In the heart of Chicago, where struggles against police misconduct are deeply felt, body cam footage has become crucial in ensuring those charged with protecting and serving do not overstep their mandate. If you think you’ve been a victim of police misconduct, bodycam footage may be a critical element in your civil rights case. However,…
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What Types of Damages are Available in Illinois Civil Rights Lawsuits?
You might wonder whether it is worth it to file a civil rights lawsuit if an employer or someone working for the government violated your civil rights. Will they merely get a reprimand, or will the court make it financially worth your while to hire a lawyer to take action on your behalf? If you…
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Can I Sue DCSF in Illinois?
Yes, you can sue DCFS in Illinois, but it will not be easy. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) can get sued for abuse, gross negligence, or a violation of civil rights. Because these cases are so difficult, you will want to talk to a Chicago civil rights attorney about your case. Proving…
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What Is Malicious Prosecution?
Getting wrongfully accused of and prosecuted for a crime can cost you your reputation, your career, and thousands of dollars in legal fees to defend yourself. If the police and prosecutors misuse their authority intentionally, they might get sued for malicious prosecution. It is an uphill battle to prove that malicious prosecution happened, so you…
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State v. Steele: What Is a Law Enforcement Show of Authority?
The case of State v. Steele centered on the Fourth Amendment implications involved in the determination of whether a driver is “seized” when an officer in a marked police cruiser tails the driver’s car at 3 a.m., follows the car into an empty parking lot and hails the driver down by using hand gestures. The…
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What Is Due Process? Understanding the 14th Amendment
We have specific civil rights guaranteed to us by the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Understanding those civil rights can mean the difference between freedom and prison. It can mean the difference between keeping your property and having it seized by the government. An essential element of the protection under the 14th Amendment…
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How Can I Prove I Was Wrongfully Convicted of a Crime?
When someone is arrested, they are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The United States Constitution guarantees our civil rights to legal counsel and a fair trial. We trust that justice will prevail, and innocent people will be found not guilty. However, what happens when the justice system fails and a person is wrongfully convicted of…
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Overview Of The Cost Of Police Misconduct Act
Following the death of George Floyd and nationwide protests over police brutality last year, legislation was introduced in Congress to bring more publicity to police department civil settlements. The legislation would also publicize important details about misconduct allegations made against law enforcement officers. Although the bill faces uncertainty because of other congressional priorities, it has…
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Can I Sue If I Contract COVID in an Illinois Jail?
Correctional facilities such as jails and prisons are legally required to take reasonable steps to keep inmates safe. If you or a loved one contracted COVID while incarcerated in Illinois, you may have a legal claim. Legal action is already underway against state officials and others who have neglected their duties to safeguard prisoners’ health….
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The True Story Behind “The Trial Of The Chicago 7”
Netflix recently streamed “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” a dramatization of the story of seven antiwar activists who were allegedly behind the riots that took place at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The Aaron Sorkin film has all the elements of a compelling legal drama: politics, violence, and the civil unrest of the late…
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