GuyWithQuestions
Member
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2006
- Messages
- 451
I know in the state I live in, the state statute says that you can't use deadly force to protect property, but you can use non-deadly force if you reasonably believe that it's necessary to protect property.
I'm curious because this one guy asked me if I thought my neighbor would mind if he trimmed some of his bushes. The bushes are overhanging the sidewalk a little (about 1/4 of the way over, but still very passable). The neighbor happens to be a relative of mine. I told the guy that he should ask the neighbor (my relative) before doing anything. I told him that it's one thing if bushes or a tree are overhanging onto someone else's yard, but when it's on the neighbor's property, that's different. The guy said, "You're legally supposed to maintain your property and since it's covering a little bit of the sidewalk, I can cut it." I told him that he has to ask first.
This morning I walked outside, and guess what I saw? Bushes along the side of the sidewalk that were cut, flat on the side that they were cut, and an ugly job. That made me upset. I also know the guy didn't get permission because my relative has not been around in the last day.
So I was wondering (if I ever happen to be in the situation) what type of non-deadly legal force can you use to protect your own yard/property from being damaged if you were to walk outside, see someone modifying your yard, you ask them to stop, and they don't? If they're just on your property not causing any harm, it would probably be best to call the police and tell them you have a trespasser that won't leave. However, if they're causing damage, what can you do to stop it, legally?
I'm curious because this one guy asked me if I thought my neighbor would mind if he trimmed some of his bushes. The bushes are overhanging the sidewalk a little (about 1/4 of the way over, but still very passable). The neighbor happens to be a relative of mine. I told the guy that he should ask the neighbor (my relative) before doing anything. I told him that it's one thing if bushes or a tree are overhanging onto someone else's yard, but when it's on the neighbor's property, that's different. The guy said, "You're legally supposed to maintain your property and since it's covering a little bit of the sidewalk, I can cut it." I told him that he has to ask first.
This morning I walked outside, and guess what I saw? Bushes along the side of the sidewalk that were cut, flat on the side that they were cut, and an ugly job. That made me upset. I also know the guy didn't get permission because my relative has not been around in the last day.
So I was wondering (if I ever happen to be in the situation) what type of non-deadly legal force can you use to protect your own yard/property from being damaged if you were to walk outside, see someone modifying your yard, you ask them to stop, and they don't? If they're just on your property not causing any harm, it would probably be best to call the police and tell them you have a trespasser that won't leave. However, if they're causing damage, what can you do to stop it, legally?