Recent Results

False Arrest │ Excessive Force │ Illegal Search Cases │ Malicious Prosecution │ Strip Search │ “Lucky Bag”

YOUNG MOTHER FALSELY ARRESTED AFTER CALLING THE NYPD FOR HELP

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

A young real estate sales agent got into an argument with her domestic partner. As a result, her partner drove off with our client’s daughter in the car. Our client called the police and asked for help. Shortly after our client’s domestic partner was arrested, our client and her daughter were brought to a NYPD precinct. When our client arrived at the precinct our client was falsely arrested for endangering the welfare of a child and her daughter was taken by ACS. Later, the court dismissed the charges and our client’s daughter was returned to her. PetersonDelleCave LLP was able to negotiate a five-figure settlement after negotiating with the City’s attorneys.

YOUNG MAN FALSELY ARRESTED AND PHYSICALLY INJURED FOR SITTING ON HIS FRONT PORCH

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

After a day of work, a young man smoked a cigarette on the stoop of his house with friends. NYPD Officers walked by on the sidewalk and turned back to ask everyone where the marijuana was. Our client told the officers there was no marijuana and he smoked a cigarette. The Officers then asked for identification from everyone, our client told them he was not required to give them identification and walked into his house. The Officers attempted to enter into our client’s home. Soon several other police officers showed up and broke into our client’s home and handcuffed our client. Not only were the handcuffs extremely tight causing our client pain, but one officer squeezed the handcuffs and pushed him against the hinges of a doorframe injuring him even more. Our client was falsely arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana and after returning to his home found his bedroom ransacked and his possessions damaged. PetersonDelleCave LLP brought a civil rights action alleging false arrest and excessive force, and obtained a favorable, five-figure settlement on his behalf.

FOUR FRIENDS FALSELY ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING WHILST AT A PARTY

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

All four clients were friends and regularly attended parties together. Our clients were invited to a party in Queens. Shortly after they arrived at the party, numerous NYPD officers entered with helmets and their guns drawn. The police officers shouted at everyone to get on the floor and handcuffed our clients. The host of the party told the officers that everyone there was invited to the party but police officers charged each of our clients with trespassing. All charges were dismissed and PetersonDelleCave LLP was able to secure a five-figure settlement after negotiating with New York City’s attorneys.

MOTHER TRYING TO CALM HER SON FOR THE POLICE IS FALSELY ARRESTED

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client, a mother, was at home when her son’s friend came to the door asking for help. She saw her son with a number of police officers and ran, in her pajamas and bare feet, to help calm down her son. The officers took her son to the ground and our client continued to try to calm him down. Shortly thereafter an NYPD captain arrived and grabbed our client from behind forcing her arms behind her head. The NYPD captain handcuffed our client extremely tight, and even though she repeatedly asked for him to loosen them cuffs he refused. Still bare foot and in her pajamas the officers took her to the precinct for several hours before transferring her to central bookings and charging her with disorderly conduct. The charge was dismissed and PetersonDelleCave LLP were able to secure a five-figure settlement for our client.

MAN FALSELY ARRESTED FOR TAKING HIS GIRLFRIEND’S CAR TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client took his girlfriends’ vehicle for repair to an auto repair shop. He regularly used the vehicle and paid a cash deposit and left the vehicle with the auto repair shop. Several days later our client returned to pick up the vehicle, but found it had been damaged. Then our client received a phone call from a NYPD officer requesting proof of ownership of the vehicle. Our client complied and he and his girlfriend went to the precinct to show ownership. The NYPD officer stated that our client owed the auto repair shop money and demanded he pay it. When our client refused the NYPD officer arrested him and seized the vehicle. The charges were dismissed and our client was able to retrieve the vehicle. After negotiating with New York City’s attorneys PetersonDelleCave LLP was able to secure a favorable settlement for our client.

RETIRED POLICE DETECTIVE FALSELY ARRESTED

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

A retired Police Detective was driving when she was almost hit by a fast-moving vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way street. After the car stopped, a NYPD officer that was on modified assignment ran towards her yelling and banged on her vehicle. Our client, fearing for her life, called the police and when NYPD arrived she was falsely arrested. By negotiating with the City and the officer’s attorneys, PetersonDelleCave LLP secured a five-figure settlement for our client’s injuries.

