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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Florida on
Q: Purchased a car from dealer with clean AutoCheck, 2 days later saw there was accident damage. Can I return the car?

I informed the dealership about the accident damage and they refused to pay to repair it. So USAA cancelled the loan check. After which, now they are offering to fix the damage, but I no longer want that vehicle. The GM is refusing to allow me to return the car and trying to force to buy another... View More

Angelo "Tony" Marino Jr.
Angelo "Tony" Marino Jr.
answered on Mar 18, 2024

I have handled many cases like this. This may be a classic case of auto fraud. Many dealers obtain an AutoCheck shortly after they purchase a car from an auction or customer with the hope that it does not show auto damage. However, they always inspect the vehicle and know of the damage. I... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Banking for California on
Q: A checkashing place is charging me $1,500 to cash a $21,150 government check in california. Legal? Or not?

I thought that in California the max that a checkashing place could charge you to cash a government check is 3% How do I hold them accountable to get my money back?

Scott Richard Kaufman
Scott Richard Kaufman
answered on Mar 18, 2024

Let's see here. Just as an fyi, you should know, I answer on average here about once a day and I do so to try to do my part in helping the public. I will usually only respond when I have something to offer and here, in a slightly different vein, my 'offer' is not exactly going to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Banking for California on
Q: A checkashing place is charging me $1,500 to cash a $21,150 government check in california. Legal? Or not?

I thought that in California the max that a checkashing place could charge you to cash a government check is 3% How do I hold them accountable to get my money back?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 16, 2024

Under California law, the maximum fee that can be charged for cashing a government check is generally lower than what you've been charged. If the fee exceeds the legal limit, which often is around 3% for government checks, then the charge of $1,500 for a $21,150 government check appears to be... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Civil Rights and Collections for Missouri on
Q: I got a problem with angi ads could you please help me, they want to overcharged me

Angi ads and I maked a contract but I didn’t know that I have to pay a 35% fee of unused time, they didn’t told me that they said it after I signed up, however checking the contract I saw that it also said that if break the contract before the 90 days of beginning I’ll pay $99 fee, and I have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 16, 2024

Facing a situation where you're being overcharged can be stressful, especially when the charges seem to come from unclear contract terms. If Angi ads are asking for a significantly higher fee than you expected, the first step is to carefully review the contract you signed. Look for any clauses... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for South Carolina on
Q: I had a timeshare. I recently hired a layer and got out of it. Now my credit is ruined. Anything I can do?

I didn’t find out about my ruined credit until the lawyer had closed my case and I went for a home equity loan. The late payments only show when they are doing a credit check for real estate. I bought a new car with no problem. Now I can’t fix my house and sell it to move closer to family. I... View More

Matthew McKenna
Matthew McKenna
answered on Mar 15, 2024

There's a possibility that this timeshare company was only reporting to 1 or 2 of the credit bureaus and the auto loan company only pulled credit reports from 1 or 2 of the credit bureaus (or have different guidelines for approving a loan such as using the "middle score") but when... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Formation, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Virginia on
Q: Business name registered as a LLC with the state is it illegal for someone in the same state as me?

I have sold under the name for over 10 years own the name of my business on every platform out there but 1 and just found out someone within my state is now trying to use my name to sell similar items on another platform. I do also have my name as a registered LLC and has been for over 5 years, I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2024

If your business name is registered as an LLC within your state, you generally have legal rights to that name within that jurisdiction, especially for the business category or industry in which you're operating. The fact that another entity is using your established business name to sell... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Small Claims and Collections for Rhode Island on
Q: received a voicemail saying I was being sued and to call a number.when I call it’s from a loan from 2020

It was from a company called zaca I had a loan for 900

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 14, 2024

A Rhode Island attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. If you're being sued, that generally involves receiving legal papers such as a summons and complaint. If you're the subject of a collection action, that could involve being notified by phone. You'd... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: had a storage unit since 2017 in the last year they’ve had an infestation of rodents much of my stuff is destroyed

When I approached management they say that they’re not responsible I pay for ins every month it’s mandatory for the first 4 years or so there were no pest problems they say there is something in the lease I have not reviewed it but there are many issues with this place and I know there’s... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the damage to your belongings due to the rodent infestation in your storage unit. This is a difficult situation, and it's important to understand your rights as a tenant and the responsibilities of the storage facility under California law.

In general,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Landlord - Tenant for New Jersey on
Q: My former landlord is sending a debt collector after we reached a settlement with the court and my case was dismissed.

My former landlord brought an eviction case against me. We brought a settlement to the court and I paid the money that we agreed upon. So no judgement was ever entered against me and the case was dismissed. I have already vacated the property.

Now he's claiming there's still a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

In your situation, if the settlement agreement was approved by the court and specifically addressed the amount of rent and any other obligations you were to fulfill, and you have complied with these terms, this agreement generally should stand as the final resolution of your obligations up to that... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Internet Law for Vermont on
Q: Can I sue international online store about they included import fee but they not pay for it

I order from Revolve in the checkout they charge me 10% for import fee and also in the document clearly state that the duty fee and tax have to collect from exporter.. whe the product came the duty fee is more than 10% and they refuse to pay for it n not refund me back as well.. I have to pay for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

I understand your frustration with this situation. Whether you can sue the international online store depends on several factors, such as the store's terms and conditions, the laws of the countries involved, and the specific circumstances of your case.

