Police Brutality

Name: Police Brutality
Brand: The Stuckey Firm
Rating: 4.9 (248 reviews)

Police brutality can leave you physically injured, emotionally shaken, and unsure whether anyone will hold the officer accountable. The Stuckey Firm helps clients pursue justice with clarity, respect, and a strategy built around what a meaningful outcome looks like for them.

When Force Becomes Abuse

A police encounter can escalate quickly. What begins as a routine interaction can become violent, humiliating, or terrifying when an officer uses force that is unnecessary or excessive. For many people, the harm is not only physical. It is the lasting sense of fear, confusion, and loss of dignity that follows when authority is used in a way that causes real damage.

Police brutality cases are deeply personal and often high-stakes. They require careful documentation, strong evidence, and a steady legal approach that protects your rights while respecting what you have been through. At The Stuckey Firm, we take these cases seriously and work with you, not just for you, through every step.

You deserve space to recover without constant calls and paperwork. We build cases with trial-ready strength, while still working toward resolution outside court.

What Is Police Brutality?

Police brutality is generally understood as the use of excessive or unlawful force by law enforcement. This can include strikes, punches, kicks, use of restraints, chokeholds, tasers, batons, firearms, or other force that is not justified by the situation. It may also involve force used after a person is already under control or no longer a threat.

Many brutality cases involve federal civil rights standards, including constitutional protections against unreasonable force. The U.S. Department of Justice Law Enforcement Misconduct Statute provides helpful context on how the federal government addresses unlawful police practices and excessive force issues in the broader civil rights landscape.

The Benefits of Working With a Police Brutality Lawyer

A Clear Strategy in a High-Stakes Case. Police brutality claims often involve complex legal defenses and high-pressure litigation tactics. A lawyer helps you understand the standards that apply and build a case that can withstand close scrutiny.
Support in a Traumatic Situation. Many clients feel overwhelmed and hesitant to speak out. Having counsel provides structure, guidance, and a steady point of contact so you are not navigating the process alone.
Evidence Preservation Before It Disappears. Excessive force cases frequently rely on body camera footage, dash cam video, witness statements, medical records, and official reports. Early legal action helps preserve evidence and strengthen credibility.
A Client-Centered Approach to Accountability. Not every client wants the same outcome. Some want compensation for injuries and trauma. Others want public accountability or policy change. We work with you to define what matters most.

Even when cases are set to go to court, they are frequently resolved in a beneficial settlement when you have our experience on your side.

Does My Situation Require Police Brutality Representation?

You may need legal help if you were injured during an encounter with law enforcement and believe the force used was excessive. Even if you were arrested or charged, that does not mean brutality was justified. If the force was disproportionate, retaliatory, or used after you were restrained, you may still have a claim.

You should also consider speaking with a lawyer if you have lasting physical injuries, emotional trauma, or medical documentation that supports the severity of what occurred. These cases can involve strict deadlines and procedural requirements, and early guidance helps protect your options.

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The Legal Process in Cases of Police Brutality What to Expect

Step One: A Detailed Intake Focused on the Use of Force

We start by listening to your account of what happened and reviewing injuries, medical care, witnesses, and any evidence you have. We also discuss what outcome you want and explain how excessive force claims are evaluated.

Step Two: Evidence Preservation and Records Requests

Police brutality cases often depend on records that must be requested quickly. This can include body camera footage, dispatch logs, incident reports, and jail records. The Ohio Public Records Act provides guidance on how public offices are required to maintain and provide records when properly requested.

Step Three: Claim Development and Legal Strategy

Once the evidence is gathered, we evaluate which legal claims apply and which parties may be responsible. In Ohio, access to many government records is governed by Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43, which outlines how public records requests work and what options may exist if records are withheld improperly.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Some police brutality cases are resolved through settlement. Others require litigation to pursue accountability and fair compensation. We prepare every case as though it will be challenged aggressively and help you decide when negotiation serves your goals and when litigation is necessary.

Examples of Police Brutality

Police brutality can occur in many ways, and the details matter. Common examples include:

Striking or injuring someone who is not resisting
Using force after a person is restrained or handcuffed
Unlawful restraint, including chokeholds or pressure that restricts breathing
Excessive use of tasers, batons, or other weapons
Use of force as retaliation for questioning an officer or asserting rights
Denial of medical care after force is used

Brutality often causes injuries such as fractures, head trauma, internal injuries, nerve damage, and lasting psychological harm. A strong legal claim connects those injuries to the unjustified or excessive force and shows why the force was not legally justified.

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“If you’re looking for a lawyer who is not only knowledgeable but also deeply human in their approach, I highly recommend Christian and The Stuckey Firm. They helped me tremendously, and I am truly grateful.”

—J.V.

Why Choose The Stuckey Firm?

A Client-First Firm That Works With You

Police brutality cases require trust and direct communication. We work with you, not just for you, taking time to understand your priorities, explain options clearly, and involve you in decisions throughout the case.

Trial-Ready Preparation for High-Stakes Claims

These cases often involve serious defense strategies and procedural challenges. We preserve evidence early, build credibility, and prepare thoroughly so your claim can withstand scrutiny, whether in negotiation or in court.

Credibility That Supports Meaningful Advocacy

Our attorneys are respected statewide and bring that credibility to every case we handle. We approach brutality cases with seriousness and purpose, protecting clients who deserve to be treated with dignity and heard with respect.

Police Brutality Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered excessive force in a police brutality case?

Excessive force generally means force that was not reasonable under the circumstances. This may include force used when there was no threat, when a person was not resisting, or after they were already restrained.

What kind of evidence matters in a police brutality case?

Video footage, medical records, photographs, witness statements, and incident reports can all support a claim. Early action is important because footage and records may be lost or overwritten if not preserved.

How long do I have to take legal action?

Deadlines depend on the type of claim and whether it is filed under federal or state law. Because timing can be strict, it is best to speak with a lawyer as early as possible to protect your options.

Can I file a claim if I was arrested or charged with a crime?

Yes. An arrest does not remove your civil rights. If the force used was disproportionate or unlawful, you may still have a claim depending on the facts and how the incident is documented.

What if the police report does not match what happened?

This is common in brutality cases. Independent evidence, including video, witnesses, and medical documentation, can help clarify what occurred. A thorough investigation helps address inconsistencies and build credibility.

Speak With a Lawyer About Police Brutality

If you believe you were subjected to excessive force, you do not have to carry that alone. Contact The Stuckey Firm to schedule a confidential consultation and get clear guidance from a team that will work with you from the start.