Excessive use of force by the police is a topic that has been heavily discussed in recent times. But what is excessive force? According to the law, excessive force, also known as police brutality is the use of more force than is reasonably necessary to apprehend a suspect or to protect oneself or others from harm. Some examples of excessive force include:
- Choking a suspect
- Using a taser on a suspect who is not resisting
- Using deadly force when a suspect is unarmed
If you or someone you know has experienced excessive force at the hands of the police, you may have a civil rights claim. These cases can be difficult to win and are intimidating because they are against the police, which is why it is necessary to get experienced police brutality lawyers on your side. With the guidance and help of skilled police brutality attorneys, you can be sure that your rights are well protected throughout the process and that you get the best outcome for your specific case.
Filing a Civil Rights Claim against the cops
A civil rights claim is a legal claim made by an individual who has had their rights violated by a government agency or official. In the case of police misconduct, a civil rights claim is typically based on a violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures.
There are several types of police misconduct claims, including:
- Excessive force. As previously stated, this refers to the use of more physical force than what is reasonably necessary to subdue a suspect or to maintain public order. Some examples of excessive force by police include the use of chokeholds, taser guns, batons, or firearms when there is no imminent danger or threat to the officer’s safety.
- False arrest is when a person is unlawfully detained or arrested without probable cause or a valid warrant. This can happen when an officer makes an arrest without sufficient evidence or when an officer uses false or fabricated evidence to make an arrest.
- Retaliation occurs when a person is punished or harassed for exercising their legal rights or for reporting misconduct or violations of the law. This can happen when an officer uses their power to retaliate against a person for filing a complaint, participating in a lawsuit, or for exercising their free speech rights.
- Racial profiling occurs when a person is targeted or treated differently by law enforcement officers because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion. This can happen when officers use stereotypes or biased assumptions to make decisions, such as stopping or arresting someone because they fit a certain racial or ethnic profile.
If you believe that you have been a victim of police misconduct, it’s important to contact a lawyer who specializes in civil rights cases. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and pursue legal action against the responsible parties.
Fight Police Misconduct with Strong Legal Support
At Joudeh & Kuller, we have a proven track record of success in police misconduct cases. Our firm has secured a 2.25 million dollar settlement against the NYPD for a client who was subjected to excessive force during an arrest. We understand the impact that police misconduct can have on an individual’s life, and we are dedicated to fighting for our clients’ rights.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of police misconduct, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We will work tirelessly to help you get the justice and compensation that you deserve.
Remember, your civil rights are important and should always be protected. Let us help you fight for justice.