When law enforcement officers abuse their authority, the consequences can be devastating. Victims of police misconduct often suffer serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, financial hardship, and uncertainty about what to do next. Whether you were subjected to excessive force, wrongfully arrested, unlawfully searched, or otherwise had your rights violated, you deserve experienced legal representation from a team that will stand up for you.
At Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP, our Maryland personal injury attorneys have spent decades helping injured individuals hold negligent parties accountable. We understand the unique legal challenges police misconduct cases present and are committed to pursuing justice for people whose lives have been changed by the wrongful actions of law enforcement officers.
If you believe a police officer violated your rights in Maryland, our legal team is ready to evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Do You Have a Police Misconduct Claim?
Not every interaction with law enforcement amounts to police misconduct. Officers are often required to make difficult decisions in stressful situations. However, they are also expected to follow the law and respect the constitutional rights of every person they encounter. When they fail to do so, victims may have the right to pursue a Maryland personal injury claim against the responsible parties.
You may have a police misconduct claim if you experienced:
- Excessive or unnecessary force
- False arrest without probable cause
- Unlawful detention
- Illegal search or seizure
- Physical abuse while in police custody
- Failure to provide necessary medical care
- Sexual misconduct by a law enforcement officer
- Fabricated evidence or false police reports
- Malicious prosecution
- Racial profiling or discriminatory policing
- Wrongful death caused by police actions
Many people hesitate to contact an attorney because they are unsure whether their rights were actually violated. You do not have to make that determination on your own. Our attorneys can carefully review the facts of your case, explain your legal rights, and help you determine whether pursuing a claim is the right course of action.
What Should You Do After Police Misconduct?
The actions you take following an incident can make a significant difference in both your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation later.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should always be your first priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Some injuries become more serious over time, and prompt treatment creates important documentation that can support your claim.
Medical records often become some of the strongest evidence when pursuing compensation for injuries caused by police misconduct.
Preserve Every Piece of Evidence
Evidence can disappear quickly after an encounter with law enforcement. If possible, preserve:
- Photographs of your injuries
- Cell phone videos
- Damaged clothing
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Written notes describing exactly what happened
If a family member, bystander, or nearby business captured video of the incident, ask them to preserve that footage immediately. The sooner evidence is secured, the easier it often becomes to establish what occurred.
Identify Witnesses
Independent witnesses can provide valuable testimony that supports your version of events. If possible, collect names and contact information before witnesses leave the scene or memories begin to fade.
Avoid Discussing the Incident on Social Media
Posts, photographs, and comments shared online may later be reviewed by defense attorneys representing the officers or government agencies involved. It is generally best to avoid discussing your case publicly until you have spoken with an attorney.
Speak With a Maryland Police Misconduct Lawyer
Police misconduct claims are often far more complex than traditional injury cases. Government agencies typically begin investigating incidents immediately, and important evidence such as body camera footage or surveillance recordings may not remain available forever.
Speaking with an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer as early as possible allows your legal team to begin protecting your rights, preserving evidence, and building the strongest case possible.
How Our Maryland Police Misconduct Attorneys Can Help
Taking legal action against a law enforcement agency can feel intimidating, especially when you are recovering from serious injuries. Our attorneys handle the legal process so you can focus on moving forward.
When you hire Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP, we can:
- Conduct an independent investigation into the incident
- Preserve body camera and dash camera footage
- Request dispatch recordings and radio communications
- Obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses or residences
- Interview witnesses
- Review police reports for inconsistencies
- Work with medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists when appropriate
- Calculate the full extent of your damages
- Negotiate with government attorneys
- Take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Police misconduct cases often involve significant legal and factual challenges. Our firm has the experience and resources to investigate these cases thoroughly while aggressively advocating for our clients throughout every stage of the legal process.
Common Types of Police Misconduct
Police misconduct can take many different forms. Understanding the nature of the misconduct can help determine whether you may have a valid claim.
Excessive Force
Law enforcement officers may only use force that is objectively reasonable under the circumstances. When unnecessary force causes broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other serious harm, victims may have the right to pursue compensation.
False Arrest
Being arrested without probable cause can have lasting consequences that extend far beyond the initial encounter. Victims may experience financial losses, emotional distress, reputational harm, and time away from work or family.
Illegal Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. When officers violate those protections, victims may have legal remedies available depending on the circumstances of the case.
