Legal Question in Technology Law in California

Re: impersonating on the internet

In my opinion, the legal outcome of this depends upon the quality of proof you have, or can obtain, as to the identity of the malefactor.

First, I think you should approach this as primarily a civil, rather than a criminal, matter. While some crimes may technically have been committed, there is a higher burden of proof in a criminal case, plus you have to get your local D.A. sufficiently interested in prosecuting the matter. Many have too much workload and too few resources to move on harrassment matters that could be handled as civil cases. I'm not suggesting you should not report this to the police and seek to press charges, but I doubt you'd get far in most California counties.

Instead, see if you can find a lawyer who is willing to take this on as a civil matter and bring suit for harrassment, false impersonation and libel. I'm pretty sure the facts can be interpreted to include libelous statements.

You can probably also show malice and would have a shot at getting an award of punitive damages on top of actual damages. The right kind of lawyer is one with experience in handling torts of defamation and harrassment. Before even launching the suit, be sure you and your lawyer discuss whether your evidence as to whodunit is strong enough so you can survive a suit for malicious prosecution in case your suspicions prove incorrect, or cannot be proven.

Re: impersonating on the internet

You may have an action in defamation and get an injuction to stop such reputation harming action. Contact me directly.

Re: impersonating on the internet

You may have an action in defamation and get an injuction to stop such reputation harming action. Contact me directly.