Police Excessive Force Lawyers in Licking County, Ohio

The use of excessive force by police is defined under Ohio law as a means of application of force which, either by the type of force used or the extent to which it is used, exceeds that which “reasonably appears to be necessary” under “all the circumstances surrounding the incident.” In addition, federal laws prohibit law enforcement officers from engaging in any patterns or practices of conduct that deprive people of rights protected by the U.S. Constitution and related laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These incidents not only destroy lives but they erode the community’s trust in law enforcement. They are the result, in part, of deficiencies in accountability, policy, supervision, and training. 

Still, it can be extremely difficult to determine whether you have been the victim of police misconduct, warranting a discussion with an experienced civil rights attorney to find out whether your rights have been violated and what your options might be. 

What is Excessive Force?

Excessive force can come in a variety of forms, including but not limited to the unnecessary use of harmful weapons, such as guns, pepper spray, and tasers, as well as physical brutality and verbal abuse. Under the law, “deadly force” includes but is not limited to applying force or weight to the throat or neck of someone else, discharging a firearm in the immediate vicinity of or directed toward someone else, or striking someone else in the head with an object. 

Some of the most common civil rights violations committed by police departments (and the cities in which they are housed) include the following:

• Unlawful discrimination against people with behavioral health disabilities in response to calls for assistance and against individuals based on race in enforcement activities, including in the use of force following stops;
• Use of excessive force, including unjustified deadly force and unreasonable use of tasers; and
• Various violations of protected speech.

It is also unacceptable for other officers to stand by and do nothing while their fellow officers use excessive force.

Columbus, Ohio Police Brutality Attorneys

Everyone deserves policing that is non-discriminatory, equitable, and fair. When police commit civil rights violations, both the police department and the city in which it resides can be held accountable for patterns and practices of conduct in violation of the U.S. Constitution and federal and state laws. 

If police brutality has harmed you or a loved one, and rights have been violated, our dedicated civil rights attorneys are here to help. You and your loved ones have the right to be free from discrimination and to be protected under the law. Contact our Columbus, Ohio, civil rights attorneys today to find out more about your options.