Georgetown Wrongful Arrest Lawyer

Georgetown Wrongful Arrest Attorney

Being wrongfully arrested is a terrifying and traumatic experience that can impact your life in several negative ways. It is important to be aware of your rights and how to protect yourself if you are ever subjected to a wrongful arrest. If you or a loved one has experienced this in Georgetown, whether you’ve been wrongfully arrested near Morgan Park or along South Fraser Street, a Georgetown wrongful arrest lawyer is here to fight for justice and protect you.

Why Hire Axelrod & Associates, P.A.?

Since the firm was established in 2005, the team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A. has been fighting for the civil rights of men and women across Georgetown and South Carolina. Wrongful arrest cases can be challenging, but we are up for the task. We have spent our careers protecting individuals like yourself and have the deep understanding needed to navigate these complex cases. No matter what your wrongful arrest includes, we are here to support you.

Situations That Call for a Wrongful Arrest Claim in Georgetown

In the United States, you have the right to go about your business in a free manner without having to worry about the intervention of the police unless you are doing something illegal. The police cannot simply go around arresting everyone they want to simply because they feel like it. They can only arrest individuals under lawful circumstances. In 2024 alone, Georgetown County recorded 3,551 criminal arrests, a 22.2% increase over the previous year.

However, not every arrest is based on truth and can even be considered unlawful or a violation of an individual’s civil rights. The most common situations that may provide you with grounds to file a wrongful arrest claim in Georgetown include:

• Improper warrants: This happens when an arrest is made based on an improperly obtained warrant, such as one secured on false information.
• Arrest without probable cause: This happens when a police officer arrests an individual without first establishing any basis for believing the individual was involved in a crime or that the crime was even committed in the first place.
• Racial profiling or discrimination: In the United States, it is illegal for police officers to discriminate against an individual on the basis of a protected characteristic. These characteristics include race, gender, religion, age, and other factors. If discrimination is what caused you to be arrested, you may be able to file a claim. 41% of Black Americans, for example, state that they have been detained by police because of their race.

If you believe that your arrest was wrongful, the team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., is here for you. Wrongful arrest cases are usually treated as a form of civil liability, and we are here to seek both justice and the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take to Seek Justice

Following a wrongful arrest in Georgetown, you have the right to seek justice. Your first step will be filing a complaint with the law enforcement agency that handled your arrest. It is important that you do this with the help of a civil rights attorney in Georgetown, as you will want someone on your side who understands your rights and can protect them.

When you go to submit your official complaint, there are certain details or forms of evidence you will want to include. Your attorney can help you gather and organize these details. The official record of your arrest that needs to be included in your complaint should include the following:

• The time and location of your wrongful arrest
• The names of the police officers involved in your arrest
• How the situation took place
• What was said by the police who arrested you
• A list of any items that may have been taken during your wrongful arrest
• If there were any witnesses present at the time of your arrest

FAQs About Georgetown, SC Wrongful Arrest Law

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Wrongful Arrest?

There are many reasons why you should hire a lawyer after you have suffered a wrongful arrest. Your attorney is there to walk you through every aspect of the legal system and can protect your legal rights. They can also gather evidence to support your claim, determine all parties who can be held liable, and maximize the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

What Are Some Common Defense Strategies for a Wrongful Arrest Case?

There are several common defense strategies that can be used in a wrongful arrest case, depending on the circumstances of your arrest. A skilled lawyer will know what strategy to use. These strategies include qualified immunity, the statute of limitations, and whether the police had probable cause to arrest you.

What Damages Might I Seek in a Wrongful Arrest Claim?

Depending on the extent and circumstances of your wrongful arrest case, there are several common types of damages you may be able to recover through an official legal claim. These damages can include medical bills, attorney fees, lost wages, punitive damages, bail, and any compensatory damages for any harm you suffered.

Can I Resist Unlawful Arrest in South Carolina?

Yes, according to a court ruling, you do have the ability to resist an unlawful arrest, but you need to be careful doing so. An arrest is not simply wrongful because it is based on false information. To be able to legally resist arrest, the arrest must be unlawful and based on either malice or bad faith. If you try to resist arrest, you also need to be aware of the fact that you risk suffering injury.

Hire a Wrongful Arrest Lawyer Today

When you are placed under wrongful arrest, it isn’t just a simple mistake made by law enforcement. It is a violation of your most basic human rights. When the police overstep, you are the one who suffers. At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., when you hire a wrongful arrest lawyer from our firm, we are here to fiercely defend your rights and seek justice. Contact our offices today to learn more about our civil rights services and schedule your consultation.