Don’t flee the police. You will be charged with an additional crime.
Don’t try to explain yourself to the officer.
Do ask for a lawyer. It doesn't matter if you can't afford one. As soon as you ask for a lawyer, the officers must stop talking to you.
The officer asks you to take tests to observe your motor skills. But, no matter how you think you performed, the cop will say you failed. If the officer asks you to do any of the following, Say NO!:
Some civil rights lawsuits are settled within days of filing the complaint in federal court; others are not resolved until several years later. After the attorneys file your complaint, the parties to the lawsuit engage in written “discovery.” Taking discovery in a civil case means that the attorneys representing each party send written questions and documents back and forth about the allegations, factual circumstances and damages in a case. Written discovery usually means that your lawyer will get all police reports, your medical records, your expenses and any other evidence about what happened to you. After written discovery is completed, lawyers take depositions (a series of questions and answers given under oath) of anyone with relevant information. You will give a deposition, accompanied by an attorney from Shiller Preyar. Your attorney will also depose the officers involved in your case. After depositions, your case will go to trial in federal court. If your case goes to trial, a jury will see evidence and hear testimony and then decide whether to award you money or not.
At any point during this process, the defense may offer to settle your case. If this happens, you and your attorney will discuss whether the settlement is a fair one and should be taken. Patience is critical after you have filed a civil rights lawsuit. Most cases take months, or even years, to come to an end.
This FAQ section partially answers questions you may have about hiring an attorney and litigation of a case. Please contact us if you have more questions.
T: 312-226-4590 T: 877-45-WE-WIN F: 773-346-1221 info@shillerpreyar.com
The Shiller*Preyar Law Office 601 S. California Ave. Chicago, IL 60612