Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

Disruptive Neighbor/Safety Issue

Nextdoor neighbor is creating disturbance that is against county law. Don't want them fined, just want the behavior to stop since it's a nuisance & dangerous to my children. Last year I called authorities because neighbor refused to stop. Authorities instructed neighbor on how to avoid causing this disturbance. Neighbor complied w/ authorities' suggestions for 1 year, but they also had attorney send a letter threatening legal action if I ever ''harass'' them by calling authorities again. (They didn't mention the actual behavior in letter, just said they ''did nothing wrong''). This month they resumed the disruptive behavior, and it was so bad that it was noticed by neighbors 3 & 4 houses away. When my nextdoor neighbors are reminded of the law, they seem to comply, so I want to ask the HOA to send them a letter stating that the problem has returned and it has been noticed by several residents (without naming names). Can I still be accused of trying to harass them if my name isn't mentioned in the letter? I know it's unlikely that a court would find me guilty of harassment when the disturbance is against the law, and I have witnesses to this disturbance. Still, I don't want the stress of defending myself in court.


Asked on 8/27/08, 11:32 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Disruptive Neighbor/Safety Issue

Don't be intimidated by the attorney's threat. I highly doubt that you would be sued. However, since you are part of a HOA, it's appropriate to bring the matter before the Board or at a membership meeting, especially if the conduct is a specific violation of the bylaws. If the HOA takes up the matter, it carries a lot more weight.

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Answered on 8/27/08, 11:56 am


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