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Ross Baumgartner
I was left in a very tough position. I was denied everything from an insurer after a terrible automobile accident. After contacting SiebenCarey not only did they give me hope, they won for me on every level. Very professional and completely respected by me and my family on every level.
Aaron Lundgren
When I needed help, after an auto accident,  I was unsure who to turn to. A family friend has suggested SiebenCarey to because of their prior experience. I will tell you this, there is no one else I would recommend after the excellent service I was given. They stayed on top of everything, they kept me in the loop, most of all they gave me piece of mind. I felt confident that there was nothing to worry about with such fantastic people on my side. A big thank you to the folks at SiebenCarey!
Carly R.
My boyfriend was hit by a car and while all the attorneys he talked to said he didn't have much chance of a case, SiebenCarey took him on and gave him a fighting chance. He's still recovering, but SiebenCarey is making it a lot easier.
Tara Papacek
Great experience on a long and complicated case which ended with an excellent outcome.

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Minnesota Civil Rights Attorneys

Standing Up for Your Constitutional Rights in Minnesota

Every American possesses fundamental constitutional rights that protect us from government overreach and abuse of power. When law enforcement officers, correctional staff, or other government officials violate these sacred protections, the consequences extend far beyond individual harm. In fact, they can threaten the very foundation of our democratic society.

Since 1952, SiebenCarey has defended the constitutional rights of Minnesotans against unlawful government conduct. Our civil rights attorneys understand the importance of challenging powerful institutions and holding them accountable for violating the public trust.

Whether you've suffered police brutality, false arrest, jail abuse, or other constitutional violations, our team has the knowledge, resources, and determination necessary to pursue justice and meaningful compensation.

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Defend Your Constitutional Rights: Free Civil Rights Case Evaluation

Don't let civil rights violations go unanswered. Contact SiebenCarey today for your confidential consultation.

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The Landscape of Civil Rights Violations in Minnesota

Civil rights violations represent some of the most serious legal wrongs in our society. These injustices involve government officials who have sworn to serve and protect, but who instead cause harm to the very people they're meant to defend. When left unaddressed, this can easily erode public trust in our institutions.

Minnesota has witnessed numerous high-profile civil rights cases that have sparked national conversations about police accountability and government misconduct. From excessive force incidents to wrongful deaths in custody, these cases highlight the ongoing need for experienced legal advocates who can take on powerful government entities and demand justice.

Civil rights violations affect people from all walks of life, regardless of race, age, gender, or socioeconomic status. However, certain communities face disproportionate risks, making it essential to have attorneys who understand both the legal complexities and the broader social context of these cases.

Understanding Civil Rights Violations: When Government Power Goes Too Far

Civil rights are fundamental protections guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and federal civil rights laws. These protections ensure that government officials cannot abuse their authority or deny citizens their basic human rights.

  • Police Misconduct and Excessive Force

    Law enforcement officers receive extensive training and broad authority to carry out their duties, but this power comes with constitutional limits. When officers use violence to punish, intimidate, coerce confessions, or intentionally inflict pain, they violate citizens' constitutional rights.

    Excessive force can range from unnecessary physical restraint to deadly force used without justification. Police brutality represents the most egregious form of excessive force and qualifies as criminal conduct that demands accountability.

  • False Arrest and Wrongful Detention

    False arrest happens when officers act without proper authority or exceed the scope of their powers. Police officers cannot arrest individuals for arbitrary reasons. They must have reasonable and probable cause to believe a person has committed a criminal offense.

    Any unlawful restraint that affects a person's freedom of movement constitutes false imprisonment. This can occur through threats, abuse of authority, or physical confinement against someone's will, even without the use of physical force.

  • Deadly Force Violations

    The use of deadly force is one of the most restricted actions law enforcement can take. Constitutional standards require that officers reasonably believe deadly force is necessary to defend themselves or others from imminent death or serious bodily harm. It should never be used against unarmed individuals or suspects who pose no immediate threat.

    When officers use lethal force without proper justification, they violate the most fundamental constitutional right: the right to life.

