Q: How can I pursue legal action for stalking and harassment in NY?

A: I am sorry to hear about what you have been going through. Stalking and harassment can have a serious impact on your daily life and overall well-being, especially when you are also managing a disability. New York law provides both criminal and civil avenues for individuals who are being harassed or stalked, and there are several steps you can take to address the situation.

To pursue criminal charges, you should continue to document every incident as thoroughly as possible. This includes saving all videos, photos, witness statements, and any other records of contact or harassment. Since you mentioned that you have already contacted the 103rd Precinct, you may want to request a follow-up meeting with a supervising officer or speak with the precinct’s community affairs unit. If you believe your complaints have not been taken seriously, consider contacting the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau or the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board to report any inaction or mishandling.

You may also seek an order of protection from the Queens Criminal or Family Court. You do not need to have a familial or intimate relationship with the individual to obtain one in criminal court. An order of protection can direct your neighbors to stay away from you, your home, and your place of work, and prohibit any further contact or harassment.

As for a civil lawsuit, you may be able to bring claims for personal injury, intentional infliction of emotional distress, trespass, or harassment, especially if you can show that the conduct was continuous and caused actual harm. However, a demand for a multi-billion-dollar settlement is not likely to be viewed as realistic by the court unless you can establish damages of that magnitude, which is uncommon in personal injury and harassment cases. Instead, the focus should be on quantifiable harm such as medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and emotional distress. Punitive damages may also be available if the conduct was especially malicious or reckless.

To pursue both the criminal and civil aspects of your case, it is recommended that you speak with an experienced New York criminal defense attorney for help initiating a complaint, and a personal injury or civil litigation attorney for evaluating and pursuing a lawsuit.

This response is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in New York.