Get free answers to your Libel & Slander legal questions from lawyers in your area.
Your current state is Virginia
I need to obtain a restraining order against someone who is threatening to post false accusations from a long-dropped case of sexual assault on social media. I am concerned this could harm my family and children. I have not reported these threats yet. We had a past relationship as acquaintances.... View More
I recently discovered that my landlord has used pictures of my rented home for advertising online, showcasing all my personal belongings, including items with my first name visible in the images. I was not informed or asked for consent to use these pictures. The property management company took... View More
My half-brother lied on a police report, falsely accusing me of sexually assaulting him in Nashville, TN. I have filed a police report against him and possess evidence that proves I have never committed such a crime. This accusation has not yet led to any legal proceedings. What legal steps should... View More
In April 2024, I traveled from Northern to Southern California to purchase a Dodge Challenger from a used car dealership, based on a deal we made. After my complaints about the sale, the owner canceled my financing, demanded I return the vehicle without providing a specific location, and retained... View More

answered on Apr 29, 2025
In California, you have several potential legal claims with different filing deadlines:
For property damage claims, California law provides a three-year statute of limitations from the date the damage occurred under California Code of Civil Procedure section 338. This would apply to... View More
During a visit to a Lexus dealership, I was mistakenly accused by a porter of threatening him with a gun. Without investigating or reviewing camera footage, the police handcuffed and detained me based on the general manager's word. This incident was witnessed by my wife and was humiliating for... View More
I am facing a partition action complaint filed in Florida that contains false and malicious accusations. The petitioner has agreed to dismiss the case since neither party can afford a lengthy litigation process, but the complaint is still publicly accessible on the court's website. I do not... View More

answered on Apr 29, 2025
Before dismissal if possible: File a "Motion to Strike Scandalous Matter" under Florida Rule 1.140(f) identifying the false statements as irrelevant to the case. Try getting a joint statement with the other party. This is not something you typically want to do on your own so consider... View More
I have an active bench warrant in New Mexico due to a missed court date, and my mother is telling strangers about this legal issue, claiming it's public knowledge. I've asked her to stop but she continues. This has caused me significant repercussions. Can I take legal action against her?
I have been subjected to false accusations from my neighbor, who has filed 11 police reports against us over the past three years, such as watching her daughter through cameras and selling drugs—all disproven by police investigations. Despite having privacy film on our window and no evidence to... View More
In 2014, I was sexually assaulted, and now the person who assaulted me is tracking me online, specifically on Facebook, by taking screenshots of my activity and sending private messages. This person has also served me with a slander lawsuit, claiming I am lying about the assault. I have screenshots... View More

answered on Apr 27, 2025
Given your situation, you should consider consulting with two types of legal professionals:
Defamation Lawyer (Slander): Since you've been served with a slander lawsuit, it is crucial to consult with a lawyer who specializes in defamation law. They can help you understand the specifics... View More
I believe my family historically owned the property known as the Conjuring House in Rhode Island, which was also linked to the first Conjuring movie. I'd like to know if I can sue for the portrayal of my family in the movie and possible issues concerning the property's ownership. I think... View More
I am currently involved in a New York State Supreme Court defamation case against a former manager. I've filed an RJI to add a lawyer and request a preliminary conference. The court clerk mentioned that I don't need to serve the RJI to the defendant, but online resources suggest... View More

answered on Apr 28, 2025
Based on your question and the Clerk's answer to your question, it seems that you do not need to mail or serve the defendant in your action with the RJI. While you did not specifically state that your case is on NYCEF, the electronic database for all actions in the State of New York, it seems... View More
I was employed at will and separated from my previous job. It seems that my former employer is sharing details about my separation, which might be causing potential employers to turn me down for employment. Can my former employer legally share these details with hiring employers?
I'm facing difficulties after a false police report was filed against me for domestic violence, which led to my arrest and a no-contact order for over a year. Consequently, my housing voucher was revoked based on these allegations. I have evidence, including text messages from the accuser’s... View More
I am concerned because a former friend is spreading rumors that a detective and lawyer have looked into my and my daughter's records, with no findings. There are no current legal proceedings; however, police reports have been filed, and I may pursue harassment charges. Could anyone request a... View More
While at a restaurant bar, I had an interaction with three women, which later led to my personal information being shared without my consent by the bartender to these women, one of whom is reportedly a judge. This disclosure of my information led to my ex-husband contacting my family, resulting in... View More
I was recruited and hired by an educational firm to teach their LSAT courses and submitted 10 references. They listed me as a senior tutor on their website, benefiting from my 20 years of experience, yet they have no work for me and won't respond to my emails. I have screenshots of messages... View More
My husband was wrongfully convicted of "sexual exploitation by a therapist," despite not being a therapist. The accuser falsely claimed therapy sessions, which were witnessed family conversations. The trial featured ineffective legal representation and a prejudiced judge who ignored... View More
I was charged with a sexual offense based on an officer's sworn statement under penalty of perjury claiming to have viewed incriminating camera footage. I can prove this was false; the cameras were non-functional, and my wife, the manager of the location, confirmed it. Internal Affairs also... View More
I am experiencing a difficult situation where my former employer is claiming I failed a drug test in 2024 and has communicated this claim to my current employer. As a result, my current employer is threatening to terminate my employment. Although I have attempted to contact my previous employer,... View More
I am a local minister, and my reputation has been damaged due to open accusations made by a local city council official who claimed that I assaulted her. She stated that I threw an object at her and pushed her, causing her to almost fall down. These allegations have been filed with the court and... View More

answered on Apr 24, 2025
Yes, you can sue a city council official for false assault accusations in California. As a minister whose reputation has been damaged by public accusations, you would be filing a defamation lawsuit - specifically libel (written defamation in newspapers) and possibly slander (spoken accusations).... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.