YOUNG HISPANIC MAN FALSELY ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

After visiting a friend, our client was on his way to work when he was falsely arrested and charged with Attempted Murder and Criminal Trespass. During the arrest, NYPD Officers asked our client to take his hat off so the witness could get a good look at his face, but then forced him to keep his head down. The witness was a confidential informant who had previously given non-credible information to the NYPD. Nonetheless, our client was unable to make bail and detained on Rikers Island for a month. Our client received a six-figure settlement from New York City for the injuries he suffered at the hands of the police’s false arrest.

YOUNG HISPANIC MAN PUSHED TO GROUND FACE-FIRST BY NYPD COPS WHEN TRYING TO HELP

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client, a young Hispanic man, was standing outside of his workplace when he witnessed NYPD officers struggling to arrest a woman. The cop asked the young man to step back, which he did. The young Hispanic, in an effort to help, also informed Spanish-speaking on-lookers that that NYPD cop had asked them to step back. After stepping back, the officer pushed the young man to the ground face-first, resulting in a bloody nose. He was then arrested. At the precinct, he was subject to further degrading treatment by cops and held in a cell over night. Peterson DelleCave LLP successfully sued the NYPD and obtained a five-figure settlement for the client.

MAN BEATEN UP BY NYPD AFTER VISITING FAMILY

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client was on his way home after visiting family in Brooklyn when two police officers stopped their car and approached him. After asking him what he was doing, the officers started to beat him up. They punched him repeatedly in the face and slammed him to the ground. He was held for several hours in a cell and given a summons for violent behavior (which was later dismissed at court). Peterson DelleCave LLP successfully sued the City and NYPD, securing a five-figure settlement for the client.

AFRICAN AMERICAN ENGINEER FALSELY ARRESTED ON WAY HOME FROM VISITING FRIENDS

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client, an architectural engineer, was driving home from his friend’s house when a number of NYPD police cars drew up behind him at a stop sign. The police officers approached him with their guns drawn and accused him of driving a stolen car. Despite providing them with his bill of sales for the car, the cops handcuffed him and searched his car and arrested him for possessing a knife, which he legally held as a tool for his work. They then held him at the precinct for a number of hours before being released. Our client had to attend court a number of times before the charges against him were dropped. Peterson DelleCave LLP brought a lawsuit against New York City and NYPD and obtained a five-figure settlement.

MAN ARRESTED FOR EXCERCISING HIS RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client, a hardworking business owner, and his girlfriend saw a police officer hurry an old lady crossing the street. Our client commented to his girlfriend that the cop was impatient. The NYPD cop proceeded to handcuff our client for making this comment, slammed him into the police car, and shut the door on his foot. Our client was held overnight. Peterson DelleCave LLP brought a lawsuit against the city and NYPD and were successful in securing a five-figure settlement.

YOUNG MAN SUBJECT TO RACIST COMMENTS BY NYPD COPS

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client was walking to his girlfriend’s house when he was targeted and arrested out of a group of people crossing the road. The cop who arrested him made racially derogatory comments towards our client. He asked the cops why he was being arrested and was only informed after being held in the precinct for a number of hours that he was being charged with jaywalking. Peterson DelleCave sued the City and NYPD and secured a favorable settlement for the young man.

TAXI DRIVER AND FATHER FALSELY ARRESTED

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client, a hard working taxi driver, had his number plates stolen from his taxi. He informed the police and temporarily replaced them with a paper sign with his registration number and an explanation on the back of his car. While his car was parked, the cops approached him and accused him of fraud. They would not listen to his explanation and proceeded to arrest him. Our client was held over night at the precinct before being dismissed without charges. Peterson DelleCave LLP successfully sued the City and NYPD for the false arrest of their client.

