Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Utah

Anonymous Lies

Is it blackmail to try to get a fomer partner to stop spreading anonymous lies about me by telling him I will go to federal authorities about potentially illegal business practices he is engaged in if he does not stop? Can I be held legally responsible if I do this? Is there a better way to approach this problem?


Asked on 4/03/03, 2:34 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Lundgren Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.

Re: Anonymous Lies

It is not blackmail if the former partner is spreading lies. Blackmail is the extortion of some benefit to you, to which you are not justified without the threat in the blackmail.

I would suggest that the best way to end the problem is face your expartner and explain your concern. If you know what the "lies" are, bring information which exculpates you.

If you have knowledge of illegal acts, why would you not report the illegal activity? If the acts are severe, your silence could be construed as abeting.

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Answered on 4/03/03, 6:08 pm


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