Cleveland Malicious Prosecution Lawyer

The justice system must balance the rights of the accused with the government’s duty to enforce the law. Whether a police department is investigating a case or a DA is prosecuting, defendants have the right to due process and a fair trial. When misconduct undermines that process and a defendant suffers harm, the falsely accused party can pursue compensation with the help of a Cleveland malicious prosecution lawyer.

Although malicious prosecution claims most commonly arise from criminal proceedings, they can also arise from certain civil proceedings that were wrongfully initiated and pursued with malice.

Spangenberg Shibley & Liber: Dedicated Malicious Prosecution Lawyers By Your Side

When our system of justice falsely accuses someone of a crime, the consequences for that defendant can be life-altering. Spangenberg Shibley & Liber represents clients who have suffered injustice due to falsified evidence and other unethical actions.

We understand the harm that people suffer in these types of cases and are prepared to provide you with the focused support your case deserves. To date, we have helped our clients reclaim more than $1 billion* through focused settlement negotiations and strategic litigation.

When you work with our law firm, you gain support from advocates who are not afraid to file court claims against police departments and public officials. Justice can come in the form of compensation when you trust our skilled litigators to manage your case. From Ohio City to Cudell, our law firm has served the people of Cleveland for several decades. Trust our award-winning legal team to provide you with the focused support your Ohio case deserves.

Understanding Malicious Prosecution Cases

Official misconduct contributed to 72% of exonerations recorded in 2025, with perjury, false confessions, and false evidence being factors in many of those cases. A malicious prosecution claim could be made when someone is made to endure criminal proceedings when there is no probable cause and an improper purpose.

Unlike a simple mistake or misunderstanding, these cases often involve allegations that false information was knowingly provided, evidence was fabricated, or legal proceedings continued even when there was a lack of credible evidence. The consequences for defendants in these situations can be devastating. The accused party may be confined to jail, suffer financial harm, and struggle with a damaged reputation.

Across the United States, approximately 697,749 law enforcement officers work to protect the public and enforce the law. While most police officers take that responsibility seriously, abuses of the criminal justice system can occur when individuals initiate or continue criminal proceedings without probable cause.

Malicious prosecution claims are not limited to law enforcement officers and may involve private individuals, security personnel, employers, investigators, or other individuals who knowingly provided false information that led to criminal charges. In some instances, a false accusation can lead to an arrest and substantial harm to the defendant long before the truth comes to light. Civil claims can hold the responsible party accountable for the harm they cause.

Which Individuals or Groups May Be Liable for Malicious Prosecution?

No two malicious prosecution cases are exactly the same, but many involve accusations of misconduct against one of several groups. Prosecutors generally have broad immunity for actions while performing official prosecutorial duties, making claims against that party unrealistic in most circumstances. However, other individuals or groups may be held liable if they knowingly initiated or pushed for criminal proceedings without probable cause.

Some cases may involve willful misconduct on the part of a party that is named as a defendant in a malicious prosecution case. Potential defendants include private individuals who knowingly filed false police reports or fabricated allegations. Employers who provide false information during investigations may also be liable, along with security personnel who deliberately made false accusations.

In other situations, law enforcement or individuals who work for those departments may be found to have fabricated evidence, withheld exculpatory information, or violated a person’s constitutional rights. Although malicious prosecution claims most commonly arise from criminal proceedings, they may also stem from certain civil proceedings that were initiated maliciously or without probable cause.

A successful case requires more than showing that the charges were later dismissed. The plaintiff must typically gather evidence that proves that the case not only failed to prove guilt but was tainted by malice on the part of another party or falsified evidence.

Why You Should Hire a Malicious Prosecution Lawyer

Attempting to hold someone in a position of power accountable for misconduct without strong legal support could lead to unfavorable outcomes. Malicious prosecution cases are complex and require support from someone who understands malicious prosecution laws and how to gather the right types of evidence.

A malicious prosecution lawyer can:

• Investigate whether the underlying case lacked a legitimate legal basis
• Gather police reports, court records, witness statements, and other critical evidence
• Identify fabricated evidence, false allegations, or withheld exculpatory evidence
• Determine which individuals or entities may be held legally liable
• Work with consultants to strengthen complex civil rights claims when necessary
• Handle communications and negotiations with opposing parties and insurers
• Calculate the full extent of your financial, emotional, and reputational damages
• Take your case to trial when a fair settlement cannot be reached

Whether your false accusations led to an arrest in Tremont or University Circle, when you hire a malicious prosecution lawyer, they can provide you with steady support. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, you’ll work with an advocate who has managed complex civil cases on behalf of our valued clients. We understand the steps that are needed to hold someone accountable for the harm you endured.

FAQs

Q: What Is Considered Malicious Prosecution?

A: Malicious prosecution occurs when someone initiates or furthers a criminal case maliciously or without probable cause. Because the misuse of the justice system can cause serious and long-lasting harm, the falsely accused party has the right to pursue compensation from the individuals who made false statements or acted with malice.

The outcome of these cases often depends on the falsely accused party’s ability to gather and present evidence supporting their case.

Q: How Do You Prove a Malicious Prosecution Claim?

A: You can prove a malicious prosecution case by working with an experienced attorney who has handled similar cases before. Whether the defendant is a police officer, private citizen, or another individual, the burden of proof falls on the party seeking compensation. To prove a malicious prosecution claim, you need to present evidence that shows that the defendant willfully and knowingly presented false evidence or statements against an innocent individual.

Q: What Compensation May Be Available in a Malicious Prosecution Claim?

A: When someone suffers significant harm due to malicious prosecution, they can pursue compensation that reflects the losses and setbacks they suffered from a court proceeding. Specific compensation could address attorney’s fees from the original case, lost income, reputational harm, and other tangible and intangible losses. In certain cases, punitive damages may be available if the defendant’s actions were especially reckless or malicious.

Q: How Is Malicious Prosecution Different From False Arrest?

A: False arrest generally involves an unlawful detention without legal authority, while malicious prosecution focuses on the wrongful initiation or continuation of criminal or certain civil proceedings. A malicious prosecution claim usually requires the underlying case to end in the plaintiff’s favor and proof that it was pursued maliciously or without probable cause.

Q: How Hard Is It to Pursue Compensation After Being Falsely Charged With a Crime?

A: Malicious prosecution cases can be challenging because they require proving that an individual acted with malice. Showing that a criminal case was dismissed is not sufficient for a malicious prosecution case. Filing a court claim against a government official or government employee can also prove challenging because different filing deadlines and levels of immunity may apply.

Contact a Dedicated Malicious Prosecution Defense Firm Today: Choose Spangenberg Shibley & Liber

Being wrongfully subjected to a criminal prosecution or certain civil proceedings can have lasting financial, emotional, and reputational consequences. If another party acted without probable cause, you may have the right to pursue compensation for the harm you endured.

Spangenberg Shibley & Liber brings several decades of experience to these matters. To date, we have helped our clients reclaim more than $1 billion through court verdicts and settlements. We routinely secure six- and seven-figure settlements* through our focused and strategic approach. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.

*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results.