Every year, innocent people across New York City are arrested without a valid reason. These wrongful arrests happen during routine stops, mistaken identity cases, or even when officers abuse their power. No matter how it happens, being falsely arrested is traumatic. You may face public embarrassment, emotional stress, lost wages, and time spent behind bars for a crime you didn’t commit.
At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC, we’ve seen firsthand what our clients go through after a false arrest. We’ve stood up for New Yorkers who were wrongfully accused, detained without probable cause, or targeted without a valid arrest warrant. We don’t believe that anyone should have their rights trampled—especially by those sworn to protect and serve.
False arrest is more than just a mistake. It’s a violation of your civil rights. Under both New York State law and the United States Constitution, law enforcement officers must have a legal justification to take you into custody. If they didn’t, they can and should be held accountable.
If you were detained unlawfully by the NYPD or another police department in the five boroughs or nearby areas like Westchester County, our team is ready to fight for justice. We pursue compensation for lost income, emotional distress, and other damages caused by the arrest. The law gives you the right to take action—but strict deadlines apply, and acting fast is critical.
What Is a False or Wrongful Arrest?
A false arrest, also called a wrongful arrest, happens when a person is taken into police custody without legal grounds. In New York, police officers need probable cause or a valid arrest warrant to legally arrest someone. If they don’t have either, the arrest may be unlawful.
We’ve handled cases where clients were falsely arrested for crimes they didn’t commit, often because of mistaken identity, fabricated evidence, or racial profiling. In some instances, people were stopped and arrested during police sweeps or “stop-and-frisk” actions without any clear reason. Even if no criminal complaint is filed later, the damage is already done.
Unlawful detention isn’t just unfair—it’s illegal. The law protects your right to move freely unless a legitimate police investigation provides a lawful reason to detain you. Arresting someone without cause goes against the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. It also violates New York Civil Rights Law § 79(3), which allows victims of police misconduct to sue for damages.
These types of arrests aren’t rare in NYC. In fact, courts across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, The Bronx, and Staten Island regularly see false arrest lawsuits and civil rights claims involving local police departments. If this happened to you, you’re not alone—and you may be entitled to seek compensation.
Can You Sue for False Arrest in New York?
Yes, you can sue if you’ve been falsely arrested in New York—but time is not on your side. Victims of wrongful arrest have the legal right to hold police officers, departments, and the City of New York accountable for violating their civil rights. These cases are often brought in New York State civil court or federal court under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which allows individuals to sue for constitutional violations committed by law enforcement.
For an arrest to be legal, the officer must have probable cause—a reasonable belief that a person has committed a crime. If the arresting officer had no such reason or relied on bad information, that arrest may be illegal. Similarly, if there was no valid arrest warrant and no emergency circumstance that justified an immediate arrest, it could qualify as a false imprisonment or unlawful detention claim.
In most cases against the City or its officers, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days of the arrest. This is a strict deadline under the New York General Municipal Law § 50-e, and missing it can bar your right to sue entirely. After filing the notice, the lawsuit must be brought within one year and 90 days of the incident.
Our firm helps clients meet these deadlines and build strong cases. We work to show that the police acted outside the scope of a legitimate police investigation, and we fight to recover the compensation you deserve.
What To Do After a False Arrest in NYC
If you’ve been wrongfully arrested in New York City, what you do next can make or break your case. The steps you take after your release matter. They can help preserve evidence, support your claim, and protect your rights in court.
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Document Everything
Write down every detail you remember: what the officer said, where the arrest happened, who was there, and how you were treated. If you were injured, take photos of your injuries and save medical records. Try to get names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
2. Request the Arrest Report
You have a right to see the arrest report, complaint report, or any memo book entries related to your case. These documents may contain key facts—or mistakes—that support your claim of a false arrest.
3. Avoid Speaking to Police or Insurance Without a Lawyer
Don’t give any recorded statements or talk about the incident with police investigators, city representatives, or insurance companies until you have legal representation. What you say can be used against you—even if you’re completely innocent.
4. Seek Medical Help
If you were injured or believe you were subjected to excessive force, go to a doctor. Medical records can help prove physical or emotional distress caused by the arrest.
5. Contact a False Arrest Lawyer Immediately
Our team at Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC acts fast to protect your rights. We make sure evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and your case is positioned for success.
Even if the charges were dropped, or you were never formally charged, the damage from a false arrest can follow you for years. You deserve to be heard—and we’re here to help.
How Our NYC False Arrest Lawyers Can Help
At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC, we focus on helping people who have been falsely arrested or unlawfully detained by police in New York City. These cases are personal to us. We’ve seen how a single arrest—based on no real evidence—can ruin someone’s life. Our job is to make things right.
Here’s what we do for our clients:
Free Case Review
We start with a free consultation. During this call or meeting, we’ll listen to your story, review any documents you have (like the arrest report or criminal complaint), and explain your legal options. There’s no pressure, and no cost to get started.
Full Investigation
We don’t rely on the police version of the story. We gather real evidence, including:
- Bodycam footage and surveillance video
- Witness statements
- Frisk reports and police memo books
- Medical records if injuries occurred
- Police misconduct history if relevant
We work to show that the arrest lacked probable cause, or that the police officer acted outside a legitimate police investigation.
Legal Action and Filing Deadlines
If we believe your rights were violated, we act quickly. We’ll file a Notice of Claim within the 90-day deadline. Then, we prepare a strong case—whether that means negotiating a settlement or going to civil court.
