Unsure of legal rights

[Neocode]

I live in the state of NJ. I live in a small apartment building with 3 apartments. I have had problems with one of the neighbors in the past. She did damage to a friend's car one night while drunk, and also attacked me physically the same night. We went to court, and it was dropped.
Since then, we have had no contact with one another. Which is for the best. However, I just received a letter from the post office alledging that I was named as possibly tampering with her mail. This is something I have not done, and would not do, as I have a wife and two small children and a career to think about. The letter states that if I am not tampering with the mail, that I should ignore it.
I am wondering if this gives me grounds for a lawsuit for defamation of character, as my neighbor is accusing me of a federal crime? I am concerned that this is going to affect me in one way or another. I have a clean record, and have no desire to have my name associated with something like this. Any information would be very appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[JETX]

Based on your post, in my opinion, you have NO grounds for action. 'Someone' (you don't know who) apparently suspected that 'someone' was tampering with mail in the common (?) mail area. This letter could have been sent to everyone who might have had access to the area, or the mail. You have no PROOF that it was even due to claims by the person you suspect.

In any case, you have not been charged or convicted and, apparently, have not suffered any appreciable damage. You say that your concern is not "to have my name associated with something like this.". It hasn't been. You received a letter, that has no legal standing and has NOT been entered into any criminal database.

My suggestion: do as the letter said, if you are not tampering with her mail, "please ignore this letter".

Also, I am a little curious about your statement that you were assaulted, the neighbor was charged and "We went to court, and it was dropped." Why was it dropped?? Why didn't you follow up on the charges??

 

[Neocode]

Halket,

First, I wish to thank you for your answer to my question. I kind of figured I would have no recourse, but I am still upset over it so I was hoping.

Secondly, I was the only one sent such a letter. The other neighbor was not issued one, and the mailboxes are on the street same as any house. Therefore, it could be anyone in the world who tampered with mail from any of the three boxes.

Third, it was confirmed by the post office that she called them directly to issue the complaint against me. I was also informed I could receive a copy of the complaint by writing to Washington underneath the Freedom of Information Act. I however, doubt I will, since it will do me no good.

Fourth, the reason why the case was dropped was on my attorney's advice at the time. The police report stated that she was drunk and attacked me, and was belligerent to the police. My wife was the one who notified the police. I had filed charges for assault against her. She in turn filed for assault against myself when she received her notice. My attorney said the judge could penalize both of us since it was a he said, she said situation, even with the police report. He advised me to drop the charges since her attorney had wanted to strike a deal by dropping the charges against me. So I did. I am in no way an expert in the law, I'm a computer programmer. I have a family and a career to think about, and didn't want the risk of an assault charge on my clean record.

Thanks again for your time.