I am a lawyer and this is not an appropriate venue for legal advice. My specialty is constitutional rights b/c of my Witness background. The First Amendment only restricts government (federal until after the Civil War; federal and state since then with some debate from Justice Thomas). The Witnesses have a very protected First Amendment right to conduct their religion as they see fit as long as they violate no laws of general applicability (such as fire regs; psychedelic drug use not protected by First Amendment; bigamy laws). Changes in facts change the relevant law. Every situation is different. Tort law regarding libel and defamation may apply. Constitutional rights generally trump state law.
The Internet is not a good way to get legal advice. Frankly, if this letter were forwarded to Bethel the WTBTS would not shake with fear. They probably insulate themselves from the actions of what they prob. term autonomous Kingdom Halls. It is possible it scared off the local brothers.
Recently, I read a law review article concerning Witness conduct in prewar Japan. I dropped my work to read it. Being on the outside now, I expected to read stirring accounts of individual JWs functioning in a state with a god-emperor. A female lawyer (how does one become a female lawyer with the JW. In my day, the mere posturing of a woman with advice would be against the rules) wrote only about the valiant work of the WTBTS, sitting smug in Brooklyn. Not a solitary Witness was mentioned in the article.
The Society was generally clear as to what behavior it tolerated. Precious little. Due process and fairness was never promised. A theocracy is not democratic. Still, I would recommend people consult a local lawyer if stopping the process is important. No one has to know that you consulted with one. Expense is problematic.
