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Virginia Libel & Slander Questions & Answers
1 Answer
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Libel & Slander, Internet Law, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury
for
Virginia
on
Q: How to remove conviction posts from Google search results in Virginia?
I have completed my sentence for a conviction on 10/26/2022, yet posts related to my criminal history are still appearing on news sites, AOL, and Facebook when my name is searched on Google. This is affecting my interactions with potential employers, loan officers, and lessors. I need guidance on... View More 
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025
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answered on Jul 10, 2025
It’s understandable that you want to move forward with your life, especially after completing your sentence. Unfortunately, online posts about criminal convictions can linger for years and make rebuilding difficult. The law doesn’t place a specific statute of limitations on how long news... View More
Q: Sheriff's department posted health info on Facebook, legal actions?
I was involuntarily committed for expressing I may harm myself after an argument with my daughter. Later, I discovered that the local sheriff's department publicly posted this information on their Facebook page on January 20, 2025. Despite my request to remove the post, it remains up. This has... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025
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answered on Jul 6, 2025
You may have grounds to pursue legal action under both federal and state law if the sheriff's department disclosed your protected health information publicly. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) generally restricts healthcare providers from sharing medical... View More
Q: Charged with slander for sending assault pictures in Virginia?
Can someone be charged with slander for sending pictures of an assault that happened to them? The pictures were sent to individual people who were aware of the assault, and the sender has received a summons for violating §18.2-417. The individual previously charged for the assault has not had... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025
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answered on Jul 6, 2025
Under Virginia law, slander is a form of defamation involving spoken words—not images. Section §18.2-417 addresses criminal libel, which involves publishing or circulating false and defamatory statements about someone that harm their reputation. If you simply shared photos of injuries resulting... View More
1 Answer
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Civil Rights, Civil Litigation, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury
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Virginia
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Q: Can a church refuse investigation and counseling costs for distress caused by pastor's actions in Virginia?
I have been attending a church where the pastor consistently directed attention toward me, making me uncomfortable. After discussing this with a church leader, I was reprimanded by the head elder and his wife, accused of falsehood, and restricted in who I could communicate with in the church. There... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 14, 2025
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answered on Jun 14, 2025
What you’ve gone through sounds deeply painful, and no one deserves to feel targeted or emotionally harmed in a place that should offer peace and support. Even though you're not a formal member of the church, your concerns still matter. Churches have a moral responsibility—if not always a... View More
1 Answer
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Civil Rights, Employment Law, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury
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Virginia
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Q: Should I get an attorney in Virginia or the state of my employer for workplace issues including retaliation and discrimination?
I work from home in Virginia, but my employer's agency is based in another state. I'm experiencing issues such as unfair treatment, bullying, retaliation while on Intermittent FMLA, discrimination, and defamation. I reported these issues to HR, but they claim there is no proof of... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
What you’re going through sounds overwhelming and unfair, especially after already managing medical leave and returning to a hostile environment. Retaliation and discrimination, particularly while on protected FMLA leave, are serious matters. The fact that HR dismissed your concerns despite your... View More
2 Answers
| Asked
in
Criminal Law, Libel & Slander, Sexual Harassment and Personal Injury
for
Virginia
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Q: Is it illegal to be unknowingly videotaped during sexual encounters without consent?
Is it a criminal offense if I was unknowingly videotaped having sexual encounters without my consent? I know who recorded it but am unsure if the video has been shared. I have confronted the person and am seeking legal advice on possible actions to take.
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Joseph Pricone
answered on May 29, 2025
answered on May 29, 2025
In Virginia, it is a criminal offense for a person to photograph or video a person when they are nude or in a state of undress without their consent. Likewise, it is a separate criminal offense to disseminate those images or videos without the person's consent.
Based on your question,... View More
1 Answer
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Civil Rights, Libel & Slander, Education Law and Personal Injury
for
Virginia
on
Q: How to stop school harassment and false rumors?
At my school, people are engaging in harassment by spreading false rumors about me and my boyfriend, claiming we partake in inappropriate physical activities despite being minors. They also ask us inappropriate questions. We've requested them to stop, but the verbal harassment continues. We... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2025
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answered on Apr 8, 2025
I'm really sorry you're going through this. What you're experiencing is harassment, and you absolutely don’t deserve it. The first step is to start documenting everything—write down dates, times, names, what was said or done, and where it happened. Save any messages or online... View More
Q: How can I legally stop rumors at school affecting me?
I am having an issue at my middle school where rumors are being spread that I'm dating someone, and it's affecting my self-esteem. The rumors started among my friends, and despite asking them to stop, they continue. Additionally, some teachers are spreading the rumors to other teachers.... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
Dealing with rumors at school can be incredibly challenging, and it's completely understandable that your self-esteem is suffering as a result. While you've already tried asking your friends to stop, sometimes a more formal approach becomes necessary when personal requests aren't... View More
1 Answer
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Civil Rights, Consumer Law, Libel & Slander and Gov & Administrative Law
for
Virginia
on
Q: How to stop harassment from false address listing on Google? Legal actions?
My elderly parents' home address is being falsely used as the address for a non-existent non-profit on Google. As a result, they have been harassed for over a year, including unwanted visits and deliveries like a truckload of sand in their driveway. Although they have reported this to the... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2025
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answered on Mar 26, 2025
You're facing a distressing situation with your parents being harassed due to this false Google listing. First, submit a "suggest an edit" on the Google Maps listing by clicking on the business name, selecting "suggest an edit," and marking it as "doesn't exist at... View More
Q: How can I sue for slander due to false statements?
