Seek Legal Help Against Excessive Force Today
Police officers are entrusted with the power to protect and serve their communities. However, when they use excessive force, that power can become a weapon, causing harm and violating the rights of citizens. Los Angeles, California, has a long history of excessive force incidents, which have led to injury, trauma, and even death for its residents. The pain points of these victims are numerous and include physical harm, loss of trust in law enforcement, emotional and psychological trauma, and financial costs for medical bills and lost wages. If you or a loved one has experienced excessive force at the hands of a police officer in Los Angeles, it’s important to seek legal help from a Los Angeles excessive force attorney.
These attorneys can help you navigate the complex legal system, advocate for your rights, and seek justice for the harm you’ve suffered. Whether it’s through negotiating a settlement, representing you in court, or filing a complaint with the appropriate authorities, an attorney can help you hold those responsible for your injuries accountable.
If you are a victim of police excessive force, contact Conlogue Law LLP for legal representation. If you were beaten during an arrest or physically abused by police, reach out to our offices immediately. Our legal team has a proven track record to obtain justice. We have a long record of holding officers accountable for excessive force and outright police brutality. Learn more about how Conlogue Law LLP has helped everyday citizens get the justice they deserve by calling (213) 261-0470 for a free consultation.
Our offices have represented clients in Los Angeles and the County of Los Angeles in numerous cases involving excessive force and police brutality.
What is Excessive Force?
Excessive force is the use of more physical force than is reasonably necessary to achieve a lawful police objective. In Los Angeles, California, excessive force can include the use of physical violence, such as punching, kicking, or striking with a weapon, as well as the use of less lethal weapons, such as tasers or pepper spray, when they are not necessary or proportionate to the situation.
Excessive force can also include verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation that goes beyond what is necessary to de-escalate a situation. The use of excessive force by police officers is a violation of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.
How Do I Know If Excessive Force Was Used?
Police are allowed to use reasonable physical force in carrying out their duties. We get involved when officers use violence to punish, intimidate, coerce confessions or intentionally harm citizens. Conlogue Law LLP has secured numerous verdicts and settlements for victims of excessive force and police brutality. We know the questions to ask regarding any use of force, such as:
- Head strikes
- Tasers
- Police batons
- Handcuffs
- Choke holds
- Hog-tying or Hobble restraints
- Pepper spray
- Take-downs
- Crowd control
- Kicks
We examine whether the officer(s) followed departmental procedure, whether an objective and reasonable officer in the same circumstances would have acted in the same way, and whether the suspect was even resisting arrest. Conlogue Law LLP is committed to securing monetary damages for victims of excessive force and holding police accountable and to a high standard for when and how force is applied.
Why Is it Important to Address Excessive Force by Law Enforcement Officers?
The issue of excessive force by law enforcement officers is a significant and pressing concern in Los Angeles, California. Addressing this issue is essential as it can have severe consequences for the physical and mental well-being of citizens, as well as the relationship between law enforcement and the community they serve. Excessive use of force can cause severe physical injuries, psychological trauma, and even death, particularly when it targets vulnerable groups such as people of color, the homeless, or those with mental health issues.
Furthermore, the use of excessive force can erode public trust in law enforcement, making it difficult for officers to do their job effectively and for communities to feel safe. Addressing the issue of excessive force is crucial to promote the safety and well-being of all citizens and establishing positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
How Much Force Is Excessive Force?
Excessive force is a very situational phrase. Broken bones, bruising, cuts, and bumps are not always indicators of excessive force. An officer may be justified in using more force than if an arrestee is cooperative if the suspect ran from the police, is resisting, or is fighting back.
Size and appearance are also important. An officer’s quick response and use of more force will probably be seen as justified if a small officer is trying to arrest a huge individual and the huge person is resisting. Additionally, police may be justified in using extra force if the arrestee is acting aggressively or posing a threat. However, once an arrestee is in custody and under control, force must stop. There could be extremely serious repercussions for the police involved if the force used exceeds that or is used against someone who is following every order.
It’s important to understand that officers have to use their best judgment in a high-pressure situation even if there are guidelines for officers to follow regarding how much force is reasonable in particular instances. As a result, judges consider this question while making their decision: What would a reasonable police officer do in this situation?
What Is The Legal Claim for Excessive Force?
A legal claim for excessive force in Los Angeles typically falls under the umbrella of police brutality, and it can be brought against law enforcement officers, agencies, and other officials responsible for the use of excessive force.
To bring a successful claim, the plaintiff (the victim of excessive force) must demonstrate that the officer(s) used more force than was reasonably necessary under the circumstances. This can include physical force, such as baton strikes, chokeholds, or shooting, or other forms of force, such as the use of chemical agents like pepper spray or tear gas. In general, the excessive force claim must meet the following elements:
- The officer(s) used force against the plaintiff
- The amount of force used was excessive and unreasonable under the circumstances
- The excessive force caused injuries or damages to the plaintiff
Additionally, to hold a law enforcement agency liable for excessive force, the plaintiff must show that the agency had a policy, practice, or custom that condoned the use of excessive force, or that the agency failed to properly train or supervise its officers.
