Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

I am being harassed by an upstair neighbor. This has been going on for over a year. First I tried to talk to him and he was rude towards me and displayed anger. Afterwards, I have contacted the owner's office via phone and numerous emails. We had a mediation with the owner which did not go well. Despite my phone calls to the office and the police (as per advisement from the owner's office) and numerous emails, the owner blatantly stated that he believed the neighbor's lies. I believe the owner was being totally biased because the neighbors are Indian like him. A verbal agreement was made in which the neighbor would stop his offenses. For a little while things were peaceful until he got into a fight with his wife. She ran down to my apartment crying, stating he beats her and that she feared for her life. She said that he lies and manipulated people and that he threatened to dishonor her family. She contacted her family who encouraged her to call the police. I did not persuade her to do it. I allowed her to make the decision on her own. As a result, she called the police and wrote a report. She told the police that he prevented her from making a phone call and that is why when the opportunity came, she ran to my apartment. Anyway, she left him and the problem returned. I endured it for months until I couldn't take it anymore and contacted the Super and asked him to accompany me when I confronted the guy. I wanted the Super to serve as a mediator, plus I did not trust this guy because of his violent history against women. The Super rang his door bell and he opened the door. When he saw me, he became angry and almost aggressive. I tried to talk to him calmly and tell him I was just there to let him know what we were experiencing and that perhaps he was not aware. He became so angry and began to yell and told the Super that I ruined his life and made his wife call the police on him. The Super seemed uncomfortable with this guy's behavior and motioned me to leave. We stepped into the stair well and he told me next time call the cops on him and tell them everything about the mediation, the offense, and the situation. What should I do at this point? I am in fear of my life because if this guy truly believe that I ruined his life when it was clear that he is abusive and manipulative, what will he try to do to me?


Asked on 10/30/12, 5:09 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Arkady Bukh Bukh Law Firm, P.C.

If you want to remain there and the owner is going to do nothing further about the situation, you should do as the Super recommends and call the police when the situation arises. They will take action if they believe that this neighbor has acted criminally. You could contact an attorney to look into any possible lawsuit you might have against this man or the owner of the property. It does seem, just from your facts, that the owner has been working with you. You need to remember that whatever he is doing, if it is not against the law, the police will not become involved, however, they may certainly knock on his door if you have some suspicion of illegality.

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Answered on 10/31/12, 1:56 pm


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