, and no one was told that this would be happening. She later said that the bushes needed to be trimmed. The bushes were quite large and definitely could have used some trimming, but she had them cut completely to the ground. All the cut branches and trimmings were left sprawled on the yard for us to deal with.

We texted the landlords' son about it, asking what was going on. He had no idea that this was being done and both him and his father had never told anyone to do any yard work for the house. I'm rather upset because the bushes were nice, and now the sticks and poorly cut stumps are very much an eyesore to the house that I've liked living in.

I realize that my options are pretty limited as just a renter, but is there anything I can do to get these replaced? Or at least cleaned up?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: I would express your concern to the actual homeowner and let him deal with the woman who ordered this. It's his property and his loss, and if you're unhappy (and it sounds like he was blindsided by this work being done) then he is the one who would need to take action. Answer #2: she may have an issue with her clients (the LL/son), but odds are she doesn't have an issue with you. does your lease allow regular accsess for lawn care or the liken(or have you allowed it), or do those require notice? Answer #3: Do you know what kind of bush they were?  Some plants actually benefit from extreme trim backs like you describe.  Not many but some do.Answer #4: Unless you were somehow promised bushes in your lease, I'm not seeing any particular recourse here.  If you can possibly assert some sort of habitability or enjoyment issue, maybe - but that's a long stretch.


Title: Stylist screwed up hair and refuses to give refund.

Question: I got my hair colored about a week ago. The stylist was sweet and promised me a balayage color that would fade out from my natural roots. She constantly kept talking about how beautiful it would be for my wedding and she threw in a deal for a deep conditioning for free. The total ended up being $350 and I was not happy with the results. The color was foiled at the top by my roots and it looks as I got my hair done months ago and it has grown out. The toner she used was also darker than my actual hair color causing it to look worse and other parts of the blonde were straight up yellow. I tried to get in contact with her for a week and she never admitted to fault, always saying it was the lighting and the way my hair was slicked back in a bun. She didn’t text me back for days and I finally got a response after having to go to another salon to pay yet another $350 to get it fixed and was also told my hair was breaking off and there was no evidence of any conditioning. She once again said she could add highlights to make it how I wanted it and claimed she had texted me and I didn’t respond. She’s now saying she doesn’t do refunds as stated in her booking listing which I have no record of. She finally said she could fit me in to go over my hair and make it how I want it but at this point it’s been a week and I’m no longer comfortable letting her touch it. Can I take her to small claims court to get my money back?

Answer:
 you can sue anyone for anything.  I highly doubt you’d win.  not liking your hair is not generally cause for legal action, especially if she’s offered to fix it.

contact a different salon and ask about color correction prices, sometimes it’s a less expensive service.


Title: Martial Arts Waiver

Question:
Hi everyone,
I am an instructor at a martial arts school in Philadelphia PA, and was hoping to have a legal waiver made for my personal property.  I wanted to invite some friends and classmates to my house to practice, but do not want to be held liable for any injury that could occur.  I'm really looking for an airtight waiver that would release myself or my wife from anything that could possibly happen including accidental death etc.  I have seen a lot of generic forms online and through martial arts schools, but I am not running a business only inviting people to practice and spar at my house.  Do I need to hire a lawyer to write something specific or can I just use one of the online document websites?
Thanks for any advice.

Answer:
 > I wanted to invite some friends and classmates to my house to practice

By "my house" you mean the place that belongs to you personally, and not to the insured LLC whose reason for existing is to completely absorb the lawsuit without costing you everything you own if someone gets hurt under your tutelage? Answer #2: Waivers are great as a psychological ploy to convince people they have no case, and make them think it's not worth the effort of suing. They're much less effective at actually following through on that promise. There are some things that can't be waived, no matter what they sign.

It'll be far more effective to meet with an attorney to structure your business properly with an effective liability shield so that even if they do sue, it won't affect your personal assets.


Title: [Oklahoma] Home builder sat on warranty repair work until warranty period expired.

Question:
We provided a list of repairs several months before the warranty period of our new house expired but the builder sat on the list without doing anything. Now he says it's too bad. Is there anything we can do to get the repairs made? The list is probably several thousand dollars worth of repairs.
Topic:
Contracts

Answer: Review your warranty.  Typically, the warranty period covers when the issue is discovered and submitted, not when they finish repairing it.  If you submitted it on time, it's likely still coveredAnswer #2: Would homeowners insurance help with this issues with them?


Title: Swinger friend wants me to get her pregnant.

Question:
We're in Denver, CO.

