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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

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 10, 2024

In California, there are laws governing personal loans and the amount of interest that can be charged. These laws are designed to protect borrowers from predatory lending practices.

1. Usury Laws: California has usury laws that set limits on the interest rates that can be charged on...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: What are the rights of someone who has lived in the backyard in a tent for almost a year in California?

I have lived in a large tent in the backyard if a homeowner for almost a year in southern California. The owner has provided me with electricity and heat and water. I have use of the laundry facility and inside the tent I have a mini fridge, small single burner stove, convention oven and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 10, 2024

In California, individuals who have lived on a property with the owner's permission for an extended period may establish certain rights as a tenant, even without a formal lease agreement. This is often referred to as a "tenant at will" or "tenant by sufferance."... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Consumer Law for California on
Q: If a car dealer sells a car he knows or should reasonably known the person can’t pay for be sued for the down payment
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 9, 2024

I apologize, but the wording of your question is a bit unclear. I believe you are asking whether, under California law, a car dealer can be sued for the down payment if they sell a car to a person who they know or should reasonably know cannot afford to pay for it. Let me clarify this for you.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Consumer Law and Business Law for New York on
Q: Is it normal to be charged tax on a repair of a musical instrument in NYC?

I brought in a violin to a luthier in Brooklyn NY to fix. She first told me a price for the job and I agreed and left it by her.

She also gave me a paper to sign which showed the original price. For some reason, she didn't give me a copy of the paper at that time.

Now two... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

In New York City, charging sales tax on the repair of tangible personal property, including musical instruments, is standard practice. The tax applies to both the parts and labor involved in the repair, not just the physical items purchased as part of the service. Therefore, it's normal for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Banking, Civil Rights and Employment Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I work for a financial institution in Pennsylvania. Is it legal to go to local businesses and solicit the employees?

Middle Management is asking financial representatives to go door to door to local businesses without prior permission from the owners of these businesses to solicit financial services to their employees while the employees are working at their jobs. I guess Management's thinking is our perfect... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

It's understandable that you're concerned about the legality and ethics of soliciting employees at local businesses without prior permission. Generally, the practice of going door-to-door to businesses to offer services directly to employees during work hours raises several legal and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law and Personal Injury for North Carolina on
Q: My things were in a fire at a storage facility. The biz isn't letting me look through my destroyed unit for salvage.

I feel like I'm getting the runaround from this company. At first they told me a customer used a code to get in and set it on fire, and now they're telling me they cut their way in and did the same.

The problem is this: I think some things survived in this fire, but they... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Mar 8, 2024

Your property should be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Turn in an insurance claim and your own insurance company will help you get access.

If you did not have insurance, that's too bad because most likely the storage facility is not at fault whether a customer...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Texas on
Q: Do U have recourse with a vehicle you bought new, now has 7000 miles/5 years old currently having several problems?

Purchased a new Audi in 2019, it has had several warning lights come on in the past few months. Is there any legal recourse I have for Audi (the dealership I purchased it from) to assess and repair the issues? Thanks!

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 8, 2024

If the vehicle is still in warranty, you can take your car to the Audi dealership for an in-warranty repair. Audi's powertrain warranty (10 years/120,000 miles) includes your vehicle's engine, transmission, transaxle or transfer case, drive axle(s), and certain hybrid/ electric... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I recently had a $30,000 judgment in my favor back in October have not gotten any money yet why

It has been 8 years since my slip and fall never went to court just arbitration and mediation and have been told that I will get nothing after attorney takes everything

David H. Relkin
David H. Relkin
answered on Mar 18, 2024

This suggestion is confusing and requires some explanation to determine your rights. First of all, you raise the issue of arbitration. That is not a judgment. An arbitration Award must be "confirmed" as a Judgment. This must be done since only Judgments allow for strong-state endorsed... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Alabama on
Q: can I use a dealership for saying my car had a new motor when it was used. 6 days after purchasing the motor seized.

in addition to lying ab the car having a new motor, he also lied ab the condition of the car. he also owns a salvage yard. someone salvaged a wrecked vehicle that he sold to me without disclosing any information ab the accident when I bought it. the accident wasn't reported and although the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

You may have grounds to take legal action against the dealership for misrepresentation and failing to disclose the true condition of the vehicle, including its history of accidents and the fact that the motor was not new as claimed. Misrepresentation in the sale of a vehicle, especially when it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Consumer Law for Tennessee on
Q: Company willingly shared my info with another customer , can I sue

A car wash that I have a membership with made a billing mistake. This is in a city that I have never visited. The manager sent a screen shot of my entire account to the other customer (manager admitted it ) and said I used his card which is absolutely incorrect! There would be no way I could even... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

In your situation, where a company has shared your personal information without your consent, you might have grounds to pursue legal action. Privacy laws in many jurisdictions protect individuals' personal data, and businesses are typically required to safeguard this information. If the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Banking for California on
Q: Is it legal for a bank to refuse to issue you a cashiers check with verified funds deposited the same day?

