What Does a Civil Rights Attorney Do?

A civil rights attorney represents individuals whose constitutional or statutory rights were violated by government entities, law enforcement officers, employers, or institutions. These cases often involve police misconduct, discrimination, false arrest, unlawful detention, or abuse of authority.

What Qualifies as Police Misconduct in Long Beach?

Police misconduct may include excessive force, unlawful searches, racial profiling, false arrest, fabrication of evidence, or failure to provide medical care while in custody. Not every negative police interaction is misconduct, but violations of constitutional rights may give rise to a claim.

What Is the Difference between False Arrest and False Imprisonment?

False arrest occurs when someone is taken into custody without legal justification or probable cause. False imprisonment refers to unlawful detention or restraint of freedom, even without a formal arrest. Both may violate constitutional protections and support a civil rights claim.

Can I Sue for Discrimination?

Yes. Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, national origin, or other protected characteristics may violate federal or state civil rights laws. These cases can arise in employment, housing, education, policing, or access to public services.

Do Civil Rights Cases Have Deadlines?

Yes. Civil rights claims are subject to strict statutes of limitations that vary by jurisdiction and claim type. Missing a deadline can bar your case entirely, which is why early legal consultation matters.

What Compensation Is Available in Civil Rights Cases?

Potential compensation may include financial damages for emotional distress, lost income, medical expenses, reputational harm, and loss of liberty. In some cases, courts may also award attorney fees or order policy changes.

Do I Need Evidence before Speaking to a Civil Rights Attorney in Long Beach?

No. While evidence is helpful, an attorney in Long Beach can assist with investigations, records requests, and evidence preservation. Your role is to provide accurate information and avoid actions that could harm your claim.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Civil Rights Attorney in Long Beach?

Many Long Beach civil rights attorneys offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency basis or under fee-shifting statutes, meaning attorney fees may be recovered from the defendant if the claim succeeds.

Best Long Beach Civil Rights Attorneys in 2025

	Mark Skapik Skapik Law Group	Call Today 909-398-4404	View Profile

Our Selection Process

How to Select the Best Civil Rights Attorney

Step 1: Look for Focused Experience in Civil Rights Cases 

Civil rights claims are fundamentally different from general personal injury or criminal defense cases. Whether your matter involves police misconduct, excessive force, unlawful searches, discrimination in housing or employment, or false arrest and imprisonment, your attorney must understand constitutional law and civil rights statutes. Review whether the attorney regularly handles claims involving law enforcement agencies, government entities, or systemic discrimination. Experience with federal civil rights laws and state-level protections is significant, as many of these cases proceed in federal court or involve heightened procedural standards.

Step 2: Evaluate Their Understanding of Power Imbalances and Government Defenses

Civil rights cases often pit individuals against powerful institutions such as police departments, municipalities, schools, or employers. These defendants are usually well-funded and aggressively defended. A strong Long Beach civil rights attorney understands qualified immunity, internal investigations, and the tactics used to discredit victims. During your consultation, ask how the attorney approaches cases involving police misconduct, racial or gender discrimination, or wrongful detention. Their ability to explain these defenses clearly is a strong indicator of real-world experience.

Step 3: Assess Their Willingness to Investigate and Build a Detailed Record 

Successful civil rights cases rely on evidence such as body camera footage, dashcam videos, dispatch logs, arrest reports, internal policies, witness statements, and medical records. Your attorney should be prepared to pursue records requests, preserve evidence quickly, and consult appropriate professionals when needed. This is particularly important in false arrest or imprisonment cases, where timelines, probable cause, and officer conduct must be carefully examined.

Step 4: Choose an Attorney Who Is Prepared to Litigate, Not Just Negotiate

While some civil rights cases are resolved through settlement, many require litigation to achieve accountability. Government entities may deny wrongdoing until forced to respond in court. The best civil rights attorneys in Long Beach are willing to aggressively pursue claims, challenge unlawful conduct, and take cases to trial when necessary. Their readiness to litigate often strengthens settlement leverage and demonstrates commitment to protecting constitutional rights.

