Areas Served
Civil Rights Lawyer in Lackawanna County
Experienced Representation for Civil Rights Violations in Lackawanna County
The Constitution protects individuals from unlawful conduct by police officers and other government officials. When those protections are violated, federal law may provide a way to pursue compensation and accountability.
At Sklarosky Law, we represent individuals whose civil rights have been violated in Lackawanna County and throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. We evaluate cases involving false arrest, malicious prosecution, excessive force, unlawful searches, and other constitutional violations.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
Civil Rights Cases We Handle
Our office evaluates and handles a variety of federal civil rights claims, including:
- False arrest
- False imprisonment
- Malicious prosecution
- Police misconduct
- Excessive force
- Unlawful searches and seizures
- Wrongful detention
- Failure to intervene
- First Amendment retaliation
- 42 U.S.C. § 1983 claims
Civil rights cases are highly fact-specific. A careful review of the police reports, criminal records, video evidence, witness statements, and applicable law is often necessary before determining whether a viable claim exists.
Understanding Section 1983 Claims
Many civil rights lawsuits are filed under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. This federal statute allows individuals to pursue legal claims when a person acting under color of state law violates rights protected by the United States Constitution.
Section 1983 cases often involve violations of:
- The Fourth Amendment
- The First Amendment
- The Fourteenth Amendment
An experienced Lackawanna County civil rights lawyer can review the circumstances of your case and explain whether federal law may provide a remedy.
Police Misconduct
Police officers have authority to enforce the law, but that authority is limited by the Constitution.
Potential forms of police misconduct may include:
- Arresting someone without probable cause
- Using excessive force
- Conducting an unlawful search
- Fabricating evidence
- Withholding material evidence
- Retaliating against protected speech
- Failing to intervene when another officer violates a person's rights
Not every unpleasant encounter with law enforcement supports a federal lawsuit. The issue is whether the conduct violated a constitutional right under the specific facts of the case.
False Arrest and Malicious Prosecution
A dismissed criminal charge does not automatically create a civil rights claim. However, a person who was arrested or prosecuted without probable cause may have a viable claim in certain circumstances.
These cases commonly involve questions concerning:
- Whether probable cause existed
- Whether the criminal case ended favorably
- Qualified immunity
- The officer's investigation
- False or misleading statements in affidavits
- Whether material evidence was ignored or withheld
Early review is important because body-camera footage, surveillance video, dispatch records, and other evidence may not be preserved indefinitely.
Excessive Force Claims
The amount of force police may lawfully use depends upon the circumstances confronting the officer at the time.
An excessive-force claim may involve allegations that officers:
- Used force after a person was restrained
- Struck or injured someone who was not resisting
- Used a Taser or other weapon without adequate justification
- Failed to stop another officer's excessive use of force
These cases often require close review of video footage, medical records, witness accounts, and police reports.
What Should You Do If You Believe Your Rights Were Violated?
If you believe a police officer or other government official violated your constitutional rights:
- Preserve all police and court paperwork.
- Save photographs, videos, text messages, and social-media communications.
- Write down the names of witnesses.
- Request copies of relevant criminal court records.
- Avoid discussing the incident publicly.
- Contact an experienced civil rights attorney promptly.
Taking action early can help preserve important evidence.
Communities We Serve in Lackawanna County
Sklarosky Law represents clients throughout Lackawanna County, including:
- Scranton
- Dunmore
- Clarks Summit
- Dickson City
- Carbondale
- Old Forge
- Moosic
- Taylor
- Archbald
- Jessup
- Jermyn
- Olyphant
- South Abington Township
- North Abington Township
If your community is not listed, please contact our office. We represent clients throughout Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Surrounding Counties Served
Sklarosky Law proudly represents civil rights clients in the surrounding counties, including:Columbia County
Why Choose Sklarosky Law?
Federal civil rights litigation requires an understanding of constitutional law, federal court procedure, evidentiary issues, and defenses such as qualified immunity.
At Sklarosky Law, each potential claim receives an individualized review. Clients work directly with an attorney who evaluates the facts, explains the legal obstacles, and pursues litigation when the evidence supports a viable claim.
We offer:
- Confidential consultations
- Personalized legal representation
- Direct attorney communication
- Experience with federal civil rights claims
- Representation throughout Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
If you believe your constitutional rights were violated in Lackawanna County, don't wait to learn about your legal options.
At Sklarosky Law, we offer free consultations and handle civil rights cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (570) 283-1200 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.