Helping You Fight Back Against Police Misconduct And Abuse
Throughout the country and here in Chicago, the view of police and other law enforcement agencies is changing. This is largely due to highly-publicized instances of police misconduct and abuse, particularly leaving those who are Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) at risk for injuries and even death.
It is time to stand up for your rights. At Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd., our firm is committed to protecting your civil rights and helping you hold law enforcement responsible for their negligence and intentional actions. We understand that it can be intimidating to go up against an entity such as the police force. However, we do not back down when our clients’ lives, families and futures are at stake.
What Is Considered Misconduct And Abuse?
There are several things that can be considered misconduct and abuse by police officers, including:
- Falsifying information on a police report
- Racial profiling
- Intimidation and excessive use of force
- False arrest
- Coerced confessions
- Illegal searches and seizures
Our firm knows how police are, and are not, supposed to interact with the public. We are on your side if you or a loved one suffers mistreatment at the hands of law enforcement.
What Are Your Rights When Interacting With Police?
Informing yourself can help you know what you should do if you are stopped by police or arrested.
- You have the right to remain silent. Exercise that right. You do not have to discuss the incident or anything related to why the police stopped you. It often helps to be respectful in these situations, and you should avoid getting into an argument with the officer.
- You have the right to legal representation. Ask to speak to an attorney as soon as you are arrested. All questioning must stop once you have asked for a lawyer.
- If you are stopped in your car, you must show your driver’s license and current car registration. Beyond that, you do not have to answer any questions.
- You do not have to agree to have your vehicle searched unless the officer says they have a warrant. It is important that you ask to see the warrant, as a false statement of having a warrant is a tactic sometimes used to get people to agree to a search.
- The police do not have the right to enter your home unless they have a warrant. In the event of an obvious emergency, however, they can enter and search.
Talk To Our Civil Rights Lawyers Now
If you find yourself in any of the above situations or are concerned that you have been the victim of police misconduct, abuse or police brutality, we can help. Call our office at 877-930-2551 or contact us online today.