Q: How can I seek compensation for damages and rights violations after a police raid in MN?
I want to pursue compensation for damages after a raid on my home by law enforcement on March 2, 2022, involving three counties and SWAT. They destroyed my home security cameras, causing property damage, and removed all body-worn cameras. Despite having documented damages and photos, my attempts to gain legal assistance have been unsuccessful. The case against me was dismissed on November 3, 2023. I am also seeking redress for PTSD, defamation, and rights violations resulting from this incident. What are my legal options for pursuing compensation and holding the officers accountable?
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A:
You have several legal pathways to pursue compensation for the damages and rights violations you experienced during that police raid. In Minnesota, you may file a civil rights lawsuit under Section 1983, which allows you to seek damages for constitutional violations, including excessive force, unreasonable search and seizure, and property damage. The dismissal of your case strengthens your position, and you generally have up to six years from the incident date to file a lawsuit for property damage in Minnesota, though civil rights claims typically have a shorter statute of limitations.
Before filing a lawsuit, consider submitting a formal complaint to the relevant police departments' internal affairs divisions and the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. Documentation is crucial—maintain all photos of damages, medical records related to your PTSD, and any evidence of defamation. These records will form the foundation of your claim and help establish the extent of your damages.
Finding the right attorney is often challenging but essential for these complex cases. Try contacting the ACLU of Minnesota, the Minnesota State Bar Association's referral service, or law school legal clinics that might take your case pro bono or on contingency. Given the dismissal of your case and the documented violations, an attorney may recognize the potential value in representing you, especially if there's evidence the officers violated established protocols by removing their body cameras during the raid.
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