Civil Rights Litigation
Defending constitutional rights in federal court.
Sections
overview
focus areas
depth of practice
team
insights
industries served
representative matters
testimonials
contact us
overview
focus areas
depth of practice
team
insights
industries served
representative matters
testimonials
contact us
Overview
The Constitution limits government power and those limits are not merely theoretical—they are enforceable. When they are ignored, federal law provides a path to accountability.
Our civil rights attorneys represent individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by law enforcement officers, municipalities, and other government actors. We litigate in federal court to enforce the protections guaranteed under the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments and pursue remedies under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and related statutes.
Civil rights litigation is complex, fact-intensive, and often contested at every stage. These cases are often defended aggressively by well-resourced government entities. Claims involving unlawful search and seizure, excessive force, false arrest, malicious prosecution, and retaliatory government action require strategic federal litigation experience and a willingness to confront institutional resistance. These cases often involve complex issues such as qualified immunity and municipal liability.
Constitutional violations carry legal consequences, but they also carry human consequences. They involve reputational damage, emotional harm, financial strain, and long-term consequences. Our attorneys approach each case with rigorous legal analysis and disciplined courtroom advocacy, leveraging discovery, motion practice, and appellate review when necessary.
Our team has secured federal court rulings allowing constitutional claims to proceed, obtained injunctions preventing enforcement of unconstitutional state restrictions, and advanced civil rights cases before federal appellate courts. Several matters have received national media attention.
We Answer Your Civil Rights Questions
- Did law enforcement violate my Fourth Amendment rights through unlawful search or seizure?
- Was my arrest made without probable cause?
- Can I sue a municipality or police department under Section 1983?
- What damages are available in a federal civil rights lawsuit?
- Can government retaliation for speech be challenged in federal court?
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How do civil rights claims intersect with dismissed criminal charges?
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What is the deadline to file a federal civil rights lawsuit?
Focus Areas
Excessive Force & Police Misconduct
We represent individuals subjected to unreasonable or excessive force by law enforcement officers. These cases often require detailed analysis of body camera footage, surveillance recordings, forensic evidence, and departmental policies.
We pursue claims for physical injury, constitutional violations, and municipal liability where systemic failures contribute to misconduct.
False Arrest & False Imprisonment
An arrest without probable cause violates the Fourth Amendment. Probable cause is a legal standard, not a discretionary judgment. We litigate claims arising from unlawful detentions, improper warrants, fabricated evidence, and arrests unsupported by lawful authority.
Where criminal charges are dismissed or overturned, we evaluate potential malicious prosecution and due process claims.
Malicious Prosecution
Baseless criminal charges initiated without probable cause can cause lasting harm. We pursue malicious prosecution claims when prosecutions are initiated with improper motive or without sufficient evidence.
Unlawful Search & Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable government intrusion. We challenge illegal home entries, warrantless searches, improperly obtained warrants, and unconstitutional search practices.
First Amendment Retaliation
Government actors cannot punish individuals for protected speech. We represent clients subjected to retaliation for criticism of public officials, whistleblowing activity, or other constitutionally protected expression.
Due Process & Equal Protection Claims
We pursue claims involving denial of procedural protections, discriminatory enforcement of laws, and unequal treatment under the Fourteenth Amendment.
Depth of Practice
Our depth of practice includes experience with:
- Federal civil rights litigation under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 including claims against individual officers and supervisory entities.
- Claims against municipalities and individual officers
- Excessive force and police vehicle impact cases
- Illegal search and seizure matters involving falsified warrant applications
- First Amendment retaliation and free speech litigation
- Injunctive relief in federal court
- Emergency motion practice and temporary restraining orders
- Appellate advocacy before the United States Court of Appeals
- Civil rights matters involving high-profile constitutional challenges
Insights
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Related Practice Areas
Campus Disciplinary Defense
Representative Matters
- Represented homeowners in federal litigation arising from unlawful search and seizure involving warrant execution disputes.
- Secured a federal court injunction preventing enforcement of unconstitutional state restrictions impacting constitutional rights.
- Advanced First Amendment retaliation claims before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
- Represented individuals in excessive force and false arrest claims against municipal police departments.
- Litigated malicious prosecution claims following dismissal of criminal charges.
Testimonials
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