QUESTION

Can I be sued after being found not guilty for using racial slurs?

Asked on Mar 10th, 2015 on Civil Litigation - Texas
More details to this question:
I was found not guilty of "disorderly conduct/racial slurs" in criminal court. Can the people still sue me in civil court?
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1 ANSWER

Appellate Practice Attorney serving New York, NY
Yes, although I'm not sure what the claim would be.  Possibly intentional infliction of emotional distress.  Being found not guilty of a crime means only that the prosecution was unable to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.  However, a civil plaintiff does not need to prove his/her/its claim beyong a reasonable doubt but only, in most cases, by a preponderance of the evidence.  Since a lesser standard of proof applies, being found "not guilty" does not necessarily mean that you are not civilly liable.
Answered on Mar 11th, 2015 at 10:20 AM

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