what type of lawyer do i need to sue for wrongful arrest

by Orpha Bernhard 9 min read

Can I file a lawsuit against the police for false arrests?

But a Morgan & Morgan lawyer can help go through the facts and determine if there's a chance your rights were violated, and if so, how best to investigate further. So if you think you were wrongfully arrested, call now for a free consultation. How can I afford to go up against the police?

Can you sue for wrongful arrest?

Dec 23, 2019 · The best way to ensure your success is to connect with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you are reasonably able to do so. Ideally, this should happen immediately after the arrest occurs, but if it doesn’t, know that you retain the right to sue for up to two years after the incident occurs.

Can you sue the police for civil rights?

If you believe your rights have been violated, or you need someone to represent you against criminal charges, a local attorney who has experience representing clients in local courtrooms is the only person you should talk to for legal advice.

Can a released defendant sue the police for unlawful arrest?

If you want to learn more about what you can do if you are the victim of a false arrest, contact a local criminal defense lawyer. A qualified lawyer will be able to tell you who you may name in your lawsuit and what damages you may be entitled to claim in your suit. Jose Rivera Managing Editor Editor Last Updated: Jun 5, 2019 Law Library Disclaimer

What Constitutes A “False Arrest?”

Someone who intentionally and wrongfully limits or restricts another person’s personal freedoms, against the victim’s consent, commits the crime of...

False Arrest Committed by The Police

When most people think about the police committing false arrest, they think it refers to an arrest that was not supported by evidence. But this is...

Responses to False Arrests and Bad Arrests: A Big Difference

In the first example just above, the police arrested a person on a warrant issued as a result of fabricated statements. In legal lingo, this is kno...

False Arrest Committed by Private Persons

A private person, such as a private security guard, can also commit the crime of false arrest. Someone who restrains someone else, without that per...

Civil Damages For False Arrest

People who have valid claims of false arrest may also bring a civil lawsuit against the person who restrained them. Their argument is that they hav...

What to say when an arrest is wrongful?

Just because an arrest is wrongful does not mean you have the right to become aggressive, violent, or threatening toward the officer Speak slowly and directly in a moderated tone – and be sure to tell the officer “ I know my rights .”.

What is wrongful arrest?

Essentially, a wrongful arrest is any arrest based on false or illegal pretenses. For example, someone can be wrongfully arrested if they are detained and/or held by another party who lacks the legal right to arrest them. Or, they can be arrested without evidence and/or on the basis of false information. Forms of wrongful arrest may include the ...

What happens if the police don't read Miranda rights?

If this doesn’t happen, the arrest is considered wrongful and the case may even be thrown out.

What is wrongfully arrested in California?

What Exactly Is Wrongful Arrest? In the state of California, a false arrest is categorized as a type of false imprisonment under Penal Code section 236. But you don’t necessarily need to be imprisoned in order to be wrongfully arrested.

How long can you sue for a criminal charge?

Ideally, this should happen immediately after the arrest occurs, but if it doesn’t, know that you retain the right to sue for up to two years after the incident occurs.

What is it called when an officer submits false information in order to convince a judge to sign a warrant?

An officer who submits false information in order to convince a judge to sign a warrant is committing a felony. If an associated arrest occurs, that arrest is also considered wrongful.

Is it illegal to arrest someone without probable cause?

Arresting someone without cause. It is illegal to arrest an American citizen without probable cause (suspicion of a crime committed). Furthermore, the “evidence” must be strong or obvious enough to justify the arrest.

What to do if you are arrested without a basis?

If you believe you've been detained or arrested without a basis (or if you believe the police are acting outside their proper authority), you need to speak to a local criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You should never make any statements or file a complaint with police or investigators until you've had a chance to speak to an attorney. If you believe your rights have been violated, or you need someone to represent you against criminal charges, a local attorney who has experience representing clients in local courtrooms is the only person you should talk to for legal advice.

What is a civil rights lawsuit called?

These civil rights lawsuits are known as "Section 1983 " suits because they are named after the federal law, United States Code Section 1983, which authorizes them.

What is false arrest?

