Results 1 to 6 of 6

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Posts
    3

    Default Local Law Enforcement Releases Information and Spreads Lies

    My question involves defamation in the state of: Indiana

    I have recently been contacted by local detectives who wished to question me in relation to a crime. The crime was burglary and they believe I had some connection to the crime simply because my vehicle was spotted in the area sometime after the crime was committed. I cooperated with the authorities and gave them DNA samples and a list of alibis that would vouch for where I was that night. I find out shortly after that the detectives told the business owner that I am the one who committed the crime, the store owner then went and told his fellow business owners around town not to allow me in there businesses because I am a thief. Do I have grounds to file slander and/or other charges against the law enforcement officers responsible for this? I can't seem to find a job anywhere in my small town because of these false accusations.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    8,006

    Default Re: Local Law Enforcement Releases Information and Spreads Lies

    How do you know they told the shop owner you were the guilty party. They may simply have mentioned you are a suspect and the owner ran with it. Ever play telephone as a kid?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Local Law Enforcement Releases Information and Spreads Lies

    The owner of the neighboring business informed me that the owner of the original business had contacted him and told him. Regardless I wonder if it would be worth while to subpoena the business owner and have him questioned on it.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    8,006

    Default Re: Local Law Enforcement Releases Information and Spreads Lies

    So there is no proof, all you have is hearsay. You can't just subpoena someone to be questioned.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Local Law Enforcement Releases Information and Spreads Lies

    Okay I understand what your saying but I was under the impression it was illegal to release criminal case information before someone's arrest. If that was the case then the store owner shouldn't even know my name.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Lake Chapala
    Posts
    3,043

    Default Re: Local Law Enforcement Releases Information and Spreads Lies

    To subpoena him you'd have to file suit. To file suit, you'd have to pay an attorney. You'd also have to have hard evidence that the reason no one's hiring you is because the original business owner told people you're a thief and no other reason. All this will take you about three years and cost you $30k+.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Quoting Mattorz
    View Post
    Okay I understand what your saying but I was under the impression it was illegal to release criminal case information before someone's arrest. If that was the case then the store owner shouldn't even know my name.
    Why do you want to sue the owner when you believe it's the police who are at fault?

    Also, please note that cops are well-trained in keeping the PD out of legal hot water. Most of them know not to go around telling people that one of their suspects is a thief. They may tell people that the suspect is a suspect (because that's true and not actionable), but not that the suspect is a thief.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Defamation: Current Employer Spreads False Allegations of Sexual Harassment from a Previous Job
    By Floydjames in forum Defamation, Slander And Libel
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 10-02-2012, 11:26 AM
  2. Legal Research: U.S Attorney Press Releases
    By Sacrificial Goat in forum Legal Practice
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 01-21-2012, 07:30 AM
  3. Sex Offenses: Consensual Sex Question - 17 and 21 - Law Conflicts with Local Law Enforcement
    By JusticeForAll7 in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 08-25-2010, 03:32 AM
  4. Divorce: Before Marriage Lies and After Lies, Verbal, Emotional and Physical Abuse
    By uniqueldy in forum Divorce, Annulment and Separation
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-08-2009, 07:33 AM
  5. Escrowee Releases Himself From Responsibility
    By cliu in forum Buying, Selling and Conveying Real Estate
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 12-19-2007, 08:30 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources