Lawyers Handling Misuse of Law Enforcement Tools Cases
Law enforcement tools of the trade include guns, nightsticks, tear gas, Tasers® and other weapons. These are intended to protect an officer and help him or her do the very difficult job of policing. Unfortunately, police officers often misuse equipment, violating an individual's civil rights. Such instances of police misconduct often inflict injury or cause the death of the victim. If this has happened to you or to a loved one, it is important to learn about your rights and your options.
Every person who ... subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law, Suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for redress ... Civil Rights Act of 1871, Section 1983
At Philadelphia law firm, Jeffrey R. Lessin & Associates, P.C., our attorneys help individuals who suffered injury or the death of a loved one because a police officer committed Taser® abuse, fired a weapon needlessly or used the nightstick unnecessarily. Police are trained to use the minimum amount of force necessary to accomplish the immediate goal. For example, if a suspect can be subdued by handcuffing him, a police officer should not use a stun gun.
Law enforcement tools are intended to be used to help police perform their jobs, rather than punish suspects — that is the court's task. When a police officer fails to follow the procedures established for use of force, he or she may have violated the victim's Constitutional rights.
Examples of Abuse of Police Equipment
Our cases involve the misuse of law enforcement tools, including:
- Releasing police dogs (K9s) who attacked
- Beating or striking with a baton or nightstick
- Using a Taser® inappropriately
- Causing injury with handcuffs or other tight restraints
If you or a loved one was injured by the misuse of a Taser® or other weapon, contact our Pennsylvania law firm to schedule a no-cost consultation with an experienced lawyer.
You pay no legal fees unless we win. Conveniently located across from City Hall in downtown Philadelphia.
