New Mexico Excessive Use Of Force Lawyers
When police officers use more force than necessary to control a situation, they can violate your constitutional rights and cause serious harm. Excessive use of force by law enforcement represents one of the most serious civil rights violations in our justice system.
At Albuquerque-based Ives & Flores, our tenacious civil rights attorneys offer over 45 years of combined experience fighting for individuals who have suffered from police brutality and law enforcement misconduct.
Common Examples Of Excessive Use Of Force
Police officers cross the line when they use more force than reasonably necessary to accomplish their lawful duties. Excessive use of force takes many forms and can cause lasting physical and emotional trauma. These illegal actions include:
- Police beatings that involve punching, kicking or striking suspects who pose no threat
- Police shootings of unarmed individuals or those who do not present an immediate danger
- Tasing suspects multiple times or using stun guns on compliant individuals
- Use of projectiles like rubber bullets or bean bags against peaceful protesters
- Choking or applying excessive pressure during arrests
- Slamming suspects to the ground when they are not resisting
- Using police dogs to attack compliant suspects
- Deploying pepper spray or tear gas without justification
These actions constitute serious examples of police misconduct that demand accountability and justice.
What Should You Do After Experiencing Excessive Use Of Force?
Law enforcement officers have the right to use “reasonable” force to protect themselves and others. However, the force must match the threat level and stop once the situation is under control. When officers continue using force after gaining compliance, they cross into the territory of excessive force.
If you experience excessive use of force by an officer, get prompt medical attention, even if your injuries are minor, as severe symptoms are sometimes delayed. Document everything you remember about the incident while details remain fresh in your memory.
Take photographs of your injuries and gather contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened. Avoid giving statements to police without an attorney present, as law enforcement may try to justify their actions by blaming you.
How Can You Prove That An Officer Used More Force Than Necessary During Your Arrest?
Proving excessive use of force requires showing that the officer’s actions were “unreasonable” under the circumstances. We gather evidence, including medical records that document your injuries, witness statements, body camera footage and police reports. Video evidence from bystanders, security cameras or dashboard recordings often provides crucial proof of what happened.
We also examine the officer’s training records and history of similar incidents to establish a pattern of misconduct. Additionally, expert testimony can help explain how police violated their own procedures during your encounter.
Can You File A Lawsuit If Police Taser You Without Justification?
Depending on the circumstances, you can file a lawsuit if police used a taser without proper justification, as this constitutes excessive use of force under federal civil rights laws. These unconscionable actions harm not only individual victims but also the broader community, as they sever trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
We examine whether officers followed proper protocols and if their actions were reasonable given the circumstances. Successful lawsuits can result in monetary compensation for your injuries, medical expenses and civil rights violations.
Contact Us Today To Protect Your Rights
If you have experienced excessive use of force or police brutality, we are here to fight for your civil rights and pursue the justice you deserve. Contact Ives & Flores by calling us at 505-364-3858 or completing our online form to schedule a free consultation with our dedicated team.