The Intersection of Mental Health and Police Encounters: A Legal Perspective
When police respond to mental health crises, situations can escalate in moments and leave long-lasting effects. People struggling with mental health conditions may be treated as dangerous instead of as individuals in need of support. Looking at these encounters through a legal lens shows where rights and protections matter most.
Seeking Justice and Promoting Change After a Police Shooting Incident
A police shooting can leave lives shattered in seconds. Whether someone was injured or killed, these incidents often involve more than just a single moment—they reflect a breakdown in trust, responsibility, and safety. When law enforcement uses deadly force, victims and families deserve answers. At Stritmatter Law, we help you hold officers...
Ninth Circuit Ruling in Estate of Soakai v. Abdelaziz Strengthens “Shock the Conscience” and State-Created Danger Claims in Police Chase Cases
In the case of Estate of Soakai v. Abdelaziz, --- F.4th ----, 2025 WL 1417105 (May 16, 2025), the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals addressed a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action involving two police officers, Walid Abdelaziz and Jimmy Marin-Coronel, who...
Police Brutality in Seattle: What Are Your Legal Rights?
If you or someone you love has suffered harm at the hands of the Seattle police, you are not alone. Area cops have a long history of abusing their badge.
At one point, things got so bad the federal government stepped in to try and get the...
SCOTUS Ruling in Barnes v. Felix: Removing “Chronological Blinders”
Today, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) delivered an important decision in the case of Barnes v. Felix Barnes v. Felix, No. 23-1239, slip op. at 5-6, 2025 WL 1401083, (U.S. May 15, 2025). It took the opportunity to...
The Heinous Killing of Sonya Massey by a Sheriff’s Deputy Cannot Be Tolerated by a Civilized Society
Say their names. Floyd. Bland. McAtee. McClain. Lyles. Castile. Clark. Sarey. Strickland. Say their names, the names of all of those who left too soon who left mothers weeping, say all their names, and now say Massey.
They say, on July 6, 2024, four days after...
Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Fatal Police Shooting of Beloved Father
Seattle, WA – Stritmatter Law filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family of David Babcock against the City of Mount Vernon, City of Sedro-Woolley, Skagit County, and Officer Maxwell Rosser. The complaint alleges that the involved officers broke the law and ultimately used excessive force to shoot and...
Chilling New Details Come to Light in Fatal Police Shooting of Derrick Clark Jr.
Seattle, WA – Stritmatter Law filed a First Amended Complaint against the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office for the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Black father, Derrick Clark Jr.
The wrongful death federal lawsuit claims that Clackamas County unlawfully chased down and shot Mr. Clark in the back. Failed to...
$5.9 Million Settlement for Police Shooting Case against Auburn Police Department
Tuesday evening, we resolved a police shooting lawsuit against the City of Auburn and former Officer Kenneth Lyman. The settlement is the highest settlement paid by the City to resolve an excessive use of force claim against the Auburn Police Department or its officers.
Police Shooting Lawsuit Filed Against the City of Auburn in Wrongful Death of Enosa Strickland Jr.
The lawsuit is based on the events of May 20, 2019 involving Auburn Officers Kenneth...