Pinix Law, LLC - Criminal Appeals & Civil Rights
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Civil rights

Nature of a civil rights claim

Since the Civil Rights Act of 1871, the United States has given its citizens the right to sue people who violate their federally protected rights while acting under the color of law.

The controlling statute, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, allows people whose rights have been violated to recover damages not only for the actual harm suffered, but also to punish the person who committed the violation so that it is not repeated.

Claims of this sort are often referred to as "1983 claims," based on the statutory section creating the right to sue.

What is Protected

1983 claims can reach violations of any of the rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the federal constitution or federal laws when those violations are committed by government actors.

Here are a few examples:
  • Excessive force during an arrest
  • Destruction of evidence
  • Police misconduct
  • Sexual assault by prison officials
  • Wrongful death while incarcerated
  • Wrongful conviction
The list above is not comprehensive. If you believe that you have a civil rights claim, please contact the firm for more information.
Pinix Law, LLC | 1200 East Capitol Drive, Suite 360 | Milwaukee, WI | T: 414.963.6164 | F: 414.967.9169 | E: info@pinixlaw.com

Criminal defense lawyers experienced with appeals, postconviction motions, and appellate law in Wisconsin and Illinois. Criminal defense attorneys who handle Wisconsin state and federal criminal appeals, postconviction motions, and writs of habeas corpus in Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Green Bay, Brown County, Calumet County, Dane County, Dodge County, Fond du Lac County, Jefferson County, Kenosha County, Manitowoc County, Marathon County, Milwaukee County, Outagamie County, Ozaukee County, Racine County, Rock County, Walworth County, Waukesha County, Winnebago County. Illinois state criminal appeals and postconviction motions, and writs of habeas corpus in Chicago, Rockford, Springfield, Cook County, Lake County, Lee County, and Winnebago County.

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  • Home
  • Contact
  • Who We Are
    • Matthew Pinix
    • Taylor Barnes-Gilbert
    • Joe Riepenhoff
    • Rachael Meixensperger
  • What We Do
    • Criminal Appeals
    • Civil Rights
    • Amicus partners
    • Wins
  • Where we work
  • Media Coverage
  • FAQ
    • Direct Appeal Questions
    • General Questions
    • Additional Online Resources
    • Example Filings