A false arrest in Philadelphia is a violation of your civil rights. Since such violations constitute personal injuries, if you have been falsely arrested, you need the powerful representation Cooper Schall & Levy provides.
Our lawyers are not only highly skilled professionals with in-depth knowledge of state and federal law and an impressive history of successful outcomes. We are also caring and sensitive individuals who understand the potentially dire consequences of a false arrest and are ready to fight aggressively to protect your rights.
As a false arrest victim, you have the right to sue the police officer and police department responsible for the arrest, and to recover meaningful damages for your financial losses and for your fear, discomfort, and humiliation. Call us now to find out how. We will charge you no attorneys’ fees until we recover damages.
What Constitutes a False Arrest in Philadelphia?
False arrest is a serious infringement of civil liberties. It occurs when an individual is detained without legal justification. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures, supporting the illegality of false arrests. A false arrest infringes on this fundamental right since it involves detaining someone without probable cause or a warrant.
In Philadelphia, where personal freedoms have been historically highly valued, such incidents are not only a breach of civil rights but also a personal injury, as they cause emotional and psychological, as well as financial harm.
Possible Reasons for False Arrests
There are several reasons for false arrests, including:
- Mistaken identity
- Abuse of power by law enforcement (e.g. illegal search of a home or automobile)
- Racial profiling or discrimination in which individuals of certain races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, or gender identities are more often targeted for arrest
- Personal vendettas on the part of law enforcement officials
- Misinterpretation of the law
- Mistakes in observation of what has taken place (e.g. seeing an innocent exchange as a drug deal)
- Taking the word of untruthful witnesses
- Refusal to listen to or verify the victim’s account
- Entrapment by law enforcement officials
No matter what the reasons for your false arrest, the attorneys at Cooper Schall & Levy are here to protect your civil rights, your reputation, and your personal safety.
The Negative Consequences of a False Arrest
No one wants to undergo an arrest and a false arrest is particularly distressing since the victim has committed no offense worthy of detainment. The impact of a false arrest extends beyond the immediate loss of freedom. Victims often suffer PTSD, including anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of security as a result.
Professionally and socially, the stigma of an arrest record can lead to lost job opportunities and strained personal relationships. These consequences underscore the severity of false arrests as a personal injury, meriting legal redress.
How Cooper Schall’s Attorneys Prove a False Arrest
In order to prove a false arrest, our attorneys have to show that there were no legal grounds for your detention. Our Philadelphia attorneys are committed to protecting your civil rights by:
- Gathering evidence to support your innocence and the absence of probable cause for your arrest.
- Interviewing witnesses whose testimony supports your claims.
- Examining police reports and surveillance footage to establish law enforcement mistakes or misrepresentations.
- Scrutinizing the arrest procedure to point out any violations of protocol.
- Collecting expert testimony, medical or otherwise, that validates your claim that, for example, you were not intoxicated at the time of your arrest.
Once you become our client, our attorneys will pull out all the stops to build a winning case, one robust enough to protect your rights.
Damages Our Attorneys Will Fight to Recover
Our commitment is to ensure that victims of false arrest receive fair compensation. We will pursue damages for all of the following that apply in your particular situation:
- Lost wages
- Reputational harm
- Emotional distress if you were harassed or bullied during detainment
- Physical suffering (e.g if you are denied necessary medication during incarceration, or were physically harmed during arrest or confinement)
If you were subjected to especially egregious misconduct, our savvy lawyers will also seek punitive damages. Our legal expertise in personal injury law empowers us to argue persuasively for the maximum compensation — through settlement if possible or through aggressive litigation if necessary.
Contact Our Experienced False Arrest Attorney for the Protection You Deserve
Law enforcement is meant to keep us safe so it is especially disturbing to have its power turned against us when we have done nothing wrong. If this happens to you in Philadelphia, it is time to turn to turn to the capable attorneys at Cooper Schall & Levy.
We are well-known for our dedicated approach to false arrest cases. We know that if are falsely arrested you need legal advocacy that is not only effective but available quickly. Our attorneys combine detailed knowledge of civil rights laws with a deep understanding of the trauma you have faced. Trust us to provide you with the powerful legal advocacy you need and the personalized attention you deserve.
