Theres a girl whos making rumours about me can i press charges??
2007-04-05 15:56:38 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
it depends on who she's telling these stories to. if it is actual defamation of character then yes, but if she's just telling people stuff then probably not.
2007-04-05 16:04:56 · answer #1 · answered by sangreal 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Press charges? No ... saying mean things about someone is not a criminal offense ... which is the nature of "pressing Charges".
However ... you could sue the person in Civil Court for damages under the rulings of Libel (written words or pictures) or Slander (spoken accusations). If you'd win in a court you could get a monetary judgment against the person and an order for them to cease and desist (i.e. stop). BUT know this ... it is REALLY hard to prove libel or Slander. The burden of proof is on you ... and you MUST prove that
1. The accusations are false ... if they call you a thief ... and you actually stole something then that is truth so you can't sue them for libel or slander.
2. You must prove that they did it with the goal of hurting you ... i.e. ... not just an accident .. it had to be on purpose.
3. you must prove that you were actually damaged by it ... i.e ... if what the person said stopped you from getting a job ... that is an actual damage. If it just "hurt your feelings" .... that's not good enough ... you have to have been caused serious damage.
Freedom of speech is a double edged sword at times ... but ... it's still better to have free speech than not have it.
Good Luck.
2007-04-05 16:10:48 · answer #2 · answered by Informed1 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If it's bad enough it might be defamation, but ordinarily, there's nothing you can do. It has to be something that a reasonable person would interpret to be really bad and it can't just be comments to friends about you... it has to be something public enough to actually hurt you. I don't believe there's any criminal offense for saying things about people, so you wouldn't be pressing charges like with the police, but if it is bad enough to be defamation, you might be able to file a complaint in civil court.
2007-04-05 16:11:34 · answer #3 · answered by kmnmiamisax 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have you told a teacher or other trusted adult? I would think if you press charges the police would get social services involved because your mum should really be dealing with this as the parent. Do you live with your sister? Have you asked her about it when you are alone? I would tell a teacher or someone who knows you
2016-03-31 23:58:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Defemation of character or slander yes, but you have to suffer real damages, like the rumors are 100% untrue, it's ruined you financially, you reputation is shot beyone repair, and they did it maliciously to destroy your life, and more.
If it's just gossip at school or around the neighborhood, nope.
2007-04-05 16:50:43 · answer #5 · answered by Χαλαρά 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Time to grow up. Words cant hurt you. If someone spreads rumors just forget about it. Action is what they want you take.
You will achieve more by just ignoring it.
2007-04-05 16:05:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
No. Being a gossip is rude and classless but its generally not illegal.
However, if she's telling outright lies about you, you could consult with a lawyer and sue her for damages for defamation.
2007-04-05 16:13:49 · answer #7 · answered by krollohare2 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I need a lawyer in houston
2014-11-08 04:48:19 · answer #8 · answered by Steven E 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you definitely can however there will be no conviction without lots of proof and it will be almost impossible to get a lawyer to take the case and your chances of winning such a case without a lawyer are nearly zero.
2007-04-05 16:07:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
It depends on the rumors but it most cases no.
2007-04-05 16:05:00 · answer #10 · answered by krzicleo 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