Title: [CA, U.S] Caught causing $7k in losses for company I worked for what can I expect?

Question:
They used the word losses. I never stole cash, or credit cards, or any other things like that. Losses were incurred by using coupons that were wrongfully obtained and then using this coupons knowing that they glitched causing merchandise to be free. Many other coupons were used to buy other products but these required me to pay for the actual product and then receiving the amount spent back in a rewards program. Which were then spent on other things. Total is about $7k. Or at least that's what I was quoted. I was made to write a statement and sign a promissory note. Told to   go home early and to come back as my schedule posted. Which is today. Should I expect to get arrested on the spot? It was promised that a method of payment would be setup, but I mostly want to avoid serious charges. I'm young, planning to move out of state to go to a University and this just... scares me. Clean record. What can I expect?

EDIT: Losses were caused by my wrongful use of stolen coupons. About $2500 in free merch directly using a stolen coupon and abusing the error this coupon causes to buy this merch. About $1200 of it was never picked up from the store. The other was sold off by me. I also used additional stolen coupons that reimburse you for the purchase in store currency. I spent all this currency on other products. Basically spending $100 would net $100 in in-store currency. About $2000 were gained this way.

Answer:
 Looks to me like you committed felony grand theft/larceny, punishable by up to three years in prison. It's impossible to say if your employer will report you but, unless they are retarded, they will. You should call a defense attorney immediately.Answer #2: > knowing that they glitched causing merchandise to be free

What you call it is irerlevant.  It may be fraud, theft, embezzlement, it's still a crime and almost certainly felonious.Answer #3: >I never stole cash, or credit cards, or any other things like that.

But you did.  You stole the coupons, or at least used stolen coupons.  Then you exploited a glitch resulting in free merchandise.  That seems like it would qualify as "any other things like that."

At any rate, talk to a criminal defense attorney ASAP.  And don't talk to the police without a lawyer if they come knockin'.  Answer #4: Why are you using language like "causing losses"? You stole from the store, right?


Title: Rented and paid for apartment on Booking.com - owners want me to cancel the reservation

Question:
Summary:

Rented and paid for apartment on Booking.com -> owners want me to cancel reservation since they are renovating at that time -> what are my options?

Story:

So I have decided to book a really nice apartment for holidays. Now after some days I got a message from the Booking.com domain saying that the owner contacted them and told them that I want to cancel the reservation and that they approved it (I still have to agree and click on link etc.). But the thing is that I don't want to cancel it and I did not contact the owners about this! They made a mistake and are apparently not open at that time of the year, since they are renovating some things. I have tried to find a similar apartment in same price range but everything that was before ok/great is sold out. What are my options? Can I sue them for that or force them to pay compensation, since the prices for similar apartments are now pretty higher than they were at the time of my booking? Are they protected from Booking.com, can renters do this?

Location: Europe, Austria

Answer:
 Booking.com will force the owner to pay for alternate accommodations.  It is possible that they are indeed renovating but it is also possible that they got a double booking or forgot to update their prices for the season.  Contact booking.com and tell them that you do not want to cance, and that if the owner wishes to cancel they should initiate (they will get dinged on their listing score as well).

This is also why I would never list my cabin on booking.com as they are a bit difficult to deal with from an owner's perspective.Answer #2: This is likely going to depend on the terms of service for the website.  You're going to need to read that entire document and look out for any relevant sections.


Title: Can you own fully automatic firearms in Somolia?

Answer: Sure, why notAnswer #2: Legally, no. But no one is going to stop you except that other guy with a machine gun who shots you to steal yours.


Title: Should my friend be worried?

Question: So he was dumb sent dick pics to everyone and some minors was really scared recently if he would get in trouble ever after a few years since the incidents should he forget about it ? Turn himself in possibly jail for a few years ? Really doesn’t wanna go to jail and been worried anyone know of similar stories everything online doesn’t get erased but he probably never got reported

Answer:
 He should not admit to criminal conduct, and if he becomes the subject of a criminal investigation at some point, he should say nothing to anyone and hire an attorney.Answer #2: So he produced and distributed child pornography? (Assuming he is a minor)

Yeah, he should be scared.


Title: I need to pay a speeding ticket but i lost the ticket

Question: I got it while traveling and really dont want to have to drive all the way back. I want to pay the ticket via mail (only 111.90) but i lost it. What should i do?

Answer: Call the court in that jurisdiction and ask how to pay.


Title: Unmoderated text board.

Question:
Location: Switzerland.
I'm planning on using a modified version of the infinity (8chan) software to create a website where anyone can create their own no image text board and moderate it however they want. Could I get in serious legal trouble (more than DMCA) for running the site? Also where should I host the server?

Answer: Anontalk already did that and it turned into a nest of pedophiles.


Title: If convicted of a misdemeanor.....

Question:
How will my career/life be affected? If at all.

Charge is allowing nuisance party

Charged In MI

Answer: This is a very vague question, so here is the best response you can expect. It depends.


Title: (Guam) How to Get Military to Enforce Custody Orders

Question: Granted full emergency custody of the kids, who live on base in Guam. The Court issued a Writ of Assistance directing all military personal to enforce the Order. They won't let me onto base and they won't enforce the Order; the JAG says they won't. Help.

Answer:
 Have you tried speaking to the watch commander for whichever of the bases you need to go to? The NB Guam FP Site (listed below) shows the phone numbers for multiple personnel, including the watch commander. Andersen AFB lists the SF squadron phone number and the visitors center phone number (which is staffed by SF), you should be able to reach either the desk sergeant or watch commander.

[NB Guam](https://cnic.navy.mil/regions/jrm/installations/navbase_guam/om/force_protection.html)

[Andersen AFB](http://www.mybaseguide.com/directory/97/andersen_afb)


Title: In a cab right now.. help me please

Question: If a cab (who's company explicitly says they accept debit/credit) who's machine isn't working do you legally have to pay them cash if you have none? I have credit but the cabbie is trying this on me right now. (I'm in canada btw)

Answer: They are probably lying about it not working.  If its actually not working, just call in to the agency and have them run it over the phone.  They do this bc they dont make as much if you used credit. Answer #2: Call the Taxi dispatch and have them either take your payment themselves or send out another taxi capable of taking the payment


Title: For Floridians who own large boats, what are the laws about throwing people in the brig who break the rules of your ship?

Question: Location: Florida.

Answer:
 For people who own large boats, it might be a good idea to have an attorney on speed dial in case the Florida sun starts getting to their brains.

Call him if a situation arises where you are contemplating such a thing.


Title: How can I get even if I get fired

Question: I work at sunglass hut and right now my manager needs me, but doesn't like me, I think she'll fire me if she finds like 3 more associates to hire, in a couple months. She thinks I'm rude, how can I protect or get even if that happens legally. Also I got fired from a family operated 2 truck snowplow business last february, a older man told me to ask for a w2 form, that'll really screw them he said. Why and what else should I do or can I do, should I get them audited ?

Answer:
 Have you ever considered that maybe the reason you keep getting fired it because you're a shitty employee that spends more time trying to proactively screw-over his employer than being a decent employee?

PS: OP is 26, he also recently worked at a jewelry store, dropped out of college and is trying to find a way to skip out of his student loans, wants tight yoga pants to show off his ass, and asked /r/trees how to get people to give him free weed. I'm guessing he's somewhere in the 70's, mid-80's max. Answer #2:  She thinks I'm rude, how can I protect or get even if that happens legally.

How the hell would you protect yourself or get even, whatever that means.

You work at sunglasses hut. Your manager can fire you for a large variety of reasons and being mean is certainly one of them.

What are you big plans for getting even?


Title: Want to divorce wife but she blackmails me with career-ending threats (California)

Question: I married my wife about 5 months ago. We have been together for about 4 years, and most of that time we have not been good together. She has compromising information about me (and pictures) that could potentially ruin my career, and she constantly threatens to divulge it when she is not getting her way. She says "I hope you try to divorce me so I can expose you and ruin you." She is mentally, physically, and financially abusive because she knows that I don't know how to deal with it so she takes advantage. She does everything she can to MAJORLY press my buttons (IE throw water on me in the middle of the night, throw my clean clothes in the backyard or tub and turn the water on, physically attack me) and will immediately start recording on her phone in hopes that I will react in some type of violent or crazy way (she says she "can't ever have enough evidence against me"). I am absolutely losing my mind and don't know what to do to be able to leave her while hopefully SOMEHOW stopping her from trying to destroy my career as part of the fallout. I just want a peaceful life away from this psycho and don't know where to start. I would truly appreciate any type of help or guidance towards a starting point. Thank you.

Answer:
 First, some prep: get in touch with a local domestic abuse shelter and get their help planning your exit. Abusive partners often ramp up abuse if they believe their partner might escape their control, so keep quiet and act normal while you plan.

Get an attorney, let her first contact with your divorce be through your attorney, and have your attorney advise you on how to handle the extortion. Your attorney can also help you serve her with a restraining order at the same time as you serve her with the divorce petition, so that if she continues to harass you or if she contacts your employer, she may face jail time.Answer #2: How is she communicating these threats to you? Why aren't you reporting physical attacks to the police? Answer #3: Try communicating w/domestic violence help centers in your area...this website should help you start: http://www.thehotline.org/


Title: A friend of mine was left an inheritance but it was taken by her grandparents.

