Types of Police Misconduct

When a police officer abuses the power of their position while dealing with citizens, the damages can be severe and lasting. This article will address some of the more common types of police misconduct and offer some solutions for those who have been impacted. 

Forms of Police Misconduct 

No one can deny that police officers deal with immense amounts of on-the-job pressure, often putting their lives at risk in the line of duty. However, police misconduct is a serious problem in the United States, and it can have major and even deadly implications for citizens all over the country, especially for citizens of color or those from marginalized communities.  

Police misconduct can take many different forms, but some of the common cases we deal with include:

• Wrongful Death or Homicide — Although no amount of money could ever make right the wrong that has been done to you and your family, a lawsuit for police misconduct could help you recover damages to use for end-of-life expenses, as well as conscious pain and suffering. 
• Excessive Force — Police officers are duty-bound to use a reasonable escalation of force when detaining or dealing with subjects. However, when an officer crosses the line between reasonable conduct and excessive force, you might have a case. 
• Unlawful Arrest — Sometimes, arresting officers use unsavory or illegal tactics during the course of an arrest. If you’ve been arrested unlawfully, you might be able to recover damages. 

How to Defend Your Rights After Dealing with Police Misconduct 

Coming into contact with police misconduct directly can be an extremely damaging experience. For starters, a police officer may have caused you physical harm through the use of excessive force or similar misconduct. When you’ve been injured as the result of police misconduct, your medical bills can pile up and you may have even lost wages from missed work. 

Another often-overlooked aspect of police misconduct is the emotional trauma. All of these elements taken together could be the grounds for a police misconduct lawsuit. If you’re unsure, speaking with an injury lawyer is a good place to start. 

Contact a Police Misconduct Lawyer Now

When your rights as a citizen are violated by the misconduct of a police officer, you should know that you’re not alone. At Halperin Law Center, our experienced and top-rated lawyers can help you fight for your rights after suffering police misconduct, increasing your chances of receiving a settlement. 

Call 804-527-0100 or fill out the form below to speak with a police misconduct lawyer in Richmond.