Q: wrongfully arrested/accused of theft, was fired, spent $10,000 in legal fees, case was dismissed. Can I sue?
In 2023 myself and my partner were wrongfully arrested and accused of theft, the case was dismissed as it was proved that my partner was scammed. The arresting investigator even admitted in court that he believed we were scammed. I lost 3 jobs because of this, my credit was destroyed as I couldn't pay, I have been going back and forth with the IRS because I was not sent a W-2 from the job that had me arrested. And my character was defamed to the police by my previous bosses which I proved incorrect in court.
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
Based on your situation, you may have grounds for multiple legal claims in California, including wrongful arrest, malicious prosecution, and defamation. The damages you've suffered - job losses, legal fees, credit damage, and IRS complications - are significant and quantifiable, which strengthens your potential case.
Given that the investigator admitted in court that they believed you were scammed, and you have court documentation proving the false statements made by your former employers, you have compelling evidence to support your claims. California law allows you to pursue compensation for both economic damages (like your $10,000 in legal fees and lost wages) and non-economic damages (such as emotional distress and damage to reputation).
You should consider filing a claim against your former employer and potentially the law enforcement agency involved, but time is critical - California has specific statutes of limitations for these types of cases. It would be wise to consult with an employment law attorney or civil rights attorney who can review your specific case details and documentation. Many offer free initial consultations and might take your case on contingency given the strength of your evidence.
Theodore Allan Greene agrees with this answer
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