Police violence has always been a problem, but recent media attention to cases involving officers who use force incorrectly has brought this issue further forward. Below, we discuss what you can do after an incident of police brutality and how a Brooklyn defense lawyer can help.
Get Checked Out By a Doctor
Obtain medical care at the first opportunity, whether you insist on seeing the medic in jail or you go to the emergency room after your release, or both. If you are severely injured, insist on going to the hospital immediately. Whether or not they take you is another story, but it’s important to have the request on record.
Ask For Witness Statements & Evidence
The evidence you bring forward is arguably the most important part of your case. If anyone around you took photos or video of the incident, see if you can get copies. Ask for witness statements and keep copies of everything in a safe place outside your home that only you have access to.
Refuse to Talk to Law Enforcement
You have the right to remain silent at all times when dealing with law enforcement and you should absolutely invoke this any and every time you need to interact with the police. This is particularly true after an incident of brutality when police may try to coerce or bribe you not to speak out about what happened.
Raise Public Awareness
Make it difficult for police officers who would rather bury your story quietly to do so. Post videos or pictures online and demand that justice be done and administrative action be taken against the at-fault officer(s). When you increase public awareness of the case, law enforcement can’t minimize what happened as easily and the chances of the department being forced to do something or face public outcry go up significantly.
Get Help From a Brooklyn DWI Lawyer
If you are a victim of police brutality or the police have otherwise violated your constitutional rights during a criminal arrest, don’t hesitate to obtain legal support. The outcome of your case hinges on the quality of your representation, making it imperative that you work with a qualified, experienced lawyer. Mark Cossuto has a solid track record of helping other people like you who are facing criminal charges. Call now for your consultation at (718) 852-8047 or toll free at (800) 609-4545.
