Wrongful Arrest in New York City: Hold Police Accountable

Protecting Your Rights Against False Arrest and Police Misconduct in NYC

A wrongful arrest—also known as false arrest—happens when a person is detained or taken into custody without legal justification. In New York City, this often results from police misconduct, racial profiling, or abuse of authority. These arrests violate the U.S. Constitution and New York State civil rights laws. At CopAccountability.com, we’re committed to helping victims of unlawful arrests hold the NYPD and other law enforcement agencies accountable.

What Counts as a Wrongful Arrest in NYC?

In New York City, a wrongful arrest occurs when:

Police arrest you without probable cause
You are falsely accused and taken into custody
Officers target you based on race, religion, or appearance
Law enforcement misrepresents facts to obtain an arrest warrant
You are arrested in retaliation for filming police or asserting your rights

Common Examples of Police Misconduct in NYC

1. Arresting the Wrong Person

Police must verify identities before making arrests. Misidentification leads to wrongful imprisonment and can destroy lives.

2. No Probable Cause Arrests

In NYC, police cannot detain you unless they have credible, factual evidence that you committed a crime. Arrests based on suspicion alone are illegal.

3. Lying to Get a Warrant

When officers provide false information in affidavits or testimony to justify an arrest, that’s a violation of your rights and due process.

4. Racial Profiling in New York City

Communities of color in NYC are disproportionately stopped, searched, and arrested. Racial profiling is unconstitutional and grounds for a false arrest lawsuit.

5. Retaliation Arrests

If you’re arrested for recording police, criticizing an officer, or refusing to cooperate without legal obligation, the arrest may be malicious and unlawful.

Your Legal Rights After a False Arrest in NYC

Under New York law and federal civil rights statutes (like Section 1983), you may be entitled to compensation for:

Emotional distress and trauma
Lost wages and job loss
Legal fees and court costs
Medical bills for injuries during the arrest
Punitive damages for egregious misconduct

To preserve your rights, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days if the arrest involved an NYPD officer or other public agency.

Filing a False Arrest Claim in New York City

To pursue a false arrest lawsuit in NYC, you need a skilled New York City civil rights attorney with experience handling police misconduct cases. The process typically involves:

Investigating the arrest and reviewing body camera footage, witness statements, and arrest records
Filing the necessary notices with the City of New York
Pursuing justice in state or federal court

We connect you with lawyers who specialize in NYPD wrongful arrest cases and help victims expose police abuse and demand accountability.

Why Police Accountability Matters in NYC

New York City residents deserve law enforcement that respects constitutional rights. Qualified immunity, internal cover-ups, and systemic bias have allowed too many wrongful arrests to go unchallenged.

By pursuing justice, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re standing up for entire communities at risk of police overreach.

Take Action. Demand Accountability.

If you were falsely arrested by NYPD or another New York law enforcement agency:

Document everything
Don’t speak to police without an attorney
Request a copy of your arrest records
Contact a false arrest attorney in NYC immediately

CopAccountability.com: Fighting Police Misconduct in New York City

We provide resources, legal connections, and public education to help New Yorkers:

File civil rights lawsuits against NYPD
Understand their legal rights during police encounters
Report wrongful arrests and police abuse
Organize for justice and reform in their communities

Don’t Stay Silent. Don’t Be a Victim Twice.

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free, confidential consultation
No Legal Fees Unless We Win

If your rights were violated by police in New York City, you have options—and you have allies.

Visit CopAccountability.com
Learn how to file a wrongful arrest claim in NYC
Connect with experienced civil rights lawyers in New York City
Stand up for justice and transparency

Don’t Be a Victim Twice—Demand Accountability