UNARMED BROOKLYN BARBER SHOT IN THE BACK BY NYPD OFFICER

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client, a 30-year-old Brooklyn barber, was on his way home from a night and stopped to relieve himself in an alleyway. An off-duty NYPD Officer came out of the adjacent building with his gun drawn, screaming at the barber. Terrified, our client fled down the alleyway. The police officer followed him and discharged his weapon, shooting our client in the back. A bullet was wedged into our client’s neck and our client suffered extensive wounds, some of which will never heal. The attorneys of PetersonDelleCave LLP took action against the NYPD Officer and the City of New York, securing our client a significant six-figure settlement.

FATHER OF FOUR HANDCUFFED WITH SUCH EXCESSIVE FORCE BY NYPD THAT HIS HANDS WENT NUMB

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

A father of four was contacted by NYPD officers and instructed to go to the precinct. At the precinct, an NYPD officer handcuffed our client so tightly that he suffered excruciating pain to his arms and shoulders. The detention and pain lasted through the night, even after our client pleading with the officers for pain medication. This mistreatment caused our client to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, requiring many hours of physical therapy. The attorneys at PetersonDelleCave brought a suit against the City of New York and the individual Police Officers, and were able to secure a favorable settlement in our client’s favor.

VETERAN OF THE UNITED STATES MARINES IS BRUTALLY BEATEN BY NYPD OFFICERS OUTSIDE OF HIS ELDERLY MOTHER’S HOME

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client, a U.S. Marines Veteran and PTA president at his daughter’s school, had just left his elderly mothers home when NYPD Officers unlawfully stopped him. After complying with the officers’ requests and answering their questions, the officers forced our client against a wall and handcuffed him. When our client asked why he was being arrested, the officers beat our client with their batons and sprayed him in the face with mace. The attorneys of PetersonDellecCave LLP secured a significant six-figure settlement against the police officers for false arrest and excessive force.

YONKERS POLICE SHOOT DEAD A DOG TIED TO A FENCE

RESULT: TRIAL VERDICT

A Yonkers man was walking his dog in a local park when he was stopped by Yonkers Police Officers. The Yonkers man was asked to show ID, which he duly complied with. When patted down, he was touched in an inappropriate manner and our client objected. The police officers then punched and kicked our client and handcuffed behind his back. The officers then brutally shot dead our client’s dog, which had been tied to a fence. The attorneys of PetersonDelleCave brought a lawsuit against the City of Yonkers and the Police officers, winning at trial.

YOUNG WOMAN PUNCHED IN THE EYE BY NYPD OFFICER

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

A young woman was at a family barbeque when she was approached by a group of NYPD officers. The officers improperly started to search all individuals on the scene. Our client requested to be searched by a female officer, but the officers refused her request. One of the male officers then assaulted our client by grabbing her between her legs. The young woman objected to being grabbed in such a manner. The officer then punched our client in the eye, seriously injuring her. The attorneys of PetersonDelleCave were able to secure a favorable five-figure settlement in our client’s favor.

PHOTOGRAPHER FALSELY ARRESTED & MALICIOUSLY PROSECUTED BY NYPD

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client, a professional photographer, was taking pictures outside of Penn Station. He observed an NYPD officer giving out tickets to several males and started to take pictures of the incident. The police officer then told our client to hand over his camera. Our client refused to hand over his camera, at which point the officer took the camera from our client by force, ripping the camera away from him. The officer then slammed our client against the wall and used derogatory racial slurs. After being released our client was shocked to discover that all of the photos on his camera had been deleted while he was in police custody. The attorneys of PetersonDelleCave were able to secure a favorable five-figure settlement in their client’s favor.

CROSS-DRESSING MAN IS ATTACKED BY NYPD OFFICERS

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client, a freelance stylist, was out celebrating his birthday with a number of friends. Our client was wearing a dress and high heals. Our client and his friends stopped to perform pull-ups on a scaffold and were approached by two NYPD officers. The officers asked to see their IDs and, when our client asked why, one officer started screaming at our client and violently pushed him into a glass window. The NYPD officers then began to brutally attack our client, punching, kicking and stomping on his body, seriously injuring him. The attorneys of PetersonDelleCave were able to secure a favorable five-figure settlement in their client’s favor.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ATTACKED BY SCHOOL SAFETY OFFICER

VERDICT: SETTLEMENT

A young female student was going through the regular security check point at the front of her school, when the School Safety Agent (SSA) told her to take her boots off. After a discussion over this issue, the agent pushed our client off her feet. Our client was sent crashing to the ground, hitting her head off a glass cabinet. The agent then jumped on our client’s back, pinning her to the ground, then dragged her by one-cuffed hand to the Dean’s office. Our client was suspended from school and given a summons for disorderly conduct. The attorneys of PetersonDelleCave brought suit against the City of New York, and the School Safety Agents responsible for the wrongdoing. PetersonDelleCave was able to secure a favorable five-figure settlement for our client.

