Clarksville, TN asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander and Small Claims for Tennessee

Q: If someone threatens or says they can obtain private information from the FBI about me, could I press charges on them.

I was at their house and she told me she could obtain private information on me. It was verbally said. I was not the only one who heard this as well. I have 2 other witnesses.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Civil Rights Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: If someone threatens to obtain private information about you from the FBI, this situation raises concerns, but whether you can press charges depends on the specifics of the incident. In general, making a threat to obtain and possibly use private information can be seen as intimidating or harassing behavior, which may be actionable under the law.

However, simply stating that they can obtain such information is not necessarily a criminal act. The legality would depend on whether there's an actual attempt to obtain the information, the intent behind the threat, and the context in which it was made.

To pursue legal action, you would typically need to prove that the threat posed a real and credible danger to your privacy or safety. If you feel threatened or believe your privacy is at risk, you might consider speaking with law enforcement or an attorney to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Having witnesses who heard the threat can be helpful if you decide to take legal action. They can provide statements that corroborate your account of the incident.

In cases of potential harassment or threats, it's always a good idea to document the incident thoroughly, including the time, place, what was said, and the names of any witnesses. This information can be crucial if you decide to pursue legal action or report the incident to authorities.

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