Illegal Eviction Legal Steps
Summary
In Adams County, Colorado, if you face illegal eviction, harassment, or property damage, you can file separate lawsuits against the landlord and neighbor. For illegal eviction, consider lost property value, moving costs, and emotional distress. For harassment and invasion of privacy, assess emotional impact and therapy costs. Small Claims Court handles claims up to $7,500, while County/District Court is for higher amounts. Finding a lawyer on a contingency basis is advisable, but self-representation is possible with the help of self-help centers and legal aid organizations.Full Conversation
It's been over a year now since I was illegally evicted from a residence. I have documentation of lockouts, she was issued a summons for harassment, she had turned off our air conditioning, hot water and she took all the phones out of the house so therefore I didn't have any access to call *. Is she threw away personal property, she kept personal property after being told by the sheriff that she couldn't keep the refrigerator but she did, I have police reports and I have body cam to back me up on this. I'm just not sure how to go about doing this. She also had her neighbor follow us around taking pictures of my family while she had us on a restraining order and she used that documentation in court which was irrelevant. I would like to sue for harassment, illegal eviction, defamation of character, slander, pain and suffering, illegal lockouts, for a dog that she had put away in a dog pound, for a cat that was taken because of the eviction, for storage units that were lost because of the eviction, theft because of the personal property that I had lost because of the eviction and she kept or give away to her friends or through the trash I've got pictures of the ones she threw in the trash. For my husband not being able to work because we couldn't get the tools that he needed from the garage during the restraining orders and the eviction. Now this all started when she had hit my husband slapped him in the face with the shoe several times with open and close fist as well. So I don't know if we can actually get her on assault because she told the police that she had hit him but the police said that they didn't care about that. And I do have that on body Cam that exact quote. And what about us being able to sue Adams county for not giving my husband the protection that he needed before this escalated because she hit him several times with the shoe closed and open fist and they didn't care about that. I'm sure there's more of that but I'm just not thinking of it right now because this was just kind of an impulse kind of thing I'm doing I never used AI chat before so I don't know really what I'm doing so please forgive me if I'm not doing it right
****, you have a strong case based on the documentation and evidence you mentioned. You may want to consider the following legal actions:
- Illegal Eviction: Landlords must follow legal procedures for eviction.
- Harassment: You can file for damages due to harassment.
- Assault: You can pursue assault charges based on the body cam evidence.
- Property Damage/Theft: Sue for the loss and damage of personal property.
- Negligence: Consider suing the county for failing to provide protection.
To proceed, you should consult a lawyer specializing in landlord-tenant disputes and personal injury. They can help you file the appropriate lawsuits and claims.
Would you like more detailed information on any specific legal action?
- Illegal Eviction: Landlords must follow legal procedures for eviction.
- Harassment: You can file for damages due to harassment.
- Assault: You can pursue assault charges based on the body cam evidence.
- Property Damage/Theft: Sue for the loss and damage of personal property.
- Negligence: Consider suing the county for failing to provide protection.
To proceed, you should consult a lawyer specializing in landlord-tenant disputes and personal injury. They can help you file the appropriate lawsuits and claims.
Would you like more detailed information on any specific legal action?
What is a jurisdictional limit in Adams county Colorado that I can sue for if I choose to go on this on my own
In Adams County, Colorado, the jurisdictional limit for small claims court is $*,*. For claims exceeding this amount, you would need to file in County or District Court, depending on the total amount you seek.
Would you need further details on how to file your case?
Would you need further details on how to file your case?
I would love more details on how to file my case I don't know what to do first or what to do last also I wanted to see if I could sue her neighbor for following us around taking pictures of my family and I and it did a lot of mental English to me because now I'm afraid to even go outside and don't talk to people I don't trust anybody I just it's a weird feeling to have but can I sue the neighbor for being for doing that
To file your case in Adams County, Colorado, follow these steps:
*. Document Everything: Collect all evidence, including photos, videos, police reports, and body cam footage.
*. Choose the Right Court: Small Claims Court for claims up to $*,*; County/District Court for higher amounts.
*. File a Complaint: Draft and file a complaint detailing your grievances.
*. Serve the Defendant: Ensure the defendant is served with the complaint.
*. Prepare for Court: Gather witnesses and organize your evidence.
