Common Types of Police Misconduct Cases and How Attorneys Fight Back
Police misconduct is all too common in California with thousands of complaints being reported each year. Truly, no one should suffer injuries at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve. In addition to causing physical and mental harm to Californians, police misconduct and brutality cause people to lose confidence in our public safety systems. Lawyers not only help hold the police responsible for civil rights violations, but they also help victims get the compensation they need to fully recover after a police misconduct incident.
If you were injured due to police misconduct or lost a loved one due to police brutality, contact a California police brutality lawyer today to schedule a free consultation. The BD&J legal team is available 24/7 to answer questions like – How much can I win for my police brutality case?
What Constitutes Police Misconduct?
California considers police misconduct to be any inappropriate, illegal, or unethical behavior enacted by any law enforcement officer, when performing their official duties. These incidents often involve federally protected civil rights violations like unreasonable searches and seizures and cruel and unusual punishment. Law enforcement should be held accountable when they engage in these behaviors and cause injury or damage.
Impact of Police Misconduct on Victims
Experiencing police misconduct can cause lasting impacts for victims, affecting their physical, emotional, financial, and even social well-being. Injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), internal bleeding, and more have been inflicted at the hands of law enforcement. Beyond bodily injury, the emotional toll of being mistreated by police usually involves anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The cost of medical treatment for injuries and therapy for psychological damage as well as any property repairs can add up and create economic stress for victims. Many who experience police misconduct often lose trust in law enforcement, leading to social problems, especially in communities that suffer repeated abuses.
We have also seen the devastating impacts of wrongful convictions and wrongful deaths caused by abuses of power. Lives have been unjustly ruined and ended at the hands of police officers, leaving families to struggle and grieve. If you or a loved one have suffered because of injuries caused by police misconduct, contact a California police brutality attorney to seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Police Misconduct Cases
When police officers complete training and join the force, they take an oath to serve and protect. So, what drives someone to mistreat the people they once swore to keep safe? Many believe police misconduct is caused by fear and pressure. Law enforcement officers are put in dangerous situations every day and must use their best judgement. However, judgement is affected by fear in these situations and fears are built on biases and discrimination. This leads to certain groups, like people of color, experiencing much more mistreatment by police than others.
In other instances, the pressure from supervisors to perform, meet quotas, or take care of problems can cause officers to make poor choices. Unfortunately, when a police officer makes a bad decision, it can seriously impact innocent people’s lives. Fear, pressure, and whatever else drives this kind of behavior, has resulted in various kinds of police misconduct. The team of police brutality lawyers at BD&J have managed cases involving:
- Excessive use of force / Police brutality
- False arrests and unlawful detention
- Malicious prosecution
- Fourth and Fifth Amendment violations (unreasonable searches, denial of rights)
- Sexual harassment and assault by officers
- Racial profiling and discrimination
- Fabrication of evidence and false reports
How California Police Brutality Lawyers Fight Back
Lawyers play a big role in holding officers and agencies accountable for the discrimination and mistreatment of Californians. Police brutality lawyers in California help victims file civil rights lawsuits and pursue compensation for injuries and damages. They do this by Investigating and gathering evidence, like body camera footage and witness statements, to build a strong case that they know will win. Lawyers can also bring in law enforcement misconduct experts to help refute the justifications police use to say their actions were not excessive, inappropriate, or unethical. Your legal team will adhere to strict legal procedures to protect your rights and win big.
BD&J is dedicated to getting maximum compensation for every client and will fight to make sure the police compensate victims of misconduct for all the injuries and damages they inflicted. We handle communications with the responsible agency and prevent clients from making statements that could harm their claim. Our team uses aggressive negotiation and representation tactics to ensure victims voices are heard and advocate for systemic reform. BD&J lawyers can help connect clients with the best medical and psychological care and even provide financial assistance during litigation to help victims focus on their recovery. In the end, we respect your choice to stand up against police brutality and have compassion for what you are going through.
FAQs
What do I do if I experience police misconduct?
Immediately after the incident, or even during try to gather evidence like photos and videos, and if any witnesses are present ask for their contact information. File a complaint with the police department’s Internal Affairs Division or the California Department of Justice. Be sure to keep copies of your complaint and any communications you have with the agency. Regularly following up with the agency about the status of the complaint shows that you are committed to getting justice. Finally, consult a California police brutality lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and pursue justice and compensation for injuries and damages suffered.
What damages can victims recover in a police misconduct case?
Victims can claim compensation for economic damages caused by the misconduct like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering, humiliation, and emotional distress. Many civil rights lawsuits can get compensation for legal fees and court costs as well. In certain cases when the police officer acted with malice or reckless disregard, victims can pursue punitive damages to punish the officer and deter future misconduct.
How long do I have to file a police misconduct lawsuit in California?
Since police departments are government agencies, a claim must be filed within 6 months of the incident. If that claim is successfully filed, then victims have 2 years from the date of the encounter to file a personal injury or civil rights lawsuit. Exceptions may apply if injuries were not discovered until later. Your ability to get justice and hold officers accountable hinge on meeting tight deadlines, so don’t hesitate to contact the California police brutality attorneys at BD&J as soon as possible after the incident. They can help you act quickly to meet legal deadlines and protect your rights.
What is the most common type of police misconduct in California?
Excessive force, also called physical abuse or police brutality.
Why choose BD&J to represent your police brutality case?
Clients turn to our experienced legal team for compassionate legal support and lawyers experienced in advocating for victims of police brutality. We are glad to offer free, no obligation consultations so clients can meet our team before deciding to move forward. BD&J lawyers are not afraid to take on law enforcement agencies or use aggressive representation to fight for your rights, and clients don’t pay a penny until we win. Out team treats survivors of police brutality with respect and are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for every case.
Experienced California Police Brutality Lawyers Fighting for Maximum Compensation
The award-winning lawyers at BD&J have won more than $2 billion* in compensation for clients and will apply our expertise to win maximum compensation for your case too. With more than 20 years of experience standing up to and seeking justice from powerful entities, we are confident in fighting for your police misconduct case. If you were the victim of or lost a family member due to police brutality, call BD&J to get trusted legal experts on your team and the confidence to win your case.
