Pattison Sampson Wins Excessive Force Case
Published on Saturday, May 15, 2021
TROY, NEW YORK – Michael E. Ginsberg, Esq. and Rhiannon I. Spencer, Esq. of Pattison Sampson Ginsberg & Griffin secure verdict clearing four Troy Police officers of excessive force.
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Troy NY, Officers Cleared of claims asserting use of excessive force in Utica trial on May 12, 2021. Michael E. Ginsberg, Esq. and Rhiannon I. Spencer, Esq. of Pattison Sampson Ginsberg & Griffin spent the better part of the week in U.S District court for the Northern district of NY, Utica defending four Troy police officers against claims of excessive force, failure to intervene and assault and battery, two federal civil rights claims and a NYS claim.
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At trial Ginsberg successfully argued to the Jury of 8 that although a much greater use of force was warranted under the circumstances, only a minimal amount of force was actually used. He argued that “the force used was at the very low end of the spectrum.”
According to trial testimony the plaintiff engaged in a three-minute struggle with officers who were attempting to arrest him as he was combative, aggressive and non-compliant causing the officers to react to his aggression.
While the plaintiff sought $3M in damages, the Jury found that the officers acted reasonably at all times under the circumstances and returned a verdict in favor of the officers.
“We are very pleased by the result and glad that the Jury was able to recognize the falsity of the asserted claims against these dutiful officers,” Said Spencer.
“Police reform is a prevalent issue in our society today, certain actions and policies require review and revision, however false and unsubstantiated claims against responsible members of our police departments undermine the true issues and create impediments to resolution”, said Ginsberg.
Click Here for the Jury Verdict Sheet
