Police officers are often required to use a certain degree of force when apprehending a suspect. In some cases, the suspect may fight back, requiring the arresting officer to overpower the suspect in some way. Sometimes, the amount of force may exceed what is necessary to subdue the suspect, which can result in horrific injury or even death for the suspect. If you have been a victim of police brutality, you should reach out to a Victorville police brutality lawyer today.
The legal team at Greg Peacock Law understands how difficult and overwhelming it can be to file a claim of police brutality. Any time you go up against the police department with an allegation of misconduct, brutality, or intimidation, you may feel as if you are taking a risk. Regrettably, police officers are not always held to the same legal standards as everyone else, which is why a civil rights lawyer is so necessary. They can help ensure your case is heard and you are taken seriously.
Simply put, police brutality is the unnecessary and excessive use of extreme force by law enforcement or government officials in the performance of their duty. It is vital to the common good that police officers who engage in brutal action be held accountable for what they’ve done and who they’ve hurt. A level of force that results in broken bones, permanent injury, and even death is largely unjustified and only results in causing far more damage than is needed.
According to a 2023 incident report from the California Department of Justice, there were 658 civilians involved in incidents with the police department that involved the discharge of a firearm, excessive force, and bodily harm that resulted in serious injury or death. Of those civilians, 441 were injured and 134 were killed. If you’ve been a victim of police brutality, you know it can be traumatic. You may want to consult with a local mental health support group such as NAMI Inland Valley.
While police brutality can conjure images of a group of cops beating a subdued suspect with their nightsticks, the actual reality can vary. There are many different forms that police brutality can take, and all of them are considered unnecessarily cruel and painful. Officers may be required to apply some level of force to defuse a situation, but there’s a definite line that they should never cross. When they do, accountability is important. Here are some forms of police brutality:
If you take legal action against the police in Victorville, there’s no telling how much you could get for a police brutality settlement. Every police brutality case is different, with each case having its own contributing factors that can impact the settlement amount. The amount may likely depend on the severity of your injuries, the evidence you have, and whether or not the officer has a history of misconduct.
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a federal civil rights case, and you need to file a claim with the relevant government agency within six months of the incident. There may be an exception to these deadlines, but it may not be wise to count on any. Your lawyer can make sure you don’t miss any crucial deadlines for your case.
Yes, it can be very hard to pursue a legal claim against the police department. There are often many legal protections and immunities that the police department can claim in the event of legal action. What you need is an experienced civil rights lawyer who can help you gather as much evidence as you can find that supports your case. The more evidence you have, the harder it is for the police to ignore your case.
If you want to go after the police department for allegations of misconduct or brutality, you are going to want to hire a civil rights lawyer who can help you put together a solid case. A civil rights lawyer protects the constitutional rights of individuals against police misconduct and government overreach. Going up against a powerful group of potentially corrupt people can be overwhelming and complicated. A good lawyer can help even things out.
At Greg Peacock Law, we can help you develop your case, gather evidence, and make sure your interests are protected. Contact us today to speak with a valued team member about a consultation.