Recommendations While You Wait to Connect to an Attorney

If you believe your civil rights were violated, the steps you take early can significantly affect your case.

Write Down Everything You Remember
 Document the incident as soon as possible while the details are still fresh. Include dates, times, locations, officer names or badge numbers, vehicle numbers, and agency names. Write down the sequence of events step by step, noting what led up to the incident, what occurred during the encounter, and what happened afterward. Be as specific as possible about statements made, commands given, and actions taken. Even small details that seem insignificant now may later help establish patterns of conduct or contradict official reports.
Preserve Physical and Digital Evidence
 Save photos, videos, body camera footage requests, medical records, clothing, and any personal property damaged during the incident. Preserve metadata on digital files by avoiding edits or filters. If someone else recorded the incident, ask them to save the original file. Physical evidence, such as torn clothing or damaged belongings, may support claims involving the use of force or unlawful detention.
Request Medical Attention and Keep Records
 If force was used or you experienced emotional distress, seek medical attention promptly, even if injuries appear minor. Medical evaluations create a timeline that connects your condition to the incident. Keep copies of medical records, discharge instructions, prescriptions, and follow-up recommendations, as these documents often play a key role in civil rights cases.
Avoid Discussing the Incident Publicly 
Do not post details, opinions, or images related to the incident on social media. Avoid discussing the matter with coworkers, acquaintances, or the press. Public statements can be misunderstood or selectively quoted in ways that undermine your claim.
Obtain Copies of Official Reports
 Request police reports, arrest records, charging documents, or internal incident numbers as soon as they become available. Review them carefully for inaccuracies or omissions.
Save All Communications
 Keep emails, letters, voicemails, texts, and notices from law enforcement agencies, employers, or government entities. These communications may later demonstrate timelines, notice, or improper conduct.
Do Not Give Recorded Statements Without Legal Guidance
 You are not required to provide recorded statements to internal affairs investigators or agency representatives before speaking with an attorney. Waiting protects your rights and prevents unintentional inconsistencies.
Track Ongoing Impacts 
Maintain a journal documenting emotional distress, missed work, financial strain, reputational harm, and ongoing fear or anxiety. This record helps demonstrate the full impact of the civil rights violation over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does a Civil Rights Attorney Do?: A civil rights attorney represents individuals whose constitutional or statutory rights were violated by government entities, law enforcement officers, employers, or institutions. These cases often involve police misconduct, discrimination, false arrest, unlawful detention, or abuse of authority.
What Qualifies as Police Misconduct in Long Beach?: Police misconduct may include excessive force, unlawful searches, racial profiling, false arrest, fabrication of evidence, or failure to provide medical care while in custody. Not every negative police interaction is misconduct, but violations of constitutional rights may give rise to a claim.
What Is the Difference between False Arrest and False Imprisonment?: False arrest occurs when someone is taken into custody without legal justification or probable cause. False imprisonment refers to unlawful detention or restraint of freedom, even without a formal arrest. Both may violate constitutional protections and support a civil rights claim.
Can I Sue for Discrimination?: Yes. Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, national origin, or other protected characteristics may violate federal or state civil rights laws. These cases can arise in employment, housing, education, policing, or access to public services.
Do Civil Rights Cases Have Deadlines?: Yes. Civil rights claims are subject to strict statutes of limitations that vary by jurisdiction and claim type. Missing a deadline can bar your case entirely, which is why early legal consultation matters.
What Compensation Is Available in Civil Rights Cases?: Potential compensation may include financial damages for emotional distress, lost income, medical expenses, reputational harm, and loss of liberty. In some cases, courts may also award attorney fees or order policy changes.
Do I Need Evidence before Speaking to a Civil Rights Attorney in Long Beach?: No. While evidence is helpful, an attorney in Long Beach can assist with investigations, records requests, and evidence preservation. Your role is to provide accurate information and avoid actions that could harm your claim.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Civil Rights Attorney in Long Beach?: Many Long Beach civil rights attorneys offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency basis or under fee-shifting statutes, meaning attorney fees may be recovered from the defendant if the claim succeeds.