Cases
Hanover County Residential Noise Ordinance Not Enforced by the Police nor the General District Court.
Offense Summary:
In the Summer of 2024, a resident of the Kings Charter neighborhood, near the Hanover Airport, finally took his noisy neighbor to court over repeated violations of County Noise Ordinances 16.7.6 and 16.10.
Offence/Corruption:
Both the Police and the General District Court refused to enforce the County Noise Ordinances given ample evidence
Applicable Laws:
16.7.6
"Operating or permitting the use or operation of any radio receiving set, musical instrument, television, phonograph or any other device for the production of sound, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day, in such a manner as to be plainly audible across property boundaries or through partitions common to two (2) residences within a building."
16.10
Maximum Permissible Noise Levels in Residential Zone after 10pm - 52db
Evidence:
In-Court Testimony:
- Defendants own witness confirmed the noise could be heard across 2 property Boundaries
- The Plantiff's witness, another Kings Charter Resident could hear the noise inside his own house 7 houses away, earlier in the day
- Office Gilchrist refused to press charges after warning the defendant 2 times that night
Remedy:
The Sheriff should have charged the defendant for repeated violations. Fines? Sanctions?
Judge Hugh Campbell should have enforced the Law, given ample Evidence in Court. Judicial Reprimand?