Cincinnati Police Misconduct Lawsuit Lawyer

Being a law enforcement officer is a difficult and dangerous job. These individuals often place themselves in harm’s way to protect members of the public, and for that, we thank them. However, just like anyone else, police officers are not above the law, and just because they have access to a badge and a gun, this does not mean they can violate your rights and cause you harm. A Cincinnati police misconduct lawsuit lawyer can help protect your rights.

When you are injured at the hands of a police officer who has used excessive force, you retain the right to seek legal action. Any injuries you or a loved one has suffered in this way can cause immense amounts of emotional damage, and these injuries can also cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. Whether you’ve been assaulted by police in Price Hill or your loved one has been unjustly shot and killed by police in Queensgate, our attorneys are here to help.

Spangenberg Shibley & Liber: Here to Protect Your Rights in Cases of Police Misconduct

When law enforcement officers abuse their power and the trust we place in them, and injuries are suffered, the impact is severe. Not only are the injured victims and their families suffering, but the rights of all Americans also suffer. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we have been protecting individuals’ rights since 1946, and we aren’t stopping anytime soon. We are proud to represent the victims of police brutality and police misconduct in a court of law.

Let our results speak for themselves. Over our many years of service, we have secured over $1 billion on behalf of our clients and have received 25% of all seven-figure verdicts over the last two years in Ohio. * Our team has represented individuals and families across Ohio and even nationwide.

We handle these cases with a commitment to justice because we fully believe your rights matter. Whether you are a victim, a family member, or are looking to refer a client to our firm, the team at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber is here for you today.

Common Examples of Police Misconduct in Cincinnati

In a single year, police killed 1,319 people across the United States. In Ohio, there have been 10,874 civilian complaints made of police misconduct in the last decade, 31% of which have been upheld. Police misconduct occurs when a police officer misuses or abuses their power or oversteps the bounds of their legal authority.

There are several actions of police misconduct that can happen, including coercing a confession, tampering with evidence, using excessive force, and other kinds of illegal behavior. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we are here to protect you and your family when you have been victimized by police misconduct and have suffered damages. There are many examples of police misconduct cases that we have handled over the years, including:

• Assaults and beatings. When police officers use excessive force to apprehend and subdue an alleged suspect, they should be held accountable. These individuals are only permitted to use the force called for in the unique circumstance and are not legally allowed to physically assault an individual for any other reason but when trying to arrest them. Unfortunately, there are numerous reports almost daily of officers beating individuals.
• Police shootings. When a police officer shoots an innocent and unarmed individual, this is a serious issue, and the at-fault officer should be held accountable. No officer should shoot an individual who is not committing any type of crime. Additionally, the police should not fire on an individual unless they pose a serious and immediate threat of injury or death to others around them. Shooting a suspect should always be the last option.
• The unjustified use of stun guns. Stun guns should only be used in serious situations, such as when a police officer is trying to stop a possibly deadly confrontation. Even though these weapons are not considered firearms, they can still cause someone to suffer serious injury or death. There have been 39 deaths due to the use of police stun guns or tasers, according to a study put out by Reuters. 
• Sexual assault and rape. Rape and sexual assault perpetrated by police officers tends to go unreported, as victims are typically afraid of reporting the harm done to them and facing police and law enforcement retribution. However, across the nation, hundreds of police officers have been criminally charged with rape over the last several decades. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we protect the rights of police rape and assault victims.
• False arrest and imprisonment. If you have suffered a false arrest or false imprisonment in Ohio, our attorneys are here to help. We can help you seek justice and recover all fines, court costs, and attorney fees from your original case, secure an allowance for each year you were wrongfully imprisoned, pursue any income that you lost, and that is directly connected to your false arrest and imprisonment.
• Failure to intervene. Police officers have a legal duty to intervene when they witness a fellow officer violating the constitutional rights of a civilian or an individual in custody. If they fail to step up and intervene in the confrontation, they may be held liable for any harm that is caused.
• Death in custody. Although you have found yourself in police custody, you still maintain certain rights. Whether a loved one has been killed due to excessive force used by prison guards or police, an incarcerated loved one was not provided with necessary healthcare, or a prisoner was killed by another inmate and was not protected despite threats that were made, you may be able to seek wrongful death damages.

Prison guards and police officers are held to high standards regarding their conduct. When they fail to meet these standards, they should be held accountable for the damages they cause. If you or someone you love has been the victim of police misconduct in Cincinnati, you deserve someone to listen to your side of the story. You are likely eligible for compensation and, even more importantly, you have the chance to protect the rights of your fellow Americans.