If successful, a plaintiff in an excessive force claim may be entitled to compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They may also be entitled to punitive damages if the court determines that the officer(s) acted with intentional or reckless disregard for the plaintiff’s rights.
What Are The Causes of Excessive Force in Los Angeles?
Here are the causes of excessive force in Los Angeles:
1. Lack of Proper Training:
One of the causes of excessive force in Los Angeles is the lack of proper training for police officers. The training provided to officers may not emphasize the de-escalation techniques that are essential for diffusing potentially violent situations. Additionally, some officers may not have enough training on the use of less-lethal weapons, such as tasers or pepper spray, and may resort to using more lethal force instead.
2. Poor Police-Community Relations:
Another factor contributing to excessive force is the poor relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. In some areas of Los Angeles, there is a deep-seated mistrust between law enforcement and citizens, which can escalate tensions and lead to the use of excessive force. This breakdown in communication and trust can be caused by a variety of factors, including past instances of police brutality, racism, and discrimination.
3. Institutionalized Racism and Bias:
Institutionalized racism and bias are deeply ingrained in many police departments, including those in Los Angeles. Bias and prejudice can influence officers’ decision-making and lead to the use of excessive force against certain groups of people, particularly those who are black, brown, or from low-income neighborhoods. Studies have shown that people of color are disproportionately impacted by police violence, and this can be attributed, in part, to systemic racism and bias.
D. Use of Military Equipment by Police:
Another cause of excessive force in Los Angeles is the use of military equipment by police. In recent years, police departments across the country have been receiving surplus military equipment from the Department of Defense, including armored vehicles, grenade launchers, and high-powered rifles. Critics argue that the use of this equipment contributes to a militarized police force, which can escalate tensions and lead to the use of excessive force.
Who We Sue
As your Los Angeles Police Excessive Force Lawyer, Conlogue Law LLP handles excessive force cases against all of the following police departments:
- Alhambra Police Department,
- Arcadia Police Department,
- Azusa Police Department,
- Baldwin Park Police Department,
- Bell Police Department,
- Bell Gardens Police Department,
- Beverly Hills Police Department,
- Burbank Police Department,
- Claremont Police Department,
- Covina Police Department,
- Culver City Police Department,
- Downey Police Department,
- El Monte Police Department,
- El Segundo Police Department,
- Gardena Police Department,
- Glendale Police Department,
- Glendora Police Department,
- Hawthorne Police Department,
- Hermosa Beach Police Department,
- Huntington Park Police Department,
- Inglewood Police Department,
- Irwindale Police Department,
- La Verne Police Department,
- Long Beach Police Department,
- Los Angeles Police Department,
- Manhattan Beach Police Department,
- Monrovia Police Department,
- Montebello Police Department,
- Monterey Park Police Department,
- Palos Verdes Estates Police Department,
- Pasadena Police Department,
- Pomona Police Department,
- Redondo Beach Police Department,
- San Fernando Police Department,
- San Gabriel Police Department,
- San Marino Police Department,
- Santa Fe Springs Police Department,
- Santa Monica Police Department,
- Sierra Madre Police Department,
- Signal Hill Police Department,
- South Gate Police Department,
- South Pasadena Police Department,
- Torrance Police Department,
- Vernon Police Department,
- West Covina Police Department,
- Whittier Police Department, and
- the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Why Do I Need a Los Angeles Excessive Force Attorney?
If you or a loved one has been a victim of excessive force in Los Angeles, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced Los Angeles excessive force attorney. Here’s why:
- Protect Your Rights:
An excessive force attorney can help you protect your legal rights and hold law enforcement accountable for their actions. They can advise you on your legal options and help you navigate the complex legal system to ensure that your rights are protected.
- Seek Justice:
An experienced excessive force attorney can help you seek justice by holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions. This can include pursuing compensation for damages, filing a complaint against the officer(s) involved, and pursuing legal action against the department or agency responsible for the excessive force.
- Experience and Knowledge:
An excessive force attorney has the experience and expertise necessary to handle these complex cases. They have a deep understanding of the law and the legal system, and they know how to effectively navigate the challenges that can arise in these types of cases.
At Conlogue Law LLP, we understand the impact that excessive force can have on your life, and we are committed to helping victims seek justice. If you or a loved one has been a victim of excessive force in Los Angeles, please contact us for a consultation. Our Los Angels Civil Rights law firm will review your case, answer your questions, and provide you with the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.
Call our Los Angeles Excessive Force Attorney Now!
Excessive force by law enforcement officers is a serious issue in Los Angeles, and it can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities. The causes of excessive force are complex, and addressing the problem will require ongoing efforts from all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, community members, activists, and lawmakers.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of excessive force in Los Angeles, it is essential to seek the help of a Los Angeles excessive force attorney. At Conlogue Law LLP, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims of police brutality and excessive force. Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling these cases, and we are committed to holding law enforcement agencies accountable for their actions.
We understand the pain and trauma that can result from excessive force, and we are here to help. If you believe you have been the victim of excessive force, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Conlogue Law LLP.
We also handle personal injury cases in Los Angeles, California. Contact us immediately for assistance.