Malicious Prosecution
If criminal charges were pursued without probable cause or based on fabricated evidence, you may have grounds to pursue legal action after the criminal matter has concluded.
Failure to Intervene
Police officers who witness another officer using unlawful force or violating someone’s rights may have a duty to intervene. Failing to do so can expose additional officers to legal liability.
Abuse While in Custody
People held in police custody retain important constitutional rights. Unnecessary physical violence, denial of medical care, or other abusive treatment while detained may give rise to a police misconduct claim.
Wrongful Death
Some of the most tragic police misconduct cases involve the loss of life. If your family has lost a loved one because of excessive force or another unlawful action by law enforcement, our attorneys can help you understand your options for pursuing a Maryland wrongful death claim and seeking accountability for those responsible.
What Compensation May Be Available?
The physical, emotional, and financial effects of police misconduct can last long after the incident itself. If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both your economic damages and non-economic damages.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Psychological counseling
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Some police misconduct cases also involve punitive damages when an officer’s conduct was especially reckless, malicious, or intentional.
At Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP, we work closely with medical professionals, financial experts, and other specialists to understand the full impact your injuries have had on your life. Our goal is to pursue every category of damages available under Maryland law so you are not left paying the price for someone else’s misconduct.
Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Police Misconduct Case
Like any personal injury claim, a successful police misconduct case often depends on the quality of the available evidence. Unfortunately, some evidence can become more difficult to obtain as time passes, making it important to begin investigating as soon as possible.
Evidence that may strengthen your claim includes:
- Body-worn camera footage
- Dash camera recordings
- Cell phone videos
- Security camera footage
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- EMS reports
- Photographs of your injuries
- Police reports
- Internal affairs investigation records
- Dispatch recordings
- Radio communications
- Expert testimony
Our legal team understands how important it is to move quickly to preserve critical evidence before it is lost, overwritten, or destroyed. We begin investigating as early as possible so that important information can be gathered while it is still available.
Why Police Misconduct Cases Are Different
Police misconduct claims often involve legal issues that are not present in other personal injury cases. In addition to proving your injuries and damages, your attorney may need to address complex constitutional questions, government procedures, and unique legal defenses.
These cases commonly involve:
- Government agencies and municipalities
- Individual police officers
- Federal civil rights laws
- Constitutional protections
- Qualified immunity defenses
- Strict filing requirements
- Extensive investigations
- Multiple defendants
Government entities often have significant legal resources available to defend these claims. Having an experienced legal team that understands both Maryland personal injury litigation and police misconduct cases can make a meaningful difference as your case moves forward.
Why Choose Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP?
Choosing the right attorney after police misconduct is one of the most important decisions you can make. You deserve a law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to stand up to powerful government agencies while keeping your best interests at the center of every decision.
Clients throughout Maryland choose Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP because we offer:
- Nearly 50 years of experience representing injured individuals
- More than $1 billion recovered for our clients
- Trial attorneys prepared to handle complex litigation
- Personalized legal representation
- Direct communication throughout your case
- No attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you
Our attorneys understand that every police misconduct case represents more than a legal dispute. It represents someone’s health, livelihood, and future. We are committed to helping injured individuals pursue justice while providing the guidance and support they need throughout the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a police officer in Maryland?
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to pursue legal action against an individual officer, the law enforcement agency, or another government entity. Every situation is different, so it is important to have an attorney evaluate your claim.
What if criminal charges against me were dismissed?
Dismissed charges do not automatically establish police misconduct, but they may strengthen certain claims. Our attorneys can review the circumstances surrounding your arrest and determine what legal options may be available.
How long do I have to file a police misconduct lawsuit in Maryland?
The deadline for filing a claim depends on several factors, including the type of claim being pursued and the parties involved. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible can help ensure you do not miss important deadlines.
Can body camera footage be used as evidence?
Yes. Body camera footage is often one of the most valuable pieces of evidence in a police misconduct case. However, obtaining and preserving that footage may require prompt legal action.
How much is my police misconduct case worth?
Every case is unique. The value of your claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost income, future treatment needs, pain and suffering, and the strength of the available evidence.
Speak With a Maryland Police Misconduct Lawyer Today
If you believe you were injured because of police misconduct, you should not have to face the legal process alone. An experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights, investigate what happened, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and helping injured individuals move forward after life-changing events. Whether your case involves excessive force, false arrest, unlawful detention, or another violation of your rights, our legal team is prepared to fight for you.