Question:
 My good friend's great grandmother passed away a little while back and left her a lot of money (I don't know the specific amount right now but ill ask if that would help) But since she was underage at the time her grandparents took it for themselves. Now she is over 18 and I wondered if you all had any advice or course of action she could take. Her great grandmother also made her a college savings fund but the grandparents took all the money out of that and put it into her brothers' funds but I don't expect anything can be done about that. Any help you guys can give would be greatly appreciated.
Edit:Maryland USA

Answer: Your friend can speak to a probate attorney


Title: Dispute with a vendor - vendor doxxed me

Question: Have had an ongoing dispute with a vendor that provided me paid services that I was unhappy with. He has a reasonably well trafficked forum he runs. He decided it would be funny to post my name and encourage harassment by other members. I know who the guy is ( out of state ) - do I have any recourse?

Answer:
 What do you want to do about it?

There isn't a law that says you can't Doxx someone.

It's  a Reddit "you're gonna get banned thing" but it's not a law.... just good manners that are enforced.

If he did it on Reddit? Report it to the admins.


Title: Fired for Calling Boss A-Hole Over Hostile Work Environment

Question:
A close relative was recently fired over what his boss overheard him saying to another employee.

His words were "\[Boss\] is such an ass-hole and has created such a hostile work environment."

Boss heard this and suspended him without pay until further notice. Relative found out today that he was terminated for his language.

My relative has certain union protections and his union rep told him to file a Termination Grievance for wrongful termination. My question to this sub is How good of a case does my relative have? If he was just verbalizing frustration, which is widely shared in his workplace, over management's role in creating a hostile work environment, is this speech protected in any way? This is a not a private company and has a huge employee base. Relative has worked for the company for 32 years and is the most senior employee in his field. New managers came in recently who are all very fresh in the organization. We believe that my relative was just terminated to be made and example of.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 > My question to this sub is How good of a case does my relative have?

For wrongful termination, absolutely zero. He can be fired for calling his boss an asshole.

> is this speech protected in any way?


Title: [ONTARIO] Tapping maple trees for syrup on crown land

Question: Been tapping the giant maple trees across the street for years and never had any issues. It's on government property. Am I breaking the law?

Answer: If you're tapping trees right now you're breaking the laws of nature - the sap won't run til Spring.   ;)


Title: I don't know where else to put this, but I'm a teenager who needs some help.

Question:
Hey guys I don't know where this should be posted but I need help deciding what to do with this pickle I'm in.

Basically me and a large group of my friends were going to this place to hang out that is like a large field in the woods.To get to this place you have to go a little off road so we split up into 3 cars, my truck, my friends SUV, and a jeep. It had just rained the previous night so it was very muddy on the way there. Essentially what happened is that my car got stuck in the mud on the way there so we needed to call my friend who has a tow strap to pull me out.
          Once this dude (mutual friend of mine) was called by my buddy he came and had a hard time getting me out, leading to him getting stuck in the mud as well. So next, my friend in the jeep had to pull him out, and while this taking place, the 2nd guy that got stuck ended up hitting his car into a metal wire and a ton of branches, fucking up the front right fender and the bumper.
          Now this guy wants me to pay for the damage because he says its my fault he was there in the first place, even though I didn't even call him to help, and all of this happened while HE was getting pulled out, and he steered wrong which is why it happened. I told him I would pay him for the inconvenience (which I said what whatever was in my wallet) but not the damage and now he is threatening to take legal action against me and call my parents to tell them to pay. All of my friends are telling me I shouldn't pay shit and I think the same.

I would love some advice as to what to do or if he sues would he actually win, thanks guys for any help. (Texas)

Answer: You don't owe him anything and he would not win on a lawsuit. He made choices that caused his car to be damaged. You had nothing to do with it. Stop offering him money.


Title: Impersonating an officer without impersonating an officer.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 How about you call a PI?

They could do something like this with far less potential for legal problems on your end.


Title: [CT] Safeguards against my own lawyer

Question:
My lawyer, who is married with kids, is constantly texting me. In no uncertain terms, after being repeatedly rebuffed,  he has suggested we become friends with benefits, we should have sex to change my feelings .....

My professional ties with him are :

- He is in charge of my relative's income that pays for a lot of the current utilities that my income wouldn't support. He took upon this role voluntarily earlier. In my present health condition I will be homeless and very helpless if I have to move from this shelter.

He hasn't threatened me with delaying or cutting off the bills. I would like him to stop the constant texting, emails etc. He, like a horny teenager, just wouldn't stop.

- What are my options in this situation?

- I have plenty of emails and texts from him to substantiate my claims. I do not have the time or strength to start a long battle, but if complaining some organization (like bar association)  or threatening to do so will make him stop then I will do it. This is unbearable.

Thank you in advance for help.

Answer: Have you asked him to stop? If you'd rather skip that step or you did and he did not stop you can file a grievance with the CT bar association [here](https://www.jud.ct.gov/sgc/for_public.htm). Please remember in CT once a grievance is filed there's no take backs and be aware you will need a new attorney because this one almost 100% will not want to continue your attorney client privledge during or after a grievance.


Title: I think I did something illegal

Question:
I'm not like a prostitute or anything but when he offered me money to sell him some pictures and videos I said yes because school is expensive. And then when he offered me more to meet him i didn't say yes but then he kept bringing it up so I said yes. So I met him and did all the things he asked me to and then he said he was going to pay me, and then his car broke down so my stepdad towed it for him for free, and then i kept pestering him about the money and he got mad and blocked me and didn't pay me anything not even for the videos.

Is there anything I can do? Can i force him to pay me the money for the tow and the videos somehow? I'm afraid that if anyone finds out I slept with him i'll get arrested. I feel like since he approached me and talked me into it he should be the one who gets arrested and not me but I don't want to risk it at all.

This is the state of Utah. I don't know what the laws are here.

Answer:
 > I'm not like a prostitute

You sure aren't. First rule of prostitution is get paid up front.


Title: What should you do if your 13-year-old son tried crystal meth?

Question:
We live in Oregon.

He's been smoking pot since he was 11. Now he decided to move on to harder drugs...

Answer: Do some parenting. Get your kid into a substance abuse program, and get him away from whoever or wherever he’s getting the drugs.


Title: FTC says its legal to keep an item accidentally mailed to you, is this true even if the merchant reaches out and asks for it back?

Question: I was sent a somewhat expensive item by mistake. The department store reached out and is asking me to mail it back. Since they acknowledged this and asked for it back, am I breaking a law by not giving it back? Also, is it illegal for me to go exchange it for store credit without giving a receipt?

Answer:
 The FTC's guidance on this is a bit incorrect. The old website used to make it clear that you can't keep something shipped to you that is the result of an honest shipping mistake, but that you don't have to pay to ship it back either. They can send UPS to pick it up.

Unfortunately, the new website simplified the guidance a bit and no one really knows why. Still though, keeping something that is a result of a mistake would almost certainly qualify as unjust enrichment and you could be sued for it.


Title: [CA] Our Bernie Sanders fan art was stolen for unauthorized shirt sales!

Question:
A Bernie Sanders unofficial fan page stole our Bernie Sanders illustration and put it up for sale on TeeChip without permission.

What can we do to stop them? Are we entitled to a part of their revenue? Thanks in advance!

Answer: You can issue a DMCA takedown notice to TeeChip. You can also sue for *actual* damages, assuming you did not register your copyright.


Title: Attempted LockPicking In Good Faith. Will I go to jail?

Question:
My girlfriend was watching a cat over the weekend and this was arranged through one of those dog sitting apps. The cat needed kidney medication each day and when my girlfriend arrived at the house the door was locked and the key she had only unlocked the deadbolt, not the door handle.

&#x200B;

She called me and asked if I could pick the lock to get her in so that cat could get its medication since she was allowed on the property and into the house. I was unable to open the door, but while attempting to the owner replied to her text saying not to pick the lock. Once we got this message I stopped my attempt. The called the landlord and got the door open so that my girlfriend could get inside and feed/medicate the cat.

&#x200B;

The owner later looked at a camera recording of the door and saw me attempting to gain entry to the house. This owner now wants a refund for my girlfriend watching the cat to pay for damages to the lock and said that she would be taking legal action through the company that created the pet sitting app. The lock opened just fine with the key and there doesn't seem to be any actual damage and I stopped when I was told to.

&#x200B;

Can I go to jail due to the legal action she is taking through the app?

Answer: First piece of advice would be to never try and lockpick a property you do not own. This opened you up to liability. I would suggest your girlfriend to refund that night service and drop that customer to appease them from filing a damages suit and report for attempted breaking and entering. If the police do show up do not speak with them without an attorney present.


Title: [WV] Grandmother with dementia taken advantage of

Question:
Preface: This all happened around 1 1/2 to 2 years ago and while I doubt we can do anything about it anymore, I'd like to know if there was anything we even could have done.

To start off, my grandmother started suffering from dementia around 4~ years ago. She slowly started losing her memory & ability to perform many basic functions (going to the bathroom, washing herself, etc). My parents did all they could to support her but they're also disabled and eventually it just became too much. Her other relatives living nearby either didn't believe she was deteriorating or didn't care. A longtime family friend who lived beside her for decades stepped in and started to take care of her in their place after a while. We periodically received phone calls from a police officer who lived near her informing us that they found her out walking and took her home.

Not long after this person took over her care, we learned that they and one of their relatives managed to get her to give them power of attorney over her. This all occurred long after she stopped being able to even remember faces or names.

After they received power of attorney, they got her to "sell" some land (around 20 acres) she had for what amounted to a few dollars, took over her home, and took control of other possessions. We're also not entirely sure where her social security money was going.

Eventually, they got apparently got bored of taking care of her or couldn't do it anymore and dumped her off at a nursing home close to us.

