If I stand outside a business with a sign saying they ripped me off, can I get arrested?

Question

I had my car damaged by an off-airport valet parking service. They are refusing to pay now. If I stand off their property, on a public road wearing a chicken costume holding a sign saying they damaged my car I can't get arrested for that can I?

Answer 1

They can  remove you from their property using reasonable fforce and in any event sue you so get yourstory right with proof. You  can walk u panad down outside their premises on a public road

Answer 2

If you stand ON a public road, that is probably a violation of some sort.  If you stand on THEIR property, you can be charged with trespassing.  If a public sidewalk is available, that is your best bet.  I recommend asking a local police officer before trying this.

Answer 3

It depends on the city's rules and regs for protesting. If you follow the local ordinances for protesting, then you should be fine. And, as long as you can back up your acusations against the valet company, then it will be hard to prove that you are acting out of malice or in a slanderous way,.

But, you may still be sued in civil court.

Answer 4

I don't know if they can have you arrested, but I wouldn't doubt it.  They will be able to sue you for libel and if you have no proof, you will lose.

Answer 5

You need to change your wording to "I will never shop/do business with Company X".  I know it doesn't sound as good as "They ripped me off", but that way they can't get you for libel.  Park on the public street right next to their shop and hold the sign in your chicken suit.  Believe me, people will come up to you and want to know what you are doing and you can explain your problem to anyone who is willing to listen.  Use words like "I feel (like I was ripped off)", "in my opinion (they didn't take care of me)", etc.  That way you are expressing your opinion of unsatisfaction with the company and not slandering them to people.  You cannot get in trouble for saying you don't like a certain company.

Answer 6

Well, they could slap you with libel charges...you'll have to then go to court for that to prove they did in fact damage it and therefor you are telling the truth. They can try and sue you for damaging their business. Best bet is to get them in court.

Answer 7

The answer is within the United States Bill of Rights (part of the Constitution):

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Answer 8

I saw someone last year in a van somewhere in the UK. He had purchased some electrical equipment from a store namely W--------s, and it was faulty, he had the receipt was in the time limit only being purchased a few days before. Well, what he did was decorate his van telling people of his plight, he sat outside the store in his van and when he was asked to moved he parked on the other side of the road, and did this all day long.I don't know the outcome, but I bet he got his money back.

Answer 9

You can't be arrested per se for trespass...but you can be sued for libel.  I suggest filing a small claims action against them and see how it pans out.  Additionally, if you've INSURANCE let them know how the damage occurred and tell them to handle it for you...It's why you pay premiums...PEACE & GOOD LUCK!