Federal Civil Rights – Constitutional Violations & Government Misconduct in NJ & PA

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent individuals who have suffered harm due to civil rights violations by government actors. Our federal civil rights litigation practice is rooted in holding agencies, officers, and institutions accountable when they violate the Constitution—whether through police brutality, wrongful arrest, unlawful searches, prisoner abuse, or malicious prosecution.

We represent clients across New Jersey and Pennsylvania in federal court under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and related statutes. Our mission is to restore justice for those mistreated by public officials, police departments, correctional officers, and other state or federal actors who abuse their power.

If your constitutional rights have been violated, you may have the right to pursue monetary damages, injunctive relief, and court orders to stop further misconduct. We offer both the tenacity and legal precision necessary to prevail in these complex, emotionally charged cases.

What Is a Federal Civil Rights Claim?

A federal civil rights claim is a legal action brought under federal law against public officials who violate someone’s constitutional rights under color of law. The most common basis is Section 1983, which allows individuals to sue state and local government officials for constitutional violations.

Examples include:

• Excessive force by law enforcement or correctional officers
• Unlawful arrest or unlawful detention
• Malicious prosecution or fabricated evidence
• Unconstitutional conditions in jails or prisons
• Denial of medical care to inmates (deliberate indifference)
• Unlawful searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment
• First Amendment retaliation (e.g., for speaking out against police)
• Equal protection violations based on race, religion, or disability

Many cases involve multiple violations across various stages of interaction with law enforcement, corrections, or other public agencies.

Common Federal Civil Rights Statutes

We handle claims brought under several key federal laws, including:

• 42 U.S.C. § 1983 – Claims against state and local officials for constitutional violations
• Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents – Actions against federal officials for similar violations
• 42 U.S.C. § 1981 – Race-based discrimination in contracts
• 42 U.S.C. § 1985 – Conspiracy to interfere with civil rights
• Rehabilitation Act / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Rights of incarcerated or institutionalized individuals with disabilities

We also pursue injunctive and declaratory relief when appropriate to stop ongoing government misconduct or require institutional reforms.

Police Misconduct & Excessive Force

When police officers use more force than necessary, they violate your Fourth Amendment rights. We represent clients injured or traumatized by:

• Violent arrests without probable cause
• Unjustified shootings or Taser use
• Beatings in handcuffs or after surrender
• Improper canine deployment
• Police retaliation for recording or asserting your rights

We collect video evidence, obtain police reports, and work with medical experts to document physical and psychological injuries. Police officers are not above the law—and qualified immunity is not a free pass to abuse.

Jail and Prison Abuse – Conditions of Confinement

Under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments, prisoners and pretrial detainees are protected from cruel and unusual punishment and deliberate indifference to serious medical needs.

Our firm handles:

• Assault by correctional officers
• Failure to protect from known threats
• Denial of mental health or medical treatment
• Unsanitary or unsafe housing conditions
• Solitary confinement misuse
• Wrongful deaths in custody

Inmates don’t lose their constitutional rights behind bars. We pursue justice for individuals and families affected by custodial abuse or neglect.

Wrongful Arrest & Malicious Prosecution

You have the right not to be arrested without probable cause or prosecuted based on false or fabricated evidence. We represent clients harmed by:

• Arrests without warrants or legitimate suspicion
• Charges filed as retaliation
• Falsified reports or planted evidence
• Prosecutorial abuse or withholding exculpatory evidence

A wrongful arrest can derail your life—and the aftermath can include job loss, damaged reputation, or mental health trauma. We work to clear your name and recover damages.

First Amendment Retaliation

The First Amendment protects your right to speak, protest, record public officials, and file complaints without fear of retaliation. We handle:

• Arrests for filming police
• Retaliation after filing a complaint
• Discipline or intimidation for speaking out
• Retaliation in schools or government workplaces

If a public official punishes you for exercising your constitutional rights, we can help you fight back and hold them accountable in federal court.

Federal vs. State Civil Rights Litigation

While some civil rights claims can be filed in state court, many are better pursued in federal court, especially if they involve:

• Federal officials or agencies
• Constitutional claims under Section 1983
• Federal preemption issues
• Greater access to discovery and legal remedies

We are licensed in U.S. District Courts in NJ, PA and various others, and we’re experienced in managing federal procedure, including motions to dismiss, qualified immunity defenses, and summary judgment challenges.

How We Build a Civil Rights Case

• Investigate facts and agency conduct thoroughly
• Request body camera, dash cam, and surveillance footage
• Interview witnesses and subpoena records
• Work with medical and psychological experts
• Identify all liable parties, including supervisors or municipalities
• File federal complaints backed by detailed factual pleadings
• Challenge qualified immunity and other procedural defenses

We also advise on media strategy, settlement timing, and long-term reputational protection for clients whose cases receive public attention.

Why Choose Ratliff Jackson LLP?

• Civil rights litigation is complex—our attorneys are well-versed in federal court procedure and constitutional law
• Deep experience across police abuse, wrongful detention, and prisoner rights cases
• We handle high-conflict cases and systemic misconduct, not just isolated incidents
• Focused on delivering both legal results and client healing
• We take on difficult cases that other firms avoid

We don’t just file complaints—we litigate them to resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Section 1983 and how does it work?
A: Section 1983 is a federal statute that allows people to sue state or local officials who violate their constitutional rights under color of law. It’s the most common legal tool in federal civil rights cases.

Q: What does “under color of law” mean?
A: It means the person was using power given by a government body—such as a police officer on duty or a corrections officer acting in an official capacity.

Q: Can I sue the police department or just the officer?
A: In many cases, you can sue both. If the department had policies or training failures that led to your harm, they may be held liable under Monell doctrine.

Q: What’s qualified immunity and how does it affect my case?
A: Qualified immunity shields public officials from lawsuits unless they violated a clearly established right. We focus on building strong factual records to overcome this defense.

Q: What kind of compensation can I recover?
A: You may be entitled to compensatory damages (for physical/emotional harm), punitive damages (to punish misconduct), and attorney’s fees.

Q: Is there a time limit for filing a federal civil rights lawsuit?
A: Yes. In NJ and PA, the statute of limitations is generally two years, but shorter deadlines may apply in some circumstances.

Q: Will filing a civil rights lawsuit affect my criminal case?
A: It can. We coordinate strategies to protect your rights in both arenas, especially if criminal charges are pending or were dismissed.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If your rights were violated by police, correctional staff, or other public officials, don’t wait. Call Ratliff Jackson LLP today at 856-209-3111 or contact us online for a confidential consultation. We are fierce advocates for accountability, dignity, and constitutional protections.