George Floyd Legal Team Responds to Chauvin Guilty Plea in Federal Civil Rights Case

Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump and co-counsel Antonio Romanucci and Jeff Storms today released the following statement after Derek Chauvin changed his plea to guilty in the federal civil rights case against him:

“As our nation continues to grapple with the demons of our past and present, historic days make us hopeful for our future. Today is one such day. Before the tragic and needless death of George Floyd, there was little expectation that a white police officer would ever be held accountable for murdering a Black man. But when Derek Chauvin was held to account, the jury – and people across the country – finally said enough was enough. Thanks to marches and cries for justice echoing through our streets, and the courage and wisdom of a jury, significant change is afoot. Not only did we see it with the conviction in a Minnesota state court, but we also now see it at the federal level in the form of landmark civil rights charges. And we expect to see it in the sentencing, as well. Derek Chauvin callously knelt on the neck of George Floyd for nine minutes and twenty-nine seconds, clearly violating his civil and human rights by robbing him of breath and life. For that, he should spend the rest of his life behind bars, just as a Black man would for a similar act. Likewise, Chauvin’s accomplices, who will face trial in January of next year, should be held accountable for their actions to the fullest extent of the law.

“While in many ways today is a victory for the interest of justice, we will never forget its cost. George Floyd was a son, a brother, and a father – a father who, as Gianna Floyd put it, ‘changed the world.’ We all play a role in keeping his legacy alive. We must all keep marching. We must all keep fighting against injustice. We must do this for George, to ensure that his one life and shocking death will change the future for countless others.”

About Ben Crump Law

Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump and his national network of specialized attorneys have spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more, visit BenCrump.com or call (800) 935-8111.

About Romanucci & Blandin, LLC

Romanucci & Blandin is a Chicago-based national trial practice committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse and wrongful death. Founded in 1998, we have decades of history securing verdicts and settlements for our clients - many for millions of dollars and others record-setting awards.  Our expertise ranges from medical malpractice and sexual abuse cases involving individual or institutional negligence to civil rights, police misconduct and workers compensation, making Romanucci & Blandin a valuable legal resource to individuals and groups of people who have been injured by others’ wrongdoing. Referring attorneys and clients say several factors differentiate our firm: Our record of success, depth of experience, talented and dedicated legal team, tireless preparation and strategic use of communications to fight for the rights of those whose lives have been changed forever. We are different from other personal injury firms in that our work does not stop when a verdict or settlement is secured. We are often inspired by our clients’ experiences and commit resources to create change in our communities. For more information about Romanucci & Blandin, please visit www.rblaw.net or call (312) 458-1000.

About Newmark Storms Dworak LLC 

Newmark Storms Dworak LLC is one of Minnesota’s premier boutique law firms. The Minneapolis firm regularly handles high-profile civil rights, medical malpractice, and sexual abuse claims. For more information, visit www.newmarkstorms.com.