My wife and I are swingers. Two of our friends are full on lesbians, but are very interested in raising a child together. After a few discussions, the conversation of me naturally getting one of them pregnant came up and everyone seems very interested.

My question is, i've heard that a similar situation in kansas involving a craiglist donor who gave semen in a cup was still liable for child support as the contract he signed was non-enforceable.

What is the law like in Colorado? If I do this for them and they decide to come after me for any reason down the road, would such a contract be enforceable here? They are good friends, and they are very happy together, but who knows what the future will hold.

Answer:
 Do you want to pay child support? Because that's how you get to pay child support. They don't even have to pursue it themselves: if your child receives any social services, such as medicaid or housing assistance, then the state will pursue you to cover those costs.

If you want to be the genetic father but not the legal father, _go through a sperm bank._ (This will be expensive, but far, far cheaper than child support payments.) There is no "natural" way to do this that will guarantee that you will not be responsible for your child.Answer #2: There's only one safe way to go about this: you need to go to a clinic that does these things. You can't just write something yourself. This isn't a DIY project.Answer #3: Go through a clinic.  Otherwise you'll be responsible.


Title: Strip Club’s Snapchat

Question:
So I follow this strip club on Snapchat for shits and giggles since the town I’m in is pretty trashy and I like a good laugh watching their videos lol. They post snapchats of girls dancing on their story which is public and anyone can see. There have been videos and posts saying you can’t screenshot them and they reserve the rights to the photos. I would imagine they lost their rights to privacy when they post the images on a public snapchat story? Just curious on the legal credibility of their statements. Thanks! Location is Kentucky btw.
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer: What's your question? Can you take screenshots yourself?   Yes, nobody would care. Could you potentially be sued if you posted them? Yes.


Title: [USA-AK] Legality of under-21 individual entering marijuana dispensary to perform work

Question:
Hello,

I'm a 19 year old working at a telcom company in Alaska. We have a customer who wants service installed inside a marijuana dispensary. To the best of my knowledge, I can not enter while the store is open and selling marijuana, however what is the legality of me entering the business while it is not selling marijuana and closed for the evening?

Thank you

Answer: 3 Alaska Adminstratice Code 306.325(a) says: "A person under 21 years of age may not enter a retail marijuana store." I don't see any exceptions for entering to perform work after hours without buying marijuana. I would suggest that your employer find someone else to do the job.


Title: [VA] Maybe Illegal Detention?

Question:
Just a theoretical.

There is a kid's play place/restaurant in my area that stamps hands upon entry to match kids to parents. The idea being that it could be helpful in preventing someone from snatching a kid.

I've got a debate with a friend with regard to there being any legal basis for preventing someone from leaving the establishment with mismatched stamps.

Answer:
 A brief detention for purposes of calling the police or verifying ID is not going to be actionable.  It's arguably what you agree to by entering and getting your hand stamped.

Certainly no DA in their right mind would prosecute such a case if it was handled reasonably.


Title: Employee voluntarily quit for a new job, then claims unemployment 10 months later.

Question:
I am looking for some advice on the following situation:

An employee of mine (a manager in my company) said he wants to stop doing digital marketing and just focus on programming (because $$$ you can make as a programmer is great).

I advocate for my managers to keep me informed of things, and so I helped him transition into a new job with another local company. The process took several months (him looking for a programming job) while remaining in my employment and helping me transition and train a new manager to replace him.

He leaves August 4, 2018 (voluntarily quit with a 2-week notice). Starts work \~2 weeks later at a new place.

May 19, 2019 he files for unemployment and I get a letter that he wants me to pay for it.

I feel this is pretty unethical of him. I don't want my insurance rate to go up - I am a small business so the effect of that would definitely be felt. It would drain about 50% of my reserve I had built up.

So the question is... do I deny his claim and face his possible wrath? Do I do nothing? What wise options do I have?

Answer: So he quit the job at your company, began a new job at a different company, and now wants your company (i.e., his previous company) to pay him unemployment funds? Denying this seems like a no-brainer. Am I misunderstanding something?


Title: UK: Workplace refusing to give me a copy of my contract

Question: Hello, I accidentally damaged my copy of my employment contract last weekend.  I spoke to HR about getting another copy today and they have refused stating "Unfortunately we (HR) are unable to provide copies of documents from employee’s files due to the volume of work providing duplicates would entail".  I'm based in Cardiff, UK.  Could anyone confirm whether my company are allowed to refuse my request like this.  cheers

Answer:
 I am not from the UK, but I believe you are entitled to a copy of your personal file within 40 days if requested?
Check into Employment file rights, in the US its state by state, in the UK I think it's a little more clear cut.

