Police misconduct is at the forefront of the minds of many United States citizens. We have all seen videos on social media or the news of police brutality, unlawful arrests, and other issues. Unfortunately, it seems like these news stories are popping up more and more lately. If you believe that you are a victim of police misconduct, this section can help you.
One of the most common ways that we see civil rights violations is through police misconduct. In this section, we will discuss some of the contributing factors to this issue, how to identify police misconduct, and what to do if you are a victim of it. Here, we discuss common issues such as:
- Police brutality and excessive force.
- Police shootings.
- False arrest.
- Unlawful searches.
- Wrongful convictions.
Police Brutality and Excessive Force
Police brutality and excessive force are the things that most people think of when they hear about police misconduct. If you had an altercation with the police, there are certain actions that they may have taken that are inappropriate. If you think that this is the case, please contact us for assistance.
Police Shootings
Police shootings also fall under the category of excessive force. There are very few reasons why police officers should resort to the use of firearms, and if you cooperate with the police they should not use this type of force. If you find yourself in such a situation, whether you were injured or not, you need to protect your rights by contacting a lawyer.
False Arrest
Another issue that oftentimes occurs with police officers is false arrest. Many times, police officers do not have enough evidence or cause to make an arrest. But, the average citizen doesn’t know this. You might not know the ins and outs of the law, so you can’t fight the police officers. Because you are unsure of the law and the processes, you choose to comply, even though there are not sufficient grounds for arrest. If this happened to you, it is not too late to fight your case. Certain evidence may be thrown out of court, or the charge might be dropped altogether. You can contact us to learn more about these options and if they are viable for your case.
Unlawful Searches
Just like false arrests, there can be unlawful searches. There are clear and specific rules of when your property can and cannot be searched, and the police are obligated to follow these rules. The problem arises because the average person doesn’t know the details of these laws. So, the police can take advantage of you and get you to agree to a search or conduct an unlawful search. You should review the circumstances of your search with an attorney to determine if you were the victim of an unlawful search.