Hartford Civil Rights Lawyer

The balance between security and personal freedom has entered the forefront of many people’s minds over the past decade. Incidents of police violence, racial profiling, and discrimination have made many people fear for their well-being during interactions with law enforcement. Even if an event did not end in violence, violations of your civil rights by police officers could make the department, city, and state liable for any damage you suffered.

If you suspect your rights were violated, a Hartford civil rights lawyer may be able to help you. At Ruane Attorneys, our legal team can explain your civil rights and how police officers have a duty under the law to respect them. We are prepared to investigate the incident, measure how it has impacted your life, and pursue civil lawsuits that demand the appropriate compensation that you need to make things right.

Civil Rights When Interacting with Law Enforcement

Police officers have a duty under the law to treat people in accordance with their civil rights. But what exactly does this mean? A person’s civil rights are established by Constitutional protections and federal laws. For example, the 4th Amendment of the Constitution protects people from illegal property searches. In addition, federal laws prohibit discrimination against people on the basis of race, sex, or national origin. If police officers make a traffic stop based on nothing more than a driver’s skin color, this is clearly a violation of that person’s civil rights.

Other examples of law enforcement behavior that may indicate a civil rights violation include:

• The use of excessive force when apprehending a suspect
• An arrest due to generalizations about a person’s religion
• Blatant disregard for a person’s right to privacy, security in their home, or ability to exercise their Constitutional protections

It can be difficult to fully understand one’s rights under the law and how the actions of law enforcement officers may have violated those rights. A Hartford attorney at our firm is ready to explain a person’s legal rights and thoroughly investigate the actions of police officers and departments.

How an Attorney Could Help Make Things Right

People who experience civil rights violations have many options under the law to seek justice. Some may want to file formal complaints with the law enforcement agency that had jurisdiction over the matter. Others will need to file reports with the United States Justice Department if it becomes clear that local authorities will not act.

However, the most direct and concrete way to seek justice may be to file a civil lawsuit demanding compensation in court. These cases can seek out payments for the monetary consequences of abuse, such as medical bills, as well as compensation for the mental anguish, emotional trauma, and dehumanizing treatment that the victim endured.

While it can be difficult to identify a course of action, state law places a time limit on when people can demand compensation. In most situations, Connecticut General Statute § 52-577 says that a victim must bring a case to court no more than three years from the date of abuse. The lawyers at our firm are ready to take the necessary steps to protect the rights of citizens in Hartford.

Reach Out to a Hartford Civil Rights Attorney Today

A person’s civil rights are among the most sacred portions of state and federal law. In short, these rights protect us against discrimination, abuses of power, and violations of privacy. When police officers violate these rights, you have the right to seek compensation and justice.

Let a Hartford civil rights lawyer provide the support and guidance you need. Ruane Attorneys can explain your civil rights and how a police officer’s actions may have counted as a violation. We can then file reports with the appropriate agencies and pursue civil lawsuits on your behalf that aim to make things right. Call us today to schedule your consultation.