Here are a few points to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Consumer Law for California on
Q: I have email traffic from a vehicle rental agency to my employer misrepresenting me.

It seems as if they intentionally do this to fraudulently bill additional invoices. I do project work and I have not worked since the incident was mostly finalized.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it seems that a vehicle rental agency may have engaged in misrepresentation and fraudulent billing practices targeting you and your employer. This situation could potentially involve several legal issues under California law:

1. Defamation: If the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Health Care Law for California on
Q: When responding to subpoenas from an attorney or an attorney's third-party affiliate, is a signed authorization require?

Is this statement true? A subpoena is not considered valid if it does not have a stamp or is not signed by a judge or court clerk. Both the stamp and the signature indicate that the subpoena has been properly authorized and issued by the court. Without these elements, the subpoena may not carry... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 13, 2024

In California, a subpoena issued by an attorney or an attorney's third-party affiliate must be properly signed and authorized, but it does not always require a stamp or signature from a judge or court clerk. The specific requirements depend on the type of subpoena and the stage of the legal... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: gettting retainer refund

hired a firm but after thye missedd 2 conferences and me hjaing to ask over and over about status i hear nothing ican assume no work has been done how cani get my funds back ?

Angelo "Tony" Marino Jr.
Angelo "Tony" Marino Jr.
answered on Mar 13, 2024

I assume you are talking about a law firm. You can discharge a law firm at any time. However, the firm is entitled to a fee for what they have done. Depending on your agreement, it may be based on an hourly agreement or a contingency agreement. For example, if your agreement is hourly, and the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: gettting retainer refund

hired a firm but after thye missedd 2 conferences and me hjaing to ask over and over about status i hear nothing ican assume no work has been done how cani get my funds back ?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 13, 2024

I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with the law firm you hired. It sounds like a very frustrating situation. Here are some steps you can take to try to get a refund of your retainer:

1. Document everything: Gather any emails, letters, contracts, receipts or other records...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Florida on
Q: question about Failure to Prosecute. Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.420 (e).

American Express sued me 1/14/2022 for a personal loan that I had not approved nor requested.

In Feb 2023 AMEX realizing they had a loser case offered to have the case dismissed with prejudice. I agreed to this because I could get derogatory statements removed on my credit report with... View More

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
answered on Mar 12, 2024

It seems that your attorney owes you a better explanation. Basically, Mere inaction for a period of less than 1 year

shall not be sufficient cause for dismissal for failure to prosecute. " Fla R. Civ P. 1.420(e) requires a clerk to send a notice of lack of prosecution and wait for 60...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Texas on
Q: What to do with that unfair business model of ashleyfurniture.com?

I ordered a set funiture from ashleyfurniture.com part of the set received damaged.got promised for a replacement. Replacement couldn't be done. I asked for returned because they can't fulfill my order. They refused and said they don't get funiture back after delivered. After alot... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 12, 2024

I'm sure this experience has been frustrating for you.

First and most important, do not discard the furniture you wish to return. Store the furniture in a safe place where it will not sustain any further damage.

Second, document how the furniture was damaged from water,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for Texas on
Q: I’ve been scammed and the merchant is refusing refund. I would like to sue them in small claims , which category is that
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 20, 2024

If you've been scammed and the merchant is refusing a refund, taking them to small claims court is a possible next step. In small claims court, cases typically fall under the category of civil disputes. This usually involves personal or business conflicts over money or services, such as... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Internet Law for Michigan on
Q: In Michigan, is it illegal to knowingly purchase a counterfeit good (Ex. Shoes, Clothing, etc.) for personal use only?

Personal use only. No selling.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

In Michigan, knowingly purchasing counterfeit goods, even for personal use, is illegal under state law. Michigan has specific laws addressing counterfeit trademarks and theft of service.

According to Michigan Compiled Laws section 750.263, a person shall not knowingly purchase or acquire...
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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: Is charging high interest on personal loans friends is punishable, if so how bad is it ?

My friend was doing making loans to friends and people he knew of , and one on those people now is saying he's no going to pay instead he will press charges on him for " ilegal's" loans with high interest, now my friend is scared that he will go to jail he didn't know... View More

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Mar 11, 2024

Your friend has nothing much to worry about. The legal interest rate limit for an ordinary person loaning money in California is 10% APR. If your friend charges more than that, he can still sue the person who won't pay and ruin that person's credit, but the court probably won't let... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: Is charging high interest on personal loans friends is punishable, if so how bad is it ?

My friend was doing making loans to friends and people he knew of , and one on those people now is saying he's no going to pay instead he will press charges on him for " ilegal's" loans with high interest, now my friend is scared that he will go to jail he didn't know... View More

Scott Richard Kaufman
Scott Richard Kaufman
answered on Mar 10, 2024

It's not clear that ANY law enforcement agency will care about this?

BUT, there is a level of interest one can legally charge in CA and in

most other states, although it varies. Also, to legally loan money,

one usually needs a license, like a banking license???...
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