Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Can a broken apartment door lead to a felony under Minn. Stat. 609.595?
In Minnesota, a broken apartment door can sometimes be part of a felony property-damage charge, but not every broken door leads to a felony. Under Minn. Stat. 609.595, the legal issue usually turns on whether the damage...
Do I have to stop recording if the other person says they do not consent?
In Florida, the answer often depends on what kind of recording is happening and where it is taking place. A person saying “I do not consent” does not always end the issue by itself, but it is a strong warning sign that t...
Do I have to accept store credit instead of a refund for a defective product?
In general, whether you have to accept store credit instead of a refund for a defective product depends on the store’s return policy, the type of product, what was promised at the time of sale, and any applicable Arizona...
What happens if a dealership adds fees after I agreed on a price?
In general, if a dealership adds fees after you thought you had agreed on a price, the result depends on what was actually agreed to, what was written down, and whether you had already signed a final contract. In South C...
Can I face criminal charges for secretly recording a conversation to protect myself?
In Massachusetts, secretly recording a conversation can create criminal risk depending on the facts, especially if the recording is done without the required consent or in a setting where a person has a reasonable expect...
Do I have to pay restitution if I am charged with criminal damage to property in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, restitution may be ordered in a criminal case involving damage to property, but it is not automatic in every case. Restitution is generally a way for the court to require payment to a victim for losses that...
Can my landlord charge me a $250 late fee if my rent was only three days late due to a bank holiday?
In Texas, a landlord may be able to charge a late fee if the lease allows it and the fee is treated as part of the rental agreement. But whether a $250 late fee is enforceable usually depends on the lease language, the a...
What happens if a contractor used cheaper materials than what was listed in our written agreement?
If a contractor used cheaper materials than what your written agreement called for, the situation is often treated as a possible contract dispute, and sometimes also as a consumer-protection issue, depending on the facts...
What are my rights if I was pulled over for weaving but the dashcam shows I stayed in my lane?
In Maryland, a traffic stop based on alleged weaving may raise questions about whether the officer had a lawful reason to stop the vehicle. If your dashcam appears to show that you stayed in your lane, that information m...
Do I have to explain why I am invoking my right to remain silent?
In general, no. If you are in Mississippi and you are being questioned by law enforcement, you usually do not have to explain why you are choosing to remain silent. The purpose of the right to remain silent is to let you...
What are my rights if I asked for a lawyer but detectives kept questioning me?
In Illinois, if you are in police custody and you clearly ask for a lawyer, detectives generally must stop asking you questions until a lawyer is present. This rule is based on the idea that a person should be able to en...
Do I have to answer questions after police read me my Miranda rights in New York?
In general, no. If police read you your Miranda rights, that does not mean you must answer their questions. A Miranda warning usually informs you that you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You...
Is it legal for my spouse to change the locks on our house during divorce?
In Kentucky, the answer is often: it depends on the facts, the ownership or lease situation, and whether there are any court orders in place. A spouse may sometimes change the locks during a divorce, but that does not al...
Do I have to prove my identity to recover funds listed under my maiden name?
In general, yes, you may have to prove your identity if you are trying to recover money or property that is listed under your maiden name. In Pennsylvania, as in many states, the holder of the funds usually needs enough...
Do I have to pay an early termination fee if my apartment is unsafe because the front door lock has been broken for weeks?
In Mississippi, the answer usually depends on the lease terms, the seriousness of the safety problem, and what steps the tenant and landlord took after the problem was reported. A broken front door lock can be a signific...