Regarding suing the neighbor for harassment:
- Colorado law allows you to sue for harassment if their actions caused significant distress.
Would you like more information on drafting the complaint or serving the defendant?
*. Document Everything: Collect all evidence, including photos, videos, police reports, and body cam footage.
*. Choose the Right Court: Small Claims Court for claims up to $*,*; County/District Court for higher amounts.
*. File a Complaint: Draft and file a complaint detailing your grievances.
*. Serve the Defendant: Ensure the defendant is served with the complaint.
*. Prepare for Court: Gather witnesses and organize your evidence.
Regarding suing the neighbor for harassment:
- Colorado law allows you to sue for harassment if their actions caused significant distress.
Would you like more information on drafting the complaint or serving the defendant?
Absolutely please and the neighbor taking the pictures, What charges would I be able or what can I see with that person for maybe stocking harassment invading my privacy emotional distress I don't know you let me know thank you
You may consider the following charges for the neighbor taking pictures:
- Harassment: If the neighbor's actions were intended to cause distress.
- Invasion of Privacy: Unlawful surveillance can be grounds for this charge.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Proving severe emotional distress caused by their actions.
Would you need more information on how to file these charges?
- Harassment: If the neighbor's actions were intended to cause distress.
- Invasion of Privacy: Unlawful surveillance can be grounds for this charge.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Proving severe emotional distress caused by their actions.
Would you need more information on how to file these charges?
If you could give me what I need to file these charges against both parties step by step on how to word them and help me word that maybe write it out for me that would be wonderful because I'm not very good at this like I told you I don't know what I'm doing
Sure, ****! Here's a basic outline for filing your complaints:
Complaint for Illegal Eviction and Harassment
*. Caption:
- Court Name
- Your Name (Plaintiff)
- Defendant's Name
- Case Number
*. Introduction:
- State your name and address.
- State the defendant's name and address.
*. Jurisdiction and Venue:
- Explain why the court has jurisdiction.
- Explain why the venue is appropriate.
*. Statement of Facts:
- Provide a chronological account of events.
- Include details of illegal eviction, harassment, property damage, etc.
*. Legal Claims:
- Count *: Illegal Eviction: Describe how the defendant violated eviction laws.
- Count *: Harassment: Detail instances of harassment.
- Count *: Property Damage/Theft: List the items damaged or stolen.
- Count *: Assault: Describe the assault incident with body cam evidence.
*. Damages:
- Specify the damages you are seeking (monetary, emotional distress, etc.).
*. Prayer forRelief:
- Request the relief you seek from the court (e.g., compensation, injunction).
*. Signature:
- Sign and date the complaint.
*. Caption:
- Court Name
- Your Name (Plaintiff)
- Defendant's Name
- Case Number
*. Introduction:
- State your name and address.
- State the defendant's name and address.
*. Jurisdiction and Venue:
- Explain why the court has jurisdiction.
- Explain why the venue is appropriate.
*. Statement of Facts:
- Provide a chronological account of events.
- Include details of illegal eviction, harassment, property damage, etc.
*. Legal Claims:
- Count *: Illegal Eviction: Describe how the defendant violated eviction laws.
- Count *: Harassment: Detail instances of harassment.
- Count *: Property Damage/Theft: List the items damaged or stolen.
- Count *: Assault: Describe the assault incident with body cam evidence.
*. Damages:
- Specify the damages you are seeking (monetary, emotional distress, etc.).
*. Prayer forRelief:
- Request the relief you seek from the court (e.g., compensation, injunction).
*. Signature:
- Sign and date the complaint.
Complaint for Neighbor's Harassment
*. Caption:
- Court Name
- Your Name (Plaintiff)
- Defendant's Name
- Case Number
*. Introduction:
- State your name and address.
- State the neighbor's name and address.
*. Jurisdiction and Venue:
- Explain why the court has jurisdiction.
- Explain why the venue is appropriate.
*. Statement of Facts:
- Provide a chronological account of events.
- Include details of the neighbor's actions.
*. Legal Claims:
- Count *: Harassment: Describe how the neighbor's actions caused distress.
- Count *: Invasion of Privacy: Explain how they unlawfully surveilled you.
- Count *: Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Detail the emotional impact.
