Police and the people they stop
An officer can only go so far, and some go further
The law lets police stop, search and arrest people only in set ways. When an officer goes past those lines, you may have a claim for damages and sometimes a way to change what the department does.
We take cases from Memphis and Shelby County. We can't defend you against a criminal charge. That needs a defense lawyer, and we'll tell you how to find one.
What counts as going too far
Four kinds of harm bring most people to us.
Force that wasn't needed
Punches, holds, tasers or a dog used on someone who posed no danger, or kept up after they stopped resisting.
An arrest with no reason
Being taken into custody when no crime had been committed and no officer could point to one.
A search without cause
Your pockets, car or home searched with no warrant, no consent and no good reason.
Payback for speaking up
Threats, stops or charges after you filmed an officer or filed a complaint.
Do these first, while it's fresh
- Write down the date, the time, the place and any badge or patrol car numbers.
- Get medical care, and keep the records and photos of every injury.
- Save video, texts and names of anyone who saw it.
- Don't sign anything from the city or the department until you've called us.
Questions about police cases
Can you stop my criminal case?
No. A criminal charge needs a defense lawyer. We can sometimes work alongside one, and we'll help you find one if you need it.
Can I sue the officer himself?
Sometimes. The law shields officers in many situations, so the exact facts matter. We'll tell you plainly how strong we think a claim is before you decide.
How long do I have?
Less than people expect. Deadlines for claims against police and cities are short, and they vary by state and by who is sued. Call as soon as you can.
Start with what you remember
Even a few details are enough for us to tell you whether we can help.