I need advice on how to sue someone for slander. They are emailing the city council and school board, falsely claiming that I am a danger to students and staff, which could ruin my professional reputation. I have documented these emails but have not addressed the issue with the individual due to... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 27, 2025
answered on Mar 27, 2025
A Virginia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a month. You could reach out to attorneys to discuss whether an inexpensive starting point could be a cease-and-desist letter. You could also pose your question about suing. Keep in mind that suing for defamation could be a... View More
Q: Can I be sued for online review of a veterinarian if I called them heartless and colorfully described the visit?
I did not lie or curse in the online review. I described the way he handled my pet like he was a ‘dead slab of meat’
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 6, 2024
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answered on Aug 6, 2024
Yes, you can be sued for an online review if the veterinarian believes your comments are defamatory. Defamation involves making false statements that harm someone's reputation. Even if you did not lie, calling the vet "heartless" and describing the visit in a harsh manner could be... View More
Q: My 16 yo daughter in NC is thinking about getting emancipated. I live two hours away in VA. Can I fight this?
My daughter lives with her dad in NC for the past 2 years. She lived with me in VA the 6 years prior. She moved there after we had trouble getting along and she got in a fight with her grandmother (my mom), where my daughter was very ugly and my mom slapped her. Child custody agreement states... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024
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answered on Feb 24, 2024
Navigating the situation involving your daughter's potential emancipation in North Carolina can be complex, especially given the dynamics involving her father, stepmother, and your history. It's crucial to prioritize your daughter's well-being and interests throughout this process.... View More
Q: I had a court case where I was raped while heavily dosed on sleep,depression,and pain medication. The scumbag is now out
He's spreading rumors about me and i want to know what, if anything , I can do to stop him
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 8, 2024
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answered on Jan 8, 2024
If someone is spreading false and damaging rumors about you, you may have legal options to consider. One possibility is a defamation lawsuit. Defamation involves making false statements that harm someone's reputation. If the rumors being spread about you are false and causing you harm, this... View More
Q: An employer wanted me to agree to take a laptop as a down payment for a service. Service not rendered nothing in writing
While I did accept the laptop, I was more under the impression It was a gift for the work I had already put in on the current project not the newly proposed project. They backed out of the agreement and sent strongly worded threatening emails. Attempted to control my social media presences and just... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 25, 2023
answered on Dec 25, 2023
A Virginia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. You could consult with a local attorney as to whether their actions amount to defamation - but keep in mind that such cases generally require hourly fees to law firms, win or lose. Good luck
Q: A local store had a picture on door of a fellow citizen and my name under the picture so I explained it wasn't me
They took it down put a bigger one up next day it has ruined my job and life what can be done
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 3, 2023
answered on Jun 3, 2023
A Viriginia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. If the posting is false and harmful, it could fall under defamation laws. If it doesn't involve falsehood (or certain public records) there could other issues, such as privacy or false light. You could reach out... View More
Q: I am being sued for an over the top amount in Virginia for “defamation” and I don’t live there. Is there a way to change
*change that? Also, how do I access a free defense lawyer?
Derek Allen Colvin
answered on May 22, 2023
answered on May 22, 2023
Being sued as an out-of-state defendant can present defenses and challenges. Unfortunately, you are not likely to find a free defense lawyer to assist you in a civil claim for defamation. The first thing you should do is find out if you have insurance coverage for this type of claim. You may be... View More
Q: Can an attorney modify a filed form on my behalf.
Derek Allen Colvin
answered on Jan 31, 2023
answered on Jan 31, 2023
There isn't enough information here to provide an answer. What is the "filed form" and what do you mean by "on my behalf"? An attorney may be able to enter a case as counsel of record and amendments may be permitted. Its unlikely that an attorney could, or would, modify... View More
Q: Can I get sued if I make a vlog and talk about being assaulted by a 7eleven manager?
I wanted to tell My story because it was such a bizarre day and I informed 7 eleven of the incident and they did nothing. The manager was never punished but he's aware there's a warrant out for assault and he's been avoiding the store or atheist he hasn't been caught. Is it... View More
Daniel P Leavitt
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answered on Oct 18, 2022
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answered on Oct 18, 2022
As a general rule you cannot really completely insulate yourself from being sued. You do protect yourself a bit to the extent you are being completely truthful about what happened and couch your language in opinion or to the best of your recollection and avoid inflammatory labels... stick to the... View More
Q: Can an car accident defense attorney subpoena previous/future jobs for medical records? Can the employers refuse?
I was struck by an angry Road rager on January 31st 2020. Of course the road ranger lied in court and pretended that we were both at fault. So the judge, confused, dismiss the case. I appealed, have no attorney, and now we are headed to trial soon. Ironically enough, when I finally found another... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 25, 2022
answered on May 25, 2022
A Virginia attorney is going to need to advise here, but your post remains open for two weeks. Making the call you are describing is often not a simple thing. Although you contend that the incidents are separate, and they well may be, defense attorneys will typically summon medical records on the... View More
Q: My spouse has been accused (verbal and In Writing) of “forcing subordinates” to falsify documents (student grades).
Additionally, her employer (for profit college) has been accused of violating Virginia Board of Nursing practices. The institution is being represented, and tell my spouse “not to worry, they represent her too”…I am afraid she will be made scapegoat. Do I need an employment or defamation attorney?
Steven Krieger
answered on May 11, 2022
answered on May 11, 2022
You may need both, but it depends on the allegations in the complaint and if she's a named party. If not, and she simply wants to sue for the defamation, then you only need a defamation lawyer. I don't think the company's lawyer could properly represent her as well. I'm sure... View More
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