Pursuing Claims of Wrongdoing Against Government Officials in California
Police officers are tasked with protecting the safety of others. Their duty involves ensuring that the person, property, or rights of people in this country are not violated. Unfortunately, while all officers swear an oath that they will uphold their duties with honor and integrity, not all follow through. Some engage in illegal or unethical behavior that harms the people they swore to protect. However, legal remedies are available to police misconduct victims, allowing them to hold the officer and the agency employing them accountable for wrongdoing and receive compensation for harm they sustained as a result of the incident.
Pursuing a claim of police misconduct is complex, and if an officer harmed you or a loved one, reach out to. Our Walnut Creek police misconduct lawyers have extensive legal experience and can effectively guide you through your case. Practicing criminal defense, we know how officers are expected to compose themselves when acting in an official capacity, and we also know the adverse effects that can arise when they fail to do so. As such, we are dedicated to protecting victims' rights and taking legal action that may deter future instances of wrongdoing and result in changed policies within the affected agency.
Our Walnut Creek police misconduct attorneys will provide the compassionate yet aggressive legal representation you need. Schedule a consultation by calling us at(925) 900-5330 orcontacting us online today.
What is Police Misconduct?
There are a number of examples of police misconduct in civil rights cases. One such example is racial profiling. For example, if an African American male was pulled over without any cause and it was established that the police department had a pattern and practice of pulling over minorities without cause, then that would be grounds for a claim of police misconduct.
Illegal detention is another example of police misconduct, which is a violation of the Fourth Amendment. If someone was subjected to excessive force by a police officer—even if the force was used during the course of a legitimate arrest—then that would be grounds for a civil claim for excessive force. The excessive force also applies to other types of cases, such as those in which police officers use vehicles to assault individuals during chases or use weapons to bring about an excessive force against someone.
Consequences of Police Misconduct in California
When a police officer oversteps their lawful authority, their actions can have several consequences, impacting the victim and the community as a whole.
Specifically concerning the victim, police misconduct can lead to physical and/or emotional harm. It can also result in wrongful convictions, which means an innocent person may spend years behind bars because a law enforcement official abused their powers.
On a societal level, police misconduct can weaken the public's confidence in the justice process. The media often reports on cases of civil rights violations by law enforcement officials, which can result in widespread mistrust of police officers.
Actions Victims of Police Misconduct Can Take
Federal law, specifically42 U.S.C. § 1983, allows victims of police misconduct to take civil action against police officers who have abused their powers. Referred to as a Section 1983 lawsuit, this legal vehicle provides several remedies.
First, it can help victims recover the compensation they need for damages sustained due to the incident. And while money cannot erase the individual's experience, it can help relieve some of the financial burdens arising from the misconduct.
Second, it can send a message to law enforcement agencies and their officers that violations of rights and any other wrongdoing will not be tolerated. This statement can lead to a change in policies and procedures. It may also result in increased training and supervision within the department.
Third, exposing police misconduct can impact a criminal case brought against the victim of the abuse of power. If it's shown that an officer willfully violated a person's rights or engaged in illegal conduct that affected the investigation and/or prosecution of the case, evidence obtained may be inadmissible. Having evidence excluded can weaken the prosecution's arguments against the accused/victim, possibly leading to a reduction or dismissal of charges.
Examples of Police Misconduct
Police misconduct is any unlawful or unethical behavior a law enforcement officer engages in that violates a person's rights or causes them harm. Incidents of wrongdoing aren't limited to those involving state or local police officers; correctional officers, probation officers, or even federal law enforcement officials may also be guilty of such conduct.
A wide range of offenses may be considered police misconduct, including but not limited to:
- False arrest
- Excessive force
- Coerced confessions
- Falsified evidence
- Witness tampering
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Sexual misconduct
- Failure to intervene
- Theft of evidence
- Indifference to a medical condition or substantial risk of harm
Can Police Lie In Order To Extract A Confession? Is That A Police Misconduct?
There are limits in terms of the lies an officer can tell a person. For example, it’s permitted for a police officer to tell a suspect that another person in custody has confessed to something which they haven’t actually confessed to; this is a common tactic used by police in order to persuade an individual to make a confession. Police officers are not allowed to make false promises, such as telling someone that they will be released from custody if they confess. For example, it’s permitted for a police officer to tell a suspect that another person in custody already provided a confession even though no confession was attained. This is a common tactic used by police in order to persuade an individual to make a confession. However, police officers are not permitted to make false promises to convince someone to confess, such as they will be released from custody if they confess.
Can I Sue The Police Department For Violating My Rights?
An individual can absolutely sue a police department for violating their rights. However, as a practical matter, the individual would actually be suing the city where the police department is located. For example, if someone were to bring an action against an officer from the Oakland Police Department, they would name the city of Oakland and the officer. In addition, they might name a supervising officer or officers who were present at the scene and had a responsibility to protect the individual from having their rights violated.
Helping Victims Wronged by Law Enforcement Officials in CA
At The Law Offices of Johnson & Johnson, our Walnut Creek police misconduct lawyers will investigate your claim and build a legal strategy focused on protecting your rights. We will also be steadfast in holding the police officer and their employer accountable for the harm they caused.
We are strong advocates and loyal Walnut Creek police misconduct attorneys and are ready to help with your case. For legal representation in the Bay Area, call us at(925) 900-5330 orcontact us online.
