Florida Police Shooting Attorney
It seems that the number of police shootings has been on the rise in recent years across the US, and there are many disturbing trends on the topic that affect individuals in Florida. Mapping Police Violence, a collaborative effort that highlights the frequency of unjustified violence by law enforcement, reports that an average of 75 individuals are killed by police every year in Florida. Of these deaths, 70 – more than 93 percent – are the result of shootings. Plus, hundreds of other victims suffer serious injuries when officers inappropriately use a firearm as deadly force.
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a police shooting you believe was unjustified, there are legal options for holding the responsible parties accountable. Our lawyers at Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. will be at your side in seeking justice, so please contact us to schedule a no-cost case evaluation with a Florida police shooting attorney. You might also find it useful to review some basic information.
Legal Questions on Police Use of Force
The US and Florida Constitutions protect individuals from various forms of government abuse, including excessive use of force by law enforcement. It may be a violation of your civil rights, specifically the Fourth Amendment protections from unlawful search and seizure, if an officer takes things too far by exercising deadly force through use of a firearm.
Through US Supreme Court cases interpreting civil rights issues, the standard is whether police have a reasonable suspicion that a suspect is armed and presently dangerous. These cases are very fact-specific, so there are multiple factors that weigh into whether the officer’s suspicion is reasonable, including:
- The severity of the crime that the suspect is believed to be committing;
- Whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to officers or other people;
- The extent to which the suspect is actively, forcefully resisting arrest;
- Whether the suspect is attempting to flee to avoid arrest; and,
- Many others.
Victims of Police Shooting Misconduct Do Have Rights
When an officer violates constitutional law by shooting an individual, there may be penalties connected to his or her employment. This punishment does not compensate the victim of the shooting, but there are other legal remedies you can pursue. Our attorneys at Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. will assist with the process to ensure you obtain proper compensation for your losses. You may be entitled to:
- Economic damages, such as medical costs, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses;
- Pain and suffering and other non-economic damages;
- Attorney’s fees; and,
- Punitive damages, which are levied upon an officer as a form of punishment and to discourage others from engaging in other firearm-related misconduct.
Get Legal Help from a Florida Police Shooting Lawyer
To learn more about your rights after a police shooting or other misconduct, please call 305-445-1111 or go online to reach Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. We can set up a free consultation at our offices in Coral Gables, FL. Once we review your circumstances, we can advise you on options for seeking compensation for your losses.
