"what kind of lawyer" do i need for hostile threatening neighbors

by Mrs. Aurelie Little 6 min read

You may need: A real estate attorney (property lines disputes) A criminal law attorney (stalking or threats - see below)

Full Answer

What kind of lawyer do I need to sue my Neighbor?

Although many neighbor disputes are minor, if not mildly annoying, any act by you that poses a physical threat or which is repeated and irritating can be considered criminal. You may need a criminal defense lawyer if you are charged with harassment.

What should I do if my neighbor threatens me?

Apr 30, 2020 · A criminal law attorney (stalking or threats - see below) A general civil claims attorney (small disputes) A landlord-tenant law attorney (issues with renters or your landlord) Don't Engage but Document Everything As hard as it …

Is it a criminal offense to harass a neighbor?

Jan 09, 2019 · Your lawyer will help you sort through your documentation and can give you advice as to what you should be doing in terms of future evidence, involving the police, and preparing for court. A good lawyer will also be prepared to argue against any defense your neighbor comes up with, especially if they try to claim freedom of speech.

Do I need a lawyer for a harassment case?

Oct 16, 2021 · What kind of lawyer do I need for my neighbor planting any type of tree or shrub along the property line? My neighbor has planted trees and shrubs or trees along the property line right up against the property line and onto our property in our backyard. We are not on speaking terms he assaulted me so I have no contact with him and he's not the ...

What constitutes neighbor harassment in California?

California's Code of Civil Procedure 527.6 defines harassment as a credible (real) threat of violence and acts of unlawful violence. For such actions to be considered harassment, the violence and/or threats must seriously scare, annoy, or harass someone, and there is no valid reason for it.Jul 24, 2021

Can you sue neighbor for harassment in Florida?

Harassing Neighbors Can Become Dangerous By law, you have the right to safety in your home. These are criminal charges, and you need a criminal attorney to press charges and get an order for protection. You can also choose to sue for emotional suffering or physical injuries.Apr 30, 2020

What proof do you need for a restraining order?

It will require the court to determine whether there is sufficient evidence in front of it to enable it to form a view that an order is necessary. Restraining orders are civil behaviour orders and therefore the standard of proof is a civil one (R v Major [2010] EWCA Crim 3016).

How do you deal with a psycho neighbor?

If you're experiencing harassment and are afraid for your safety, you should immediately report your neighbor. Don't call 911 unless your issue truly is an emergency. Check with your local police station what the appropriate approach to this situation is. Ask the police who you should talk to about your issue.

How to sue for a neighbor's harrassment?

How to Sue for Neighbor Harassment. One of the most effective ways to get a resolution is to take your issue to small claims court. People can represent themselves in small claims court, but this takes time and strong evidence. If you do not have the time or knowledge to work through the court process, then a qualified attorney can handle your case.

How to stop a neighbor from stealing my property?

Speak in court or privately with a judge. Settle the case for money or another resolution that (hopefully) makes your neighbor stop.

How to get a restraining order from your neighbor?

Get a restraining order if your neighbor is threatening you or acting dangerously. File a police report (the police may not take action but it will at least be on record) File a noise complaint with your landlord or the police. Start the process of suing your neighbor for harassment (read on for more information)

What happens if your neighbor breaks a restraining order?

Once your case is resolved, you will want to be ready to re-document new actions or call the police if your neighbor breaks a restraining order. If your neighbor repeats any behavior, they may be arrested, fined, or go to jail. It might feel tempting to move away just to escape this neighbor.

What is the line between civil cases and criminal harassment?

The Line Between Civil Cases and Criminal Harassment. Any harassing behavior over any period of time should be taken seriously. Things can (and usually do) escalate quickly. Say you notice a neighbor throwing items at your dog because they don't like it barking. You might ask them to stop and both of you start arguing.

Is it real to have a neighbor harassing you?

Neighbor harassment is a very real thing. Too often, we are told to "just deal with it," or that bad neighbors are a part of life. However, if you have neighbor disputes with the people who live next door, you do have options to get a resolution. Listen to your gut feelings if you think you are being watched or someone keeps making a "mistake.".

