If Someone Accuses me of Internet Defamation, Do I Need an Attorney?

If accused of “Internet defamation“, i.e., making a defamatory statement about a person or company on the Internet, definitely – and promptly — consult a seasoned defamation attorney. I have several substantial defensive options to protect you from these types of suits. When threatened with an unjustified Internet defamation suit, I have tools to help you get a positive result.

One option is a special “Anti-SLAPP” motion. SLAPP is short for a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. An anti-SLAPP motion to strike the complaint is an excellent defense against a lawsuit with little chance of success. Often these cases are intended to bully defendants to abandon their defense for fear of the legal process or the cost of having to safeguard their reputation in court. Notably, if a defendant (or a plaintiff) prevails on an anti-SLAPP motion, the party is entitled to attorney’s fees and costs.

Also note that defamation is an intentional act and cannot be discharged in bankruptcy.

As an experienced litigation attorney, I can defend you against Internet defamation allegations by establishing the truthfulness of the alleged statement; showing its status as First Amendment-protected opinion; or applying the “privileges” (Civil Code § 47) protecting people from defamation. The risks associated with a defamation claim, whether implied (which many defamatory statements are), or in a lawsuit, warrant an immediate conversation. I invite you to call me at 800-558-6919.