Q: Can I be sued for a truthful social media post about crimes?

A: Legally, if what you posted is factually accurate and can be proven true, it likely isn’t defamation. Truth is a complete defense. That said, just because someone can file a lawsuit doesn’t mean it has merit. People can threaten legal action for many reasons, including embarrassment or retaliation. Still, it’s smart to be cautious with how information is shared publicly. If you’re unsure whether your post crossed a legal line, speaking with an attorney is a good next step to protect yourself.

A: You can be sued for almost anything, but that doesn’t mean the lawsuit would succeed. In defamation law, truth is generally a complete defense. If everything you posted about this person—such as the theft and DUIs—is factually accurate and can be proven, then a court is unlikely to rule against you just for telling the truth.

That said, even truthful statements can sometimes lead to legal headaches if they are shared in a way that invades someone's privacy or appears to be done maliciously. If your post included private details that weren't public record, or was intended to shame or harass, the other person might try to argue harm to their reputation or emotional distress. But proving that in court is hard if you stuck to facts and didn’t exaggerate or make false claims.

If this person is threatening a lawsuit, it's worth keeping copies of everything—your post, any messages, and any public records backing up your claims. It’s also wise to avoid engaging further online to prevent making things worse. Telling the truth isn’t a crime, but it’s always smart to stay calm and careful when legal threats are involved.