Is it legal to harass your neighbor?

Harassing Neighbors Can Become Dangerous. This is no longer a civil case if you are being threatened or stalked. By law, you have the right to safety in your home. These are criminal charges, and you need a criminal attorney to press charges and get an order for protection.

What do you need to do if you get harassed?

You’ll need documented proof, like previous police reports or proof of medical care after an altercation. If the harassment rises to the level of a crime, the police can either arrest a person on the spot or file a charge with a summons to appear in court.

What is noise complaint?

Noise complaints — when your neighbors consistently create noise that is above an acceptable level. Some are careful to stay within legal limits, despite being persistent and harassing. Nuisance complaints — such as if your neighbor refuses to mow their lawn or leaves garbage outside but not in proper receptacles.

What are the most common types of harassment?

The most common types of harassment include: Animal complaints — these often include issues with noise, smells, not cleaning up fecal matter, violating leash laws, or physical attacks by the animal in question.

Can a lawyer argue against a neighbor's defense?

A good lawyer will also be prepared to argue against any defense your neighbor comes up with, especially if they try to claim freedom of speech. The majority of instances that qualify as harassment are pretty minor and can usually be worked out by adults, even if they don’t end up best buddies in the long run.

Can you file harassment charges against a police officer?

Yes. There are a couple of different scenarios that could play out if you decide to get the courts involved. First, you can go to the police department to file harassment charges. This is more common in cases of physical violence.

Can police take immediate action?

The police may be able to take immediate action, but at the very least they will be able to document your calls and reports. Let’s say your visit didn’t work but your concerns don’t warrant a call to the authorities. You’ll want to start keeping a written log of incidents, including dates, times, and details.

Can you sue for a restraining order?

You may sue for property damages, damages related to loss of work, or even for a restraining order or injunction. Violating an injunction or restraining order could lead to charges of disorderly conduct and the possibility of jail time. Having a lawyer on your side should you decide to file a harassment suit is optimal.

What to do if someone touches you?

A log like this can help you establish a pattern of harassing behavior if the matter needs to come to legal issues. You will also find that in some states, recording your conversations with someone else is entirely legal.

Can a harassing person destroy your property?

He or she might also surreptitiously destroy your property or damage it. These behaviors may seem minor at first, but they can escalate, and even if they do not, they may be persistent. Harassing behavior can have some profound effects on your life and your health, so take it seriously. Document everything.

Is harassment a serious issue?

(US law and generally) Harassment is a serious issue, and though we might expect it on the street or even at work, it often blindsides us when we are at home. In some cases, the worse harassment comes from your neighbors, and if your neighbors are engaging in harassment directed towards you, your family and your property, ...

What is neighbor harassment?

Neighbor harassment laws protect people from every form of behavior that can be deemed offensive, derogatory, or even just annoying. You are also entitled to protection from violent behavior and threats of violence and assault. Solve My Problem. Get Started.

What to do if your landlord is harassing you?

Here are some things your landlord might do to protect you: Change the locks. Buy vandal-proof letterboxes and fences. Install a security alarm system.

Why is my neighbor loud?

According to a study by BMC Public Health, neighbor noise annoyance can even be associated with various mental and physical health issues. When your neighbor disrupts your comfort by being loud or playing loud music, it’s time to do whatever you can to solve that issue and avoid further complications.

What are the most common forms of harassing behavior?

Here are the most common forms of harassing behavior to keep in mind: Noise. Living next to a loud neighbor can be a real nightmare. The noise your neighbor makes can be particularly annoying if it bothers you during the quiet hours determined by your lease or your city’s laws.

What happens if you share your wall with your neighbor?

For instance, your neighbor might smoke in the building, and the smell can even reach your apartment, which is particularly annoying if you don’t smoke. Property damage. Sharing your wall with a neighbor means that almost everything that happens in their apartment affects you.

What does it mean when someone next door keeps doing what they want?

If you notice that the person next-door continues doing whatever it is that bothered you even after you asked them not to, it means that they are doing it on purpose. Your neighbor’s intention to annoy you or disrupt your life in any way is a clear sign that you are the victim of harassment.

