Victim of Police Misconduct?
State and federal laws—as well as the U.S. Constitution—govern the conduct of police officers, ensuring that every person has the right to fair treatment by law enforcement. However, some police officers behave recklessly or abuse their authority, whether it be by using excessive force, conducting an illegal search, making an arrest without cause, engaging in racial profiling, or failing to provide necessary medical care. If you suspect that you have been the victim of a law enforcement officer’s wrongdoing, talking to a police misconduct attorney can be a crucial first step to understanding and protecting your legal rights.

While officers who break the law can be criminally prosecuted (and for help with a criminal matter, consult a qualified criminal attorney), a police misconduct lawyer can help you with a civil claim to recover compensation for your injuries or losses. An experienced police misconduct attorney can gather and preserve evidence to support your personal injury or civil rights case, help you decide when it might be time to file a lawsuit, and coordinate with any criminal lawyers involved in the investigation.

And while many police misconduct cases settle, that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a satisfying resolution. A knowledgeable police misconduct attorney can present you with legal options based on the specifics of your case and advocate on your behalf when things get complicated. As your claim moves forward, you’ll want representation you’re confident in.

Looking for a Lawyer?
At Lawyers.com, you’ll find a user-friendly search tool that allows you to tailor results by area of law and geography. You can also search for attorneys by name. Attorney profiles prominently display contact information, list topics of expertise, and show ratings—by both clients and other legal professionals.

Ready to Meet With a Lawyer?
Before hiring a lawyer or law firm, make sure to speak directly—preferably in person—to the attorney who will be primarily responsible for handling your case. Consider bringing to the conversation a list of questions and any documentation related to your case. Remember that you don’t need to hire the first lawyer you consult and that, first and foremost, you want a lawyer you trust.

What to Ask a Lawyer
When gathering your thoughts and documents, think about what you’ll want to ask the lawyer. Consider including on your list questions about:

• the lawyer’s experience with police misconduct cases like yours
• who else will work on your case
• attorneys’ fees and other expenses related to the case (including how the cost might increase as your case progresses)
• how long your case might take, and
• the lawyer’s initial impressions of your case.