You may feel helpless and isolated when people in positions of authority violate your rights. However, you’re not. At Kirakosian Law, we support people whose civil rights have been infringed by prosecutors, law enforcement, or other government organizations. The first step to justice is knowing what constitutes a civil rights violation and what legal action you can take.
This blog will outline the definition of civil rights violations, go over typical forms of these violations, and demonstrate how civil rights lawyer Greg Kirakosian may assist you in taking action, particularly when it comes to situations involving the police.
(Close-up of a person in a suit wearing handcuffs, representing wrongful arrest or civil rights violations related to unlawful detainment.)
What Are Considered Civil Rights Violations?
Free expression, equality, due process, and protection from discrimination are among the essential freedoms known as civil rights that are protected by the Constitution and federal law. A civil rights violation occurs when a government official or agency violates these rights without a valid reason.
Law enforcement frequently commits these infractions, abusing their authority and mistreating or illegally targeting people. In certain situations, victims are entitled to file a civil rights action in order to seek justice.
Common Types of Civil Rights Violations
While civil rights violations can take many forms, certain types are more commonly reported and legally actionable. Let’s focus on the four areas where our legal team sees the greatest need for justice: wrongful arrest, malicious prosecution, police brutality or excessive force, and unlawful search and seizure.
1. Wrongful Arrest
A wrongful arrest happens when a person is taken into custody without legal justification, usually without a warrant or probable cause. Law enforcement must have a valid reason to believe that a person committed a crime. Arresting someone on mere suspicion, personal bias, or fabricated evidence is not just unethical—it’s a civil rights violation.
Wrongful arrests can severely disrupt a person’s life, leading to job loss, emotional trauma, and reputational harm. If this has happened to you, Kirakosian Law can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and seek compensation for the damage done.
2. Malicious Prosecution
Malicious prosecution occurs when someone is prosecuted without probable cause and with malicious intent. This can be initiated by a police officer, prosecutor, or other government official. The purpose isn’t to uphold the law but to punish, intimidate, or harass someone without evidence.
To prove malicious prosecution, you must show that:
- The case was initiated or continued without probable cause.
- The intent behind it was malicious.
- The case was eventually resolved in your favor.
These are high bars to meet, which is why having an experienced civil rights attorney like Greg Kirakosian matters. Our team knows what it takes to build a strong case and prove improper conduct.
3. Police Brutality / Excessive Force
Police officers are allowed to use force when necessary, but that force must be reasonable based on the situation. Excessive force, such as using a weapon on an unarmed person or violently detaining someone who isn’t resisting, violates the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution.
Cases of excessive force can result in serious injury or even death. These cases are deeply emotional and complex, often involving internal police reviews, witness testimony, and medical evidence. Kirakosian Law approaches each case with compassion and fierce dedication to justice. We help victims and their families get the compensation they deserve while pushing for broader accountability.
4. Unlawful Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have a warrant, your consent, or a legally valid reason (like evidence in plain view) to search your property. If you were searched without cause or your property was taken without legal authority, your rights were violated.
Unlawful searches often result in charges based on illegally obtained evidence. These charges can sometimes be dismissed, but the impact on your life remains. At Kirakosian Law, we not only fight to have such charges thrown out, but also seek justice for the violation of your rights in the first place.
(Crime scene investigator handling a plastic evidence bag with a wallet and label, symbolizing criminal investigations and due process in civil rights cases.)
Misconceptions About Civil Rights Violations
Contrary to popular belief, civil rights issues encompass far more than just racism and discrimination. Regardless of your history, gender, or ethnicity, you may be subject to retaliatory legal action, unlawful detention, or abuse of authority.
The idea that certain cases are unwinnable is another myth. Even if they are difficult, they are not impossible, particularly if you have the appropriate lawyer on your side. Although civil rights law is complicated, its purpose is to safeguard you. And we at Kirakosian Law are skilled at making good use of it.
Why Work With Greg Kirakosian?
Based in California, Greg Kirakosian is a committed civil rights attorney who has a history of holding government and law enforcement organizations responsible. Greg and his staff have the expertise, compassion, and perseverance required to win your case, whether it involves an unlawful search and seizure, excessive force, wrongful arrest, or malicious prosecution.
We look into every situation in detail, collect the required data, and confront those who misuse their position of authority. Not only do we want to compensate you, but we also want to help you achieve justice and closure.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
It’s time to act if you’re wondering what constitutes a civil rights violation and you believe your rights were infringed. You have a right to be heard, and civil rights breaches are not only wrong—they are unlawful.
We at Kirakosian Law are committed to standing up for the weaker party. For a free consultation and assistance in obtaining the justice and restitution you are entitled to, contact us right now.
(Attorney consulting with a client at a desk, with legal scales and a gavel in view, symbolizing legal advice and protection of civil rights.)