When someone is involved in a civil suit in Las Vegas, it is important for that person to understand that the process can sometimes be quite complicated. Some legal matters are settled relatively quickly, but others can require filing civil appeals before various courts and commissions, because the parties involved are trying to exhaust all possible legal options.
A district court judge is being asked to resolve the issue of whether Denver’s Civil Service Commission was within its rights to declare that the termination of two police officers was appropriate. The events that led to this current civil appeal occurred in 2009, when the officers were accused of using excessive force in an arrest. Since that time the two law enforcement officers have gone through several back-and-forth decisions, and were eventually terminated. This lengthy litigation has spanned over four years, and it is unlikely that the current appeal will be resolved soon.
The incident that sparked these terminations involved the assault of an arrestee, with which the officers claimed they were not involved. The occurrence was caught on videotape, and the subsequent disciplinary actions taken on these officers are a result of the finding that they lied.
Disputes between individuals can sometimes escalate into civil lawsuits, which can carry the possibility of complicated appellate proceedings. While appeals can sometimes be frustrating, they are a necessary part of the legal system because they ensure that all parties have a chance to fully explore their rights and options. If you are currently facing civil matters that may require legal action, you may want to speak with an attorney.
Source: The Denver Post, “Denver cops fired after LoDo beatings appeal their terminations,” Sadie Gurman, Jan. 6, 2014
