Signs You May Have Been Wrongfully Arrested in NYC
Getting arrested in NYC is a traumatic experience that catches many people off guard. While you might think law enforcement was simply doing their job, not every arrest is necessarily legal. If you were recently arrested, there are a few clear warning signs that may point to a wrongful arrest. Find out what they are and how a criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights in this situation.
Charges Were Dropped Soon After Your Arrest
In some cases, law enforcement might make quick assumptions and arrest someone on the spot. If the prosecutors quickly drop their charges soon after you’re taken into custody, this may suggest there wasn’t enough evidence to begin with. Whether they had the wrong person or rushed the process to convict someone, there are many reasons why police officers might make snap decisions.
That being said, not every dropped charge leads to a wrongful arrest. A police officer who can prove probable cause can still be considered to have acted legally by the court.
There Was Little or No Evidence Against You
An arrest should be made based on clear facts backed by evidence. If there’s no real proof, there may be grounds for a case. Look out for a lack of physical evidence, witness statements, or documentation linking you to any sort of offense. Remember, police need to act on more than assumptions to justify your arrest. Suspicion alone isn’t enough to take you into custody.
You Weren’t Told Why
When you’re arrested, the police officer often tells you why it’s happening. But if they skipped this step, this might be a cause for concern. This is especially alarming if there weren’t any specific charges or accusations that followed. While this isn’t necessarily proof on its own, it can strengthen your case based on your case’s details.
The Police Violated Your Rights
Police have a strict code of conduct and discipline have a strict code of conduct and discipline they need to follow. These regulations also cover arrests.
Unfortunately, not every officer will necessarily follow them. If law enforcement used excessive force, coercive questioning, or general misconduct, it can raise doubts about whether they handled the process appropriately. These actions don’t point to a wrongful arrest, but they can be used as broad evidence if you prove the arrest was false.
Protect Your Rights With The Right Lawyer
Understanding whether you were a victim of a wrongful arrest depends on your case’s circumstances. If you’re unsure whether your NYC arrest was false or not, hiring a criminal defense lawyer might be the right move. We can help you determine whether law enforcement violated your rights and recover damages.
Since 1952, our attorneys at Edelman, Krasin & Jaye, PLLC have helped thousands of arrest victims across NYC and Long Island protect their rights and achieve a favorable outcome in court. Please contact us at (866) 931-4254 to schedule a free case review and learn more about how to protect your rights today.