Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Iowa

I was the victim of a illegal traffic stop back in August 2014. Police claimed I didn't signal out of a gas station parking lot. But I did..so they followed me for about a block. Then stopped me when I was turning into a friends driveway. I forgot to mention I believe I was profiled. I believe this because as I walked out of the gas station,the cops came to a four way stop. Seen me and sat in the middle of the intersection and watched me get into my car. No suspicious activity. I didn't even have music on. I thought they were going to turn into the gas station. But instead they drove half a block away. Turned off their lights and waited for me to leave. After I was stopped I asked the officer why I was being stopped. He said he would tell me later. He then asked me to see my drivers licence. I told him I think I may be suspended. After that he asked me to step out of my car and towards his police car. After running my name and verifying my suspended status he asked if I had anything illegal in the car. I said not that I'm aware of. I did have a friend in the front passenger side. He was pulled out of the car and searched after I was out. The search of my car turned up a marijuana pipe. And less than a gram of marijuana. Neither were mine and I didn't admit to any of it. After the cops found the items they placed me under arrest for possession of marijuana and driving suspended. They let my Freind go. I was in jail for a few weeks because I had to come up with my own bail money. I was just visiting my mother for her birthday and had been living in MN before I was arrested. Because of the time I spent in jail,I lost my job and residents. And my bond conditions didn't allow me to return to MN. So I lost a decent job which played 12 dollars an hour, and also my residence in MN. All of this caused me great emotional distress also. The case ended up being thrown out by the DAs office. I feel like the illegal stop and arrest caused me to lose a good job, a place to live, money and time. I would like yo know if there is a chance I can place a civil lawsuit against the DMPD for emotional distress. False imprisonment. Lose of wages. And maybe civil rights violations. Can someone from your firm contact me by phone or email. Thank you for your time.

My name is Andre Williams. Please call 515.357.7103 or email me back [email protected] with any suggestions or questions.

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