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Advice from our Slander Attorneys in Virginia Beach

Defending your reputation against false statements spoken about you

The childhood nursery rhyme, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” is not true. Malicious, false or defamatory words can cause tremendous, irreparable damage to their intended targets.

Founded in 1980, Jeremiah A. Denton III, P.C. is well known in the Virginia Beach community for our commitment to our clients, justice and success. Just as our attorneys worked hard to earn our reputation, we know that you strove to build your own. For that reason, we are determined to hold slanderers responsible for the damage caused by their disparaging remarks about you.

Understanding slander

Slander refers to oral statements that are false and damaging to a person’s reputation. To prevail on a slander claim, you must show all of these elements:

  • The statement was defamatory.
  • The statement was communicated to a third party.
  • The speaker or transmitter knew or should have known that the statement was false.

Common defenses to slander include that the statement is true or that the words expressed an opinion, rather than a verifiable fact. Although slander and libel are different causes of action, they can both cause significant harm. Our Virginia libel and slander lawyers explain the difference between the two types of defamation and under which principle you should pursue damages.

Slander is an exception to the First Amendment right to free speech

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to free speech — including unpleasant and disturbing speech. This amendment protects a person’s fundamental right to express opinions about issues of public concern.

Slander is not protected speech. Even a slanderous statement directed at a public figure is not protected by the First Amendment, although the case does involve the additional requirement of proving actual malice. Yet the Constitution is often cited as a defense to a slander claim. Our determined lawyers challenge the assertion that the maligning comments made about you fall under protected speech, and we pursue your maximum compensation for damages caused by the slanderer’s actions.

Learn more about filing a slander lawsuit from our lawyers in Virginia Beach

To learn more about filing a claim of slander, call Jeremiah A. Denton III, P.C. at 757-215-4818 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Virginia State Bar Disclaimer
Every Legal Matter Is Different. The Outcome Of Each Legal Case Depends Upon Many Factors, Including The Facts Of The Case, And No Attorney Can Guarantee A Positive Result In Any Particular Case. The Outcome Of Every Case Will Depend On A Variety Of Factors Unique To Each Case And Case Results Depicted Here Do Not Guarantee Or Predict A Similar Result In Any Future Case.
Prior Cases
  • "Jury awards $3 million in wrongful death murder trial. "

  • "Jury awards $1,200,000 in legal malpractice case "

  • "Denton recognized for two of Virginia's top million dollar-plus verdicts "

  • "WAVY ordered to pay $1.2m for defaming couple "

  • "Student scores $5m jury verdict for libel"

  • "Federal jury awards event planners $600,000 each "

  • "Attorney, firm hit with $420,000 verdict "

  • "READ ABOUT OUR MOST RECENT $5,000,000 JURY VERDICT"

Client Testimonials
  • "Jerry, You are an incredible man. Your intelligence and strength were the foundation of our fight. Because of you we have a restored sense of self worth...- Read All"

  • "Dear Mr. Awesome, Champion of the Underdog: No words seem adequate to the occasion. I am just thrilled for you and your very deserving clients. Congratulations! "

  • "It's nice to know that there are still people like you in this world that are not afraid to go against the grain of society and are willing to stick there neck out for somebody else because of their belief in that person. "

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