Legal Question in Personal Injury in Maine

Re: defamation newspaper

It is unfortunate that you had to go through this. Based upon what you have told me, the police may have been negligent, although they corrected their error in part by giving you the letter for your employer clarifying the facts. However, you could also ask them to clarify in the paper that you were not summonsed, but that would just bring more attention to the fact that you are associated with a theft matter, therefore potentially having the opposite effect of what you want. Since you did not lose your job you have not shown any economic damages that can be calculated. It appears that their actions were not intentional, which leaves you with the burden of proving that you somehow sustained reputational damages that can be translated into money for you. Moreover, the police may have something called "discretionary immunity" under the Maine Tort Claims Act, thereby preventing you from bringing a claim against them at all. Given that juries typically support the police in court, it may be very difficult for you to get any damages in your case. Another attorney may have a different opinion, so if you intend to pursue this matter, you should get another opinion of your case. Good luck!