Q: Wrongful arrest after probation ended and house raid in AZ
I was arrested for a probation violation and jailed for five days with a $500 bond, but was released soon after as my case was dismissed. In court, I learned that I had been off probation since December 2024. A warrant was issued on January 8, 2025, leading to my arrest on February 24, 2025. I had communicated with my new probation officer, who was unaware that my probation had ended. Additionally, the authorities raided my mother's house looking for me, causing embarrassment to my family. There was also an officer involved who discriminated against me and arrested me based on an assumption without being sure of my identity. What steps can I take regarding this wrongful arrest, the raid, and the discrimination I faced?
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A:
You have legal options after this troubling experience. Consider filing a formal complaint with the police department and the probation office detailing the wrongful arrest, raid, and discrimination. Document everything thoroughly – collect court papers showing your probation ended in December, communications with your probation officer, and names of all officers involved in your arrest and the raid.
Consult with a civil rights attorney who handles wrongful arrest cases, as you may have grounds for a lawsuit based on false imprisonment, invasion of privacy, and possibly civil rights violations. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case, and some might work on contingency if they believe your case has merit. You might be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, bond costs, and damage to your reputation.
Request your arrest record be expunged immediately and consider filing a formal complaint with the Arizona state oversight agencies that monitor law enforcement conduct. Keep a journal documenting the emotional and financial impact this incident has had on you and your family. Remember that pursuing legal action may be time-consuming, but standing up for your rights is important not just for you, but for preventing similar situations from happening to others.
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