When law enforcement officers abuse their authority and wrongly shoot people, victims and their families often need legal representation. In the wake of a devastating police shooting, a St. Paul Police Shooting Lawyer from Madia Law can provide the necessary guidance and representation to protect your rights.
Our experienced police misconduct lawyers in St. Paul can navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and fight for justice for your serious injury or the tragic death of a loved one. We understand your challenges and are ready to stand up against powerful entities on your behalf.
Contact us now for a free consultation.
Wrongful Police Shootings Resulting in Injury or Death
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a police shooting, our hearts go out to you for the pain and grief you are experiencing. We understand that words cannot ease your suffering, especially if your loved one was killed. If that is your situation, we extend our deepest condolences.
When a police shooting is unnecessary and results in injury or death, you have the right to seek legal representation to hold them accountable. Police officers are permitted to use deadly force only in very specific situations. The circumstances that warrant such measures include protecting others or themselves from serious bodily harm or death.
Unfortunately, there are instances where law enforcement officers, including those here in Ramsey County, employ deadly force without a valid reason. While we respect the challenges law enforcement officers face, this should never justify shooting individuals who pose no threat.
Factors the Court Must Consider
Merely attempting to escape or flee does not warrant the use of lethal force. Courts consider various factors to determine the objective reasonableness of officer-involved shootings.
Here are some critical factors the court must assess:
- The severity of the alleged crime: Was the suspect accused of a serious crime, such as murder, or a minor offense, like shoplifting? The gravity of the alleged crime influences an officer’s leeway in using force.
- Immediate threat: Did the suspect pose a threat to officers or others? Factors include whether the civilian had a weapon, pointed it at officers, or fired a weapon at them. The shooting may be deemed objectively reasonable if a civilian was actively attempting to kill an officer. Conversely, if a civilian did not possess a weapon or was complying with police commands, the shooting is more likely to be seen as objectively unreasonable.
- Resistance to arrest: Was the suspect resisting arrest? Compliance with officer commands is a key factor in many cases. If a civilian was complying with orders, it becomes challenging for an officer to justify the necessity and reasonableness of lethal force.
If you or a family member has been a victim of a police shooting involving a police officer, please reach out to us, your St. Paul police shooting law firm, immediately. We have a track record of successful case results and are ready to put our experience to work for you.
For a legal consultation with a police shooting lawyer serving St. Paul, call 612-349-2729
Federal Law Protects Citizens from Unlawful Police Shootings
In cases where police officers abuse their authority and cause harm through shooting, beating, unjust use of tasers, or macing, accountability is paramount. Regardless of the challenges associated with their roles, no individual has the right to employ excessive force against another.
The foundation of our free society relies on courageous individuals stepping forward to safeguard their rights when authority figures overstep their bounds.
If you or a loved one has experienced an unjust shooting, it’s essential to understand that federal law and the U.S. Constitution offer protection.
Additionally, a federal statute known as 42 U.S.C. §1983 prohibits the violation of constitutional rights by individuals acting under the color of law, which includes police officers.
St. Paul Police Shooting Lawyer Near Me 612-349-2729
Time Limit for Taking Legal Action After a St. Paul Police Shooting
Understanding the legal time limits is essential if it has been a few years since the incident. Throughout Minnesota, the general statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit related to police misconduct is six years from the incident date. While this is a long period, building a robust case can be time-consuming.
Also, we realize it may have taken a while for you to fully comprehend the extent of the misconduct and its consequences.
If you aren’t sure if you have waited too long, our team can provide clarity regarding the timeline for your case. Our lawyers are here to offer guidance in such situations, ensuring you take action within the allowable time frame.
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What Sets Madia Law Apart from Other Law Firms?
Our St. Paul team is made up of experienced trial lawyers who meticulously prepare every case for the courtroom from day one. Many attorneys claim to be trial lawyers but lack actual courtroom experience. In a police shooting case, you need a lawyer who is eager to present your case before a jury, not someone who rushes to settle due to inexperience.
We’ve handled hundreds of cases, including many jury trials. In fact, other lawyers often hire us to represent their clients in front of juries. When you choose our firm, you can rest assured that you have a seasoned trial lawyer representing you.
Our approach is different from that of many plaintiff-side law firms. We take on only a few cases at a time, ensuring each one receives dedicated attention.
We focus on thorough case development, taking more depositions, conducting extensive discovery, and building strong cases that can withstand summary judgment motions. This approach significantly increases the settlement value of your case, and if necessary, we’re prepared to go to trial.
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Reach Out to a St. Paul Police Shooting Lawyer Now
Experiencing police misconduct can be a deeply distressing ordeal, leaving victims feeling violated and unsure of their next steps. In our city, you don’t have to face this battle alone. The experienced St. Paul civil rights lawyers at Madia Law are committed to assisting individuals like you.
After suffering from a police shooting, either as the victim or a family member, your cry for justice matters, and we are here to listen. A police shooting lawyer in St. Paul can evaluate your case for free. Contact our law firm today, and together, we can strive for a safer and more just city.
Call 612-349-2729 or complete a Case Evaluation form
