What are My Civil Rights in Chicago?

Understanding Civil Rights in Chicago

If you have been subjected to police brutality or police misconduct in Chicago, you may be able to recover a settlement to compensate you for your injuries and the emotional trauma of the incident. The first step in determining whether you have grounds for a lawsuit is to have a firm grasp on exactly what your civil rights are, so that you can evaluate whether they have been violated. A Chicago civil rights attorney with more than 12 years of experience can represent you in a civil lawsuit to pursue your rights to compensation. The firm has a background representing police officers in civil rights cases, and your attorney will be able to use this knowledge to strengthen your claim.

Each case is unique, and it is possible that the officer who wronged you violated a specific law, but there are certain fundamental civil rights which form the basis of a majority of police misconduct lawsuits:

Fourth Amendment You are guaranteed protection against unlawful search and seizure, and the police cannot investigate your person or your property without a search warrant or probable cause. False arrest occurs when a suspect is taken into custody without probable cause, either due to racial profiling, false information or abuse of authority on the part of the arresting officer.

Fifth Amendment When you are in police custody and under questioning, you have a right to "plead the Fifth," by exercising your right to remain silent. An American citizen is not required to provide statements that would result in self-incrimination, and coerced confessions are usually not admissible as evidence. The Fifth Amendment also provides your right to fair treatment under law, and due process violations can result in a criminal case being overturned.

Section 1983 Under Section 1983, Title 42 of the United States Code, a police officer or other individual who deprives you of your civil rights while acting under color of law can be held liable to you for monetary damages in a civil lawsuit.

Chicago Civil Rights Lawyer

Call or visit Foutris Law Office, Ltd. as early as possible to discuss the possibility of filing a lawsuit to seek a settlement. The firm has recovered compensation for over 95% percent of clients, and is available to assist you with your claim. Mr. Foutris cares about his clients' rights on a personal level, and will fight to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Contact a Chicago civil rights attorney to learn more about your rights and to begin work on a claim for damages when they have been violated.