Ultimatum in writing, with consequences

[Gumpinator]

What is the name of your state? North Carolina

Here is the situation, I was fired from my prevous job. I did everything in my power to make sure the separation was professional. I answered all their questions, told them to call me if they needed anything and they did, and I helped them out.

I was hired by a competing company and I immediately started soliciting business from my old companies clients. A number of them switched to the new firm based on the relationship I had developed with them over the years.

I was served at the police dept with a strange aggreement letter yesterday, bascally saying that if i don't agree to quit commpeting with them and soliciting business from their clients, that they will file criminal charges against me. The charge really is poo, unauthorized use of a computer. They also said in front of a witness (the detective) that if i was indeed charged that "rest assured, it will be in the paper".

I have not signed the thing. It was very sloppily worded and was NOT prepared by a lawyer. I m going to have this reviewed by a layer, but haven't been able to meet with one yet.

Can anyone give me any advice on this matter?

Thanks!

 

[BelizeBreeze]

You are following the correct path.
Make sure you take all correspondence (e-mails, exit documents) and advise your attorney if the company called you and when so a records check can be made of your phone.

 

[stealth2]

Did you EVER sign a non-compete agreement with your former employer? (btw - what you're doing IS rather unprofessional.)

 

[Gumpinator]

No, I NEVER signed any form of non-compete clause. But they let me know yesterday that I was ethically, morally, and probably legally bound to NOT pursue ANY of their clients, or I would deal with the repercussions. And this was said in front of the police detective.

 

[djohnson]

Ethically and morally wrong? yeah, but legally? not necessarily. If you never signed a non-compete agreement and you didn't take records or anything from your old company. Then I don't think they have any basis.