Deadly Force Attorney in California | BNCL Law Firm

Deadly Force Attorney in California

Law enforcement officials are meant to protect the communities they serve. In California, the majority of officers follow the rules and standards outlined in the law and that they learned during their training. There are some individuals in law enforcement, though, who abuse the power that has been granted to them. If someone you love has been the victim of deadly force by a police officer, it is important to know that you may have a legal claim against the offending official. Our California deadly force lawyers at Burris, Nisenbaum, Curry & Lacy, can help you and your family claim the full damages that are justly yours.

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Shootings are often the first form of deadly force by a police officer that people often think of and unfortunately, they are all too common. However, deadly force can take other forms, as well, and they include:

  • The use of firearms: Police officers can only use their firearm in limited situations. They include when a police officer is defending themselves or another person from serious injury, or when an armed and dangerous suspect is trying to flee. Any use of firearms outside of these situations is considered excessive force.
  • The use of batons: Police officers are given specific instructions about when they can and cannot use their baton. Law enforcement is not allowed to use deadly force with these weapons, such as striking a suspect in the head, or continuing to strike them once the suspect has been subdued.
  • The use of tasers: Tasers are considered non-lethal devices, but that is not always the case. A person with a heart condition, for example, can suffer great harm including a fatal heart attack after being tased.
  • The use of chokeholds: Recent stories have shown just how dangerous chokeholds can be for a victim. Chokeholds are so likely to cause a fatality that many police departments have banned them.
The use of pepper spray: Pepper spray may seem like a fairly non-invasive way to subdue crowds and suspects, but it too, can cause real harm. For example, when pepper spray is used after a subject has been subdued, or after they have exhibited respiratory problems, it can be considered deadly force.
Tragically, the news stories have shown time and time again that many cases of deadly force are a result of racial profiling. These cases typically involve a violation of a person’s 14th Amendment right to due process. The right to due process states that law enforcement cannot remove a person’s basic rights to life, liberty, or property, without due process of the law. For example, if a police officer used deadly force during an arrest but they did not have probable cause to make that arrest, it could be a violation of the individual’s rights.
If you have lost someone, our California deadly force lawyers at Burris, Nisenbaum, Curry & Lacy, can answer any questions you have about how to move forward with your claim so you can recover the fair compensation you justly deserve. Call our team now or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
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    Our Offices

    Northern California Office Airport Corporate Centre
    7677 Oakport Street, Suite 1120
    Oakland, CA 94621
    Ph: (510) 839-5200
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    Beverly Hills, CA 90212
    Ph: (310) 601-7070
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    Ph: (415)654-9141

    Our Offices

    Northern California Office Airport Corporate Centre
    7677 Oakport Street, Suite 1120
    Oakland, CA 94621
    Ph: (510) 839-5200
    Southern California Office
    9701 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1000
    Beverly Hills, CA 90212
    Ph: (310) 601-7070
    For press inquiries,
    please contact:
    Lee Houskeeper
    newsservice@aol.com
    Ph: (415)654-9141
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