Understanding Your Rights Under Section 1983 – Holding Police Accountable in Michigan

In recent years, Michigan residents have become increasingly aware of their civil rights — particularly when it comes to police misconduct, excessive force, and wrongful arrest.But few fully understand the power of 42 U.S.C. § 1983, a federal law that allows individuals to sue government officials — including police officers — for violations of their constitutional rights.

At The Cromer Law Group PLLC, our attorneys have spent over 27 years fighting for victims of constitutional abuse throughout Detroit, Southfield, and across Michigan, helping families obtain justice and accountability when those in power cross the line.

What Is Section 1983?

42 U.S.C. § 1983 (often called “Section 1983”) was enacted after the Civil War to protect citizens from state and local officials who violate their constitutional rights.It allows lawsuits against any government employee or agency acting “under color of law” — meaning within their official authority — if their actions deprived someone of rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution or federal law.

Typical § 1983 claims include:

• Excessive force or police brutality

• False arrest or wrongful detention

• Malicious prosecution

• Unlawful search and seizure

• Retaliation for exercising free speech or recording police

Key Supreme Court Precedents

Courts have consistently affirmed the right to seek justice through § 1983:

• Monell v. Department of Social Services (1978) – Cities and counties can be held liable when official policies or customs cause constitutional violations.

• Graham v. Connor (1989) – Force used by police must be “objectively reasonable” under the Fourth Amendment.

• Tennessee v. Garner, 471 U.S. 1 (1985) – Deadly force cannot be used unless an officer reasonably believes the suspect poses a serious threat of harm.

These cases form the backbone of modern civil rights litigation, allowing individuals to challenge misconduct and systemic injustice.

How We Approach Civil Rights Cases

At The Cromer Law Group PLLC, our legal team conducts a thorough investigation from day one, including:

• Securing body-camera and dash-camera footage

• Obtaining internal-affairs and use-of-force reports

• Consulting medical and forensic experts

• Preserving witness statements and digital evidence

We routinely litigate against police departments, sheriff’s offices, and federal agencies, ensuring that victims and their families have a voice — no matter how powerful the defendant may be.

Justice Beyond Compensation

While financial recovery is essential to rebuilding lives, our firm also focuses on systemic change — forcing agencies to review policies, training, and accountability structures.Every victory contributes to a broader effort to ensure transparency, integrity, and fairness in Michigan’s justice system.

Contact The Cromer Law Group PLLC

If you or a loved one has suffered from police misconduct, excessive force, or civil rights violations, you don’t have to face the system alone.Call (248) 809-6790 or contact us online for a free consultation.We represent clients throughout Detroit, Southfield, Wayne County, Oakland County, and across Michigan.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.Reading this blog or contacting our firm through it does not create an attorney–client relationship.Each case is unique, and prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.