.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.webp)
.avif)
.svg){kind=icon}
What Is a Wrongful Arrest?
A wrongful arrest occurs when law enforcement detains someone without legal justification, whether due to mistaken identity, lack of probable cause, or officer misconduct. Sadly, this isn’t rare in New York City. In 2024 alone, the NYPD conducted over 25,000 stop-and-frisk encounters, with 69% leading to no arrest or summons. Most of those stopped were people of color — 60% were Black and 31% were Hispanic, revealing troubling racial disparities in policing.
These patterns reflect a much broader problem across the country. That same year, 147 people were exonerated nationwide, and in 35% of those cases, no crime had actually occurred. Even more concerning, 78% of those exonerated were people of color — a stark reminder of how deeply systemic injustice runs, and how easily innocent lives can be disrupted by wrongful arrest.
Common Examples of Wrongful Arrest in New York
Our team has seen many scenarios in which people were unlawfully arrested. Common wrongful arrest situations include:
- Arrest without probable cause or a valid warrant
- Mistaken identity or being falsely identified by a witness
- Racial profiling and discriminatory policing practices
- Arrests made in retaliation (e.g., after recording police or asserting legal rights)
- Arrests during peaceful protests or public gatherings
- Police falsifying reports or exaggerating claims to justify an arrest
Wrongful arrests are not just procedural errors but serious violations of your constitutional rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments. If you’ve been arrested unlawfully, you may be able to file a civil rights lawsuit. Our NY attorneys for wrongful arrest can help you determine if your rights were violated and what legal steps to take next.
#cta_start
Were You Wrongfully Arrested? We Can Get You Justice.
The legal system is complex, especially when you’ve been treated unfairly by it. Let our false arrest attorneys guide you through every step, explain your rights clearly and honestly, and fight for justice on your behalf.
#cta_end
Damages You May Recover in a Wrongful Arrest Lawsuit
A wrongful arrest can turn your life upside down — even if charges are later dropped. You may be entitled to significant financial compensation, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of income or employment
- Medical expenses (if injured during the arrest or detention)
- Damage to your reputation
- Bail and legal costs
- Unlawful time spent in jail or custody
In 2024, New York City paid over $205 million to settle police misconduct lawsuits, underscoring the prevalence and seriousness of such incidents. As your wrongful arrest lawsuit attorneys, we will fight for the full compensation you deserve, not just a settlement that’s “good enough”.
Our Proven Legal Strategy: How We Win Wrongful Arrest Cases
When you choose Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Firm, you’re getting more than just a lawyer for wrongful arrest — you're gaining a dedicated legal team with decades of experience holding law enforcement accountable. Here's how we help:
1. We Listen and We Take Your Story Seriously
Every case begins with a detailed consultation. We take the time to understand what happened, how the arrest impacted your life, and what your goals are moving forward. Your voice matters, and it shapes our legal strategy from day one.
2. We Launch a Thorough Investigation
Our attorneys immediately begin gathering critical evidence. This may include:
- Body cam and surveillance footage
- 911 call records and dispatch logs
- Arrest reports and witness statements
- Internal police documents and past complaint histories
We leave no details unchecked when building a strong case on your behalf.
3. We Bring in the Right Experts
We often consult with experts in civil rights, policing practices, and forensic analysis to strengthen your claim. These professionals can identify procedural violations or misconduct that may not be obvious on the surface.
4. We File a Wrongful Arrest Lawsuit
If your rights were violated, we will act quickly to file a wrongful arrest lawsuit against the police officers, department, or government agency responsible. We also ensure that any special Notice of Claim deadlines are met when suing the City of New York.
5. We Negotiate Strategically and Fight Relentlessly
Our team handles all negotiations with the city or involved parties. While we often secure favorable settlements out of court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. If fair compensation isn’t offered, we’ll take your case to court and fight for maximum damages.
6. We Pursue Maximum Compensation
We work tirelessly to recover the full compensation our clients deserve. That includes not only the financial impact of being unlawfully detained but also the long-term personal and professional consequences. Our attorneys build compelling claims that reflect the full scope of your suffering.
Backed by a strong civil rights practice, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Firm has helped numerous clients pursue justice and compensation for wrongful arrests and police misconduct, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Why Choose Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Firm?
When you’re searching for a wrongful arrest lawyer in New York, experience and reputation matter. Here’s why clients trust us:
.svg)
- 40+ years of civil rights experience: Since day one, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Firm has been a trusted advocate for justice in New York. Our decades of experience in civil rights law give us the insight and resolve to handle even the most challenging wrongful arrest cases.
- Results that speak for themselves: From police misconduct to wrongful detention, we’ve secured meaningful outcomes for clients across the city. Our legal team knows how to build strong, evidence-based cases that lead to real results, in and out of court.
- Representation like you’re a part of the family: You’re not just another file on our desk. We take the time to understand your story, struggles, and goals, and we tailor every strategy to your unique needs and circumstances.
- Respected litigators who don’t back down: We are known throughout New York for our trial readiness. If the city refuses to offer fair compensation, we won’t hesitate to bring your case before a jury and fight for justice at the highest level.
.svg)
.svg)
.webp)
.avif)
