How to Sue the Police for Violating Your Civil Rights in Michigan

How to Sue Police for Civil Rights Violations in Michigan | §1983 Lawyer

Learn how to file a §1983 lawsuit in Michigan for police misconduct, excessive force, wrongful arrest, or constitutional violations. Free consultation: (248) 809-6790.

Understanding Your Rights Under the U.S. Constitution and Michigan Law

When police officers violate your rights — through excessive force, wrongful arrest, racial profiling, coercive interrogation, or unlawful home entry — you may have a federal civil-rights claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the primary statute used to hold officers and cities accountable.

Michigan residents experience thousands of police-related civil-rights violations each year. But very few know how to sue, what evidence they need, or how damages are calculated.

This guide explains exactly what you must prove — and how The Cromer Law Group PLLC fights these cases in federal court.

1. What Is a Civil Rights Violation?

A civil-rights violation occurs when a police officer (state actor) deprives you of a constitutional right, including:

Fourth Amendment Rights

• Excessive force

• Unreasonable seizure

• Wrongful arrest

• Illegal traffic stop

• Wrong-house raids

  
  

Fourteenth Amendment Rights

• Denial of medical care

• Failure to protect

• Racial discrimination

• Brutality in jail or prison

  
  

You can sue the individual officer AND sometimes the city, county, or police department.

2. What Is a §1983 Lawsuit?

A lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. §1983 allows victims to recover damages when a government actor violates their constitutional rights.

To win, you must prove:

1. A person acting under color of law(police, sheriff’s deputies, corrections officers).

2. Deprived you of a right protected by the Constitution.

3. This violation caused your damages.

These cases are brought in federal court — often the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (Detroit, Flint, or Bay City).

3. Michigan Examples of Police Misconduct You Can Sue For

Excessive Force

• Unnecessary shooting

• Tasing someone who is not resisting

• Beating, choking, or restraining improperly

Wrongful Arrest / False Imprisonment

• Arrest with no probable cause

• Mistaken identity arrests

• Fabricated or coerced evidence

Illegal Searches and Raids

• Entering the wrong home

• No warrant and no exception

• Damaging property without legal justification

Jail and Detention Abuse

• Denial of medical care

• Failure to prevent suicide

• Excessive use of tasers or restraints

4. Damages You Can Recover

Victims can recover:

• Medical bills

• Emotional distress

• Pain and suffering

• Lost wages

• Damage to reputation

• Property loss

• Punitive damages (for egregious misconduct)

• Wrongful death damages (if a loved one is killed)

Many Michigan settlements exceed $1–$5 million; recent national settlements exceed $30 million.

5. How The Cromer Law Group Builds Your Case

Our federal litigation strategy includes:

✔ Evidence Preservation

Body-cam video, surveillance, 911 audio, dispatch logs, witness statements, medical records.

✔ Independent Expert Review

Use-of-force experts, forensic specialists, medical experts.

✔ Aggressive Discovery

Depositions of officers, command staff, policy makers; FOIA requests; internal affairs files.

✔ Monell Claims (City Liability)

Holding the city accountable for:

• Failure to train

• Failure to supervise

• Pattern of misconduct

These claims often drive higher settlements.

6. What You Should Do Immediately After Police Misconduct

• Get medical treatment

• Photograph injuries

• Save clothing, property and damaged items

• Write down details before memory fades

• Do NOT speak to police without an attorney

• Call a civil-rights lawyer as soon as possible

Free Consultation — Let Us Fight for Your Rights

If you or a loved one had your rights violated by police, The Cromer Law Group PLLC is ready to fight.

📞 Call (248) 809-6790Serving Detroit, Southfield, Wayne, Oakland, and federal courts statewide.