Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Isn\'t blackmail illegal? I had filed an appeal for my unemployment benefits about a month ago. I received a call from my former employer wanting me to withdraw my appeal or he\'ll turn over a video recording to the authorities showing me participating in illegal activities (which is impossible for him to really have because I don\'t do anything like that). What can I do about this from a legal standpoint?


Asked on 7/31/09, 6:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Larry L. Doan Law Office of Larry L. Doan

Yes, it could be illegal what your former employer is trying to do. You could tell him that you will report him to the police since he is trying to blackmail or extort you to prevent you from pursuing your legal right, which is the right to appeal your unemployment benefits. Also, if you have a lawyer on the appeal, you should immediately tell your lawyer this so that the lawyer could warn him. If he persists, you will probably go to the police. Also, if the video contains false information about you (as you say), then he may be liable to you in a lawsuit for defamation.

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Answered on 8/01/09, 1:24 am


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