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DanPatrick10 · Feb 4, 2008, 04:18 PM

The local Sherrif's Office has my jail booking press release posted on the internet. To this day, I believe I was falsely accused of the crime, and publishing that event is damaging to my reputation.

Can I sue the state for defamation(libel) especially in the case where I may have to repeat this to anyone(employers) who may have read the press release?

Regards,

DP

excon · Feb 4, 2008, 04:44 PM

Hello Dan:

Maybe. In our system, you aren't guilty of anything simply because you were arrested. Assuming you weren't eventually convicted, you certainly might have a case.

I'd run it by a few lawyers and see what they say. If one of them likes your case, he'll take it on a contingency basis meaning you only pay if you win.

excon

twinkiedooter · Feb 4, 2008, 05:45 PM

Have you spoken to anyone at the Sherrif's department in person about this? Were you eventually convicted of the crime or was the case dismissed and no conviction? You were not clear about this fact.

Fr_Chuck · Feb 4, 2008, 06:30 PM

If you were found guilty, then no there is really nothing you can do, since it is not illegal to post true info ( OK you don't think it is, but if you were found guilty or pleaded guilty, then it is true to the courts)

If you were found not guilty, then you may have a case.

DanPatrick10 · Feb 4, 2008, 09:04 PM

There are two charges that are related to each other. The first charge was alleged assault/4; the charge was later dropped. The second was violation of a no contact order which I plead guilty to. However, I am not guilty of the first charge.

Moreover, I do not have any previous convictions before these two charges, and I come from a very good, well educated family. In fact Fr. Chuck, my brother is a priest himself. I also served for four years in the United States Navy.

I wanted to get some general advice before seeking an attorney. I apologize for not being clear at first; I've already had to "self-publicize" this information.