Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Florida

Re: peeping toms

What the person did was absolutely illegal, both from a criminal and civil standpoint. It is a violation of your privacy as well as the law.

First, you should tell your parents. It may be embarrassing, but you of course did nothing wrong. It is their duty to help you and protect you, and I guarantee you they would want to know.

Second, make sure to keep the blinds shut tight whenever you are changing or doing anything else that requires privacy.

Third, together with your parents, you need to decide what to do. This should probably be reported to the police and the boy's parents. It will undoubtedly create all sorts of hassles and hard feelings, but you may actually be helping him. If he has a serious problem (rather than just doing a stupid teenage thing), then he might get help now and you could be saving him from much more serious trouble in the future.

If your parents speak with his parents, they should consider approaching it as a way to help, not to blame. Simply explain what your brother saw and that the matter needs to be dealt with so that it does not happen again and the 17 year old gets help if he needs it.

As for the police, if you do report it, it would be so that there is a record of the conduct should it occur again and you need to take further action such as getting a restraining order against the boy. Hopefully it will not come to that. You could press charges, but it might be best if the police could simply talk to the boy and his parents and let them know it is a serious matter. You and your parents should at least talk to the police and ask their advice on how to handle such matters.

As for civil action, I doubt that you are thinking of suing and do not think you should sue. Your damages are minor as lawsuits go(fortunately - just a small invasion of privacy at this point), although it is definitely a violation of your privacy and you have every right to be mad and upset. But it is not worth the time and money involved in a lawsuit.

Even if you and your parents decide to do nothing, be careful and vigilant. If anything else odd happens, tell your parents right away and report it to the police immediately.

Good luck.

Jeff Sheldon

Jeffrey L. Sheldon, Esquire

The Sheldon Law Firm

17804 St. Lucia Isle Drive

Tampa, FL 33647

813.986.7580

(f) 813.986.7489

(Admitted in Fl., MD, D.C., and Pa.)

[email protected]

http://www.SheldonLawFirm.com

Disclaimer: This posting does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It is not confidential, nor is it privileged, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult with an attorney for advice specific to the facts of your case.