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August 8, 2024

Police Harassment: Know Your Rights and Legal Options

Written by Pointer & Buelna, LLP. Lawyers For The People, reviewed by Adanté Pointer

“Police harassment” refers to the improper conduct and abuse of power by law enforcement. It can manifest in various forms, including unwarranted surveillance, racial profiling, false arrest, and excessive use of force. Harassment can occur during routine encounters with police officers or as a result of discriminatory practices. 

Common Examples of Police Harassment

Police harassment is a hot-button issue for us at Lawyers For the People. Knowledge is power when it comes to protecting yourself from police harassment. With our guidance as California Police Brutality lawyers, we hope you get a basic overview of your rights. For help with your specific experience of police harassment, don’t hesitate to direct your questions our way.

These are the most common types of harassment we see:

Defining Police Harassment

As California police harassment attorneys, these are the most common types of harassment we see:

Racial Profiling

Racial profiling involves singling out individuals solely based on their race, ethnicity, or national origin for heightened scrutiny. 

Unwarranted Surveillance

When surveillance is conducted by police without sufficient justification or a valid warrant, it is harassment.

False Arrest

False arrest is when law enforcement detains or arrests someone without proper legal grounds. Officers may fabricate evidence, use excessive force, or make false statements to justify the arrest.

Excessive Use of Force

Law enforcement officers are authorized to use force only when necessary. However, when force is used in a disproportionate or excessive manner, this constitutes police harassment.

Police Harassment and Your Criminal Case

Police harassment often results in a violation of your Constitutional rights, which can have serious implications for your case. Evidence obtained through unlawful means, such as through racial profiling or false arrest, is not admissible in court. At Pointer & Buelna, LLP, our California police harassment attorneys can make sure incidents of police harassment are presented in the best way regarding the crime you’ve been accused of. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances and gather evidence to prove the harassment you endured. 

Remedies and Legal Actions Against Police Harassment

Your legal options include:

Filing a Complaint

You can file a complaint through the law enforcement agency’s internal affairs division and/or a civilian oversight board. Filing a complaint may seem futile, but it ensures you’ve taken all the necessary steps and completed the formalities.

Civil Lawsuits

In a lawsuit, you can seek financial compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of income. 

Seeking Criminal Charges

When police harassment rises to the level of criminal behavior, you can file a police report. Remember that the decision to press charges rests solely with the prosecutor.

Contact Pointer and Buelna for a Free Consultation Today

If you have been a victim of police harassment, Pointer & Buelna, LLP, Lawers for the People, is standing by, ready to help. Our passionate yet fierce California Police Brutality Lawyers have a deep understanding of law enforcement misconduct and police brutality cases. We will use every tool at our disposal to stand up for your rights! To schedule a free legal consultation, contact us today.