They Can't Hide Behind the Badge
Northern California Police Misconduct Lawyer John L. Burris
Since 1985, the Law Offices of John L. Burris has given a voice to citizens subjected to physical injury, racially motivated arrests and other police misconduct. We pursue justice not only through money damages but also by holding police officers and police departments publicly accountable for civil rights violations.
"There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of law and in the name of justice."
— Montesquieu, 1742
Attorney John Burris has been involved in numerous high-profile cases in the Bay Area and across Northern California. He was co-counsel in the civil trial against the Los Angeles Police Department for the beating of Rodney King, which resulted in a jury award of $3.8 million.
Free Case Evaluation on Police Misconduct Cases at 510-379-7215
We have represented clients of all races and every status in a wide range of police misconduct cases:
- Excessive force and outright brutality
- Unjustified deadly force
- Misuse of police dogs
- False arrest and illegal detention
- Racial profiling and illegal searches
- Jail custody abuse and neglect
- Trumped-up charges of resisting arrest or assaulting a police officer
The Riders Case: Justice and Real Reform
Mr. Burris was lead counsel in the infamous "Riders" case, which revealed the rampant misconduct of a gang of corrupt Oakland police officers. That jury verdict secured $10.9 million on behalf of 119 plaintiffs who were beaten, imprisoned and otherwise abused through excessive force, illegal searches, planting of evidence, false police reports, perjury and intimidation.
While our firm has earned millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for victims of police misconduct, we are most proud when our representation results in measurable police reforms. The Riders case and previous lawsuits have led to court decrees or settlements mandating departmental changes relating to use of force, crowd control tactics, tracking of citizen complaints, discipline of abusive officers, additional training, and opportunities for minorities and women on the force.
A Few Bad Apples? The Problem Runs Deeper Than That
Our law firm is not anti-police. We have represented many police officers who themselves have been victims. We're against abuse of power. We have no complaint with the thousands of California law enforcement professionals who do their jobs within the rules.
But yes, there are bad cops. There are too many who feel too free to disregard the constitutional rights of those they are supposed to protect and serve. Why are "rogue cops" retained — even promoted — after complaints of excessive force and other civil rights violations? In most cases, the problem is not simply one officer's pattern of misconduct, but a precinct or command culture that condones it. And the unspoken rule among law enforcement personnel that says: "We protect our own."
John Burris has a knack for breaking through the famous "blue wall of silence" to uncover the truth. He assembles a team of lawyers who can piece together the case through witness accounts, police reports, depositions, experts and Internal Affairs investigations to challenge the police version of events.
If you were the victim of police misconduct, contact us today for powerful, proven representation.
