Matalon v. Hynnes, No. 15-1372 (1st Cir. 2015)
Annotate this CaseAppellants, Boston police officers, made a warrantless entry into a dwelling in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. Plaintiff, the only person inside, was eventually arrested. Plaintiff was eventually acquitted on criminal charges resulting from his arrest. Thereafter, Plaintiff sued Appellants, alleging that the search of his residence was unreasonable and that the officers violated his civil rights through the use of excessive force. The jury found for Plaintiff on both of his claims and awarded him $50,000 in damages. The district court subsequently awarded Plaintiff attorneys’ fees and costs. The First Circuit affirmed, holding (1) Appellants' actions did not fall within the community caretaking exception, and therefore, qualified immunity was inapplicable; and (2) the attorneys’ fee award fell within the universe of reasonable awards.
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