Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Is it legal for a store manager to record a private back-office conversation with an employee?
In California, whether a store manager can legally record a private back-office conversation with an employee usually depends on the facts, especially whether the conversation was confidential and whether everyone involv...
What are my rights if the landlord accepted rent after the eviction notice deadline passed?
In general, if a landlord accepts rent after an eviction notice deadline has passed, that acceptance may affect the eviction process. In some situations, taking rent can be treated as waiving the default or as evidence t...
Is it legal for police to keep my driver’s license after a DUI arrest?
In Kentucky, police may sometimes take and keep a driver’s license after a DUI arrest, but the answer depends on what happened during the stop, the arrest, and any paperwork the officer issues. In general, officers can s...
I left a bad review for a local business and now they’re threatening to sue. Should I take it down?
A bad review does not automatically create legal liability, and businesses often cannot sue simply because they dislike criticism. In general, a review is more likely to create legal risk only if it contains a false stat...
Do I have to sign a medical release for the insurance company after a car accident?
In general, you do not automatically have to sign whatever medical release an insurance company sends after a car accident. In Rhode Island, as in many states, an insurer may ask for records or authorizations so it can e...
Do I have to tell a repair shop I am recording before discussing a $1,400 bill dispute?
In Florida, whether you must tell the repair shop that you are recording usually depends on how the recording is being made and what kind of communication it is. As a general matter, Florida is commonly described as a st...
What happens if someone edits a recorded conversation to make me look bad?
In California, an edited recording can create legal problems, but what happens depends heavily on the facts. A recording that has been cut, rearranged, or selectively presented may be challenged if the editing makes it m...
Can my landlord charge me for breaking a lease if I left because of repeated flooding?
In New Hampshire, a landlord may sometimes try to charge a tenant for breaking a lease after the tenant leaves because of repeated flooding. But whether those charges are enforceable usually depends on the lease, the con...
Do I have to wait for the regular payday if I quit my job without notice in Utah?
In Utah, the timing of your final paycheck usually depends on state wage-payment rules and the facts of your separation from work. In general, if you quit without notice, your employer may still be allowed to pay your fi...
How do I sue a cleaning service that stole items from my home?
If a cleaning service took items from your home, the situation may involve both a civil claim and, in some cases, a police report. In general, a person or business that enters your home to provide cleaning services is st...
How do I file a claim after hitting debris that fell from a truck on the highway?
If you hit debris that fell from a truck on an Iowa highway, the first step is usually to focus on safety and documentation. Move to a safe location if you can, check for injuries, and call emergency services if anyone i...
What happens if my security camera records audio of guests talking inside my living room?
In California, a security camera that records audio inside your living room can raise significant privacy issues, even if the camera was installed for home security. Whether the recording is lawful usually depends on the...
Can my apartment complex charge me $150 because my trash bag was found outside the dumpster?
In Alaska, an apartment complex may be able to charge a fee if your lease or written rental agreement allows a trash-related charge, a house rule, or a separate fine for improper disposal. Whether a $150 charge is allowe...
What happens if a finance company repossessed my car even though I was only 12 days late?
In Iowa, a car loan or retail installment contract may allow repossession after a missed payment or default, but the exact right to repossess depends on the contract and the law that applies to the transaction. Being onl...
My bank reopened a closed account and charged overdraft fees. Is that allowed?
In general, a bank should not simply reopen a truly closed account and start charging new overdraft fees without some legal or contractual basis. But whether the bank’s actions are allowed often depends on the account ag...