NUISANCE COMPLAINT REGARDING BARKING DOGS, NOISY ANIMALS OR EXCESSIVE NOISE
Residents, whether living in an urban, suburban or city, are expected to tolerate reasonable amount of noise including, but not limited to, traffic, music, lawn mowers, construction, barking dogs or other animals, without complaint, but when that noise is continuous, excessive, or unreasonable to a level that violate state law or city ordinances, you may:
- Communicate with the owner(s)/offender regarding the issue. Often, neighborly communication may be the best tool in trying to resolve problem. Talk to the surrounding neighbors regard your concern and see how they feel about the situation then let the owner(s)/offender know that the excessive or continuous noise disturb you, and try to find a mutually agreeable or reasonable solution. Remember, as a witness, you are responsible for gathering all necessary evidence (i.e. log of time and date, audio/video tape of nuisance, name of neighbors/witnesses who are disturbed by nuisance, etc.) for trial.
- File a complaint if you continue to be disturbed by the excessive or unreasonable noise - nuisance. The complaint can be made by:
a. Completing and submitting the online NUISANCE COMPLAINT FORM; or
b. Mailing your complaint, include the information below to the prosecutor's office:
- Alleged owner(s)/offender’s name, and exact address
- Date, time, and incident location
- Description of problem/nuisance (brief description of animal(s) causing noise, type of noise, etc.)
What happens after a complaint is filed?
First complaint: The Prosecutors’ Office will send a courtesy letter outlining the nuisance to the owner(s)/offender. Owner(s)/offender has seven days from the date of the letter to remedy the complaint.
Second complaint: Complainants who wish to file criminal charges must come to the Prosecutors’ Office and Municipal Court to swear out a complaint or legal charging instrument to formally begin the criminal prosecution proceeding.
PLEA OFFER FORM
Complete a REQUEST FOR PLEA OFFER FORM online. Note: Please fax or mail a copy of defendant's driver's license and proof of insurance to the Prosecutors' Office at (361) 886-2567 or P.O. Box 9277, Corpus Christi, TX 78469-9277 before an offer of deferred disposition or defensive driving course may be offered.
