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Slander, Libel, and Defamation in New Hampshire: Protect Your Reputation with a Manchester NH Defamation Lawyer

Posted by Joseph Kelly Levasseur | Aug 02, 2025 | 2 Comments

Fight Back Against Slander, Libel, and Defamation in New Hampshire
 
False statements can ruin your reputation, devastate your career, and cause profound emotional distress. Whether you're in Manchester, NH, or anywhere in New Hampshire, the harm from slander, libel, or defamation can be life-changing. As a trusted Manchester NH defamation lawyer with over 20 years of experience, Joseph Kelly Levasseur, Esquire, is dedicated to helping victims restore their good name. Our firm offers compassionate support to those hurt by false statements and an aggressive approach to holding wrongdoers accountable—whether they're individuals, businesses, or media outlets. This guide explores slander laws in New Hampshire, libel laws, standards for public and elected officials, the state's criminal defamation statute (RSA 644:11), and when you can bring a case to the police. If your reputation has been attacked, contact a New Hampshire defamation attorney at (603) 622-7575 for a free consultation.
 
 
What Is Defamation in New Hampshire?
 
Defamation is a false statement that harms someone's reputation, exposing them to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule. In New Hampshire, it includes:
  • Slander: Spoken false statements, such as verbal accusations in public, at work, or in private settings.
  • Libel: Written or published false statements, like social media posts, online reviews, or newspaper articles.
     
    To win a defamation lawsuit in New Hampshire, you must prove:
     
    1. The statement was false and presented as fact (not opinion).
    2. It was shared with a third party (e.g., posted online or spoken publicly).
    3. It caused reputational damage, such as lost business or emotional distress.
    4. The defendant acted with negligence (for private individuals) or actual malice (for public figures).
       
       
    Defamation per se applies to statements so harmful that damages are presumed, such as accusing someone of a crime or harming their profession. For example, a false claim on a Manchester, NH, forum that a business owner committed fraud could be libel per se, allowing compensation without proving specific harm. As a Manchester NH slander lawyer, we help clients prove these elements to secure justice.
     
    Civil vs. Criminal Defamation
     
    Most defamation cases in New Hampshire are civil, seeking damages for reputational damage, lost income, or emotional distress. Remedies include:
    • Compensatory Damages: For financial losses or emotional harm.
    • Punitive Damages: To punish malicious acts.
    • Injunctive Relief: To remove defamatory content or stop further statements.
     
    New Hampshire's criminal defamation statute, RSA 644:11, allows prosecution in severe cases, with penalties including fines or jail time. Civil cases are more common due to a lower burden of proof (“preponderance of the evidence” vs. “beyond a reasonable doubt”).
     
     
    Defamation Standards for Public and Elected Officials
     
    Public and elected officials in New Hampshire face a higher bar to win slander or libel cases due to First Amendment protections. The U.S. Supreme Court's New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964) requires public officials to prove actual malice—that the defendant knew the statement was false or acted with reckless disregard for its truth. This applies to Manchester, NH, aldermen, NH state legislators, or public figures like candidates or police officers.
     
     
    For example, if a blog falsely claims a Manchester, NH, official embezzled funds, the official must prove the blogger knew the claim was false or recklessly ignored evidence. Private individuals only need to show negligence, making their cases easier. A New Hampshire libel lawyer can navigate these complexities for public or private clients.
     
    Challenges for Public Figures
     
    Public figures face scrutiny, and not all negative comments are actionable. Opinions (e.g., “The mayor is ineffective”) or hyperbole (e.g., “The senator is corrupt”) are protected, as they aren't provably false. Factual claims (e.g., “The Manchester, NH, official committed fraud”), if false and made with actual malice, can be defamatory. Our firm helps public figures protect their reputations while respecting free speech.
     
     
    New Hampshire's criminal defamation law, RSA 644:11, is rare, as only 13 states have such statutes. It states: “A person is guilty of a class B misdemeanor if he purposely communicates to any person, orally or in writing, any information which he knows to be false and knows will tend to expose any other living person to public hatred, contempt or ridicule.”
     
     
    This covers slander (spoken) and libel (written) statements, including online posts or public speeches. The law's broad definition of “public” includes professional or social groups, like a Manchester, NH, business community. For example, falsely accusing a New Hampshire professional of misconduct online could trigger charges if the accuser knew the statement was false.
     
