Practice Area
Civil
Rights
The rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution are not suggestions — they are enforceable legal protections. When a government official, law enforcement officer, or institution violates those rights, the law provides a path to accountability. Gerald Singleton and the team at Singleton Schreiber have spent decades taking on exactly those cases — going up against police departments, government agencies, and the officials who abuse their power.
From a landmark $85 million civil rights wrongful death verdict in San Diego to first amendment defense of protesters facing federal prosecution, Singleton Schreiber has demonstrated time and again that civil rights litigation requires not just knowledge of the law — it requires the courage to fight powerful institutions and the resources to see those fights through.
The Foundation
Your Constitutional Rights
Prohibits government officials from infringing on freedom of speech, press, or peaceful protest. Protects your right to petition the government and engage in public gatherings. Private entities that operate like government actors can also be held accountable.
Forbids unreasonable searches and seizures, illegal detentions, and false arrests. Police brutality, excessive force, and other misconduct fall under this amendment. Unlawful warrant challenges are also covered.
Requires federal officials to provide due process to individuals — including those arrested or in federal custody. Federal officials cannot ignore the serious medical needs of arrestees or pretrial detainees.
Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment of those convicted of a crime. State and federal officials are prohibited from intentionally injuring prisoners or ignoring their serious medical needs while in custody.
Mirrors the Fifth Amendment's due process protections for state actors. Prohibits state officials from denying due process, interfering with family relationships, causing wrongful death, or wrongfully removing children from parental care.
Guarantees all persons equal protection under the law regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability. California extends these protections to include sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and veteran status.
What We Handle
Common Civil Rights Violations
Police Misconduct
- Excessive force and police brutality
- Unlawful detention and false arrest
- Unreasonable search and seizure
- Racial profiling
- Wrongful death by law enforcement
- Denial of medical care in custody
- Fabricated evidence and perjury
- Failure to intervene
Discrimination & Other Violations
- Race, religion, and national origin discrimination
- Sex and gender discrimination
- Disability discrimination
- LGBTQ+ rights violations
- First Amendment retaliation
- Prisoner and detainee rights
- ICE enforcement and immigration detention
- Wrongful removal of children from family
Legal Framework
The Laws That Protect You
Civil rights protection comes from multiple sources — the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and state laws — and they work together to create a comprehensive framework of rights that government officials must respect.
The primary vehicle for enforcing constitutional rights against state and local government officials is 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which allows individuals to sue government actors for constitutional violations. Federal officials can be sued under what is known as a Bivens action. Both paths are complex and require experienced civil rights counsel from the outset.
California has some of the strongest civil rights protections in the country — particularly through the Bane Act and the Unruh Civil Rights Act — which provide additional remedies and, in some cases, mandatory attorneys' fees when civil rights are violated. Our team is fluent in both the federal and California state civil rights frameworks and builds cases that maximize available recovery.
Key Federal & State Laws
- 42 U.S.C. § 1983 — Civil Rights Act
- Civil Rights Acts of 1866, 1964 & 1991
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Family and Medical Leave Act
- Title IX
- Bivens Actions (Federal Officials)
- California Bane Act (Civil Code § 52.1)
- California Unruh Civil Rights Act
- California Labor Code
- California Tom Bane Civil Rights Act
Track Record
Selected Case Results
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique.
Press & Recognition
Civil Rights In the News
Common Questions
Civil Rights FAQ
A civil rights violation occurs when a government actor — or in some cases a private entity acting like one — infringes on rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution or federal and state law. Common examples include police brutality and excessive force, unlawful arrest or detention, discrimination based on race, religion, sex, disability, or national origin, First Amendment retaliation, and denial of due process or medical care to those in custody.
Yes. Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, individuals can sue state and local government officials — including police officers — for civil rights violations. Federal officials may be sued under a Bivens action. Government agencies can also face liability in certain circumstances. These cases are complex and require experienced civil rights counsel — qualified immunity defenses and short statutes of limitations make early legal action critical.
Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that can shield government officials from personal liability unless they violated a clearly established constitutional right. It is a significant — but not insurmountable — defense in police misconduct cases. An experienced civil rights attorney can identify cases where qualified immunity does not apply and build a record that overcomes the defense.
Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and family status. California law extends those protections to include sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, and military or veteran status, among others. Discrimination can occur in employment, housing, education, and access to public accommodations.
Civil rights plaintiffs may recover compensatory damages for physical injury, emotional distress, lost income, and medical expenses. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving egregious or malicious conduct. In some cases, attorneys' fees are recoverable under federal civil rights statutes. Injunctive relief — a court order requiring the government to change its conduct — may also be available.
In California, most civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 have a two-year statute of limitations. However, claims against government entities may require a government tort claim to be filed within six months of the incident. These deadlines are strict — missing them can permanently forfeit your right to recovery. Contact an attorney immediately after a civil rights violation.
Free Case Evaluation
Your Rights Were Violated.
Now It's Time to Fight Back.
Contact our team today for a free, confidential case evaluation. No fees unless we recover — and we don't back down from powerful institutions.
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