Full question:
My husband who is self employed, and a very hard worker constantly gets harassed in small towns because of his long hair, speech impediment, and low weight. He has severe cervical and lumbar arthritis, and bulging discs. So they treat him like a junkie, as he fits the stereotype unfortunately. This man has never drank or did drugs in his life ironically enough. Well, he had a job in a small town. He was parked in a small mall parking lot, and he was waiting for his brother to get back from getting coffee. The police officers searched his truck inside and out , the entire time insisting he sit on the ground. He informed them of his medical disability, at which they responded they didn't care. They also insisted he was driving the truck, which he was not. When the driver finally came back and pulled out of the lot, the police officer pulled them over right away again, and started screaming at my husband that he was going to get a summons for driving without a license (lost due to state taxes owed, and is in the process of working out a payment plan). As far as I can see they didn't like his looks, he was never driving the truck, if he was it would have been towed right then and there. And they illegally pulled over the driver for no reason at all. We are sick of this harassment, and would like to know what we can do about it?
- Category: Civil Rights
- Date:
- State: Massachusetts
Answer:
I'm sorry to hear about your husband's experience. It sounds like he may be facing civil rights violations due to the police's treatment of him. Here are some steps you can consider:
1. **Document Everything**: Encourage the driver to take the keys with him when he leaves the truck. This way, your husband can assert that he wasn't driving. If possible, record any encounters with the police, as video or audio evidence can support your case.
2. **Consult an Attorney**: Schedule a meeting with a local personal injury attorney. They can provide specific legal advice and discuss the possibility of a lawsuit for damages. Keep in mind that these cases can be challenging due to the police's ability to claim reasonable suspicion.
3. **Report the Incidents**: If this harassment continues, consider filing a formal complaint with the police department. Document each incident thoroughly.
4. **Seek Support**: Look for local advocacy groups that deal with police misconduct. They may provide resources and support for your situation.
While pursuing legal action can be difficult, having proper documentation and legal counsel can strengthen your case.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.