Law enforcement officers have a duty to protect and serve — not abuse their power or violate your rights. But when they cross the line, the impact can be traumatic, unjust, and even deadly 💔⚖️
If you or a loved one has been the victim of police misconduct in South Carolina, you have legal options. At Burts Law, PLLC, we stand up for victims and demand accountability.
Here’s what you need to know 👇
❗ What Is Police Misconduct?
Police misconduct occurs when an officer abuses their authority or violates your constitutional rights.
Examples include:
-
🔫 Use of excessive force
-
🔒 False arrest or unlawful detention
-
🧾 Racial profiling or discriminatory policing
-
🛑 Illegal search and seizure
-
🗣️ Retaliation for exercising free speech
-
🚫 Denial of medical care while in custody
-
📷 Tampering with evidence or body cam footage
🚨 No one is above the law — not even the police.
⚖️ What Rights Do You Have Under the Law?
You are protected by both federal and state laws, including:
-
🧑⚖️ The Fourth Amendment (freedom from unlawful search and seizure)
-
👤 The Fourteenth Amendment (equal protection and due process)
-
🗣️ The First Amendment (freedom of speech and protest)
You may be able to file a civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which allows victims to sue government officials — including police officers — for violating constitutional rights.
🧭 What to Do If You Experience Police Misconduct
✅ 1. Seek Medical Attention (if needed)
If you were hurt, get medical care right away. Save all records and take photos of your injuries 🏥📸
📝 2. Write Down Everything
Document the date, time, location, officers’ names or badge numbers, and exactly what happened. If you don’t know names, describe their appearance, vehicles, or any body cam details you remember.
👁️ 3. Save Any Video Evidence
If someone recorded the incident (or you did), save the video. Ask witnesses to send you photos or recordings.
📱 Videos are often the strongest proof of abuse or excessive force.
🗣️ 4. Get Witness Statements
Eyewitnesses can be crucial. Ask for names, numbers, and a brief description of what they saw.
⚖️ 5. Contact a Civil Rights Lawyer
Police departments and city attorneys act fast to protect their own. Don’t go up against them alone.
📞 Call Burts Law, PLLC at (866) BURTS-LAW or visit www.burtslaw-sc.com
🕒 Is There a Time Limit to File?
Yes. In most South Carolina police misconduct cases, you have 3 years to file a civil rights lawsuit — but some claims, especially against government entities, may require notice within a shorter time frame.
⏰ Don’t delay. Important evidence could disappear quickly.
💰 What Compensation Can You Recover?
If your rights were violated, you may be entitled to:
-
💊 Medical expenses
-
🚑 Emotional distress or psychological trauma
-
💼 Lost wages (from false arrest or detention)
-
🧠 Pain and suffering
-
💥 Punitive damages (to punish misconduct)
In cases involving wrongful death, your family may also file a wrongful death and survival action.
👨⚖️ Why Choose Burts Law, PLLC?
We fight for those who’ve been abused by power — and we’re not afraid to take on police departments, jails, or state agencies.
If you’ve been mistreated, arrested without cause, or harmed by police actions in SC, you deserve justice.
📞 (866) BURTS-LAW
🌐 www.burtslaw-sc.com
🧠 Final Thoughts
Police misconduct isn’t just a violation of your rights — it’s a violation of your humanity. But you’re not powerless.
Let Burts Law, PLLC help you speak up, fight back, and pursue justice in the face of injustice 💪⚖️