*. Damages:
- Specify the damages you are seeking (monetary, emotional distress, etc).
*. Prayer for Relief
*. Caption:
- Court Name
- Your Name (Plaintiff)
- Defendant's Name
- Case Number
*. Introduction:
- State your name and address.
- State the neighbor's name and address.
*. Jurisdiction and Venue:
- Explain why the court has jurisdiction.
- Explain why the venue is appropriate.
*. Statement of Facts:
- Provide a chronological account of events.
- Include details of the neighbor's actions.
*. Legal Claims:
- Count *: Harassment: Describe how the neighbor's actions caused distress.
- Count *: Invasion of Privacy: Explain how they unlawfully surveilled you.
- Count *: Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Detail the emotional impact.
*. Damages:
- Specify the damages you are seeking (monetary, emotional distress, etc).
*. Prayer for Relief
Okay count one for harassment for the neighbor. How would I word that because I'm not good with my words that's my big problem in court can you write that out for me
Sure, ****! Here is a sample wording for Count *: Harassment against your neighbor:
---
---
Count *: Harassment
*. Plaintiff: **** ****, residing at [Your Address].
*. Defendant: [Neighbor's Name], residing at [Neighbor's Address].
*. Allegations:
- On several occasions, the defendant followed the plaintiff and her family, taking numerous photographs without their consent.
- The defendant's actions were intended to cause distress and fear.
- As a result of the defendant's actions, the plaintiff has suffered significant emotional distress, including fear of going outside and mistrust of others.
*. Relief Sought:
- Plaintiff seeks monetary damages for emotional distress and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
---
Would you need help with any other section of your complaint?
*. Plaintiff: **** ****, residing at [Your Address].
*. Defendant: [Neighbor's Name], residing at [Neighbor's Address].
*. Allegations:
- On several occasions, the defendant followed the plaintiff and her family, taking numerous photographs without their consent.
- The defendant's actions were intended to cause distress and fear.
- As a result of the defendant's actions, the plaintiff has suffered significant emotional distress, including fear of going outside and mistrust of others.
*. Relief Sought:
- Plaintiff seeks monetary damages for emotional distress and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
---
Would you need help with any other section of your complaint?
That's good thank you but what number two which would be invasion of privacy can you word that out for me please
Sure, ****! Here's a sample wording for Count *: Invasion of Privacy against your neighbor:
---
Count *: Invasion of Privacy
*. Plaintiff: **** ****, residing at [Your Address].
*. Defendant: [Neighbor's Name], residing at [Neighbor's Address].
*. Allegations:
- The defendant unlawfully surveilled the plaintiff and her family by taking numerous photographs without their knowledge or consent.
- The defendant's actions intruded upon the plaintiff's private life and activities.
- As a result, the plaintiff suffered significant emotional distress and a violation of her privacy.
*. Relief Sought:
- Plaintiff seeks monetary damages for invasion of privacy and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
---
Would you need help with any other sections of your complaint?
---
Count *: Invasion of Privacy
*. Plaintiff: **** ****, residing at [Your Address].
*. Defendant: [Neighbor's Name], residing at [Neighbor's Address].
*. Allegations:
- The defendant unlawfully surveilled the plaintiff and her family by taking numerous photographs without their knowledge or consent.
- The defendant's actions intruded upon the plaintiff's private life and activities.
- As a result, the plaintiff suffered significant emotional distress and a violation of her privacy.
*. Relief Sought:
- Plaintiff seeks monetary damages for invasion of privacy and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
---
Would you need help with any other sections of your complaint?
And how about number three did you word that out for me too
Sure, ****! Here's a sample wording for Count *: Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress against your neighbor:
---
Count *: Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
*. Plaintiff: **** ****, residing at [Your Address].
*. Defendant: [Neighbor's Name], residing at [Neighbor's Address].
*. Allegations:
- The defendant engaged in extreme and outrageous conduct by repeatedly following and photographing the plaintiff and her family.
- This conduct was intended to cause, or was performed with reckless disregard of, the likelihood of causing emotional distress to the plaintiff.
- As a result, the plaintiff has suffered severe emotional distress, including anxiety, fear, and mistrust of others.
