In South Carolina, police brutality and misconduct are something we unfortunately see far too often. Taking an oath to serve and protect does not include a get-out-of-jail-free pass after an assault on an individual's civil rights. Experiencing police brutality or misconduct can leave lasting scars on victims and communities alike.
At the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, we are dedicated to holding law enforcement and their agencies accountable for their gross abuse of power while securing compensation for those who have suffered at their hands. We believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality, or socioeconomic status. If you’ve been affected by police brutality or misconduct, our Columbia attorneys are ready to fight for the rights of South Carolina residents.
How Police Brutality and Misconduct Violate Civil Rights in South Carolina
Police brutality and misconduct involve a range of unlawful actions that infringe upon fundamental civil rights. These actions can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims and their families.
Some common forms of police misconduct include:
- Excessive Force: The use of unreasonable or unnecessary force, often resulting in serious injury or death. This can include the use of firearms, tasers, batons, or physical restraints in situations where de-escalation tactics should have been employed.
- False Arrests and Imprisonment: The unlawful detention or arrest of an individual without probable cause. This can lead to wrongful convictions, prolonged incarceration, and the loss of employment, housing, and reputation.
- Discrimination and Racial Profiling: Targeting individuals based on race, ethnicity, religion, or other protected characteristics. This can lead to unwarranted stops, searches, and arrests, perpetuating systemic injustice.
- Illegal Searches and Seizures: Conducting searches without a warrant or probable cause violates an individual's Fourth Amendment rights. This can lead to the seizure of property and the invasion of privacy.
- Coercion and Fabrication of Evidence: Using intimidation or threats to obtain confessions or planting evidence to secure convictions. This undermines the justice system's integrity and can lead to wrongful convictions.
- Failure to Intervene: Officers in South Carolina have a duty to intervene when they witness another officer using excessive force or engaging in misconduct. Failure to do so can contribute to a culture of impunity and perpetuate abuse.
These are just some examples of the many ways in which police brutality and misconduct can violate civil rights in SC. It is important to remember that any action taken by law enforcement that exceeds their legal authority or infringes upon an individual's constitutional rights can be considered misconduct.
Qualified Immunity and Holding Officers Accountable
One of the biggest challenges in holding police officers accountable for their misconduct is the doctrine of qualified immunity. This doctrine shields government officials from civil liability unless their actions clearly violate established statutory or constitutional rights. This high standard of proof makes it incredibly difficult to hold officers accountable for their actions successfully.
Based in Columbia, the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson is committed to challenging qualified immunity claims and pursuing justice for South Carolina victims of police brutality or misconduct. We will not shy away from this fight.
Securing Compensation for Police Misconduct Victims in South Carolina
Victims of police misconduct in Columbia or throughout South Carolina may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses. This compensation can help cover the following:
- Medical expenses are the costs associated with treating physical injuries, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to injuries or wrongful imprisonment.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional distress caused by the misconduct.
- Punitive damages: In cases of egregious misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the officers and deter future abuse.
- Legal fees: The costs associated with pursuing a legal claim.
Securing compensation for police misconduct victims requires a thorough understanding of the law, meticulous evidence gathering, and skilled negotiation or litigation. At the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, Columbia's skilled attorneys have the experience and resources to effectively advocate for our clients around South Carolina and fight for the maximum compensation they deserve.
Why Choose the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson to Represent You?
Suppose you or a loved one has been a victim of police brutality or misconduct. In that case, you need an experienced and dedicated South Carolina civil rights attorney to fight for your rights. At the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson in Columbia, SC, we have a proven track record of success in holding law enforcement accountable for their abuses of power. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to providing compassionate and aggressive representation to our clients.
If you have experienced police brutality or misconduct in any form, do not hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. Our experienced civil rights attorneys are determined to hold officers accountable for their actions.