What is the good news about harassment?

The good news is that there are ways to put an end to this issue and get back to your life in peace and tranquility. To be able to take action against offensive behavior of this or any other kind, for a start, you should know what exactly constitutes that specific form of harassment.

What to do if you have harassment issues?

If you need assistance with any type of harassment legal issues, whether it’s in the workplace or at home, you may wish to hire a lawyer in your area. Your attorney can instruct you on how to prepare for your case, and can represent you during important court processes.

What is hostile work environment?

Hostile work environment claims involve conduct or communication that is considered offensive, severe, unwanted or unwelcome, and ongoing or pervasive. In order to be considered hostile work environment, the behavior must interfere with the victim’s capability to perform their work.

What is harassment in the workplace?

Harassment is defined as any behavior that is offensive, demeaning, belittling, or threatening. It can also include behavior that is hurtful, embarrassing, or that seeks to undermine the person, especially in the workplace. Workplace harassment can involve many different parties, including co-workers, employers, managers, supervisors, staff, ...

What are some examples of harassment?

Examples of non-workplace related harassment include: 1 Repeated, unwanted phone calls; 2 Pressure or repeated contact on social media outlets; 3 Stalking or following a person constantly and regularly; 4 Using various threats or coercive language to obtain a certain goal; 5 Issuing threats to a person’s well-being, including threats to their loved ones.

Can harassment be a violation of law?

Harassment can also occur in a manner that violates criminal laws. These can include instances of stalking, and other behavior that invades a person’s privacy. State laws may vary when it comes to criminal harassment laws. Harassment can also occur in other contexts as well.

What liability can I impose for abusive language?

What Liability can I Impose for Abusive or Insulting Language? Civil liabilities may be imposed on a person who intentionally or recklessly uses abusive or insulting language that causes mental distress to another person. Although the claim for damages from abusive or insulting language falls under the more general claim ...

What does an injured party need to show to sue?

Generally, the injured party would need to show the following to sue: The defendant intentionally used abusive or insulting language; The language used was unreasonable and outrageous; The defendant knew or should have realized that the language used would likely result in illness to the injured party; and.

What is the claim for damages from abusive language?

Although the claim for damages from abusive or insulting language falls under the more general claim of intentional infliction of emotional distress, there are special rules that pertain to this cause of action.

What to do if your neighbor doesn't work?

If talking about your concerns in person with your neighbor doesn’t work (always the first step), call the authorities and file a complaint with your local police, homeowners association, or county office. The neighbor can be fined for non-compliance and probably won’t appreciate your interference.

Who is the better neighbor with hard evidence of harassment or infractions?

The neighbor with hard evidence of harassment or infractions is always in a better position with authorities (the homeowner’s association or the municipality), than the out-of-control nut who rants. And speaking of authorities....

How to help a neighbor who is not a sociopath?

Assuming your neighbor isn’t a sociopath, consider using a mediator to help resolve your differences. (Consult the National Association of Community Mediation for a mediator near you.) Mediation won’t assign blame; it will try to help you find a win-win so each of you gets what you need to live more harmoniously.

Can neighbors be fined for non-compliance?

The neighbor can be fined for non-compliance and probably won’t appreciate your interference. But you are within your rights. Gather evidence. If a problem persists, keep a journal of dates and times of ongoing offenses. It may sound extreme, but you may want to consider installing a surveillance camera.

Is it easier to leave a bad spouse than a bad neighbor?

Eventually, they stopped, but it proved Borzotta’s contention that it’s probably easier to leave a bad spouse than a bad neighbor. Living next to an uncooperative neighbor is awful on many levels. Financially, it can affect the property value of your home (think unkempt lawn and shrubs, old cars everywhere.)

1 attorney answer

Stalking is primarily a criminal matter which is handled by the local prosecutor. You may also be able to sue for monetary damages if you can prove who sent the letters. You would need an attorney who handles civil cases for this. More

Jerry M. Blevins

Stalking is primarily a criminal matter which is handled by the local prosecutor. You may also be able to sue for monetary damages if you can prove who sent the letters. You would need an attorney who handles civil cases for this. More