False arrest, sometimes known as false imprisonment or wrongful arrest, occurs when someone wrongfully holds you against your will or takes you into custody. Both private persons and law enforcement agents can commit this crime when they act beyond or outside of the scope of their authority. False arrest is a crime and a civil harm, enabling ...

Is kidnapping a false arrest?

Kidnapping is closely related to false arrest because both involve an unlawful detention of a victim. Kidnapping is also a more serious crime because the kidnapper intends to harm the victim, hold that person for ransom, or otherwise facilitate the commission of a felony offense.

Can a released defendant sue for a person's arrest?

Also, the released defendant might be able to sue that person for any harm suffered as a result of the arrest. Just as importantly, even though the defendant knew that the basis for the arrest was untrue, he would have had no right to physically resist the arresting officers.

Can a defendant be arrested for making false statements?

The released defendant can't sue the police for unlawful arrest, but the person making the false statements might be arrested for making false statements, swearing a false oath, or even false imprisonment.

Can police be arrested without authority?

But this is not the standard for measuring whether the police have falsely arrested someone. To be guilty of false arrest, the police must act without authority, or beyond the scope of their powers. For example, imagine someone whom the police arrest based on another person's sworn statement.

What is false arrest?

A false arrest, sometimes called unlawful detainment, is the act of confining someone without probable cause or legal justification. In the case of police officers, probable cause is present when they observe evidence that a crime has been committed, or when they have been issued a warrant in connection with an ongoing investigation.

What is probable cause?

Probable cause is a reasonable belief that a crime has occurred, and that the person detained has committed the crime. This is established by the police officer’s observations, circumstantial evidence, or through other evidence collected.

Can you get damages in civil suit?

You can receive any type of damages allowed in civil suits in your jurisdiction. This includes for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, defamation or embarrassment, and punitive damages. Remember, law enforcement may have limited immunity so that can impact the type and amount of damages you may be awarded.

Can you be arrested based on probable cause?

While law enforcement does not have absolute arrest power, it is presumed to have the authority to arrest you based on probable cause.

Why do you need a lawyer for a contract?

Even in transactional civil matters, such as drafting a contract, a lawyer can be very helpful. A lawyer can make sure contracts are drafted correctly and avoid problems at a later date. A real estate purchase, business purchase, and/or creation of a trademark or copyright will most likely involve a lawyer.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who is licensed to practice law in a state. Lawyers are also known as attorneys or an attorney at law. Some lawyers are licensed in multiple states. Some lawyers are admitted to practice at the Federal level as well.

What kind of services do lawyers provide?

Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases. Some lawyers specialize in one or two types, such as family and divorce law.

Why is it important to have a family lawyer?

It is important in divorce cases for an individual to have a family lawyer representing them to ensure their rights are protected.

What is personal injury?

In a personal injury suit, an individual is injured, mentally and/or physically, because of an accident, defective product, or an act or failure to act by another. A court may award a plaintiff in a personal injury suit monetary damages for their injury. Civil law cases can be complex.

What is criminal law?

Criminal law is the body of laws that pertain to crimes. Crimes are actions or behaviors prohibited by state or federal laws. Crimes are punishable by fines, probation, and/or imprisonment. Usually, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies.

Do lawyers handle different types of cases?

There are many different types of lawyers that handle many different types of cases. Some cases may even overlap practice areas. Most lawyers have experience with a variety of cases and will be able to help you with your needs. Despite the prevalence of “lawyer jokes”, lawyers are service oriented and look out for the best interest of their clients.

What is a criminal lawyer?

Criminal lawyers are attorneys who defend individuals and organizations against government charges in federal and state courts. Criminal lawyers understand the rules around arrest, arraignment, bail, pleas, proof, and related issues. Some of the most common crimes requiring criminal lawyers include homicide, sexual battery and assault.

What is a workers compensation lawyer?

Workers’ compensation lawyers specialize in helping workers navigate the unique laws that apply to people who have been injured on the job. A workers’ compensation lawyer typically has a large number of cases to manage, each with its own deadlines, so look for a firm using a modern cloud-based law firm management system. The Department of Labor administers four major disability compensation programs.

What is medical malpractice?

Medical Malpractice. If you’ve been hurt by a medical professional, a personal injury lawyer specializing in medical malpractice can help you seek compensation for the harm done. The most common medical malpractice cases include misdiagnosis, inaccurate treatment, and medical negligence.

