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Questions Answered by TeAnna Rice
1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Oregon on
Q: Can you get terminated for referring to your company as "woke" when talking to a coworker? I am not an at will employee.

In a conversation on March 23, 2023 with two coworkers, you referred to the Company as a "woke company" because the Company promoted black-owned businesses, hired black people, and celebrated Black History Month.

I consistently reject any claim that I have employed the term... View More

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Dec 2, 2023

If you're not an at-will employee in the State of Oregon, then you must be part of a union. Contact your union representative about what has occurred.

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for Oregon on
Q: Is there motion for installment payments option in Oregon garnishment?

Walla walla collection in Washington filed wage garnishment against me in circuit Court of Washington country oregon for a 10 year old medical debt that has a judgement and they filed for it to be extended. They filed garnishment 2 years ago but got them to drop it as I've been back in Oregon... View More

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Nov 9, 2023

While you can certainly try to reach some form of installment agreement with them, there is no legal requirement that they have to agree to installment plans. The best approach would be to demonstrate to them that it would be better they agree to an installment plan as it means you are paying them... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Oregon on
Q: hi, can you file a lawsuit against employer for intentionally putting employee's health a risk?

for violating state and federal mask mandates.

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Jun 29, 2023

File a complaint with OSHA.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Oregon on
Q: My landlord locked me and my 13yr old daughter out of the shared house. He has all of our belongings. What do I do?

We’ve rented a room in the home for over 3 years!

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Jun 29, 2023

Contact a local landlord tenant attorney regarding your options.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Oregon on
Q: We hired renewal by anderson for windows. They never finished the job and sued us for payment. Do we have recourse.

When they called for us to renew financing my husband asked when they were going to finish the job. They hung up, canceled our financing, sued us because we have "enjoyed" the product and are garnishing my paycheck.

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Jun 29, 2023

If they are garnishing your paycheck, then they already have a judgement against you which means that whether there was a breach of contract by them or if you have any defenses to the non-payment is most likely no longer relevant. Your time to argue why you shouldn't have to owe them would... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Oregon on
Q: How long after being assaulted can you file charges on someone, in the state of Oregon.
TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Jun 29, 2023

You should be reporting this immediately to the police, if you have not already. A lapse in time can have an impact on your case. However, a victim cannot "press charges" - it is up to the district attorney's office on whether to pursue charges.

1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes for Oregon on
Q: Do state mandatory reporting laws apply to federal offenses?

Suppose someone has information about abuse or any felony while in one state, and the act is also illegal at the federal level, but they are not a mandatory reporter. Then they travel to a state where they are a mandatory reporter. Upon arrival in that state, even though the crime occurred in... View More

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Jun 29, 2023

Generally, mandatory reporters must report anything that they have actual knowledge of - regardless of where it occurred or what type of law applies. Furthermore, given that not reporting when it has been determined that you should have reported is considered a serious issue, it's safer to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Constitutional Law and Legal Malpractice for Oregon on
Q: Someone please tell me how it's not illegal for the courts to order a homeowner to give their home to a land owner?

I've bought my home in May of 2017 from the former owner on an agreement that because it's converted to real property and I own it, but not the land it's attached to, I won't have to worry if hard times arise and I cannot pay the monthly land rent, I will have the option to sell... View More

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Mar 20, 2023

In some situations it is possible to own your home, but rent the land (i.e. manufactured home). It is recommended to consult with a landlord tenant attorney and/or a real estate attorney regarding your rights and options in your specific scenario, as certain laws do apply.

To answer your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Oregon on
Q: I Do I have to claim a criminal charge from 1997 today on a job application. The charge was a measure 11 charge.

No other convictions at all since 1997

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Jul 1, 2022

In Oregon, it is possibly unlawful for a potential employer to inquire about your criminal history at the application stage. However, there is nothing that states how far back in your criminal history an employer can consider, once they are allowed to consider your employment history.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Employment Law for Oregon on
Q: Can an employer in oregon force you to buy out your contract when you make 50k a year, when breaking contract?

My fiance is breaking her employment contract to start a new job in a different career. Her current employer and other employers are telling her mixed things. Some people say she does not have to pay out her contract because she makes under 100k a year. They are expecting her to pay out 40% of her... View More

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Jul 1, 2022

Employment contracts are just that, contracts. Hire a local employment law attorney in your area to review your contract, as a legal opinion cannot be given without it.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Oregon on
Q: Is there someone who can help me with a notarized document
TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Jun 17, 2022

Look for a public notary in your area.