Recently the "family friend" passed away unexpectedly, leaving me to wonder if there was anything we could have done. I should also note that she was never diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer's, but it was fairly clear at all times that she was never in a mental state where she should've been making decisions.

So with that, my questions are (I'm not entirely sure on how to word these):

1. Was the transfer of power of attorney legal, given her mental state at the time?
2. Once they received power of attorney, was there anything we could have done?
3. ... Is it legal to have someone with dementia transfer ownership of land/property?

I'm totally prepared to hear that this was all legal/there's nothing that can be done anymore. I'd just like to know if there was a time where anything could have been done. Thanks.

Answer:
 > After they received power of attorney, they got her to "sell" some land (around 20 acres) she had for what amounted to a few dollars, took over her home, and took control of other possessions.

I'm pretty sure you can have this reversed in court, this constitutes diminishing the value of an estate and if they have power of attorney, they really can't do that.

As far as the transfer, it probably was not valid given her mental state, but who had power of attorney before this?  They should have acted on that power to ensure your grandmother was taken care of.

Once they received it, you could have contested it, especially if you felt that they were using undue influence to gain it.

The transfer was legal if done by the power of attorney, but if they sold it for less than it was worth or sold it to themselves at less than market value, it was not legal.  Again, contest this in court.

Talk to a lawyer, avvo.com, and the local bar association should be a good place to start.


Title: Question about lawschool

Question:
Hi guys, Im a Ontario, Canada resident looking to getting my law degree.  I have two questions about becoming a lawyer.

1.  If I get my law degree in the US, can I practice in Canada? (I understand that there's a bar exam, but would appreciate some explanation about the specifics)

2.  Is it possible to get an online law degree (I can only study part time) and what is the difference between getting an online degree vs. getting one from a University/College?

Thank you for your help.

Answer: 2 - with an online degree you have about a .0000001% chance of landing a job.


Title: [DC, USA] former roommate withholding my mail until I pay

Question:
I moved out of my old place (in DC) about 6 months ago. While living there, roommate managed the bills, so I'd write a check for rent and utilities to her every month (note: roommate was NOT my landlord, and I was on the lease; she collected the rent/utilities and paid from her accounts)
A few days after I moved out, she claimed I still owed her money from utilities (less than $20). I had my bank send her check in August for the specific amount. She sent me an email in September, claiming I still owed her this money. I responded in a text that I had sent it; she berated me pretty heavily via text, so I asked her to not contact me again and informed her I would be blocking her number.

So fast forward to today:
A previous employer didn't update my address in their system, so they sent my W-2 to my old address. Former roommate emails me, saying she has my mail and I still owe her money. She will not give me my mail until I make arrangements to pay her. I emailed her confirmation from my bank that my check had been delivered in August; I have yet to hear back from her.
Questions:
1. Withholding my mail is illegal right? So even if I did owe her money, she can't hold my letter hostage right?
2. Any advice on how to get my mail from her? My landlord and roommate colluded in some really shady stuff (that's a whole other story) so I don't want to give them any more money--especially money I don't owe.

TLDR: Old roommate claims I owe her money; won't give me important letter until I pay up

Answer:
 You should set up mail forwarding through USPS so none of your mail gets sent to your old address.

You can contact the postmaster local to your old roommate that she is withholding mail from you instead of returning it to the post office.  They don't like that.

Now to your questions:

1. Withholding your mail is illegal.  She doesn't have to give it to you, though, and can return it to the post office.

2. Set up mail forwarding, then request another copy of your W2.  Stop communicating with your bitter ex-roommate.Answer #2: > Whoever steals, takes, or abstracts, or by fraud or deception obtains, or attempts so to obtain, from or out of any mail, post office, or station thereof, letter box, mail receptacle, or any mail route or other authorized depository for mail matter, or from a letter or mail carrier, any letter, postal card, package, bag, or mail, or abstracts or removes from any such letter, package, bag, or mail, any article or thing contained therein, or secretes, embezzles, or destroys any such letter, postal card, package, bag, or mail, or any article or thing contained therein; or

>Whoever steals, takes, or abstracts, or by fraud or deception obtains any letter, postal card, package, bag, or mail, or any article or thing contained therein which has been left for collection upon or adjacent to a collection box or other authorized depository of mail matter

> Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1708

 Contact the USPS: Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or TTY: 1-800-877-8339.


Title: My employer constantly browbeats myself (and my employees) to work during our lunch breaks. Last time I checked this is illegal or is it? (California, San Jose)

Question:
A little more background:
edit : not my employees, but my fellow employees/coworkers/colleagues
edit 2: I'm a salary employee, as are my colleagues, not hourly.

The company I work for is a small biotech company (<5 employees). There was a verbal acknowledgement we get 1 hour for lunch. It was implied I could go any where for this period. So for the first 3-4 months I was employed here, I'd simply go out to eat or go to my home. However, my CEO told me that he requires me to be on site during my lunch hours (implicating he could find someone else to do the job if I didn't like to work at my job [I took it as a threat to end my employment based on his tone]). No big deal, I can eat at work. But even when I eat at work, my operations manager frequently tells me to do things while I'm on my lunch break (answering emails, calling customers, etc). We have no dedicated HR and my coworkers and I  function as a "team" of sorts. We all have to pull our own weight here to make sure company remains functional, but this seems a little ridiculous. What can I do?

Answer:
 California law is weasely on the issue. http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/FAQ_MealPeriods.htm

Even though you probably don't have a written contract waiving your right to a non-working lunch, you will probably get fired for bringing it up, *as long as you are being paid*. That means an eight hour day, not an 8.5 hour day, not a 7.5 hour day.

If you are working during lunch and not being paid, you should find a new job, and then do a labor complaint demanding back wages.


Title: City wants to perform tree removal on my property so they can do road work. Do I have any sort of capability to make a claim/ to stop it? [MN]

Question:
Hi all,

I'm on the road away from home right now and just learned from who I am living with that the city is planning to cut down some trees on our property so they can do roadwork in our suburb.  They already charged every household in the neighborhood around $2300 for the work they are doing (some weird ordinance about $0.18 per square foot of road done or something), so hearing they want to cut down 1-2 giant trees that have easily grown to be over 2.5 stories tall in ~22 years really irks me.

Anyways, the tree is admittedly located within 5 feet of the curb I believe, and the citys reasoning is apparently because gas lines run under it?  I am not sure what that has to do with road work, so if there is an explanation I would be happy to hear.

Overall yeah, I was wondering what steps I could take to stop the city from cutting these 2 trees down if any, and if there is any recourse I can take if they do cut them down, since they are on my property (though I have no idea how heavily them being within ~5 feet of the curb plays into this).  Apologies if dumb question.

Location:  MN

Answer: It is unlikely that you have any options here. You can speak with a real estate attorney. You can also just look at your deed to see what kind of easements the city has. Within 5 feet of the curb, it is extremely likely that there is an easement that allows this. Eminent domain would likely allow it as well.


Title: How to stop my driveway from being used as a turn-around?

Question:
I'm not expecting much to come from this, but figured I'd ask anyway...

My home's driveway isn't a normal straight driveway that goes from the road to the house.   Instead it's a loop (or a 'U-Shape') that runs from the road, to the house, and back to the road again at a different point near by.

I know everyone misses a turn now and then and often people will pull into a residences driveway and back out to turn around.   My concern is that when people do this at my home they see that the driveway loops back and drive all the way around it near my home.  They're more driving around on my driveway like it's a public road.  When people do this they're coming about 40 feet off the public road to drive about 30 feet away from my living room window.  If scale matters, this is on a 1 Acre, partially treed lot.  It's not like this is a highly dense urban area where people's streets are closer to their houses.  It may not sound like a big deal, but it's a drastic difference than if they just pulled in and backed out like a normal person.

* Question 1:  One thing I am concerned about is liability.  Is there anything with this setup which puts more liability on me than someone with a 'normal' driveway when people are driving through my property?

* Question 2:   What can I do to stop this?  My wife an I use both parts of the driveway daily, so fences/gates are out of the question.   I can put a sign up, but that has no teeth and doesn't guarantee people will keep doing it.    Is there any way a sign could be worded so that if someone still attempts to pull through my driveway it's considered trespassing and I could report it to the police?  Other ideas?

Luckily [for them] it's not the same person doing it all the time instead it's the random person of the day that missed their turn and wants to be lazy on my property.

Thanks for any ideas you might have.

PS:   Sorry bot, this is New York state, USA.
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 I used to have this problem too. What you do is park so the loop is disrupted. Either end or right in the middle will do it.

Otherwise a gate is the only answer.


Title: I am an author and my next book is a thriller about a sexual predator. Would any attorneys be willing to answer 5-10 questions?

Question:
Anyone who decides to answer these questions, preferably via PM, will be credited in the Acknowledgments section of my book.

The first is: I need this predator to be arrested for possession of illegal pornography, but I also need him released on bail long enough for the protagonist to confront him personally. Is this possible? Would he be released on bail? When is a case a no-bail situation?

I have several more questions that require plot descriptions, so due to the privacy regulations of my publisher, I'd prefer to ask these questions via PM.

I request that a certified attorney or other legal professional answer these, as opposed to a CSI fan like myself ;)

Thanks so much.

Answer:
 > I request that a certified attorney or other legal professional answer these

Beggars can't be choosers. If you want such a service, you should pay someone.


Title: [Towson, MD] Hiring manager says I won't be hired for night job because 20 year olds only like to stay out late to party.

