Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Georgia

I am in a profession where your reputation is everything. I was recently slandered (arrested for a DUI and the Assistant Superintendent bailed me out) by another individual in the same profession. This allegation was witness by the Asst. Superintendent, her principal, and 3 police officers. I have asked the Board of Education to do something about it, but they were investigating the incident. This slanderous statement has been circulated in the community with this other teacher claiming she has proof of the DUI. I have been very upset, depressed, scared that some parent or other teacher will say something to me, I am self conscious when I walk into a room of my fellow peers, and at one public meeting the incident has been mentioned. Also, this same teacher has been trouble on many occasions with no repercussion.

What are my options?


Asked on 9/03/10, 6:52 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

Actual slander is very rare.

Slander is the spoken or transitory form of defamation of character, a legal term that refers to a falsehood presented as true which could harm the reputation of a person or entity.

For something to be slander, it has to be inaccurate. Since you were arrested for DUI, any comment that you were arrested for DUI, or discussing the basic facts of the case (even if you disagree with them) is likely NOT slander.

Instead of worrying about a non-existent case, DUI isd a serious charge. You could lose your job, can serve up to a year in jail, can be fined up to $1000 and will pay far more for car insurance. You also will lose your license for one year unless you challenge your administrative suspension within ten days of the arrest.

Get a good DUI lawyer. That is what you really need. Ask about the slander to be safe, but I suspect you will get a similar answer.

Read more
Answered on 9/08/10, 7:58 am
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

I am not sure your post indicates whether you were arrested for DUI, or whether someone only alleged that you were arrested. Your post is very vague. Either way, you failed to make it clear, and if you are claiming the allegations are false, you need to clearly state that AND provide any additional facts that are relevant. For example, were you stopped by the police for anything? Does the other person have a basis for even thinking you were arrested for DUI. If you want a meaningful response, you need to post the details in a clear, concise way. Obviously, if you did get a DUI, you have the answer above.

Read more
Answered on 9/08/10, 8:04 am


Related Questions & Answers

More General Civil Litigation questions and answers in Georgia