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Civil Rights Attorneys in Jackson, MS
Exposing Police Brutality & Misconduct (Section 1983 Violations)
Mississippi residents are entitled to protection from police abuse. This right is explicitly outlined in federal statute 42 U.S.C. Section 1983. For this reason, cases involving police brutality and misconduct are often commonly referred to as “Section 1983” cases.
If you have been the victim of police brutality or misconduct by any state or local government official, talk to a Jackson civil rights attorney who will expose this violation and help you seek justice for the harm you’ve suffered.
Call (601) 265-6869 today for a free, confidential review of your police brutality claim. We Serve Jackson and all of Mississippi.
What Is Section 1983?
Section 1983 is a statute of federal law that gives individuals the right to bring a civil lawsuit against state and local governments when the individual’s constitutional rights are violated. This right extends to the employees of state and local governments. For this reason, Section 1983 frequently governs civil rights lawsuits involving police brutality.
Who May File a Section 1983 Claim?
Any individual who has had their rights violated by state and local governments or their employees is permitted to file a lawsuit based on the language of Section 1983. These claims may be brought in either Mississippi state courts or federal court. Often, a Jackson civil rights lawyer will advise clients involved in a high-profile police brutality case to file in federal court. When a case gets plenty of national attention, federal courts are often the best avenue in the pursuit of justice.
Violations of Your Constitutional Rights
Section 1983 cases are frequently utilized to hold law enforcement accountable when they overstep their legal authority. Frequently, this means enforcing the Bill of Rights.
Common examples of Section 1983 cases involve violations of the following amendments:
- Fourth Amendment: Claims involving a citizen’s right to be free from illegal detention, false arrest, intentional police abuse, and maliciously unlawful prosecution.
- Eighth Amendment: Claims protecting citizens from police brutality that constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment.”
- Fourteenth Amendment: Claims protecting citizens from deprivation of life, liberty, or property when they have not received procedural due process.
These are just a few of the ways a police officer or government official may deprive you of the constitutional rights you have been guaranteed as an American citizen.
Examples of Police Brutality & Misconduct
Additional examples of police misconduct that violate Section 1983 include:
- Racial profiling
- Engaging in or making a false arrest
- Excessive force
- Unlawful surveillance abuse
- Verbal attacks
- Corruption and bribery
The Need for a Dedicated Civil Rights Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been a victim of one of these forms of police misconduct, you will need a civil rights lawyer in Jackson, MS to protect your rights. Section 1983 cases require detailed filing and a committed attorney who will take on the powers that be when they overstep their legal authority.
Depending on the facts of your case, a skilled lawyer can help you pursue compensation for:
- General damages that compensate you for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and any mental anguish experienced.
- Punitive damages that punish government officials and police officers when they act with reckless indifference to your constitutional rights.
- Special damages designed to compensate victims for medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and past and future lost wages.
As a general rule, government officials will rarely admit that your constitutional rights have been violated. The case will need to go to court in all likelihood, and that is why you need a dedicated civil rights attorney who will speak on your behalf.
Contact Our Jackson Police Brutality Lawyers Today!
‘MAGGIO LAW offers legal counsel and representation to victims of police misconduct who have had their civil rights violated. Contact our team for a legal consultation to discuss your Section 1983 case to hold police or other government officials responsible for their unlawful civil rights violations.
Give us a call at (601) 265-6869 or fill out our online contact form for your free consultation.