EDIT: Found it

[The Data Protection Act 1998](http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/4.01-personnel-records-and-data-protection.pdf)
Answer #2: You are [legally entitled](http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/nireland/work_ni/work_rights_at_work_e/basic_rights_at_work.htm#h_written_statement_of_the_main_terms_and_conditions_of_employment) to a copy.

Report your employer if they continue to refuse.

EDIT: My apologies, I was on my mobile and didn't realise I'd linked to the Northern Ireland version of the Citizens' Advice Bureau web site.

However the legal entitlement to written terms and conditions remains the same, the employer must provide this within two months of employment or sooner if the job last for a period shorter than that. Link to the England and Wales version is [here](http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/work_e/work_rights_at_work_e/contracts_of_employment.htm#h_employees_right_to_written_details_about_the_employment_contract).

I've left the link in my original comment pointing to the version for Northern Ireland, should anyone need it.


Title: Any legal problems with buying a car and then selling it at a higher price to make a quick buck?

Question:
Topic:
Business Law

Answer: You have literally described being a used car salesman.  While you’re thinking of doing this, search this forum for people complaining about lemons.  It’ll give you a good idea of what to expect when you sell used cars.  Answer #2: Just make sure title is changed appropriately. If whoever you sell it to doesn't switch to their name and commits a crime, gets parking tickets, etc...could create a hassle for you. Also, report gain for taxes.


Title: Can I Sell a Clothing Component That Has a Major Brand Logo On It

Question: I went to an estate sale & purchased a huge lot of sewing supplies. The deceased was apparently a sales rep. for zippers.  I have several 50ct. packs of early 90s zippers with a major sports brand logo on the zipper pull. These are in college team colors, so were probably used in mfg. of warm up suits etc. Can I legally sell these zippers online?  Thanks

Answer: I'm pretty sure you can, based on [right of first sale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-sale_doctrine), but IANAL.


Title: (TX) Someone stole my mom's ID and cards and cleaned out her bank account. Her bank is now refusing to reimburse a large amount of the stolen money.

Question:
My mom has a labor job. She worked a night shift and took her lunch break and left her gig bag in her locked truck. Someone smashed the window and stole her bag. She took immediate steps to notify police and the bank (bank cancelled her cards), but somehow in the days that followed, the thief cleaned out her bank account using her ID (they dyed their hair to look like her!), someone else's stolen checkbook, and my mom's credit card as a second form of ID. The bank caught them during an attempt but they drove off, leaving my mom's ID and card behind. Anyway, after weeks of dealing with the bank to get reimbursed, they're refusing to an amount of $3,900 because they claim my mom *gave* her card to someone. She cannot afford a lawyer, especially since she's been completely without money except what she makes day to day for a few weeks now.

$3,900 isn't enough to hire a lawyer for, right? The bank would mop the floor with her. But it's way too much money to let go. What can I do? Any sources I can read up on as to how to help?
Edit- removed bank name

Answer:
 $3900 is well below the threshold for small claims court. She shouldn't need a lawyer to file suit and given what you've stated here would have a very strong case. Here's a manual on the process. Read it carefully if it goes to that.

https://www.depts.ttu.edu/sls/forms/How-to-Sue-in-Small-Claims-Court.pdf Answer #2: Did she file a police report?Answer #3: Is there any chance that this bit of money was stolen using her debit card and PIN at an ATM?

Because that's one legitimate reason the bank might be holding your Mom responsible.

If your Mom had her PIN written down somewhere in her purse, and the thief used it to withdraw cash from her account, or make a purchase using Debit, that violates the debit card agreement in which an account holder agrees to never share their PIN with anyone.

You need to find out if this is the case. If it is, sucky as it may be, your Mom may be on the hook for it.

EDIT: Included PIN purchase as well as ATM withdrawal


Title: [NJ] 22yo F charged with possession/paraphernalia during a routine traffic stop

Question:
So, my friend and I were driving pretty late last night. We had a long car ride, so he brought pot with him, and I shrugged it off. We hit a highway that had quite a few cars pulled over, so I was obeying all speed laws. Approaching a steady green light, I was riding my brakes a bit in the event it turned yellow before I got there (as to not get pulled over for running a red light). Turns out, one of my brake light was out. He had the grinder in my passenger side door pocket, which the officer then saw when I was giving my license and registration.

My car was then searched, and to my horror, I had my overnight bag tossed in my trunk which I meant to take out of my car before I left, but was in such a rush to leave and forgot to take it out. (I live walking distance from where I stayed the night before, I was being lazy and instead of walking three flights up to my apartment, I tossed it in my trunk to go walk and do other errands--- I never intended to drive). The cop read me my rights and asked me if that stuff was mine. I told him yes out of nervousness.

