New Jersey Police Misconduct
North Jersey, including Jersey City, Bayonne, and Hoboken
The old adage, "The policeman is your friend", is seldom taught to children anymore. There have been too many examples of police misconduct and brutality for the general public to have the faith and confidence in police officers that existed in the past.
Examples of police misconduct
At the North Jersey law firm of Koles, Burke & Bustillo, L.L.P., our lawyers represent people who have been victims of police misconduct. We file lawsuits to obtain compensation for injuries and damages caused by police brutality such as:
- Excessive force and assault
- Use of taser guns
- False arrest
- Being unlawfully handcuffed
- Injuries while in police custody or jail
- Racial profiling and discrimination
- Unlawful detention
- Malicious prosecution
- Failure to intervene
- Improper search
A remedy is available
Civil rights law prohibits abuses of power such as these. When they occur, the person injured by such behavior may be able to obtain compensatory and punitive damages, in addition to attorney's fees, medical expenses, and other costs. To learn more, contact one of our Three offices.
Police misconduct is more than negligence
To prove police brutality, a lawsuit must demonstrate the officer was willful and unreasonable in the exercise of his or duty. This is a higher standard than negligence or the failure to exercise reasonable care--the measure of liability in most personal injury claims. Our lawyers are adept at documenting misconduct at this level, developing strong cases with thorough preparation, witness interviews, and document examination.
Act promptly to preserve your right to sue
There are strict deadlines in New Jersey for bringing charges against states, counties, and municipalities. It is important to contact an attorney immediately after possible police misconduct. Although police brutality claims are often brought in state court, we also file lawsuits in federal court under section 1983 of Title 42 of the United States Code. This law prohibits a public official from violating any person's civil rights while acting in an official capacity.
Our lawyers appear in both state and federal courts in New Jersey and New York, bringing charges of police misconduct in the venue most appropriate to the case. If you believe you have experienced police brutality, contact a knowledgeable lawyer to learn about your options and your rights.
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