YOUNG MAN BEATEN BY NYPD WHILE MOURNING HIS SISTER’S DEATH

VERDICT: SETTLEMENT

Just days after the murder of his sister, our client received a phone call from an anonymous caller who claimed to have information about her death. Our client arranged to meet with the mystery caller. Unbeknownst to our client, the mystery caller was an undercover NYPD officer. The undercover police officer asked our client if he could get him drugs, our client replied that he didn’t know where to buy drugs, that his sister did not sell drugs, and that “he should not come back around here”. The officer then called for backup and proceeded to attack our client. Multiple officers arrived and brutally assaulted our client. The attorneys of PetersonDellecave were able to secure a favorable five-figure settlement in their client’s favor.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS RESULT IN FALSE ARREST

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our clients, tourists from Ohio, were outside a night club on New Year’s Eve when they witnessed a young woman being verbally and physically abused by a group of men. Our clients went to assist the young woman, at which point they themselves were attacked by the crowd of men. They fled the scene and called the police, although when the police arrived, they proceeded to arrest our clients for gang assault. All charges were subsequently dismissed on the motion of the District Attorney. PetersonDelleCave LLP fought their clients’ cause meticulously, and were delighted when they secured a five figure settlement for these well deserving clients.

TEENAGER SUBJECTED TO FALSE ARREST

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client, a high school student was sitting outside his home playing with a lighter, when police officers arrived, accusing him of possessing marijuana. The boy was innocent and suggested that the police search him. The boy also called for his father, as he feared for his safety. His father came to his aid, and then an officer grabbed and pushed the boy into a car, whilst threatening his father with his firearm. The teenager was falsely arrested. The attorneys at PetersonDellecave LLP brought a lawsuit against the City and the Police Officer, and secured a favourable settlement in his favour.

OCCUPY WALL STREET PROTESTOR FALSELY ARRESTED

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client was an environmental activist who moved to New York to join the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ movement. One evening our client was peacefully sitting in Zuccotti Park with other protestors when she was approached by three police officers who assaulted her, arrested her and then held her in a cell for fifteen hours. Our client was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Trespassing, but all her charges were subsequently dismissed. By negotiating with the City’s attorneys, PetersonDelleCave LLP secured a favourable settlement to compensate our client for the injuries she sustained.

HARD-WORKING BUSINESS OWNER ARRESTED AND BATTERED

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

A small business owner was on a well-deserved outing to a bar in Brooklyn when it was raided by the police on an unrelated search warrant. After exiting the bar, our client realized he had left his cell phone inside, and in his attempt to plead with the cops to retrieve it he was first assaulted and then arrested by the police – his previous cooperation meant nothing to them. By negotiating with the City's attorneys, PetersonDelleCave LLP secured an extremely favorable settlement for our client’s injuries.

TAXI DRIVER FALSELY ARRESTED FOR ROBBERY

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client was an African-American male in his thirties who worked as a taxi driver. One evening, a few minutes after he had parked the car and entered his house along with his wife and child, he realized he had left his phone charger inside his car. As he was walking to the car to retrieve it, he saw several police officers waving him over from across the street. He walked over to them, showed them his driver’s license, and was arrested on the spot for a robbery he had not committed. Our client was charged along with three other younger men he had never met. He spent a night in jail and had to appear in court six times before the charges against him were dropped. PetersonDelleCave LLP successfully sued the City, the NYPD, and the arresting officers and obtained a very favorable settlement for our client.

