Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

slanderous statements about a teacher

My wife's brother just went through a divorice and since My wife and I helped him through it his ex-wife is comming after us. She is saying that my wife (a music teacher in a private school) did inappropriate touching of their son when he was 9 years old. If formal charges are brought forth we feel we can defend against them since she had no contact with him when he was 9. But even the hint of impropriety could cost my wife her current employment and any future employment. We have telephone recordings of her saying this about my wife. Is there any action we can take to stop this. Or do we have to wait for the x-wife to make some kind of formal charges.


Asked on 2/24/06, 7:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

George Zuganelis Zuganelis & Zuganelis, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

Re: slanderous statements about a teacher

I understand the spot your wife is in but I would need more facts to give you some advice. Sexual and criminal misconduct are slander "per se." In other words, you don't have to prove economic damages. The damage is in the accusations. Most other types of slander you must prove that the slanderous statements caused you to be damaged economically. Also, don't be too confident about confronting the police yourselves. Have an experienced criminal lawyer with you and follow his advice. It's funny how lots of people have gone in to talk to the police "just to clear up the matter." They almost always end up in handcuffs. Always remember that your wife will be a suspect, and the police won't be there to help her. They will be there to make a case against her. Your wife shouldn't help them by talking herself into prison. Besides, having a tape of someone without their permission can be illegal. I'm not telling you to get rid of it. Just don't tell anyone about it. It can be useful under the proper circumstances. I have been a criminal defense lawyer for 28 years. I also have a very experienced civil lawyer as an associate. Please call for an appointment. You may have a very good lawsuit against the person making the statements.

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Answered on 2/25/06, 9:35 am


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