False Arrest

Yes. A false arrest claim focuses on what happened at the moment you were detained, not what happened later in court. If officers lacked probable cause (a legally sufficient reason to believe you committed a crime), the arrest can still be unlawful even if charges were dismissed.

That’s almost always the defense. The question is whether the facts they relied on were accurate, complete, and reasonable. Our network of attorneys will examine reports, body camera footage, and witness statements to test whether that claim holds up under scrutiny.

There are strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, and they vary depending on where the arrest occurred and whether federal civil rights claims are involved. Waiting too long can bar your case entirely, so you must act promptly by contacting a civil rights attorney.

You may be entitled to recover damages for time spent in custody, lost income, legal expenses, reputational harm, and emotional distress. In some cases, punitive damages (meant to punish misconduct) may also be available, depending on the facts.

Your account matters, but strong cases are built on evidence. That includes police reports, surveillance footage, body cam recordings, dispatch logs, and witness testimony. The goal is to show what officers knew and what they should have known before making the arrest.

Not always. Some cases resolve through negotiation or settlement, but you should be prepared for litigation if the other side refuses to take responsibility. At The Popok Firm, our national team builds every case as if it’s going to court.

There’s no cost to have your case reviewed. At The Popok Firm, our team will evaluate your situation and connect you with the right attorney in our national network so you can understand your options and next steps without added pressure.