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Six Types of Police Misconduct to Watch Out For

by | May 3, 2023 | Civil Rights Law

Police officers are supposed to be responsible for maintaining public safety, investigating crimes, and apprehending criminals, all while respecting the rights of citizens. However, police officers will sometimes act in a manner unbecoming of their profession, resulting in unnecessary and avoidable harm. Here are six types of police misconduct you should watch out for if you ever have an interaction with law enforcement:

  1. Use of excessive force
    • One of the most common forms of police misconduct comes from the use of excessive force. This is when an officer uses violent force to detain or restrain a suspect far beyond what is actually necessary, resulting in undue harm to the suspect. This can result in severe injuries, or in some cases, may even result in a suspect’s death, before they have even been formally charged with a crime.
  2. Racial profiling
    • Another shockingly common form of police misconduct is the use of racial profiling. This is when a police officer specifically targets someone based on their apparent race or ethnicity, subjecting them to interrogation, search, seizure, or arrest. This can result in significant violations of someone’s civil and constitutional rights, and even put them in danger of prosecution for no reason.
  3. Witness tampering
    • When people think of witness tampering, they may imagine corrupt lawyers or shady criminals trying to intimidate witnesses into silence. However, some police officers will exert their influence on witnesses as well, convincing them to testify in a certain way that is beneficial to them. This type of police misconduct can be used to further a legally shaky prosecution, or to prevent witnesses from reporting other types of misconduct.
  4. Unlawful search and seizure
    • Police are prohibited from performing an unreasonable search and seizure without probable cause, according to the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. However, police will sometimes conduct a search of a person’s belongings or residence without a valid reason, or even seize property without it actually being evidence of a crime. Even if you are not prosecuted, you can still have your privacy violated and your property taken by police.
  5. Coerced confessions
    • When people are arrested and interrogated by the police, they can face extraordinary pressure to confess to a crime, regardless of whether they actually did anything wrong. When interrogators cannot get a confession through conventional means, they may resort to illegal methods, like denying access to food or water, or preventing someone from using the bathroom. This type of police misconduct is incredibly effective at coercing confessions, and may lead to a false prosecution.
  6. Malicious prosecution
    • This type of police misconduct comes about when a police officer or prosecutor chooses to bring a criminal case despite a lack of evidence of a crime. Even if a case is ultimately thrown out, it can lead to substantial civil rights violations, lost income, and reputational damage. When a malicious prosecution results in a conviction or plea deal, the damage can potentially last a lifetime.

Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We specialize in assisting clients who have been injured due to exposure to environmental toxins, including veterans and their loved ones. If you need legal assistance due to toxic exposure or other related matters, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.

Williams Cedar Says Motorists Should Watch out for Other Drivers Who Are Not Watching the Road

by | Apr 11, 2023 | Personal Injury Law

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

HADDONFIELD, NEW JERSEY — Gerald Williams and David Cedar, partners in Williams Cedar LLP, are announcing that April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and telling motorists that they should be aware of other drivers who are not paying attention to the road. If they are involved in a crash with a distracted driver, they should seek legal help immediately.

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Laundress and Fabuloso Products Recalled Due to Bacterial Contamination

by | Mar 29, 2023 | Product Liability Law

Two major recalls have been issued in the past few months for Laundress and Fabuloso cleaning products, due to bacterial contamination of their products. The bacteria found in these products is relatively harmless for healthy people, but can be potentially life-threatening to people with certain chronic health problems. Anyone who has these products should stop using them immediately, and if they suffer any negative health effects, should see a doctor as soon as possible.

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Williams Cedar Sues Unilever for Wrongful Death of 5-Year-Old Girl

by | Mar 28, 2023 | Product Liability Law

Gerald Williams and David Cedar, partners in Williams Cedar LLP, announced today that they have filed a lawsuit against Unilever United States, Inc. and others on behalf of Ashley Sites and Gabriel Yibale, who are seeking damages for the death of Elliana Yibale, the plaintiffs’ five-year-old daughter.

The lawsuit alleges that Elliana, who was born with congenital abnormalities and was immunocompromised, died due to exposure to dangerous bacteria that was found in a line of fabric treatments and home cleaning products under the product name “The Laundress.” These products were sold by the company of the same name from 2004 to 2019, when Unilever bought the company. Unilever continued to market The Laundress brand name until November 2022, when elevated levels of bacteria were found in these products, causing Unilever to recall the entire product line.

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