A civil rights violation occurs when someone, often a government official or an institution with power over you, unlawfully deprives you of rights protected by the Constitution or by law. Examples include an unlawful arrest, excessive force, or discrimination based on race or national origin.
Civil Rights
Civil Rights and
Police Misconduct Attorneys
You were stopped, searched, or arrested with no good reason. An officer used force that was far beyond anything the situation required. A landlord, employer, or school treated you differently because of your race, national origin, gender, or immigration status, and then punished you for speaking up. Or someone you love died during an encounter with law enforcement, and the explanations you were given do not add up.
If any of this sounds familiar, you may be asking the questions that bring people to a civil rights lawyer: Were my rights violated? Can I sue a police officer or a government agency? What if the other side says they are immune? How long do I have to act?
DeGolia Law, P.C. represents people in Colorado, California, and across the country who have been harmed by powerful institutions, and we are ready to listen to what happened to you.
About DeGolia Law, P.C.
DeGolia Law, P.C. is a civil rights firm built on a simple conviction: people harmed by powerful corporate and government systems deserve a lawyer who treats them with compassion, dignity, and respect. We represent plaintiffs in civil rights, employment, education, housing, and sexual harassment and assault cases, and we work from offices in Denver, Colorado and San Francisco, California.
Our approach combines careful case strategy with real courtroom readiness. We are prepared to take cases to trial when that is what it takes, and we offer a free consultation so you can understand your options before you decide anything.
What Are Civil Rights?
Civil rights are the legal protections that guard you against unfair treatment and abuse of power. They come from several sources: the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, the Colorado Constitution, and Colorado law. Together, they protect you from things like unlawful searches and arrests, excessive force, discrimination based on race or national origin, and retaliation for asserting your rights.
When a government actor violates the Constitution, federal law generally allows a civil lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which provides a remedy for people deprived of constitutional rights by someone acting under color of state law. Race discrimination in making and enforcing contracts is addressed separately under 42 U.S.C. § 1981. Colorado law adds its own protections as well, which we describe below.
Who We Serve
People come to us after many kinds of experiences. You may recognize yours:
- You were wrongfully arrested or searched. An officer detained, searched, or arrested you without legal justification, and the charges, if any, did not hold up.
- You were subjected to excessive force. You or a family member were injured by police, or by jail or detention staff, in a way that was not reasonable under the circumstances.
- You were racially profiled. You were stopped, questioned, or treated as a suspect because of your race, ethnicity, or perceived immigration status.
- You lost a loved one. A family member died during an encounter with law enforcement or in custody, and you want answers and accountability.
- You faced discrimination and retaliation at work. You were treated unfairly or fired after raising concerns. Our employment discrimination practice addresses these cases.
- You were discriminated against in housing. A landlord or property manager harassed you, refused to accommodate you, or retaliated against you. See our fair housing practice.
- You or your child suffered harm at school. Students facing discrimination, harassment, or violence can learn more about our education law practice.
- You are a survivor of sexual harassment or assault. We provide trauma-informed representation through our sexual harassment and assault practice.
Civil Rights Claims We Handle
Our civil rights work includes cases involving:
- Wrongful arrest and unlawful searches
- Excessive force
- Racial profiling
- Wrongful death
- Claims under Section 1983
- Claims under Section 1981
- Related police misconduct matters
Colorado’s Added Protections
Colorado gives people harmed by law enforcement an important additional tool. In 2020, the state enacted a law creating a state-law civil action for deprivation of rights, codified at C.R.S. § 13-21-131. Under that statute, qualified immunity is not a defense to liability, a prevailing plaintiff is awarded reasonable attorney fees and costs, and the officer’s employer generally indemnifies the officer. The law also sets a two-year deadline to file.
That matters because, under federal law, claims against officers are often challenged on qualified immunity grounds. A state-law claim can sometimes proceed where a federal claim might face that hurdle, and in many cases the same events support both. Understanding how these claims fit together is part of building a strong case.
What to Expect When You Work With Us
Every case is different, but the path usually looks like this:
- Free consultation. You tell us what happened, and we explain what claims may be available.
- Investigation. We gather records, video, witness statements, medical documentation, and any available police or agency reports.
- Strategy. We discuss your goals, the strengths and challenges of the case, and the options for resolving it.
- Filing and negotiation. We file claims where appropriate and pursue settlement when it serves your interests.
- Litigation. If the other side will not take responsibility, we are prepared to proceed through discovery, motions, and trial.
Why Choose DeGolia Law, P.C.?
- Focused on civil rights. Our work is centered on discrimination, abuse of power, and holding institutions accountable.
- Compassionate, client-first service. We listen carefully, treat you with respect, and explain each step in plain language.
- Strategic and trial-ready. We prepare cases thoughtfully and are willing to go to court.
- Offices in Colorado and California. We represent plaintiffs in both states and throughout the nation.
- Broad civil rights coverage. Civil rights, employment, education, housing, and sexual harassment and assault matters often overlap, and we can address them together.
- Free consultation. You can learn where you stand without upfront cost.
Your Rights Deserve a Fighting Chance
Civil rights claims come with strict deadlines, and evidence can disappear quickly. You do not need to prove your case before you reach out; you only need to tell us what happened. Call our experienced civil rights attorneys today or contact us online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Rights Cases
Can I sue a police officer in Colorado?
In many cases, yes. Federal law and Colorado law both provide ways to bring claims against officers who violate constitutional rights. Colorado’s statute, C.R.S. § 13-21-131, specifically bars qualified immunity as a defense to claims brought under that law.
What is qualified immunity?
Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that can shield government officials from liability in federal civil rights suits unless they violated clearly established rights. Colorado’s state-law claim under C.R.S. § 13-21-131 does not allow that defense.
How long do I have to file a civil rights lawsuit?
Deadlines vary depending on the claim and the defendant. Under C.R.S. § 13-21-131, a civil action must generally be filed within two years after the claim accrues, and claims against government entities can carry shorter notice requirements. Because deadlines can be strict, it is wise to act promptly.
What can I recover in a civil rights case?
Depending on the case, damages may include compensation for physical injuries, emotional distress, lost income, and other losses. Some laws also allow recovery of attorney fees and costs.
What if I was never charged with a crime?
You may still have a civil rights claim. A civil case is separate from any criminal case, and a violation can occur whether or not charges were filed.
What if I was charged with a crime during the incident?
Charges do not always prevent a civil rights claim, but they can affect strategy and timing. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible so your criminal case and civil claim are coordinated.
Does it cost anything to speak with DeGolia Law, P.C.?
No. We offer a free consultation so you can understand your options.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Please fill out our form so we can reach out to set up an initial consultation.
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing contact information, users acknowledge and give explicit consent to be contacted via the methods of communication provided, including SMS. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out. NUVEW | Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved | Accessibility Notice | Legal Disclaimer | Privacy statement
