[NC] How do I send a cease and desist letter for criminal activity?
I have a client who is sending aggressive texts, emotionally manipulative texts, gaslighting texts, verbally aggressive phone calls, and threats to slander our business. I run a successful pet-sitting business of 12 years. After 72 hours this client became hostile — we won’t abandon the dog because we feel bad for him, but the client sends a slew of wild accusational texts and we need them to stop. Should an immediate cease-and-desist work?
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It sounds like you’re going through an incredibly stressful situation, and it’s admirable that you’re putting the dog’s well-being first while dealing with aggressive and manipulative behavior. Given what you’ve described, a cease-and-desist letter could be a helpful next step under North Carolina law (G.S. §14-196.3).
A cease-and-desist is a formal notice telling someone to stop harmful conduct. In your case, the letter would demand the client stop the threatening texts, verbal aggression, gaslighting, emotional manipulation, and threats to slander your business. It also demonstrates you’re serious and may take legal steps if the behavior continues. Many people back off when they receive a formal letter, especially if they didn’t expect it.
A few points to consider:
- Cite your documentation: Make clear you’ve recorded texts, calls, emails, and dates/times — that’s critical if you later involve police or file a civil claim.
- Relevant statutes/examples: North Carolina has statutes (including cyberstalking/harassment provisions) that can apply to repeated unwanted communications. If the client actually defames your business, defamation claims might be possible (Chapter 99 (Libel & Slander)).
- Legal weight: A cease-and-desist from an attorney carries more weight than one you write yourself. An attorney can reference the correct statutes, explain consequences, and advise on the best method of delivery (e.g., certified mail).
- Next steps if ignored: If the client ignores the letter, you may need to involve law enforcement (for harassment/stalking) or pursue civil remedies (injunction, damages for defamation, etc.).
- Safety and business operations: Continue documenting everything. If necessary, a lawyer can help you legally end the pet-sitting arrangement while ensuring the dog is cared for and your business is protected.
- Emotional distress: Claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress are possible but often hard to prove; discuss with an attorney if this has seriously impacted you or your staff.
Because prior attempts to resolve the situation haven’t worked, I recommend talking to a North Carolina attorney (business law/civil disputes) to draft and send a cease-and-desist. It’s a sensible next step and will put you in a stronger position if further legal action becomes necessary.
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I have a client who is sending aggressive texts, emotionally manipulative texts, gaslighting texts, verbally aggressive phone calls, and threats to slander our business. I run a successful pet-sitting business of 12 years. After 72 hours this client became hostile — we won’t abandon the dog because we feel bad for him, but the client sends a slew of wild accusational texts and we need them to stop. Should an immediate cease-and-desist work?
Lexi, Chatbot
I’m sorry to hear about the situation. Have you already tried to address this issue directly with the client?
Yes — countless times.
Lexi, Chatbot
Have you documented all the aggressive and threatening communication from the client?
Yes — texts.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?
I don’t know.
Jon
Hello, and thank you for reaching out! I’m Jon, a licensed attorney with over 13 years of experience. I’m here to help. Where do you live?
Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jon
And you want to know what you can do about this person?
Yes.
Jon
Understood. Anything else to add before I start?
Hmm, not really — just an extremely hostile client who’s making slander threats and verbally attacking my staff and us as the owners.
Jon
It sounds like you’re going through an incredibly stressful situation, and it’s admirable that you’re putting the dog’s well-being first while dealing with aggressive and manipulative behavior. Given what you’ve described, a cease-and-desist letter could be a helpful next step under North Carolina law (G.S. §14-196.3).
A cease-and-desist is a formal notice telling someone to stop harmful conduct. In your case, the letter would demand the client stop the threatening texts, verbal aggression, gaslighting, emotional manipulation, and threats to slander your business. It also demonstrates you’re serious and may take legal steps if the behavior continues. Many people back off when they receive a formal letter, especially if they didn’t expect it.
A few points to consider:
- Cite your documentation: Make clear you’ve recorded texts, calls, emails, and dates/times — that’s critical if you later involve police or file a civil claim.
- Relevant statutes/examples: North Carolina has statutes (including cyberstalking/harassment provisions) that can apply to repeated unwanted communications. If the client actually defames your business, defamation claims might be possible (Chapter 99 (Libel & Slander)).
- Legal weight: A cease-and-desist from an attorney carries more weight than one you write yourself. An attorney can reference the correct statutes, explain consequences, and advise on the best method of delivery (e.g., certified mail).
- Next steps if ignored: If the client ignores the letter, you may need to involve law enforcement (for harassment/stalking) or pursue civil remedies (injunction, damages for defamation, etc.).
- Safety and business operations: Continue documenting everything. If necessary, a lawyer can help you legally end the pet-sitting arrangement while ensuring the dog is cared for and your business is protected.
- Emotional distress: Claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress are possible but often hard to prove; discuss with an attorney if this has seriously impacted you or your staff.
Because prior attempts to resolve the situation haven’t worked, I recommend talking to a North Carolina attorney (business law/civil disputes) to draft and send a cease-and-desist. It’s a sensible next step and will put you in a stronger position if further legal action becomes necessary.
Okay, thanks.
Jon
I do hope the information was helpful. If there’s anything else you need, don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a fantastic day ahead!
Jon
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