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Missouri Libel & Slander Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Contracts, Civil Litigation, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Missouri on
Q: Facing legal threats from ex-husband over vehicle plate renewal and payments; how to proceed?

My ex-husband claims I forged his name when renewing our vehicle's license plates at the DMV, although he originally gave me verbal permission to do so. He has been making legal threats for over two years and demands more money, despite me having already transferred a vehicle to him and made... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 12, 2025

You’re dealing with a stressful and emotionally draining situation, and it’s understandable to want it to stop. If your ex-husband gave you verbal permission to renew the license plates, and you acted in good faith, that undermines his claim of forgery. The fact that he's been making... View More

Q: Defendant in Missouri civil case dealing with false docket entries, eviction risk, no legal representation, damaged reputation, and caring for 14 animals. What recourse is available?

I am a defendant in a civil breach of contract case in Missouri, facing false and injurious docket entries accusing me of being a felon and guilty of charges that are not remotely true. I have notified the court through an appeal, and the appellate court has remanded the case back to trial court. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025

You have several tools at your disposal even while proceeding without counsel.

First, file a formal motion in your trial court asking to correct or seal the misleading docket entries and to clarify that you are neither a felon nor previously adjudicated guilty. Courts have the power to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Civil Rights and Personal Injury for Missouri on
Q: Seeking legal advice on potential defamation by Barry County officer accusing me of drug dealing; no charges filed.

I am seeking legal advice regarding an incident involving a Barry County Sheriff's Office deputy that may constitute defamation or misconduct. An officer informed my employer at his private residence that I was suspected of dealing drugs, warning him to monitor me at his restaurant where I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 13, 2025

If a law enforcement officer made a false statement to your employer accusing you of criminal behavior without any charges or evidence, you may have grounds for a defamation claim. Slander involves spoken false statements that harm your reputation, and when it comes from a public official, the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander, Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Missouri on
Q: Seeking legal advice on pursuing compensation from T-Mobile for privacy violation and defamation by former employee.

I am seeking advice on pursuing compensation from T-Mobile after one of their former Secure Federal Operations employees, my ex-husband's girlfriend, made false claims about using her security clearance to track texts and threatened me. She violated my privacy by going through text messages at... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2025

You may have grounds to pursue legal action against both the individual and T-Mobile, depending on the evidence and the extent of the harm caused. If the employee accessed your private information without consent and used it to threaten or defame you, that could be a serious breach of privacy laws... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Civil Litigation, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Missouri on
Q: Beneficiary seeks counsel for breach of fiduciary duty and disinheritance scheme in Jackson County, MO.

I'm the beneficiary of a written land trust agreement, signed and notarized in Jackson County, Missouri. I'm facing a breach of fiduciary duty by the trustee. The trustee's agent has made a false police report, claiming I am mentally ill and attempted to harm them. The police... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 7, 2025

Given your situation, it’s important to act quickly to protect your interests as a beneficiary. If you believe the trustee and their agents are breaching fiduciary duties or engaging in misconduct, you have the right to bring these concerns before the court. Document every incident, including... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Personal Injury, Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Missouri on
Q: allege My car was towed from my condo complex, without anyone giving proper authorization, without anyone being present

Was sent a notice about a month ago not once did it mention towing date or fee. There was communication on my end to management established a plan to get my car moved that month. Come to find my car missing, for al I know I thought it was stolen. I’m assuming someone from my HOA falsely... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2025

It sounds like a frustrating situation, and you may have a valid concern regarding the towing of your car. If your HOA or management agreed to a plan with you to move the car and then had it towed without proper notice, it could be a violation of your rights. Review the notice you received to see... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Libel & Slander for Missouri on
Q: If your employer fires you for something you are accused of, without proof you did anything wrong, can you sue?

I worked for a major hospital as a security officer. During this time a very violent juvenile patient came in, and we had to take physical measures to stop her from hurting staff. After the situation was resolved, I received several complaints against me from medical staff claiming I used excessive... View More

Robert Grant Pennell
Robert Grant Pennell
answered on Dec 3, 2024

Unless you are a union employee, you are an at will employee, and as such can be fired at any time and for any reason, or even no reason at all. Accordingly, what you describe is not a wrongful termination. I recognize that to most laypeople the term wrongful termination would apply to any case... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property and Libel & Slander for Missouri on
Q: Can I put pictures of my siblings and me in the book I am writing without their permission.

I am writing a book about growing up from 1951 - 1962. I inherited the pictures my parents took of me and my 6 siblings during that time. Can I use these pictures even if my siblings don't give their permission? My parents took them, I inherited them, and I am in the pictures.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 19, 2024

The use of photographs in a book can be a complex legal issue, and it's advisable to consult with a lawyer specializing in intellectual property rights to get a definitive answer. However, here are some general points to consider:

1. Copyright: The person who took the photograph...
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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Missouri on
Q: Can I sue my previous employer for defamation of character, harassment, and bullying?

