“Can you sue the police in Ohio?” is a common question for many victims of false arrests and other acts of misconduct. If your rights were violated by law enforcement, you have the right to seek legal representation.
Support from an experienced attorney can help you pursue fair compensation for the harm and setbacks you endured due to the unlawful actions of a police officer.
What Is Section 1983?
Across the country, there are 697,749 law enforcement officers who are expected to perform their duties without violating the rights of residents and citizens. When someone’s constitutional rights are violated by an individual acting under the authority of state or local government, Section 1983 provides recourse for seeking accountability.
Enacted as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1871, this federal law allows individuals to pursue civil claims when government officials deprive them of rights afforded under the U.S. Constitution or federal law. Section 1983 addressed false arrests, excessive force, malicious prosecution, unlawful searches and seizures, and deliberate indifference to serious medical needs.
While Section 1983 provides an important legal remedy for individuals seeking justice for violations of their rights, extensive evidence must be presented for a successful claim.
Common Constitutional Rights Violations Under Section 1983
At least 1,201 people were killed by law enforcement across the country in 2025, and cases of false arrests, false imprisonment, or acts of police violence can provide grounds for civil court actions. If law enforcement did not have a valid reason to arrest someone and transport them to Cuyahoga County Corrections Center, located at 1215 W. 3rd Street in Cleveland, those officers could potentially be held accountable under Section 1983.
Examples of police misconduct or brutality are not uncommon in Ohio and provide grounds for a civil court claim. One example involves a July 2026 civil court claim filed by activist group New Era against the City of Cleveland and a police detective, alleging malicious prosecution, fabrication or destruction of evidence, and other civil rights violations stemming from their 2024 arrests and 2025 criminal trial.
The plaintiffs were acquitted of numerous felony charges and contend that the investigation and prosecution were carried out in retaliation for their community activism, including a high-profile gas station boycott. The lawsuit alleges that law enforcement officials pursued the case despite a lack of credible evidence and violated the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights.
Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Pursuing compensation under a federal law can prove challenging if you do not hire a criminal defense lawyer to manage your claim. An Ohio criminal defense attorney can rely on their knowledge of criminal defense laws when managing your criminal defense case. Given the high stakes involved in these matters, securing experienced representation should be an early step for anyone seeking justice and accountability.
A civil rights lawyer can:
- Preserve all body camera, dash camera, surveillance, and cellphone video evidence
- Request and retain police reports, incident reports, and arrest records
- Obtain prompt medical treatment and keep copies of all medical records and bills.
- Photograph visible injuries and damaged property as soon as possible
- Collect the names and contact information of eyewitnesses.
By carefully managing the Section 1983 case and focusing on the evidence, legal support can play a key role in protecting your right to pursue justice and accountability after your constitutional rights were violated by law enforcement. Spangenberg Shibley & Liber represents clients throughout Ohio and Florida.
We bring decades of experience managing complex civil rights claims and can handle the complexities of your case, so you stand the strongest chance for securing fair compensation from the law enforcement group that violated your rights. Attorney’s fees, litigation costs, injunctive relief, and other remedies may also be available to you following a successful claim.
Contact Spangenberg Shibley & Liber Today
Section 1983 litigation is a highly specific area of law that requires a thorough understanding of constitutional protections, government liability, qualified immunity, and federal civil rights statutes. Since 1946, Spangenberg Shibley & Liber has represented clients in complex, high-stakes litigation involving serious misconduct and abuses of power.
Our attorneys conduct comprehensive investigations, preserve critical evidence, and develop strategic legal arguments designed to withstand rigorous judicial scrutiny. If you believe your constitutional rights were violated by law enforcement, contact our experienced legal team to discuss your legal options and whether a Section 1983 claim may be appropriate.
