Anaheim Police Shooting Lawyer

Rarely a day goes by without a police shooting taking place in the United States. There were well over 1,000 fatal police shootings in 2015, and over 200 of those occurred in California. Shootings that do not result in death are less widely reported, but there are undoubtedly many of these as well. If you have been the victim of a police shooting – or are a family member of a victim who was fatally shot – it is important that you understand your legal rights.

What Is the Law?

In the landmark case of Tennessee v. Garner, the United States Supreme Court decided that a police officer cannot use deadly force “unless it is necessary to prevent the escape and the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others.” For lethal force to be justified, it must have been “objectively reasonable” for the officer to have believed that it was necessary, and the suspect must have posed a significant threat. As a result, whether a shooting was justified depends heavily on the facts of each case.

What Are My Legal Options?

If you believe that you or a loved one was the victim of an unjustified police shooting, you have the right to file a lawsuit. This lawsuit can allege a violation of constitutional rights, request civil compensation under tort law, or both. The first step is to contact an attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable in these areas of the law, so you can determine your best course of action.

I am attorney Scott D. Hughes, and I have extensive experience representing clients in cases that involve police shootings. I have practiced in Southern California for many years, and I would be happy to help you get the compensation and the justice that you deserve. Contact the Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes at 714-423-6928 to schedule a free consultation today.