Deformation Of Character", Libel, And Punitive Damages?

[gabi]

I did some work for an individual(Priest) who ignored my bills and did not pay me, so I sent 40+ letters to his associates - His boss has hired some attorneys to sue me for  "Deformation of Character", id I lost what would be the  libel, and punitive damages? Would it be money, jail time, etc? Please answer ASAP - Thank you - Mike

[Evian]

Mike,

It is defamation which involves slander(verbal) and libel(writtent) mistruths.  Truth is a defense to defamation actions.  Defamation is: 1) a misleading statement; 2) which the maker knows to be misleading; 3) that is published to a third party; and 4) causes damages.  So, if your letters are not misleading, this is a defense to any possible action.

If the statements you published to others are misleading and you intentionally sent those statements knowing they are misleading, you may be subject to punitive damages.  Punitive damages are meant to punish and do are not actual damages for loss of reputation.  These are all monetary and are not criminal.

I wish you the best of luck,

Paul D. Friedman, M.A., Ph.D., J.D.