Experienced Legal Representation for Civil Rights Lawsuits Involving Law Enforcement in Louisiana
In our Nation’s history, few documents hold as much significance as the Bill of Rights. Within it lie the cornerstone of our freedoms: the right to speak our minds, assemble peacefully, bear arms, and remain shielded from unwarranted government intrusions. These rights, enshrined within this sacred text, serve as our armor against government overreach and abuse.
These protections aren’t based solely on an inherent mistrust in government but also are a recognition of our shared humanity. Every day, our law enforcement officers and prosecutors strive to maintain order and ensure our safety. Yet, like all of us, they are fallible. Similarly, our legislators and government officials seek to create a fairer, more just society, but they too are subject to human error.
Victims of Civil Rights Violations Deserve Experienced Legal Counsel
But what recourse do you have if you find yourself harmed due to a mistake or action taken by those tasked with upholding the law? How do you safeguard your rights when faced with defending them against the misconduct of the very institutions meant to protect them?
Lee Harville has a history of standing alongside individuals wronged by excessive force, wrongful arrest, unconstitutional searches, or retaliation for exercising their rights. He is ready to be your advocate in seeking justice and compensation for any harm—physical, economic, emotional, or mental—inflicted by the government. If state or federal law enforcement authorities have violated your civil rights, you deserve justice—and this starts with putting an experienced attorney on your side.
Civil Rights Cases We Handle
Lee represents clients in all types of civil rights cases involving abuses of authority by state and federal law enforcement authorities in Louisiana. This includes (but is not limited to) cases involving:
Due Process Violations
The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants all persons the right to due process in matters involving the federal government. If the federal government has violated your right to due process, you are entitled to appropriate remedies under the law. Some examples of potential due process violations include:
- Arbitrary and discriminatory decision-making
- Denial of the opportunity to be heard
- Failure to disclose exculpatory evidence
- Failure to provide an impartial judge or jury
- Privacy violations
While due process violations can serve as defenses in federal criminal prosecutions, they can also warrant claims for damages in certain scenarios. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents (1971) is the primary source of authority for lawsuits against the federal government (referred to as Bivens actions) in these cases.
Fourteenth Amendment Violations
The due process protections afforded under the Fifth Amendment also apply at the state level. The Fourteenth Amendment applies fundamental principles of the Bill of Rights to state and local law enforcement and judicial authorities.
Civil rights attorney Lee Harville represents clients in Fourteenth Amendment cases as well. This includes not only cases involving due process violations, but also cases involving excessive use of force, false arrests, unconstitutional searches and seizures, and other constitutional violations. In these cases, seeking justice typically involves filing a lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, which provides for both compensatory and punitive damages in appropriate cases.
Excessive Use of Force
Excessive use of force by law enforcement is an issue at the state and federal levels. Cases involving the excessive use of force fall under the Fourth Amendment, as extended to the states by the Fourteenth Amendment.
Excessive force can take many forms, and what is “excessive” in any particular case ultimately depends on the specific circumstances involved. With that said, there are clearly scenarios in which police officers’ or law enforcement agents’ use of force goes too far. In all cases, when law enforcement authorities use excessive force, this may justify either a Bivens action or a Section 1983 lawsuit.
False Arrests
A false arrest occurs when law enforcement authorities detain someone without legal justification. Generally, this means conducting an arrest without probable cause or a valid arrest warrant. False arrests can—and do—happen for a variety of reasons, from lack of training and experience to racism and other forms of bias.
Getting arrested can be a harrowing experience under any circumstances. But when you have been wrongfully targeted, it can be even more difficult to cope with what you have been forced to endure. Civil rights lawsuits are clearly warranted in this scenario as well, and attorney Lee Harville draws on decades of experience to pursue legal action on behalf of victims of false arrest throughout Louisiana.
Unconstitutional Searches and Seizures
Unconstitutional searches and seizures can also give rise to civil rights lawsuits under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments. Under these Amendments, law enforcement authorities must obtain a warrant before conducting a search or seizure—unless an exception applies. While there are valid exceptions, police officers and federal agents often attempt to rely on these exceptions improperly, and this results in unconstitutional searches and seizures that reflect clear violations of victims’ civil rights.
Lee represents clients in these cases as well. If you believe that you or a loved one may be the victim of an unconstitutional search or seizure, we strongly encourage you to contact us to determine whether you have a civil rights case against the government.
What You Can Expect When You Hire Shreveport Civil Rights Attorney Lee Harville
As both a criminal defense attorney and a civil rights attorney, Lee understands the importance of championing causes that may not always be popular. He recognizes that our justice system’s true purpose is to shield and serve every individual, regardless of societal favor or disfavor.
To help ensure he can stand by his clients every step of the way, Lee continues to study and present on cutting-edge constitutional questions. He has helped clients navigate the complex procedures involved in bringing and settling civil rights cases. He has tried federal civil rights cases before juries. He has appealed matters that hinge on constitutional claims.
At the core of Lee’s practice is a commitment to protecting and upholding the fundamental rights and liberties that define our democracy. With Lee Harville in your corner, you can rest assured that your voice will be heard and your rights fiercely defended. If you believe your constitutional rights have been violated, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and discover how Lee can be your steadfast ally, from the inception of your case to its resolution.
FAQs: Filing a Civil Rights Lawsuit in Louisiana
How long do I have to file a civil rights lawsuit in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the deadline to file a civil rights lawsuit is one year in most cases. With that said, if you think you may have grounds to file a claim based on illegal conduct by state or federal law enforcement agents, we strongly recommend that you speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Taking action promptly can help ensure that your lawyer is able to gather key evidence before it disappears—and this can help maximize your chances of filing a successful lawsuit.
I was arrested during the incident. Can I still sue?
If the police or federal law enforcement agents violated your constitutional rights, it doesn’t matter whether you were arrested. In this scenario, you can—and should—take appropriate legal action to seek accountability. Hiring an experienced lawyer is the first step in the process.
Can I sue the police department or the city, or just the officer?
Police departments and municipalities can be sued for civil rights violations committed by their officers and other personnel. While victims and their families can generally sue the individuals involved, suing the police department or city can be important for both recovering just compensation and effecting change to help prevent similar failures in the future.
Request a Free Consultation with Shreveport Civil Rights Attorney Lee Harville
If you need to know more about filing a lawsuit for a civil rights violation committed by state or federal law enforcement in Louisiana, we want to hear from you. Experienced Shreveport civil rights attorney Lee Harville represents victims and families statewide. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at The Harville Law Firm, LLC as soon as possible, call 318-222-1700 or contact us online now.