Can you press charges against someone for accusing you of a crime?

[Anonymous]

I have two questions:

1. If a person accuses you of threatening them/making threats towards them and tells your boss that, which results in you getting fired, can you press charges against that person if the accusations are false? The person in question never went to the police about the accusations.

2. If you witness something that needs to be reported, but someone higher than you (i. e a manager) finds out that you witnessed that something, and they leave you a threatening voicemail, can you press charges? The voicemail contained threats such as, “you better watch your back” “you better make sure you have all your facts together before going down this road” “I will sue and press charges against you” “if you write a negative review, you better watch out”

[Anonymous]

Without knowing what country you live in and what set of laws you’re under, it’s hard to guess here. In scenario 1, you might be able to sue the accuser for defamation since it caused you to lose your job. However, it’s difficult to prove in court. You’re going to have to prove the accusation was false to even have a shot. Not going to the police won’t be enough. In scenario 2, there was no direct threat of physical harm but maybe you could make a case for harassment since the contact was unwanted and repeated. Bottom line, gather whatever evidence you have and consult an attorney. That’s probably the only place you’re going to get really good advice.

[Lowiu]

1. Id guess as you have a financial loss from this it would often be considered slander

2. That sounds like some work law violation covering something up that needs to be reported and could also be coercion

[JamesDiaz11]

There is a good faith exception to reporting that usually preempts people from successfully suing others who accuse them of a crime- otherwise people would be reluctant to speak up to law enforcement.

You can sue someone for damages for slander/ libel if they say something false, it's proven or obviously false, and it causes you damages.

Threats generally can be categorized a simple assault and are a crime.

[Guy13]

Communicating a threat and a police report would need to be filed and determined by police at a precinct. I have done this for precautionary Protection reasons. Takes 30-45 minutes…

consulting an attorney is always your best option. Cheaper to go down to precinct and see what they have to say?

[Surely]

If what you saw would cost someone’s life or limb. Not being a judge. I would think that you should be protected by the whistle blowers act.

Having a threatening voice mail should make your case stronger!

Not having union backing. You may need to let it go because of your cost to fight for your job.

[AmandaYVR]

#1 sounds like Defamation of Character.

#2 sounds like you should contact the labour board of your state.

[Avicenna]

These are civil matters, not criminal. You will want to see a lawyer to get advice on how to proceed.

[slatyb]

It’s not a crime but it could be cause for a lawsuit. However most people are not worth suing. You could ask a lawyer.

[jshm2]

No.

You get yourself an employment rights lawyer, or attend an employment tribunal for unfair dismissal.

[OddBeMe]

For both Q’s, there are workforce commissions that are designed to help people in that position. And its not necessarily police, but lawsuits.

[In_Trance]

Are you American?