Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

Falsely accused

I observed a neighbor cutting down my trees near his border line. I asked him to stop, he has already cut down 12 of my trees, I called the State Police when he continued. I informed him I was filling a civil complaint against him. The Police arrived and said it was a civil matter.

About 20 minutes latter different police arrived stating that my neighbor called them stating that I had threatned him with a gun. I do own a gun but never used it. I displayed it to the police. After explaining the situation to them they left. I never threatned any one with a gun, What can I do about this person falsely accusing me of threating him because he wants to get back at me?


Asked on 5/06/00, 12:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Falsely accused

I understand how frustrating and upsetting a problem like this with a neighbor can be, but you must try to take a breath and ask yourself what is the other person trying to get from their actions, and what is important to you.

Your neighbor wants to upset you, so don't let him know his false reporting upset you. This can work wonders, as he will not get what he wanted, so he will be confused, possibly deciding not to try to provoke you in the future.

You can sue him for the trees you lost, the question is how much will it cost you financially, and what actual benefit will you derrive? Also, how much will it cost you in time and energy and grief??? If you do sue, ask for an injunction preventing the neighbor from cutting any trees or damaging anythig else on your property.

Do not be suprised if he asserts you gave him permission to cut the trees, or that you cut them down, as these are two possible defenses, even if they are not true.

Good luck.

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Answered on 6/21/00, 3:59 pm


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