Memphis, TN asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Tennessee

Q: Hello my boyfriend was arrested for car theft walking home from work because they mistook him for someone else. Help ?

Hello my boyfriend was stalked then arrested walking home from work because they mistook him for someone else.They said he was arrested for stealing a car. He doesn't even know how to drive. He's never driven out of the 5 years we've been together neither does he posses a license. The University Of Memphis Police officers snatched him up as he was coming out the store. Attempting to arrest him they kicked him in his head, punched his body, and stomped on him while in handcuffs on the ground. They never told him any details or asked questions to verify where he just came from or even verify with his job if he had been at work during the time of the incident . He was racially profiled and this has become to common today. Can anyone offer any advice ?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: I'm sorry to hear about this distressing situation. It's important to take immediate steps to address this. Firstly, securing a lawyer experienced in criminal defense is crucial. They can assist in navigating the legal process, ensuring your boyfriend's rights are protected, and working towards proving his innocence.

Gather any evidence that can support his alibi, such as work attendance records, witness statements, or any other relevant information. This evidence can be crucial in demonstrating he was not involved in the alleged crime.

Regarding the treatment he received during the arrest, documenting any injuries and seeking medical attention is essential. This documentation can be used in any potential legal actions related to the arrest's conduct.

Additionally, consider filing a complaint with the University of Memphis Police Department regarding the officers' conduct. If you believe there was racial profiling or excessive force, this should be formally addressed.

Remember, in situations like this, acting swiftly and with legal guidance is key to ensuring justice and safeguarding rights.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.