What Should I do if my neighbor is making excessively loud noises at night? Is there a statute that covers noise for unincorporated

areas?

The Texas Penal Code Chapter 42, Section 42.01 deals with disorderly conduct, loud music or noise. It basically states that a

person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sports event, or

in or near a private residence. A noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after the person

making the noise receives notice from a judge or peace officer that the noise is a public nuisance. An offense under this section is a

Class C misdemeanor.  (How many law enforcement officers carry a decibel meter????)

If you have a neighbor who is making excessive noise, i.e. music, barking dog, yelling, or other disturbances that would fall under

this section, you should call the Constable or Sheriff’s Department and advise them.

The normal procedure is for law enforcement to make contact with the person or persons making or allowing the loud noise and

advises them to stop. If they refuse and continue to create a disturbance, a citation (ticket) is issued and they will be given a court

date to appear before Judge Polumbo or Judge Parrott to answer the charges. In most cases when law enforcement contacts the

perpetrator, it is settled and the loud noise is stopped. In some cases, law enforcement is called out more than twice in which case

a citation is almost certain. (Not!!!) One of the major problems for law enforcement is when they arrive; the loud noise has already

stopped and can’t be witnessed by the officer. Only a warning can be given. When that is the case, it usually requires an extra

patrol in the area to see if the disturbance reoccurs. If you are experiencing this problem, call our office or the Sheriff’s

Department and talk with a supervisor. You can reach Captain Jack Hagee at my office from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 281-427-

4791.

I hope I have answered your question. If you need additional help, please call me anytime.

Thank you,

Constable Ken Jones

This may be nothing to elected officials.  They may live in neighborhoods where they do not experience this on a daily basis.  Not all of us are as lucky to live in this kind of neighborhood.  But we all have the right to peace and quiet.  I pay my taxes and I want justice.  I have the right to live in a peaceful neighborhood.  Many people work evenings and nights and sleep late in the morning or during the day.  This terrorism causes entirely too much stress and sleeplessness.  All people have the right to peaceful rest and sleep.  I am also concerned for those that are elderly and ill and have to endure this crap from their neighbors and vehicles that are passing by.

Come on people.  If you have been afflicted with "loud music terrorism", help me to get something done about this.  Start researching the effects on people and what others do when they've had enough.  A person tries very hard not to go over the edge and do something stupid.  But people have their limits.

If you are one of those responsible for terrorizing your neighbors and people on the street and people in parking lots, try to have some respect for others and STOP.  Not everyone wants to listen to your music.  You can do whatever you want to damage your hearing and whatever internal damage is being done.  Do your research!!!  I sure hope our welfare system DOES NOT pay for hearing aids.  And I surely hope that later on when you terrorists lose your hearing and have other loud music related health problems that you DO NOT consider suing the manufacturer's of that equipment you chose to purchase.  No one has made YOU play your music loud.  No one forced you to purchase that equipment.  You are responsible for your own actions.

There are too many wide open spaces you can go to so you can play your music loud and not disturb (terrorize) others.  Not too many people are impressed with all of that.  Do you know what happens when people have to repeat what they are saying when you can't understand what they are saying?  They stop talking to you.  No one wants to have to keep repeating themselves.  No one wants to have speak extra loud so you can hear them.  There are many safety measures these days at companies to protect people's hearing.  In many instances, it's the law.  It's a terrible thing to lose. 

Just imagine someone physically or mentally abusing you, over and over.  Then one day, you have had enough and may feel no one cares and you decide to take matters in your own hands.  Well, loud music is one of those things that IF law enforcement does not take seriously, people are going to take matters in their own hands.