Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey
Security Charging me With Harassment
For some time I've had a marijuana smell coming through the vents of my stripstore. I contacted the property manager as my district manager stated. He asked where it could be coming from and I told him of 4 area's including a security station. He did nothing of the problem but somehow the next day a wire got loosened on my compressor resulting in no air coming through my vents. A week later the property manager handed me a survey about the security. I answered honestly stating that security does not do their job for the most part and are often seen socializing with drug dealers and drunks that are supposed to be kicked out of the plaza for loitering. He also gave a couple of other selected stores the survey having security escort him in each store. The next day I was charged with harassment by 3 of the 4 security guards. They say that I called their employer and told him that that they do not do their job effectively because they smoke marijuana. I never called saying this. I called about the smell and it really seems as if they set this up because I did so. I thought about getting everyone's written opion of security in the plaza and handing it to the owner and filling counter claims. I dont know what to do at all.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Security Charging me With Harassment
Based upon the facts as you have given them, you can not be convicted for harassment, and I wouldn't worry about it too much. I don't know of any "counter-claim" that you would be able to make in the municipal court, and I would not bother doing so.
I would however name those security officers to the owner of the mall, and explain that if legitimate complaints about his security force result in criminal charges being filed against the store owners, no one will be honest with him about anything, because they will be terrotized by the security force. Perhaps he will do the right thing.
Re: Security Charging me With Harassment
If you are saying that the three security persons charged you with the crime of harassment you have an interesting situation. I don't see how what they are claiming you did would support a criminal charge.
Call me if you like.
Gary Moore, Esquire
Hackensack, New Jersey
www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com
Re: Security Charging me With Harassment
It is unlikely that the security guards can pursue a criminal chrage for harassment. If you are concerned about the smell of burning marijuana entering your store (and potentially contaminating your clothing), you could always contact the police. I STRONGLY suggest that you retain an attorney before you go any further.
Related Questions & Answers
-
Masnslaugther I am woking on a case that invloves manslaugther with 4 tennagers in... Asked 5/09/07, 10:42 am in United States New Jersey Criminal Law
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
