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Criminal Law/harrasment from neighbours

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Expert: - 8/8/2009


Question
How long do you have to put up with neighbours harrasing you. this as been going on for almost Two years, this was because we parked a trailer on the carport it was no problem with the Council,the trailer was moved and we are still being intimidated by two people, i think they are trying to goad us into retaliating. the police have been involved and they tell us to ignore them we have done this but you can just take so much we are both senior citicens what advise can you give.

Answer
Mary,

You didn't say how they were harassing you but I am assuming that by "harass" you are talking about a criminal act.  Have you thought about charging the neighbor with a criminal offense?  Every state has a mechanism where a private citizen can file a criminal charge against another.

I would say that by doing that it might cause them to stop because they would be under the juristiction of the court.  Of course the other option is what the police have advised and that is doing nothing and ignoring them.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.

Experience

I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.

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