Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
Business Surveilance
I was assaulted while shopping in a small liquor store, I was beaten badly,
I been cooperating with the police,
the surveilance video was given to them, I asked the owner of the business to please not give copies to the media, because I believe my life will be in danger, I do not want this to be air in any way, as this is a gang infested area, he told me he can do with the tape anything he wants as the legal owner, is there anything legal I can do to stop this man from given this to the media, what are my rights as a victim
I'm really desperate!
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Business Surveilance
You should be talking to an attorney about suing the liquor store for premises liability!! If the media airs your image, then you may have a lawsuit against the media. Seek all appropriate medical attention, do not talk to the liquor store owner or his insurance company, watch out for legal time limits! I would be interested in possibly handling your case.
Re: Business Surveilance
You will always have the option of filing a civil suit if the video is aired. In terms of any preventive measures, I am not 100 percent sure whether you might be entitled to some kind of protective/injunctive court order. The police and/or the DA should be helpful here - they are supposed to be victims' advocates after all. At the very least, they could put informal pressure on the owner not to release the video.
Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.
310.273.1361
www.lentzlawfirm.com