what lawyer do i need if i'm being harrassed

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for a harassment case?

The accused in a harassment case may have defenses available to them; you should anticipate possible defenses as you prepare. An attorney can help with case strategy.

What should you do if you’re being harassed by a harasser?

While it’s tempting to want to find the harassers, force them to stop, and even get revenge, the thing to do in all cases is to contact local law enforcement or other appropriate authorities for assistance. Sadly, not all authorities have the resources to respond, and not all harassment rises to a level warranting their involvement.

Can I find out who’s being harassed or threatened anonymously?

People who are being harassed or threatened anonymously want to find out who’s doing it. The most common specific question I get relates to IP addresses. People believe that once they have an IP address, they can identify the individual. It’s nowhere near that simple.

Can I make a claim for harassment?

Likewise, you cannot make a claim of harassment just because of someone insults you, calls you one time or otherwise interacts with you briefly unless the manner in which they interact is abusive and severe.

What should I do if I got harassed?

Here is a range of options you can pursue.Stay the course. Many women don't feel like they can report harassment, or don't want to, because of legitimate concerns about pushback or retaliation. ... Tell the harasser to stop. Do this either as it happens or in a later conversation. ... Build solidarity. ... Talk to a lawyer.

How do you prove that someone is harassing you?

How to Prove That the Harassment OccurredProve that something was done, said, or otherwise communicated to you that resulted in a feeling of torment, fear, threat, or humiliation. ... Prove that the harasser intended to torment, scare, threaten, or embarrass you.

Are harassment cases hard to prove?

Unfortunately, one of the reasons it is so pervasive is that it is so hard to prove. Proof can be extremely important in such cases for many reasons. It can make it harder for harassers to deny their behavior and avoid consequences. It can also make it harder for a business to simply ignore the behavior or cover it up.

What actions are considered harassment?

The civil harassment laws say “harassment” is:Unlawful violence, like assault or battery or stalking, OR.A credible threat of violence, AND.The violence or threats seriously scare, annoy, or harass someone and there is no valid reason for it.

What are the 3 types of harassment?

If an employee feels unsafe in their own workplace, it is important to discuss their potential claim with a Sexual Harassment Lawyer.1- Physical Sexual Harassment.2- Verbal Sexual Harassment.3- Visual Sexual Harassment.

Can I sue for harassment emotional distress?

Civil Harassment: Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress. State law lets you sue for extreme harassment that results in severe emotional distress. To prove what is called intentional infliction of emotional distress, you must show: Your harasser acted intentionally or recklessly.

What is personal harassment?

Personal harassment means any inappropriate behaviour or conduct that is directed at and offensive to another person, and which the originator knew or ought reasonably to have known would be unwelcome or cause offence.

Is psychological harassment illegal?

While the most basic types of harassment are verbal and psychological, there are also more serious forms, such as physical and sexual. All types of workplace harassment are illegal.

What is the sentence for harassment without violence?

For the offence without violence, the basic offence of harassment, up to six months imprisonment can be imposed. This increased to 2 years if the offence is racially aggravated.

What are examples of harassment?

Examples of harassment include offensive or derogatory jokes, racial or ethnic slurs, pressure for dates or sexual favors, unwelcome comments about a person's religion or religious garments, or offensive graffiti, cartoons or pictures.

What happens when you get charged with harassment?

If he is found guilty of an offence he can be sentenced to a term in prison or made to pay a fine or both. Sometimes if the police decide that they are not going take any further legal action against your abuser, they may give him an informal harassment warning.

What is and isn't harassment?

By law, harassment is unwelcome behavior based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. An action doesn't have to be illegal in order for it to be harassment. Harassment is any behavior that creates a hostile work environment.

What Are The Requirements For A Hostile Work Environment Legal Action?

Courts use several requirements in determining whether or not a working environment is hostile, including: 1. The actions or behavior discriminate...

Can Strict Liability Apply to Hostile Work Environment Harassment?

Strict liability may apply in a hostile work environment case, if the perpetrator is high level, and abuses his power by behaving pervasively. Some...

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Legally, sexual harassment encompasses unwelcome sexual advances, sexual favor requests, and physical or verbal actions that are sexual in nature....

What Is Indirect Harassment?

Indirect harassment can occur anytime another individual is privy to or harmed by the harassment of another person. If a person takes offense to an...

What About Company Harassment Policies?

Companies typically have strict nondiscrimination policies in place to protect itself and its employees. However, if a company is aware of a harass...

Should I Contact A Hostile Work Environment Attorney For Harassment at Work?

No one should have to be subjected to a hostile work environment. If you were victimized at work, consult an employment law attorney immediately. A...

What can a lawyer do about harassment?

You should contact a harassment lawyer to help determine if the harasser’s actions or words are obscene or otherwise illegal. Harassment lawyers can also tell you if you are entitled to receive any civil damages for the emotional distress displaced by the harassing caller.

