When a police officer stops or arrests someone, they have an obligation to act responsibly and not use excessive force. As we have recently seen there are many times when rogue police officers act with excessive force and cause injuries or death. When this happens the victim of the police brutality has the right to bring a legal claim against the police officers and the City or State.

Last week, the arrest by police of Eric Garner, was caught on video by a bystander using his cell phone This attempted arrest resulted in Garner’s death. The video shows Garner trying to step away from the police as they maneuver to get him into a chokehold and pin him down on the sidewalk. You can hear Garner trying to tell the police that he is in trouble and can’t breathe. Garner suffered from asthma. Garner died right there on the sidewalk from what doctors later confirmed was a heart attack caused by the incident.

Police Commissioner William Bratton promised a complete investigation into the arrest and made note that a chokehold was not permitted in police procedures.

While the police have an incredibly difficult job, the object of that job is to keep the peace and not make citizens live in fear of contact with them. This is not the Wild West. There is a code of conduct that the police must follow so that their actions fit the crime or the misdemeanor.

The attorneys at Ronemus and Vilensky have handled numerous police abuse, excessive brutality and false arrest cases for their clients. While no amount of money can make right the bigotry, red tape and job stress that would cause a police officer to act aggressively inflicting undue pain and suffering to someone, taking these cases to court is important to keep those in uniform held to the high standards of their office.

If you, or a loved one has suffered police brutality or experienced wrongful arrest, contact the experienced attorneys at Ronemus and Vilensky who will treat your case with respect and invest the time and energy it deserves to get you just compensation.