Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Iowa

False arrest

My ex-girlfriend accused me of assaulting her. I was arrested and charged with assault using a weapon. She told police I choked her, threw her on the floor and threatened to ''shank'' her. All not true and charges were ultimately dismissed. But, in the mean time I lost my job, my car was repoed, and I was unable to send payments on my obligations. Now my credit sucks and I'll probably have to say bankruptcy. I also spent 48 days in jail waiting for trial. What civil recourse do I have? Can I sue for false arrest? Can I sue for losing my job over this? What can I do? Can I sue for punitive damages? I don't think small claims would be able to award me a judgement equal to my losses.


Asked on 2/02/09, 8:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stephen Lombardi Lombardi Law Firm

Re: False arrest

Here is the challenge with lawsuits against a person who is young and have few assets. How do you collect anything? There isn't anything to get from them so there is no way to enforce the judgement. These claims can be pretty worthless. Does she own anything not exempt in bankruptcy?

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Answered on 2/14/09, 5:32 pm


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