Civil Rights
The Law Offices of Joel Silberman, LLC are proud to expose abuses by those who have taken an oath to protect us.
Is This You?
Does This Sound Like You?
- Police hurt you during a stop, an arrest or a protest - see excessive force
- You were arrested or held without a legal reason - see false arrest
- A case was brought against you that never should have been - see malicious prosecution
- A loved one died after an encounter with police - see wrongful death
- You were singled out because of your race - see racial profiling
- You were treated unfairly at work, in housing or in a public place - see discrimination
Constitutional Rights
Holding Law Enforcement Accountable
When law enforcement officers abuse their power and act in a way that violates our constitutionally protected rights and freedoms, we are all in jeopardy. The Law Offices of Joel Silberman, LLC represents people who have been subjected to excessive force, arrested without cause, or maliciously prosecuted — and works to hold the officials responsible accountable in court.
The firm brings claims for excessive force, false arrest and imprisonment, malicious prosecution, abuse of process, failure to intervene, racial profiling, Monell claims against a municipality, wrongful convictions, wrongful death, excessive fines and discrimination.
How It Works
How Civil Rights Cases Work in New Jersey
42 U.S.C. 1983
A federal law that lets people sue state and local officials - including police officers - who violate their rights under the U.S. Constitution. These cases are filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
New Jersey Civil Rights Act
New Jersey’s own civil rights law. It protects the rights in both the U.S. Constitution and the New Jersey Constitution, and cases are brought in New Jersey’s state courts.
Free consultation
Tell us what happened. It’s free and confidential.
Investigation & evidence
Video, medical records, police reports and witnesses.
Notice of claim
Generally within 90 days for state-law claims against a town or agency.
Lawsuit
Filed in federal or New Jersey court.
Settlement or trial
Many cases settle; every case is prepared for trial.
Compensation
What You Can Recover
Medical costs
Hospital and doctor bills, therapy, and the cost of future care.
Lost income
Wages you lost, and earnings you will lose in the future.
Pain and suffering
Physical pain, emotional distress, fear and humiliation.
Punitive damages
In some cases, damages against the officers involved to punish serious misconduct.
Attorney’s fees
In successful federal civil rights cases, the court can order the other side to pay your attorney’s fees (42 U.S.C. 1988).
Do Not Wait
Deadlines and First Steps
- State-law claims against a New Jersey town, county or state agency generally require a written notice of claim within 90 days (New Jersey Tort Claims Act).
- Federal civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. 1983 generally must be filed within two years.
First steps: get medical care, write down what happened, save photos and video, and call before you talk to anyone else about it. See what to do after police misconduct.
Deadlines depend on the facts of each case. A free consultation is the safest way to find out which ones apply to you.
Speak With Joel Silberman
Contact a New Jersey Civil Rights Lawyer
For highly qualified and devoted legal representation, call 201-420-1913 today to schedule an appointment.