I'm 22 years old. About to graduate college (early for my program). I do community service regularly already. I'm planning on applying to graduate programs this fall for a PhD. I've had zero encounters with the law prior.

What do I do from here? The cops told me I could hire a lawyer or speak to the prosecutor myself on my first appearance. I was planning on applying for jobs as well this March, which I will all be background checked for. How is this going to affect background checks? Grad school applications? My life in general? How much are lawyer fees going to cost (on average) if I go that route? I have ~10 days until my first appearance.

Thanks in advance.

Answer: Just plead not guilty. You will almost certainly get a diversion or deferral. Most lawyers will do it for a flat fee or fairly low cost.


Title: I'm paranoid about being falsely accused of crimes despite that I never commit any. Would a recording device help me protect myself?

Question: I did some googling and found that there are products that are keychains which produce high quality audio recordings for days at a time for only a few hundred dollars, I just need to plug it in while I sleep. If I keep recording devices on me at all times and eventually find myself in court, would having an audio recording of myself 24 hours a day help me against false accusations?

Answer: You should seek therapy.


Title: I was hit by a drunk driver and they are underinsured. My insurance wants me to pay my premium.

Question:
As the title says, I was rear ended by a drunk driver while I was driving a rental car. They accepted 100% liability. The damages to my rental exceed her $10K property damage coverage.

While I do have coverage against underinsured drivers on my State Farm plan, st farm wants me to pay my $1,000 deductible to cover the rest of the damages to my vehicle.

Why can't the drunk driver's insurance company pay my deductible? I'm a college student and don't have the $1,000 deductible in cash...do I just tell them I can't afford it?

**Edit:** Title should say *deductible*, not *premium*. And this happened in Wisconsin.

Answer:
 The other driver's insurance company can't pay this because that's not what their policy covers

You can take the drunk driver to small claims yourself if you want (if they have the money)

Insurance companies are very specific about what they will and will not pay under any given policy.


Title: Speeding Ticket - 62mph in 35 mph zone - NH. What can I expect?

Question:
I'm an idiot - I have no excuse. I didn't think I was going 62 but I definitely knew I was speeding. I was in a hurry to get somewhere and I exercised poor judgement - plain and simple.

I plan on heading to court (dressed appropriately) to essentially tell them the same thing. Just wondering what I can expect. I haven't had an infraction for a little over 3 years so I'm not a frequent flier.

Any insight/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer: You can expect a fine and points. Maybe the Judge will be nice and reduce but you were 27 mph over the limit.


Title: [AL] Ustairs neighbor always smokes weed which stinks up my apt, can I call the police and report illegal drug use?

Answer: Yes.


Title: It it illegal for a pediatric doctor to suggest vaccines are ineffective/harmful?

Question:
Location: TX

My girlfriend has begun working at a pediatric clinic where the doctor and nurse practitioner both believe vaccines are harmful/cause autism. They give other harmful advice. For example, a child had high lead levels and the suggested treatment was to apply peppermint oil to the feet. They and the other medical staff routinely give outright false medical advice to patients. Some of these patients are using their insurance to pay for these visits, others pay out of pocket. We are wondering if this violates any laws, and if so, how that would be reported.

Answer:
 Your girlfriend can report the doctor to the medical board. That would be step one. Answer #2: What kind of doctor is this? Specifically, what degree does he or she have? Answer #3: Peppermint oil can cause respiratory distress in children. Please encourage your girlfriend to report the doctor to the medical board immediately.Answer #4: As a NP, I would recommend she start looking for a new job. She does not want her career associated with them.Answer #5: IANAL, but it would probably be a good idea for your girlfriend to document everything she legally can (without violating HIPAA) if she hasn’t been doing so already. ( in addition to following other advice in this thread)

Edit: acronym correctionAnswer #6: If you want more medical law centered advice maybe r/medicine might help even though they aren't lawyers or really a legal sub they might know of specific agencies to report toAnswer #7: Report to the medical board/insurers and then GTFO. Answer #8: Are of sure it’s not a naturopath? They recognize themselves as doctors and even go to quack schools and then call themselves doctors....Answer #9: > They and the other medical staff routinely give outright false medical advice to patients.

If you or your girlfriend can prove this, I say report the 'doctor' away before someone dies or is permanently injured. Answer #10: Report them to the medical board.Answer #11: More comments have been removed than not. All advice that is relevant has been given. Locked before this thread degrades more.