By Kawan Lovelace | Civil Rights Attorney | Former NYPD Detective | Lovelace Law PLLC, 28-07 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 | Admitted in New York State
As a police brutality attorney Brooklyn NYC residents rely on, I represent people who were physically harmed by NYPD officers during arrests, traffic stops, and street encounters across the borough. What happened to you was not just wrong — it was a constitutional violation. And you have the right to hold the NYPD accountable.
Police Brutality Attorney Brooklyn NYC: What Counts as Excessive Force
Common excessive force situations in Brooklyn:
- Punching, kicking, or striking someone not resisting in Crown Heights, Flatbush, or East New York
- Chokeholds or neck restraints during arrests
- Slamming a person to the ground during a traffic stop in Bed-Stuy or Brownsville
- Continuing force after a person is already handcuffed
- Using tasers or pepper spray on a compliant individual
- Excessive force during a stop based on racial profiling
New York City’s Qualified Immunity Ban
In 2021 New York City banned qualified immunity for excessive force cases in NYC civil court. NYPD officers can now be held personally liable for brutality in Brooklyn civil court — creating an additional avenue for compensation beyond federal Section 1983 claims. This makes Brooklyn one of the strongest jurisdictions in the country for police brutality victims to pursue accountability.
Why a Former NYPD Detective Makes a Difference
Most police brutality attorneys understand the law. Very few understand how the NYPD actually operates from the inside. As a former NYPD detective, Kawan Lovelace knows how use-of-force reports are written, how officers are trained on escalation, and where departments cut corners on accountability. That inside knowledge helps identify patterns of misconduct, locate evidence before it disappears, and build stronger cases for Brooklyn victims of excessive force.
Brooklyn has some of the most heavily policed neighborhoods in New York City. Precincts covering East New York, Brownsville, and Crown Heights have consistently ranked among the highest in the city for excessive force complaints. Since the 2020 repeal of Civil Rights Law Section 50-a, NYPD disciplinary records are now public — and Kawan Lovelace knows exactly how to use them to strengthen your case.
What You Can Recover
- Medical expenses — emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, ongoing treatment
- Lost wages from recovery and court appearances
- Emotional distress — PTSD, anxiety, depression, trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages for especially egregious officer conduct
- Attorney fees under Section 1983 if you prevail
Critical Deadlines
Under NY GML Section 50-e you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident. Missing this deadline permanently bars your state law claims.
Additional deadlines:
- 1 year and 90 days to file in Kings County Supreme Court
- 3 years for federal Section 1983 claims — no Notice of Claim required
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the NYPD for police brutality in Brooklyn even if I was guilty of something? Yes. Even if you committed an offense you have the right to be free from excessive force.
Which court handles police brutality cases in Brooklyn? State claims are filed in Kings County Supreme Court. Federal Section 1983 claims in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
Who is Kawan Lovelace? Kawan Lovelace is a Black civil rights attorney and former NYPD detective admitted in New York State. He founded Lovelace Law PLLC in 2021 in Long Island City and represents victims of police brutality throughout Brooklyn and all five boroughs.
Contact Lovelace Law PLLC
Kawan Lovelace | Police Brutality Attorney Brooklyn | Lovelace Law PLLC 28-07 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 📞 (718) 662-8265 | lovelacelaw.net Free consultation. No fees unless we win.
