Q: Should I be criminally charged for my dog biting a police officer
I was inside my house talking to a couple police officers. They forced their way into my home. Physically restrained me, and then forcefully removed me from my home. My dog was in the house at the top of the stairs. After I was removed from my home, the dog ran down the stairs and started biting the police officers and the officers kicked the dog multiple times. I was being held on the ground and was unable to secure the dog. During this whole incident, the dog was not barking or showing any aggression. In till I was removed from my home. The dog was sitting at the top of my stairs inside my house. I was not being investigated and police had no Warrant.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
You may face charges related to your dog biting the police officers, depending on the circumstances and local laws. In many states, if a dog attacks or injures a person, the owner could be held responsible, especially if the dog was not properly secured or controlled. However, given that the police officers forcibly entered your home without a warrant and physically restrained you, the situation may involve questions of police misconduct or illegal entry, which could impact the overall case.
It’s important to consider whether the officers’ actions provoked the dog’s behavior. If your dog was calm until the officers forced their way into your home and you were physically restrained, it could be argued that the dog was reacting to the perceived threat to you. This could be a significant factor in your defense if charges are brought against you.
You should consult with a lawyer who can assess the details of the case, including the actions of the police, and guide you through your options. They can help determine if the officers’ conduct in your home was unlawful and whether this affects any potential charges for the dog’s behavior. Having legal representation will ensure you understand your rights and help you navigate the situation effectively.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free 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 Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, 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.
