Critical Legal Notice
- Statute of limitations: Generally 2–3 years from violation date
- Qualified immunity: Applies unless rights were clearly established
- Evidence: Request body cam footage and medical records promptly
- Municipal liability: Monell doctrine imposes special requirements
Choose Your Civil Rights Violation Type
Each type of constitutional violation has specific legal requirements and elements that must be proven. Select the scenario that best matches your situation.
Police Excessive Force
Officers used unreasonable or excessive force during arrest, stop, or encounter
Common Examples:
- Unnecessary tasing or pepper spray
- Beating or physical assault
- Chokehold or restraint injuries
- Police brutality during arrest
Government Discrimination
Treated differently by government officials based on protected characteristics
Common Examples:
- Race-based police targeting
- Religious discrimination
- Gender-based treatment
- Selective enforcement
ICE Unlawful Detention
Unlawfully detained by ICE without warrant, subjected to excessive force, or denied due process
Common Examples:
- Warrantless arrest or detention
- Excessive force during arrest
- Denial of due process
- Racial profiling
Federal Officer Misconduct (Bivens)
Constitutional violations by federal agents (FBI, DEA, ATF, Border Patrol, TSA, etc.)
Common Examples:
- Excessive force by federal agents
- Unlawful search by federal officers
- False arrest by federal agents
- First Amendment retaliation
Need Help Choosing?
Constitutional violations often overlap. If you're unsure which category fits your situation, start with the most serious violation or the one that caused the most harm. You can include multiple violations in a single complaint.