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Legal recourse for victims of unjustified police shootings

On Behalf of | Thursday Aug 31, 2023 |

When you get hurt because of a police shooting and there is no reason to think you are a serious threat, it is called unjustified deadly force. Law enforcement officers may only use such force when faced with a genuine and immediate threat. This threat must pose a significant danger to their own safety or the safety of others. In these situations, you or your family can legally ask for compensation to make up for the harm and losses you suffered. Legal avenues for victims There are different ways to get justice and compensation if you are a victim of unjustified shooting. One way is to start...

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Use of drones by police in New York may violate civil rights

On Behalf of | Monday Aug 7, 2023 | ,

Emerging technologies such as aerial drones with facial recognition software and gunshot detection systems have revolutionized law enforcement in New York over the past few years. They can help keep track of fleeing suspects, observe protesters and access areas that would be impossible for police officers to reach. However, growing concerns exist about how they may undermine citizens' civil rights. Understanding your civil rights The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means that law enforcement must have probable...

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NYC agrees to pay 1,300 people wrongfully arrested, beaten during 2020 protest

On Behalf of | Wednesday Jul 26, 2023 | , ,

The killing of George Floyd by a police officer in 2020 sparked a wave of racial injustice protests across America. Many people took part in these demonstrations to speak against the brutal actions of police officers. In response, cities deployed law enforcement to quell these protests. But some of these officers engaged in the very violence denounced by the protests through unlawful arrests and beatings. However, justice was served last week when New York City agreed to pay over $13 million to settle a civil rights class action brought by protesters. The lawsuit focused on 18 protests...

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The drawbacks of forensic evidence

On Behalf of | Tuesday Jul 11, 2023 |

Forensic evidence plays a crucial role in New York criminal investigations, often determining guilt or innocence. However, the inherent flaws and potential biases that come with certain types of forensic evidence, from the misuse of techniques to issues surrounding subjective interpretation, can have far-reaching consequences on the criminal justice system. Subjectivity in analysis Fields such as fingerprint identification, bite mark analysis and hair microscopy heavily rely on the interpretation of individual examiners, leaving room for human error and bias. Experts may differ in their...

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What can you do after a wrongful arrest?

On Behalf of | Monday Jul 10, 2023 |

Getting arrested is a frightening experience, but getting detained for no reason is aggravating. Even though humanity has advanced in many ways, there are still occasions when police arrest someone based on their appearance. A person may be able to sue for wrongful arrest if law enforcement restrains them without probable cause. When does wrongful arrest happen? Police cannot arrest you on mere suspicion. They must first have a warrant or probable cause, at the very least, to make an arrest. Probable cause is sufficient evidence that can convince any reasonable officer that the individual in...

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Manhattan DA drops 300 convictions tied to cops found guilty of crimes

On Behalf of | Friday Jun 16, 2023 |

Wrongful arrests and criminal convictions represent the dark side of the U.S. justice system. But a recent move by Manhattan’s top attorney takes one bold step toward addressing this injustice. Last week, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg threw out more than 300 criminal convictions tied to NYPD police officers found guilty of crimes. The nine officers involved were convicted of several on-the-job offenses such as taking bribes, lying under oath, illegal gun sales and planting drugs on suspects – they’re no longer on the force following their convictions. In total, the DA disavowed 308...

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You have a right against police brutality

On Behalf of | Thursday Jun 15, 2023 |

The duty of a law enforcement officer is to protect the people of their assigned jurisdiction. Therefore, the state grants them a degree of power to enforce the law. The problem is when police officers abuse their power through violence and violate the rights of the people they swore to protect. Police brutality occurs when officers go beyond their legal limits to carry out their duties, using excessive or unjustifiable force. They manipulate the law to further their interests. Police brutality infringes on a civilian’s rights to liberty and equal legal protection. It violates our human...

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New York man exonerated after spending 24 years in prison

On Behalf of | Monday Jun 12, 2023 |

A New York man who spent 24 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit walked out of a Putnam County courtroom a free man on Feb. 27 after a jury returned a not guilty verdict after just a few hours of deliberation. The man’s fate was left in the hands of a jury because the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office insisted on a retrial when the man’s 1997 conviction was overturned. Reluctant witness The man was convicted of abducting, raping and murdering a 12-year-old girl in 1994. Police found no physical evidence linking the man to the crime at the scene, but they found a reluctant...

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Police excessive force is costing New Yorkers millions of dollars

On Behalf of | Thursday Jun 1, 2023 | ,

During the summer of 2020 following the death of George Floyd, many New Yorkers took to the streets to protest his treatment at the hands of the police. Many found that the response from the NYPD was overly harsh, and now reports have confirmed that hundreds of cases of excessive force took place during the police response. This builds on a history of police interaction with the residents of New York City, and it has become a significant financial burden for the city. These losses continue to mount as police conduct continues to impact the people. Police misconduct costs have risen in recent...

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5 Ways police officers commit breach of public trust

On Behalf of | Wednesday May 31, 2023 | ,

New York law enforcement plays a crucial role in maintaining social order and public safety. However, instances of police misconduct can erode public trust, undermine the justice system and lead to negative outcomes for individuals and communities. It is critical to recognize and address these issues to reduce unfair practices. Excessive use of force While law enforcement officers have the authority to use force when necessary, it must be proportional and within the limits prescribed by the law. Unfortunately, instances arise where officers employ force beyond what is reasonable or...

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