Police Misconduct & Civil Rights

Police Misconduct Attorney in Joliet, IL

Holding law enforcement accountable for civil rights violations. EAM LAW fights for justice when police abuse their power.

Police Misconduct: Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding your civil rights and legal options after police misconduct.

What constitutes police misconduct under Illinois law?

Police misconduct includes excessive force, false arrest or imprisonment, unreasonable search and seizure, failure to intervene when witnessing misconduct, racial profiling, sexual assault, and failure to provide medical care to someone in custody. It also includes violations of constitutional rights during traffic stops, arrests, or interrogations. Any action by law enforcement that violates your civil rights or uses unreasonable force may constitute misconduct.

Can I sue the police department or individual officers for misconduct?

Yes, you can file a civil rights lawsuit under Section 1983 against individual officers who violated your constitutional rights. You may also be able to sue the police department or municipality if they have policies that enabled the misconduct or if they failed to properly train or supervise officers. These cases can result in compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

What should I do immediately after experiencing police misconduct in Joliet?

Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries and document them with photos. Get contact information from any witnesses and ask them to write down what they saw. File a complaint with the police department’s internal affairs division and request a copy. Contact an experienced civil rights attorney as soon as possible. Do not speak to investigators without legal representation present.

How long do I have to file a police misconduct lawsuit in Illinois?

Federal civil rights claims under Section 1983 must be filed within two years in Illinois. However, if you’re also filing state law claims like assault or battery, different deadlines may apply. Evidence can disappear quickly, and officers involved may not be available to testify later, so it’s crucial to contact an attorney immediately after the incident occurs.

What evidence do I need to prove police misconduct?

Key evidence includes medical records documenting injuries, photographs of injuries and the scene, witness statements, police body camera footage, dashboard camera footage, surveillance video from nearby businesses, police reports, and any audio recordings. Your attorney can help obtain police department records, training materials, and the officers’ personnel files through legal discovery processes.

Why Choose EAM LAW for Police Misconduct Cases?

Victim of Police Misconduct?

Your civil rights matter. Contact us for experienced representation against law enforcement abuse.