Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California

Arrested Brutalized and held Naked in Jail

My sister, age 53, got into a rear-ender on the way home from working a ten hour nursing shift in Riverside County, California. She exchanged info with the other driver, and waited for the police. When they arrived on scene, they yanked her out of her car, slammed her against the hood, handcuffed her, roughed her up a bit more, and arrested her. Needless to say, she was terrified. In the jail, they left the handcuffs on her wrists, so tightly that her hands were going numb, and interrogated her. Then they stripped her down naked, humiliated her for being on her period, body searched her, and gave her a jail jumpsuit to put on. She was incredibly upset and frightened, and needed to urinate, but they would not let her, and she wet herself. They took off her jumpsuit and put her in a holding cell, stark naked, handcuffed, and cold, for the rest of the night. I am aghast and angry. It seems to me her civil rights were desperately violated. Yes?


Asked on 1/21/04, 9:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Arrested Brutalized and held Naked in Jail

It sounds horrendous, and I sympathize with her shock. You haven't given the details of charges brought against her. Are there any witnesses at the scene who can support her version. The jail will have video of the booking, so that needs to be obtained. Contact me if she wants to discuss defense of the criminal charges and the potential for civil action against the police.

Read more
Answered on 1/23/04, 9:04 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Civil Rights Law questions and answers in California