The First 48 Hours: Critical Steps to Take After an Incident of Police Brutality in Maryland
In the chaotic aftermath of an encounter involving police brutality, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by shock, pain, and confusion. However, the actions you take in the first 48 hours are absolutely critical for protecting both your health and your legal rights. At Murphy, Falcon & Murphy, a leading Maryland personal injury law firm, we have seen firsthand how early, decisive steps can shape the outcome of a case. If you have been a victim of excessive force or police misconduct, here are five crucial steps you must take immediately. Schedule a consultation today.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health is the absolute priority. Go to an emergency room or an urgent care facility, even if you think your injuries are minor. This creates an official, time-stamped medical record documenting your injuries. Be sure to tell the medical staff exactly what happened and how you were hurt. This record is one of the most powerful pieces of evidence in any case involving police brutality.
Document Everything—Visually and in Writing
Before they begin to heal, take clear photographs of all your injuries—cuts, bruises, scrapes, and swelling. If your property was damaged, photograph that as well. As soon as you are able, write down every detail you can remember about the incident: the date, time, location, the officers’ names and badge numbers, what was said, the sequence of events, and any patrol car numbers.
Identify and Contact Witnesses
If there were bystanders who saw what happened, try to get their names and phone numbers before they leave the scene. A neutral third-party account can be invaluable in countering the police report. If you see someone recording the incident on their phone, ask them to share the video with you or a trusted family member.
Do Not Give a Statement to Law Enforcement
You may be contacted by the police department’s Internal Affairs Division or asked to give a formal statement. Do not agree to this without legal representation. You have the right to an attorney, and you should exercise it. The purpose of these initial interviews is often to find inconsistencies in your story to protect the department, not to help you.
Contact an Experienced Police Brutality Lawyer
Navigating the aftermath of police misconduct is not something you should do alone. You need a legal advocate on your side from the very beginning. An experienced police brutality lawyer in Baltimore will protect you from intimidation, take over communication with the department, and immediately begin an independent investigation. A skilled personal injury lawyer in Baltimore understands how to preserve crucial evidence, such as body camera footage, that might otherwise be lost.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
The system is designed to protect its own. As a top Maryland personal injury law firm, we are here to protect you. If you or a loved one has suffered at the hands of law enforcement, contact Murphy, Falcon & Murphy today to speak with a dedicated police brutality lawyer in Baltimore who will fight for the justice you deserve.