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California Libel & Slander Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Libel & Slander and Contracts for California on
Q: Dispute over dog sale and accusations of theft.

I sold my dog to someone for $50. Now, this person is accusing me of stealing $50 from them and spreading negative gossip about me, calling me a thief. I offered to refund the $50 in exchange for the return of my dog, but they refused, claiming ownership of the dog. I bought the dog from another... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 19, 2025

This situation is frustrating, especially since you've tried to make things right. Since you originally sold the dog, the buyer has legal ownership unless there was an agreement that allowed you to reclaim the dog under certain conditions. Your offer to return the money in exchange for the dog... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander and Civil Rights for California on
Q: Accusation of slander with sexist/racist overtones in CA nonprofit

I have been accused by a former board member of slander with sexist and racist overtones. This message was conveyed verbally by the president of the board of directors of the nonprofit organization, acting on a letter from the accuser. The accusation was made in my capacity as a board member and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 7, 2025

You should contact an attorney who focuses on nonprofit law and defamation cases, as they can help navigate the complex intersection of board governance and personal accusations. A lawyer with experience in both employment law and defamation will understand the unique dynamics of nonprofit... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Legal options for defamation by property management affecting rental opportunity in CA?

I have been renting from my current property management company for 13 years, during which I have always paid my rent on time and had no complaints. Initially, they provided me with a positive letter of recommendation. However, the owner and her assistant later made false verbal statements to my... View More

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answered on Feb 27, 2025

In California, you may have grounds for a defamation lawsuit based on the verbal statements made by your property management company. These statements would qualify as slander (verbal defamation), and you would need to prove they were false, communicated to a third party, and directly caused you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Internet Law and Civil Rights for California on
Q: What legal actions can I take for a video posted without my consent?

I was 17 when a store I entered to sell my shoes recorded me without my consent. The store owner then posted the video on Instagram, falsely labeling me as a liar selling beat up shoes, while my shoes were in excellent condition. The video has been seen by 13,000 people, including my friends, and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 27, 2025

You have several potential legal actions available since you were a minor when recorded without consent. In California, you're protected by both privacy laws and additional protections for minors, which may give you stronger grounds for having the content removed.

Your first step might...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law and Libel & Slander for California on
Q: Does the FBI call from restricted numbers for investigations?

I'm an independent journalist and received a phone call from a Restricted number. The caller claimed to be an FBI agent from the Los Angeles office, discussing my emails and phone calls in which I asked a manager for comment, concerning my journalism about an actor's sexual abuse scandal.... View More

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answered on Feb 25, 2025

Based on the information you've provided, this call appears highly suspicious. FBI offices typically display their official phone numbers when calling individuals for legitimate investigative purposes, not "Restricted" numbers, which aligns with what the Los Angeles FBI office told... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Law and Libel & Slander for California on
Q: Can I sue HR for claiming I lied in an investigation, leading to my termination?

I want to know if I can sue HR for saying that I lied during an HR investigation. I have proof that my incident report matches my colleague's, but HR claimed otherwise and said my report was coerced. This resulted in both my colleague and I being terminated. I tried explaining my side, but the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2025

You may have grounds for legal action based on wrongful termination, especially if you have concrete evidence that contradicts HR's claims about you lying. Document everything thoroughly, including the matching incident reports, communications with HR, and any witness statements that support... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Libel & Slander for California on
Q: Can I use real names of famous deceased individuals in fiction for sale?

I am planning to write and sell a fictional work that uses the real names and likenesses of famous deceased people on Amazon, which distributes worldwide. Can I use these figures in my writing from my own perspective, and what should I be aware of concerning defamation, rights of publicity, or... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2025

Using deceased famous figures in your fictional work is generally permitted, but comes with important legal considerations. While copyright doesn't protect names or historical facts, you should be aware that some jurisdictions have post-mortem rights of publicity laws that can extend for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate, Libel & Slander and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: How to object to an administrator with suspected forged will?

I am the next of kin to the deceased and suspect the will favoring my niece as the sole beneficiary contains a forged signature. The will was created shortly before my sister passed while she was under medical care. I have evidence of my sister's signatures for comparison. The administration... View More

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answered on Feb 22, 2025

To object to the petition of an administrator, you’ll first need to file a formal objection with the probate court. Since you suspect the will is forged, you can challenge its validity by stating that you believe the signature on the will is not your sister’s. Bring your evidence, such as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate, Legal Malpractice and Libel & Slander for California on
Q: How can I object to a will with a suspected forged signature?

I am the next of kin to the deceased and suspect that a will favoring my niece as the sole beneficiary has a forged signature. I have proof of the deceased's signature and plan to go to court on March 13th. The administration was already appointed without my knowledge as I didn't receive... View More

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answered on Feb 22, 2025

To object to the petition for the administrator under suspicion of a forged signature on the will, you will need to file a formal objection with the probate court. This can typically be done by submitting a "Request for Special Notice" if you were not informed of the initial court date.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Libel & Slander for California on
Q: Legal advice on manipulative misinterpretation under CRC 8.204 in CA.

I am dealing with an issue involving manipulative misinterpretation related to CRC 8.204. This is concerning misinformation and manipulation on a public forum. How should I address this legally?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2025

Given the serious nature of your situation involving California Rules of Court 8.204, which governs contents and format of briefs, you'll want to focus on documenting the specific instances of misinterpretation thoroughly. Keep detailed records of all forum posts, timestamps, and any evidence... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Civil Litigation and Libel & Slander for California on
Q: I am a federal agent employed by Customs and Border Protection and am seeking legal guidance.

