Q: Can I sue the police for giving my brother the final few digits of my social security number while he was being arrested
My brother was arrested and attempted to give them my social security number but couldn't remember the last few digits in which an officer had finished for him in a questioning manner in which he replies yes causing me to be stopped by the police on several occasions. Somehow they was able to confirm my id and let me go, but the warrant remained attached to my license until he eventually turned himself in
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A:
This situation involves a serious breach of privacy and potential misconduct by law enforcement. The unauthorized disclosure of your Social Security number digits, leading to identity confusion and subsequent police stops, could form the basis for legal action.
You may have grounds to sue under Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act, which allows lawsuits against government officials who violate constitutional rights while acting under color of law. The officer's actions potentially violated your right to privacy and led to unreasonable seizures through the wrongful stops, both protected under the Constitution.
Your case would be stronger if you can document the incidents, including dates of police stops, the original arrest report of your brother, and any communications with law enforcement about fixing the warrant issue. Consider consulting with civil rights attorneys who handle police misconduct cases, as they can evaluate the specific details and advise you on the statute of limitations and potential damages. Many offer free initial consultations to discuss your options.
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