Question:
A little background.. I just had a job interview for a position as a night time baker, and I have no experience being a baker.  I showed up late to the interview because all the roads where blocked and I had to ask my sister for a ride... I called ahead of time and let them know that I would be running late.  During the interview I felt sure that  I was answering the questions honestly, and I felt that everything was going fairly well.  Then after the interview I was told that I would not be getting the job because (I wrote down exactly what I heard my hiring manager say at the end of the interveiw right after leaving the building) "In my experience, 20 somethings don't do well in this type of position.  They tend to only be focused on the paycheck and they would rather be out late partying with their friends.  I'm going to trust my instincts on this one and not hire you."

I contacted HR and got in contact with the Regional Manager of the company.  Both agreed that what was said was not acceptable.  The regional manager told me that he would get in contact with her (the hiring manager) and he is not sure why she would say that because usually the company takes a few days to evaluate candidates based on their experience and weigh that against the other applicants; it was not usual practice for me to have been given a hiring decision at the interview.  He mentioned that we could all sit down and talk things over.  So I was given two options from the Regional Manager:

1) He agreed to give me another interview personally, where he could not guarantee that I will be hired.

2) He says that he could try to find me a position at another location.

I have not agreed to any of these terms and I asked for a few days to think about all that has been said before I call him back.

Is this illegal? What should I do now?

edit:
The reason why I was late was because there was a major unforeseen accident on the main road. The bus was completely stalled and not moving for an hour. I left an hour early for the interview, and planned to be at the interview location at 9:00 (The interview started at 9:45). I called twice to show that I was running late. I got there 10 minutes late.

Answer:
 You've already worn out your welcome here. Move on.

You were late (no excuse is acceptable)
You have no experience.
You've created friction by calling his boss and now he REALLY doesn't want to hire you.

IMO this is classic millennial "why am I not getting my way?" behavior.

Sure, he shouldn't have said that. Oh well. Lesson learned....keep job hunting.Answer #2: What you're describing is not illegal, and honestly, they're being SUPER nice to you. Almost abnormally nice. I recommend finding work somewhere else and show up on time for the interview.


Title: [Maryland] My home was foreclosed on and I was evicted. Do I have any rights to my personal belongings left behind in the house?

Question:
Throwaway since this is kind of personal.

Okay so my mother and I lived in a home that was foreclosed upon for various reasons.  The eviction notice was dated 5 days earlier than when we received it, if that counts for anything (I know that unfortunately that would be hard to prove, but it really did happen).  When we were evicted, we had to leave some personal belongings in the house since there was not enough time for us to get everything out.  Do we have any rights to our belongings?  We would like some things back that were in the house.  If not, how can I find out where the items will end up (will they be donated to the Salvation Army)?

I should note that we contacted the realtor who is representing Fannie Mae about an extension for the eviction and we documented our voicemails and emails.  She acted as though she never received a single one when she showed up at the eviction.  She does not like my mother for some reason; she is nothing but blatantly rude to her and refuses to speak with her (she will only call me).  I don't even have any legal standing in this whole thing since my name was never on the house (it was my mother and father's home, father moved out due to a divorce).  We were allowed a 4-hour supervised lockout period to reclaim as much as we could.  Unfortunately, most of the time was spent carrying out furnature, beds, and heavy boxes.  There are still personal belongings in the garage and basement that were left there because the realtor would not allow us to enter those areas until the last 30 minutes for some reason.  She also tried to lock us out of certain areas of the house during the 4 hour period for no apparent reason.  She would stand in front of various doors within the main house and said that nobody was allowed to enter those rooms "because she said so."  She also tried to shorten the 4-hour period and force us out for no reason (I guess she got bored of flirting with the movers).  She even brought her daughters to the supervised lockout, which everyone thought was highly inappropriate.

Anyway, my point is this: do we have any rights to reclaim the belongings left on the property?  Did the realtor do anything that is not allowed that could potentially lead us to being able to have a second chance at reclaiming our belongings?  Sorry if this is a massive jumble.  Let me know if there is anything I need to clarify or something else I can include to clear things up.

Edit: changed "the bank" to "Fannie Mae" because I think that is more accurate.

Edit: I should mention this is a case where my parents owned the home and paid a monthly mortgage.  Father moved out, we fell behind on payments, house went to auction where bank/Fannie Mae bought the house back and evicted us.

**TL;DR** - parents owned and lived in home, fell behind on payments and couldn't save the home, home got foreclosed upon and bank/Fannie Mae repossessed home through public auction.  Deed was transferred to the bank/Fannie Mae through court order, we got evicted, didn't have enough time to get all of our things out, even with a supervised lockout period of 4 hours (which was "allowed" by the realtor representing Fannie Mae as the new owner of the home).  Do we have any rights to our possessions left in the home after being evicted?  If so, how would we go about reclaiming them?  Note: this is NOT a landlord/tenant case.

Answer: Don't deal with the realtor.  Call the attorney whose name was on the eviction paperwork.


Title: Wife calls restaurant disgusting, owner promptly threatens to sue for defamation

Question:
First of all thank you kindly for devoting your time to this matter which I am guessing amounts to nothing more than
harassment and frivolous threats. We live in San Francisco. My wife briefly worked for a Japanese place and after quitting she posted as her status on a social messaging app called line that the restaurant is disgusting. She has since removed the post.

The business owner messaged my wife claiming that she will be suing for defamation.

She also threatened to report my wife and I to immigration for a fraudulent marriage! (it's not).

After warning this dingbat not to message my wife again or face harassment charges, she promptly continued to message my wife.

I am irked that this business owner is going around threatening people in this manner, especially vulnerable young immigrant women just trying to get a decent job, and would like to know what my legal options are. Do I (my wife) have grounds to file for a harassment/restraining order type deal? Are there any other interesting options on the table?

Thank you all very much!

Answer:
 >Do I (my wife) have grounds to file for a harassment/restraining order type deal?

Not unless she persistently continues to message over a period of time.

>Are there any other interesting options on the table?

None that make any more sense than her threatening to sue for defamation.
Answer #2: What you've described would not be grounds for a defamation suit. The prospects of the restaurant actually filing one are remote. If you get served with a complaint, hire a lawyer: California has fairly robust protections against frivolous defamation suits.

In the meanwhile, you and your wife can ignore the owner and move one.Answer #3: INAL. But I suggest having your wife file a cease and desist order against her with one of the terms being that if necessary you'll make her imburse you for the cost of a restraining order


Title: Preschool cancelled classes for 2 days because front door doesn't open because of freezing. Can I ask for a refund for cancelled classes?

Question:
I'm a parent and I pay for my kid's preschool in MD. They cancelled classes today and tomorrow because the front door doesn't open after freezing caused the concrete in front of it to expand.

1) How many functioning doors is necessary at a preschool? I'm aware of at least two more functioning doors in the classrooms seconds away from the front door and many more farther away.

2) Am I eligible for a refund for those two days of the cancelled preschool classes?

Thank you for your answers!

Answer:
 What does their policy say? When you enrolled their was probably a stack of forms you signed; review them. My guess is they say weather-related closures aren’t eligible for reimbursement.

Not a lawyerAnswer #2: 1) I think it's more of a question of discretion in that it's just too cold for them to safely guarantee the kids will stay warm if the doors are frozen shut.

2) What does your contract with the preschool say? Likely, you're not going to be able to get a refund. Schools usually set up payments by the year to cover everything.


Title: Principal Pressing Charges?

Question:
Long story short as possible: Friend and I were across the street from our old private elementary school, drinking and talking about the memories and all that. He said he wanted to try to get into the school and just drink in there. I was opposed but eventually said “screw it” and we walked over. He tried every door but they were all locked. I thought it would be a dumb funny thing to unscrew their Comcast line so their internet would be out when they got there the next morning.

Well, they posted on their Facebook account that internet and phones were down. I didn’t even think of the phones when I did it. Friend’s Dad works there and his Dad and all other staff got an e-mail of the security footage (couldn’t see my face in it, but could easily tell it was my friend since he was front and center on it). No footage of me unscrewing cable. They could only see that someone else (me) was there with him.

Friend tells me yesterday that principal wanted to meet with us. I posted here yesterday and everyone recommended that I do not meet. So I didn’t. My friend did. Principal talked to my friend and let him off the hook. My friend says the principal was pissed that I didn’t show up so now he wants to press charges.

Here’s what my friend just sent: https://imgur.com/a/2V2MVjZ

What do I do now? I should’ve just met with him like I planned but everyone here highly suggested otherwise so I took the advice here. Kinda regret it now.
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer:
 That's not how fingerprinting works. Nor does the principal decide to press charges.

If the police call you don't have to talk to them.


Title: My son's father is seeking custody and I am afraid he is "grooming" our child

Question:
Almost a year ago I left my emotionally abusive fiance.  He comes over 3-4 times a week at about an hour or two at a time to see our son.  I have been fearful of letting him take our son and be alone with him as I have a few reasons to believe he is grooming our child to  basically turn him against me and take him away from me.  He has a large inheritance from his father; his father is actually where my suspicions of this "grooming" began as I have learned that when my ex was four years old his father convinced my ex that his mother was molesting him and this lead to her losing custody because he had a good lawyer and she had a court appointed attorney.  I have no wat of proving that he is doing this, nor do I have evidence of his being emotionally abusive although I have had to seek counseling to recover from living with him for three years.  I will be seeking a lawyer but any suggestions are very much appreciated!

TIA

Answer:
 You should stop calling this "grooming" before your ex sues you for defamation.  "Grooming" means you think he's a child molester.  What you're talking about, *potentially*, is alienation (which you really have no proof of at this point), and it's an entirely different thing.

