Did the Police Have Probable Cause to Arrest You?
Arrested Without Cause in Massachusetts? You Still Have Rights.
Being arrested is frightening, stressful, and can have a lasting impact on your reputation, career, and peace of mind—even if you are not convicted of the charge or charges brought against you.
If you believe you were arrested without a legitimate legal basis in Massachusetts, you may have a civil rights claim, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case.
What Is Probable Cause?
In Massachusetts, law enforcement officers must have “probable cause” to make an arrest. This means they must have a reasonable belief, based on facts and evidence, that you committed a crime. Arrests made without probable cause violate your constitutional rights and can form the basis for a civil lawsuit against the officers or department involved.
“My Case Was Dismissed—But I Shouldn’t Have Been Arrested at All.”
Even if your charges did not result in a conviction, the arrest itself may have been unlawful. The lack of a conviction does not automatically erase the harm done to your reputation, your record, or your sense of justice.
At Krasnoo, Klehm & Falkner LLP, we can help you explore your legal options if you were wrongly arrested.
Why Does Probable Cause Matter?
- Protects Your Rights: The requirement for probable cause is a cornerstone of your constitutional protections against arbitrary arrests.
- Basis for Civil Claims: If the police lacked probable cause, you may be able to file a lawsuit for false arrest, false imprisonment, or other civil rights violations.
- Accountability: Challenging arrests without cause helps hold law enforcement accountable and prevents future misconduct.
Common Examples of Arrests Without Probable Cause
- Arrests based solely on anonymous tips, without corroborating evidence
- Arrests made because of mistaken identity or profiling
- Arrests after a search found nothing illegal, but the officer still proceeded without evidence
- Arrests that a judge later finds unsupported, leading to case dismissal
What Can You Do If You Were Arrested Without Cause?
- Document Everything: Write down everything you remember about the incident, including what was said, who was involved, and what happened before, during, and after the arrest.
- Obtain Your Records: Get a copy of your arrest record and any court documents showing the case was dismissed.
- Consult an Attorney: An experienced civil rights lawyer can review your case, explain your options, and help you pursue justice and compensation.
How We Can Help
At Krasnoo, Klehm & Falkner LLP, our attorneys have a proven track record of fighting for clients who have experienced unlawful arrests and police misconduct. We understand how damaging a wrongful arrest can be—even if you were never convicted. We will:
- Review the circumstances of your arrest
- Investigate whether probable cause existed
- Help you file a civil rights lawsuit if appropriate
- Pursue compensation for your damages, including emotional distress, lost wages, and reputational harm
Take Action Today
If you believe you were arrested without probable cause—even if your case was dismissed—don’t wait. You may have limited time to protect your rights and seek justice.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Let us help you hold law enforcement accountable and restore your peace of mind.