Most police and official-misconduct claims in Columbus are brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. In Ohio, the deadline is generally 2 years (R.C. 4112.052(D)). Officers may raise qualified immunity, and a city is liable only for its own policy or custom.
This page provides general information, not legal advice about your matter. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.
They wrote the report. We test it.
Excessive force, false arrest, denial of medical care in jail, retaliation for speech. The government has its lawyers, its investigators and its own version of the report. We fight for your rights with the evidence that tests it.
Qualified immunity is the first wall
Officers argue that no clearly established law told them their conduct was unlawful. We build the claim around the facts and the case law that answer that defense, and expect an early fight over it.
When the city itself answers
A city or county answers for a civil rights violation only when the violation traces to its own policy, custom or training failure. That requires records beyond a single incident. See jail medical care and failure to train.
Get the video before it is gone
Body-cam, dash-cam and jail footage may be overwritten on a schedule. A public-records request and a preservation letter go out early; our public-records guide explains how.
Footage on a deletion schedule? Call 614-944-5151 now.
Related fights
State-law claims against public bodies follow different immunity rules: suing the government in Ohio. Workplace discrimination by a public employer: employment law. Abuse by people in authority: sexual abuse.
Why clients hire us
- Every civil rights case is built to be tried, because qualified immunity is beaten with a record, not a press release.
- Preservation letters and records requests go out in the first days.
- We plan for the qualified-immunity fight from the complaint forward.
- Monell claims are built on pattern evidence, not one bad night.
- You get a frank read on whether a federal case is the right path.
Body-cam and jail video on a deletion schedule are the first records we demand.
FAQ
How long do I have to file a civil rights claim in Ohio?
Generally 2 years from when the claim accrues, under R.C. 4112.052(D) for actions under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Related state claims may have shorter deadlines.
Can I sue a police officer for excessive force?
Yes. Excessive force claims are commonly brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, though the officer may raise qualified immunity.
What is qualified immunity?
It is a defense that shields officials unless their conduct violated clearly established law. Courts often decide it early in the case.
Can I sue the city, not just the officer?
Sometimes. A city can be liable if its own policy, custom or failure to train caused the violation.
How do I get body-cam video?
Start with a public-records request and a written demand to preserve the footage. Some video can also be obtained in discovery after suit is filed.
What should I gather before a civil rights consultation?
Bring any report, citation or court papers, photos, medical records, witness names and a short timeline. Tell us about any body-cam, dash-cam or jail video, so the preservation letter goes out before it is overwritten.
Tell us what happened, before the footage is gone
Phone our Columbus office at 614-944-5151, or describe what the officials did.
Related
Jeckering & Associates, LLC · Columbus office: 10 N High St, Suite 301, Columbus, OH 43215 · 614-944-5151 · Mechanicsburg office: 16 S Main St, Mechanicsburg, OH 43044 · 937-896-2222 · staff@centralohiolegal.com · Hours Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:30 PM