Reports of police brutality around the country show a growing problem with the use of excessive force by some police officers when they are apprehending suspects. The medical, emotional, and physical consequences of being a victim of police brutality can be severe.
Different Types of Police Brutality in South Carolina
Attorney Chase Harbin is an advocate for those who have experienced police brutality.
As in other states, police brutality in South Carolina may include:
- Sexual Assault
- Blackmail and/or coercion
- Racial Profiling
- Unnecessary strip searches
- Unnecessary physical violence.
The South Carolina law office of Chase Harbin encourages anyone who believes they or a loved one has been a victim of police brutality or excessive force to hire a qualified attorney to assist you in receiving the monetary compensation you may deserve.
Situations That Cause Police Brutality/Excessive Force in South Carolina
While every case is unique, there are certain situations that you or a loved one may find themselves in that has the potential to lead to police brutality and/or excessive force. They include:
- You were chocked and/or suffered a beating by police officers while you were being restrained,
- You were not armed when you were beaten or shot by a police officer during an arrest
- You were beaten by prison guards while waiting for your bond or trial
- Police officers or prison guards sexually abused you
- The police officer used a weapon or Taser on you while you were being arrested or being given a ticket for a minor offense
It can be difficult to file a criminal charge against police officers for excessive force and/or police brutality in South Carolina and other states. This is because it’s the police officers that complete the report after the incident you were involved in, and these reports could be written to put the police officer in a favorable light.
SC Police Immunity Laws
Federal statute 42 U.S.C. §1983 is normally the civil rights law you may be able to use if you or a loved one is the victim of police brutality and/or excessive force in South Carolina.
Any police officer or other law enforcement personnel who is performing their job properly has immunity from a lawsuit because there isn’t a violation of your civil rights. However, if there’s willful and/or unreasonable behavior on the part of the police officer or other law enforcement personnel, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the police officer, or other law enforcement personnel.
What to Do If You’ve Been a Victim of Police Brutality in South Carolina
Many of the victims are injured but go straight to jail. If possible, you should do the following things:
- Take photographs of your injuries to document them.
- Get medical treatment immediately
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses
- Talk to an attorney as soon as possible.
Why You Need an Attorney for Your Police Brutality Claim
If you believe someone in law enforcement deprived you of your constitutional rights, then you may have a Section 1983 lawsuit. In South Carolina and other states, police brutality cases can be extremely complex. There must be enough evidence to support you or your loved one’s claim. South Carolina attorney, Chase Harbin, encourages you to seek out a qualified attorney if you or a loved one has been a victim of police brutality and/or excessive force.
