Minneapolis Civil Rights Attorney

Seeking Compensation for Fourth Amendment Violations

Civil rights protect the freedoms and liberties fundamental to every U.S. citizen. These rights form the foundation of legal protections in our society. When these rights are violated, there can be severe consequences. Victims may be entitled to pursue legal action if their civil rights have been infringed. 

Meshbesher & Associates, P.A. works to investigate cases of civil rights violations. We strive to protect your rights and pursue justice on your behalf.

Contact us for a free consultation, and our Minneapolis lawyers can help you determine if you’ve suffered a civil rights violation. Our number is (612) 200-1526.

Defining Fourth Amendment Violations

The Fourth Amendment of our Constitution makes several demands. First, it assumes that police must have probable cause to make an arrest, and they must have a warrant to search your premises. They must also treat you humanely, meaning they cannot use unnecessary force or fail to treat medical conditions when you are in their care.

Examples of conduct that could violate your Fourth Amendment rights include:

• Excessive force
• Unlawful arrest and detainment 
• Inmate injuries due to correctional staff’s deliberate indifference to, and failure to provide or secure medical treatment for, a serious medical condition

Compensation for Civil Rights Violations

Federal statutes provide the basis to pursue a claim if the authorities violate your rights under the United States Constitution. Lawsuits for damages due to Constitutional violations are typically brought to federal court pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. 

Under this law, you could be compensated for damages such as:

• Disability
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Personal care expenses
• Lost income and earning capacity

Minnesota also has a somewhat unique in the context of personal injury tort claims. It allows individuals who prevail on their civil rights cases to recover attorney’s fees under pertinent federal statutes.

The Importance of Camera Footage

In contemporary civil rights litigation, it is common for constitutional violations and injuries to be captured on video and audio recordings. Such footage has become more widespread with the adoption of body cameras. 

If you believe you have a civil rights claim, it is important to speak with us right away. Minnesota law, under Minn. Stat. § 13.825 – Portable Recording Systems, requires law enforcement agencies to maintain body-worn camera recordings for only a short time.

Some departments do have policies that require longer retention of such recordings, especially those depicting the use of force by an officer. However, such retention is not indefinite. 

Moreover, the law imposes time limitations on when a federal civil rights lawsuit may commence. If a case is not filed within the applicable limitations period, it will be barred from the court. 

If you believe you have sustained injuries or damages as a result of a constitutional violation, you should act fast. Our team can investigate your case and take immediate steps toward justice.

To meet with our team about your civil rights case, contact us online today. Our Minneapolis legal team is standing by, waiting to hear from you.