Before law enforcement can make an arrest, they must establish probable cause or have an arrest warrant signed by a judge. If these or other steps are ignored, anyone falsely arrested could suffer physical, emotional, or professional harm. If you were unlawfully arrested, you can hire a San Bernardino false arrest lawyer who is familiar with false arrest cases. They can hold law enforcement accountable for violating your rights.
If your rights have been violated in San Bernardino, you need legal representation who knows how to handle civil rights cases with precision and a focus on securing compensation. For more than a decade, victims of false arrest have turned to Greg Peacock Law to obtain accountability and justice after a wrongful arrest.
Our esteemed founding attorney has experience in litigating against all levels of law enforcement, from police to federal agencies. After graduating with his J.D. from the University of La Verne, College of Law, he settled in Orange County with his family, where he remains active in the community and focused on protecting the civil rights of Californians.
False arrests remain a serious concern in San Bernardino due to policing-related complaints. From 2013 to 2023, the San Bernardino Police Department made 66,525 arrests, 58% of which were for low-level, nonviolent offenses.
During that same period, only 20% of the 231 civilian complaints filed against officers were sustained, according to data from Police Scorecard. These figures suggest that many residents in neighborhoods like Del Rosa, Muscoy, and Arrowhead face a greater risk of unjustified arrests with limited recourse.
While not all misconduct leads to death, statewide reports show nearly 195 people die annually during police encounters in California, with close to 250 shot each year. In many cases, people are held at the nearby West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, one of the region’s main jails.
Following a false arrest, there are potential remedies for compensating the injured victim. When police act without probable cause or a valid warrant, the injured party can take legal action against the city responsible for the police department. This is because municipalities are liable for harm caused by their employees.
After such an incident, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm you suffered, both emotionally and physically. Any reputational damage could also be accounted for in an eventual settlement. If necessary, your lawyer could pursue a federal claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for full accountability.
Going to court to pursue justice and compensation for a false arrest without a false arrest attorney could be a regrettable mistake. The San Bernardino false arrest laws are complex and require guidance from an experienced lawyer; ideally, one who has handled false arrest cases and secured the compensation their clients are owed.
One barrier you may face without an attorney is overcoming the state’s qualified immunity laws. If you make the decision to hire a false arrest lawyer, you gain legal experience that can overcome those and other barriers that are designed to protect police from accountability. An attorney can gather evidence to support your case, challenge the police department’s one-sided narratives, and pursue every available legal avenue to demand justice on your behalf.
A: Yes, California law allows individuals to pursue civil remedies if the police detain them without legal justification. False arrest occurs when an officer restrains someone without a warrant or probable cause. These cases rely on proving that the arresting officer or officers arrested someone without legal grounds. Preserving evidence, like video footage or reports, can support your claim for compensation.
A: To prove a false arrest claim, you must show that the officer detained you without a valid warrant, probable cause, or legal authority. Supporting evidence can include arrest reports, witness statements, bodycam footage, and your own account.
The officer’s beliefs and reasoning must be shown to have been unreasonable or fabricated. A lawyer who is experienced in false arrest cases can build a strong case that can lead to remedies like financial compensation.
A: Victims of a false arrest may recover compensation for:
In some cases, the courts may award additional damages if the misconduct was especially egregious. The size of the settlement depends on the arrest’s impact on the victim and the quality of documentation supporting the plaintiff’s pursuit of compensation.
A: Yes. Under federal civil rights law, specifically 42 U.S. Code § 1983, you can seek justice if police violate your constitutional rights. A false arrest may constitute a breach of your Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful seizure. Federal claims often involve complex procedures and strict deadlines that must be followed and met. A civil rights attorney can determine whether federal action is appropriate based on the facts of your case.
False arrest cases require immediate attention, and delays can limit your ability to hold law enforcement accountable. Greg Peacock Law has the litigation experience and legal insight necessary to pursue civil claims when your rights have been violated during an arrest without cause.
During your consultation, we can listen to your account of what happened and clearly explain your legal options. Our founding attorney is admitted to practice law in all California courts and the United States District Court, so he understands how to take decisive action in either venue. Contact Greg Peacock Law today to schedule your consultation with a San Bernardino false arrest lawyer.