Hire an Attorney to Fight Against Neighbor Harassment

What Is Neighbor Harassment?

Your neighborhood should be a sanctuary where you feel safe. And your neighbors should be the people you can count on. Unfortunately, things do not always turn out as one wishes. Neighbor harassment is a serious issue.

If you ever find yourself a victim of harassment from your neighbor, then you may want to fight for your rights. Whether the harassment is toward you, your family, your property or all three, you can fight for your well-being and protection.

That said, fighting for your rights and against neighbor harassment is easier said than done. It requires putting forth a case while you sustain the burden of proof. For this, you need a great local attorney by your side.

A Neighbor Harassment Attorney by Your Side

With a legal advocate by your side, you have a greater chance of fighting against neighbor harassment. Your attorney can state the harmful behavior your neighbor exhibited. Your legal representative can also emphasize the specifics of your harassment and the damages you incurred.

You must understand neighbor harassment laws as well. First, you must prove your neighbor had the intent to harass – meaning that her or his behavior was not “accidental.” This can be very difficult, and it is one of the main reasons why you need a legal advocate.

You also need to know what constitutes neighbor harassment. Having nosy neighbors or annoying neighbors does not create a solid foundation for a harassment case.

Harassment can broadly mean any offensive or derogatory behavior. This can also include “disturbing the peace” such as playing extremely loud music. If you can cite repeated incidences of your neighbor intentionally annoying or distressing you, this is considered grounds for harassment. Threats of violent behavior or actual violent behavior toward neighbors are also harassment. As there is a diverse range of incidents, it is best to have an attorney by your side to help you prove your harassment and fight for your case.

What You Need to Know

Here is what you need to know about what happens if you win your neighbor harassment case:

The Remedy of Injunctive Relief

• If your neighbor is found guilty of harassment, he or she may receive a restraining order or court injunction.
• If your neighbor breaks the rules of the restraining order or court-ordered injunction, he or she may receive a felony charge.

Further Charges

If you accuse your neighbor of harassment, it opens the door to several charges:

• One can receive a disorderly person offense, such as an infraction
• Your neighbor can also receive charges of a serious case of assault/battery if applicable
• At the lowest level, neighbor harassment is considered a misdemeanor
• If your neighbor shows or commits a violent action, that person may receive felony charges

If your neighbor shows strong intent of violence, that could result in felony charges. Some states automatically classify a threat as a felon. Reputable attorneys know your jurisdiction’s laws and can put forth the best case for your neighbor to receive charges to the fullest extent of the law.

What Constitutes a Defense

So, what constitutes a defense? How do we make sure we can defend ourselves? Learn what you must understand when defending yourself with an attorney’s aid:

• Playing loud music a few times may be “disturbing the peace,” and the neighbor may receive a disorderly person offense charge. The possibility of a further charge is slim.
• While free speech protects offensive statements, direct threats do not receive that same protection. Your attorney can help with this.
• If your neighbor bothering you goes beyond a mild or annoying argument and ends up a threat or infringes on your liberty, you can fight against this harassment.

Common Types of Neighbor Harassment

• Animal: If your neighbor has an animal that attacks you or disturbs the peace (dog barking, etc.), or if your neighbor does not clean fecal matter, or if she or he does not restrain the animal when needed, you may consider this harassment.
• Boundary: If your neighbor does not respect your private property and continues to encroach upon your property, this can become harassment.
• Bullying: Either if your neighbor bullies you or if your neighbor’s children bullies yours, this can constitute harassment.
• Nuisance: This can be your neighbor throwing garbage in your receptacle, or your neighbor’s car regularly blocking other cars.
• Noise: In addition to loud music, loud arguments, conversations above the acceptable level, especially at late hours, can become harassment.

Make sure you explain the situation in detail to your attorney so she or he has all the information necessary to prepare a proper defense.

What You Can Do 

If you have not yet resolved a conflict with your neighbor and the harassment continues, discuss what you can do with your attorney. You can consider a restraining order, suing your neighbor or pressing a more serious charge if necessary. If the police step in, ask your attorney about pressing a serious charge.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer

You want your home and neighborhood to be a place of refuge where you can live a peaceful life with your family. Should you or your household ever find yourselves under threat, an attorney can be by your side in the battle for justice.

We do not want to suffer from further neighbor harassment. If you have been the victim of neighbor harassment, reach out to an experienced and trustworthy attorney in your area to fight against this injustice. Gather the details of your case, no matter how minor, and present them to your attorney.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!