Know Your Rights and Next Steps in Arizona
Being injured by law enforcement—whether during a traffic stop, an arrest, or while in custody—is a serious and often traumatic event. These situations can involve excessive force, failure to provide medical care, or unlawful detention, all of which may violate your civil rights. At Rideout Law Group, we stand with individuals harmed by government misconduct and are committed to helping you understand your legal options.
- Get Medical Care Immediately
Your health comes first. Even if injuries appear minor, seek prompt medical attention and ensure your treatment is documented. Medical records will not only support your recovery but also serve as vital evidence should you pursue legal action.
If you are in custody and denied treatment, document your requests for care as best you can, and alert family members or legal advocates who may intervene on your behalf.
- Document Everything You Can
As soon as you are safe, write down every detail you remember about the incident:
- The date, time, and location
- The names or badge numbers of involved officers (or physical descriptions)
- Statements made during the encounter
- Names and contact information of any witnesses
- Photos of injuries, damaged clothing, or property
Video surveillance, police body cams, and bystander footage can be crucial—secure copies or request preservation of this evidence through an attorney.
- Know Who Was Involved
Law enforcement misconduct can come from a range of agencies. This includes law enforcement agencies such as Arizona DPS, ICE, municipal police departments like Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, and Tempe, as well as specialized entities like U.S. Border Patrol and Arizona Game and Fish. Each agency has its own internal complaint process, but your legal rights remain the same regardless of the uniform.
- File a Complaint—But Don’t Stop There
Filing a complaint with the law enforcement agency’s internal affairs unit can trigger an internal investigation and document the incident. However, it’s not a substitute for legal action, and disciplinary outcomes are not guaranteed. Complaints may also be useful later if your case escalates to a civil claim.
- Stay Off Social Media
Avoid posting about the incident online. Comments, photos, or videos can be taken out of context and used against you. Instead, gather your information privately and share only with your attorney.
- Contact a Civil Rights Attorney Immediately
Police misconduct cases fall under federal civil rights laws—particularly 42 U.S.C. §1983—and require a knowledgeable legal team to build a strong case. These cases often involve excessive force, false arrest, denial of medical care, or retaliation for asserting your rights.
Rideout Law Group’s attorneys—Brad Rideout, Carolyn Keist-Gilbert, and Steven Eckhardt—bring decades of experience in criminal and civil litigation, including representing individuals injured by police in Arizona.
- Understand Your Legal Timeline
Arizona’s statute of limitations for personal injury or civil rights claims is typically two years, but government-related claims may require much earlier notice. Your attorney will ensure these deadlines are met to protect your right to sue.
- Pursue a Civil Lawsuit If Appropriate
If your rights were violated, a civil claim may help you recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in extreme cases)
Holding law enforcement accountable through legal channels not only seeks justice for you, but also helps protect others in your community.
Let Rideout Law Group Help You Seek Justice
Whether you were injured in Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, or anywhere across Arizona, Rideout Law Group is here to help. Our firm offers aggressive, compassionate representation in police injury and civil rights cases.
📍 Scottsdale Office: 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
📍 Lake Havasu City Office: 2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
📞 Call us today at (480) 584-3328 or (928) 854-8181 for a free consultation.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.