Racial profiling and the unlawful acts of police officers have been longstanding issues in our country, and cannot simply be ignored. If you have been a victim of police brutality or wrongful arrest, you need a civil rights attorney who can protect your interests. Civil rights attorney Matt Fogal has advocated for numerous individuals who were unfairly treated by law enforcement.
A proud, vocal supporter of racial justice, Attorney Fogal has dedicated his career to fighting injustices in our judicial system. With experience on both sides of the courtroom, your attorney is ready to put his prosecutorial insight to work for you.
What is Police Brutality?
Police brutality occurs when law enforcement uses excessive force against a civilian during an arrest or any interaction. Although an officer is allowed to use some level of force with an uncooperative individual, force that is beyond what an officer believes is reasonably necessary is considered excessive force. Excessive force is defined as “the application of force beyond what is reasonably believed to be necessary to gain compliance from a subject in any given incident.” When law enforcement uses verbal or physical abuse to coerce or intimidate a civilian, the officer commits misconduct.
Determining if the Use of Force Is Appropriate
The Commonwealth will examine all the circumstances surrounding your arrest to determine if the police officer used excessive force. This is known as reviewing the “totality of the circumstances.” This concept applies not just to the event itself, but also to the moments leading up to the encounter. Determining if excessive force was used will also involve determining if you felt free to leave or believed you were being detained.
Invoking Your Rights Following a Wrongful Arrest
Every year, too many people are arrested for crimes that the evidence may not ultimately support. There are several reasons an officer may make a false arrest, such as mistaken identity, false accusations, or arresting someone exercising their rights (such as a person at a protest). If you have been the victim of a wrongful arrest, you should invoke your rights, which include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Even if you are sure that the arrest is unjustified, speaking up may hurt you more than anything.
You have a legal right to know the charges against you. Although it is “best practice” for a police officer to inform you of these charges upon your arrest, you will be formally notified of the charges at your arraignment (first appearance in court). Before this, you must have an attorney present for any interactions you have with law enforcement.
False Arrests Due to Racial Profiling
Racial profiling, or the practice of suspecting an individual of a criminal offense based on their race, ethnicity, or national origin, has always been prevalent in the history of the United States. However, in recent years, the issue of racial profiling in law enforcement has had a significant impact, with stories of innocent individuals being wrongfully shot, beaten, and suffocated by officers.
Racial profiling has resulted in numerous false arrests. A false arrest can have a significant impact on a person’s life. It can make them ineligible to secure housing and a well-paying job, and it can jeopardize personal relationships. Individuals who have been detained by law enforcement without probable cause deserve to have their story told. At Matt Fogal Law Office, LLC, your attorney is dedicated to protecting your rights and will not let a false arrest decide your future.
Protecting Prisoners’ Rights
Although prisoners are stripped of their freedom, they do have the right to be free of discrimination. Prisoner discrimination can manifest itself in unfairness of job assignments, physical abuse, or any unjust treatment. If you have been the subject of racial disparity or religious discrimination in prison, civil rights lawyer Matt Fogal is prepared to fight for you. When you are represented by Attorney Fogal, he will conduct a thorough investigation into your case, collecting relevant evidence supporting your claim and identifying the parties who may be liable.
Although no amount of money can make up for the governmental injustice, a civil suit is designed to compensate you for the hardship you have endured. As a civil rights lawyer, attorney Fogal is committed to helping individuals recover for the pain and suffering they and their loved ones may have endured.
A Chambersburg Civil Rights Attorney Advocates for You
Racial discrimination may certainly reveal itself in our country’s criminal justice system. Sadly, racial profiling has led to wrongful arrests. If you have been the victim of racial bias, whether in a police officer using excessive force or a false arrest, you need to contact Matt Fogal Law Office, LLC. With years of experience as a District Attorney, he understands the tactics law enforcement may use to justify an officer’s actions. Don’t let yourself be another victim when there may be an attempt to hide an officer’s unconstitutional actions. To discuss your case, send a message or call (717) 868-8151.