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Virginia Libel & Slander Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law and Libel & Slander for Virginia on
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’

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights, Juvenile Law and Libel & Slander for Virginia on
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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Libel & Slander for Virginia on
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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Family Law, Civil Litigation and Libel & Slander for Virginia on
Q: Is this grounds for a civil lawsuit for my mother?

My father (ex husband) and his new wife keep sending my mother harassing messages to bring down her self esteem saying she is being monitored and they will cut off her alimony as well as going as far as my mothers church Facebook group to write negative things about my mother. Is this grounds for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 23, 2023

In Virginia, the situation your mother is facing with her ex-husband and his new wife sending harassing messages and posting negative comments about her could potentially be grounds for a civil lawsuit. Harassment and defamation (if the statements made are false and damaging to her reputation) are... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Libel & Slander for Virginia on
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
Tim Akpinar
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

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Libel & Slander and Small Claims for Virginia on
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
Tim Akpinar
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

2 Answers | Asked in Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Virginia on
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
Derek Allen Colvin
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

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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Virginia on
Q: Can an attorney modify a filed form on my behalf.
Derek Allen Colvin
Derek Allen Colvin
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

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Libel & Slander for Virginia on
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

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

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Libel & Slander and Workers' Compensation for Virginia on
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
Tim Akpinar
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

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Education Law and Libel & Slander for Virginia on
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
Steven Krieger
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

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Virginia on
Q: What are the chances of contunued targeted harassment on social media that includes defamation and doxxing lawsuit?

They used the person's real name each time they go on social media to harass her. They also claim she committed a crime that has not been proven by evidence.

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Mar 6, 2022

If you're asking about chances of stopping online harassment, it's possible, but you'd likely ned to reach out to the platform or social media company for assistance. If statements were made that are defamatory, then you could bring a a lawsuit for the defamation. I'm sure... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation, Elder Law and Libel & Slander for Virginia on
Q: After living & caring for mom in her home for 11yrs,mom's moved to care facility.Sis,sole trustee,wants me (age 71) out

Sis said in writing I could stay till Apr 1. Feb 28 got 30 Day Notice to Quit that said I was staying without permission. Clearly a lie. Any consequences for her lying to obtain notice? On Feb 1, Sis said I would be responsible for a number of bills as of that date including utilities. She... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Mar 2, 2022

I don't think there is much of anything a lawyer can do without getting involved in the situation and learning the personalities and the history. There are plainly things you can do, but many of them involve putting up a defense. At 71 and living with your mother, you may not have the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Virginia on
Q: Can I sue a reporter or television station for slander?

I was a victim of slander on a national news television program by falsely being labeled as a member of a hate group. Due to this rhetoric, I’m fearful that my family and I may be targeted and im also concerned for the potential affects this may cause with my place of employment. *Possibly class... View More

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Jan 14, 2021

Possibly. The media has more protection as it relates to defamation than a private individual, but if you could prove the statement was said with malice then you'd have a claim. This probably wouldn't be a class action type case, unfortunately. I'm sure anyone who responds would be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Virginia on
Q: Can I sue for defamation?

A coworker has falsely accused me of having sexual relations with a married coworker at work. This coworker went to administration and told human relations. These accusations are false.

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Sep 17, 2020

Yes. You need to find out what was said specifically to HR, but if it's as black and white as you described, then I think you would have a viable. If you decide to hire an attorney, I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy to help. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Virginia on
Q: If a person said to me via text that they would Crack my jaw should I take this as a serious threat?

I have filed a police report and they said I could see the magistrate to press charges. I did take the threat seriously and it has cause me much anxiety and fear. Should I press charges?

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on Aug 10, 2020

I regret that I do not handle personal injury or criminal law matters. Sorry.

2 Answers | Asked in Libel & Slander, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for Virginia on
Q: What signage is required for an HOA to have your car towed?
Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Jul 29, 2020

Possibly none. It depends on what the bylaws say, where the vehicle was parked, and if you're an owner, resident, or guest. Good luck.

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Libel & Slander for Virginia on
Q: My parents are going through a divorce and my mom is making false financial abuse claims against my father.

No

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Jun 30, 2020

You have no responsibility to do anything. While your parents divorce certainly impacts you, you do not have any legal responsibility to do anything or be involved. If you WANT to be involved that's a different story and you could be involved as much or as little as you feel comfortable with,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander and Copyright for Virginia on
Q: If I write a historical fiction book on ancient religious sects could I be sued for slander or defamation?
Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Apr 19, 2020

Yes

Obviously it will depend on what you say

Your defense is the truth, so if you get sued you can just show that all you wrote was truthful or the consensus of experts

If they are a large very public organization, they have more barriers to jump through to succeed in a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Libel & Slander for Virginia on
Q: Nat. company’s website refers to a hired person’s “bio” & includes false claim of starting event that’s yours. Sue comp?

Their is the local branch that the person was hired but the person works all over the country with the large nat. company. It is still active on the website. I know they scrubbed social media for everything/ anything when he hired, but the liar wrote this bit and they missed it. Can I file a cease... View More

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on Feb 16, 2020

Many of the answers to your questions depend on the particular facts that are involved in your case. You should definitely confer with a lawyer and get a formal opinion.

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