Our legal team knows how to handle cases involving the NYPD, Westchester County Police, and other departments. We’re experienced in both New York State and federal courts, and we won’t back down when facing government lawyers.
Pursuing Compensation
We fight to help you recover money for:
- Lost wages from missed work
- Emotional distress and pain and suffering
- Legal fees and out-of-pocket expenses
- Punitive damages in extreme cases involving police brutality or malicious prosecution
When someone is wrongfully arrested, the harm goes far beyond a few hours in a police station. It affects your reputation, your mental health, and your future. We take that seriously—and we take action.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you were wrongfully arrested in New York City, the law allows you to pursue financial compensation for what you’ve suffered. At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC, we work to make sure our clients are fully compensated—not just for what they lost, but for what they endured.
Here are the types of damages you may be entitled to:
Economic Damages
These cover the real money you lost due to the false arrest, including:
- Lost wages if you missed work
- Medical bills if you were injured or needed treatment
- Legal expenses tied to criminal defense or bail
- Transportation or housing costs if you were held in custody away from home
We work with your employer, doctor, and other professionals to document every dollar lost.
Non-Economic Damages
This category covers emotional harm and distress that’s harder to put a price on but just as real:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of reputation
- Shame, fear, or anxiety caused by the arrest
- Impact on your personal relationships
You don’t have to prove physical injuries to receive these damages—just the emotional toll that the unlawful arrest had on your life.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving egregious police misconduct, malicious prosecution, or excessive force, a court may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the officers or departments involved and send a message that civil rights violations will not be tolerated.
Every case is different, and the amount of substantial compensation available depends on the facts. But no one should have to suffer in silence after being wrongfully arrested—especially when the law enforcement officers involved acted without cause or respect for the law.
How to Prove a False Arrest Case
Winning a false arrest lawsuit in New York isn’t just about what happened—it’s about what you can prove. At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC, we build cases on solid evidence that shows the police had no legal justification to arrest you.
To prove a false arrest, we need to establish several key elements:
1. You Were Intentionally Confined
We must show that you were taken into custody by a law enforcement officer or other official without your consent. This can include being handcuffed, taken to the police station, or otherwise detained unlawfully.
2. The Arrest Was Without Legal Justification
The officer must have lacked probable cause or a valid arrest warrant at the time of the arrest. If the officer acted on a hunch, relied on bad information, or targeted you due to racial profiling, that can support your claim.
Under New York law, an arrest without probable cause is considered false imprisonment. Even if a criminal complaint was filed later, that doesn’t make the original arrest lawful.
3. You Suffered Harm
We help document how the arrest affected you—emotionally, financially, and physically. This includes:
- Medical records for injuries
- Work records showing missed income
- Mental health reports showing trauma or anxiety
- Witness statements about what happened
4. The Police Acted Without Privilege or Immunity
Officers can be held liable if they acted outside the bounds of a legitimate police investigation or used excessive force. In some cases, we uncover a history of other police misconduct tied to the same officer or department.
Our legal team knows what to look for in frisk reports, memo book entries, and arrest reports to uncover inconsistencies or violations. We’ve also worked with experts who can testify about proper police procedures, helping to expose when they weren’t followed.
False arrest claims often rely on attention to detail. That’s why we treat every case with care, building a strong foundation from the very first day.
Why Choose Our Law Office to Handle Your False Arrest Case
At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC, we don’t just take on false arrest cases—we fight them with purpose. Our office has represented New Yorkers across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, and Westchester County, helping them get justice after being wrongfully arrested.
Here’s why clients trust us:
Proven Experience in Police Misconduct and Civil Rights Cases
We know how New York police departments operate and how to hold them accountable when they step out of line. From unlawful arrests to excessive force and malicious prosecution, we’ve handled a wide range of police misconduct cases. We’re familiar with the patterns, the paperwork, and the tactics law enforcement may use to cover their mistakes.
Direct Attorney Access—Start to Finish
When you hire our firm, you get Michael Redenburg himself on your case—not a junior associate or a staffer. You’ll work directly with an experienced false arrest attorney who knows the New York court system, understands the pressure you’re under, and keeps you informed every step of the way.
Recognized by Legal Peers and Institutions
Michael J. Redenburg has been named a NY Metro Rising Star by SuperLawyers and listed among the Top 40 Under 40 by national legal organizations. These aren’t just awards—they reflect the level of commitment we bring to each case.
We Understand NYC
False arrests in New York City don’t happen in a vacuum. They often occur in over-policed neighborhoods, involve racial profiling, or stem from rushed police investigations. We know the local laws, judges, and even the precincts known for aggressive behavior. That insight helps us build stronger cases and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Multilingual Support & 24/7 Availability
Our team is here when you need us. We offer flexible appointment times, multilingual support, and quick responses to urgent calls—because your case can’t wait.
When the system fails you, we step in to set things right. We’ll push for substantial compensation and work to ensure the officers and departments involved are held accountable.
Contact Us Today – Don’t Miss Your Deadline
If you were falsely arrested in New York City or Westchester County, you may have just 90 days to file a notice of claim. Don’t wait.
Call Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and take immediate steps to protect your future.
📞 212-240-9465
📍 32 Broadway, Suite 412, New York, NY 10004
📧 mredenburg@mjrlaw-ny.com