Practical guides, essential checklists, constitutional rights steps, and frequently asked questions to help you protect yourself and your family.
Guiding principles that define our approach to civil rights advocacy and client representation.
What to document immediately following police misconduct, excessive force, or an unlawful arrest. Includes critical steps for preserving badge numbers, dashcam requests, unwashed clothing, and witness contact info.
Follow these three fundamental steps to safeguard your safety, evidence, and legal rights.
Stay calm, avoid physical escalation, and state clearly that you wish to remain silent. Do not resist physically even if you believe the officer’s actions are wrongful, preserve your physical safety first. Request medical attention immediately if injured.
Key rule: Safety & de-escalation first
Record or write down all details immediately: photos and videos of injuries, officer names, badge numbers, patrol vehicle unit numbers, witness contact information, and complete hospital/emergency room medical records.
Key rule: Never wash or alter physical evidence
Consult with an experienced civil rights attorney before giving recorded statements to internal affairs investigators or signing paperwork. Strict 6-month statutory deadlines apply to California government claims.
Key rule: Free & confidential consultation
Clear, straightforward answers about civil rights claims, evidence preservation, and California legal processes.
You may have a viable civil rights claim if law enforcement officers, correctional staff, or government officials violated rights protected by the U.S. Constitution or California state law (such as the Fourth, Eighth, or Fourteenth Amendments, or California’s Bane Act). Common violations include excessive physical force, unjustified shootings, unlawful searches or arrests, denial of medical care in jail, or custodial deaths. Every situation requires an individualized review of the facts, evidence, and official reports.
First, seek immediate medical attention for any physical injuries and ensure hospital staff thoroughly document all wounds, bruises, or trauma. Second, preserve all physical evidence—photograph your injuries from multiple angles, preserve clothing unwashed in a paper bag, and back up any video recordings or cell phone data. Third, write down everything you remember while details are fresh (officer names, badge numbers, patrol vehicle numbers, witness contact information). Finally, consult an experienced civil rights attorney before providing recorded statements to police internal affairs investigators.
Crucial evidence includes: (1) High-resolution photos and videos of physical injuries, damaged personal property, and the scene of the incident; (2) Names, phone numbers, and statements from eyewitnesses; (3) Complete medical records, emergency room discharge papers, and pharmacy receipts; (4) Citation tickets, booking sheets, or court notices; (5) Any surveillance or bystander video footage. If you possess cell phone video, do not edit or alter the file.
In California, claims against government entities (city police departments, county sheriff offices, correctional institutions) are strictly governed by the California Government Claims Act. In most cases, you MUST file a formal administrative claim with the governmental agency within SIX (6) MONTHS of the date of the incident. Missing this critical deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation in court. Prompt action is essential.
When you contact Conlogue Law, our legal team will conduct an initial confidential case evaluation at no charge. We will listen to your account of what occurred, review available records or photos, and assess the legal merit of your potential claims. If we determine that we can assist, we will outline the next investigative steps, preserve surveillance and dispatch evidence through formal legal hold notices, and guide you through the process.
When you contact Conlogue Law, our legal team will conduct an initial confidential case evaluation at no charge. We will listen to your account of what occurred, review available records or photos, and assess the legal merit of your potential claims. If we determine that we can assist, we will outline the next investigative steps, preserve surveillance and dispatch evidence through formal legal hold notices, and guide you through the process.
Educational articles covering California government claims, filming police, and constitutional rights.