"MAN ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING WHILE VISITING A FRIEND

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client was visiting a friend who lived in a city-owned building. As he was walking through the lobby, he was approached by two police officers who were patrolling the building. Our client explained that he did not live in the building, but he was an invited guest of a resident. Without speaking with our client’s friend to confirm his explanation, the officers arrested him on the spot for criminal trespassing. Our client provided the District Attorney’s Office with two letters from his friend explaining why he was in the building, but the Assistant District Attorney refused to drop the charges until the Judge told her that the charges were bogus. The attorneys at PetersonDelleCave LLP obtained a five-figure settlement from the City for this blatant instance of false arrest.

FALSELY ARRESTED FOR SHOPLIFTING – “OPERATION LUCKY BAG”

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our clients, two friends who went shopping in Macy’s flagship store with the intent of purchasing numerous gifts for their families, found an abandoned purse while shopping. It was planted by the NYPD, who approached and subsequently detained and arrested them. Attorneys at PetersonDelleCave LLP obtained a five-figure settlement from New York City for our clients.

CHURCH AUDIO ENGINEER ARRESTED

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client went to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Manhattan with some friends. He was woken up with his girlfriend at 12AM the next day with a cop pointing a gun to his head, and arraigned and charged with Gang Assault in First Degree and Assault in Second Degree. Attorneys at PetersonDelleCave obtained a favorable settlement for our client.

HARD-WORKING FATHER OF TWO ARRESTED AND HUMILIATED

RESULT: VERDICT AFTER TRIAL: COMPENSATORY AND PUNITIVE DAMAGES AWARDED

Our client was riding his bike when he was pulled over by an unmarked police car. The officers searched our clients and discovered what they believed to be marijuana. Therefore he was taken to the Precinct and asked to take off his clothes. He was humiliated and embarrassed. We took this case to trial and obtained a verdict giving the plaintiff damages.

FALSELY ACCUSED OF SELLING CRACK COCAINE

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client is a legendary street book-seller who was approached whilst working by an acquaintance requesting a $1 bill to buy an aspirin to treat his headache. Our client gave him a $1 bill and shortly thereafter, two officers approached and accused him of selling crack cocaine. Our client was arrested and charged with selling illegal drugs. At trial, he was acquitted of all charges. PetersonDelleCave LLP brought a civil rights lawsuit on his behalf and obtained a favorable, five-figure settlement.

AIRPORT WORKER ARRESTED AT HOME FOR PARTICIPATING IN A GUN AMNESTY PROGRAM

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

The New York Police Department’s 24th Precinct has an amnesty program that offers $100.00 to anyone who hands in a gun or firearm. Our client took his firearm and handed it in as part of this gun amnesty program. Almost one week later, police officers entered his house and arrested him without legal justification. As a result, our client lost potential jobs with the US Postal Service and the US Census Bureau. All charges were ultimately dismissed. PetersonDelleCave LLP brought a civil rights action on his behalf and obtained a favorable, five-figure settlement.

DENTAL ASSISTANT ARRESTED WHEN POLICE CRASH INTO HER CAR

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client stopped at a stop sign where she saw what appeared to be a yellow cab. While she was proceeding through the intersection the yellow cab struck her vehicle and subsequently ordered her to continue driving. She complied with that order, realizing that it was an undercover police car. Our client was then approached and accused of not respecting a red light and driving a stolen car. At that point, our client was not arrested or given a summons. Instead, she went to the precinct of her own accord to file a complaint regarding the accident. At the Precinct she was then arrested and spent a night in jail. All charges against our client were dismissed. Attorneys at PetersonDelleCave brought a civil rights action on her behalf and obtained a favorable settlement for our client.

YOUNG WOMAN SHOT IN THE FACE WITH A TASER GUN BY NYPD

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

A group of friends and neighbors were having a party outside of our client’s home. When our client walked outside to check up on her brothers several NYPD officers arrived on the scene. While our client was attempting to get her brothers to move away from the scene, an NYPD Sergeant shot our client in the face with a Taser gun, without warning. This caused our client to fall to the floor and pass out for several seconds. After PetersonDelleCave LLP negotiated with the City’s attorneys, our client received a five-figure settlement for the injuries she suffered at the hands of the NYPD.