You need to get an attorney and file for appropriate court orders.


Title: I think my Co-Founder has a suspicious clause in our release agreement

Question:
So for context, my co-founder(CEO) and I(CTO) have been working on a startup for a couple years. We split the stock almost halfway in the beginning, with a 4-year vesting schedule and achieved some decent revenue. However, I'm now out of runway and need to get a job.

Our mutual release agreement seems ok up until this clause:

>Cooperation. The Parties agree that certain matters in which mienaikoe has been involved during his Business Relationship with the Company may necessitate mienaikoe’s cooperation with the Company in the future. Accordingly, mienaikoe for a period of eighteen months following the Effective Date, to the extent reasonably requested by the Company, shall cooperate with the Company in connection with matters arising out of mienaikoe’s service to the Company. The Company shall reimburse mienaikoe for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with such cooperation.

The definition of cooperation is vague here, and my cofounder seems to think it includes bug fixes, but that's not at all my understanding of what "cooperation" means.

Am I being overly cautious or does this clause need to be changed?

Answer: This is not DIY. This is spend a few hundred to run it by an attorney and get everything concisely defined.


Title: I have been Harrassed, Doxxed, Slandered and threatened.

Question: I live in Arizona, USA. Someone who I do not know has been harassing me online, releasing my personal information, posting porn in a subreddit I'm a part of with my name on it, posting my personal information to reddit and on his website, threatened to come to my house, and he recently posted on my company's facebook page that I "sell customer information" which has caused a stir at work. I have almost 18 pages of timestamped and documented messages, reddit bans, posts he's made as examples of his behavior, messages he's sent me and screenshots of everything. Including his photo and facebook pages. I also have his wife's name and address from a WHOIS that I did on the website he posted my information. I took a day off and will be going to the courts tomorrow. Can anyone help me with some advice on what else I should be doing at this time? I'm nervous he will come to my home. Thank you.

Answer:
 >Can anyone help me with some advice on what else I should be doing at this time?

Call the police and file a report. They may get the FBI involved if they think it's severe enough.


Title: Last week I got fired from work and was offered a severance pay.

Question:
I just got fired last week and my company offered me a severance pay. I would normally not have any questions but what’s making me question the severance is that the director that fired me specially told me and emphasized “I highly recommend getting a lawyer to look over the severance letter.”  I don’t want to have to pay for a lawyer to look at the letter just to have them say go ahead and sign. Any advice on how to go about signing? (California)
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 They are offering you severance in exchange for a release of any possible employment claim against them. One of the requirements to make that release valid is that they recommend that you have your own attorney review it.

It's up to you whether you want to have an attorney look at it. Read it carefully in any event.


Title: Sex Fantasy Gone Bad

Question: I was having sex with a woman recently and during foreplay she wanted to live out some of her fantasies and we incorporated some abuse, bondage and domination. She took things too far and ultimately ended up rupturing one of my testicles which had to be removed. What are my options if any for getting paid for doctor bills, pain and suffering etc? -Chicago, Illinois

Answer: Talk to a lawyer.Answer #2: Damn, did she at least apologize?


Title: Mailing Weed brownies

Question:
This is purely hypothetical.

Person A and Person B live in Texas in different cities. Let's say person A puts weed brownies in a box and mails it to person B through USPS.

If somehow a USPS worker or anyone involved in the delivery of the package discovers the illegal substance, can person B get in trouble? Person B cannot control what gets mailed to him, and if there is no record showing Person B asked for this package to be sent to him, could he face legal trouble?

Again this is all purely hypothetical.

Answer: Yes, it's possible Person B is charged, depending on what sort of evidence there is that he had any knowledge of this.  If you just ship drugs to random people as a prank, they're less likely to try to claim it or even accept delivery.  Don't send drugs in the mail.


Title: [US] Delta Airlines messed up my flight and sent me other people’s flight info

Question:
This is a lot of information. Part of this is legal advice, part of this is advice on how to make the most of the situation for refunds, sharing personal information, holding people accountable, etc.

I work for a university and took students on a trip abroad. Our booking was made with Delta, 11 tickets, made as a group reservation. I have made this trip before, I should add, so I recognized some things were off and did not happen the same way they did last year.

The group reservation was made, our deposit was paid. The first red flag was that instead of charging the price of all of the tickets in one charge, Delta made multiple charges. Some were the price of tickets, some were just random charges. I added them all up and it equaled the total amount for all 11 tickets, so I figured it wasn’t a big deal. Second red flag was that I received individual receipts through email for every single ticket. I also thought that was off.

Third red flag, and where I think legal advice may be needed, is days after I paid for the tickets, I received a receipt for someone else’s flight. It was not someone in my group, not flying to the same location, the only thing in common was that we were leaving from the same airport. I called to confirm that this flight had not been charged to my card. Delta confirmed, but I still feel like it was some breech to email me someone else’s receipt and flight info. It had full name, flight number, time,  information number, all of that.

Two days before the trip, we had a name change on the ticket, which Delta allows 48 hours before the flight. The person I spoke with confirmed the name change. I asked for a receipt to be emailed with the new name (I was driving while making this call) and noticed later that I never got one. I called again and was told I would be sent one shortly, it never happened.

Departing for the trip, everything was fine. The new student got their ticket in their name without any issues. The biggest issue was when we were returning, the Delta employees insisted that the name was never changed, they still had the original student name in, stated that he had “missed his flight” and that the new student was no where in the system. My student didn’t have his boarding pass from the flight over, so he couldn’t prove that he was on it. They printed out the flight names from our flight over but wouldn’t confirm if his name was on it. They would not let him on the plane without buying a new ticket.

The manager was horrible. The front desk employee was incredibly kind. He explained that whoever entered our group info made a major fuck up by running each ticket individually, which is never supposed to be done for groups.

Not that this is important, but it was insanely stressful. We spent over an hour at the front desk, got to the plane as it was closing, the manager had to escort us on. But traveling with 10 students and racing to make sure they all get home was just insane. I’m upset at delta for how they charged the tickets, for sending me other people’s receipts, and for not properly making a name change. It seems like despite booking group trip tickets, they made them all to be two two-way tickets.

Besides demanding a refund for the ticket I had to buy, what can I do? Does this go against any kind of regulation?

Answer: You just get a refund for the one ticket.


Title: Defending yourself against police?

Answer:
 I was thinking, it may help to call 911 and describe the scene exactly as you see it, just omit the detail that they're cops.
"Theres a guy pinning another guy to the ground with his knee on the back of his neck, with the full weight of his body. Three of his buddies are standing around stopping anyone from intervening. The guy on the ground is begging for help, says he can't breathe."
They would have to respond.Answer #2: Don’t quote me on this, but I do believe there is a law allowing you to step in or resist if the officer is using excessive force. Now I can guarantee they won’t honour this law no matter what, but it’s there


Title: Lawyer wants me to settle

Question:
I went to visit my lawyer today because he told me that he had finally reached a settlement with the insurance company on a personal Injury I've incurred.

The amount is a pretty fairly large amount but my parents advised me that they don't think it's a fair amount and that I should ask for more.

My lawyer didn't show up for the meeting today due to personal reasons so another lawyer from his firm showed up on his behalf.

They apparently already had paperwork already done for me to sign without discussing if I wanted to accept the offer from the insurance company and I got the vibe that they were trying to pressure me to settle which I can sorta understand.

I know that my parents shouldn't come into factor in regards to my own personal case but I feel like it would be better if they were present and continued to consult me as I'm in my mid 20's and I've experienced many people trying to take advantage of me due to my young age.

The lawyer from today(not my primary lawyer) told me that it's possible to get a higher amount if I wished to take this to trial but it would take several years to reach a new settlement.

I didn't sign the paperwork and scheduled a new appointment for tomorrow because my parents and I have more questions to ask him regarding how they reached the settlement.

What are some Important questions should I ask the lawyer and what factors should I take into consideration to ultimately decide not to take my case into trial?

Thanks!

Answer:
 Here's one scenario to keep in mind: let's say your lawyer offers a settlement of $100k, but you decide to sue for $500k anyway. You sue in court and lose. Now what?

Scenario two: Same as above, but you win in court. However, the other party's insurance only covers $100k, and they don't pay the remaining $400k. Now what?

Your lawyer knows all the specifics of your case. We don't. I would trust your lawyer over anything said online, simply for that reason. That's also why none of us can say whether their advice is sound or not.Answer #2: I'd suggest asking about trial costs. How much of the settlement is the firm set to get now (percentage wise)? Would that amount change if you went to trial?


Title: Spouse took her things and moved out of the home she owns

Question:
I've been in a relationship with my wife for 9 years, married 4, she owned a home before we started dating. She took her clothes, a few things of hers, and left a note expressing her unhappiness where we lived. She is currently driving to family across the country and I have no way to get in touch with her unless she contacts me.

I have a career, family, and friends where I am at. This has been my home for almost 9 years  What should I do assuming she doesn't return to the area?

Answer: Your next step is to consult a divorce attorney.Answer #2: What do you mean? You either work on the marriage or file for divorce


Title: Ex repeatedly violating restraining order, feeling helpless, tired of panicking/anxiety everytime he stalks (California)

Question: I have an RTO against my ex and he keeps stalking me in his vehicle and on foot at my work place. I have caught him 4 times in his vehicle driving up and down my business place's street.  One time he followed behind me in his car when I pulled out. It got worse and he actually started to walk around my business's building so i took pictures of him. He saw that I saw him walking and yelled "oh shit!" and ran to his car and drove away.  I don't know what the hell he is planning, and it's effecting my ability to show up to work and have a job... I reported these multiple violations to the cops and they say they will look for him. Will they lock him up if they find him? I gave them the photos and they said "yes, he has violated the court order, clearly multiple times." What does this mean for him? They will just slap him with a fine? A fine will be useless because i know he tends to file bankruptcy eventually because he is racking up fines and is unemployed.

