Reaching Out to Local Delaware County Police
If you feel you are being harassed by your neighbors, your very first move should be to contact your local police department to report the behavior. The authorities will review the facts to decide if criminal charges or other interventions are warranted. Always remember to thoroughly document the incidents by preserving text messages, videos, photographs, and the contact information of any potential witnesses.
Exploring Private Criminal Complaints
If local law enforcement decides not to press charges, Pennsylvania law provides an alternative by allowing you to file a private criminal complaint through your local Magisterial District Court. This empowers a private citizen to formally request that criminal charges be considered when the police have chosen not to file them. To do this, you will need to clearly outline the specific conduct at issue and cite the relevant criminal statute you believe was violated. Your complaint will then undergo a formal legal review process before any actual charges can move forward.
How Neighbor Feuds Become Criminal Harassment Cases
Many conflicts between neighbors escalate to the point of harassment, which may be charged as either a summary offense or a misdemeanor depending on the specific circumstances, the nature of the actions, and whether there is a recurring pattern of behavior. Should the case proceed, the court will evaluate the evidence provided by both parties to determine if the Commonwealth has proven the alleged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Throughout the proceedings, both sides get the chance to present their witnesses, testimony, and evidence.
Taking Action If the Harassment Persists After a Conviction
Sometimes, a guilty verdict is not enough to stop the harassing behavior. If the conduct continues, you may have further legal remedies available, such as enforcing existing court orders, reporting the new incidents to the police, or filing new criminal charges if the ongoing actions meet state requirements. Because every situation is entirely unique, the best course of action will depend heavily on the specific facts of your dispute.
Seek Guidance from a Delaware County Attorney
When the police are unable or unwilling to pursue charges on your behalf, discussing a private criminal complaint with a legal professional is highly recommended. Attorney William Burrows of SKA Law Group can review the specific circumstances of your situation, explain the legal remedies at your disposal, and help you determine the most appropriate path forward.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.