Get free answers to your Libel & Slander legal questions from lawyers in your area.
In 2023, a sheriff called me a "waste of life" on live television and on social media. These statements were related to my arrest, where I was held for two years before winning at trial despite lacking probable cause or evidence. This defamation led to the loss of my job, kids, and... View More 
answered on May 13, 2025
You may have a potential viable claim against the Sheriff if you file suit within two years of the date of the defamatory communication. The statute of limitations period for defamation is two years. Another issue to look into is whether the TV station(s) might have liability, though that is... View More
I received a homophobic comment in a text message from someone I met yesterday. This person works at a law firm. I have evidence of the text message. I'm considering what actions I can take regarding this situation. What legal options do I have?
answered on May 9, 2025
Unwanted text messages of any kind constitute cyberstalking IF you make it clear that the messages are unwanted. Therefore, make a writing (either on your own or through an attorney) that demands the person to stop sending texts (or, if you desire, to stop communicating with you by any means) and... View More
I received a homophobic comment in a text message from someone I met yesterday. This person works at a law firm. I have evidence of the text message. I'm considering what actions I can take regarding this situation. What legal options do I have?
answered on May 9, 2025
This could be considered an extreme and outrageous act sufficient to expose the sender to a cause of action for intentional infliction of emotional distress. However, I doubt that any attorney would be interested in taking the case because there’s no physical injury. You could sue him in small... 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 am based in Orlando, Florida, and have been targeted by a business operating out of Toronto, Canada, owned by an individual with South Korean or dual Canadian-South Korean citizenship. The business doxxed me by posting photos from my private Instagram account on Twitter and requested their... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 16, 2025
You may have grounds for legal action under several theories, including cyberbullying, targeted harassment, or libel, though specific outcomes depend on the details and evidence. Under U.S. federal law, there is no specific statute for cyberbullying; however, harassment and stalking are covered... View More
I left a one-star review on my sister's Google business without any comment. She texted me, threatening to sue me for defamation and slander. She hasn't taken any legal action yet. Her business has only two reviews: a five-star from another person and my one-star. Can she legally sue me... View More
answered on Apr 15, 2025
Can she run to the courthouse and file any lawsuit complaint she feels like? Yes. Would it fly? It should not, and it should be tossed out upon an appropriate motion to dismiss. A pure opinion without any false statement is not actionable.
I experienced sexual harassment from a manager who would grab my arm or waist despite safety protocols and called me "baby" after I expressed my discomfort. I've informed a coworker about these incidents, but no formal complaint was filed. Since I've transferred to a different... View More
answered on Mar 31, 2025
OK, so if a female is sexually harassed on the job, in order to pursue a lawsuit against the employer she has to report the harassment to HR. However, once the employer remedies the problem by either terminating the perpetrator or separating the two employees, then you have no claim against the... View More
I am facing a possession charge and have a trial scheduled for next month. My public defender told me I could leave the courtroom, which led to a warrant for failure to appear, even though I was present. This was resolved with the judge, who lifted the warrant after we explained the... View More
answered on Mar 17, 2025
Sorry to hear about this incident that is worrying you. First, you currently have a lawyer - your APD (Asst. Public Defender), with whom you should discuss these concerns. That discussion might alleviate your concerns. If you have doubts about your lawyer's competence and/or veracity, you... View More
I am facing a possession charge and have a trial scheduled for next month. My public defender told me I could leave the courtroom, which led to a warrant for failure to appear, even though I was present. This was resolved with the judge, who lifted the warrant after we explained the... View More
answered on Mar 17, 2025
Sorry, had typo in my previously-posted answer: Second line from bottom "ability to remove one for cause...." should read "ability to remove any for cause...."