Answer:
 > Will they lock him up if they find him?

Yes, that is entirely possible.


Title: Need some advice about crazy, hostile tenant

Question:
A friend of mine was looking to rent out a spare room at his apartment. He found a student who seemed nice enough so let the person that first night before having signed any forms (he realises this was dumb in hindsight).

Turns out this person is batshit crazy, borderline psycho. Refused to pay so they got the police to evict her the day after. Problem is she left some stuff at the apartment and is making it impossible for my friend to give her crap back. Keeps rescheduling times to pick it up, wasting time he is taking out of work etc. He fears she is waiting until he cracks and throws it so she can try and sue him or something. Apparently she's pulled the same stuff before and had a long court battle with her previous landlord (something he is trying to avoid).

He's hired a lawyer but it's been weeks and still has not been resolved. This stuff has taken a huge toll on his life as she is incredibly difficult to deal with. He's also a nice guy and has never dealt with these kind of people. Is there anything he can do to end this quickly?? Probably missing some details here but I'm communicating with him via messages since I'm abroad.

Thanks

*This is in Australia btw

Answer:
 >so let the person that first night before having signed any forms

Never let a new tenant in whitout a signed lease. (and payed deposit+first month rent).

> Is there anything he can do to end this quickly?

Yes by listening to his lawyer.


Title: [Washington, D.C.] Family Leave Medical Act (FMLA) Request Denied by U.S. Federal Government Agency

Question:
**My Background**

I am a U.S. Federal Government employee, with nearly 10-years of service.  I meet the eligibility requirements for the Family Leave Medical Act (FMLA).

My spouse and I are expecting our child's birth in March.  I want to invoke the FMLA for the child's birth with unpaid leave.

I made a request via email to my agency's Human Resources (HR) office, requesting the agency FMLA procedures and received this response:

> Good Morning,

> Generally speaking an employee is entitled to use sick leave to care for a family member who is incapacitated because of a pregnancy, or to accompany the family member to prenatal care appointments. An employee caring for a family member following childbirth is entitled to use sick leave for the period of the birth mother's incapacitation. There is no provision in law or regulation that permits the use of sick leave to care for a healthy newborn, bond with a healthy child, or for other child care responsibilities.

> A birth father may use a total of up to 12 weeks of accrued sick leave each year to accompany the mother to prenatal appointments, to be with her during her period of hospitalization, and/or to care for her during her recovery period. (Most doctors certify that the recovery period is about 6 weeks.) An agency may request administratively acceptable evidence of the mother's period of incapacitation for the use of sick leave.

> Thus, your request should be accompanied by medical documentation and the determination of approval should be consistent with that documentation as well as the policies/laws stated below.

> As for annual leave, a father may use accrued annual leave to care for the mother during pregnancy and childbirth, and both parents may use accrued annual leave to be absent from work to bond with or care for a healthy newborn. The use of annual leave is subject to the right of the supervisor to approve a time at which annual leave may be taken.  Again any documentation you have should accompany this request.

> The LMA Article 23 Maternity and Paternity Leave

> FMLA Leave Due to Birth of a Child.
(1) Type of Leave. Leave for maternity or paternity reasons may be a combination of sick leave, annual leave, and LWOP. Supervisors shall grant requested sick leave to an employee when the individual receives medical treatment or is incapacitated for the performance of duties by pregnancy and confinement. Absence related to pregnancy but not due to medical treatment or incapacitation must be charged to annual leave or LWOP.
(2) Medical Certification. Absence for pregnancy and confinement is like any other medically certified temporary disability. Medical certificates are required for the following reasons:
(a) To request sick leave for the period of incapacitation, including expected delivery date.
(b) To request FMLA leave for birth of a child and care of the newborn.
(3) Agency Obligations. [Agency Name] must provide employment in the same
position or one of like seniority, status, and pay if the employee returns to work after an approved maternity absence unless change in working conditions is for reasons unrelated to the maternity absence.

> I know you also discuss with your manager about telework during that period of time , here is a link to [Agency Name] policy : [Link to local agency policy]

It is important to note, the agency policy that was cited for my agencies HR reference is dated:  2012

I am using the current (as far as I know) OPM handbook:

[United States Office of Personnel Management Handbook on Leave and Workplace Flexibilities for Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care (April 2015)](https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/leave-administration/fact-sheets/handbook-on-leave-and-workplace-flexibilities-for-childbirth-adoption-and-foster-care.pdf)

I've already discussed with my supervisor my intent to invoke FMLA with unpaid leave, as a courtesy, and they fully support my decision.

My issue is concerning my agencies HR policy, denying me the right to use FMLA for the birth of my child.

Any legal advice on how I should proceed with this matter would be much appreciated.

Answer:
 They are absolutely 100% by the book correct in their response.Answer #2: They didn't deny you, they are just asking that you submit paperwork (doctors letter, etc.) saying your wife is pregnant and due X date.

Sounds like once you get that, they will approve the unpaid leave. Just call the HR person and ask what you should submit. You're overreacting.


Title: Should I Blackmail My Former Landlord For Rightful Return of Rental Deposit?

Question:
Hi all, sorry if title is a bit facetious, hopefully I can shed some light.  Throwaway for obvious reasons and I'll try to just stick to the pertinent facts.
About **six weeks** ago I vacated a rental in the the great state of Nevada to move somewhere with less than triple digit temperatures (and for career reasons).  The lease stated that I would receive the full deposit, or an itemized list of damages and whatever was due to me, back within **14 days**.  I have been going back and forth with my landlord, giving my new address multiple times, etc., but it has become apparent he's trying to rip me off and I've had enough.

After doing some searching through NV state law I have learned two things that seem important to me.

1.  He had **30 days** to get me aforementioned payment or paperwork.(Which I have seen neither of)
2.  I could be due up to twice the amount of the original deposit as he has violated our agreement.

Obviously, I want to try to take any steps I can to avoid making it a legal matter, plus I would much rather avoid making a cross-state drive to go to small claims, where I believe I would be legally due at least the amount of my deposit if not more.

I'm sure that you have heard all of this before, but let me tell you about my ace in the hole.  I am almost positive(due to hints dropped by the landlord and his willingness to accept only cash) that he has not been reporting my rental income and this leads to my question.  Is it in my best interest to threaten a report to the IRS in order to receive my deposit and wash my hands of this mess or does this open another can of worms?  Does it constitute blackmail if I threaten something like this in order to receive what is rightfully mine?

Thank you all in advance for your help, I've tried to only include pertinent information but I would be happy to provide more info if needed.

Edit: Tear down that wall(of text)

Answer: That's called extortion and it's a crime.


Title: [CA] Scombroid Poisoning - Question about liabilities

Question:
Hi Guys/Gals,

Quick question, I went to a restaurant last week near an office I was visiting in Santa Monica, while there I had Ahi Tuna, had a slight metallic taste that I thought to be from the orange juice glaze it came with.  Within 5 minutes of leaving the restaurant I started getting a bad headache, short of breath etc.  I returned, via cab, to my hotel (total of 5 minute ride, maybe) got to my room, had some other gastrointestinal distress, called my wife and the nurse line from insurance carrier with symptoms, was advised to immediately dial 911.

Long story short, the hotel was right next to a hospital, the hotel shuttle took me to the emergency room where I got to spend the next 3 or 4 hours hooked up to an IV and being pumped full of benadryl and other fun medications while being poked and proded by nurses/doctors.  The diagnosis was Scombroid poisoning which is a result of improper handling/storage of types of fish including Tuna and Mahi Mahi.

Fast forward this week, I'm back at home in GA nervously awaiting the hospital/doctors bill from the hospital in CA.  I briefly spoke to the owner of the restaurant to a. advise him that his fish supply may be problematic, and b. seek payment of said hospital bill.  So far they seem co-operative, however, I'm concerned that the restauranteur may not wish to pay for the hospital bill once it actually comes (guessing it'll be around $1,000 based on the deductible of my insurance).

If they don't reimburse/cover my medical bills, what are my options?

[Quick Addendum] I realize it's almost impossible to prove food poisoning, however, Scombroid is a bit different, it's technically not a spoilage problem as much as it's a poisoning by histamine being released in the improperly stored fish, the reaction is swift (within 5 to 10 minutes) and it's mostly distinguished from an allergic reaction, however, I have had an allergy test in the past which showed I was not allergic to Tuna (plus I eat Tuna in various forms, including Sashimi on a regular basis).  I also have a new found respect for anyone dealing with food allergies, the concept of my throat closing up was not a pleasant one.

Answer: The restaurant will most likely pay. they don't want to be the restaurant that gets people sick is it's bad for business and will cost them much more money.  Plus dealing with health inspectors is no fun. Until they don't pay you shouldn't worry too much


Title: My wife was assaulted by my step-mother and captured it on video. Step-mother stole the phone, deleted the video and lied that she hit first, but I was able to recover the video and show the police before they left. (Colorado)

Question:
My wife and step-mother have never been close, but they have never been in a physical altercation until last night. My wife was sitting on the curb with a friend when my step-mother pulled up and started yelling about how having visitors is not allowed (we are all on the lease and she has no say about who we have over).

