Sometimes, even the best of friendships can result in harassment charges. Since a harassment charge can be criminal, it may represent serious consequences. There are various outcomes to harassment charges, ranging from fines to jail time, to restraining orders. In the case of two Bergen County neighbors, their dispute resulted in a conviction for one of the participants.
State v. Skott is an unpublished New Jersey Appellate Court opinion regarding a case involving two neighbors in Wycoff. Although they were reportedly friends prior to their dispute, their relationship went to the garbage. Yes, we did mean that quite literally. The argument started when both parties placed their household garbage out for pick-up. The defendant discovered a bag of dog feces next to her driveway. She presumed that it fell from her neighbor’s pail and tossed it over the other party’s driveway.
A few days later, the same bag of feces appeared back on the defendant’s driveway. The defendant felt that her neighbor was responsible for returning the feces to her property. She promptly flung the bag back to the other party’s trashcans. This action was viewed by the neighbor and the two became involved in a loud verbal altercation. The defendant used a litany of profanity to respond to her neighbor. It became nasty enough that the neighbor called the police and filed a complaint against the defendant. The charges included improper disposal of pet waste, as well as the harassment allegation. Ultimately, the municipal court judge found enough evidence to convict the defendant of a disorderly persons and harassment charge. She was ordered to pay a $500 fine, $33 in court costs, and a $6 surcharge. The Appellate Division affirmed this decision.
Community Dispute Mediation
Some municipalities have a community dispute mediation process in place for harassment charges. This involves sitting with a neutral third party to review the case. Both parties have an opportunity to present their issues. The mediator has no power as far as sentencing or ordering fines or court costs. Any agreement between the parties is voluntary and not enforceable in court.
Why You Need an Attorney
If you are faced with harassment charges, you may be subject to fines, court costs and other remedies as ordered by the judge. Our office has decades of experience in defending harassment claims. Call us to see how we can assist you in this type of matter.
