Civil Rights Attorneys in Columbus, OH

Name: Civil Rights
Brand: The Stuckey Firm
Rating: 4.9 (248 reviews)

When your rights are violated by someone in a position of authority, the impact can be immediate, humiliating, and lasting. The Stuckey Firm represents individuals in Columbus whose civil rights have been violated, helping them pursue accountability with clarity, respect, and a strategy built around what justice looks like for them.

Police Misconduct Police Brutality

When Power Is Misused

Civil rights violations often leave people feeling powerless. You may wonder whether anyone will take you seriously, whether speaking up will make things worse, or whether the system will protect the people who caused the harm. These cases frequently involve intense emotional stress, public scrutiny, and long-term consequences that extend far beyond the initial incident.

At The Stuckey Firm, we understand that civil rights cases are deeply personal. They are about dignity, safety, and accountability. We take time to listen carefully, explain your options clearly, and help you decide how to move forward in a way that aligns with your goals and values. Most people are not prepared for how stressful an injury claim can become. We handle the legal side so you and your family can focus on medical recovery and stability.

What Is a Civil Rights Claim?

A civil rights claim is a legal action that seeks accountability when a person’s constitutional or statutory rights are violated by a government actor or someone acting under color of state law. Many civil rights cases involve law enforcement, correctional facilities, or other public entities, and may include unlawful force, illegal searches, wrongful arrest, improper detention, or other forms of misconduct that cause harm.

Civil rights cases often involve both state and federal legal standards. For an overview of federal civil rights protections and enforcement authority, the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division provides public information on civil rights laws. In Ohio, additional procedural rules and court expectations may apply, and the Supreme Court of Ohio Law Library offers helpful resources explaining civil litigation and how claims move through the courts.

The Benefits of Working With a Civil Rights Attorney

A Clear Strategy in a High-Stakes Case - Civil rights cases often involve complex legal standards, qualified immunity issues, and aggressive defense tactics. A civil rights attorney helps you understand what laws apply and what evidence will matter most.
Protection From Intimidation or Retaliation Pressure - Many people hesitate to come forward because they fear consequences. Legal representation provides structure, guidance, and protection so you can pursue accountability with confidence.
Evidence Gathering That Strengthens the Claim - Civil rights claims frequently depend on video footage, witness testimony, public records requests, and detailed documentation. Early and thorough evidence preservation can make a critical difference.
A Client-Centered Approach to Accountability - Not every client seeks the same outcome. We work with you to define what justice looks like in your case, whether that involves financial recovery, public accountability, policy changes, or litigation.

Civil Rights Cases We Handle

Police Misconduct

Police misconduct cases can involve unlawful stops, improper searches, wrongful arrest, falsified reports, retaliation, or failures to follow required legal standards. These cases often require careful review of body camera footage, dashcam video, witness statements, and official records to determine what happened and how rights were violated.

Police Brutality

Police brutality cases typically involve excessive force that causes physical injury, emotional trauma, or both. This may include unlawful restraint, strikes, use of weapons, or force applied after a person was already under control. These cases demand thorough documentation and strategic advocacy to ensure the harm is treated with seriousness and credibility.

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Available 24/7 (614) 349-1975

Does My Situation Require Civil Rights Representation?

If you were harmed by misconduct connected to law enforcement or another public entity in Columbus, it is worth speaking with an attorney. Civil rights cases often involve strict deadlines, legal immunities, and procedural rules that do not apply to standard personal injury claims.

You should consider reaching out if you experienced excessive force, unlawful arrest, racial profiling, improper detention, retaliation, or serious mistreatment while in custody. Even if you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, a conversation can help clarify the legal standards and whether action may be possible.

The Civil Rights Case Process What to Expect

Step One: Detailed Intake and Case Evaluation

We begin by listening to your experience. We discuss what happened, what evidence may exist, what harm you suffered, and what outcome you want. We also explain the legal standards that may apply and what steps come next.

Step Two: Evidence Preservation and Records Requests

Civil rights cases often rely on records that must be requested quickly, such as body camera footage, dispatch logs, incident reports, jail records, and medical documentation. We work to preserve evidence early and establish a clear factual timeline.

Step Three: Legal Strategy and Claim Development

Once the evidence picture is clear, we evaluate which claims apply and which parties may be responsible. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve state claims, federal claims, or both.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Some civil rights cases resolve through negotiation, while others require litigation to pursue meaningful accountability. We work with you to choose the approach that aligns with your goals and provides the strongest path forward.

If a lawsuit is filed, it is often because it strengthens your position, not because a trial is the only outcome. Many cases settle once the defense understands we are ready.

“We used Christian Sorg with The Stuckey Firm for a civil case that presented many challenges to achieve a successful outcome. Christian is professional, honest, and stern. His dedication to the facts, with hours of preparation, ultimately brought us a positive outcome and gave my family peace that we are very thankful for.”

—S.T.

Why Choose The Stuckey Firm?

A Client-First Firm That Works With You

Civil rights cases require trust, communication, and careful judgment. We work with you, not just for you, taking time to understand your priorities and explain options in clear, straightforward terms.

Trial-Ready Preparation for High-Stakes Claims

These cases often involve strong defenses and procedural hurdles. We prepare thoroughly, preserve evidence early, and pursue accountability with a strategy built to withstand close scrutiny, whether through negotiation or in court.

Credibility That Supports Meaningful Advocacy

Our attorneys are respected statewide, and we bring that credibility to every civil rights case we handle. We approach these matters with seriousness and purpose, protecting clients who deserve to be heard and treated with dignity.

Civil Rights Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between police misconduct and police brutality?

Police misconduct is a broad category that includes unlawful stops, searches, arrests, or abuse of authority. Police brutality specifically refers to excessive physical force. Both may support a civil rights claim depending on the facts.

Can I file a civil rights claim if I was arrested?

Possibly. An arrest does not eliminate your civil rights. If force was excessive, procedures were unlawful, or rights were violated during detention, a claim may still be available depending on the circumstances.

What outcomes are possible in a civil rights case?

Outcomes may include financial recovery, formal accountability, policy changes, or other forms of resolution. The appropriate strategy depends on your goals and the strength of the evidence.

Do I need video evidence to bring a civil rights claim?

Not always. Video can be powerful, but civil rights cases may also rely on witness testimony, medical records, injury documentation, and official reports. Early legal guidance helps preserve and obtain key evidence.

How long do I have to take legal action?

Deadlines vary depending on whether the claim is brought under state or federal law. Because time limits can be strict, speaking with counsel as early as possible is important.

Get Answers About Your Civil Rights Case

If you believe your civil rights were violated and you are unsure what to do next, we are here to help. Contact The Stuckey Firm to schedule a confidential consultation with a civil rights attorney in Columbus and get clear guidance from a team that will work with you from the start.