    Constitutional Concerns
     
    RSA 644:11 has been challenged for potentially chilling free speech. In Frese v. Formella (2022), the First Circuit upheld its constitutionality, citing its actual malice requirement, per Garrison v. Louisiana (1964). Critics, including the ACLU, argue its broad language and police discretion risk abuse, especially against critics of public officials. For instance, Robert Frese was arrested in Exeter for accusing a police officer of corruption online, though charges were dropped. The ACLU has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review the law.
     
    When Can You Bring a Defamation Case to the Police?
     
    To pursue a criminal defamation case under RSA 644:11, contact local law enforcement (e.g., Manchester, NH, Police Department) or the county attorney's office. Steps include:
    1. Submit Evidence: Provide screenshots, recordings, or documents of the false statement and proof it was shared with others.
    2. Show Harm: Demonstrate public hatred, contempt, or ridicule, such as lost business or social ostracism.
    3. Prove Intent: Show the defendant knew the statement was false or acted recklessly.
    4. Police Investigation: Law enforcement reviews evidence and may interview witnesses. If probable cause exists, a criminal complaint is filed, leading to arraignment.
       
       
    For example, a false post on a Manchester, NH, news site accusing a professional of fraud could warrant a police report if evidence shows intent and harm. However, criminal prosecutions are rare—only about 25 cases were filed in NH from 2009 to 2017—due to the high burden of proof and First Amendment concerns
     
     
    Civil Defamation as an Alternative
     
    Given the rarity of criminal prosecutions, most defamation cases are civil. Civil lawsuits allow recovery for:
    • Economic Damages: Lost income or business opportunities.
    • Non-Economic Damages: Emotional distress or humiliation.
    • Punitive Damages: For malicious acts.
     
    The statute of limitations for slander and libel in NH is three years. Acting quickly preserves evidence. A Manchester NH defamation attorney can assess whether a civil lawsuit is your best option
  • Truth: True statements aren't defamatory.
  • Opinion: Subjective statements are protected.
  • Privilege: Statements in judicial or legislative settings are immune.
  • Lack of Intent: In criminal cases, proving the defendant didn't know the statement was false can dismiss charges.
     
     
    Defenses Against Defamation Claims Defendants may raise:
      Our firm counters these defenses to build a strong case.
     
Why Choose Joseph Kelly Levasseur as Your Defamation Lawyer?
 
Unlike competitors like Shaheen & Gordon or Normandin, Cheney & O'Neil, Joseph Kelly Levasseur, Esquire, offers personalized service as a Manchester NH defamation lawyer:
  • Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the pain of slander and libel, treating clients like family.
  • Aggressive Representation: We fight relentlessly against those spreading false statements.
  • Local Expertise: Deep knowledge of Manchester, NH, courts and slander laws in New Hampshire.
  • No Fees Unless You Win: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
  • Proven Results: Over 20 years of success in defamation and personal injury cases.
     
     
Call (603) 622-7575 for a free consultation to discuss your NH defamation lawsuit.
 
Take Action to Restore Your Reputation
 
Don't let slander, libel, or defamation define you. Whether in Manchester, NH, or across New Hampshire, Joseph Kelly Levasseur, Esquire, is here to fight for justice. Act now to protect your rights and reclaim your good name.Call to Action: Facing defamation in New Hampshire? Contact a Manchester NH slander lawyer for a free consultation. Call (603) 622-7575 or visit www.josephkellylevasseur.com to start your NH defamation lawsuit today.
 

About the Author

Joseph Kelly Levasseur
Joseph Kelly Levasseur

Whether you are facing DWI or sustained a serious injury caused by a negligent party in Manchester, New Hampshire, a knowledgeable and skilled attorney can help you obtain the most favorable outcome in your case. I am attorney Joseph Kelly Levasseur. I have 22 years of legal experience successfully helping my clients avoid serious criminal penalties and maximize their entitled compensation. I work aggressively to protect the rights of my clients and get them the compensation they deserve.

Comments

Sean McCabeReply

Posted Mar 06, 2026 at 05:53:28 PST

My prior landlord in September 25 filed a frivolous eviction against me stating I violated the lease agreement by physical violence and destroying a tree, and I threatened employees etc. however I didn’t, they filed the case and judge ruled it was retaliation and the facts they brought saying I committed such crimes are also false and unfounded do to them providing zero evidence. My civil rights and defamation is my issue. They publicly filed court documents knowing they were lying and admitted to lying in prior hearing. Wanting to know my options and have all evidence of hearings except for audio or typed hearings. Thank you and look forward to hearing from you either way

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