What is Malicious Prosecution?
Attorney for Malicious Prosecution Claims in Chicago
You may have a claim for malicious prosecution when you have been prosecuted for a crime that you did not commit. A malicious prosecution may exist in multiple different circumstances, including if your case was dismissed, if you won a motion to suppress, if your case was dismissed by a nolle prosequi or an SOL, if you were found not guilty by a Judge or Jury, or if you were convicted but the conviction was later overturned by an Appellate Court. If a police officer or a prosecutor involved in your case pursued your prosecution without good reason, such as when they know that you did not commit the crime or when they fabricated evidence against you to secure a conviction, then you may be able to obtain compensation for the trouble and distress you experienced.
At Foutris Law Office, Ltd., a Chicago civil rights lawyer can meet with you to discuss the circumstances of your arrest and prosecution to determine whether you have a claim. The firm's clients have prevailed in the vast majority of the lawsuits filed by the law firm, and many of those cases hinged on the testimony of the client versus the police officer's account of the situation, without further evidence. Call today for a consultation.
Your Rights in the Event of Malicious Prosecution
Law enforcement officers who abuse their authority and power should be held accountable for their actions. An officer, detective, or investigator can easily make criminal accusations against a suspect even when there is not sufficient evidence to support an arrest, and the results for the victim can be disastrous. Being arrested and held in jail will disrupt the defendant's family and social life, as well as costing significant lost wages. The costs of legal defense can be staggering, as well as the damage done to the defendant's reputation. If the police officer withheld or destroyed evidence which would prove your innocence, tampered with witnesses, planted evidence, or made false allegations against you, the court may award you punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
Contact a Chicago Civil Rights Lawyer Today
Prior to focusing on representing the victims of police abuse in civil rights lawsuits, Bill Foutris, the firm’s founder, earned valuable experience representing police officers in similar claims. This knowledge of how police operate, their procedures, and where to look for evidence of their wrongdoing plays an important role in building a strong case for damages for the client. The firm represents individuals who have been victimized by false arrest and due process violations in Chicago, the Chicago suburbs, northern and central Illinois, as well as northern Indiana and eastern Wisconsin. Mr. Foutris takes a strong interest in his clients' wellbeing and will fight for your rights to compensation. If he does not win your case, then you do not pay a fee.
Contact a Chicago civil rights lawyer for an initial consultation to learn about your rights and to begin work on your claim.
