Falsely Accused??

[schmidt1269]

What is the name of your state? OH

On January 8, 2007 I went to a local bar to watch the Ohio State v. Florida game. After enjoying a few beverages and random bar food, I paid my bar tab of $60 or so. A few hours later I recieved a phone call from our local police station saying that i failed to pay my tab and that my presence was necessary at the bar. Upon returning, i was required to pay my tab again. The police report says "Suspect returned to pay bar tab..". A few weeks later our local newspaper printed my name and address for theft under Arrests/Citations.

What are my rights under libel/slander/etc. in this situation?? I have been researching the topic and am not sure what route i should take?? The culpable act against me hurt relationships with my family, friends, employees, etc. and I want anyone involved to be punished. Also, I need to figure out, if any, what damages, whether punitive or whatever i can be eligible for.. Finally, who can I find responsible for this act against me?? ie Newspaper, local police dept.,county?, state?.

 

[David Jonathan]

how did you pay your bar tab (both times)? Check, cash, or credit/debit card?

If you can prove that you in fact paid your tab twice, that'd be a good place to start (at least with your family and friends)

--Dave.

 

[schmidt1269]

Paid In full..

I paid the tab in cash both time. The problem is that i was not arrested or given a citation and that is the only proof i have. I have a police report and the original newspaper article which i thought would be my only proof. My previous help on this subject was by a law student who told me that the newspaper is at fault for printing false information given to them by the police dept.

 

[David Jonathan]

well, you could always contact the paper, and ask them nicely to print a retraction - Altho, if you were going to go after the paper, that'd surely require the assistance of an attorney. Paperwork, rules, laws, etc. it gets to be a bit much for someone working in Pro Se.

I'd highly recommend ALWAYS paying your tab with something that creates a "paper trail" ... even if it's just getting a receipt, and keeping those records. I've been popped before, and stuck payin' a tab twice, so I know it's not uncommon for it to happen - altho I paid with my debit card, so I was able to go back at the end of the month with my statement, and the manager at the bar gave me a refund, and a free beer.

--Dave.

 

[schmidt1269]

Confused??

I still dont understand why i cant go after the police dept for giving the false information to the paper?And the fact that the police report said that i paid the tab and the paper printed that i was a thief. I guess i dont really understand because whether or not i did actually pay the tab there is no filing against me for being a thief.

 

[David Jonathan]

because right now, you can't prove that the police gave false information - perhaps some worker at the paper mis-read what the report said, or that they were only going off what they heard over the police radio.

--Dave.