Bakersfield Police Misconduct Attorney

When police officers overstep their authority and violate the rights of those they are sworn to protect, the consequences can be devastating. Victims and their families often feel powerless, especially when going up against law enforcement agencies and city or county governments. At the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo, we are committed to standing with Bakersfield residents who have suffered at the hands of police misconduct. With decades of experience in civil rights litigation, Attorney Dale Galipo has built a national reputation for securing justice in some of California’s most challenging cases.

Understanding Police Misconduct

Police misconduct takes many forms, and each instance represents a breach of public trust and a violation of constitutional protections. It may involve excessive force during an arrest, unjustified shootings, or the mistreatment of individuals in custody. Misconduct can also occur through illegal searches, wrongful arrests, or an officer’s failure to intervene when another officer engages in abuse. In every situation, the core issue is the same: a person’s civil rights have been violated by those in power.

These violations are not only traumatic for victims, but they also send shock-waves through communities like Bakersfield, where trust in law enforcement is essential. That is why it is critical to have an experienced Bakersfield Police Misconduct Attorney who understands both the law and the local realities of Kern County.

Recent Review

“Incredible trial record focused on civil rights, easy to speak with, and a true gentle giant in court who gets his point across to the jury.”
Verified Review on Google from Darren C.

How a Police Misconduct Lawyer Can Help You

Civil rights cases against law enforcement are among the most complex and heavily contested legal battles. Police departments, sheriff’s offices, and their attorneys often have vast resources to defend against claims. Success requires more than passion, it demands a strategic understanding of federal and state law, strong investigative skills, and the willingness to take a case to trial when necessary. You need someone who knows not only the law but how to apply it to law enforcement agencies, local jurisdictions, and specific abuses. A Bakersfield Police Misconduct Attorney brings:

• Experience in civil rights litigation in California, especially in Kern County and surrounding areas.
• Ability to conduct an independent investigation, gather evidence, witnesses, and footage. Police reports are rarely enough.
• Willingness to take on powerful defendants, including municipalities, sheriff’s deputies, city police, and their legal representation.
• Knowledge about state and federal law: 42 U.S.C. § 1983, California civil rights statutes, wrongful death, etc.
• A track record of recovering significant damages, compensation for loss of life, pain and suffering, medical costs, and more.

Dale Galipo and his team have tried dozens of police misconduct cases to verdict and have secured multiple multi-million dollar outcomes. Their work not only compensates victims but also shines a light on systemic abuses, pushing institutions toward accountability and reform.

Landmark Verdict in Kern County

One of the most significant examples of our firm’s dedication occurred right here in Kern County. On March 21, 2025, a federal jury returned a verdict of $30.5 million in favor of the family of Mickel Lewis Sr., who was fatally shot by a Kern County Sheriff’s deputy. The shooting involved multiple rounds fired at an unarmed man, including shots to his back. No weapon was ever recovered.

Attorney Dale Galipo served as lead counsel, guiding the case through months of investigation and a hotly contested trial. The jury’s decision, one of the largest verdicts in California for a police shooting, sent a powerful message that law enforcement must be held accountable when they overstep their authority. For the Lewis family, it was not only financial compensation but also recognition of the dignity and humanity of their loved one.

This case stands as proof that even in the face of enormous opposition, victims and families can achieve justice with the right representation.

How Our Police Misconduct Law Firm Will Approach Your Case

For those in Bakersfield who have suffered from police misconduct, taking legal action may feel overwhelming. Our firm provides comprehensive support from the very first consultation. We investigate thoroughly, reviewing reports, videos, medical records, and witness statements to build the strongest possible case. We pursue claims under federal civil rights laws, including Section 1983, as well as California statutes addressing wrongful death and constitutional violations.

1. initial consultation – We evaluate your case, help you understand your rights, and map possible paths forward.
2. Thorough investigation – Reviewing police reports, bodycam/dashcam/surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, medical records, and autopsy if necessary.
3. Legal claim development – Asserting claims under federal civil rights law (e.g., Section 1983), state civil rights statutes, wrongful death, battery, negligence, etc.
4. Negotiation & Litigation – We fight for fair settlement when possible, but we are prepared to take your case all the way to trial, as shown in our recent $30.5 million verdict.
5. Holding systemic abuse accountable – It’s not only about one case. We work to stop patterns of misconduct, ensure supervision, training, policy changes, and transparency.

While many cases may resolve in a settlement, our firm is never afraid to go to trial. The recent $30.5 million verdict illustrates what is possible when evidence is carefully presented and when a jury is allowed to weigh the truth. Our goal is not only to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but also to drive systemic change that reduces the risk of similar abuses in the future.

Serving Bakersfield and Kern County

We help Bakersfield residents, Kern County victims, and their families who have been harmed by:

• Bakersfield Police Department
• Kern County Sheriff’s Office
• CHP or other state or municipal law enforcement agencies operating in or near Bakersfield
• Officers acting both on-duty and off-duty in misconduct incidents

Contact Our Kern County Police Misconduct Lawyer

At the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo, we are dedicated to standing up for victims of police misconduct and brutality. We understand the overwhelming toll these injustices take on victims and their families, and we are here to be the trusted ally you can turn to in these difficult moments.

When law enforcement crosses the line, you have the right to demand accountability. No one is above the law. Our team works aggressively to uncover the truth, investigate the incident, and preserve critical evidence before it can be lost or destroyed. Acting quickly is essential to protecting your rights and building the strongest possible case.

Our firm represents clients in police misconduct cases across California. Call (818) 347-3333 or fill out our confidential contact form today to speak directly with our team. Together, we can pursue justice and hold law enforcement accountable.