Best way to deal with vandalism

Yes, the second trespass was recorded on the camera. It was passed onto the prosecutor. That could be why they didn’t get a plea deal and the case went to trial.

Not sure about a private security firm. I don’t know any one using it.

@sushiritto The fixtures are recessed and shielded. The offense is from bouncing off the ground. Not sure what else I can do other than turning it off except I need it.

:man_facepalming:

Got it. Geez. OK, forgive me for trying to help your neighbor, sounds like they’re crazy at 60+ years old, but have you tried a lower wattage lights?

I don’t know what you have under the lights, asphalt, concrete, etc., but how about possibly painting or re-finish, diffusing, etc. the bounce of the light off the ground? :man_shrugging:

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I doubt it will calm them down much unless it is so dimmed that it is almost off. That doesn’t do me much good.

Interestingly, there are 4-5 others who are more affected by my light than they are. They are the only ones making issues. The others may not like it but accepted it.

I am so sorry you have to deal with this.

I would definitely get the alarm, including motion detector sensors in the garage along with cameras. I am assuming you have considered motion detecting lights that might limit the amount of light coming from your house?

Upthread, I made a suggestion to get your own lawyer, if you haven’t done so already, and see what are the damages you can get civilly under your state/local laws. This is serious harassment, and given the previous plea, these neighbors are fools to persist.

A strong letter from a good lawyer telling them you will pursue all possible civil damages against them, plus obtaining a restraining order, etc. might be enough. Folks get really timid when it comes to losing cash. You might have to go through with a civil lawsuit, so you need to make sure you’re willing to spend the cash and the time for this.

But it may be worth it. It may cost you a bit now, but it could be the peace of mind that you need to settle it once and for all.

I think this is a criminal case. They were charged and sentenced. They have to pay the court a penalty and a restitution to me. They are disregarding the judgements. My lawyer thinks I should sit back and let the court take an action. He seems sure it will come. Disregarding the judgement is probably more serious than their initial offense.

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It would be here. Defying a court order is serious business.

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Cool. If you’ve already discussed this with your lawyer, that’s the most important thing. It can be both criminal and civil but be guided by your lawyer and your wisdom.

I really do wish you/your family the best. This too shall pass.

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What does Call to Show Cause mean? The prosecutors office let me know that is the next step they are taking. My neighbor is scheduled for a court appearance for Call to Show Cause.

Generally, to ask judge for immediate relief. Your neighbor is called to court to explain why he hasn’t followed the court’s orders. According to

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Thank you. What happens next? Do they face any consequences? I don’t see what justifiable cause there is for not writing an apology letter. They were supposed to write an apology letter and pay a portion of the resitition every month for nine months until all is paid. They paid the total sum following the order to show cause. Does it matter they paid the total sum rather than following the schedule?

It will be for the judge to decide.
Not following the order to apologize could be viewed as contempt of court.

Also, has the neighbor trespassed in the meantime, or bothered you otherwise? If so, let your lawyer know.

“Does it matter they paid the total sum rather than following the schedule?” It could, the judge will ask. There could be extenuating circumstances.

I wouldn’t get my knickers in a twist about an apology letter.

If they paid the total at once rather than following the schedule, why does it matter? It was set up as a payment plan to allow them flexibility.

Sounds like you want them to admit they are wrong. They will never do that. You won in court and they lost. That is the best of all worlds.

Do you have cameras now? I would be more concerned if they trespass again.

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If it was a normal apology then it wouldn’t matter. But in this the order to write an apology has the force of law. It matters as much as the judge who issued the order thinks it matters that people follow his orders.

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I get that the written apology was legally required.

But is that really worth going back to court over?

If things are calm now, I wouldn’t poke the bear again.

It is the prosecutor’s office ( not a private lawyer) who requested the Call to Show Cause. My take is,the question is a matter of law enforcement, and respect for the court.

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I get what you’re saying. But OP isn’t the one bringing the case before the judge - that’s the prosecutor’s job. I guess the OP could ask the prosecutor not to bother, but I fall on the side of letting the system play out.

At this juncture it’s not really the OP that the defendants risk ticking off, it’s the judge. I say if they want to make that bed, let them lie in it.

I agree, it’s up to the judge & prosecutor at this point and the OP is merely an observer of what happens.

As I understand it the “crime” in this case is against the court, not me. If there was no pressing reason not to comply, what is likely to happen at the hearing?