Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Georgia

Is it a crime, and if so, what crime for - an individual to represent themselves as something or someone of 'authority' whom they are not? For example; a person claims or says they are the 'president' of some entity, or association while in fact they are not. Please see more detail below.

They have gained no monetary reward; but are using this title to gain influence with others who have genuine legal status or title.

A neighbor represented herself as "President of the Homeowners Association" in a community that has only an informal association (no dues, no officials, etc.) to the county land department Director requesting their assistance. It involved mowing an area considered on the county "right of way" that our wildflower meadow sits.

We normally mow it over during the fall to allow it to re-grow the subsequent spring. This person believed it was too tall and in violation with the right of way, and also because there were signs (originally posted by the county) stating not to mow as it was a "wildflower area". The signs are not approved in our informal HOA guidelines. The county removed the signs and asked us to mow at least the right of way or they would take action.

My question was why did she not come to me directly?

And, also back to my original question is it illegal, criminal, whatever, to hold oneself out as a person with authority as in this situation. Is it not False Pretense? Is it False representation? Only influence was gained, not money or compensation financially.

Thank you


Asked on 8/01/12, 12:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

"My question was why did she not come to me directly?" Exactly how do you think we would know that? Ask her. You are asking over and over because you want some kind of ammunition to fight your neighbor over some dispute we know nothing about. You don't state a legal issue. Either resolve your issue with your neighbor, whatever that may be, or escalate as you wish.

Read more
Answered on 8/01/12, 1:16 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in Georgia