Hi I live in the state of California. I went to the bank today to obtain a cashier's check. The teller questioned the validity of the wire transfer in my account. He questioned if I worked for the bank. Then the teller refused to issue a cashier's check to me saying that he had the right... View More

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Mar 8, 2024

This is a very strange tale. I would not fault the bank for putting a hold on a deposit that they just received. But that's not what they did, because they gave you the cash! But I see no legal rights that the bank violated. You can call the bank branch manager to complain about the teller..... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Banking for California on
Q: Is it legal for a bank to refuse to issue you a cashiers check with verified funds deposited the same day?

Hi I live in the state of California. I went to the bank today to obtain a cashier's check. The teller questioned the validity of the wire transfer in my account. He questioned if I worked for the bank. Then the teller refused to issue a cashier's check to me saying that he had the right... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 7, 2024

In general, banks have the right to set their own policies regarding the issuance of cashier's checks, including holding periods for recently deposited funds. However, the situation you described raises some potential concerns.

1. Wire transfers: Funds received via wire transfer are...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for California on
Q: California. Right to Repair Act (SB 244) takes effect on July 1, 2024. Will I be able to sue a company that violates it?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 7, 2024

In California, when new legislation such as the Right to Repair Act (SB 244) becomes law, it typically includes provisions on how individuals can enforce their rights under the act. If a company violates this law after it takes effect on July 1, 2024, affected parties may have the legal grounds to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: Can I create an educational songwriting class that's called something like: Taylor Swift-inspired Hit Songwriting Class?

I'd like to create a songwriting class that teaches hit songwriting techniques used by pro songwriters such as Taylor Swift. I'd like to call the class:

"Taylor Swift-influenced Hit Songwriting Class" (or)

"Taylor Swift-inspired Hit Songwriting Class"... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 7, 2024

Using a celebrity's name in an educational course title can be tricky, as it may raise concerns about intellectual property rights and potential false endorsement. However, there are ways to reference Taylor Swift's name in your course title that are more likely to fall under fair use for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: I bought a used vehicle in PR. It's been 2 months and it's starting to have many problems. Can I give back the vehicle?

If I can give it back, how long do I have to do so?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 6, 2024

When you buy a used vehicle and start experiencing problems, the options available for returning it depend on the terms of the sale and local laws. In Puerto Rico, as in many places, the ability to return a used vehicle and the timeframe for doing so may be limited, especially if the vehicle was... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Iowa on
Q: What kind of lawyer do I get when a company vinyl wrapped my truck and messed it up Bad plus other big problems what

I had my truck to add a vinyl vinyl wrap on it and have my truck lifted 6 inches and put new rims and tires. They cut my wrap short and try to piece it together in the front, it's already bubbling up. It's only been 2 and a 1/2 months since I got it back. It's already coming undone... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 6, 2024

When facing issues with a company that has performed unsatisfactory work on your vehicle, such as a botched vinyl wrap and improper installation of vehicle modifications, seeking legal advice is a practical step. A lawyer with experience in consumer protection or contract law would be well-equipped... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Consumer Law for Texas on
Q: What to do when Solar Company will not remove the panels after falsifying the digital signature on the contract?

I have a property which my 75 yr old mother rents. This past November I noticed that solar panels had been installed on my property with out me knowing or authorizing any of that. Turns out the loan is under my mother's name which she is not the owner, I am also on the loan. By calling the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 6, 2024

In situations like this, gathering all possible evidence is crucial. You should collect any documents, emails, or communication records related to the solar panels' installation and the loan agreement. It's important to document your mother's lack of authorization and ownership of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Consumer Law for Texas on
Q: What to do when Solar Company will not remove the panels after falsifying the digital signature on the contract?

I have a property which my 75 yr old mother rents. This past November I noticed that solar panels had been installed on my property with out me knowing or authorizing any of that. Turns out the loan is under my mother's name which she is not the owner, I am also on the loan. By calling the... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 6, 2024

I recommend hiring an attorney in or near the county where the property is located to file a declaratory judgment action pursuant to Chapter 37 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code seeking a declaration that you are the owner of the property, that the solar panels were installed on your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Internet Law and Consumer Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can I sue for a dealership ruining my cars value by digitally posting to Carfax an estimated trade in value incorrectly?

I called a Dealership 5 hours from me, In another state. Regarding a used Mclaren I was interested in test driving. (mainly because I wanted to see if the suspension was more comfortable than mine) -- On the contingency that I trade in mine. I spoke over the phone regarding my car's specs,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 6, 2024

If a dealership has posted an estimated trade-in value for your car to Carfax that you believe inaccurately reflects its true market value, you might feel concerned about the potential impact on its perceived worth. Inaccurate reporting can indeed influence the opinions of future buyers or... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Banking for California on
Q: Citibank will not release my secured credit card deposit. Are their actions legal?

I had a secured credit card with Citibank that I placed a $400 deposit down on. I had the card for about 4 years and made my payments on time. I lost my job & was unable to pay the due balance ($315). Citibank closed my account, sold it to a collection agency and kept the $400 deposit. Now, I... View More

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Mar 6, 2024

I suspect that your $400 deposit was used up and your account became overdrawn by the $315 amount. That should be visible on your monthly statements sent to you before and after that particular time. But that's just a guess, and it would be wrongful of Citibank to fail to provide you with a... View More

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