New York City Excessive Force Lawyer
Since the death of Trayvon Martin, excessive force has been a common term in the media. But what does it mean? When a figure of authority commits a serious human rights violation, including unjustified shootings, severe beatings or even killing someone like in the Martin case, the courts consider those kinds of actions excessive force. The New York State Civilian Complaint Board received 16,910 claims last year, the majority of which involved allegations of excessive force.
So what happened in the Trayvon Martin case? Was George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer, only acting in his own self defense, as he claims, or did he overreact and use more force than necessary? Currently, a task force, with members ranging from attorneys to state senators, will listen to testimony from Florida residents regarding Florida Statute Chapter 776. This statute includes the “stand your ground” provision, which allows people to use deadly force when they feel a reasonable threat of death or serious injury. Will the panel decide that the statute gives citizens like Zimmerman too much power to decide to inflict serious injury or death, when retreat is a viable option? According to news reports Mr. Zimmerman, once dreamed of going into law enforcement, and appointed himself neighborhood protector, though his Neighborhood Watch program was never officially registered. Despite having been accused of violence and criminal misconduct in the past, Mr. Zimmerman had a concealed weapon permit. Many see George Zimmerman as an authority figure, akin to law enforcement, who abused his power. The courts will decide his fate.
Unfortunately, allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officials occur everywhere, including in New York City. Here at home, the New York Police Department is often accused of intentionally targeting poor and minority communities. It doesn’t matter to us which minority group you come from, Hispanic, African-American, Indian, or Chinese, as New York City Excessive Force Lawyers, and New York City Police Abuse Lawyers, we believe everyone should be treated equally under the law and we are here to help you. In a recent case, we represented an African-American who was arguing with his girlfriend in front of her building when two police officers jumped him from behind, took him down to the ground and handcuffed him. After he was lying faced down with his hands cuffed behind his back and was subdued, one officer continued to repeatedly strike him with his fist in the face and nose. He sustained multiple broken nose and facial bone fractures which required surgery. The NYPD unlawfully arrested, incarcerated and maliciously prosecuted him. We helped in getting all of his criminal charges dismissed, and brought a lawsuit against the NYPD and the City of New York. As New York City excessive force lawyers, we successfully settled the matter before trial for $250,000.00. While no amount of money will restore the young man’s nose, face and the humiliation of being violated, the settlement helped him with his recovery and gave him his dignity back. As New York City Police Abuse Lawyers, we understand the toll an unjustified beating, torture or shooting can take on you and your family. We stand ready to help you and your family get the relief you deserve.
If you feel that you have been the victim of excessive force, beaten up, brutalized, or seriously injured by the NYPD, or anyone of governmental authority, contact us, Michael Gunzburg, P.C., New York City Excessive Force Lawyers. We take pride in the clients we represent and help get them the compensation they deserve and the help them heal and restore their dignity in NYPD excessive force and abuse cases. As New York City Police Abuse Lawyers, we have decades of experience dealing with police brutality, police abuse, excessive force, assaults, and batteries. So if you were seriously injured in a New York City excessive force situation, contact us first. Email us or call us today.
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The following are a list of organizations that can help you if you have been the victim of excessive force and need a New York City Police Abuse Lawyer:
- The Office of Victim Services is a state agency that offers eligible victims financial assistance for things like lost wages and counseling costs, as well as reimbursement for forensic rape examinations and attorneys’ fees. They also refer victims to local, state, and government agencies that can help them further. Visit their website or give their Brooklyn office a call at 1-800-247-8035 or 718-923-4325.
- The New York City Civilian Complaint Board is a government agency created to aid those who have been the victims of police misconduct, whether it is excessive force, abuse of authority, discourtesy, or offensive language. Visit their website or call their 24-hour hotline at 1-800-341-CCRB or their regular office number at 212-725-8500.
- If you need a New York City Excessive Force Lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve, contact us first. Email or call us today. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. New York City Excessive Force and Police Abuse Lawyers.
