Is this considered slander or defamation of character?
I recently was arrested for a crime I did not commit (Public lewdness). The case was dismissed. Yesterday I receive a call from a co-worker saying that the incident was in a local newspaper. As I read the article I noticed that it mentions what school I work at, subject I teach, the make/model car I drive, the arresting picture and contact to my job was attempted. The article did not mention that the case was dismissed.
Because of this incident I fear that my reputation as a teacher is in jeopardy and I may loose my job.
Is this considered in any way slander or defamation of character?
Is it possible to get the article reprinted with the entire story?
or can I ask them to remove my piicture from the internet?
HELP!
Answers:
Since this was printed in a newspaper it would be libel. But from what you have stated the best you can hope for is another story stating that the charges have been dropped. Did the article state that you were guilty or imply that you were found in the act? If not then you were not libeled. Try to make them print a correction stating ALL charges have been dropped.
The local paper did not libel you if they stated the facts that you were arrested and what crime you were booked for. Now as for the fact that you work for a school, you really need to be proactive and talk to your supervisor and principal and it would help if you told the teacher's union to get a rep. from them for help.
Good luck!
yes.
go to the hiring authority or people who employ you. explain the situation to them. the amount of time and trouble it will take to get the press to change the story will not solve your problem. go directly to your boss or the person who is responsible for employing you. this is one of the few instances where this is an important and correct thing to do.
Sounds like an excellent case for the ACLU !! Contact a lawyer and see what you can do to bring a suit against the perpetrator of such an outrage ! This is definately a SHAM !! Go get 'em !!!
Absolutely! Also, you need to call the publisher of that newspaper and make them print a correction and admission that the case was indeed dismissed. The Richmond Times Dispatch pulls stunts like this occasionally and don't you know the victims let them have it! They also print once a year their ethics page but they always manage to break 'em and always seem quite cavalier about it when they do that "it makes for readership." Some reporter probably wanted another notch in his/her belt for ego and to hoist a beer, God only knows! I'd definitely pitch a fit about it! Could also endanger your life, home, belongings, incite vandalism on your car, house, whatever! That stuff is really getting rampant nowadays. Follow up on it and don't let them off the hook! good luck, and God Bless! Hope you stay safe! Barbara
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