Even when a person is at fault for an offense, he or she is still entitled to be treated fairly by law enforcement officers. In fact, alleged mistreatment by police has resulted in charges against lawbreakers being tossed out and lawsuits being filed against the authorities. Some well-publicized cases of police mistreatment over the past few years still remain in public memory. This is resulting in more people who are not afraid to stand up for their rights.
A woman who was arrested on drunk driving charges is suing the arresting officer for what she says is unreasonable and excessive treatment after she had requested an attorney during a field sobriety test. According to her claim, the Hillsborough Township officer allegedly mistreated her by throwing her to the ground and handcuffing her before putting her in the back of the police car.
Among the woman's charges were driving under the influence, failing to keep right, and resisting arrest. It's unknown whether she also plans to contest her charges.
Although it's yet to be decided whether the arresting officer really did treat the woman the way she says, this brings to mind other cases in which surveillance video caught evidence of police brutality against people about to be charged with a crime. If a person believes he or she has been treated unfairly while being arrested, he or she has the right to have both sides heard by the court. Proving that mistreatment by law enforcement officers actually occurred could mitigate some of the penalties, depending on the severity of the alleged assault.
Source: Hillsborough Patch, "Cop Sued for Alleged Assault During DWI Arrest," John Patten, Jan. 18, 2013
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