Police Misconduct & Excessive Force in Houston

How We Spot Excessive Force in Texas Arrests

When officers use more force than needed, the signs are often clear. Texas law only allows enough force to make an arrest or keep people safe. Anything extra is out of bounds.

• Injuries That Don't Match the Situation: Broken bones, head trauma, or bruising when you weren't resisting or posing a threat.
• Use of Weapons Without Justification: Tasers, batons, or firearms used when you were compliant or unarmed.
• Choking or Restraint That Cuts Off Breathing: Pressure applied to the neck or chest that makes it hard or impossible to breathe.
• Continued Force After Compliance: Being hit, kicked, or restrained after you've already stopped resisting or surrendered.
• Force Used During a Wrongful Arrest: Physical harm inflicted during a stop or arrest that had no legal basis to begin with.

Officers get training to calm things down, not make them worse. When they ignore that training and someone gets hurt, it’s a problem. These cases often come down to what the officer did compared to what was needed in the moment.

What We Do to Build Your Case After Police Encounters

After a run-in with law enforcement, quick action matters. Evidence can disappear, and memories fade. If you think your rights were crossed, start gathering proof right away. The more you have, the stronger your case.

• Medical Records and Photos: Document every injury, no matter how small, and get checked out by a doctor right away.
• Witness Statements: Get names and contact info from anyone who saw what happened, including bystanders and other officers.
• Video or Audio Recordings: Cell phone footage, body cam video, dashcam recordings, or security camera footage from nearby businesses.
• Police Reports and Incident Numbers: Request copies of all reports filed by the officers involved, even if they contain false information.
• Your Own Written Account: Write down everything you remember while it's still fresh, including what was said, who was there, and what happened step by step.

We help clients who have been through tough encounters with police. Our team knows how to track down evidence, request body cam footage, and put together a timeline that shows what really happened. Acting fast gives you the best shot at holding the right people responsible in Houston and nearby areas.

How We Handle Civil Rights Claims Against Police and Cities

Taking legal action against a police officer or city is not like a regular lawsuit. Government agencies have rules that make these cases tougher. Still, when officers cross the line, the law gives you a way to fight back.

Most claims fall under Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act, which lets you sue for violations of your constitutional rights. Texas law may also apply, depending on what happened. Both paths require proof that the officer acted outside their job or broke clear rules.

These cases have strict steps. You need to show the officer’s actions caused harm, that they should have known better, and that the violation was serious. Cities and departments often often push back hard. We have handled civil rights claims for people who were wrongfully arrested, hurt, or mistreated by officers who thought they could get away with it.

What We Seek for You in Misconduct and Excessive Force Cases

Winning your case is about more than proving what happened. It’s about making sure you get what you’re owed. The law recognizes the real harm these cases cause, and you deserve to be made whole. Damages can cover a range of losses, depending on what you went through.

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, and any future treatment related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Income you missed because of your injuries, plus future earnings if you can't return to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the trauma caused by the incident.
• Punitive Damages: Extra penalties meant to punish the officer or department for especially reckless or intentional misconduct.
• Attorney Fees and Court Costs: In many civil rights cases, the losing side has to pay your legal fees if you win.

Every case is unique. Some people recover quickly, while others face lasting pain or trauma. We look at everything you lost to make sure you ask for the full amount you deserve, not just what the other side wants to pay.

Why Acting Fast Matters in Police Misconduct Lawsuits

Deadlines are strict in these cases. Wait too long, and you lose your chance. Texas law sets clear time frames for filing police misconduct claims, and they change depending on whether you use state or federal law.

For federal civil rights claims under Section 1983, you usually have two years from the date of the incident. Texas state law claims may have shorter deadlines, sometimes as little as six months if you’re suing a city or county. Some cases also require you to give formal notice before you can file a lawsuit.

Courts do not make exceptions for missed deadlines. Once time runs out, your case is over. That’s why it’s smart to talk to a houston police misconduct lawyer right after the incident. Law Office of Sean Bostic-Sealy PLLC moves quickly to protect your rights and keep your case on track.