Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Are threats ( in writing) of telling the world your secrets constitute harassmen

My roommate came with her mom and waited at--name removed--car to argue with me. After that, i AIM her and text message her that her i would ruin her life by telling her secrets to her mom. I called her family and told her mom her secrets. They called me back. I got into argument with them. She says she feels threatened and want to charge me with harassment. Does she have a case? Can I charge her back for ambushing me at--name removed--car? What should I do?


Asked on 7/25/03, 9:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Are threats ( in writing) of telling the world your secrets constitute haras

I would want to know more about the specifics of what you said, but it sounds like your friend might well have a valid case against you. I'm not sure what she could get in damages (it depends on what you revealed and how much money you have), but a restraining order seems reasonable here.

And no, you don't have a case if all your friend and her mother did is wait around to have an argument with you.

By the way, I don't see that you have done anything criminal here (but again the answer depends upon specific facts which I don't have). A restraining order or a suit for damages would be civil in nature. But if you violate the restraining order you could be held in contempt -- a quasi-criminal proceeding which carries a potential for five days' jail time. Some contempts are also deemed criminal and carry a potential six-month sentence.

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Answered on 7/25/03, 9:44 pm


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