Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts

Theft laws

We need help. A family that lives across the street from us has repeatedly threatened our lives. We now have a security camera on every day. We recently installed a post as a beginning to a fence. This neighbor went in the middle of the night with a flashlight, ripped out our post and walked away with it. This is all on our security tape. The police have SEEN it and will not do anything. How can he get away with this? And today this same person ran over my husband's foot while he was putting our trash out. The police saw this tape as well and did not respond. As soon as the police left, this person threatened my husband some more. My husband has kept his cool and not said anything back to this psychopath. What do we do? How serious does it have to be before the police do something?


Asked on 5/01/00, 6:36 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
J. Whitfield Larrabee J. Whitfield Larrabee

Re: Theft laws

You can go directly to the district court

in your jurisdiction and request an application

for a criminal complaint.

You could then apply to the clerk magistrate for

a complaint for malicious destruction of property,

threats and assault and battery dangerous weapon.

You could also institute a civil case for money damages

and a restraining order or injunction.

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Answered on 6/15/00, 1:16 pm
Barbara C. Johnson Law Office of Barbara C. Johnson

Re: Theft laws

And if necessary, go to the mayor or selectman -- depending on what kind of local government you have -- or to the

local newspaper and complain about the lack of

police protection. Don't complain about the

police privately. They could retaliate.

You want to make your complaint public so that they cannot retaliate without the public being aware.

Something is very strange here. Are you telling us the whole story?

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Answered on 7/04/00, 2:42 am


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