San Mateo Police Brutality Attorney Near You

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a police officer’s misconduct in San Mateo, you are not alone – and you have legal options. For over four decades, the attorneys at Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP have fought to hold law enforcement accountable for unlawful conduct.

Police brutality cases are emotionally devastating and typically involve government agencies with significant resources. That’s why having a San Mateo police brutality lawyer who is aggressive and knowledgeable is the key to pursuing accountability. The seasoned attorneys at CHM Law Firm have recovered multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in complex cases in California, and we’re ready to fight on your behalf.

Our team is here to fight for justice and pursue the compensation you deserve for being subject to abuse by law enforcement, including the following:

Contact our firm to speak with a San Mateo police brutality attorney about your case, what compensation may be available, and what steps to take next.

Why You Should Hire a San Mateo Police Brutality Lawyer

Police brutality continues to be a serious concern in San Mateo and throughout California. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, approximately 56% of people who sustain serious injuries during law enforcement encounters are unarmed.

Many victims feel powerless when facing the legal system, especially when the offender is a law enforcement officer protected by the very institutions meant to serve the public. Working with a knowledgeable attorney is the best way to level the playing field and fight for justice.

At CHM Law Firm, our lawyers pair compassionate client care with relentless courtroom advocacy. This combination allows us to fight effectively for justice while treating you with the respect, attention, and dignity you deserve.

Why Choose CHM Law Firm for Your Police Brutality Case?

The attorneys at CHM Law Firm are skilled in investigating law enforcement misconduct, gathering critical evidence, and building strong civil rights claims. We are not intimidated by government agencies or their legal teams, and we won’t back down when seeking accountability.

With over 40 years of experience representing victims of serious injury and misconduct, our firm has a long-standing commitment to protecting California’s consumers and working families. Our attorneys are professional, aggressive, and knowledgeable. We possess a comprehensive understanding of the intricate laws governing police misconduct and civil rights violations.

Our Approach to Seeking Justice

At CHM Law Firm, we deliberately take a limited number of cases so that every client receives the focused, high-level representation they deserve. We take the time to get to know you and your family. Our lawyers and legal support staff want to know how the misconduct has impacted your physical health, mental and emotional well-being, and daily life. Then, we investigate your claim and develop a strong legal strategy.

In every police brutality case we handle, our goals are twofold: to secure justice for our clients, and to help drive change in law enforcement policies and practices. If you’ve been the victim of police brutality, contact us today to find out how we can help.

What Compensation Could I Recover in a Police Brutality Claim?

When law enforcement officers violate your civil rights, the consequences are often physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. A successful police brutality claim can provide the compensation you need to begin healing and hold those responsible accountable.

The type of compensation available depends on the unique facts of your case. Victims of police brutality may be entitled to several types of damages, including the following:

• Medical expenses for treatment related to your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity if the injuries forced you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn a living in the future
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by your injuries and traumatic experience
• Punitive damages in rare cases of particularly egregious conduct (such as falsification of evidence, perjury, or sexual misconduct) to punish the officer and deter future abuse

Securing compensation helps you rebuild your life. It also sends a clear message to law enforcement agencies that misconduct has consequences. Our firm fights for full and fair compensation that reflects the true scope of your suffering. Beyond compensation, your case may help set a legal precedent, create pressure for reform, and make California safer for others.

What Is Police Brutality?

Police brutality occurs when law enforcement officers abuse their power by engaging in violent, oppressive, or discriminatory conduct that violates a person’s Constitutional rights. Generally, their actions violate protections guaranteed under the Fourth Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the Fourteenth Amendment, which ensures due process and equal protection under the law.

In short, police brutality is a civil rights violation that undermines public trust and causes lasting harm to individual people as well as their communities. Victims of police brutality may be able to pursue civil claims against officers, departments, or municipalities.

What Are Common Types of Police Brutality and Misconduct in San Mateo?

Police misconduct takes many forms, and unfortunately, San Mateo residents are not immune to its impact. Whether during routine traffic stops or in more severe interactions, some law enforcement officers abuse their authority.

Police brutality goes hand-in-hand with other forms of misconduct. The following are the most common types of police brutality and misconduct:

• Excessive Force – This includes the use of unreasonable physical force such as baton strikes, tasers, chokeholds, or unwarranted shootings. This is particularly egregious when a person is unarmed, restrained, or not resisting. Excessive force is one of the most dangerous forms of misconduct.
• False Arrest – False arrest occurs when a person is detained without a valid warrant or legal justification. In many cases, victims are held on baseless charges that are later dropped, but the damage to their lives and reputations is already done.
• Falsification of Evidence – Some officers attempt to justify their unlawful actions by altering, planting, or fabricating evidence. This undermines the entire justice system and can lead to wrongful convictions.
• Perjury – When officers lie under oath during investigations or court proceedings, it is perjury. This deliberate deception can obstruct justice.
• Racial Profiling – Targeting individuals based solely on race or ethnicity is both discriminatory and unconstitutional. Racial profiling remains a persistent issue. It often leads to unwarranted stops, searches, and arrests.
• Unwarranted Surveillance – Police may use surveillance tools to monitor people or groups without a legal basis. This type of overreach is particularly concerning when aimed at marginalized communities or activists.
• Unwarranted Search and Seizure – Illegal searches and the confiscation of personal property without a warrant or probable cause violate Fourth Amendment rights.
• Sexual Misconduct – Any form of sexual assault, harassment, or coercion by law enforcement, especially when someone is in custody, is an egregious abuse of power.

If you’ve been a victim of police brutality or misconduct, reach out to CHM Law Firm today to learn how we can help.

What Are Causes of Police Brutality in San Mateo?

Police brutality often stems from a combination of individual misconduct and broader institutional failures. One major contributing factor is inadequate training or supervision, which can leave officers ill-prepared to handle high-pressure situations. Institutional bias and racial profiling are also persistent problems. Left unaddressed, this can lead to disproportionate targeting and mistreatment in minority communities. In addition, when officers with a known history of misconduct are not disciplined or removed, it sends a message that abusing their power is acceptable.

Systemic challenges also play a significant role. Legal protections, such as qualified immunity, can shield officers from accountability, even in clear cases of abuse. Internal investigations can lack transparency and are rarely subject to independent review, which makes it difficult for victims to get justice.

What Should I Do If I Was a Victim of Police Brutality in San Mateo?

If you’ve been a victim of police brutality, take immediate steps to protect yourself and your case. First, seek medical attention and document all injuries. Write down everything you remember, including names, badge numbers, and possible witnesses. Preserve any physical evidence (such as clothing and medical reports) and obtain copies of official police reports, if possible.

Finally, avoid speaking with law enforcement or internal investigators without legal representation present. You could damage your case, even inadvertently, if you say the wrong thing. Instead, contact a San Mateo police brutality attorney at CHM Law Firm to safeguard your rights and begin building your case.

What Evidence Could Be Used to Prove a Police Brutality Claim?

Building a strong police brutality claim requires clear, compelling evidence. Common types include the following:

• Body cam and dash cam footage
• Medical records and expert testimony
• Eyewitness accounts
• Police reports and disciplinary histories
• Surveillance video from nearby buildings or bystanders

The sooner you contact CHM Law Firm, the stronger your case may be. Key evidence can be altered or lost over time. Our team acts quickly to subpoena crucial records and video footage before they disappear. We collaborate with forensic and medical experts to analyze injuries and confirm misconduct. Finally, we investigate officers’ backgrounds to uncover patterns of abuse or prior complaints.