At this point my wife pulled out her phone and began to record video of the situation because she wanted proof of how she was acting (there is a history of my step-mother being rude, but she denies is after the fact). At that point my step-mother got out of the car, jumped on my wife and punched her/scratched her up, and grabbed the phone. My wife punched her in the face trying to get her off and I believe she broke her nose in the process.

My wife came back in, told me what happened, then went back to try and her her phone out of the car. My step-mother pulled her hair and kept her out of the car and it was broken up by my dad who had came out as well. The car was driven into the garage and my step-mother deleted the video of her jumping on my wife before the police arrived (my wife called them immediately with my phone afterwards).

When we were walking back inside, my dad was upset because my step-mother told him that my wife slapped her first and that is what started it. When the police arrived they talked to everyone and got statements from my wife, step-mother, and my wife's friend who saw the whole thing. The police retrieved my wife's phone and gave it back to us. I looked for the video my wife said she recorded, but it was not there. I downloaded some recovery software and was able to retrieve it while the police were there and they were able to see it and put it on the report. In the video my wife is clearly sitting on the curb, and my step-mother is shown walking over and jumping on my wife. There are some noises then the video stops. The officer seemed upset and asked me to email him a copy, which I did right then. He seemed very surprised and said my step-mother "got what she deserved" and was very sympathetic to my wife, telling her no matter what disagreements you have with somebody, physical violence is never called for and is never okay.

I don't know what my step-mother said in her statement, but I know she told my father that my wife made the first hit, which is clearly not the case. I can only assume that she thought the video evidence had been destroyed and stuck to her story about being struck first. If that is the case she is guilty of lying to the police, harassment, destroying evidence, theft of property, and assault. My wife pressed charges, and my step-mother did as well. They set a court date for the end of next month.

I want to know what the possible outcomes could be, for both my step-mother and my wife as well. My wife isn't looking for money out of this, she just feels that my step-mother should not get away with this and have to pay for it somehow, especially if she did lie. Can my wife get in trouble for breaking her nose, even if it was in self-defense? What would be the best way to proceed and to prepare for the court date. Should we get a lawyer? I feel a bit lost as in how to proceed with this.

I know it's a wall of text, I just wanted to make sure I didn't leave anything out. Thanks everybody.

Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer:
 Preserve that evidence, make a backup,  then make another backup.  I know this is duh stuff but I have seen evidence lost by careless people more than a few times. Answer #2: Was your wife charged with anything? Or your step-mother?Answer #3: >I downloaded some recovery software and was able to retrieve it while the police were there and they were able to see it and put it on the report.

Wow - that's an impressive bit of knowledge/ability to have when you need it. Can I ask what type of phone (iPhone/Android/Other?) your wife has and what was the product you used for the recovery?Answer #4: If she was hit that is assault not harassment you should update your charges against her immediatelyAnswer #5: Do you all still live together???Answer #6: Save the video and back it up.  Hire an an attorney and give them a copy of the video.  Your attorney will be useful in both defending your wife's charges (i.e. presenting self defense in that your wife was struck first) and negotiating any punishment/sentence your step-mother could receive as a result of her charges.


Title: Someone using my social security number

Question: I was recently informed of some “unreported” earnings from Denny’s restaurant under my social security number. I have not worked there. I know I have to report this to credit agencies as soon as possible but was wondering if it would help to contact Denny’s and inform them of this. Will I just be wasting my time?

Answer:
 Don't contact Denny's. When someone stole my identity they asked the person about it and sure enough the guy didn't show up the next day when police were going to question him.

This was years ago but IIRC contact the ~~IRS~~ FTC and inform them of the identity theft and also contact the police. Document everything.

After it gets sorted out when you file your taxes you will have to submit a code that you will recieve each year via mail. It can also be obtained online.

EDIT - Some reading for you and a link to identity theft on [arizona.gov](https://www.azcourts.gov/courtservices/Consolidated-Collections-Unit/Identity-Theft-Information)
EDIT2 - It was the FTC not the IRS.


Title: Could a TV show be liable for portraying something that is very harmful and potentially lethal as a fairly harmless prank? More in text.

Question:
There is a TV trope where putting Visene, Clear Eyes, or a similar eyedrop in someone's food will give them diarrhea. In reality this can cause organ failure, coma, and even death, and does not cause diarrhea. I heard the urban legend when I was a kid and looked it up on Snopes, where I found out it was false, and very dangerous. I first saw a movie do this with "Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector" (don't judge, I worked at a rental place and got free rentals) and was pissed they would portray something potentially life threatening as a harmless prank. I very recently saw it on "Orange is the New Black."

People have already been killed or seriously injured by other people who believed this myth and thought they were playing a relatively harmless prank. My question is: if say a McDonalds employee watched Orange is the New Black and was told this would give someone diarrhea, so they did it to a customer for some reason, would Orange is the New Black be liable in any way. Obviously the employee would be guilty of manslaughter, but could it come back on the show?

I ask because I have been really annoyed by TV shows and movies that spread this trope and make it more likely for someone to do this.

EDIT: Location - Anywhere in the US. I would also be interested to hear how this would be dealt with in Canada, Australia, the UK or wherever Orange is the New Black might air.

Answer:
 Firstly , poisoning someone "just a little bit" enough to cause diarrhea isn't a harmless prank.

Secondly poisoning has been a joke in movies and fiction far to long to source it

Thirdly and most importantly once you're old enough to leave the house without adult supervision you're suppose to comprehend the moving picture box is make believe not a set of instructions.  (excluding non fiction of course)


Title: I have an odd question about going topless in public.

Question: If I were to hypothetically go into a store, like kroger or walmart, and buy something as a woman (completely topless), could I get arrested in the state of Ohio? I read somewhere that Ohio is topless friendly, but does that apply to only outdoors or anywhere in the state? Could I get charged as a sex offender? What are the possible outcomes? This is just out of curiousity, so please don't judge. Keep in mind this is excluding anything disorderly. No stealing, yelling, making a scene, talking to anyone, anything. Just a regular walmart run, but topless. Thank you for your answers in advance!

Answer:
 Shops can and regularly do set dress code for their patrons. Even famously disinterested companies like Wal*Mart generally require that you have a shirt on at least. You’re likely to be asked firmly to leave - and refusing runs the risk of the police being called because you’re trespassing at that point.

But you’re not likely to be convicted of a sex crime as well. Ohio has case law determining that merely bare breasts, not exhibited in a lewd or lascivious way, aren’t obscene.


Title: Wife was involved in a auto collision in May 2019. The at-fault party's law firm is requesting our 2016-2017 tax return. Why?

Question:
The incident totaled her vehicle, leaving a few grand to pay off after the vehicle was valued post-collision. She has been to the chiropractor about a dozen times over the past year. Her lawyer sent over a package from the at-fault insurance company's law firm that requested our tax return from 2016-2017. Why would they need this information?
Topic:
Insurance

Answer:
 It is how we determine lost wages.  Past tax returns demonstrate whether there is a true loss of wages.

In reality, it's the w-2s or 1099s that they want.


Title: [Atlanta, Georgia][UPDATE] Climax of family feud eviction. Was forcibly removed from house with what now amounts to about three days notice. Landlord still has some of my stuff. Won't take my calls, texts, emails.

Question:
**UPDATE:** Thank you all for your supportive comments thus far. As per /u/brokenimage321 I will avoid publishing files to avoid complicating matters. I have contacted an attorney and have a phone consultation at noon today. Adding consultation fee to damages.

------

* [Part 1](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/4ulxlo/atlanta_georgia_being_evicted_from_rented_home/?st=ir2r7lhb&sh=202866a4)
* [Part 2](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/4usosf/atlanta_georgiaupdate_family_fued_eviction_ive/?st=ir5mbv5t&sh=7faeb2db)

Read above for context. TL;DR: Dysfunctional family with split equity in home threatens to evict me with too short notice.

Today I came home to find my stuff spawled out on the driveway. Not all of it was there. I wasn't even finished packing. Clothing was in contact with the asphalt and all property was unsupervised. No one else was home. All locks changed (I normally let myself in via electronic locks. I never had a key. Codes changed, wifi password changed).

Called the police. Advised to contact Fulton County Marshall Service to file a report.

I thankfully had a family member willing to take me in for now, but this inconviniences her as much as it does me. I've lost a load of groceries, a shipment from Amazon, cookware and electronics. The landlord will not accept my calls. The cops told me they cannot let me in since that would be forced entry and this is a civil law matter anyway.

In this post I will start publishing photos, texts and recordings as I  get my desktop PC set up with all necessary peripherals to transfer the files from various devices. Please watch this post for edits in case they change your interpretation of the situation.

In these files I can show the following:

1. I paid rent on time.
2. The landlord assured me after I heard a crazy argument that I was safe and did not have any issues staying there.
3. The landlord initially promised me 30 days notice.

I feel violated. Someone (may or may not be 'Bob' from Part 1) touched my stuff, got it all dirtied up, and interrupted my packing in progress just to leave it out where everyone can see it and where electronics could have been exposed to rain. He didn't even tape up some boxes that he procured just to stuff full of my things.

Bob will not respond to any communication. At all.

I have a vague idea of what to do, but how can I grease the wheels here to hold this family accountable, and make sure that my case won't get ignored?

Any advice on how to maintain a work/life balance without going broke dealing with litigation is also greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 I am not a lawyer, and I would advise calling an lawyer at this point, but I'd put serious thought into calling a locksmith to change the locks and allow myself entry. You have a valid lease to live in the property and they've completed an illegal lockout.Answer #2: Time for a slamdunk lawsuitAnswer #3: >In this post I will start publishing photos, texts and recordings as I get my desktop PC set up with all necessary peripherals to transfer the files from various devices.

