Orange County Officer-Involved Shooting Lawyer

Orange County Officer-Involved Shooting Attorney

Law enforcement officers have a job with a heightened risk of danger, but this does not mean they should not be held responsible for using their firearms improperly and without a valid reason. If you have been the victim of an officer-involved shooting in California, you may benefit from hiring an Orange County officer-involved shooting lawyer at Greg Peacock Law. This enables you to pursue damages, justice, and the future you deserve.

Officer-Involved Shooting

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An Overview of Officer-Involved Shootings in California

In California, an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) is any incident in which a law enforcement officer discharges a firearm at another person while acting in an official capacity. It is important to note that, while police utilize firearms for their job, this does not mean that every shooting incident is lawful and in line with their shooting guidelines.

The term “officer-involved shooting” encompasses a range of situations, from intentional actions to accidental discharges, and may involve more than one officer. If you or someone you know has been the victim of this type of incident, you may benefit from hiring an officer-involved shooting lawyer.

It is estimated that more than 600 people are killed by law enforcement in the United States every year, and roughly 250,000 civilians are injured by officers annually as well. In 2025, America has seen even more civilian fatalities, totaling 1,072 law enforcement-caused deaths. While there is an elevated risk for danger in this line of work, it does not excuse the unnecessary harming of civilians.

Key Aspects of an Officer-Involved Shooting

There are several different aspects of an officer-involved shooting in Orange County, which are as follows:

• The circumstances. Officers are legally permitted to use deadly force to protect their own life or the lives of others, or in certain situations, to stop the flight of a felon, as long as it is considered lawful and necessary.
• A traumatic event. An officer may discharge a weapon, especially in a deadly force encounter, which can be a traumatic event for everyone involved.

Why Should I Hire an Officer-Involved Shooting Lawyer in Orange County, California?

There are many beneficial reasons you may want to choose to hire an officer-involved shooting lawyer in Orange County, California, including the following examples:

• Civil rights lawsuits. A lawyer may file a federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of shooting victims and their families, as private citizens have the legal right to file a claim against government employees, including police officers, who have violated their constitutional rights, such as using excessive force.
• Independent investigation. When you hire an officer-involved-shooting lawyer, they can conduct their own thorough, independent investigation, looking into the incident, as the official police narrative may prove to be incomplete or biased. They can also gather and analyze critical evidence, such as the following examples:
  • Eyewitness testimonies
  • Official police reports and/or internal records
  • Forensic analysis
  • Body camera and/or dashboard camera footage
  • Background information, including the history of the officers involved
• Pursuing a wrongful death claim. In cases where a police shooting results in fatalities, your lawyer can file a wrongful death claim in an effort to secure compensation for you and your family. This can cover funeral expenses, loss of income, emotional distress, and the loss of companionship.
• Negotiating settlements. Your lawyer can negotiate your settlement on your behalf with the various municipalities and police departments that may be involved. Many agencies prefer to settle these kinds of claims outside of the California civil court system so that they can avoid a potentially lengthy legal battle and/or bad publicity.
• Taking cases to trial. If a fair settlement cannot be reached outside of court, your lawyer can litigate your case in court in order to demonstrate the police misconduct you have suffered and advocate for justice on your behalf. Should the need for additional outside involvement arise, you should hire an officer-involved shooting lawyer to help you get scheduled at the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, where they can advocate on your behalf, your rights, and your desired outcomes.
• Pushing for systemic reform. When you face this kind of suffering, you know better than most that it should not be permitted to happen again to someone else. Your lawyer can help you seek not only financial compensation for the suffering you’ve undergone, but also pursue systemic change. This can involve pushing for legal reforms and new police department policies, as well as improved training to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

FAQs About Orange County, CA Officer-Involved Shooting Laws

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Officer-Involved Shooting Lawyer in California?

The cost of hiring an officer-involved shooting lawyer in the state of California tends to vary case by case due to an array of variables that can have a unique influence on the specifics of your case. This can include the amount of time your case requires to reach a resolution, who you hire to represent you, and the level of complexity your case presents.

Is Hiring an Officer-Involved Shooting Lawyer Worthwhile in California?

While every experience is unique, many individuals have found that hiring an officer-involved shooting lawyer can help improve the likelihood of a case’s success, as well as protect individuals from the additional stress and confusion they may have otherwise experienced when handling the case alone. Greg Peacock Law can bring clarity and success to your case today.

How Long Will My Officer-Involved Shooting Case Take to Reach a Settlement in California?

Similarly to the cost of hiring a lawyer, the duration of your officer-involved shooting case will most likely vary based on its complexity and the number of agencies and individuals involved. Your lawyer can help protect you from unwanted setbacks, as well as navigate your local court’s schedule on your behalf should the need arise.

Can I File an Officer-Involved Shooting Wrongful Death Claim if My Family Member Was Shot and Died in California?

Yes, you have the legal right in California to file a wrongful death claim if a law enforcement officer fatally shot your family member. This allows you to pursue financial compensation for the suffering, loss of a loved one, and injustice you have experienced, as well as the financial impact that your family member’s death may have on you. You can also pursue systematic changes to help protect others from experiencing the same pain.

Why Should I Choose Greg Peacock Law to Represent Me in My Officer-Involved Shooting Case?

Greg Peacock and his legal team understand your rights, and he believes strongly in helping you protect and uphold those rights. Contact Greg Peacock Law today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.