defamation of character

[jamieanderson]

Aurora, Colorado.

A girl I know violated her probation and was arrested. SHe thought it was me that pinned it on her and decided to get even by telling a police officer or detective that I had done a felony burglary totalling $16,000 worth of stolen merchandise. The police came into my work, handcuffed me and took me to jail. Bail was set at $5,000, in which I posted $750 to a bailbonds to be released. I met with the detective and gave them a statement and within a day or two all charges were dropped. I'm unsuree as to what my rights are in this case. Not only am I out $750 but now things at my job aren't the best. I had to use my car payment money to post bail and now that's late and things are going downhill from there. I pretty much live paycheck-to-paycheck and this has really hurt me. Not only did I lose time at work and the bail money, but now my reputation is tarnished and things aren't getting any better for me. Can I sue this girl for intentionally giving the police false information about me and pinning a felony crime on an innocent person and basically attempting to ruin my life?

 

[seniorjudge]

False police reports cannot be used as a basis for a defamation lawsuit.

 

[jamieanderson]

Am I in a position to do anything to make her responsible for her actions? Is there another avenue I can pursue to be reimbursed for my losses?

 

[seniorjudge]

Your story does not ring true.

Tell us the whole truth and then we might start a reasonable discussion.

Start from the beginning.

 

[jamieanderson]

It is the truth. I can go into more detail. Basically, to make a long story short, this girl was a good friend of mine when I originally moved to Colorado with my husband. After we seaparated I moved back to my home state and after a few years, moved back to Colorado so we can both raise our son together. I made some connections with some old friends and one of them ended up going down the wrong road with drugs, etc. Once I realized that she was doing drugs I let her know that basically I cannot hang out with someone like her due to the fact that's not the kind of life I lead. I work full time and my sole reason for being in Colorado was for my son...I needed no other drama. Consequently, she was picked up on a parole violation for drugs and was arrested. From what I understand, and I'm still checking into this whole thing, but she told someone I was involved in this burglary and was arrested. My sister is a court reporter in California and she said that they can't arrest me without probably cause (at least in CA) but I guess here it's different. Anyway, I did talkt o the detective in charge of the case and the charges were dropped. I wasn't even in the state of CO. when this crime was executed. Then I received a call saying the charges were dropped. Again, I'm not real legal savy, but I am planning on talking with this detective again to get more information. I'm just not sure why someone has the ability to ruin ones life like that with no proof.