DEPRIVATION OF RIGHTS UNDER COLOR OF LAW
Federal Defense Attorneys / Boston MA
Deprivation of rights under color of law is a federal criminal charge that is sometimes used against the police and other law enforcement officers when they allegedly use their power to violate another person’s rights under the United States Constitution. It is a federal crime for anyone “under color of any law” to deprive someone else of their Constitutional rights.
Oftentimes after a police shooting, there is a public outcry and a call for the officers to be indicted. Our attorneys have experience representing law enforcement officers and other government officials. If you are facing a charge of deprivation of rights under color of law, call us for a free confidential telephone consultation. Although our firm is based in Boston, Massachusetts, we are able to provide criminal defense representation throughout the United States by partnering with local firms.
If you are facing federal criminal charges in Boston, call our defense firm at 781-797-0555 for a free telephone consultation today.
Penalties for Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law
The charge of deprivation of rights under color of law is as severe as criminal cases get. If a death is involved, a conviction can lead to life in prison or even the death penalty.
Definition of the charge of Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law
The statute describes the charge in more detail:
“Whoever, under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom, willfully subjects any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or to different punishments, pains, or penalties, on account of such person being an alien, or by reason of his color, or race, than are prescribed for the punishment of citizens, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if bodily injury results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include the use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.”
18 U.S.C. § 242 – Deprivation of rights under color of law
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