Top NYC Police Brutality Lawyers and Civil Rights Attorneys

Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf has a national reputation for their expertise in the area of civil rights in connection with police misconduct. One of the firm's most notable nyc police brutality cases was the representation of the Diallo family for the wrongful death of their son Amadou, who was shot at 41 times by members of the New York City Police Department's Street Crimes Unit. If you are a loved one were victims of police misconduct in NYC, contact us today for a free consultation.

The Amadou Diallo Case Was One of the Most High Profile Police Brutality Cases in New York City

The Diallo case was covered extensively by the national media and GGCRBHS&M partners Robert Conason and Anthony Gair led the legal team that ultimately forced the City of New York to pay $3 million to the Diallo family. This amount is the largest amount ever paid by the City of New York in a wrongful-death action for the death of a single individual with no dependents.

The Civil Rights Act of 1871 is codified in Title 42, Section 1983 of The United States Code (42 U.S.C. §1983). It essentially protects any citizen of the United States from being deprived of constitutional rights and privileges by the government or any government-related entity.

To prevail in a civil rights action under §1983, a plaintiff must establish: (1) that defendants deprived decedent of a right secured by the constitution or laws of the United States, and (2) that such deprivation was committed by person(s) acting under color of state law. Officially promulgated ordinances, regulations and departmental directives give rise to municipal liability under section 1983 if such policies and decisions lead to a deprivation of constitutional rights. Municipalities are liable under section 1983 for de facto policies or practices which engender constitutional deprivation; informal actions, if they reflect general policy, custom, practice or pattern of official conduct which even tacitly encourage conduct depriving individuals of their constitutional rights satisfies section 1983 standards. See Damages for Loss of Life in a New York Wrongful Death Action for Violation of Civil Rights Brought Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §1983

Related Pages When Do You Need a Police Misconduct Attorney?

Excessive force—also known as police misconduct or police brutality—is when police misuse their legal power during routine car stops, questioning, or any other law enforcement pursuits. While Officers are here to protect and serve the public, they are also required to uphold the constitution and use appropriate force when they investigate crimes. When law enforcement cross the line of duty and violate an individual’s constitutional rights, they can be subject to civil liability for their actions.

Common Types of Police Misconduct
  • Racial profiling
  • Making False Arrests
  • Using excessive force
  • Surveillance Abuse
  • Assault
  • Verbal Attacks
  • Abuse of Legal Power
  • Corruption and Bribes
Police Stereotyping

Stereotyping is used by police to ensure their safety as well as others, yet at times these stereotypes are too extreme. Stereotyping can be overlooked leading to prejudice and bias based on many areas including gender, race, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. The nyc police brutality lawyers at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf have more than 100 years of experience representing clients who have suffered police misconduct, police brutality and civil rights abuses. If excessive force have been used by the police against you or you feel that your civil rights have been violated, please contact us to discuss your case.

Disclaimer: Please be advised that the results achieved in any given case depend upon the exact facts and circumstances of that case. Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf cannot guarantee a specific result in any legal matter. Any testimonial or case result listed on this site is based on an actual legal case and represents the results achieved in that particular case, and does not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction of the outcome of any other legal matter.

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"Everyone I communicated with at this firm made me feel like I was part of their family. My needs, feelings, and concerns were carefully considered and given the needed attention. My counselors were available whenever I needed them and became my personal friends. They came highly recommended and lived up to their reputation. I would recommend them to any of my friends without hesitation. This firm gives attorneys a "good name". Clients matter here. They made me feel like I mattered as a person, that I was valued, and not just a possible source of income for the firm. They earned their fees, and you will find that they will also earn your trust." N.W.
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"My husband was in a coma with very little chances to survive, due to a car accident. The compassion and professionalism that they showed myself and my family during such a difficult time combined with an incredible willingness to get the best results for us have shown us that we had made the absolute best choice. They not only fought extremely hard for what proved to be a very difficult case, but they also emotionally helped us through this incredible ordeal and have been a caring advocate for our family and our case. They got us the best results we could have expected given the circumstances and didn't give up when things got more challenging." [Extract] V.P.
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"August 2020, my mother was in a horrific car accident. I contacted Gair Gair Conason to handle my mother's case. Everyone at the firm who helped us with the case did such a fantastic job with being so efficient. We could not have been more satisfied with the services we received." [Extract] K.C.