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Civil Litigation and Construction Law for Oregon on
Q: I want to sever a civil lawsuit naming me and my son as co-defendants and help with civil procedure.

A building contractor that I individually contracted with put a mechanics' lien on the house where he performed work in Portland and is foreclosing. My son and DiL are the title owners of record, live in CA, and had no knowledge. I have no legal interest and acted as an implied agent, so... View More

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on May 13, 2022

Everyone named in this action should hire their own attorneys to assist on this matter since everyone has their own interests in it. In order to have someone removed as a party, the proper motions need to be filed and granted - it's not as simple as just removing them.

You can find...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Oregon on
Q: My company deducts the cost of used PTO from an employee’s last paycheck upon termination of employment. Is this legal?

Though PTO hours are given up front at the start of the year, according to my company’s policy, those hours still have to be accrued in order to be legitimate. When an employee terminates, if they have used more PTO hours from their bank than they have technically accrued by that point in the... View More

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on May 13, 2022

Most likely not - reach out to a wage and hour attorney with your employer's policies to evaluate your case.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Tax Law for Oregon on
Q: employer payed me under the table for three years even though i asked to be on payroll.

i want to know what my rights are, and if irs can come after me for not paying income tax?

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on May 13, 2022

Yes - the IRS can "come after" you for not paying payroll tax. When you are paid under the table, it is your duty to make sure you are still reporting those earnings as income. The IRS and other agencies that receive your payroll taxes can also go after your employer for not deducting... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Oregon on
Q: Employee resigned citing poor response from management after car accident. Is management legally liable for anything?

Employee contacted management to let them know they had been in a car accident (not work related) and were okay. They said they would keep in touch and update us after they got some rest. A few hours later they contacted management and said they may have a concussion due to the airbags not going... View More

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Feb 27, 2022

Under the Oregon Sick Time Leave law, employers cannot require it ask employees to find cover for shifts they will miss that they are taking sick leave for. Management may be liable for asking Employee to do that. Furthermore, their termination in such close proximity to their need to take sick... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Oregon on
Q: I was wrongfully terminated from a job for declining their request to wear a mask and face shield. Do I have lawsuit?

I informed my employer that I didn't agree to the contractual agreement as known as a mandate.

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Feb 27, 2022

No. Employers can require you to wear a mask and face shield with a few minor exceptions that do not appear to apply here based on your response to them.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Oregon on
Q: What does a person do when they have a (rather substantial) claim, yet is unable to even get in contact with a lawyer?
TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Dec 23, 2021

There is no doubt that there is an shortage of attorneys and there will only continue to be some. Furthermore, due to COVID-19, trials are not moving fast enough, which leads to an increase in attorney workload. The best thing to do is to continue to search for an attorney to assist. Over the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for Oregon on
Q: I was fired for missing work due to having cancer and getting surgery. Do I have any options?

In July of this year I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The medical team was able to get me scheduled for surgery in Aug. August 9 I had surgery. On September 2nd my medical was canceled then on the 7th or 8th my boss called me and said this isn't working for him. At that time I felt I... View More

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Dec 1, 2021

It is not clear what you mean by "at that time I felt I was fired", but you most likely have a claim for FMLA/OFLA retaliation and potentially OSTL retaliation. I highly recommend contacting an employment law attorney in your area to discuss your case.

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1 Answer | Asked in Banking for Oregon on
Q: I am being sued by Bank Of America over a an account from 2004 because of law that was signed by President Trump ?

I was notified by ??? to contact lawyer office as they were intending to sue me to see if arrangements could b agreed on

I did, spoke with a mediator he offered to drop the fees (7500+) n return to original balance ($2614) if I paid $100 yesterday n contract for balance at $150 a month. I... View More

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Oct 13, 2021

I would reach out to an attorney on your behalf to determine whether this is a scam, as it sounds like such.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Landlord - Tenant for Oregon on
Q: Is there a type of attorney that can file discrimination/harassment for employment and landlord/tenant?

We live and work at the same place, I would like to have one attorney handle both cases

TeAnna Rice
TeAnna Rice
answered on Oct 13, 2021

There are attorneys out there who do both, however, you are more likely to find a law firm with attorneys who do both and can work collectively on your case.

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