FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, February 27, 2015 – Today, after a long legal battle, terminated NYPD Police Officer Derek Miller settles discrimination, civil rights and constitutional claims filed against the several members of the Counseling Unit along with related parties.
On or about January 5, 2005, the Department Advocate’s Office charged Police Officer Derek Miller with the following allegations of misconduct: (1) Said Police Officer Derek Miller, assigned to the Bronx Court Section, while off-duty, on or about September 10, 2004, in the confines of the 49th Precinct, Bronx County, did wrongfully operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated (2) Said Police Officer Derek Miller, assigned to the Bronx Court Section, while off-duty, on or about September 10, 2004, in the confines of the 49th Precinct, Bronx County, did wrongfully operate a motor vehicle while impaired, and (3) Said Police Officer Derek Miller, assigned to the Bronx Court Section, while off-duty, on or about September 11, 2004, in the confines of the 49th Precinct, Bronx County, did wrongfully consume an intoxicant to the extent that said officer was unfit for duty.
On September 19, 2005, after a trial on the merits, the Honorable Michael D. Sarner recommended that Police Officer Derek Miller be found ‘Not Guilty.’
On October 6, 2005, Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly approved of the Honorable Michael D. Sarner’s recommendation and found Police Officer Derek Miller ‘Not Guilty.’
During the pendency of the trial, Police Officer Derek Miller decided to assert discrimination, civil rights and constitutional claims against the NYPD, its agents and a number of healthcare providers. Through counsel, Police Officer Derek Miller filed a series of legal actions with the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Services (OASAS) and the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) which ultimately culminated with the filing of a federal lawsuit. While asserting his rights, Police Officer Derek Miller was terminated.
Several years later, after Eric Sanders, Esq., left the employ of Jeffrey L. Goldberg, P.C., Police Officer Derek Miller was forced to proceed ‘Pro Se.’ Although Police Officer Derek Miller was no longer a ‘client’ per se, Eric Sanders, Esq., of The Sanders Firm, P.C., continued to give him valuable legal guidance.
On February 27, 2015, after a long hard fought bitter legal battle, Police Officer Derek Miller settled discrimination, civil rights and constitutional claims filed against several members of the Counseling Unit along with related parties.
On March 23, 2015, the Honorable Roslynn R. Mauskopf dismissed all claims against several members of the Counseling Unit along with related parties. In addition, the Court dismissed all claims of the other ten (10) related plaintiffs’ as well.
“First, I would like to personally thank Eric for helping me without compensation although I was technically his former client. It was a long very difficult fight. Although I suffered many personal hardships as a result of taking a stand, if faced with similar problems in the future, I would do it again,” says Derek Miller.
“It was pleasure to assist Derek with this legal matter. Although this was a tough bitter legal battle, ultimately the City of New York sorta made things right. Derek was cleared in the NYPD Trial Room, he never should’ve been put through this process. Unfortunately, Derek was vilified for simply asserting his civil service, civil and constitutional rights, this was un-American. I can say, if in the future, Derek decides to pursue similar legal matters, I would be honored to represent him,” says Eric Sanders.
ABOUT THE SANDERS FIRM, P.C.
The Sanders Firm, P.C. offers those in the New York City area legal services related and connected to civil rights, civil service rights, criminal law and discrimination. We firmly believe in everyone’s individual rights that are described and guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America. We understand that our freedoms and liberties are sacrosanct and that they have been won in many and various hard-fought battles. We are committed in every way to protecting your civil rights. We are your voice for justice!
CONTACT
Eric Sanders, Esq.
President and Owner, The Sanders Firm, P.C.
Business Phone: 212-652-2782