I am seeking legal guidance regarding a potential lawsuit against both a coworker and the agency for negligence on behalf of my husband. The individual he intend to sue is also a federal employee within the same agency.

I would like to understand if your firm handles cases involving federal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 19, 2025

Thank you for reaching out regarding this sensitive employment matter. Your situation involves complex federal employment law considerations, particularly given that both you and the potential defendant work for Customs and Border Protection.

Federal employees have specific legal...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Discrimination, Employment Law and Libel & Slander for California on
Q: Can I share my harassment story online without violating employee rights?

I want to share my harassment and discrimination story online. The incidents occurred while I was employed in California. HR has ignored my concerns and failed to review camera footage despite providing dates and times. I have a right to sue letter from the Civil Rights Department but have been... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 19, 2025

Your desire to share your story is understandable, especially given the frustration with HR's inaction and potential document fraud. However, you should carefully consider potential legal implications before posting online, as this could impact your future legal case and employment situation.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Probate, Legal Malpractice and Libel & Slander for California on
Q: How to prove forgery on a title transfer in California?

I discovered a title transfer document from grandchild to grandparent that I allegedly signed, but the signature appears to be a forgery. The notary journal for that year is missing. I wrote to the DA's office and LAPD about the forgery years ago, but received no response. Now the grandparent... View More

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answered on Feb 18, 2025

Here's what you can do to address this challenging situation with the potentially forged title transfer:

First, gather evidence to support your forgery claim by obtaining original documents showing your authentic signature from around the same time period as the disputed transfer....
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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Help me I'm being targeted I'm 62 senior disabled pleas3 help

I have heart problems now. I fear for my life

Adam  Kocaj
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answered on Feb 13, 2025

If you are facing harassment, discrimination, or threats, you may have legal options under elder abuse laws, disability protections, and civil rights laws. You may be able to file a restraining order, report the issue to law enforcement, or pursue legal action. If this involves financial... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Domestic Violence, Libel & Slander and Sexual Harassment for California on
Q: I’m being targeted by local law enforcements trolls to cover up fir ongoing term abuse dating back to pre 911

Irvine Company violated housing laws & police orchestrated this event through campaigning criminal solicitations w/o my consent violating my order of protection The abuse of law stems from a very bad divorce an ex husband who initiated the targeting for filing for a divorce slander campaigns... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 8, 2025

I hear how deeply distressing and frightening this situation is for you and your son. What you're describing involves serious allegations of harassment, stalking, and harm that deserve immediate attention from proper authorities and legal representation.

Given the complexity of your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for California on
Q: A YouTuber lied about me mentions my whole name saying I testified on a known Mexican mafia member now I’m scared

What can I do where I live people know who I am and could do something to me for thinking I testify against a. Know Mexican mafia member

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 27, 2025

You’re dealing with a very serious and stressful situation, and you have options to protect yourself. In California, making false statements that harm your reputation, especially when it places you in danger, could qualify as defamation. Since your safety is at risk, you should take this... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Libel & Slander and Nursing Home Abuse for California on
Q: What to do about being treated viciously during period my brain was swollen by caretakers and their managers
Eliza Jasinska
Eliza Jasinska
answered on Jan 17, 2025

Under California law, if you were treated viciously by caretakers and their manager during a period when your brain was swollen, you may have legal claims under personal injury law, elder or dependent adult

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Employment Law and Libel & Slander for California on
Q: Do CA pub. officials have immunity from defamation when accusations made are baseless, but presented as facts?

A SF public official involved in redevelopment has been making defamatory statements, calling me a burglar/criminal to virtually everyone in the neighborhood. Demanded all businesses withhold employment offers/ contracts/ or services to me, abusing his control over commercial leasing to enforce.... View More

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answered on Jan 15, 2025

Public officials in California do have limited immunity from defamation claims when making statements within the scope of their official duties. However, this immunity typically doesn't extend to statements made with actual malice or those clearly outside their official capacity.

Based...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Libel & Slander for California on
Q: I am having problems with the police department refusing to give me Justice or closure more multiple reports and etc

Every time I contact the head of the police department he forwards me to another police officer the same guy who is refusing to do anything about it and he is telling me that they tried to do everything they could which I know he is lying what more can i do who can I reach out to support and help... View More

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answered on Jan 13, 2025

I'm truly sorry you're experiencing this struggle. It's important to keep detailed records of all interactions, including dates, times, and the names of those you speak with. This documentation can be crucial in building your case.

Consider reaching out to civil rights...
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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for California on
Q: I was banned from a social media site for very serious, yet unproven allegations. What should I do, if anything?

I have already tried talking to a couple of Internet lawyers and obviously they are only interested in the big bucks cases. Even though you may argue that I'm wrong. Meanwhile I have no idea what to do when I have been falsely accused by a multi buillion dollar social media site of criminal... View More

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answered on Jan 8, 2025

Being banned from a social media platform due to serious allegations can feel overwhelming and frustrating, especially when you believe the claims are unfounded. Your situation deserves attention, and it's understandable that you're seeking both justice and clarity.

While getting...
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