Police Misconduct

Police and Corrections Brutality

I represent citizens in police misconduct cases because I believe with every fiber of my being the basic premise of The Founding Fathers:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness"

The government is formed by the people to help us solve civil disputes and protect us from domestic and foreign criminals. Patrick Henry said, "The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government lest it come to dominate our lives and interests." The government has only so much power as we grant it.

"A government is the most dangerous threat to man's rights: it holds a legal monopoly on the use of physical force against legally disarmed victims." -- Ayn Rand, Philosopher -- You have the right to be free from the use of excessive force by the government. Should the government abuse the power we granted it then we must revoke those powers or seek redress.

Every member of our society is entitled to equal protection from the tyranny of the government. The Declaration of Independence reminds us "All men are created equal." The bible also reminds us in Galation 3:28 that "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Unfortunately, members of the African American and low income social groups are often the victim of police misconduct. Socially disadvantaged groups need the protection from the government more than any other group.

In our history, people have condoned government abuse under the false belief that it makes them safer. However, those who would deny victims of police misconduct compensatory damages must be reminded that Benjamin Franklin said, "Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."

We are all entitled to fair and just compensation for injuries caused by the government. Henry David Thoreau wrote that, "Whatever the human law may be, neither an individual nor a nation can commit the least act of injustice against the obscurest individual without having to pay the penalty for it."

We place our trust in a jury system because it is the only means to hold the government to the principles of the constitution. Socially disadvantaged groups do not have the economic clout to change police procedures. That is why seeking damages before a jury for violation of our civil rights is the most powerful tool in reigning in abuse of government power.

All our civil rights cases are based upon a contingency fee arrangement. We do not charge clients any attorney fee unless we recover money for our clients.

You are entitled to compensatory damages for:

• Past and future medical expenses;
• Loss of earning, including future earnings;
• Physical and mental pain and suffering, including but not limited to damages for discomfort, disfigurement, humiliation, emotional trauma, loss of body function, injuries for racial discrimination and police misconduct or the death of a love one.

If your civil rights have been violated call immediately because the law limits the time you have to file a claim. Call us toll free at (888) 688-4878.

Notice of Claim

What is a Notice of Claim?

All tort Claims against the City of New York must be in writing and filed through the Comptroller's Office Bureau of Law & Adjustment pursuant to Section 50-e of the General Municipal Law. Within ninety (90) days from the date of the occurrence the Notice of Claim must be Notarized and served Personally or by Certified Mail. If a Notice of Claim in not timely filed you may lose your right to sue the City. Once your claim is filed the Comptroller's office with investigate it. The Comptroller's Office may settle the claim if it investigation of the facts and circumstances of the case. If the Comptroller's Office does not settle the claim then we must commence a lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitation.

Civilian Complaint Review Board

What is the Civilian Complaint Review Board?

If you or your love one has been a victim of police misconduct you have a right to file a complaint with New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). You have the right to file a complaint even if you are incarcerated.

Within 18 months of the date of the incident the offending officer must be served with the CCRB disciplinary charges. Therefore, you must act promptly of the offender may escape discipline. The law creates an exception to this deadline if the officer's conduct is a crime.

You should file a complaint to protect your civil liberties and create a record of the misconduct. If will aide in correct the police officer's conduct in the future or help change police policies and procedures.

Where to file a complaint?

You can reach the Civilian Complaint Review Board in person at its office, online, in writing, by telephone or by visiting any NYPD precinct.

Telephone: Dial 311

In Person:
Address: 40 Rector Street, 2nd Floor, New York, New York

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Internet: You can also file online here.

Mail: CCRB, 40 Rector Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Send a self-mailer complaint form (available by calling the CCRB)

Precinct Visit: You can visit any NYPD precinct and file your complaint in person.