PREGNANT MOTHER OF FOUR VERBALLY ASSAULTED BY NYPD POLICE OFFICER

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our Client called the police after an argument with her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend. When NYPD arrived, our clients’ daughter made false allegations against our clients’ husband and then the NYPD Officer verbally assaulted our client. Not only did the NYPD officer call her husband a racial slur, but he did this in front of her children and threatened to have them removed. The attorneys at PetersonDelleCave LLP were able to secure a favorable five-figure settlement for our client and her children.

‘SUBWAY’ WORKER BEATEN UP AND ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTING TO HELP NYPD

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client, a ‘Subway’ worker, witnessed police officers struggling to arrest a female outside of his job. He saw a crowd around including Spanish-speaking onlookers. Our client and the crowd were asked to move away and so in an effort to help the police he translated the officers request to the Spanish-speaking onlookers. Our client complied with the officer’s orders and moved backwards and then the officer pushed him. After asking the officer why he pushed him and telling him he had no right to do so the NYPD officer responded by violently shoving our client in the chest and grabbing him to tackle him to the ground. The officer struck our client in the nose and pushed his face and body against the sidewalk and placed him in handcuffs. The officer took our client to the precinct and told him he would be deported. After our client was released the NYPD officer went to ‘Subway’ and told the manager he should fire our client. Not only was our client fired from his job, but he suffered from a bloody nose and bruising to his face and legs. PetersonDelleCave LLP was able to negotiate with the city’s attorneys and secure a favorable settlement for our client.

NYPD OFFICERS USE EXCESSIVE FORCE ON WOMAN BEFORE FALSE ARREST

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

A mentally ill woman who lives in a transitional housing program invited a friend over. After staff members would not allow the friend of hers up to her apartment she was upset and knocked over a table. Shortly thereafter four NYPD officers smashed open her door and shot our client in the chest with a Taser gun before falsely arresting her. All charges against our client were dismissed. Our client wanted to sue NYPD for police brutality and PetersonDelleCave LLP was able to secure a five-figure settlement after negotiating with the City’s attorneys.

MAN BEATEN UP AND FALSELY ARRESTED FOR COMING TO THE AID OF A FRIEND

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

On Christmas Eve, our client was at a party when a friend called and told him he was just attacked by three men. Our client, with other guests at the party, went to help the friend. When our client arrived, he walked up to his friend, who was talking to NYPD officers, and asked if he needed assistance. Our client decided to leave the scene after NYPD officers responded aggressively. The Officers decided to follow and yell at him before tackling him to the ground. Officers began punching and kicking our client with their fists and batons while he was on the floor. After negotiating with the city’s attorneys, PetersonDelleCave LLP secured an extremely favorable settlement for our client’s injuries.

STUDENT FALSELY ARRESTED AND SUBJECTED TO EXCESSIVE FORCE

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client, a student and ex-volunteer for NYPD Youth, was enjoying the Puerto Rican day parade with his family when he was subjected to false arrest and excessive force. He asked a cop where the nearest restroom was and the cop ignored him. After he asked a second time, the cop pushed him into a nearby railing and handcuffed him. The handcuffs were put on so tightly that our client’s hands became discolored and numb and he still suffers pain from this today. Peterson DelleCave LLP brought a lawsuit against the City and NYPD, securing a five-figure settlement for the client.

MAN BEATEN UP AND RACIALLY ABUSED BY NYPD

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client had his civil rights violated on two occasions by NYPD. On the first occassion, our client was walking home after studying at a friend’s house when a police van drew up beside him. A number of cops got out the van and tackled our client to the ground and beat him up. Following the arrest, our client spent a time in jail with all his charges being later dismissed. On the second occasion, our client was cycling to a local shop. He entered the shop to buy some juice when the cops wrongly accused him of cycling on the sidewalk. The cops then assaulted our client, slamming him to the ground and punching him. He was arrested and held in a cell until the next day. Peterson DelleCave LLP sued the City and NYPD, securing a favorable settlement.

