Expert: Jack Toomey - 1/21/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Mr. Tooney
I have a neighbor who rents the house, and deals drugs out of it, as well as have partys contributing to minors. I have surveillance video of one party that got way out of hand, resulting in a gang fight and car crash. there are about 12 different people living there at varies times. There on welfare and sub rent out rooms apparently. they throw there trash all around the house, and when there friends and or clients stop by, those people empty trash from there vehicle right in the gutter, or on my lawn. beer bottles fast fast containers, etc. The Lady who owns the house, doesn't live in the area. and doesn't care what we have to endure. What if any legal action can I take.
Thank You in advance!

ANSWER: Jeff,

Have you called the police when these parties are being held, when the gang fights break out, or when the car wreck happened?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes I have, and so has some of the other neighbors!

ANSWER: Ok.  What has happened?  Have there been any arrests?  Have you, as a private citizen, applied for a charging document against anyone in the other house?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The Gang unit showed with two units in tow, but did little to nothing, and the next times, again they respond, and don't seem to do anything. If People don't press charges. they just log what they observed, and thats it. The Officers tell me to keep calling, and build a log. But I don't want to have the police hear eveytime so idiot there gets out of line. I want the homeowner to pay for this. And I have video surveillance on my house, and captured all from gang fight. hopelly can use in court!  

Answer
Ok then you have several choices.  You can continue calling the police and have them build up a case against these people.  You could sue the owner of the house for knowingly having a public nuisance there.  You could sue the occupants for the same thing.  But you would need an attorney for bringing a law suit.