Expert: Michael Troy - 5/19/2007

Question
I have a friend who has a boyfriend. Her boyfriend's parent's have been stocking him, following him, and worst of all they got into my friend's building and stayed outside for more than 20 minutes and watched through her bedroom window during the 20 minutes. they have phoned all his friend's asking them where he is what he spends he money on, may i add he's going to be 21 years old in 1 month. Also his step dad has also called my cell phone, i don't know what to say to him when he calls, it makes me scared. Because the step dad looked up my friend's address after *69 her phone number.Is this illegal. Also if she wanted to place a restraining order on the parents does it not work if her boyfriend is there? Please get back to me when you can because my friend is scared of being at her place. I don't know what to do or say to any of this. I hope you can help us. Thank you for your time.  

Answer
Hi Amenda,

Watching people is not necessarily illegal, but when it becomes harrassing as this sounds, one can get a restraining order to make them stop.  If they violate that order, then they can face legal penalties.  It sounds like your friend should get an attorney and seek a restraining order against these parents.

Good Luck!