Slander Laws NC - North Carolina

Defamation is a civil wrong that happens when someone makes fake and harmful statements and it results in reputational damage. There are two main types of defamation that are legally recognized: libel is in writing or posted online, and slander is spoken or gestured defamation.

To prevent defamation from occurring and getting worse, many choose to draft and send a cease and desist letter, instructing the individual to stop making false claims before legal action ensues. To learn more about the state of North Carolina and how it deals with defamation, see below.

Dealing With Defamation in North Carolina

In addition to state laws, it is crucial to identify the type of defamation before you proceed with a case. There are two main types of defamation:

Defamation can be identified in two ways, through slander and libel
Slander is typically orated and does not have a permanent record, often being as simple as a statement against another individual or a non-verbal gesture
Libel can be identified by the fact that it creates a permanent, lasting record
Libel can be difficult to deal with, as it often involves instances of publications within emails, radios, televisions, newspapers, or social media posts
Identifying the main cause and type of defamation that occurred is the first way to prove a defamation claim or to establish the grounds for sending a cease and desist letter

Online Slander in the State of North Carolina

Although identifying who is behind online defamation can be difficult, the state of North Carolina streamlines the process of pursuing legal action against a cyber slanderer. These laws can be called upon when:

A victim is in reasonable fear for their safety (or the safety of a loved one)
The victim suffers distress and fears for their bodily safety, death, or harassment (N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. 14-277-3S)
North Carolina also has specific laws that criminalize behavior that mimics online harassment, including:
- Creating a fake user profile
- Posing as a minor and communicating with or posting messages about a minor in order to intimidate or torment them or their parents

Penalties for cyber slander in the state of North Carolina

In the state of North Carolina, Cyber Slander is a Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor, and can also cross the line into stalking:

In some cases, it is punishable by fines of up to $10,000
18 months jail time
Both, or a mixture of penalties depending on the severity of the offense
Compensation for therapy and emotional trauma

Slander in the State of North Carolina

In North Carolina, the law states that the following are aspects of defamation that are provable in criminal court:

Falsification	If a plaintiff in North Carolina is unable to prove that a statement is false, they will not win a defamation case
Harm	If a statement is considered inherently damaging (calling professionalism into question) it is likely defamation can be proven — to invalidate this, proof of the truth must be shown in court
Negligence	Essentially, the defendant’s actions must be criminally negligent on a case-by-case basis

Defamation per se in North Carolina

North Carolina has a few clauses that are considered inherently libelous, including:

Maintaining that an individual is guilty of a crime
Claiming an individual has an infectious disease
Attempting to discredit an individual professionally or industry-wise
Subjecting an individual to public disgrace, ridicule, or harm

Can You Write a Cease and Desist Letter?

Writing a cease and desist letter is a very complicated process that can completely derail and discredit your case if not conducted in an utmost manner
If you are unable to prove you’ve lost anything as a result of the slander, it is unlikely your case will succeed
In addition to this, many lawyers who will draft cease and desist letters are extremely expensive and will delay your case — keep in mind that the statute of limitations for the state of North Carolina is 2 years.

Let DoNotPay Do the Work for You!

DoNotPay is the perfect, convenient solution! The cease and desist letter drafts will detail the information about the case, demand retraction, warns against any impending statements, and will request that the accused abides by North Carolina state law.

All you need to do is:

1. Search "Defamation" on and look for the Defamation Demand Letters product.

2. Tell us about your situation.

Were the statements slander or libel?
What were the statements?
Why are they false or misleading?
What consequences have you suffered as a result of these statements?

3. Based on your location, DoNotPay will immediately generate a formal demand letter on your behalf, with the most relevant state legislation regarding defamation.

That’s it! You can expect a meticulously drafted cease and desist letter tailored to your needs!

What Else Can DoNotPay Do?

DoNotPay doesn’t stop at helping you write cease and desist letters. The AI-powered robot lawyer can help you with day-to-day issues such as cancelling subscriptions, creating passport photos, appealing parking tickets, and so much more! Here's what else we offer: