.png)
In 2015, the Illinois Police and Community Improvement Act became law. The new law addressed many police practices, including the use of chokeholds.
The Illinois Police and Community Improvement Act prohibits the use of chokeholds unless deadly force is necessary. In Illinois, the police may use deadly force if such force is required to protect themselves, someone else, or property. Under this law, police in Illinois may not use a chokehold to arrest someone who is non-compliant with police directions.
In some parts of Illinois, such as Chicago, neck holds or chokeholds were prohibited before 2015.
The Danger of Chokeholds
As the term suggests, a chokehold requires a police officer to hold a person’s neck. Vascular neck restraints interfere with oxygen flow to the brain and can cause a person to lose consciousness, but the person should continue breathing. Respiratory neck restraints are more dangerous and require police officers to put pressure on the front of a person’s neck to compress the trachea. A person could stop breathing.
The serious, potentially fatal consequences of chokeholds led to the change in Illinois law.
Chokehold Police Brutality Lawsuits
If you are hurt or if your loved one dies because of a police officer’s chokehold, then you should contact an experienced Illinois police brutality attorney.
Our lawyers will find out exactly what happened and whether the police officer acted with excessive force, given the circumstances. If the police officer did act with excessive force, then we will fight hard to get you the full recovery that you deserve for past and future medical costs, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, pain, suffering, and other damages, such as funeral costs, as applicable.
We don’t want you to worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer or that our lawyers may not represent you if you’ve been charged with a crime. We may still represent you, and we may not charge you any hourly rates. Instead, our fees may be paid out of your settlement or legal recovery. If you don’t recover damages, then we won’t be paid.
To learn more, call us or start a live chat with us now to schedule your free initial meeting.