  • Police Dog Attacks and K-9 Misconduct

    Police dogs serve as valuable tools for tracking and apprehending suspects, but they must be kept under proper control. When officers deploy police dogs in situations where less force would suffice or when they fail to control aggressive dogs, serious injuries can result.

    K-9 units often involve large, powerful breeds that can cause severe lacerations, permanent scarring, and significant trauma. Improper deployment of police dogs can constitute excessive force, particularly when used against compliant or non-threatening individuals.

  • Jail and Prison Abuse

    Correctional officers have a constitutional duty to protect inmates in their custody. This includes providing adequate medical care, protecting inmates from violence, and maintaining humane living conditions.

    Jail abuse can involve physical violence, sexual assault, denial of medical care, or deliberate indifference to serious health needs. Neglect occurs when staff fail to provide necessary care or protection, resulting in preventable harm or death.

  • Civil Rights in Institutional Settings

    Beyond traditional police misconduct, civil rights violations can occur in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other government-operated facilities. These cases often involve vulnerable populations who depend on government employees for their safety and well-being.

The Constitutional Framework: Laws That Protect Your Rights

Understanding the legal foundation of civil rights claims is the first step in seeking restitution.

Constitutional Amendments in Civil Rights Cases

A number of constitutional amendments exist to defend the rights of Americans. For example:

  • The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, including excessive force during arrests.
  • The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. This is especially relevant in jail and prison settings.
  • The Fourteenth Amendment ensures due process and equal protection under the law.

Section 1983 Claims

42 U.S.C. § 1983 provides the primary federal remedy for civil rights violations by government officials. This law allows individuals to sue state and local government employees who violate constitutional rights while acting under the color of law.

Municipal Liability Under Monell

Under the Monell doctrine, municipalities can be held liable for civil rights violations when they result from official policies, customs, or deliberate indifference to constitutional violations. This allows victims to seek compensation not just from individual officers but from the government entities that employ them.

State Law Claims

In addition to federal civil rights laws, Minnesota state law provides additional protections and remedies for government misconduct. These can include assault and battery claims, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of state constitutional provisions.


Why Choose SiebenCarey for Your Civil Rights Case?

Minnesota's Trusted Personal Injury Firm

Founded in 1952, SiebenCarey has grown to become one of Minnesota’s largest and most respected practices. Over the past 70 years, we've represented over 70,000 Minnesotans, developing unmatched institutional knowledge and legal experience.

Exceptional Legal Credentials

Our legal team includes a number of attorneys who have been recognized for their skills and contributions to Minnesota’s legal community. This includes:

Trial-Ready Advocacy

While many civil rights cases settle, our attorneys prepare every case for trial. This thorough preparation and willingness to go to court often motivates defendants to offer fair settlements rather than face us in front of a jury.

Comprehensive Resources

SiebenCarey has the financial resources to:

  • Fund extensive investigations
  • Retain expert witnesses,
  • Pursue cases against well-funded government defendants

…for as long as necessary to achieve justice.

No Financial Risk to You

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Additionally, successful civil rights plaintiffs can often recover attorneys' fees from defendants under federal law.

Maximizing Recovery in Minnesota Civil Rights Cases

Civil rights violations often cause profound and lasting harm that extends far beyond immediate physical injuries. Under Minnesota Law, you may be entitled to a wide range of damages.

Compensatory Damages

Economic damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, and future earning capacity losses. Non-economic damages address pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and damage to reputation.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available to punish wrongdoers and deter future violations. These damages recognize that civil rights violations are not merely personal injuries but attacks on constitutional principles.

Attorney's Fees

Federal civil rights laws allow successful plaintiffs to recover attorney's fees from defendants, ensuring that victims can afford quality legal representation regardless of their financial circumstances.

Injunctive Relief

Beyond monetary compensation, civil rights cases can result in court orders requiring policy changes, training reforms, or oversight measures designed to prevent future violations and protect other potential victims.

