Solve Your Own Legal Problems
Aug. 14, 2002 -- What can you do if your neighbor's dog continues to do his business on your lawn, after you've complained to your neighbor? NFL player turned best-selling author and lawyer Tim Green says you can turn to the law for help.
Green, a former professional football player, is now a member of the New York State Bar and a practicing attorney. He says everyday people should be aware of their legal rights because it makes a big difference when they're trying to get control of a bad situation. Whether it's a dispute with the dry cleaner, an auto mechanic or a neighbor, everyday people can seek a legal solution on their own when they know how to get started.
Green took everyday legal questions from people on the street. Check out their questions and his answers below.
Q: Every morning my neighbor comes out and his dog does his business on my front lawn. How can I stop that? — Nicole
A: If you've already asked him to stop and he won't, go to your town, county, or city government offices. Every town has a litter ordinance and that's a tool you can use to get the neighbor to stop. When it comes to bringing evidence bring a picture, if you have one, of the dog in action. I wouldn't bring the actual evidence itself. Then find the code enforcement officer and give your sworn statement to them. It's the officer's job to take that statement and file a complaint with the justice of the peace who will then issue a summons to your neighbor. The police will deliver the summons and your neighbor will have to explain himself to the judge and face possible fines.
— Green
Q: I started date somebody from my office who turned out to be a total jerk.The day we broke up, he started spreading lies about me and Ireceived less responsibility from my supervisor. No one will go to lunch with me and I am nervous I will lose my job. I want to know what I can do about it?
—Hillary
A: This is serious. This is slander — that's spoken defamation of character. Libel is written defamation of character. First, you have to make sure that it's not true. Truth is an absolute defense. If the co-worker is saying something that's just incredibly embarrassing but it's true, you don't have an action. If it is a lie, I want you to become your own lawyer now. You should write a letter — a kind of cease and desist order — telling him he is committing slander.Send it certified mail and send a copy to your boss, his boss and the human resource department. Most of the time this will make it stop. If it doesn't, you may have to go to court, which will be expensive.
— Green
A former professional football player, Tim Green is now a member of the New York State Bar and a practicing attorney. He is the author of five previous thrillers, as well as the nonfiction New York Times best seller, The Dark Side of the Game.
Green played eight seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, currently serves as a commentator for Fox Sports and is a practicing lawyer with the firm Hiscock & Barclay in Syracuse, N.Y. Tim Green lives with his wife and four children in upstate New York.