*. Relief Sought:
- Plaintiff seeks monetary damages for emotional distress and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
---
Would you need any more help with your complaint or any other legal information?
---
Count *: Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
*. Plaintiff: **** ****, residing at [Your Address].
*. Defendant: [Neighbor's Name], residing at [Neighbor's Address].
*. Allegations:
- The defendant engaged in extreme and outrageous conduct by repeatedly following and photographing the plaintiff and her family.
- This conduct was intended to cause, or was performed with reckless disregard of, the likelihood of causing emotional distress to the plaintiff.
- As a result, the plaintiff has suffered severe emotional distress, including anxiety, fear, and mistrust of others.
*. Relief Sought:
- Plaintiff seeks monetary damages for emotional distress and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
---
Would you need any more help with your complaint or any other legal information?
And number four and five can you word that out for me too like I said I'm really bad with words I appreciate you
Sure, here are the wordings for Counts * and *:
---
Count *: Illegal Eviction
*. Plaintiff: **** ****, residing at [Your Address].
*. Defendant: [Defendant's Name], residing at [Defendant's Address].
*. Allegations:
- The defendant illegally evicted the plaintiff without following proper legal procedures.
- The eviction included lockouts, shutting off utilities, and removal of personal property.
- As a result, the plaintiff has suffered loss of property and emotional distress.
*. Relief Sought:
- Plaintiff seeks monetary damages for the illegal eviction and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
---
Count *: Property Damage/Theft
*. Plaintiff: **** ****, residing at [Your Address].
*. Defendant: [Defendant's Name], residing at [Defendant's Address].
*. Allegations:
- The defendant damaged and/or stole the plaintiff's personal property during the illegal eviction.
- Specific items include [list items here].
- As a result, the plaintiff has suffered financial loss and emotional distress4. Relief Sought:
- Plaintiff seeks monetary damages for the loss and damage of personal property and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
---
Would you need help with any more sections of your complaint or any other questions?
---
Count *: Illegal Eviction
*. Plaintiff: **** ****, residing at [Your Address].
*. Defendant: [Defendant's Name], residing at [Defendant's Address].
*. Allegations:
- The defendant illegally evicted the plaintiff without following proper legal procedures.
- The eviction included lockouts, shutting off utilities, and removal of personal property.
- As a result, the plaintiff has suffered loss of property and emotional distress.
*. Relief Sought:
- Plaintiff seeks monetary damages for the illegal eviction and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
---
Count *: Property Damage/Theft
*. Plaintiff: **** ****, residing at [Your Address].
*. Defendant: [Defendant's Name], residing at [Defendant's Address].
*. Allegations:
- The defendant damaged and/or stole the plaintiff's personal property during the illegal eviction.
- Specific items include [list items here].
- As a result, the plaintiff has suffered financial loss and emotional distress4. Relief Sought:
- Plaintiff seeks monetary damages for the loss and damage of personal property and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
---
Would you need help with any more sections of your complaint or any other questions?
Now that illegally eviction I'd fill out one lawsuit for and then for the neighbor I just fill out the other correct
Case Rating: *
Yes, ****, you would file separate lawsuits: one for the illegal eviction and related issues against your landlord, and another for harassment, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress against your neighbor.
Would you like further guidance on filing these lawsuits or any other legal information?
Yes, ****, you would file separate lawsuits: one for the illegal eviction and related issues against your landlord, and another for harassment, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress against your neighbor.
Would you like further guidance on filing these lawsuits or any other legal information?
How do I know the dollar to sue for what is the cap I guess for what I'm sueing for. What would you consider to be fair?
To determine the dollar amount for your lawsuit, consider:
- Illegal Eviction: Calculate the value of lost property, moving costs, temporary housing, and emotional distress.
- Harassment/Invasion of Privacy/Emotional Distress: Assess the emotional and mental impact, therapy costs, and any other damages.
In Adams County, Colorado:
- Small Claims Court: Up to $*,*.
- County/District Court: For amounts exceeding $*,*.
Would you need help estimating specific amounts for your claims?
- Illegal Eviction: Calculate the value of lost property, moving costs, temporary housing, and emotional distress.
- Harassment/Invasion of Privacy/Emotional Distress: Assess the emotional and mental impact, therapy costs, and any other damages.
