Is there a harassment problem in New Jersey? You’ve got options. The courts here take it seriously when someone’s giving you grief – whether it’s endless phone calls, threats, or other nonsense meant to make your life miserable.
Here’s the deal:
The law (specifically N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4) says harassment isn’t just about someone being annoying – it’s about behavior that crosses a line. Think stalking, threats, or that neighbor who just won’t leave you alone.
You can tackle this in two ways:
Call the cops. If someone’s harassing you, law enforcement might step in and press charges. The harasser could end up paying fines or even spending time behind bars.
Sue them yourself. If this person’s actions have messed with your life – maybe you had to take time off work or see a therapist – you can take them to civil court. But heads up: you’ll need solid proof that they meant to cause trouble and that their actions hurt you.
A quick note about restraining orders: If things feel dangerous, you can ask the court to keep this person away from you. While these usually come up in domestic cases, they work for other situations too.
Word to the wise: Get a lawyer. These cases get messy fast, and you’ll want someone who knows the system backing you up.
Bottom line: Yes, you can sue for harassment in New Jersey. But like anything legal, there’s a right way to do it.
