Harassment?

[americantravest]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Missouri

I have been having problems with some older man across the street from where we live. He has called the cops on us twice already. Once for parking on the street that is in front of his housing. We talked to the police and they said there was nothing illegal being done. We agreed not to walk through there lawns and have respected their privacy as much as possible. Recently, about a week or two later since the first incident he has called the police on us again with a list of complaints including where we park, our band practices (which take place in the middle of the afternoon on weekends) and telling the cops that we have people running in and out of our house with backpack, which he believes is full of drugs and stolen good. My roommates and I have started to think that he has been telling his tenants to call and complain about us. Every instance he has just started yelling and threating to get us get kicked out of our place. We aren't sure what to do. Could this be a possible slander case or harrasment. What actions should I take.

[quincy]

Complaints made to the police are not considered false, so they cannot be the basis of a defamation action. However, if the neighbor continues to call the police on you for various perceived violations of various laws, you could look into an harassment complaint.

In Missouri, under Mo Rev Stat 565.090, harassment is a Class A misdemeanor. An harassment complaint would be warranted if the neighbor's conduct is repeated, and the conduct has no legitimate purpose other than to frighten, intimidate or cause you emotional distress.

You may also consider a cease and desist letter sent from an attorney to your neighbor, warning the neighbor that you will file an harassment complaint against him if he does not cease his current behavior. The letter alone may be enough to restore calm to your neighborhood.

Good luck.