In Adams County, Colorado:
- Small Claims Court: Up to $*,*.
- County/District Court: For amounts exceeding $*,*.
Would you need help estimating specific amounts for your claims?
Yes please
For estimating specific amounts, consider:
- Illegal Eviction:
- Lost property value: Assess the market value of all items damaged or stolen.
- Moving costs: Calculate expenses for moving and temporary housing.
- Emotional distress: Factor in the psychological impact and any therapy costs.
- Harassment/Invasion of Privacy/Emotional Distress:
- Emotional and mental impact: Consider the severity and duration of distress.
- Therapy costs: Include any past and future therapy expenses.
- Additional damages: Any other related costs.
Would you need help with any other details or calculations?
- Illegal Eviction:
- Lost property value: Assess the market value of all items damaged or stolen.
- Moving costs: Calculate expenses for moving and temporary housing.
- Emotional distress: Factor in the psychological impact and any therapy costs.
- Harassment/Invasion of Privacy/Emotional Distress:
- Emotional and mental impact: Consider the severity and duration of distress.
- Therapy costs: Include any past and future therapy expenses.
- Additional damages: Any other related costs.
Would you need help with any other details or calculations?
I don't know how to put a dollar figure on my emotional distress
****, assigning a dollar amount to emotional distress can be challenging. Here are a few guidelines:
- Severity and Duration: Longer and more severe distress justifies higher compensation.
- Impact on Daily Life: Consider how much your daily activities and relationships have been affected.
- Therapy Costs: Include any past, current, and future therapy expenses.
- Comparable Cases: Research similar cases to see what amounts were awarded.
A lawyer can assist in accurately quantifying these damages. Do you need more details on finding a lawyer or further steps?
- Severity and Duration: Longer and more severe distress justifies higher compensation.
- Impact on Daily Life: Consider how much your daily activities and relationships have been affected.
- Therapy Costs: Include any past, current, and future therapy expenses.
- Comparable Cases: Research similar cases to see what amounts were awarded.
A lawyer can assist in accurately quantifying these damages. Do you need more details on finding a lawyer or further steps?
I need a lawyer that will accept this case on contingency basis. I have no money now because of the situation and I need help. I have reached out to several lawyers and they will not accept this case for whatever reason may be there overloaded or they just don't have the time etc etc please help me find an attorney that will accept us on a contingency basis
****, given the complexity and the strength of your case, finding a lawyer on a contingency basis is advisable. Here are some steps to help you:
*. Contact Legal Aid Organizations: They often assist individuals in your situation.
*. Bar Association Referrals: Reach out to the Colorado Bar Association for a referral to contingency-based lawyers.
*. Online Legal Services: Websites like Avvo or LegalMatch can connect you with lawyers willing to take cases on contingency.
Would you need help with specific contact details for legal aid organizations or bar associations?
*. Contact Legal Aid Organizations: They often assist individuals in your situation.
*. Bar Association Referrals: Reach out to the Colorado Bar Association for a referral to contingency-based lawyers.
*. Online Legal Services: Websites like Avvo or LegalMatch can connect you with lawyers willing to take cases on contingency.
Would you need help with specific contact details for legal aid organizations or bar associations?
Or is this a matter that I could probably handle myself in court?
****, given the detailed evidence and the multiple issues involved, handling this matter yourself in court is possible but complex. Since you've already faced difficulty finding a contingency lawyer, you could:
*. Start with Small Claims Court: For claims under $*,*, this is more straightforward and less formal.
*. Self-Help Centers: Utilize court self-help centers for guidance.
*. Legal Aid: Keep trying legal aid organizations for possible assistance.
Would you need more guidance on any of these steps?
*. Start with Small Claims Court: For claims under $*,*, this is more straightforward and less formal.
*. Self-Help Centers: Utilize court self-help centers for guidance.
*. Legal Aid: Keep trying legal aid organizations for possible assistance.
Would you need more guidance on any of these steps?
I do, but I have to write a few things that you told me down and will you be here when I get back
Sure, I'll be here when you get back. Take your time to write down the information you need. If you have any more questions or need further assistance when you return, just let me know!
You're amazing thank you
****, thank you for your kind words! I’m glad to help. When you're ready, feel free to ask any questions or request further assistance. Good luck with your case!