DIABETIC MAN REFUSED TREATMENT & LEFT UNCONSCIOUS IN NYPD PRECINCT CELL

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client, a film producer, who suffers from diabetes, had pulled his car over as he felt unwell, when cops approached and searched the vehicle. Upon searching, they found marijuana and proceeded to arrest and detain our client. He informed the cops that he felt unwell and needed to take medication for his diabetes. The NYPD officers continued to ignore our clients repeated requests for his medication while he was in detention and his condition deteriorated to the point where he was unconscious. Eventually, the police called an ambulance and our client was kept in hospital for four days following this incident. Peterson DelleCave sued the City and NYPD and achieved a settlement to help achieve justice for the violation of this man’s civil rights.

COPS BREAK AFRICAN AMERICAN’S WRIST DURING FALSE ARREST

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client was walking along the street when NYPD cops jumped out of an unmarked vehicle and grabbed him by the arms, pinning him to the ground. He was then searched by the officers and handcuffed with such excessive force that his wrist was broken. He was taken to the local NYPD precinct and released without charge. Peterson Dellecave LLP brought a case against the City and NYPD and was successful in obtaining a settlement for the client.

FORMER NYC TEACHER FALSELY ARRESTED WHILE WALKING CHIHUAHUA

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

A 75-year old retired teacher was walking her Chihuahua in a local park when she was falsely arrested and subject to excessive force by two NYC park enforcement patrol officers. Our client had let her dog off the leash while she was in an empty enclosed baseball field. When she was about to leave and had put her dog back on the lead, two cops approached her and asked for her ID. When she informed them she did not have ID on her, they blocked her exit and forcibly handcuffed her. Due to the resulting pain and stress, an ambulance had to be called. The retired teacher was then held in detention at a NYPD precinct for hours before release. Peterson DelleCave LLP brought a lawsuit against NYPD and secured a favorable settlement for the client.

MAN BEATEN UP AND ARRESTED BY COPS IN HIS OWN HOME

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client and his wife phoned the police when a friend they had agreed to store items for tried, drunkenly, to collect them at 3 a.m. and then refused to leave their property. However, when NYPD arrived, the cops went into his house without consent or a warrant, started shouting and swearing at our client. The cops then tackled him to the floor, punching and kicking him. He was then forcibly handcuffed and dragged to the police car. While in NYPD detention he was refused medical care for a number of hours. He was later diagnosed with a fractured rib among other injuries. Peterson DelleCave successfully sued NYPD and achieved a sizeable five-figure settlement for their client.

TEENAGE BOY FALSELY ARRESTED AFTER VISITING FAMILY

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client was walking towards a bus stop after visiting his sister when an unmarked police car pulled up beside him. The unmarked officers then exited the car, chased our client and tackled him into a store window. Our client suffered injuries to his arms, legs and torso as a result of the attack and was subsequently arrested for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. The charges against him were dropped shortly thereafter. PetersonDelleCave LLP brought a civil rights action on behalf of this client and were successful in obtaining a handsome five figure settlement on his behalf.

YOUNG GIRL FALSELY ARRESTED AFTER BREAK IN AT HER OWN HOME

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client, a 15 year old high school student, returned home to her apartment one evening to find that there had been a break in. When the police arrived, the two officers refused to look for the surveillance footage which would have indicated when and how the burglary occurred. One of the officers then began to hit our client with his fists and elbows and began to bang her head off the ground and kick her. The officers then arrested our client and took her to a Juvenile Detention Center. After checking in with her probation officer on various occasions, our client’s case was eventually closed. PetersonDelleCave LLP brought a law suit against the City, the NYPD and the two arresting officers and were successful in obtaining an extremely favourable five figure settlement for this client.

INNOCENT MUSLIM WOMAN IS ATTACKED BY POLICE OFFICERS

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

A 30 year old single Muslim woman was subjected to a vicious attack in her own home by a police officer. The police officer arrived and entered her home without permission. Once inside, without justification, the police officer grabbed our client and threw and dragged her on the floor. He then arrested her and took her to the local precinct. Our client was subsequently taken to hospital to be treated for injuries to her neck, back and arms. PetersonDelleCave LLP brought a lawsuit against the City, the NYPD and the arresting officer and were successful in obtaining an extremely favourable five-figure settlement for her.

