CONCORD — A jury awarded a former New Hampshire state trooper $1.5 million on Friday in a civil lawsuit alleging he was wrongly held against his will after a confrontation with his superiors.

James Conrad filed a civil lawsuit against the Department of Safety and some former co-workers over the incident at state police headquarters in November 2007.

The trial in Merrimack County Superior Court lasted two weeks. The jury began deliberations Thursday and came back with a verdict Friday afternoon in Conrad's favor.

“Jim Conrad feels vindicated,” said attorney Chuck Douglas, who represented Conrad in the lawsuit. “The state threw everything they had at him and they weren't buying it.”

The jury awarded $1.5 million in damages, although state law caps the maximum amount at $475,000.

Douglas said the money won't make up for the humiliation Conrad went through when he was arrested, fired and committed to the New Hampshire State Hosptial.

“The nice part about our system of government is the government has to justify its actions in front of 12 voters,” Douglas said. “When they are unanimous, that is a strong message that state government was wrong.”

The state can still appeal the verdict.

Conrad was acquitted of any criminal charges, which were eventually annulled. His firing was also changed to a termination, allowing him to still receive his pension.

Lawyers for the state told the jury that Conrad's own actions led to the confrontation on Nov. 28, 2007 as Conrad was going through a divorce. His estranged wife had accused him of violating a court order by entering her home, he was called to Internal Affairs for an interview, where state witnesses testified he grew enraged and threatened to kill himself.

Maj. Susan Forey told the jury Conrad was screaming and had to be restrained during the emotional breakdown.

Conrad, 53, said he wanted to quit his job and leave the building, but was held there against his will for two hours before Concord police arrested him and took him into custody.

“We believe state police kept public safety first and foremost on their minds that afternoon in dealing with Mr. Conrad,” said Assistant Attorney General Lyn Cusack said.

The judge is still considering civil liability issues, which are expected to be addressed in a written ruling in the coming weeks.

Douglas said if the judge finds Conrad's civil rights were violated, there could be more to come in the case. Douglas also said he is considering an appeal already over the state cap on damages.

“They have a cap but I may well just challenge the cap,” Douglas said. “I think this may just be the case to challenge the cap and have the state supreme court ruled on it.”