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New Jersey Libel & Slander Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for New Jersey on
Q: What to do if falsely accused of stealing by family?

My father allegedly filed a police report against me for stealing money from his account, but law enforcement has not contacted me. The only indication I have of this accusation is a Facebook post by my aunt. When I asked my father, he denied any issues. I have witnesses who can attest to my... View More

Gerald D. Siegel
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answered on Oct 1, 2025

The best thing to do is to cease making any type of statement, verbal or written, including on social media about this, until you speak with a criminal lawyer. It's important that you be advised of your constitutional rights if you are contacted by law enforcement. At the end of the day, you... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Civil Litigation and Libel & Slander for New Jersey on
Q: Boyfriend accused of DV seeks advice on proving innocence with evidence and pursuing defamation suit.

My boyfriend was charged with domestic violence and was arrested two weeks ago. He has a court date on March 21 and a pre-trial hearing on March 7. His ex-girlfriend claims he hit her on his front porch on February 3. However, she was using his phone to text and harass me at that time, and he has... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Feb 27, 2025

Your boyfriend (in addition to the criminal defense attorney) is going to need a matrimonial attorney with extensive domestic violence experience. The best thing for your boyfriend to do is to retain attorneys for each case that have experience working together. Attorney Aalsberg is the best... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Libel & Slander and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: Need help with defamation against a small startup business. We are being wrongfully accused of copying their ideas

Need a cease and desist letter and a strong statement indicating that we will sue for damages, loss revenues and emotional and physical distress. An immediate public apology is necessary but she’s gone too far and my losses are palpable.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 19, 2024

I understand you feel wronged, but I have some concerns about the approach you're proposing. Here are a few important points to consider:

Sending a cease and desist letter with threats of a lawsuit is a very serious step that could escalate the conflict. It's usually advisable to... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Libel & Slander and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: Need help with defamation against a small startup business. We are being wrongfully accused of copying their ideas

Need a cease and desist letter and a strong statement indicating that we will sue for damages, loss revenues and emotional and physical distress. An immediate public apology is necessary but she’s gone too far and my losses are palpable.

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on May 1, 2024

Sometimes a strongly worded letter from an experienced civil litigation attorney is enough to solve the problem. Whether or not you can file a lawsuit for emotional distress is questionable. If the letter does not help, then a lawsuit for copyright infringement will get their attention. You should... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Family Law and Libel & Slander for New Jersey on
Q: I'm the plaintiff and my motion for summary judgment was granted in my favor.

I don't see any monetary for damages tho. Is there a next step or am I suppose to file something

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Apr 24, 2024

I have no idea what requests were sought as part of your summary judgment application.

My suggestion is that you pay a lawyer for his / her time to review your summary judgment application, the opposition filed, the reply papers filed ( with all exhibits) and the proposed form of order you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Employment Law, Civil Rights and Libel & Slander for New Jersey on
Q: Contracted employee making unfounded defamatory statements about the business owner and other staff members-

Such comments include reference to another employee's sexual orientation and religious beliefs. There are other staff members (men, and additional LGBTQ staff) who have shared that this employee harasses them via text during the work day and in their off work hours. What recourse does the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

In the case of a contracted employee making defamatory statements and engaging in harassment, the employer, especially in a private school in New Jersey, does have recourse to address this behavior. While the employee is under contract, it's important to review the contract terms carefully to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Libel & Slander for New Jersey on
Q: My therapist and I were discussing my ex and he said that it's possible she had a personality disorder and I posted it

I posted what my therapist said about my ex. I didn't mention her name. Can I get sued?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 5, 2023

Under New Jersey law, defamation suits typically involve making a false statement about someone that harms their reputation. However, in your case, since you didn't mention your ex's name, it significantly reduces the risk of a defamation claim. Anonymity in your post makes it difficult... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Libel & Slander, Banking and Personal Injury for New Jersey on
Q: Will I be notified or arrested for alleged Zelle theft from a family member?

I was informed that a police report was filed against me on September 28th for allegedly stealing money from my dad’s bank account using Zelle. There’s also a Facebook post suggesting this. However, I haven't been contacted by the police, received any notice, or been questioned. It's... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 3, 2025

If a police report has been filed against you, that does not automatically mean you will be arrested right away. In most cases, law enforcement would first investigate the claim, which could include contacting you for a statement, reviewing bank records, and speaking with witnesses. Whether you are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Sexual Harassment, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Employment Law, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for New Jersey on
Q: Can harassment by management at UPS lead to a defamation lawsuit in NJ?

I work for UPS in New Jersey and have experienced harassment by management at my job. I filed a harassment complaint against a building manager as outlined in my union contract. In response, the manager allegedly sent two supervisors to one of my clients to obtain signatures for comparison,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025

What you’ve described is troubling, and it’s understandable that it’s taken a toll on your well-being. In New Jersey, for something to rise to defamation, there must be a false statement made to a third party that damages your reputation. If management sent supervisors to question a client in... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for New Jersey on
Q: Threatened with harassment lawsuit after Google review of unsafe vehicle.

I was sold a vehicle with a rusted, cracked frame that made it unsafe to drive. I returned the vehicle and received a refund. However, I left a truthful and honest Google review about my experience, and now I'm being threatened with a harassment lawsuit. How should I handle this situation?

