As a result of handling criminal cases, Mr. Bizal’s area of expertise expanded to include civil rights litigation, in particular, police misconduct claims and/or prisoner claims. While most law enforcement officers are respectful of an individual’s rights some are not. Gary has personally observed police officers using excessive force. That experience had a lasting impact on his sense of justice, and has motivated him to assist others whose rights have been violated. Fourth Amendment Civil Rights violations occur daily. It is important to seek justice for victims of this type of abuse and equally important to weed out the “bad apples” that give law enforcement a black eye. Gary has handled hundreds of these types of cases since 1983, most are litigated in federal court. They include cases in which individuals have been killed and/or seriously injured by law enforcement as well as prisoners mistreated in jail or prison, ie., jail suicides, inadequate medical care and/or wrongful incarcerations.
Recently, Mr. Bizal represented Jose Holmes. Jose, was a victim in the infamous Danziger Bridge incident. Jose received one of the largest civil rights settlements ever paid by the City of New Orleans.