REAL-ESTATE BROKER ARRESTED AND BATTERED

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

A young commercial real estate broker enjoying a casual evening with friends was arrested in the Union Square subway station and charged with possessing an open container of alcohol. During the arrest, our client was beaten by the police in the middle of the station and suffered extensive injuries to his face and shoulder. Having first achieved dismissal of all criminal charges against our client, PetersonDelleCave LLP went further. We gathered the evidence, sought out the eyewitnesses to this clear-cut instance of police brutality, and submitted our client's case. Our client not only emerged without a criminal record, but also received a substantial civil recovery from New York City for the injuries he suffered at the hands of the police.

EDUCATION ADVOCATE ASSAULTED BY NYPD IN HER OWN HOME

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client called 911 seeking police assistance for one of her two sisters. When the police officers arrived they questioned our client's scratches on her left hand, caused by her sister who was in need of medical assistance. Our client was assaulted by the police and then arrested. All charges against her were ultimately dismissed. PetersonDelleCave LLP brought a civil rights action on her behalf, including false arrest, malicious prosecution and excessive force and obtained a favorable five-figure settlement.

SINGLE MOM ARRESTED IN FRIEND'S HOUSE

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client spent the night at her acquaintance’s house. The following morning she was awoken by police officers, who had a search warrant for the house. The officers discovered marijuana and narcotics around the house. However, our client did not reside in this apartment nor was there any indication she used the apartment as her home. All charges against her were subsequently dismissed. PetersonDelleCave LLP brought a civil rights action alleging false arrest and obtained a favorable, five-figure settlement on her behalf.

CARTOON ARTIST ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING WHEN VISITING A FRIEND: VERTICAL PATROL

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client left his apartment to visit and help his friend across the street that was organizing a barbecue. When he arrived to his friend house he could not find her so he decided to walk back home. While exiting two police officers approached him asked for his identification. Our client responded to the officers’ request and explained that he was on five years probation and could not have contact with police. The officers arrested him for trespassing with no legal justification or probable cause. PetersonDelleCave LLP brought a civil rights action on his behalf for false arrest and obtained a favorable, five-figure settlement.

GOVERNMENT WORKER ARRESTED FOR GUN POSSESSION

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

A man in his fifties owned a gun but allowed his firearm license to expire. To avoid any legal trouble, he decided to give the gun to the police as part of an NYPD gun amnesty program that allows any individual to hand in any firearm without legal consequences. He took the gun to his local precinct and turned it over. That night, several police officers entered his home and arrested him. He spent a day and a night in prison and appeared in court nine times before the charges were dismissed. He had received job offers at two federal government agencies, but the offers were revoked in each of his pending criminal case. The attorneys at PetersonDelleCave investigated the facts, gathered the evidence, and convinced the City to offer our client a large settlement.

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

INNOCENT MAN SUBJECTED TO MALICIOUS PROSECUTION, FALSE ARREST AND UNREASONABLE STRIP SEARCH Our client, a 35-year-old father of 3, was stopped and handcuffed by police, following the publication of a Daily News article on his lawsuit against NYPD. The officers stated “We’ve got you now” and erroneously accused him of selling crack cocaine. The man was searched, but nothing was found. He was taken to the precinct, ordered to take off all his clothes and to “squat and cough.” The man had no choice but to follow the orders, despite his humiliation. Without legal justification, he was charged with criminal possession and sale of a controlled substance and was held in prison for 7 days. His charges were dismissed. PetersonDellecave LLP brought a lawsuit against the City, NYPD and the officers involved, and a favourable settlement was achieved for our client.

YOUNG WOMAN SUBJECTED TO ASSAULT, SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ILLEGAL SEARCH

RESULT: SETTLEMENT

Our client was arrested for Disorderly Conduct and was taken to the Precinct. The police officer responsible for processing our client was verbally abusive towards her and proceeded to strike her on the chest; causing her to fall to the ground. After taking our client’s fingerprints, the police officer began massaging our client’s hands and making sexual comments towards her. On a separate occasion some months later, our client was walking home with a neighbor when a police patrol car pulled up beside her. The police officers searched our client’s bag and then told her that they were “watching her” and that they would perform a search on her each time they saw her. The attorneys at PetersonDelleCave LLP secured a favourable settlement against the City to compensate this client for her injuries.