Police Misconduct / Civil Rights

"Civil Rights" are the rights of individuals to be free from unfair or disparate or discriminatory treatment. Civil rights are constitutionally protected rights both on the federal and state level, and that have teen established by statutes or through court decisions. Cities, counties or municipalities may also have ordinances or laws relating to civil rights protections. In short, civil rights are the rights that everyone enjoys equally and that are protected under the law, regardless of your nationality, race, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other particular circumstances.

Police Misconduct - There are many different kinds of civil rights violations. You may be a victim of a civil rights violation if feel that you have been the victim of police misconduct. Police misconduct results from illegal or inappropriate actions taken by law enforcement officers in the course of their official duties. Police misconduct may include. but is not limited to, the use of excessive force against you, racial profiling, surveillance abuse, etc.

Police misconduct is a term used to describe unlawful behavior by law enforcement officers. When a law enforcement officer engages in an abuse of power and you are harmed as a result, your civil rights may have been violated. If you have experienced unfair or discriminatory treatment by a law enforcement officer, you may be able to bring a police misconduct lawsuit.

The impact of police misconduct can be devastating and could result in physical, emotional and financial damages. The lawyers at KAZAROSIAN COSTELLO LLP have years of experience in handling misconduct cases on behalf of people who have been victims of police brutality, leading to significant settlements and judgments for our clients. We can help you understand the remedies available to you.

Here are some of the many forms of police misconduct:

• Excessive force
• Sexual misconduct
• Racial profiling
• Surveillance abuse
• Coercion of any kind, such as when police use their power to force you to do something against your will
• False arrest or false imprisonment

Discrimination - If you believe that your civil rights have been violated, you may also be the victim of discrimination. Discrimination comes in many different forms, including sexual harassment, refusing to promote you in your job even though you are qualified, refusing to rent you an apartment, and retaliating against you for asserting a legal right.

Should you consider litigation?

If you feel you have been discriminated against, and have not been able to work things out, you may want to consider a lawsuit.

The civil rights attorneys at KAZAROSIAN COSTELLO may be able to clarify what your rights are and what kinds of remedies are available to you. We have years of experience to guide you in making the right decision.

When must you start a discrimination action?

Generally speaking, an action in Massachusetts must be commenced within 300 days of the time that a person believed that he or she was being discriminated against. In New Hampshire, the time frame is even shorter – 180 days. This is governed by each state’s Statute of Limitations.

Our many years of experience, skillful litigation, and passionate representation guide us in advocating for you and in holding law enforcement responsible. If you feel you have been the victim of police misconduct, please contact us at  marsha@kazcolaw.com.