Is there a group on DU where one can discuss legal issues?

[amitten]

I need some advice regarding a landlord/tenant issue.

Feel free to PM me if you have any legal knowledge in this area...

[greenbriar]

1. oh and one on an age discrimination suit for jobs

this is a great idea

[lizziegrace]

3. EEOC office in your state

would be a good call...

[lizziegrace]

2. There isn't a forum

it's a fine line to walk when you're a licensed professional. Any advice given could imply a professional relationship and could impact the professional in a negative manner, especially if the outcome isn't what the individual wanted or if the advice was wrong. I'm an accountant and will only give generic advice or advice easily found online on government websites such as the IRS.

There are a lot of online resources and the laws vary by state. I'd start by googling landlord/tenant law and your state name.

Also, most attorneys will give you a free initial consultation.

Good luck!

[eyesroll]

15. Ditto that.

I am a third-year law student and, as such, not a licensed attorney. I cannot practice anywhere, and can get in big trouble if I lead you to believe otherwise.

I will copy and paste your state's statutes or admin code for you (if I can find it online--which means you can find it online, too), and direct you to (for example) the family court web site that has all the forms you need and let you know about the self-help clinic at the courthouse, and give you the phone number of a licensed attorney if you want one, but I will not give legal advice.

[amitten]

16. Thanks. I will see an attorney this week and figure out where I

stand. I'm pretty sure I'm legally covered, but I want to be very safe about it.

I never thought I'd be in this position: Someone is making up lies about me and my conduct, and threatening legal action in order to extort money from me. It is totally surreal, but I'm not stupid and I'll make sure to protect myself until this blows over.

[amitten]

4. Kick--just looking for some basic advice.

Not seeking actual legal counsel.

I can't find the basic info I need on Google.

[taterguy]

5. Seriously, if you need legal advice talk to a lawyer

Call Legal Aid if you can't afford one.

No one here can know the relevant details of your situation or the laws in your jurisdiction.

You'll probably end up getting a lot of really bad advice.

[Boojatta]

6. Your best bet is probably to ask about sources of information.

The law is supposed to be available to the general public at no cost and prior to its enforcement. Otherwise, ignorance of the law would be a legitimate excuse for violating it.

Here's one link:
Home » Discuss » Topic Forums » Justice

You could also pick a State Forum and post questions there about the law in that particular jurisdiction.

[amitten]

7. Thanks so much...I will do that. n/t

[LeftyMom]

8. You'll need somebody who knows your state's law & current climate

I know California landlord/tenant law because I used to manage rental property, but that's useless in 49 states.

[amitten]

10. I know--thanks.

I was just looking for some general advice on who has more rights in my situation.

(I am subletting a business space, and the subletter has gotten out of hand, fabricated lies about the situation, and is threatening legal action in an attempt to extort money.)

I am just hoping that as the holder of the master lease, I will be able to get rid of him soon.

[LeftyMom]

13. You need to hire a real lawyer.

Don't fuck around with anybody threatening legal action. Usually it's just a stalling/negotiating tactic, but even that can wind up costing you quite a bit of money.

Also, make sure your i's are dotted and your t's are crossed, because people who do stuff like that generally LOVE to file BS complaints with code enforcement, fair housing, and anybody else it occurs to them to sic on you to make your life miserable or delay their eviction.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. Free legal advice from an internet message board is worth exactly what you paid for it.

And any lawyer who actually tried to give that kind of advice could be on the hook for a malpractice claim, because that's what it would be. DU doesn't let people give medical advice, and the same rule should apply to legal advice.

You really need to see an actual lawyer who is licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. If you can't afford a private attorney, check with legal aid. You just can't get adequate advice for your specific situation here.

[amitten]

11. I know. I will be seeing an attorney this week, but in the meantime

I was just looking for some general advice for peace of mind, I guess.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

14. OK. That's a good thing. Better to wait, though, get the real story from your lawyer.

Good luck with your situation.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

12. Those matters

vary wildly from state to state. You'd do well to get a lawyer in your area and get your advice from a professional you know and trust. Asking for help from anonymous strangers on a message board, people who might claim expertise and credentials but who don't really have them, is just asking to get yourself in deeper.

Find a lawyer and protect yourself.