Is excessive force a violation of my civil rights?

Yes, it is. When a police officer exercises excessive force, it is a violation of your constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment.

If you believe that your civil rights have been violated after you were a victim of excessive force, then you may be able to file a lawsuit. Males are more likely to be subjected to excessive force than women, as reported the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) in 2008. The BJS also found that African Americans were more likely to experience excessive force than other minorities.

How is it determined that excessive force was used?

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 74% of individuals who were arrested by police in 2008 felt that they were subjected to excessive force. Law enforcement officials can use force in order to make an arrest. The level of force that is used is left to their discretion as long as the level of force is appropriately proportional to the circumstances of the arrest. For example, an officer can use deadly force if he or she believes that their life is in danger. A judge or jury will ultimately decide if the police officer responded or acted in a reasonable manner.

Why should I hire your firm to represent me?

Our firm has ample experience with these kinds of cases. We can help you prove that you were subjected to excessive force and effectively use evidence in court on your behalf. We are known for being honest and trustworthy in everything that we do.

Finally, our attorneys have worked on both sides of the aisle. Specifically, attorneys from our firm have not only represented victims of government abuses, but have represented the very municipalities and police departments we now sue. This is unique in this field, giving our attorneys a distinct advantage over those without this varied experience.

Do you offer free case evaluations?

Yes, we offer complimentary case evaluations to those who are interested in retaining our services. This initial step is done in person and allows us to better understand the details of each case. We can also answer your questions so that you can make well-informed decisions right from the start.

NYC Civil Rights Law Firm Driven by the Pursuit of Justice

At The Russell Friedman Law Group, LLP, justice is at the core of our practice. In everything we do, our underlying commitment to helping wronged individuals find their voice is evident. The foundation of our practice lies in our guiding principles – a few of which include:

• Creative & Innovative Solutions – In order to yield favorable results for our clients, we customize our legal strategies to uniquely represent the key facts of the case.
• Effective Use of Evidence – The key to winning at trial is the ability to effectively illustrate the case before a judge or jury. This is a specialty of our New York civil rights lawyers.
• A Collaborative Approach – By involving several attorneys in a single case, we can ensure that every perspective is considered as we prepare an effective case on your behalf.