Is it blackmail if I got fired and the district manager told me that if I go to corporate or file for unemployment then he’s going to have me prosecuted using video footage of me obtaining weed at work?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Is it blackmail if I got fired and the district manager told me that if I go to corporate or file for unemployment then he’s going to have me prosecuted using video footage of me obtaining weed at work?

Is that considered blackmail? He has covered up a robbery that took place there a few months back as well as a scam that occurred about 2 months or so ago and the manager sent $1,000 to the scammer.

Asked on July 22, 2019 under Employment Labor Law, Texas

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

Yes, it is illegal, because someone is not allowed to use the threat of criminal prosecution to force someone to do something: either they press charges, if they think they have grounds, or they don't, but it's not a bargaining tactic. But the issue is, even though he could possibly face prosecution for this, that doesn't change the fact that if there is video of you gettng drugs at work, you could face drug charges--his wrongdoing does not negate your own criminal act. So you need to consider if you wish to push this point.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption