Your Rights And Legal Options When It Comes To Police Misconduct

In Baltimore, as in the rest of the United States, law enforcement officers are sworn to serve and protect. But when those in power violate the rights of the very people they’re supposed to protect, it can have devastating consequences. Police misconduct is a serious issue, and if you’ve experienced it, you need to know that you have rights. Speak with a Baltimore police misconduct lawyer to explore your legal options.

How Victims Can Seek Justice

Police misconduct can take many forms, but some of the most common abuses reported in Baltimore and beyond include excessive force, false arrest, and racial profiling. While officers are allowed to use reasonable force in specific situations, using more force than necessary, such as beating a suspect who is already restrained or deploying tasers on non-threatening individuals, can cross the line into illegality.

Also, if an officer arrests you without probable cause or a legal warrant, your constitutional rights may have been violated. False arrests can lead to serious consequences, including loss of freedom, reputation damage, and emotional trauma. Additionally, stopping, searching, or arresting someone based solely on race, ethnicity, or national origin is unconstitutional. Racial profiling undermines community trust and is a form of discrimination that is unfortunately still reported in Baltimore.

These actions not only violate your rights under the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Fourth Amendment (protection from unreasonable searches and seizures) and the Fourteenth Amendment (equal protection under the law), but they can give rise to legal claims as well.

If you’ve been a victim of police misconduct in Baltimore, it’s important to act quickly. Here are key steps to take:

• Document everything. Write down all details of the incident as soon as possible. Note the officers involved, badge numbers, time, location, witness information, and any physical or emotional injuries.
• Preserve evidence. Photos of injuries, medical reports, video footage, and even social media posts can be crucial in building your case.
• File a complaint. You can file an internal complaint with the police department or with the Baltimore Civilian Review Board. This doesn’t replace a legal claim but creates an official record of the misconduct.
• Contact a lawyer. Perhaps the most important step is consulting with an experienced Maryland criminal and civil rights lawyer. A legal professional can assess your case, explain your options, and file claims on your behalf.

Victims of police misconduct may be entitled to compensation for injuries and legal costs. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish particularly egregious behavior. A civil rights lawsuit can lead to broader changes, including departmental reform or the firing of officers involved in repeated misconduct, too.

Take Action, Protect Your Rights

Police misconduct should never be tolerated. If you believe your rights were violated by law enforcement in Baltimore, you are not alone, and you are not without options. Speak with a Baltimore police misconduct lawyer today.

How will you move forward? The attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP can help you understand your rights and take meaningful action toward justice and accountability. Contact us to book a confidential appointment.