Civil Rights
Hilton Napoleon stands as a towering figure in the legal realm, renowned for his unwavering commitment to justice and his exceptional track record in defending the rights of his clients. With a diverse portfolio spanning civil rights cases, criminal defense, and battles against government overreach, Napoleon has earned widespread acclaim for his tenacity, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to those he represents.
Charles Kinsey gained world-wide attention after he was shot by a North Miami police officer while laying on the ground with his hands in the air. Mr. Kinsey was working as a behavioral therapist and was attempting to assist his autistic patient who had wandered away from a group home.
Law enforcement arrived and immediately drew their weapons. Mr. Kinsey immediately laid on the ground with his hands raised, attempting to explain the situation. The autistic patient sat nearby, playing with a toy truck. Despite Kinsey's compliance and the lack of any visible threat, officer Jonathan Aledda fired three shots, striking Kinsey in the leg.
The incident drew widespread outrage and raised questions about the use of force by police officers, particularly when dealing with minorities and individuals with disabilities.
Mr. Napoleon's representation of Kinsey began with a meticulous examination of the facts surrounding the incident. One of the key elements in Mr. Napoleon's strategy was leveraging the power of video evidence. The incident was captured on cellphone footage, providing a clear and irrefutable account of Kinsey's actions and the unjustified use of force by the police officer. Napoleon skillfully used this evidence to challenge the initial police narrative and demonstrate the egregious nature of the incident.
Mr. Napoleon single-handedly fought off three insurance defense law firms for over three years to obtain the life-changing settlement awarded to Charles Kinsey. Mr. Napoleon's advocacy went beyond the courtroom, as he became a vocal proponent for police reform, transparency, and accountability. The settlement served as a catalyst for broader discussions on the urgent need for systemic changes within law enforcement agencies.
Hilton Napoleon Triumphs in High-Profile Media Case: Susan Khoury Awarded $520,000 After False Baker Act
Mr. Napoleon successfully represented Susan Khoury in a high-profile media case, shedding light on the injustice she faced after being falsely Baker Acted by the Miami-Dade School Board Police. Following years of federal litigation, including an appeal to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and a two-week trial, a jury awarded Susan Khoury $520,000 in damages for enduring three days in a mental health facility. Mr. Napoleon also petitioned the court for over $841,000 in attorney's fees, which the School Board settled.
Mr. Napoleon undertook a comprehensive legal strategy to address the false Baker Act and the subsequent media coverage surrounding Susan Khoury's case. The legal battle spanned over seven years, with Mr. Napoleon leading the charge. The case reached the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, where Mr. Napoleon successfully challenged the lower court’s ruling on qualified immunity. Mr. Napoleon’s commitment to upholding justice in civil rights cases, including during the appellate process, is unparalleled.
Conclusion: Hilton Napoleon's success in Susan Khoury's high-profile case highlights the critical role of legal advocacy in challenging injustice. The substantial jury award and the award for attorney's fees underscore Mr. Napoleon’s commitment to accountability and restitution for those wronged.
Hilton Napoleon Prevails in Defending Bradley's Market Against Government Overreach
Mr. Napoleon successfully defended Bradley's Market against government overreach by the City of Miami. Bradley's Market, a reputable business in the heart of Miami, faced an unprecedented challenge when the City of Miami Police Department demanded the installation of surveillance cameras inside the store, coupled with 24-hour remote access to the footage. The City further insisted that Bradley's Market bear the financial burden of these surveillance measures. Faced with this coercive demand, Bradley's Market turned to Mr. Napoleon for legal representation.
Mr. Napoleon's legal strategy centered on challenging the City's actions as a violation of Bradley's Market's constitutional rights. Mr. Napoleon successfully argued that the City's demand amounted to a taking without just compensation under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
In a series of compelling legal proceedings, both in federal court and before the City’s administrative review board, Mr. Napoleon effectively demonstrated that the City's actions were not only unjust but also unconstitutional. The court recognized the significance of the case, establishing a precedent that protected businesses from unwarranted government intrusion and financial burdens. The ultimate success of Bradley's Market in this legal battle marked a crucial victory for businesses facing similar challenges.
Mr. Napoleon’s success in this case was not only a triumph for the business but also a triumph for the principles of justice and constitutional rights.
Hilton Napoleon Secures Justice for Benjamin Guerrero in Lawsuit Against Coral Gables Police Department
Mr. Napoleon successfully represented Benjamin Guerrero in a lawsuit against the City of Coral Gables Police Department. Mr. Guerrero, a distinguished attorney, police executive, and FBI academy graduate, found himself subjected to unwarranted aggression by police officers at Hillstone restaurant. Hilton Napoleon's relentless pursuit of justice resulted in a substantial settlement for Mr. Guerrero, underscoring his unparalleled track record in civil rights cases.
The incident unfolded when Benjamin Guerrero was forcibly pulled off a barstool by two officers from the Coral Gables Police Department, violently slammed to the ground, and subsequently arrested for battery on a law enforcement officer. Mr. Guerrero sought out Mr. Napoleon because of his unparalleled success in civil rights cases.
Mr. Napoleon crafted a strategic legal approach to challenge the egregious actions of the officers and seek justice for his client. Mr. Napoleon's unwavering commitment to justice and his strategic legal prowess led to a substantial settlement for Benjamin Guerrero. The resolution not only addressed the harm inflicted upon Mr. Guerrero but also served as a significant acknowledgment of the violation of his civil rights.
This case adds to Mr. Napoleon's impressive track record in championing the rights of individuals who have faced injustices at the hands of law enforcement. Mr. Napoleon's client-focused approach and commitment to justice have earned him the trust and gratitude of those he represents.
Hilton Napoleon Achieves Justice: Suing the City of Miami Police Department for the False Arrest of Taiwan Smart
Mr. Napoleon successfully represented Taiwan Smart in a Monell claim against the City of Miami Police Department. The case shed light on the department's participation in the First 48 TV show, revealing a disturbing focus on theatrics rather than the pursuit of justice. Mr. Napoleon, along with co-counsel Joe Klock, played a pivotal role in restoring Taiwan Smart's reputation after he spent 19 months in jail for a crime he did not commit.
After a two-week trial, Mr. Napoleon presented a compelling case against the City of Miami Police Department. The jury awarded Taiwan Smart $860,000 in damages, acknowledging the harm caused by the false arrest.
The City appealed the verdict, arguing that Mr. Smart was located in a drug house when the incident took place. Nevertheless, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the jury’s verdict and denied the City’s sovereign immunity claim. Mr. Napoleon and his trial team also filed a petition seeking $1,454,000 in attorney’s fees, which the City settled.
Mr. Napoleon's dedication to his client's cause, combined with legal expertise, resulted in a resounding victory that not only restored Taiwan Smart's reputation but also sent a powerful message about the consequences of police misconduct.