What to do regarding a false allegation of theft?
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What to do regarding a false allegation of theft?
My wife is a Secretary on a little league board. At last nights meeting they accused her of stealing some player registration money; an amount could not be given. This is false. I saw my wife turn in the money. The president handled the money situation with no seriousness at all. A lot of people had hands on the money and some may have come up missing along the way. The board wants to press charges but has not yet, what can we do?
Asked on June 14, 2011 under Criminal Law, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
First, if you think that charges may be pressed, you should 1) retain an attorney; 2) pull together any and all evidence you may have (including a list of people who may be witnesses) in your favor--and also consider the negative evidence, so you can determine how to refute it; and 3) don't say anything to anyone--especially the authorities!--until and unless you speak first with your lawyer.
Second, if you believe that the allegation is provable false, then since it was also a negative factual allegation or statement, made publically (at a meeting), which would tend to damage your wife's reputation and/or make others less likely to do business/work with her, she may have a defamation claim; this is another thing to discuss with an attorney. Good luck.
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