The Unique Challenges of Civil Rights Litigation

Civil rights cases present distinct challenges that require specialized expertise and an unwavering commitment to justice to overcome.

Qualified Immunity Obstacles

Government officials often claim qualified immunity. This legal doctrine protects them from civil liability unless they clearly violate established law. At SiebenCarey, our attorneys understand how to overcome these defenses by demonstrating when constitutional violations were clearly established at the time of the incident.

Institutional Resistance and Cover-Ups

Government agencies often close ranks to protect their employees and minimize liability. Our investigation team knows how to uncover evidence of misconduct, including internal affairs records, training materials, and patterns of abuse that demonstrate institutional liability.

Complex Federal Litigation

Civil rights cases frequently involve federal court proceedings with unique procedural requirements and specialized legal standards. Our attorneys have extensive experience in federal court and understand the nuances of civil rights litigation.

Public Scrutiny and Media Attention

High-profile civil rights cases often attract significant media attention and public scrutiny. Our team knows how to navigate these dynamics while protecting our clients' interests and maintaining focus on achieving justice.

Critical Steps After Civil Rights Violation

Your actions following a civil rights violation can significantly impact both your safety and your legal options.

1. Prioritize Medical Care

Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem. Medical records provide crucial documentation of the harm caused by the violation.

2. Document Everything

Write down detailed accounts of what happened while events are fresh in your memory. Include dates, times, locations, and the names and badge numbers of any officers involved.

3. Preserve Evidence

Take photographs of injuries, damaged property, and the scene if possible. Keep all clothing worn during the incident, as it may contain important evidence.

4. Identify Witnesses

Collect contact information for anyone who witnessed the incident. Independent witness testimony can be crucial in civil rights cases where official accounts may be biased or inaccurate.

5. Avoid Statements to Officials

Be cautious about providing detailed statements to internal affairs investigators or other government officials without legal representation. These statements can be used against you later.

6. Request Records

File formal requests for all records related to the incident, including police reports, 911 calls, dashcam or body camera footage, and any internal investigations.

7. Contact SiebenCarey Immediately

Early legal intervention is crucial in civil rights cases due to strict deadlines and the risk of evidence destruction. Call us at 1-800-4-RIGHTS for immediate assistance.

Stand Up Against Government Misconduct with Help from SiebenCarey

When government officials violate your constitutional rights, they strike at the heart of our democratic principles. SiebenCarey's civil rights attorneys stand ready to defend your constitutional protections and hold government entities accountable for their actions.

Don't let civil rights violations go unchallenged. These cases require immediate action to preserve evidence and protect your rights under strict legal deadlines.

Contact SiebenCarey today at 1-800-4-RIGHTS (1-800-474-4487) for your free, confidential civil rights consultation. Whether you're in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, or anywhere throughout Minnesota, we're prepared to meet you wherever is most convenient to begin fighting for the justice and accountability you deserve.

FAQs

How long do I have to file a civil rights lawsuit?

Civil rights claims under Section 1983 are subject to the state statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which is typically six years in Minnesota. However, some claims may have shorter deadlines, making it important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Can I sue if I was arrested but charges were dropped?

Yes, you may have a civil rights claim even if criminal charges were dropped or dismissed. False arrest and excessive force claims are civil matters separate from any criminal proceedings.

What if the officer was acting according to department policy?

If a department policy violates constitutional rights, both the individual officer and the municipality may be liable. Unconstitutional policies can form the basis for municipal liability claims.

Do I need to file a complaint with internal affairs first?

No, you are not required to exhaust internal complaint procedures before filing a civil rights lawsuit. However, internal affairs investigations may produce relevant evidence for your case.

Can I sue if I was injured while resisting arrest?

The fact that you may have resisted arrest does not automatically bar a civil rights claim. Officers must use only the force reasonably necessary under the circumstances, regardless of resistance.

What if there were no witnesses to the incident?

Physical evidence, medical records, and inconsistencies in official accounts can support civil rights claims even without independent witnesses. Our investigators know how to uncover evidence that supports your version of events.

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