Legal Recourse When The Police Violate Your Civil Rights

Individuals in Maryland, and across the United States, are protected by civil rights guaranteed under the Constitution. These include the right to be free from unlawful searches, seizures, and use of excessive force.

When police officers overstep their authority, the consequences can be life-altering. Fortunately, legal avenues exist to hold law enforcement accountable. If your civil rights were violated in Maryland, talk to a Baltimore police misconduct lawyer about pursuing justice through a civil lawsuit.

Real Examples and Legal Options for Victims

Baltimore has seen several high-profile police misconduct cases in recent years. The death of Freddie Gray in 2015 while in police custody sparked national outrage and brought attention to systemic issues within the Baltimore Police Department. In that case, multiple officers were charged, though none were convicted, and the city later agreed to a civil settlement with Gray’s family.

Beyond high-profile incidents, everyday violations occur. Individuals in Prince George’s County, for example, have reported instances of officers using unnecessary force during traffic stops or making arrests without probable cause. These situations often leave victims emotionally traumatized and facing unjust legal consequences.

If your civil rights were violated by law enforcement in Maryland, you may be able to pursue legal action through:

• Federal civil rights lawsuits. You can sue government officials, including police officers, who violate your constitutional rights while acting under the color of law.
• State law claims. Maryland law allows lawsuits for assault, battery, false imprisonment, and other torts committed by police officers.
• Internal complaints and civilian review boards. While not a replacement for legal action, filing a complaint with a police department or oversight agency can create an official record of misconduct.

Police misconduct can take many forms, but some of the most frequent violations include excessive force. There are also situations involving unlawful searches, racial profiling, and failure to intervene. Profiling is when individuals are targeted based on race or ethnicity rather than credible evidence and not intervening means officers who witnessed misconduct by a fellow officer did nothing to stop it.

Justice Requires a Strategic Approach

Proving police misconduct is not always simple, a strategic approach is often necessary. Securing strong evidence, such as body cam footage, witness testimony, and medical records, is essential. An experienced attorney has the skills to gather this evidence, navigate procedural hurdles, and advocate for compensation on your behalf. In some cases, victims may be entitled to damages for medical costs, emotional distress, and violations of their constitutional rights.

Police officers have a duty to serve and protect, but when they violate the rights of the people they are sworn to uphold, they must be held accountable. A qualified Baltimore police misconduct lawyer can help you understand your options, file a claim, and fight for justice. You don’t have to face this alone.

Are you interested in learning more about your rights? If you’ve experienced police misconduct in Maryland, legal recourse is available. Meet with the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP to discuss next steps. Contact us to book a confidential appointment.