NAL, but I would advise against posting that kinda stuff here. We don't need to see it, and it could complicate things for your (eventual, probable) lawsuit. Answer #4: This is illegal eviction, and your lease still allows you to live in your apartment, lawyer up is some advice.


Title: Subpoena to be witness in high profile insurance fraud case, I don’t want to testify, am I protected by HIPPA or ADA?

Question: I was a patient at the facility that committed fraud. I’m not comfortable with police or the court system and don’t want my name affiliated with this case in any way shape or form. I was served by some detectives that pretty much tricked me into meeting them. I want to find a way out of having to appear, my question is are protections of my identity covered by hippa or ada in cases involving fraud/as a subpoena witness?

Answer:
 No.  If you are subpoenaed, you have to appear.Answer #2:
>I want to find a way out of having to appear, my question is are protections of my identity covered by hippa or ada in cases involving fraud/as a subpoena witness?

No. None, neither of those two things have anything to do with you responding to a subpoena.

If you do not show up, you can be held in contempt and jailed. Not a good idea.Answer #3: No, you are required to appear and honestly answer the questions they ask you.


Title: Need Legal Advice M(18) Possessing Alcohol and a Fake ID

Question:
Thanks for taking time to read this. I was at my University's Festival yesterday and some shit went down..

Basically me and my buddies were just enjoying the music when two under-covers came up to us demanding our ID's. I've never been arrested or charged with anything before so I didn't argue and cooperated.

I was given two pieces of paper for my Court Summons.

My first one is for Possessing alcohol in a can and having a white plastic cup containing some.

The second paper is for possessing a Pennsylvania drivers license that is not mine. It is a fake ID given to me by a friend. Also I should note, I did not give the officer this ID, nor did he ask for it. He was going through my wallet looking for my ID which I gave him permission to do. Then he started pulling out my credit cards and behind one of them was the fake ID.

I am concerned that I will not be able to get my Fake ID charge expunged. I've never been arrested or got in trouble with the Law before.

What is the likely outcome of this situation? What should I do in court? Is there any chance at all that both will remain off of my record.

Also, the state I live in is OHIO.

TL:DR **Two misdemeanors of the first degree. One possession of alcohol and the other for possession of a drivers license that is not mine. Can I get both charges expunged?**

EDIT: **Thanks for all the help. Also, thank you to the one guy who keeps down voting all of my comments for no reason.**

Answer: Yes, you can get them both expunged one year after the completion of all sentence/probation. Your first step should be getting an attorney and trying to minimize your sentence or reduce your charges.


Title: Ex roommate stole and shredded my passport. What can I do?

Question: I got out of my previous living situation back in February of 2018. My boyfriend and I were living with another couple and an extra roommate in a house, and my boyfriend and I had to leave because of hostile situations with the other couple. I have cut all contact with the two of them and have been much happier since I moved out, but I’ve kept some friendly contact with the fifth wheel roommate who had also lived with us. I was spending some time with this friend this week, and I mentioned that I had been looking for my passport and hadn’t seen it since the move. He proceeded to tell me that the hostile couple had “stolen it for fun” right before we moved out and in a panic when we came back to get the last of our things, put it through the shredder in their bedroom. The fifth wheel roommate told me he had been in the room with him when he did it and witnessed him shredding my government-issued passport. I have no solid proof of this, just the word of this extra roommate who lived with us. Is there anything I can do at this point without evidence? I know both of these ex roommates would deny it to their graves.

Answer: The roommate's story is testimony in itself.  Go to the passport site and put in lost/stolen passport to get a replacement, and report the theft.  Answer #2: [Report Your Lost or Stolen Passport ](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/after/lost-stolen.html) Answer #3: File a police report with the information you have, and follow the links others have provided to replace your passport. Answer #4: Depending on your circumstances and plans, that roommate may have committed a federal crime. See 18 U.S.C. § 1597. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1597


Title: Apparently Airbnb gift cards can't be used for long term stays. I'm out $1k, can I do anything?

Question:
I found a listing I liked for a month-long trip to Budapest, so I bought $1000 worth of Airbnb gift cards to cover the cost. Nowhere on the item or checkout page for the gift cards did it mention they couldn't be used to book long term stays (it says the normal boilerplate that it should be treated like cash, and links to the T&Cs), but when I added them to my account and tried to check out my balance didn't show up!

I see now in the gift card terms and conditions that you can't use them to book stays longer than 28 days, which is ridiculous. That'd be like Best Buy saying you can't use their gift cards to buy expensive electronics that are on sale--and only mentioning this behind a link you have to click on the checkout page. I'm sure it's because the margin is low, but I think it's purely deceptive.

Contacted Airbnb support and escalated, but the only thing they could tell me was to talk to the host and see about splitting up the reservation. But then it'd be a huge pain for me to get the monthly pricing, and I'm pretty sure Airbnb takes a larger percentage for short term rentals. This all seems super shady. I just want either to be able to use the gift card on the listing I actually want somehow (whether that's coupons, travel credit, a refund, or whatever). So I also emailed a complaint to the address they include on their Terms of Service.

I've complained to the FTC, CFPB, and my state's AG, but is there anything else I can do? They have an arbitration clause, but I'm not even sure how to go about submitting a demand for arbitration or if I have any chance of winning.

Answer: Paying a substantial bill in multiple gift cards is a huge red flag for fraud. AirBNB can refuse a transaction they believe to be fraudulent. If they're completely unwilling to honour the gift cards, contact wherever you bought them from, explain the situation, and ask for a refund.


Title: [PA] Gender Discrimination in workplace. Need advice for going to a lawyer.

Question:
I'm posting this on behalf of my mother [58F]. She works for a retail company in the head assistant management position, there is a high turnover rate as well. She's been with said company for almost 15 years and in those years, she's been a model worker. She's called out a handful of times, she's willing to work more shifts, she follows work policy and she's willing to help out at stores in other towns as well.

At her store, there are 4 employees, including her. (Store manager, 2 assistant managers and a cashier)  The SM and other AM are both males. She has good relationships with all of her coworkers.

*There is a pay difference. The male assistant manager makes 12.50/hr while my mom only makes 11.30/hr after being there 15 years. He has been the 3rd assistant manager (all males but one) since my mom was hired that has made more than her. Only 1 female assistant manager had been hired in those years and she made less than my mom.

*Scheduling preferences. Mostly weekends. The SM has off every Sunday and the other assistant manager has off every Saturday. That means that my mom works every weekend, unless she has asked off in advance. She has brought it up that she would like some weekends off, but it's generally done for one weekend and then she works the next several weekends. She brings it up again and it's the same song and dance.

She plans on talking, again, to the district manager but the last time she brought it up, she was given a 75 cent raise. She wants satisfaction but she doesn't know how to get it. She's ready to talk to a lawyer, but doesn't believe that should be her first step. If she doesn't get satisfaction from the district manager, should she go up the ladder to HR?  What evidence should she gather before she has her talk with him?  Every single performance review she's ever gotten has been excellent, no write ups in 15 years.  It should also be noted that the district manager has been pushing her to become a manager and run her own store, but she has no desire to do that even though she practically runs this store anyway.

She just would like to know what are the next steps she should take.

Thanks.

Answer:
 This doesn't really scream gender discrimination, especially if the DM is pushing for your mom to get a promotion to a higher level position that your mother is not interested in pursuing.

>She just would like to know what are the next steps she should take.

She should probably take the DM up on getting her own store, which would almost certainly come with both a pay raise and the ability to set her own schedule.

There's nothing that says employers have to give weekends off.


Title: (Florida) Tenant's A/C unit broke last night. Demanding to he put in a hotel until it is fixed.

Question:
Like the title says. My tenant's A/C broke last night and I was notified about it this morning.  I have been working since the morning to get it fixed. I have had 1 repair main today and I have two coming tomorrow to give estimates.

The problem is that my tenant wants me to put him and his family in a hotel until it is fixed. He is saying that it is illegal to have children in an apartment with no air conditioning.  He also says that his previous land lord would put him in a hotel if there were issues. None of this is in our lease agreement.

I offered him a discount on the rent for each day that he is not able to stay in the apartment (essentially,  i calculated his daily rent which is roughly 30 dollars per day.)

He is demanding that I either put him in a hotel or fix the A/C by tonight (it's Friday night by the way.)

My question is: is it my legal responsibility to put them in a hotel? Also, is he right about the underage children (ages ranging from 12 to 15) with no A/C? Also what is a reasonable time frame to have it fixed by? I am obviously trying to get it fixed ASAP but I am worried I may not get it fixed in time.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 Is A/C in the lease? How hot is it without A/C? Although I can't fathom why, people somehow lived in Florida before the invention of A/C.  Answer #2: This isn't a habitability issue; so you aren't required to put them up in a hotel or allow them to repair and deduct. Your responsibilities are to repair it in a reasonable timeframe (which it sounds like you're doing). Doing extra, like allowing rent deductions, or providing temporary box fans or window units (if you have spares), is nice, and will help soothe things over; but aren't legally required.

Tell them if they think it's that serious to try and get preauthorization for reimbursement from their renters insurance for a hotel rental from their renters insurance. Their insurance company will see it's not a habitability issue and laugh in their face; but at least it won't just be coming from you. Answer #3: > He is saying that it is illegal to have children in an apartment with no air conditioning.

Dammit, then I'm breaking the law right now.