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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Judicial immunity will likely preclude such a case by you.

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... Read more »

It’s unclear what relief you seek. Small claims court is only for money damages. Okay you seek injunctive relief, such as an order into remove the defamatory statements, you cannot get such relief in small claims court.

Whether you hire an attorney to sue will depend largely on whether... Read more »

Defamation cases are tough and expensive in Missouri. If your employer merely sent false emails to you and terminated your employment because it believed you committed theft, then you don't have a basis for a defamation suit in Missouri. Defamation requires publication of the false statement... Read more »

In Missouri, defamation claims are tough. It’s not enough to prove a false statement was made, a plaintiff must also prove actual damages.

You've not provided any facts so there's no way to determine whether you are entitled to a return of your security deposit. If you are looking to terminate your lease before the agreed-up term expires, then it is unrealistic to believe that your landlord will simple agree to a mutual... Read more »

In order to better advise you on your situation, I would need to know more information about the specifics of your case. I'd highly recommend retaining an experienced family law attorney for the matter.

Based on the information you shared, I don't think you'd have a viable case for defamation for two reasons. First, you haven't articulated any objectively false statement she made about you. Second, you haven't articulated any damages that you suffered. Hurt feeling are not... Read more »

Defamation cases in Missouri are difficult and expensive.

You haven't identified anything said that was objectively false (as opposed to opinion). Someone saying that you were "bitching and shouldn’t have talked to another person in a certain manner" is a statement of... Read more »

Anyone can sue anyone for anything. I understand that you are saying you didn't call her a racial slur but even if you did that would not support a claim for defamation because, among other things, defamation requires and objectively false statement rather than opinion, as well as resulting... Read more »

I don't know the facts about your court date. If the court erred as to the date, then you can file an appropriate motion seeking to excuse you from the consequences of missing the court date. This is not a libel or slander matter and the court would be entitled to judicial immunity.... Read more »

You didn't ask a legal question but if you are wondering what to do you could contact a local criminal defense attorney if you thing there will be charges against you.

You didn’t state when the current lease term ends. Here is what matters:

1. Is the lease term ending soon? If so, that’s all that really matters. A landlord isn’t required to renew a lease or enter into a new lease with you.

2. Are you in breach of the current lease?... Read more »

I’m not following your post. Perjury is a crime and you seem to understand that a prosecutor prosecutes criminal cases. Some acts can be pursued both civilly and criminally. Think OJ Simpson.