My former employer has posted on Facebook that I’ve stolen money from them with no evidence, no proof, no charges filed, and no police investigation of any type. They posted on Facebook and asked the members of the community to come forward if I have done any work in their vehicles and have them... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Jan 14, 2024

You should schedule a consultation with a Missouri attorney. Defamation cases are tough in Missouri. To succeed, you’d need to prove that the statement was not only false and not privileged, but also that you suffered actual damage as a result. The unpaid wages is a separate issue. $40k is a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Libel & Slander for Missouri on
Q: Can I sue the bank or the employee that gave out my confidential information to the public about my loan

A person off the street ask an employee about our personal information at the bank and the employee told them everything and they in turn spread it all over town, and we signed a letter stating everything was confidential.

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Nov 13, 2023

This isn't defamation. Defamation requires a false statement that damages you. You could sue for something else, but unless you've been financially harmed, my guess is that it won't make financial sense for you to pay an attorney to file suit for you.

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Missouri on
Q: defamation to post a picture of a man in a Facebook group page for women to warn other women not to date this man for

Various reasons. Liar, cheater, uses women and moves to the next?

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Oct 31, 2023

Defamation requires an objectively false statement.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Internet Law and Libel & Slander for Missouri on
Q: Would there be legal recourse to someone posting dating related history on social media under the name of the accused?

Missouri- A friend was posted in the group Are we dating the same guy which is a newer Facebook group where women can post about men to warn other women. There were many comments about how he has cheated, lied, insists on not wearing condoms while telling girls he is exclusive and other not great... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 25, 2023

If the history posted is substantially true, then the person likely has no legal recourse.

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Missouri on
Q: can a person file a suit on defamation after a case was dismissed with prejudice?

i am out of work due to being on the news saying i starved my child it was dismissed and i did nothing wrong no one will hire me the news stations wont correct it to change my life being ruined

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Dec 26, 2022

A dismissal with prejudice is the same as if the case were tried on the merits and you lost. You aren’t entitled to a do-over. Defamation cases in Missouri are tough.

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Missouri on
Q: I’m a supervisor at my job in Missouri and one of my workers recorded me without me knowing is this legal
Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Nov 23, 2022

Missouri is a "one party" state for recording calls. Other states, like California, outlaw recording calls without the other party's knowledge.

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Missouri on
Q: How to sue someone for injury of tort in Missouri?

Someone is using the court system with false statement s to emotional and mentally hurt me?

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Oct 25, 2022

The litigation privilege is an absolute defense to a defamation claim. Depending upon the facts you might be able to sue for abuse of process or malicious prosecution if the case ends in your favor. Hire an attorney for a consultation.

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Missouri on
Q: If I accuse someone of a crime and the statue of limitations has expired, can I lose a defamation lawsuit?

I have all the evidence to each of the elements of the crime. Thus showing crime WAS committed, just not charged or prosecuted.

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Aug 11, 2022

I doubt you’d lose because the SOL has run, unless you falsely state that the person has been convicted. There are any number of reasons you could lose a defamation suit, however. Litigation is unpredictable.

3 Answers | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime and Libel & Slander for Missouri on
Q: We were told we have a strong case against a cruise line. Not sure how to proceed.
Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Jul 9, 2022

Contact a local attorney experienced with defamation cases. They are tough cases under Missouri law because you must prove actual damages. Here is a link to the leading Missouri Supreme Court case on defamation.

https://law.justia.com/cases/missouri/supreme-court/1993/75201-0.html

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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Missouri on
Q: Can I sue my soon to be ex-wife for defamation during a divorce in Missouri?
Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Jul 4, 2022

Courtroom testimony is generally subject to an absolute privilege in a claim for defamation.

2 Answers | Asked in Libel & Slander, Gov & Administrative Law and Legal Malpractice for Missouri on
Q: Suing the court for defamation but trial still ongoing. Been 3years. Too late? Wanted to wait til after trial
Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on May 22, 2022

Judicial immunity will likely preclude such a case by you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Missouri on
Q: I know defamation and libel is hard to prove in Missouri but I feel like we have a case here.

Me and my wife have been attacked by a couple in our town for weeks now. Numerous posts on FB and numerous videos saying things that have been proven false. My wife is a teacher in our town and they have made numerous posts attacking her career as well and its getting severely out of hand. We have... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Mar 16, 2022

Your next step is to schedule a consultation with an attorney who understands and has experience with defamation matters under Missouri law. Generally, a cease and desist letter from an attorney is a good first step before jumping into litigation.

I am sorry that you and your wife are...
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