What to do if you feel like you are being harassed?

If you feel like you are a victim of harassment, in any form, you should contact a harassment lawyer so that your options and legal rights can be explained. No individual should live in fear of harassment; there are steps to take to curb incessant obstructions like harassment. Consulting with a harassment lawyer is the first step to quell your problem.

What is the law against harassing phone calls?

Harassing phone calls represent an unwelcome intrusion on your privacy; the Federal Communications Act and an assortment of state laws prohibit all forms of telephone harassment. If you are a victim of telephone harassment, contact a harassment lawyer in your area to put an end to the aggressive party’s intrusive actions.

How to report harassing phone calls?

If you are receiving harassing phone calls, you should first contact your local police department. Before you contact the authorities, make a note of the gender of the caller, the caller’s number, his or her frequency, a description of the caller’s voice, the date and time of the calls, the context of the calls and an approximation of the caller’s age. If the police, using this information, can track down the caller, they will enforce their authority and persecute the individual. If you seek monetary compensation–for the stress and psychological damage imposed–from the party you should look into harassment lawyers.

How to quell harassment?

Consulting with a harassment lawyer is the first step to quell your problem. Although there are a number of types of harassment, you should understand the legal issues associated with the activity before you contact a harassment lawyer. For starters, if you are being harassed over the telephone, having a basic knowledge ...

What is harassment in law?

In the legal sense, harassment is an intentional behavior that is found disturbing or threatening.

Is phone harassment a criminal offense?

Although one unwelcoming call may be deemed harassment, a single instance will not require the service of a harassment lawyer. Individuals who commit telephone harassment will be subject to fines, prison or both. Telephone harassment laws vary by state; in the majority of jurisdictions, telephone harassment is a criminal misdemeanor. ...

What is neighbor harassment?

Neighbor harassment is a term that includes intentional harassment or offensive behavior directed toward someone who lives next door or nearby within the same community. It can include assault and battery charges if the behavior becomes severe. In any event, a lawyer will be needed to defend you if you have been charged with harassing ...

What is the charge for harassing a neighbor?

Depending on the severity of the neighbor harassment, you could be charged with a disorderly person offense, usually an infraction, or the more serious offenses of assault and/or battery.

What happens when neighbors dispute?

An escalating dispute between neighbors can result in a court-ordered injunction or restraining order. Generally, such behavior must occur over time and be directed towards a specific person who is reasonably alarmed or seriously annoyed by it.

Can you be charged with harassment?

You can be charged with harassment if your behavior is intended to harass a particular person or persons. If the conduct is merely insensitive, thoughtless or profane, it does not necessarily constitute a crime.

Is it a crime to harass a 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.

Is freedom of speech a defense to harassment?

Freedom of speech may not be a defense to a harassment charge since not all speech is protected. When the speech becomes particularly offensive or threatening, a line is crossed and the behavior becomes criminal. Generally, if the language is not for a legitimate purpose, then it may not be considered protected speech.

Is harassment a felony?

Neighbor harassment is often a misdemeanor, but can be enhanced to a felony if the offender has a prior misdemeanor conviction or the act involves an imminent threat of violent action. Although most states require that the harassing behavior occur multiple times, if it involves a threat of violence that could result in death or severe physical ...

What is the effect of harassment on an employee?

Generally, this means an employee’s desire or ability to perform their job duties has been greatly affected.

Why should employees report harassment to management?

Because of this element, employees are encouraged to inform the harasser directly that their conduct is unwelcome and must stop. Furthermore, employees should also report harassment to management at an early stage. This will help prevent escalation of the hostile work environment and give management an opportunity to address the issue; and

What Qualifies as a Hostile Work Environment?

A hostile work environment can present itself in a variety of ways. From sexual remarks/harassment to creating an environment of fear and intimidation. What qualifies as a hostile work environment will vary from workplace to workplace.

What Types of Remedies are Available for a Hostile Work Environment Claim?

These damages typically include claims for lost wages, including back pay and benefits, due to the inability to work.

What are Hostile Workplace Laws?

The requirements that you need to meet in order to bring a successful lawsuit based on a theory of a hostile workplace differ based on where your bring your lawsuit. You may file a lawsuit against your harasser based on a hostile workplace either in federal or state court.

Can an Employer be Liable for the Actions of an Employee?

As mentioned above, if an employer became aware of a situation of a hostile work environment, but failed to further investigate, intervene, or otherwise address the issue, they may also be held liable for the actions of an employee.

What happens if an employer is aware of the situation but fails to investigate?

If an employer was aware of the situation, but failed to further investigate, intervene, or otherwise address the issue, they will likely be more liable for the hostile work environment.

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.

Does harassment go away on its own?

