CONSTITUTIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
It happens in every police department. An officer goes over the line for whatever reason and makes the decision to use force greatly in excess of that needed to control the situation. The officer could use a TASER, firearm, handcuffs, or any physical control moves in an unreasonable manner that results in permanent injuries to the arrestee. Death, permanent disfigurement and disability or severe bruising and pain can be the outcome of this scenario.
The United States Constitution and Civil Rights Act give those injured the right to sue the officer and department that hires them for damages. These Constitutional Torts allow those injured to sue for emotional, physical, and other damages for the use of excessive force.
We have successfully sued many departments in both State and Federal Courts. Our clients have been satisfied with settlements and jury awards for a variety of wrongs including excessive force, false arrest, malicious prosecution, battery, and civil rights violations. Some of our targets have been the City of East St. Louis, Alorton, Alton, Belleville, Granite City, Madison, Venice, and Centreville.
If you would like to discuss possible representation on this type of case call my office or email me for an immediatle response.
Police Brutality Cases
Rose v. City of Madison - Madison County - Versus Madison City Police Department - My client was working as an armed security guard at a truck stop in Madison, IL. He had witnessed a driver get beaten by the Madison City police a few nights earlier. He documented the incident as required by his employer. He was falsely arrested by Madison City Police a few nights later for carrying his duty weapon. He had all his permits as required under Illinois law to possess the weapon. He was charged the Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons. We first obtained a dismissal of all felony charges. Then we pursued a civil complaint against the officers and department. The jury awarded him $119,000.00. The police officers' attorney offered $0 before trial.
Doe v. City of Alton - Madison County - Versus City of Alton - My client was arrested by Alton Police Officers after a foot chase through the woods on a hot summer night. He was handcuffed to a jail cell restraining ring. While restrained he was TASED six times by one of the arresting officers. This was obviously inappropriate and a use of extreme force for absolutely no reason. The case settled the day before jury trial was to begin.
Kidane v. City of Madison - Madison County - Versus City of Madison - Mr. Kidane was a truck driver who was wrongfully arrested and beaten by the City of Madison police officers. He was detained for a misdemeanor charge that we were able to get dismissed. He lost his job as his semi-tractor rig was towed and impounded. The case settled prior to jury trial.
Galloway v. Village of Alorton - St. Clair County - Versus Village of Alorton - My client was stopped for allegedly violating the Obstructed Windshield statute. She had a pine tree air freshener hanging from her rear view mirror. The traffic cases were dismissed. She was violently pulled from her vehicle and beaten so severely by three purported Alorton police officers that she suffered a seizure disorder that causes her to have 5 seizures per week. She was TASED and kicked in the head. She lost vision in her eye for one year. She continues to have pain radiate down her leg where she was TASED. The officers are Robert Cummings, Harry Dink Halter, and Bryant Falconer. Robert Cummings was the police chief who is not a federally convicted felon. Harry Dink Halter is currently facing felony charges in St. Clair County for forcing a woman to submit to a sex act while he was in a police cruiser. Bryant Falconer is whereabouts unknown. The case is set for jury trial in March 2012.
Reynolds v. Centreville Police Department - St. Clair County - Mr. Reynolds was at a relatives bar-b-q when a group of police swarmed the area and tackled him to the ground. He was beaten, had his handcuffs twisted, and was held in a jail cell for three days by various police officers. He was not charged with any offense. Six months later he was charged with Resisting Arrest and Possession of Cannabis. We first obtained dismissals for the criminal charges. Next we filed civil suit for police brutality in St. Clair County. The case has not yet gone to jury trial.
Doe v. Madison County Sheriff's Department - Madison County - My client was falsely arrested and held on potential felony charges for sexually assaulting his grandmother. He spent two days in the Madison County jail on a felony hold for charges he did not commit. He was released after spending time in the jail. Word got out that he had committed the crime. His reputation has been damaged and he is seeking compensation for damages from Madison County.