What to Do if You Are the Victim of Police Misconduct

If you or a loved one has suffered harm at the hands of police in Cincinnati, the actions taken immediately following an incident can prove crucial to the outcome of any future misconduct claim. These actions include:

• Seek medical attention. Above all else, your health matters the most. It is essential that you seek professional medical care as soon as possible following an act of police misconduct, brutality, or abuse. It is likewise important that you document all of your injuries through photos and videos and keep records of all the treatments you undergo.
• Document the incident of misconduct. Writing down everything that occurred during the incident can prove helpful for your future case. Record every detail that you can remember, including who was present, what was said, the time and location, and any details regarding the officers that come to mind.
• Gather and preserve evidence. If you can, try to obtain the contact information of anyone who might have witnessed the incident of police misconduct.
• Do not make any statements. You have rights, you just need to remember to exercise them. In a police misconduct case, one of those crucial rights is the right to remain silent. Do not speak with any police officers, investigators, or members of the press without first consulting with your attorney.
• Contact a lawyer. Finally, to fully protect yourself and seek the compensation and justice you deserve, speak with a police misconduct and personal injury lawyer. There is a ticking clock on these cases, and it is important that you meet an act of police misconduct with timely legal action.

While the path to justice can be long and tedious, having the right attorney by your side makes all the difference. Spangenberg Shibley & Liber is here to help you.

Your Rights When Encountering the Police

In Ohio, it is crucial that you are aware of your rights when encountering the police. These rights are afforded to everyone and should be exercised, especially when the police have no real grounds on which to stop and question you.

If any of these rights were violated, the team at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber can use this as evidence in support of a police misconduct claim. These rights include:

• Right to remain silent. In a police stop, you do not need to answer any questions outside of offering your name, your address, and your date of birth. You do not have to provide the police with any kind of statement or information. You have this right even if the police have failed to read you your Miranda Rights. If you do not wish to answer any of the police officer’s questions, simply state, “I choose to remain silent”.
• Right to leave. If you have been stopped by the police in Cincinnati, it is important that you ask them in a loud and clear voice, “Am I free to leave, or am I being detained?” If the officer says you are free to leave, then you can calmly walk away. If, however, the police say that you are under arrest, you retain the right to know why and what for.
• Right to refuse a search. Against popular misbelief, you do not actually have to agree to any kind of search. If you do not want the police to search your person or your belongings, you need to loudly and clearly state, “I do not consent to a search”. While you do not have to consent to a search, the police can still protect themselves by conducting a simple “pat-down”. Keep in mind, there are certain exceptions.

FAQs

Q: Can I Seek Compensation Through a Police Brutality Claim?

A: In a police brutality claim, there are several sources of compensation you may be able to seek. First, if you have suffered any injuries that have caused you medical debt, you can seek damages for these costs. Additionally, you can seek damages for lost wages, ongoing therapy or rehabilitation expenses, emotional distress, loss of the enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.

Q: What Should I Do if My Loved One Was Killed by Police or a Prison Guard?

A: If your loved one has been killed by a police officer or a prison guard due to the use of unjustified or excessive force, you likely have the legal right to recover damages by filing a wrongful death claim in a civil court in Cincinnati. The wrongful death laws of Ohio allow a parent, spouse, child, or deceased individual to seek damages for their loss.

Q: How Long Can a Police Misconduct Case Take?

A: The timelines involved in a police misconduct case can often vary. When a case is relatively straightforward and the evidence is clearly in your favor, the case likely can settle rather quickly. However, when a case is more challenging and complex, it will likely go to trial, and this can take a long time, depending on the schedules of the court and the legal issues involved in your case.

Q: What Evidence Can Help Prove Emotional Distress in a Police Misconduct Claim?

A: To help prove emotional distress in a police misconduct claim, there are several pieces of evidence that can be helpful. First, your testimony, the testimony of friends, and statements made by family regarding any changes in your emotional or mental state or in your behavior can prove crucial. Also, any medical records from therapists, psychiatrists, or psychologists are useful.

Hire a Police Misconduct Lawsuit Lawyer Today

If you or someone you care about has been injured by a police officer, it is time to hire a police misconduct lawsuit lawyer you can trust. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we believe that no one is above the law and are here to hold members of law enforcement accountable when they abuse their power. Injuries are traumatic, and when they occur because your civil rights were violated, you deserve compensation and justice alike.

You are likely dealing with more questions than answers right now, and the attorneys at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber are here to meet you wherever you’re at. Call our offices or contact us online to learn about our legal services and to schedule a consultation today.

*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.