Can police officers abuse their authority? Well, at least one Bellingham man sure thinks so. He is electing to sue the City of Bellingham because two of its finest arrested him for confronting a meter maid about parking in a bike zone and impeding his ability to use the lane. The law suit was filed after the man was pulled over by police two days after the actual encounter with the parking-enforcement officer. Actual officers, in the presence of the parking-enforcement officer, stopped the man in the same area and arrested him, but instead of taking him directly to jail, the officers drove him around town for at least an hour before transporting him to the clink. The delay caused the man to miss his ability to be seen by a judge and/or post bail to get out of jail. He ended up spending two nights in jail due to this curious bit of chicanery by the police; he missed the Friday afternoon court calendar and due to court procedures, he was not permitted another opportunity to see a judge until Sunday. In short, the man claims the officers forced him to spend two days in jail unlawfully by violating his constitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. The prosecutor’s office was concerned enough by law enforcements’ actions that it dismissed all charges against the man, go figure. So yes, it appears that some police officers may not be immune from abusing their authority, sadly.
Lest it be said, if you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, it is a very smart idea to immediately hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyer. The Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those arrested or charged for crime all across Western Washington and the Greater Puget Sound region. The team creates success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances of the given case. So, whether you are cited with an infraction or arrested and/or charged with misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or a felony, protect yourself … call SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900.
