Police & Jail Misconduct in West Michigan
People hurt by police or in custody, and families who lost someone in custody.
Sorin & Pyle, Trial Lawyers takes cases for people in West Michigan who were hurt by police or while in a jail, a prison, or juvenile detention. If that happened to you or someone in your family, we can review what happened and talk with you about whether we can help.
Talk With Us About What Happened
Start with your name, a phone number, and who was involved (for example, the police department or the jail). Once we've checked for conflicts, we'll set up a time to hear what happened. Family members are welcome to reach out on someone's behalf.
Cases we look at
Excessive force during an arrest or a traffic stop
We look at situations where someone was hurt by police during an arrest, a traffic stop, or a detention. That includes force used on someone who was already handcuffed, on the ground, or not resisting; Taser use, strikes, or takedowns; and injuries from a police dog.
Hurt during an arrest and now facing charges
Many people who are hurt during an arrest are also charged from the same incident, often with resisting or obstructing an officer. We are a criminal defense firm first. When someone comes to us hurt and charged, we defend the criminal charge and keep the civil side in view while we do. The fee for defending the criminal charge is separate, and we go over it with you before you hire us.
Arrested or charged, and the case was dropped
Police misconduct is not only about force. We also look at arrests and prosecutions that ended with the charges dropped or dismissed, where questions about false arrest or malicious prosecution come up.
Denied medical or mental-health care in custody
We look at situations in jails, prisons, and juvenile detention where requests for medical help were ignored or put off, withdrawal from alcohol or drugs was not monitored or treated, prescription medication was missed or withheld, or a medical emergency or a mental-health crisis, including a risk of suicide, was not acted on.
Assaulted or hurt in custody
We also look at injuries from force used by jail or prison staff, and assaults by other people in custody.
A death in custody
Losing someone in a jail or prison often leaves a family with more questions than answers. Families are welcome to contact us, including before anyone has been appointed to handle the person's estate, and you do not need to send documents or a detailed account to start.
Why a criminal defense trial firm?
These cases are built on the same evidence we work with in criminal cases every day: police and use-of-force reports, jail records, 911 calls, video, and witness testimony. The firm's attorneys are former public defenders and criminal trial lawyers. We have read the police reports, watched the body-cam and dash-cam footage, and cross-examined officers in West Michigan courtrooms. And we are a trial firm: we are prepared to take a case in front of a jury.
How a case review works
Call us, or email your name, a phone number, and who was involved. Once we've checked for conflicts, we'll set up a time to hear what happened and let you know whether we can help. Not every inquiry becomes a case.
These situations can have short deadlines, and missing one can mean losing the right to bring a claim at all. It helps to reach out early.
We review civil rights and serious injury matters case by case. When we take a case, it is usually on a contingency fee, set out in a written agreement that also explains how case costs are handled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Request a Case Review
If you or someone in your family was hurt by police or in custody, or you lost someone in custody, call (616) 227-3303 or email us to request a case review.
This page is general information, not legal advice about your situation.