Most of us would turn to the police when we need protection from harm, but unfortunately, the times are changing. Countless souls—Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Ezzel Ford, and many more—lost their lives due to a police officer. Because of this, their names are known in every state of the country as people seek justice.
These people that we lost are a representation of what the law enforcement community is today. And because of these horrendous acts, law enforcement officers are under heightened scrutiny by the public.
Police brutality is a problem in the US that everyone is trying to fight against, especially in the last year when the nation has had enough of the rising death rate. However, there is no way to get around this problem but hold these officers accountable for what they did.
For this reason, speaking to a defense lawyer can help shed light on this issue, and they could help protect your rights as a US citizen. It pays to know the different types of police brutality in New York if the unfortunate happens.
So, if you’ve experienced any of the following, reaching out to a lawyer is the next step you should take.
Excessive Force/Brutality
You should know that law enforcement officers are allowed to use necessary force to carry out their duties. However, they are not permitted to use excessive force. The problem here is that there is a fine line between necessary and excessive force, putting the victim and the officer in a gray area.
When the officer has control over a situation, and there isn’t any danger, they are not permitted to use excessive force. Excessive force includes shooting an unarmed individual, beating a suspect, and unnecessary equipment, such as pepper spray and tasers.
Racial Profiling
Unfortunately, stop and frisk searches still occur in the streets of New York. Often, when an individual is stopped and frisked, they are eventually let go. But in some cases, no evidence of wrongdoing is found, so why is an individual stopped? The answer is simple—racial profiling.
Racial profiling—specifically to African-Americans, Muslims, and Latinos—is why officers stop people in the streets of New York. It is an ineffective and utterly inhumane way to deter or discover a crime. If you are stopped because of your race, religion, or ethnicity, this is police brutality.
False Arrest
When you are arrested without a warrant or probable cause, it can qualify as police brutality in most cases. Additionally, when you are detained or questioned by an officer without any reasonable suspicion, you should know that your civil rights have been violated.
For this reason, you must work with a reputable wrongful arrest lawyer in New York to help you with these legal matters and to protect your rights.
Wrongful Death in Police Custody
If a police officer detains an individual and the law enforcement officers act negligently, resulting in the individual’s death, the loved ones of the deceased can file a claim to recover damages.
When a suspect has a health condition, for example, and the officers fail to administer necessary medications and treatment resulting in the suspect’s death, the deceased’s family can sue for wrongful death.
How Do I File for a Police Brutality Claim?
New York City gives you 90 days from the date of the incident to file a police brutality claim. For this reason, you must act immediately to obtain a qualified lawyer to investigate and help you seek justice.
Fortunately, reputable lawyers like Ronemus & Vilensky have combined years of civil rights experience, allowing you to seek legal justice in situations such as police brutality.
The Bottom Line: Police Brutality is in the Spotlight, and It Pays to Know Your Rights to Stay Protected
The best way to deal with police brutality is to hold the law enforcement officers at fault accountable for their actions. Besides that, you should also be aware of the types of police brutality so that you can assert your right and stay protected in the city of New York.
How Can Ronemus & Vilensky Help You?
Dealing with legal matters can be incredibly distressing, but it’s important that you deal with it immediately and with the right lawyers. If you’re looking for wrongful arrest lawyers in New York, look no further.
Ronemus & Vilensky have been in the industry for years, specializing in personal injury, civil rights, medical malpractice, sexual harassment, environmental accidents, and more. Get legal assistance from us today!