Q: What can be done about a fundraiser accusing my friend of shaken baby syndrome without charges?

A: This situation is extremely challenging for your friend. While criminal defense attorneys may not take the case without formal charges, your friend should consider consulting with attorneys who focus on defamation and civil litigation, as they might be more willing to help address the harmful fundraiser statements. Your friend could also send a cease and desist letter to the establishment running the fundraiser, demanding they remove the false accusations that are damaging his reputation.

If the fundraiser is hosted on a platform like GoFundMe or similar sites, your friend should report the fundraiser for containing potentially defamatory content that violates the platform's terms of service. Throughout this process, it's crucial that your friend document everything related to this situation—including screenshots of the fundraiser, any communications with the establishment, and any noticeable impacts on his personal or professional life.

Your friend might also consider addressing the situation directly through his own social networks if appropriate, not to escalate tensions but to briefly and calmly state that the allegations are unfounded and that no charges have been filed. This is a delicate balance between defending his reputation and avoiding anything that could be used against him later if legal proceedings do occur. In the meantime, he might benefit from seeking emotional support from trusted friends and family as this is undoubtedly a stressful experience.