False Arrest Lawyer
False Arrest Lawyer Brooklyn, NY
Being wrongfully arrested can turn your life upside down in an instant. You may face jail time, public embarrassment, lost income, and lasting damage to your reputation, even when you did nothing wrong. A false arrest is not just a mistake. It is a violation of your civil rights, and you may have the right to pursue financial compensation.
At Cherny & Podolsky, our Brooklyn attorneys represent individuals who have been unlawfully detained or arrested without proper legal justification. From our office at 2681 East 14th Street in Brooklyn, we help clients hold law enforcement and other responsible parties accountable through civil claims. Call 718-449-5100 today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
$45M+
RECOVERED FOR CLIENTS
2008
ESTABLISHED IN BROOKLYN
$0
FEE UNLESS WE WIN
After the Accident
What to Do After a False Arrest in Brooklyn
Taking the right steps after a wrongful arrest can protect your rights and strengthen your case.
Seek Medical and Emotional Support
If you experienced physical force, stress, or trauma during your arrest, seek medical care immediately. Documentation of injuries or emotional distress can be critical evidence.
Document Everything You Remember
Write down every detail as soon as possible while the incident is still fresh in your mind. This should include the exact time and location of the arrest, the names or badge numbers of the officers involved, and any witnesses who were present. You should also describe what was said during the interaction and how the arrest was carried out, including whether any force was used. Capturing these details early helps preserve accuracy and can become critical evidence when building your case.
Preserve Evidence
Save any evidence connected to the incident as soon as possible. This includes photos or videos from the scene, the clothing you were wearing during the arrest, and any visible damage or injuries. You should also keep all medical records related to treatment, along with any court documents or release paperwork you received. Preserving this evidence can play a key role in proving what happened and supporting your claim.
Avoid Speaking Without Legal Counsel
Do not provide statements or sign documents without speaking to an attorney. Anything you say can be used against your claim.
Contact a False Arrest Lawyer Immediately
Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence, identify rights violations, and build a strong civil case.
Common Causes
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a False Arrest?
False arrest cases often involve more than just one officer. Multiple parties may be legally responsible.
Law Enforcement Officers
Law enforcement officers may be held liable when they act outside the bounds of the law during an arrest. This can include situations where an individual is arrested without probable cause, subjected to excessive force, or has their constitutional rights violated. When these actions occur, they may form the basis of a civil claim for false arrest and related damages.
Police Departments and Municipalities
Police departments and municipalities may also be held accountable when systemic issues contribute to a false arrest. This can include situations involving improper training, failure to adequately supervise officers, or policies and practices that lead to unlawful arrests. When these broader failures are present, liability may extend beyond the individual officer to the agency responsible for oversight.
Private Security or Store Personnel
Retail stores, malls, and private security may be liable for wrongful detention or false accusations.
Employers or Businesses
Employers who report false information or wrongfully detain individuals may share liability.
Transit and Public Authorities
False arrests occurring on subways, buses, or public property may involve transit authorities or contracted security.
Injuries We Handle
Damages and Harm Caused by False Arrest
A false arrest can cause both physical and long-term personal damage.
- Physical injuries from excessive force
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Reputational harm
- Loss of employment or income
- Legal costs and court-related expenses
- Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Wrongful detention or time spent in custody
Your Recovery
What Compensation Can You Recover
False arrest claims in New York allow victims to pursue compensation from law enforcement agencies and any other liable parties. Unlike criminal cases that focus on punishment, civil claims focus on compensating you for the full impact the arrest has had on your life.
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Legal fees and court-related expenses
- Out-of-pocket costs related to the arrest
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of freedom and personal dignity
- Damage to reputation
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium for your family
Why Cherny & Podolsky
Brooklyn’s Trusted Civil Rights Law Firm Since 2008
We Hold Authorities Accountable
We pursue claims against law enforcement agencies, municipalities, and private entities that violate your rights.
Proven Results
Our firm has recovered over $45 million for injured clients across Brooklyn and New York.
Local Experience in Brooklyn
We understand the Brooklyn court system, local police procedures, and how civil rights claims are handled in New York.
Multilingual Legal Team
We serve clients in multiple languages, ensuring clear communication every step of the way.
No Fee Unless We Win
You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Direct Attorney Access
You work directly with your attorney from start to finish.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue for false arrest in Brooklyn?
Yes. If you were arrested without probable cause or legal justification, you may file a civil claim. False arrest cases are separate from criminal proceedings and focus on your rights being violated.
How long do I have to file a false arrest claim in New York?
Deadlines vary depending on the parties involved. Claims against government entities often require filing a notice of claim within a shorter timeframe. Acting quickly is critical.
What if charges against me were dropped?
If charges were dismissed, it may strengthen your case. However, even if charges were initially filed, you may still have a valid false arrest claim depending on the circumstances.
Can I file a claim if I was partially involved in the situation?
Possibly. Each case depends on whether the arrest itself was legally justified. Even if a situation escalated, unlawful arrest procedures may still create liability.
How much is a false arrest case worth?
The value depends on factors like time spent in custody, emotional impact, financial loss, and whether excessive force was involved. Each case is unique.
Wrongfully Arrested in Brooklyn? Take Action Today.
A false arrest can have lasting consequences, but you have the right to fight back. Civil claims allow you to hold those responsible accountable and recover compensation for what you have been put through.
Call 718-449-5100 today for a free consultation. Our Brooklyn office is ready to review your case, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
