Police are expected to perform their duties within the bounds of the law. When officers use excessive force, detain or arrest individuals without probable cause, conduct searches without warrants, or commit other unlawful acts, they violate the rights of the very people they swore an oath to protect and serve.
Individuals who are physically, psychologically, or financially harmed by police have the right to seek financial recovery under state and federal law. However, holding police accountable for their wrongful actions can prove a complex endeavor. This is why it is imperative to consult with an experienced Montgomery County police brutality lawyer.
At The Zeiger Firm, we focus on defending the rights of those facing the criminal justice system, so we know what it takes to deal with police officers who intentionally or recklessly injure and harm people. Attorney Brian J. Zeiger has the knowledge and resources to protect your rights and advocate for your interests. He has the necessary skill set to thoroughly investigate the incident, collect evidence to support your case, document and calculate damages you are owed, and aggressively pursue the compensation you are entitled to receive.
You should not be forced to cope with medical expenses, lost wages, or any other losses that result from a police officer’s misconduct. Our firm will handle every aspect of your case for you so that you can focus on rebuilding your life and returning to normalcy. Reach out to The Zeiger Firm today for help with your police brutality claim. We will review your case, help you understand your rights, and explain your legal options in a free and confidential consultation.
How a Montgomery County Police Brutality Attorney Can Help You
To bring a police brutality claim, you will need to consult with an attorney who has a track record of successfully handling these types of cases. At The Zeiger Firm, we will:
- Investigate the incident and gather extensive evidence to support your claim
- Identify the officers involved in the incident as well as the departments or agencies that may be held liable for compensating you
- Document your expenses and other losses, including non-financial losses like pain and suffering, and calculate the amount you are owed based on your losses
- Ensure all legal documents are properly filed on time
- Aggressively seek full compensation through a settlement or, if necessary, take your case to trial
If you have questions about how a Montgomery County police brutality attorney can help you, contact The Zeiger Firm today. We are here to guide you through this difficult time.
- How to Prove a Police Brutality Claim
Police brutality claims are difficult to bring for a variety of reasons. Law enforcement enjoys sovereign and qualified immunity from civil liability claims. As a result, innocent citizens who have been victimized by law enforcement may face an uphill battle when it comes to seeking justice.
It is essential to gather as much evidence as possible in these cases. That’s why we will move quickly to gather and preserve evidence in your case. Some common types of evidence that The Zeiger Firm may use to prove your case are:
- Eyewitness statements and cellphone video recorded by bystanders
- Police dashcam footage
- Officer bodycam footage
- Surveillance footage from the police station, interrogation rooms, or jailhouse facilities
- Medical records that detail your injuries
- Photographs of any visible injuries you sustained as a result of the incident
- Police records related to your encounter or arrest, including arrest reports or use-of-force reports
- Employment or disciplinary records for the officers involved in your case
When you work with us, you can feel confident that the legal team at The Zeiger Firm has what it takes to collect the necessary evidence to establish your case.
Common Types of Police Brutality and Misconduct in Montgomery County
As an attorney who has practiced in criminal defense and civil rights law for many years, Brian J. Zeiger has extensive experience handling police brutality and misconduct cases. He works with clients in cases involving:
- False or unlawful arrest, which occurs when police arrest an individual while knowing they lack sufficient evidence to support probable cause for the arrest, or when they detain a completely random, innocent person
- False imprisonment, including detaining an individual without probable cause, or holding an individual for longer than is allowed by law.
- Use of excessive force with an individual, including using more force than is reasonably needed to detain a suspect.
- Use of deadly force, including improper use of less-than-lethal weapons that cause fatal injuries, or other types of force that carry a high risk of killing the target. Shooting suspects who are unarmed can also be considered deadly force.
- Forced confessions, which police may obtain through sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation, and threats of physical violence or criminal prosecution against a suspect.
- Sexual assault or harassment of suspects while they are in police custody, including rape and sexual contact, trading sexual favors, and verbally or physically harassing suspects based on sex.
- Racial profiling, or engaging in law enforcement activities based on a suspect’s race, skin color, or national origin.
- Strip searches, which are often conducted to embarrass, sexually harass, or sexually abuse a suspect, rather than for legitimate security or law enforcement purposes.
- Blackmail or coercion, including getting witnesses or jailhouse informants to cooperate or provide evidence or testimony (regardless of the truth or reliability of the testimony or evidence), by threatening violence or criminal prosecution.
Causes of Police Brutality in Montgomery County
Police officers are given in-depth training and are sworn to uphold the law. Still, some officers intentionally engage in unlawful behavior and commit acts of brutality against innocent citizens. There are many causes of police brutality in Montgomery County, but some of the most common include:
- Inadequate training on police authority, proper investigation techniques, appropriate use of force, de-escalation, and more
- Aggressive or impulsive behaviors in high-stress situations
- Overt racism or bigotry
- Subconscious bias against certain groups of people
- Institutional racism in law enforcement departments
- Insufficient internal investigation procedures and inadequate disciplinary measures
- Disregard for police department procedures or citizens’ rights
- Vigilantism by officers who believe criminals are not sufficiently punished
- Closing ranks, or failing to report fellow officers’ misconduct or failing to intervene when misconduct or excessive force occurs
Demanding Full Compensation in a Police Brutality Claim
Victims of police brutality often suffer life-altering injuries, permanent disabilities, loss of income and employment, emotional distress, lost quality of life, and more. Attorney Brian J. Zeiger helps victims of police brutality seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses incurred for emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, physical/occupational therapy, prescription medications, and more
- Costs of long-term care for permanent injuries or disabilities
- Lost income, if you are unable to work while recovering from your injuries, or compensation for lost employment, if you lose your job after being falsely arrested or wrongfully convicted for a crime
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress, mental anguish, post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of enjoyment of life, and more
Many of the intangible losses suffered by victims of police brutality such as pain and suffering are difficult to quantify. So it’s important to consult with a skilled police brutality attorney. The seasoned legal team at The Zeiger Firm will thoroughly investigate what happened to you and calculate the full damages you are owed.
How You Can Protect Your Rights in a Police Brutality Case
If you are victimized by police in Montgomery County, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights and your claim to compensation. Those steps include:
- Document the interaction or arrest. If bystanders or eyewitnesses recorded the events, ask for the footage.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the incident. Photograph any visible injuries you may have sustained, and follow your treatment instructions.
- Keep records of expenses that you incur as a result of the incident. You should also maintain records of lost income if you’re unable to work after the incident or if you lose your job.
- Stay off social media. Statements you make in a public online forum could be referenced in any criminal prosecution you are involved in, as well as in your civil case.
Do not wait to speak to a Montgomery County police brutality lawyer at The Zeiger Firm. Time is limited to file a claim in these cases. We will explain the next steps in your case and act as your guide throughout the legal process.
Talk to a Police Brutality Lawyer in Montgomery County Today
If you have been victimized by law enforcement, contact The Zeiger Firm to speak to one of our attorneys about your case. Montgomery County police brutality lawyer Brian J. Zeiger has the necessary skills and resources to advocate for your legal rights. Contact us now for a free and confidential consultation.
