Recent Feedback
Neighbor decided to cut our bushes on our fence that we were growing for privacy and noise control on a busy road without asking for our permission. Cut not only on the other side of the fence, but on our property inside the fence because as they said it looked like shi* and was full of weeds. Had raspberry plants there and they are gone, lilacs are gone, you should see it. Threatened that if I don't cut the rest of the trees by the end of the week that they'll take them down too. It's my property and they are dictating. Encroachment. I want to prosecute them for doing what they did. This is the last time and the last straw. They don't own me or dictate to me. I am the owner of my property and they're cutting bushes that actually are on my side, because the fence is 12 inches inside the property line. I want to sue now! You should see it, it is a crime.
Optional Information: State/Country of Question: Illinois Already Tried: Calling to tell them that they crossed the line.
DearCustomer- Yes it is a crime and it is called trespassing. You can file a complaint with the police department for trespassing and criminal damaging of your property. You can also file a civil suit for the monetary damages to your property. Whatever they trim that hangs over their property is legal but beyond that they are trespassing on your property and causing damage thereto.
I would not stand for this and I would take the appropriate action. You can file your civil suit in Small Claims court where you will not need an attorney. The complaint with the police will cost nothing.
Dave Kennett
The police in our area are extremely loyal to older residents. I'm not sure if this approach would work. Is there an attorney that would take this on by taking photographs of the damages and then representing us? Would our homeowners insurance cover this type of damage?
You might try the homeowners insurance to see if there is coverage for vandalism. If so they may reimburse you and then subrogate against the neighbor. As far as the police, all you can do is file a complaint and see what happens. They are supposed to protect you as well as everyone else.
We cannot recommend attorneys from this web site but you can contact your local Bar Association for a referral. I suggested small claims court so you could avoid the expense of a lawyer.
Dave
Experience: 25 years experience in general law, including real estate, criminal, traffic, and domestic relations