Have you been a victim of police misconduct in Albuquerque, New Mexico? Jones Injury Attorneys can help. Call (505) 248-1400 today to schedule your free consultation with an Albuquerque police misconduct lawyer. We’re here to listen to your story, explain your rights, and guide you toward justice.
Cases involving police abuse or civil rights violations are complex and deeply personal. Our team understands the emotional toll these situations can take, and we’re committed to holding law enforcement accountable. If you’ve suffered mistreatment at the hands of police, we’re ready to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Jones Injury Attorneys to Handle Your Police Misconduct Case in Albuquerque?
At Jones Injury Attorneys, we’re proud to serve individuals and families throughout Albuquerque, NM, with trusted, compassionate legal representation. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of an injury caused by police misconduct, you need a team you can count on.
Here’s why so many clients choose to work with us:
- We bring over 25 years of combined legal experience to every case, giving our clients the benefit of seasoned insight and proven strategies.
- Our attorneys have recovered more than $25 million in verdicts and settlements for injury victims throughout the region.
- We offer free consultations, allowing you to speak with us, understand your rights, and learn about your options—no strings attached.
- Our founding attorney, Alexandra W. Jones, was born and raised in Albuquerque and is proud to advocate for her hometown’s residents.
- With deep experience in both criminal and civil litigation, our team brings a well-rounded perspective to each personal injury case we handle.
- Our attorneys have been recognized by prestigious organizations, such as Super Lawyers, reflecting our commitment to integrity, excellence, and client success.
If you’ve been injured and need legal guidance, call today to schedule your free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque, NM. We’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Is Police Misconduct?
Police misconduct refers to any inappropriate or illegal action taken by law enforcement officers in the course of their official duties. This can include excessive use of force, wrongful arrest, racial profiling, sexual misconduct, or failure to intervene when another officer is violating someone’s rights.
Misconduct may also involve falsifying reports, planting evidence, or retaliating against individuals who record or report abuses. Victims of police misconduct may have legal grounds to file a civil rights claim under federal or state law.
These claims are not just about financial recovery—they’re about holding officers and agencies accountable for abuse of power and protecting others from future harm.
Types of Police Misconduct
Police misconduct can take many forms, ranging from physical violence to administrative abuse. Some of the most common types include:
- Excessive force: Using more physical power than necessary to control or detain a person.
- Wrongful arrest: Detaining someone without legal justification or probable cause.
- Racial profiling: Targeting individuals based on race, ethnicity, or national origin rather than behavior or credible evidence.
- Sexual misconduct: Inappropriate or unlawful sexual behavior by an officer during traffic stops, searches, or custody.
- False imprisonment or evidence tampering: Detaining someone under false pretenses or altering case evidence to cover up misconduct.
- Failure to intervene: Officers who witness another officer committing misconduct and do nothing to stop or report it.
Each of these actions can violate a person’s civil rights and may give rise to a legal claim under federal or state law.
How Common Is Police Misconduct?
Police misconduct is more common than most people realize—and many cases never make headlines. Nationwide, more than 85,000 law enforcement officers have been investigated for misconduct in the past decade, with thousands facing allegations ranging from excessive force to false arrests.
In Albuquerque, the problem has drawn federal attention. The city has operated under a Department of Justice consent decree for over a decade, aimed at reforming unconstitutional policing practices within the Albuquerque Police Department.
Despite these efforts, complaints and civil rights lawsuits continue, especially involving marginalized communities.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Police Misconduct Victims?
Victims of police misconduct may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. These categories cover the full range of financial and personal losses caused by the incident.
Economic damages are measurable financial losses resulting from the misconduct, such as:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, follow-up care, and therapy
- Lost wages from missed work
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Costs of psychological counseling or mental health treatment
- Property damage, if any personal belongings were harmed during the incident
Non-economic damages reflect the more personal, intangible effects of the harm you’ve suffered, including:
- Pain and suffering caused by physical injuries
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life or daily activities
- Damage to your reputation or standing in the community
- Psychological trauma, such as PTSD
Our police misconduct attorneys in Albuquerque can help identify the damages you may be entitled to.
What Injuries Are Commonly Caused by Police Misconduct?
Police misconduct can result in a wide range of physical and psychological injuries. These may include:
- Broken bones, bruises, and lacerations from excessive force or restraints
- Traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage from physical assaults or improper takedowns
- Psychological injuries such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Wrongful death in the most extreme cases
The harm isn’t always visible. Emotional trauma, damage to reputation, and fear of future police interaction can affect a person’s quality of life long after the incident. These consequences are just as significant to recognize in a civil rights claim.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Caused by Police Misconduct?
Multiple parties may share responsibility in a police misconduct case, depending on the circumstances. Potentially liable individuals or entities include:
- The officer involved: Most cases begin with the direct actions of the law enforcement officer who used excessive force, made a wrongful arrest, or otherwise violated your rights.
- The officer’s supervisor: Supervisors who knew about the misconduct—or had reason to learn—and failed to take corrective action may also be held accountable.
- Other officers on the scene: If fellow officers witnessed the abuse and failed to intervene, they could share liability under failure-to-act claims.
- The police department or agency: The department may be liable for systemic issues like poor training, lack of oversight, or a culture of tolerance for misconduct.
- The city or municipality: Government entities can sometimes be held accountable when their unconstitutional policies or actions contribute to civil rights violations.
Identifying every responsible party is essential to building a strong case. An experienced police misconduct lawyer can help uncover the full scope of liability and hold each party accountable for their actions.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After I’m Injured by Police Misconduct in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, the general statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or civil rights lawsuit is three years from the date of the incident. However, if your claim involves a government agency—such as a police department or city—you may be required to file a notice of claim much sooner, often within 90 days to six months, depending on the situation.
Missing these deadlines could prevent you from pursuing compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. It’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Albuquerque Police Misconduct Lawyers
Police misconduct cases are about more than just compensation—they’re about standing up for your rights and holding public officials accountable. If you’ve been mistreated by law enforcement in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you don’t have to face it alone.
Contact Jones Injury Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Albuquerque police misconduct attorney. We’re ready to listen, support, and fight for you every step of the way.
Visit Our Law Offices in Albuquerque, NM
Jones Injury Attorneys – Downtown
1011 Lomas Blvd NW #106
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 248-1400
Available: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Jones Injury Attorneys – Arroyo del Oso Office
8205 Spain Rd NE #111-B
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 634-7796
Available: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM