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I work at a franchised business, and have been there for 2 years. I've never had my register come short, and never had any instances of anything come missing as far as I'm concerned. This past week, the manager's office was broken into and money was stolen from the bank bag. Mind you this was less than $200 but was still stolen money. I've been informed that I'm the one assumed to of done it because I am the only employee currently in a financial bind. IE, I'm the only one that actually needed the money. I didn't take it, and I'm not sure how to react to this. My question is this. If they fire me for this, with no further proof than that I needed the money, what, if anything can I do? That's two years of otherwise good work history that I can no longer use for reference, and if they try and press charges will make it so that I can't get hired anywhere that does background checks. I've got a spotless record otherwise, and I would hate having something like that on it when I didn't do it. Is this defamation of character? Can anything be done if they DO fire me? This is a right to work state so I don't know if anything can be done about them firing me or not.
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re: Defamation of character? What, if anything can I do?
I wish to inform you that defamation of character can be filed against person who had accused you of stealing. If you need money that does not make you liable for theft. Defamation involves statement which is false and in your case a false statement is being made. You can first give a notice to persons who have defamed you that they must pay you compensation and correct their allegations but however if they do not do such a thing then a lawsuit can be filed by you.
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re: Defamation of character? What, if anything can I do?
If you are fired, it will not be for theft, since they have no proof. It will be because they can. If they could prove you a thief, they would press charges.Due to a recent promotion, I should now be referred to as Major Obvious.
I would not be trying to provide information and knowledge if I did not sympathize.
Some days it is just not worth chewing through the restraints to face life.Comment
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re: Defamation of character? What, if anything can I do?
Okay, what if they outright say that they're firing me because they believe I stole the money?Comment
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re: Defamation of character? What, if anything can I do?
The magic word was "believe".Due to a recent promotion, I should now be referred to as Major Obvious.
I would not be trying to provide information and knowledge if I did not sympathize.
Some days it is just not worth chewing through the restraints to face life.Comment
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Re: Defamation of character? What, if anything can I do?
An employee, even one suspected of theft, has a right to his good name. So, if you are wrongly fired you may be able to sue your employer for defamation. Similarly, if the allegedly defamatory statement, no matter how damaging, is true, your lawsuit will not succeed. If you can prove that the statements are false, then yes, that would be a legitimate claim. The accusation of theft can seriously damage your credibility. Identify and use credible witnesses who can speak on your behalf. However, Defamation requires that the person defaming must announce it publicly in some way. Otherwise, it is difficult to prove.
Discuss the situation with an attorney.Comment
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