Section 1983 Civil Rights Lawsuits

When police officers, jailers, or other government officials violate your constitutional rights, federal law lets you hold them accountable. 42 U.S.C. § 1983 allows a person to sue anyone who, acting under color of state law, deprives them of rights secured by the Constitution or federal law. GFA LAW, PLLC files these lawsuits for clients in Temple, Bell County and across Texas.

Cases We Handle

• Excessive force and unreasonable seizures

• False arrest and malicious prosecution

• Retaliation for recording police, protesting, or criticizing public officials

• Unlawful searches of homes, vehicles and phones

• Monell claims against cities and counties whose policies or customs caused the violation

• Jail and detention conditions

Qualified Immunity

Officers sued under Section 1983 usually raise qualified immunity, which shields them unless they violated clearly established law. Getting past that defense takes careful pleading, early evidence work, and a working command of Fifth Circuit and Supreme Court precedent. Our attorneys litigate these fights in federal court.

Deadlines Matter

In Texas, most Section 1983 claims must be filed within two years of the violation, and some related claims and notice requirements run shorter. Evidence such as body-camera footage can also be lost if no one asks for it in time. If you believe your rights were violated, contact us promptly.

What to Gather

• Dates, times, places, and the names or badge numbers of the officers involved

• Any video, photos, or witness contact information

• Citations, arrest paperwork, booking records and medical records

Federal law also allows a court to award attorney’s fees to a prevailing civil rights plaintiff under 42 U.S.C. § 1988. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.