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

A strongly worded letter from an experienced civil litigation attorney should put an end to your problem. There was no harassment on your part, but it sounds like you are being harassed. Pick the best attorney you can find and remember one rule: a good attorney is generally never cheap, and a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for New Jersey on
Q: Can I sue the City for slander during a class?

As a citizen, I found out that during an Active Shooter class attended by 12 City employees, one of the employees slandered me by calling me a "nutjob," and implying I could walk in anytime, causing me embarrassment. There were witnesses during this meeting, and I have reported the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

What you experienced sounds deeply hurtful, especially coming from someone in a professional setting where your name and character should never have been discussed in that way. Being called a “nutjob” and having your presence framed as a threat in front of city employees can cause real... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for New Jersey on
Q: How to dispute false statements in a 2005 article in NJ?

In 2005, an article was published that falsely attributed statements to me regarding a murder case. I never gave any statements, signed any documents, or pointed anyone out. This article has affected me very badly. What legal steps can I take to dispute the claims and seek a correction or... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

To dispute the false statements made in the 2005 article, the first step is to contact the publisher and request a correction or retraction. Write a formal letter or email explaining the inaccuracies and provide evidence to support your claim, such as documentation that shows you never gave... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for New Jersey on
Q: What legal steps can I take against someone for false accusations, defamation, harassment, and related harm?

I was falsely accused by someone who called 911, prompting a police report based on false claims. I have video evidence proving that she lied. Two weeks later, she obtained a temporary restraining order (TRO) against me by lying again; however, the case was dismissed. I hired a lawyer who advised... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 2, 2025

You have several potential legal remedies worth exploring based on your difficult situation. You could file a civil lawsuit for defamation (libel or slander), malicious prosecution, or intentional infliction of emotional distress, seeking compensation for your lost income, medical expenses, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Libel & Slander for New Jersey on
Q: I am in a low income bracket. I am in need of an attorney to help me deal with a case of harassment and intimidation.
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 3, 2024

A starting point could be to look into legal aid organizations and local/state bar association websites. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for New Jersey on
Q: I believe I have been a victim of libel in my workplace does this situation fit the parameters to pursue legal action?

a complaint was submitted via email to the VP of my org from another VP that contained inaccurate information and blatant lies about me. I have evidence proving each item was a fabrication. I have been suffering with insomnia since being informed of this complaint as I am plagued with stress and... View More

Jadder Josué Sánchez Alvarado
Jadder Josué Sánchez Alvarado
answered on Oct 20, 2023

Sure , you can start a process again him , remember this situation may carry other consequences in the near future. So, I suggest to present a lawsuit as soon as possible. Libel propagates smoothly and quickly.

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for New Jersey on
Q: I am 17. I scheduled a motorcycle lesson than canceled. The owner is threatening to sue me for my negative review.

I scheduled a appointment with a company to learn how to ride a motorcycle. After unforeseen circumstances I asked if I could get a refund, he said no but you can reschedule. For months I was busy and unable to schedule a time that worked. He had said that he only give refunds if you are injured.... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on May 28, 2023

Unless your parents have the funds to retain counsel for you, then you will not be able to have representation. This so-called no refunds policy is not binding and you are not old enough to sign a legally valid contract. You need to involve your parents in this. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Education Law and Libel & Slander for New Jersey on
Q: Can I sue against a guidance counselor and teacher for false allegations?

My son has autism and the guidance counselor said that my son made a "comment" that led up to cps getting involved. My son doesn't speak well nor does he understand a lot. Teacher has been making small complaints about my son since September about him not participating, not doing... View More

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Feb 22, 2023

This is a question best directed to a lawyer that specializes in claims against school officials for abusive practices.

2 Answers | Asked in Internet Law and Libel & Slander for New Jersey on
Q: If you post an opinion on social media can it be slanderous

I posted a statue on social media with a disclaimer “in my opinion “ and now an attorney says it is slander because I misinterpreted the statue. And discredited his work on a filed Resolution

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Oct 23, 2022

Adding your opinion to something will generally not protect you against a possible slander law suit.

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Real Estate Law, Domestic Violence and Libel & Slander for New Jersey on
Q: In New Jersey, if a two people buy a house together, how is the ownership divided if contributions were not equal?

In this scenario, the people in question got divorced before the house was purchased, however they lied on their bank application when getting the loan, and said they were still married.

Now the ex wife who has contributed only a portion of the initial downpayment and no mortgage payments... View More

Morris Leo Greb
Morris Leo Greb
answered on Oct 19, 2022

Since you were not married when you purchased the property, you are tenants in common. If the deed does not mention the specific ownership interest of each party, you each have a 50% interest in the property.

2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Libel & Slander for New Jersey on
Q: My ex is blackmailing me. He wants money & is threatening to contact my family & job to mess w/my life. What should I do
Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Jul 29, 2022

Call the police and file a Temporary Restraining Order, which will put a stop to this, or if he violates it, then it is a criminal offense. Next you need to retain an experienced matrimonial attorney with extensive domestic violence trial experience to represent you. With modern technology, you can... View More

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