The jury has spoken. Former Officer Derek Chauvin has been convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.
Let justice be done.
But keep this in perspective. For every Derek Chauvin, there are thousands of dedicated, honest, hard-working police officers who put their life on the line day in and day out to make sure our communities are safe.
Unfortunately, there are also plenty of bad apples in the basket.
As an American, your civil rights are guaranteed by the Constitution, as well as federal and state laws. A violation of these rights is not something that should be taken lightly.
When the people who should be responsible for protecting and enforcing these rights are the ones doing the violating, you need someone on your side.
The civil rights attorneys at Gilbert Law Firm are experienced civil rights lawyers ready to help you build a strong case and find an adequate remedy for your situation.
Civil Rights Violations and Police Misconduct
Sadly, the most common civil rights violations we see at the Gilbert Law Firm are instances of police misconduct.
We have represented clients who have been victimized by law enforcement in all types of ways:
- Wrongful arrests
- Excessive force and unjustifiable beatings
- Being run down by a police vehicle
- Shootings by an office
- Wrongful imprisonment
- Malicious prosecution
All of these clients had their constitutional rights violated by a rogue police officer.
To win a civil rights claim of this kind, the person bringing a police misconduct claim must prove that the actions of the police exceeded reasonable bounds, infringed upon the victim’s constitutional rights, and produced some injury (i.e., wrongful death, such as the case with the death of George Floyd).
The primary law in Washington that discusses police misconduct defines this misconduct as when a public servant (including law enforcement personnel):
- Intentionally commits an “unauthorized act” under the color of law, or
- Intentionally refrains from performing a duty imposed upon him or her by law.
Like in the instance of Former Officer Derek Chauvin, police misconduct in the state of Washington can also lead to criminal charges.
Government and Law Enforcement Accountability
As a prior law enforcement officer himself, Mr. Gilbert takes government accountability very seriously.
And because Mr. Gilbert once wore a gold star, he takes law enforcement abuse personally.
When a rogue officer unjustifiably beats another human being, injures or kills someone, it leaves a black mark on the entire law enforcement community.
As many politicians, activists, and public figures were quick to point out after Derek Chauvin’s verdict was read, “justice” and “accountability” are not the same.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a speech following the verdict:
“I would not call today’s verdict ‘justice’, however, because justice implies true restoration. But it is accountability, which is the first step towards justice.”
Pursuing civil rights claims, police misconduct claims, and even wrongful death claims are just another step on the path of accountability towards justice.
And the Gilbert Law Firm gives no quarter when it comes to rectifying civil rights violations borne out of abuse of power and authority by a law enforcement officer. We are happy to discuss your case with you as soon as possible.
Contact the Gilbert Law Firm for help with civil rights violations and police misconduct
If you or someone you know has experienced a violation of their civil rights by law enforcement or government authority, The Gilbert Law Firm will ensure your civil rights are protected. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
