Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
Illegal autorepair business in suburbs
A neighbor of mine down the street runs an illegal auto repair shop out of his own garage in his house. My quetsion is: Is it illegal to photograph him working on his clients cars and submit the photos to the police?
I've done it once before and got him burned for it, but now he's coming up and says that he'll take ''legal'' action against me next time.
Is he bluffing or could he be for real?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Illegal autorepair business in suburbs
Well, he can take legal action, but his lawyer would probably caution him that he's likely to lose. I haven't researched the issue of taking surveillance-type photos of other people's property and operations recently, but I did so once about six-seven years ago, and am left with the impression that it's legal so long as you don't trespass, don't provoke a civil disturbance (breach of the peace), and don't use the photos for an improper purpose (extortion, pornography, commercial exploitation, etc.).
Re: Illegal autorepair business in suburbs
It is not a violation of any law to report a crime...He is blowing smoke.
Re: Illegal autorepair business in suburbs
Yes. But, you can't trespass to do so. You can, and perhaps should, sue him under the nuisance laws and get a court order prohibiting the conduct. Then if it persists he'll be in contempt of court.
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