What are the types of employment law cases?

Some of the most common types of cases handled by employment lawyers are contracts, wrongful termination, workplace harassment, retaliation, and workplace discrimination.

What is IP attorney?

Intellectual property attorneys (“IP attorneys”) help companies, artists, and inventors with legal issues concerning copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets and the like. IP attorneys spend a lot of time working with clients to help them avoid infringing upon the rights of others and making sure that their intellectual property is properly protected under the law.

What does an immigration lawyer do?

Immigration lawyers help immigrants, and employers seeking to hire them, with legal issues related to the status of immigrants and their families. Immigration lawyers help with visas, green cards, citizenship, and asylum and refugee status. Immigration laws change constantly, so it’s important to consult an experienced attorney in these situations.

What is a civil litigator?

The general term “civil litigator” refers to an attorney who represents clients in civil (not criminal) court, either as plaintiff or defendant. The most common kinds of civil litigation involve contract ...

James Donald Garrett

I don't know of any lawsuit for failing to make an arrest. You could hire a criminal lawyer who could interface with the police and find out what the problem is and put pressure on them if necessary to do their job. You nay also be misinterpreting what the police are telling you. More

David Ian Schoen

Are you holding something back from the police? Crime victims compensation form - Oregon Department of Justice: In the aftermath of a crime, the Oregon Crime Victim's Compensation Program works to ease the financial burden suffered by victims and their family members...

James Regan

Some evidence of the crime would typically be needed before an arrest is made. Try to locate any possible witnesses.

Christian K. Lassen II

This is not intended to be legal advise or as legal representation. I am a California personal injury attorney . Be aware that every state has its own statute of limitations; and statutes & case laws that govern the handling of these matters.

Michael R Crosner

You cannot sue the police department for not investigating a crime against you. Private citizens have no right to legally compel the police to investigate anything. However, if you could determine who it was that attacked you, you could sue them for the costs incurred as a result of your injuries. If the police won't tell you who that...

2 attorney answers

Many law firms that handle personal injury matters, may also have an attorney that focuses on cases like yours. More

J. Garry Rooney

You need a civil rights attorney. An action for false arrest or excessive force is usually based of 42 USC sec 1983. Our firm handles such claims throughout the state of Florida and has offices in Tampa. Feel free to call and schedule an appointment or visit www.madduxattorneys.com to read more about police misconduct cases.

What happens if you sue the police?

If you sue the police for misconduct and win, you may be awarded damages, or monetary compensation, as restitution for the violation of your civil rights and any physical or emotional injuries. The court may also require the police officers and police department involved to pay punitive damages, which is meant as punishment for the misconduct.

What is the law that prohibits people from sueing the police?

Typically, people sue the police under Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act of 1871. This law is known simply as Section 1983, and it specifically prohibits anyone acting under the authority of the law from violating another person’s civil rights under the U.S. Constitution.

What are the legal protections for police?

Legal Protections for Both Citizens and Police. Federal and state laws protect citizens from abuse and other violations by government officials, such as police officers. Victims of abuse by police can sue the officers individually as well as the local governments that employ them. Typically, people sue the police under Section 1983 ...

What is the role of an attorney in a police investigation?

In addition, an attorney will usually conduct an independent investigation that involves interviewing witnesses, interviewing doctors who treated you for any injuries you sustained, and obtaining police experts to testify about appropriate police conduct, which will help solidify your case.

What happens if you are charged with a crime?

Also, if you have been charged with a crime as part of the incident; oftentimes, police will charge victims of their misconduct with a crime, such as resisting arrest or assault, in order to defend their behavior – it can impact your case tremendously.

What is police misconduct?

The police abuses and violations suffered by citizens that are most often litigated are known generally as police misconduct. These cases usually involve, but are not limited to, actions such as discrimination, harassment, false arrest, and excessive force. In order to sue the police for discrimination or harassment, ...

Can you sue police for harassment?

In order to sue the police for discrimination or harassment, the victim must show that there is a pattern of this behavior; one incident of discriminatory or harassing conduct is not enough. False arrest claims usually assert that the victim’s Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable seizure was violated.