New York City Police Misconduct Lawyers Phillips & Associates Home
New York Civil Rights Attorneys
State and local officials, such as police officers and prosecutors, have broad powers to perform their duties. However, when they abuse their authority and violate the civil rights of civilians, the result may be deprivation of liberty, injuries, loss of reputation, or even loss of life. At Phillips & Associates, our attorneys represent individuals with civil rights claims against police officers and prosecutors in New York.
Holding Law Enforcement Accountable for ViolationsYou can obtain remedies for civil rights violations pursuant to federal law 42 U.S.C. § 1983 or under state law. In many cases, it may be appropriate to assert § 1983 claims alongside state law claims.
The city may be vicariously liable for a police officer's conduct under the doctrine of respondeat superior. However, a municipality can only be sued under § 1983 if its official practices, policies, regulations, or ordinances violate the civilians' civil rights, or if its customs (widespread practices) are the moving force behind the deprivation of rights. For example, if it is an official municipal policy to conduct raids involving strip searches only in neighborhoods associated with poor black or Latino residents, the municipality could be held responsible under § 1983.
In order to prevail on a § 1983 claim, you will need to show that you were subjected to conduct that happened under color of state of law and that the conduct deprived you of guaranteed federal Constitutional or statutory rights. Civil rights cases are often brought in connection with federal Constitutional rights, such as the right to due process or the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Enlist an Experienced New York City Attorney for Your Civil Rights ClaimIf you suffer a civil rights violation in New York City, time limits may apply to some or all aspects of your claim, and it may be important to consult an experienced attorney right away. At Phillips & Associates, our lawyers offer knowledgeable representation for victims of police brutality in all five boroughs of New York City. Call us at (212) 248-7431 or contact us through our online form.
