Defending Civil Rights in California: Legal Advocacy for Systemic Justice

Civil rights are the bedrock of a just and democratic society. These rights protect individuals from government overreach, discrimination, and abuse of power. Yet for many Californians—especially people of color, low-income communities, and vulnerable populations—those rights are routinely violated. At The Christian Contreras Firm, we believe that civil rights are not optional. When injustice occurs, we step in to hold institutions accountable and demand change.

Our mission is simple but urgent: to protect the people, uphold the Constitution, and challenge injustice wherever it arises.

What Is a Civil Rights Violation?

A civil rights violation occurs when an individual’s legal protections under federal or California law are infringed upon, especially by public officials or institutions. These cases are often emotionally and politically charged—but they are also among the most essential legal battles in a free society.

Common examples of civil rights violations include:

• Police Brutality and Excessive Force: Unjustified shootings, beatings, chokeholds, or taser use during arrests or detentions.
• Unlawful Arrest or Detention: Being taken into custody without probable cause or a valid warrant.
• Racial or Religious Profiling: Targeting individuals for surveillance, search, or arrest based on protected characteristics.
• Prisoner Abuse: Inhumane treatment, medical neglect, or retaliation while incarcerated or in county jail.
• Suppression of Free Speech: Retaliation for protests, peaceful demonstrations, or criticism of government officials.
• Discrimination in Housing or Employment: Bias based on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

These aren’t just personal injustices—they are violations of fundamental constitutional rights.

Federal and State Protections

Several powerful laws protect civil liberties in California and across the United States. Some of the most frequently cited in civil rights litigation include:

• 42 U.S.C. § 1983: Allows citizens to sue government officials who violate constitutional rights “under color of law.” This is often the basis for police misconduct cases.
• The Fourth Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches, seizures, and excessive force.
• The First Amendment: Guarantees freedom of speech, assembly, and religion.
• The Fourteenth Amendment: Ensures equal protection and due process.
• California Civil Code § 52.1 (Bane Act): Protects individuals from threats, intimidation, or coercion that interferes with their constitutional rights.

At The Christian Contreras Firm, we are deeply familiar with these legal frameworks and how to apply them in court—whether that means filing federal lawsuits, state actions under the Bane Act, or both.

Our Approach to Civil Rights Litigation

Every civil rights case is personal—for the client, and for us. Our team approaches these cases with a deep sense of purpose and urgency, knowing that the outcomes can reverberate far beyond the courtroom.

We begin by:

• Conducting a Thorough Investigation: Gathering police reports, surveillance footage, body cam video, medical records, and witness statements.
• Engaging Civil Rights Experts: Working with use-of-force experts, medical professionals, and law enforcement veterans who can testify credibly in court.
• Filing Prompt Government Claims: In California, claims against public agencies must be filed within six months of the incident.
• Preparing for Trial from Day One: We do not assume your case will settle. We build for trial, knowing that government entities often resist responsibility.

These cases are complex, but we bring the experience, tenacity, and passion needed to take them all the way.

Representing Victims of Police Misconduct

One of our firm’s core focuses is holding law enforcement accountable for civil rights abuses. We represent victims and families in cases involving:

• Unjustified shootings and wrongful death
• In-custody deaths and medical neglect
• Excessive force during traffic stops or protests
• Retaliation for recording police activity
• False arrests and malicious prosecution

We understand the systemic nature of these violations. Our litigation often uncovers patterns of misconduct, poor training, or official cover-ups that harm entire communities—not just individual victims.

Through lawsuits, we not only seek justice for our clients but also push for reform: new policies, oversight, body camera mandates, and public accountability.

Empowering Communities Through Justice

Civil rights litigation doesn’t just address individual harm—it drives collective change. Our cases have contributed to:

• Department-wide reviews and internal investigations
• Officer disciplinary actions and removals
• Policy reforms in local police departments and jails
• Public awareness campaigns for constitutional rights

We’re proud to represent not only clients—but movements. We partner with advocacy organizations, community leaders, and reform-minded officials to ensure that the law serves the people—not the powerful.

Time Limits and Filing Requirements

If you believe your rights have been violated, it’s critical to act fast. In many civil rights cases—particularly those involving public entities—you must file an administrative claim within six months. The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit varies but may be as short as one or two years.

Delays can result in lost evidence, expired claims, or missed opportunities for justice. Even if you’re unsure whether your rights were violated, we encourage you to consult an experienced attorney immediately.

Why Choose The Christian Contreras Firm?

Led by civil rights attorney Christian Contreras, our firm is known for its bold, effective advocacy in the fight for justice. We offer:

• Deep knowledge of federal and state civil rights law
• Proven trial experience in high-stakes litigation
• A trauma-informed, client-first philosophy
• A strong network of expert witnesses and investigators
• A fearless approach to taking on powerful institutions

We don’t just litigate—we advocate. For people. For truth. For justice.

Speak Up. We’ll Stand With You.

You don’t have to accept injustice. If your civil rights have been violated, The Christian Contreras Firm is here to help. We will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and fight to restore what was taken from you—your dignity, your safety, your voice.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Justice starts with action.