Every day, people trust law enforcement officers to protect and serve them. Unfortunately, when police officers go beyond their legal authority or cause serious injuries to their victims, the public has a right to hold them accountable for their actions. That’s where a California officer misconduct attorney can help.

The most common forms of police misconduct include wrongful death, excessive force, and false arrests. The use of force is not limited to deadly weapons, but also includes other tactics such as excessive Taser usage which can lead to paralysis, amputation, and even death. False arrests can also result in significant financial and emotional harm for the victim. In these situations, the victim has a right to file a civil claim against the police officers involved.

California Officer Misconduct Attorney: Holding Authorities Accountable

A strong police misconduct lawyer will be able to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident and find the necessary evidence to support your case. They will be able to determine whether the officer acted in accordance with his or her job duties and whether the incident constituted excessive force. They will also be able to determine whether the officer violated your constitutional rights by engaging in unnecessary or unreasonable search and seizure, unlawful arrest or beating, racial discrimination or violation of your freedom of speech, religion, or other protected civil rights.

Civil claims against police misconduct are typically filed in federal court because they involve violations of federal constitutional rights. However, federal cases can be complicated and time-sensitive. In many instances, a notice of claim must be filed within six months, and the lawsuit must be started within one year of the incident. A well-respected California police misconduct lawyer will be familiar with the requirements of these deadlines and help ensure that they are met to avoid jeopardizing your case.