Racial Profiling And Steps To Take If You’re A Victim

When police officers stop, search, or arrest individuals based on race rather than actual evidence or behavior, it violates constitutional rights and fosters distrust between law enforcement and the public. If you have been a victim of racial profiling in Maryland, connect with a Baltimore police misconduct lawyer. Doing so is key to understanding your rights and legal options.

Consequences of Racial Profiling

Racial profiling occurs when law enforcement targets individuals based on race, ethnicity, or national origin rather than actual suspicion of criminal activity. This can happen in a few different ways.

For example, if a person is pulled over without cause or an individual is subjected to random searches without reasonable suspicion, it could be due to racial profiling. There have unfortunately been situations in the state of Maryland where individuals were singled out for searches based on ethnicity and when force was used disproportionately against individuals of color.

The effects of racial profiling extend far beyond the immediate encounter with police. Some of the most serious consequences include the following.

• Psychological trauma. Victims of racial profiling often experience anxiety, fear, and a loss of trust in the justice system.
• Criminal charges. Wrongful arrests due to racial profiling can lead to criminal records, impacting an individual’s employment and housing opportunities.
• Financial hardship. Legal fees, lost wages, and court costs can burden victims unfairly targeted by law enforcement.
• Community distrust. When racial profiling becomes a pattern, it erodes public trust and makes communities less likely to cooperate with police.

If you believe you are being stopped or searched due to racial profiling, it’s important to remain calm. Do not argue, resisting an officer could escalate the situation. Yet while it is essential to stay calm, it is also important to know your rights so you can avoid answering unnecessary questions without a lawyer present.

You can also protect yourself by documenting the experience as much as possible. This can be done by writing down details. When no physical paper and pen is available, note key details in your phone, such as the date, time, location, and the officer’s name and badge number. If it is safe to do so, go beyond using your phone for notetaking and use the device to record video or audio.

Request Legal Representation and File a Complaint

After you or someone you care about was wrongfully stopped, searched, or arrested, connect with an attorney. There are legal experts with the skills to challenge the legality of the encounter and fight for justice on your behalf. An initial step could include filing a complaint with the Maryland Police Accountability Board or the U.S. Department of Justice.

Filing a lawsuit for violations of your Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights could be a path forward as well. Talk to a Baltimore police misconduct lawyer about how to secure compensation for emotional distress, legal costs, and other damages.

Were you profiled by Maryland law enforcement? Contact the legal team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP. More than just unfair, racial profiling is illegal. Don’t stay silent, take action today. Contact us to book your confidential appointment.