In a city as large and diverse as Los Angeles, law enforcement plays a critical role in keeping communities safe. Most officers with the LAPD, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and surrounding agencies such as Glendale, Pasadena, Torrance, and Long Beach serve with professionalism and dedication. Their work is demanding, often dangerous, and essential to public safety. Respect for law enforcement and accountability, however, are not opposing ideas. Both are necessary for a justice system that truly serves the public.
The criminal justice system is designed to protect communities and uphold the Constitution. But there are times when officers make mistakes or exceed their authority. When that happens, the issue is no longer about policing- it becomes a matter of civil rights. Abuse of power, whether intentional or the result of poor judgment, must be addressed. Accountability is not anti-police. It is pro-justice.
At McMurray Henriks, LLP, civil rights litigation is not just a practice area. It is a mission shaped by personal experience. Attorney Randy H. McMurray understands firsthand what it feels like to face the system from the wrong side.
So what qualifies as police misconduct?
Police misconduct occurs when law enforcement officers or government prosecutors violate a person’s constitutional rights or abuse their authority. These cases often involve excessive force, where physical force goes beyond what is necessary for the situation and causes unnecessary injury. Officer-involved shootings may also fall into this category, particularly when lethal force could have been avoided.
Other common violations include false arrest, where someone is detained without proper legal justification, and false imprisonment, which involves unlawfully restricting a person’s freedom. Illegal searches and seizures are another serious concern, especially when officers act without a warrant or probable cause in violation of Fourth Amendment protections.
In some cases, misconduct involves physical assault or sexual misconduct by an officer, representing a severe abuse of power. Prosecutors may also engage in malicious prosecution by filing charges without probable cause or with improper motives. Racial profiling and discrimination remain ongoing concerns as well, particularly when individuals are targeted based on race or ethnicity rather than evidence.
These actions do more than harm individuals—they erode public trust and undermine the integrity of the justice system. In the most tragic cases, the consequences can be fatal. But even when the outcome is less severe, victims often face physical injuries, emotional trauma, financial loss, and damage to their reputation.
At McMurray Henriks, LLP, the focus is simple: listen to the client, examine the facts, and pursue accountability where the law supports it. Every case begins with a thorough review and a clear explanation of available options. Clients are guided through each step so they understand not only what is happening, but why.
If you or a loved one has been subjected to excessive force, false arrest, or any form of police misconduct, do not wait. Evidence and witness memories fade over time. Contact us at (323) 931-6200 or reach out online to discuss your case.