San Diego, California—After years of legal battles, San Diego County has secured a significant appellate court victory regarding a controversial case involving police misconduct. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a $5 million jury award to Mickail Myles, who had claimed injury and emotional distress after being forcibly assaulted by a sheriff’s deputy in 2014.
The appellate judges ruled that Myles’ damages should be limited to $1.5 million, stating evidence did not support the extent of his claimed lasting injuries. The decision, issued on May 12, highlighted that Myles suffered no permanent impairment beyond minor scarring from a police dog bite and did not exhibit diminished physical or cognitive abilities.
In addition to reducing the damages, the ruling also voided an earlier decision that would have required the county to pay Myles’ legal team nearly $6 million in attorney fees. The judges noted that the original trial court had likely erred in granting such a substantial sum.
This ruling marks a rare legal success for both the county and the Sheriff’s Office, which have faced multiple allegations of negligence and misconduct, resulting in costly payouts over the years. The Sheriff’s Office has also been scrutinized for a history of disproportionately targeting people of color; Myles is Black.
County officials expressed satisfaction with the appellate court’s findings, claiming that significant errors during the trial had prejudiced the county’s case. They noted the ruling’s validation of their legal arguments and emphasized plans to potentially resolve the case or prepare for a retrial focused solely on damages.
Myles’ attorneys, who have since moved out of San Diego County, considered the ruling a reinforcement of their claim of misconduct, arguing that it still recognized the jury’s determination of wrongdoing by the deputies involved.
Attorney Daniel Balaban stated that this outcome should be viewed positively as a step towards holding law enforcement accountable. He remarked that the principal goal was not merely financial compensation, but also to ensure responsible oversight of the practices within the department.
The appellate decision allows for a retrial regarding damages while affirming that the original jury’s finding of liability against the county remains unquestioned. The 9th Circuit has stipulated that any damages awarded in a retrial must not exceed $1.5 million.
Myles, then a 26-year-old preschool teacher, faced the violent encounter while picking up his brother in Fallbrook. Deputies had stopped him under the suspicion of being involved in petty vandalism, yet witnesses testified that he complied with orders as he was handcuffed when Deputy Jeremy Banks struck him and unleashed his police dog.
Evidence disclosed during the trial indicated Banks had a troubling record with at least 17 previous allegations of excessive force, casting further doubt on the use of force against Myles. The trial judge previously concluded that the county had failed to provide necessary evidence, hampering Myles’ legal defense.
The appellate court noted discrepancies in the calculation of legal fees awarded to Myles’ attorneys, advising against the high amounts attributed to their efforts. The judges suggested the trial court could explore alternative penalties to address any perceived misconduct among county lawyers.
As the case heads back for further proceedings, a recent hearing laid out the timeline for upcoming motions regarding damages disputes. Myles’ legal team must file their motion by August 1, with the county’s response due shortly thereafter.
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