Lakewood Police Brutality Lawyer
Lakewood Police Brutality Attorney
Police brutality is a violation of your fundamental rights. The law protects you from discrimination and excessive force, so any violations of due process by law enforcement bear consequences. If you have been the victim of police brutality, a Lakewood police brutality lawyer can assert your rights.
At the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, we’ve been advocating for police brutality victims for over 15 years, advocating for clients in courtrooms across Los Angeles and Orange Counties. We understand how alone you might feel after being subjected to unlawful arrest, excessive force, and police violence. We can help you seek justice and protect your rights.
What Is Police Brutality?
Police brutality can be overt or covert. Several factors may constitute a police brutality case, including:
- Excessive force: This may involve unnecessary physical violence or the use of a weapon when an officer is detaining or arresting you.
- Unlawful detention: Citizens of the U.S. have the right to be free from unreasonable seizure, and they must be informed of the reasons for their arrest. Probable cause must also be present to justify an arrest.
- Racial profiling: If you are targeted by police because of your race or ethnicity, this is a violation of your civil rights.
- Verbal abuse: Law enforcement officers are not allowed to use violent, aggressive, demeaning, intimidating, or agitating language while detaining or arresting a suspect.
California Police Brutality Statistics
Police brutality is a life-threatening matter. In 2025, over 1,200 people were killed by police. Officers were charged with a crime in only 8 of these cases. Black Americans make up the majority of those killed by police officers, with 24% of all cases involving Black detainees. Most victims killed were unarmed and pulled over for simple traffic violations.
Even if police brutality does not result in death, several factors can contribute to life-altering, severe injuries. Excessive or improper use of pepper spray, tasers, bean bags, rubber bullets, and police dogs can all lead to devastating injuries and disfigurement. The psychological impact of police brutality is significant as well, leading to ongoing trauma and anxiety around authority figures, as well as law enforcement officers.
Misconduct and due process violations constitute a significant percentage of police brutality cases. From 2018-2023, there were over 4,700 violations by federal officers.
Your Rights Under the Law
As a citizen of the United States, you have certain inalienable rights through federal laws, legal precedent, and constitutional amendments. These rights exist to protect you from government overreach, and they include:
- Freedom of religion: This gives you the right to worship and practice the religion of your choice, free from government oversight or control.
- Freedom of speech: This allows citizens to speak their mind freely and state their opinions and beliefs, even when they are statements against the government. Arrests made at protests are often in violation of this fundamental right.
- Freedom from unreasonable search and seizure: Law enforcement cannot detain and search a person’s property without probable cause or a warrant. Many police brutality cases qualify as a violation of this law.
- Freedom from cruel and unusual punishment: The Constitution protects citizens from cruel or barbaric punishments in excess of the crime the accused is charged with.
- Right to due process: People accused of a crime have a right to know why they were arrested and why the charges were brought against them. Their detainment should be processed and overseen fairly. They must also be allowed to request and access legal representation.
How a Police Brutality Lawyer Can Help
When you hire a police brutality lawyer from the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, we can steadfastly represent you and seek justice on your behalf. We can:
- Assess the details of your situation.
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest or detainment.
- Determine how to most effectively approach your case.
Using an evidence-based strategy, we can build a compelling argument, advocating and litigating for you with confidence and integrity. Most police brutality cases originating in Lakewood are heard at the Los Angeles Superior Courthouse in Bellflower.
A knowledgeable, qualified attorney can:
- Establish law enforcement negligence.
- Hold violent, abusive officers accountable.
- If your case qualifies, pursue compensation for your injuries and pain and suffering.
It’s crucial to seek the advice of an experienced police brutality attorney, as they can explain which avenues are available to you under California’s police brutality laws.
FAQs About Lakewood, CA Police Brutality Laws
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Police Brutality in California?
California’s Code of Civil Procedure states that parties may bring legal action against civil rights violations within 2 years of the incident. Prompt legal action can safeguard evidence, so it is essential to consult a qualified Lakewood police brutality attorney as soon as possible after the inciting event. They can immediately begin protecting your right to seek damages.
Are There Any Laws Against Police Brutality in Lakewood?
There are many laws against police brutality in Lakewood, both at the state and federal levels. Chief among them is the Constitution itself, which protects citizens from excessive governmental force and unlawful detainment. Depending on where the incident occurs, law enforcement officers who violate these laws may face disciplinary action and criminal prosecution, among other penalties for police brutality. They could also be liable for a civil case, in which monetary damages may be awarded to the victim.
How Do You Prove Police Brutality?
Evidence is crucial in police brutality cases. It can include:
- Medical records documenting the extent of injuries
- Video and audio recordings of the inciting incident
- Witness statements from bystanders
- Official reports and complaints, including police reports and any complaints you file with the Internal Affairs division of the applicable police agency
- Disciplinary records for the offending officer, which can establish a pattern of misconduct
What State Has the Highest Rate of Police Brutality?
Colorado has the highest rate of killings associated with police brutality, but all 50 states have recorded incidents of police brutality and officer misconduct. In California, over 200 people per year are shot by police officers. The vast majority of these incidents occur during routine traffic stops, and most involve people of color.
If You Have You Been a Victim of Police Violence, Hire a Police Brutality Lawyer in Lakewood, CA
Every day, police interact with the citizens of Lakewood. If you are pulled over without probable cause or have a negative interaction with law enforcement, your case may qualify for legal action. The team at the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, can listen to you and pursue justice. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
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