What To Do If You’ve Been A Victim Of Police Brutality

Experiencing police brutality can be traumatic, confusing, and overwhelming. In Maryland, especially in cities like Baltimore where community-police relations have been under intense scrutiny, victims of excessive force or unlawful conduct by law enforcement have legal rights. If you believe you’ve been mistreated, take steps to protect yourself and preserve your ability to seek justice through a constitutional tort claim.

Below is a step-by-step guide for individuals in Baltimore and surrounding Maryland communities to take after a situation involving police brutality. Of course, having your unique situation reviewed by a Baltimore police misconduct lawyer is key as well.

Get to Safety, Seek Medical Attention, and Document Everything

Your first priority needs to be your health and well-being. If you’re injured, seek medical care as soon as possible. Make sure your injuries are documented by healthcare professionals. Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and treatment plans, as they can be crucial in proving the extent of harm caused by the misconduct.

As soon as you are able, write down every detail you remember about the incident. Include the time, location, names or badge numbers of the officers involved (if known), what was said or done, and the sequence of events. If there were witnesses, get their names and contact information. In addition:

• Take photographs of any visible injuries.
• Save any clothing that was damaged or bloodied.
• Preserve any video or audio recordings (such as from your phone or nearby security cameras).

It is also important to move forward with filing a complaint. In Baltimore, you can file a complaint through the Baltimore Office of Equity and Civil Rights or directly with the Civilian Review Board, which investigates allegations of police misconduct. Filing a complaint helps create an official record of the incident. While it’s not required to pursue a lawsuit, it can strengthen your case.

There are strict deadlines for filing a claim, especially when government entities are involved. In Maryland, you may need to provide formal notice under the Local Government Tort Claims Act within a specific time frame. This is typically within one year of the incident, so don’t wait to take action.

Avoid Speaking to Law Enforcement Without Legal Representation

After an incident of police brutality, you may be approached by officers or internal investigators asking for your side of the story. Politely decline to speak until you’ve consulted with an attorney. Anything you say can potentially be used against you.

Bringing a claim against law enforcement involves complex legal issues, including navigating doctrines like qualified immunity. An experienced Baltimore police misconduct lawyer can evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you file the appropriate claims, whether under state law, the Maryland Declaration of Rights, or federal law.

Were you a victim of police brutality? Police officers have a duty to protect and serve, not harm or intimidate. Working with the skilled legal team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP is a way to hold law enforcement accountable and seek compensation for your injuries, trauma, and losses. Your voice matters, stand up for your rights. Contact us to book your confidential appointment.