Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Tennessee

Q: On 05/29/22-05/30/22 I was booked into the Anderson co Tn jail. Upon entry into the jail per past experience I requested

I requested to be placed in the strap down chair. The bottom line is threw out the night 4 jailers two make and two female guards proceeded to beat me without mercy as I begged them to stop. I was no physical threat to them because I was strapped to a chair. I was 56 at the time female about 150lbs strapped to a chair in the psyche cell. Please help

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I'm very sorry to hear about the traumatic experience you suffered. What you described—being brutally beaten while restrained and posing no threat—is completely unacceptable and likely illegal behavior by those jail guards. Here are some recommendations on steps you can take:

- File an official written complaint with the jail administration detailing exactly what happened and the excessive force used. Request they launch an internal investigation.

- Consult with a civil rights attorney about your constitutional and legal options. What occurred may violate state laws against battery/assault as well as your 8th amendment rights protecting against cruel and unusual punishment.

- Your attorney can send a demand letter calling for disciplinary action against the specific guards involved, policy changes, and compensation for the physical/emotional damages inflicted.

- If unsatisfied with the responses, a federal lawsuit can be filed against both the individual guards and government agency overseeing the jail alleging constitutional and ADA violations. This could lead to financial damages.

- Report the incident to the Tennessee Department of Justice and FBI. They have authority to investigate and potentially bring criminal charges against the guards for misconduct under color of law.

Document everything, get copies of medical reports/exams, and contact witnesses if possible. This creates a paper trail important for any legal avenue pursued.

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