Unlawful Arrest Attorneys in Buffalo, NY 

Unlawful Arrest in Buffalo: You Don’t Deserve This 

Getting arrested is terrifying. Your heart races, your mind spirals, and before you know it, you’re questioning everything. But what if the arrest wasn’t even legal? That’s not just wrong—it’s a violation of your rights. In moments like these, an experienced Buffalo civil rights attorney who knows unlawful arrests can help you fight back and take control of your life. 

Unlawful arrests happen more often than you might think. Whether you were stopped without cause, targeted unfairly, or caught in a situation that spiraled out of control, you deserve justice. The Buffalo lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, we’ll fight for you so you can focus on reclaiming your life.

Signs Your Arrest Was Completely Out of Line 

How do you know if your arrest crossed the line into illegal territory? It’s not always obvious in the moment, but there are some glaring red flags: 

• No Probable Cause: Cops can’t just haul you in because they feel like it. New York law requires officers to have clear evidence or a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed. Without probable cause, the arrest is invalid. You can learn more about probable cause under New York CPL § 140.10. 
• You Weren’t Told Why: Officers are required by law to inform you of the reason for your arrest. If they didn’t clearly state the charges or accusations, it’s a breach of your rights under the Fourth and Sixth Amendments and CPL § 120.80. 
• Unlawful Searches: Police must follow strict rules for searching you, your belongings, or your property. Without a warrant or your consent (unless there’s an emergency), the search may be illegal. This is outlined under New York Constitution Article I, Section 12. 
• It Felt Personal: If the arrest seemed more like a grudge or a way to intimidate you, there’s a good chance it wasn’t legitimate. Cases of bias or retaliation by law enforcement officers are, unfortunately, not uncommon. 

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to stand up for yourself with the help of an unlawful arrest attorney who knows the system. 

How Unlawful Arrests Violate Your Rights 

An unlawful arrest isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a direct attack on your civil rights. In Buffalo, your rights are protected by the Constitution, but when the system fails, the damage can feel personal. Here’s what you lose when you’re unlawfully arrested: 

Your Freedom: Being detained unjustly takes away your most basic right to live your life without interference. Even a few hours in custody can disrupt your routine, job, and family responsibilities. 

Your Dignity: Getting handcuffed in public, searched, or photographed for a mugshot can feel humiliating and deeply degrading. For many, this emotional damage stays long after the incident. 

Your Privacy: Illegal searches often lead to private information being exposed, such as the contents of your phone, car, or home. This overreach isn’t just frustrating—it’s unconstitutional. 

No one deserves to feel powerless, especially at the hands of those sworn to serve and protect. 

Unlawful Arrests in Buffalo: Real Scenarios You Might Recognize 

Unlawful arrests aren’t just things you read about in the news—they happen to real people in everyday situations. Maybe even to you. 

Some of the most common scenarios in Buffalo include: 

• Mistaken Identity: You were in the wrong place at the wrong time and looked like someone else. This happens far too often, especially in busy areas like downtown Buffalo or near the Walden Galleria Mall, where descriptions are rushed and vague. 
• Protests Gone Wrong: Peacefully holding a sign should never land you in cuffs, but it happens. New York law protects your right to protest peacefully under Civil Rights Law § 12. 
• A Routine Stop Escalates: You’re pulled over for a broken taillight, and suddenly it’s something much bigger. Routine traffic stops on I-190 or Route 33 sometimes spiral into arrests over minor infractions or unjustified suspicion. 
• Personal Bias: You felt targeted because of who you are, not what you did. Racial profiling and other forms of bias have unfortunately been documented in Erie County. 

Does any of this hit close to home? If so, a civil rights attorney at Horn Wright, LLP, can help you navigate the path to justice. 

Here’s What You Should Do Right Now 

An unlawful arrest can leave you stunned and unsure of your next move. But acting quickly can make all the difference. Here’s where to start: 

Stay Cool: Losing your temper or resisting can make things worse. Keep your head up and stay calm, even if the situation feels unfair. 

Take Notes: As soon as you can, write everything down. Who arrested you? What was said? Where did it happen? Buffalo landmarks, like the Broadway Market or Canalside, can help pinpoint your location later. 

Don’t Say Too Much: It’s tempting to explain yourself, but you could accidentally say the wrong thing. Save it for your attorney, who will know how to frame your side of the story. 

Get Legal Help Fast: The sooner you call an experienced Buffalo civil rights lawyer that knows wrongful arrest lawyer, the better your chances of turning this around. Time is crucial for preserving evidence, witness statements, and your own memory of the event. 

The Real Cost of an Unlawful Arrest: It’s Not Just Money 

Being wrongfully arrested is expensive, but the financial burden is only part of the story. The true cost runs much deeper. 

• Legal Fees and Fines: Fighting back isn’t cheap, with defense costs in New York often ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the complexity of the case. 
• Emotional Stress: Anxiety, embarrassment, and fear are common reactions. Studies show that even short-term detentions can cause PTSD-like symptoms for victims of unlawful arrests. 
• Reputation Damage: An arrest, even an unlawful one, can stay on your record. In Buffalo, clearing your name through CPL § 160.50 expungement is possible, but it’s a time-consuming process. 
• Family Struggles: The fallout can strain relationships with those closest to you, especially if they’re financially or emotionally affected by the situation. 

We Don’t Just Fight—We Win 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know how to take on unlawful arrest cases and win. When we represent you, we’re not just filing paperwork. We’re going to war for your rights. Here’s how we fight for you: 

• Digging Deep: We’ll gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and comb through every detail of your case. Whether it’s body camera footage or radio logs from Buffalo Police Department, we leave no stone unturned. 
• Exposing Misconduct: If the police overstepped, we’ll make sure the court knows it. Violations of protocol—like failing to read Miranda rights—are often central to these cases. 
• Demanding Accountability: Justice doesn’t stop with your freedom. We’ll hold those responsible accountable, pushing for internal investigations or disciplinary actions within the police department. 
• Pushing for Compensation: From lost wages to emotional distress, we’ll fight to make sure you’re compensated for every bit of the damage. Restitution can range from a few thousand dollars to six-figure settlements in serious cases. 

When you need strong police misconduct legal representation, we’ve got you covered. 

Worried About Retaliation? We’ve Got Your Back 

Standing up to the system can feel risky. What if the police come after you for filing a claim? Retaliation is real, but it’s also illegal, and it might be in the form of harassing phone calls or visits, trumped-up charges, and attempts to embarrass you. 

If officers repeatedly contact you or show up unannounced at your home, that’s harassment. Sometimes, new and unrelated charges are filed to intimidate victims. If this happens, it’s a clear abuse of power. 

Also, publicly spreading false information or exaggerating your case details to discredit you. If this happens, don’t panic. Our Buffalo civil rights attorneys can step in and make sure you’re not subject to retaliation. 

Let Us Help You Take Your Life Back 

Unlawful arrests can leave you feeling powerless and overwhelmed, but you don’t have to face this alone. At Horn Wright, LLP, recognized as one of the best law firms in America, our experienced unlawful arrest attorneys will fight to restore your rights, your dignity, and your peace of mind.  

Contact our Buffalo office today for a FREE and confidential consultation.