Police misconduct takes many forms, from minor breaches of protocol to injury-causing excessive force and wrongful death. Whatever form it takes, it’s important to hire a Los Angeles officer misconduct attorney immediately. A successful civil lawsuit against a police department or an individual officer can not only help recover monetary damages, but may also have a positive impact on your current criminal case.

Depending on the nature of the incident, there are three ways to report police misconduct: internal complaints to the department, criminal complaints against the officer or agency, and a civil lawsuit against the individual officer or department. A Los Angeles police brutality lawyer can assist you in filing a complaint or civil claim, and will guide you through the hearings and proceedings that may follow.

Los Angeles Officer Misconduct Attorney: Legal Advocacy for Victims

For example, in the case of Rodney King, a Los Angeles police officer beat him severely with batons during a high-speed chase, fracturing his skull and cheekbone. The beating was caught on video and aired on national television, sparking six days of fiery riots. A successful police brutality case can make the officers responsible accountable and change how law enforcement operate.

A skilled Los Angeles police brutality attorney can review the evidence, identify violations of civil rights law and prepare a strong legal argument on your behalf. Lawyers with extensive experience in this area of the law are well-versed in constitutional law, including the Fourth Amendment (protections against unreasonable searches and seizures), Eighth Amendment (prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment) and Fourteenth Amendment (equal protection under the law). Their expertise can help build a case that will bring an end to unjust behavior by police.