Unlawful Arrests and Civil Rights Violations: What Californians Need to Know

Few experiences are more frightening or humiliating than being arrested without legal justification. In California, a wrongful arrest — also known as a false arrest or false imprisonment — happens when law enforcement detains someone without a valid warrant or probable cause.

These incidents can destroy reputations, cause job loss, emotional trauma, and even physical harm. Beyond personal damage, unlawful arrests also threaten the integrity of the justice system itself.

At the Law Offices of Christian Contreras, PLC, we represent victims of wrongful arrests across California, fighting to restore their dignity and hold law enforcement accountable when they abuse their power.

What Is Considered a Wrongful Arrest in California?

A wrongful arrest occurs when a police officer detains or restrains a person without a lawful reason. Under both federal and state law, officers must have probable cause — a reasonable belief that the person committed a crime — or a valid warrant.

When they arrest someone without these justifications, they violate the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and California’s own civil rights protections.

Examples of wrongful arrests include:

• Arresting someone based on mistaken identity or unreliable witness statements
• Detaining individuals due to racial profiling or discrimination
• Arresting people for exercising free speech or protesting
• Failing to release a person even after evidence of innocence emerges
• Arrests made in retaliation for filing complaints or asserting legal rights

Each of these actions can lead to a civil rights claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and California’s Bane Act.

Your Rights Under Federal and California Law

Every individual is protected from unlawful detention by multiple laws:

• Fourth Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
• Fourteenth Amendment: Guarantees due process and equal protection.
• California Civil Code § 52.1 (Bane Act): Allows victims to sue when officials use force, threats, or intimidation to interfere with constitutional rights.
• California Government Code § 820.4: Holds public employees accountable when they act outside the scope of their authority.

These laws empower individuals to seek justice when police overstep their bounds.

The Real-World Impact of Wrongful Arrests

Wrongful arrests cause lasting harm far beyond the initial incident. Victims often face:

• Emotional distress and trauma
• Damage to professional reputation and lost employment opportunities
• Public humiliation from mugshots and media exposure
• Financial losses from legal fees and missed work
• Distrust in law enforcement and long-term anxiety around police

These consequences can linger for years — even after charges are dropped or dismissed.

Steps to Take If You Were Wrongfully Arrested

If you believe you were arrested without justification, act quickly to protect your rights:

1. Write down every detail — time, date, officer names, and badge numbers.
2. Do not resist or argue during the arrest. Stay calm to avoid escalation.
3. Preserve evidence, including bodycam footage requests or witness statements.
4. Obtain a copy of the police report and review it for inaccuracies.
5. Contact a civil rights attorney immediately to evaluate your case and file necessary claims.

In California, victims generally have six months to file a government claim against the agency involved — missing this deadline can jeopardize your case.

How a Civil Rights Attorney Can Help

Unlawful arrest cases require experience, strategy, and determination. A knowledgeable attorney like Christian Contreras can:

• Investigate the incident independently and identify all responsible parties.
• Challenge false police narratives through evidence and witness testimony.
• File a government claim and federal lawsuit under the appropriate statutes.
• Negotiate settlements or take the case to trial when necessary.
• Pursue damages for emotional distress, lost income, and reputational harm.

With years of courtroom experience and multiple jury trial victories, Christian Contreras knows how to expose misconduct and win justice for his clients.

Recent Successes and Reputation for Results

The Law Offices of Christian Contreras, PLC is known for its aggressive and effective advocacy in civil rights cases across California. Recognized as a Top Boutique Law Firm by the Daily Journal, the firm has obtained multimillion-dollar verdicts for victims of government misconduct, including police shootings and wrongful arrests.

Christian’s deep knowledge of both trial law and constitutional principles allows his firm to handle cases that many others consider too difficult or risky.

Why Wrongful Arrest Cases Matter for All Californians

When law enforcement detains someone unlawfully, it doesn’t just harm one individual — it undermines public trust in the entire justice system.

Successful lawsuits not only compensate victims but also encourage:

• Better training and accountability for officers
• Policy reforms on use of force and arrest procedures
• Greater transparency in police investigations
• Protection for communities most affected by discriminatory policing

Every case sends a clear message: justice must apply equally to all.

Conclusion: Protecting Freedom, Demanding Accountability

Freedom is one of our most fundamental rights — and no one, not even law enforcement, has the power to take it without cause. Wrongful arrests tear at the fabric of justice, but through legal action, victims can reclaim their dignity and hold abusers accountable.

At the Law Offices of Christian Contreras, PLC, we stand with those who have been wrongfully detained, humiliated, or silenced. Our mission is simple: to restore justice, demand accountability, and make sure every Californian’s rights are respected.

If you or a loved one has been unlawfully arrested or detained, contact our office today for a confidential consultation. Let us help you fight back, clear your name, and protect your future.