I recently went through a custody battle with my ex-husband, where I was granted full physical and legal custody with a no-contact order. He's filed an appeal, and I've returned to court multiple times due to his contempt. My current issue is that my current husband's ex-wife keeps... View More
answered on Mar 2, 2025
You will need to call a lawyer to schedule a consultation, so that the court docket and documents may be reviewed. Your description is confusing regarding why your current husband's ex-wife would be a party to court proceedings (or is she?), and is so, for what type of proceeding and which... View More
A close family member has died. Only one person was named beneficiary of the estate. The beneficiary truly loved the family member that died and took care of that family member with good intentions for a long time. Other people in the family did nothing to help the grantor when he was very sick and... View More
answered on Sep 14, 2024
There is nothing the toxic family members can do, but if they keep it up, the person being slandered can consider getting a civil litigation attorney and filing suit against them for these behaviors, at best it may be to just ignore them if possible and hopefully they will tire, if not, then... View More
If a customer lied and said that you were rude to them so you were fired. Now you have to put on future application that you were fired. The customer lied about the whole incident.in Florida. I have never had any complaints about me being rude
answered on Feb 17, 2024
The tort of slander prohibits someone from publishing or making a false statement or defamatory statement, known to be false. So while you could make a claim against the customer, a matter of opinion isn’t going to help you if that’s the customers opinion. How would you ever prove the customer... View More
I am currently dealing with a legal matter involving identity theft, where an individual has fraudulently assumed my identity to commit various criminal acts. In addition to misappropriating my funds, this person has also made false accusations against me, resulting in a legal case being filed.... View More
answered on May 16, 2025
Find the website for the clerk of court in your county. You probably can search by the individual's name.
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
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 15, 2025
You’re facing a very distressing situation, especially with the threat to your family’s reputation and safety. To get a restraining order, start by going to your local courthouse or family court to file a petition for protection. You’ll need to explain clearly and provide any evidence of the... View More
I want to sue my school in Florida for loss of education and earned wages due to them not following proper protocol related to my disability rights. I have type 1 diabetes and was hospitalized due to complications. Instead of an excused absence, the school forced me to take a leave of absence,... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 14, 2025
Yes, it sounds like you may have a case worth pursuing. If your school failed to provide reasonable accommodations for your type 1 diabetes, forced you into a leave of absence instead of honoring medical absences, and caused academic and financial setbacks, that could be a violation of your rights... View More
My mother is an inmate in Polk County, Florida, and the police department has posted her mug shot along with a mocking "bon voyage" poster on their social media. They have ridiculed her, and while she has made choices leading to her current situation, I find these posts distressing. When... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 14, 2025
Seeing your loved one mocked publicly by a government agency can be painful and upsetting. While mug shots are public records in Florida, the tone and commentary added by a police department can cross ethical boundaries. The U.S. Constitution protects against cruel and unusual punishment, but... View More
I recently inherited a commercial property from my father, which transferred to me after being filed recently. The property has professional squatters who have forged a lease and are preventing me from accessing the site. There was no lease or agreement made with these squatters. My father also... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 13, 2025
Hire a FL attorney to sue all occupants for possession only. You will not be able to do this yourself and may need to sue for Ejectment. Time is running against you. Title and Possession are two different things.
My employer is lying about my reason for leaving the company. I gave a formal three-week notice of resignation, stating I was leaving for a different job opportunity. The company is telling clients and co-workers that I am leaving because I refused their request to return to the office. I have not... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025
Based on Florida and Wisconsin employment laws, your employer's mischaracterization of your resignation reason raises potential legal concerns. Under the common law tort of defamation, false statements that harm your professional reputation may be actionable, particularly if they suggest you... View More
I have been the victim of continuous false accusations and lies told by one individual over the last 4 years. This person has filed a false police report, had my house swatted, made false claims to their attorney, filed a civil suit filled with false information, made false allegations to a... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 7, 2025
It’s important to address the ongoing harassment and false accusations in a legal manner to protect yourself. First, consider documenting all interactions and any evidence you have, even if it seems minimal. Keep a detailed log of all communications, incidents, and any harassment. This will help... View More
I'm considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and would like to know if it's possible to include a potential future civil judgment for slander in the bankruptcy filing. There has been no settlement offered by the other party's attorney, and no judgment has been issued yet. Can a... View More
answered on Mar 23, 2025
Good question. 11 U.S. Code § 523 (a) (6) provides that debt for "willful and malicious injury" is not discharged in bankruptcy. If the slander is proven to be "willful and malicious", the actual damages (as opposed to punitive damages, etc.) might not be dischargeable.
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.
