Legal Question in Criminal Law in Oregon

Gun-wielding neighbor

My question is this.what rights do we and the rest of our neighbors have in dealing with a man who purchased a home in the middle of our block who has three times in two months recklessly discharged a weapon outside without any thought of all the kids in the area.We have been told he has an extensive arsenal and usually has these shooting rages after he has become drunk. Two have occurred in the dead of night ,the last at 6am.We are a rural community and are now living in fear that one of the kids will become a target intentionaly or not.He has been released after posting bail but our nerves are pretty strung out after this last episode.We don't feel like we are getting any protection and need to know what steps and in which direction we should go. Thank you.-


Asked on 6/26/00, 9:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Henderson Michael Henderson, P.C.

Re: Gun-wielding neighbor

Assuming that the man has been arrested for discharging the weapon I suggest that all neighbors band together to visit the prosecutor to express your concerns. You all should also attend all the court appearances as the man is processed through the court system. If given a chance to speak, do so, explaining in detail the danagers as you see them. If none of the foregoing succeeds to afford the neighborhood the desired protection, then you can consider a civil action to restrain him from continuing the shooting. A civil action would be costly and you would have to be prepared to continue to return to court if he violates court order. You might also obtain a judgment. If you have a judgment you might be able to levy against his house and force him to leave because his house was sold to pay the levy. Good luck!

Read more
Answered on 10/17/00, 11:29 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Oregon