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, you need to take action. Harassment is not necessarily something that goes away on its own , and it can have far-reaching effects that touch every aspect of your life.

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, ...

Do people serve serious time?

WRONG, people do serve serious time depends on the cruelty.

Can law enforcement be sued?

Not only that, they are protected from lawsuits by federal legislation. They can do whatever they want, work for their friends, refuse to charge them with crimes they commit against you. They have .. DISCRETION as to whatever they feel like doing or ignoring. Law Enforcement is the only Public Agency with no EXTERNAL OVERSIGHT. That needs to change but fat chance on that.

Can you murder a dog?

well killing dogs is not murder you can only murder humans but that is an immature response

2 attorney answers

It is in the nature of legal disputes and especially family law disputes that there are hard feelings between the parties. Sometimes attorneys fall into that kind of alignment with their clients and it is unfortunate and the attorney often learns a hard and unpleasant lesson as a consequence.

Christine C McCall

It is in the nature of legal disputes and especially family law disputes that there are hard feelings between the parties. Sometimes attorneys fall into that kind of alignment with their clients and it is unfortunate and the attorney often learns a hard and unpleasant lesson as a consequence.

What to do if you receive harassing emails?

Some ideas include: If you’re receiving harassing email on a particular email address, close that account and get a new one. If your email account has been stolen and you no longer have access to it, create a new account and let your contacts know to ignore the old one.

How to stop harassing emails?

In lieu of support from law enforcement or other authorities, your options are limited. Some ideas include: 1 If you’re receiving harassing email on a particular email address, close that account and get a new one. 2 If your email account has been stolen and you no longer have access to it, create a new account and let your contacts know to ignore the old one. 3 If you’re getting harassing chat messages, close the account and begin a new one.

How do I make them stop?

If you believe a crime may have been committed, contact your local law enforcement.

What to do if you believe a crime has been committed?

If you believe a crime may have been committed, contact your local law enforcement. If the offender is in school, using school resources, the school may have additional options. Certain forms of harassment may not be illegal, but they may be against school rules and regulations.

What is the first place to turn if you believe a crime has been committed?

Local law enforcement — your first place to turn if you believe a crime has been committed.

Is it illegal to steal a child's password?

At the other end of the spectrum, simple password theft might not be illegal.

Is online harassment a problem?

Online harassment is common problem, and prevalent among children. I'll review some of the issues and steps to be taken.

What to do if you don't want to claim harassment?

If you don’t want to claim harassment directly, you should at least tell the person what they’re doing and the fact that you don’t want them to do it. This sets the standard for how you want to be treated and can even be used in court later on.

How to document harassment?

Whether it’s the first time or the fortieth time, you should immediately begin documenting any issues related to the harassment. If they continue to call you, write down the date and time. If they continue to hit on you at work, note when it happened, what they said, and how they responded to requests to stop.

What is Harassment?

Under the law, only certain actions qualify as harassment. Most of these behaviors relate directly to feeling uncomfortable or personal safety, but there is a considerable amount of grey area that can make them difficult to identify.

What to do if someone violates the law?

Someone who is willing to break the law and violate your person al space in an effort to harass you is very likely to be unpredictable or even dangerous. If at any point you feel afraid the person may physically harm you or someone you love, call the police immediately – use 911 if the situation is urgent.

What is sexual harassment?

Harassment typically: Makes you feel threatened or violates your boundaries. Involves the harasser ignoring clear requests to stop. Involves verbal, physical, or sexual abuse. For example, a co-worker who repeatedly hits on you or touches certain parts of your body is engaging in sexual harassment in the workplace.

How to stop someone from being rude?

Clearly Tell the Person to Stop. If it is safe to do so, call the person out on their unacceptable behavior and demand they stop. Speak calmly but firmly, focusing on the behavior itself rather than insulting the individual’s personal character.

How far away do you have to be from a police officer to get a restraining order?

In most cases, it requires that they remain a certain distance from you at all times, too (e.g., 50 feet). You can initiate the process of filing for a restraining order at your local police station. Be aware that you will need to provide evidence of the harassment.

What is the law for bringing a police harassment complaint?

A Constitutional Remedy. Your lawyer can bring a police harassment complaint in court under Title 42 of the United States Code, Section 1983.

What is police harassment?

Police harassment is an abuse of an officer’s authority by continually or arbitrarily stopping someone, aggressively questioning him or her, or by conducting an unwarranted or illegal search and seizure. The harassment is commonly an attempt to coerce someone into admitting complicity in a crime, or by threatening or intimidating a person ...

Do police officers violate their rights?

There are instances, however, where an officer may violate the rights of an individual either through misunderstanding, frustration or outright hostility and you will need to retain a lawyer.

Can a lawyer sue a police officer for racial profiling?

While you cannot sue the state, your lawyer can bring a "1983 action" against the police officer, the police chief and the local government.