Civil Rights Lawyer Located in Luzerne County 

Also Serving Lackawanna, Monroe, Columbia, Wyoming, Susquehanna, Schuylkill, Carbon, Pike, and Wayne counties

No one is above the law. Not even those in uniform or otherwise acting in an official government capacity. When a person’s constitutional rights are violated by someone in authority, they have the basis for a lawsuit, and our Luzerne County civil rights lawyer has the experience necessary to fight for them. 

The Law Office of William I. Abraham has spent over 20 years fighting to protect people’s rights and secure justice. From our Luzerne County office, we serve the people of Monroe, Columbia, and Lackawanna counties, and beyond. 

If you’re considering pursuing a civil rights claim, working with a civil rights attorney in Wilkes-Barre helps ensure your case is presented in accordance with Pennsylvania and federal legal standards. We are familiar with the proceedings at the Luzerne County Courthouse, and our knowledge of local legal culture can increase your confidence as we guide you through each step of the process.

Call today at (570) 762-9988 or reach out here online to set up a free consultation. 

Section 1983 Civil Rights Violations

The Civil Rights Act of 1871 contains Section 1983. That section allows citizens to sue those employed by governments—state, local, and federal—if the abuse of authority violates standing constitutional rights. 

For a Section 1983 claim to exist, the perpetrator not only needs to be a government employee, but they also need to be using that authority to carry out their acts. The legal term for this is acting "under color of law."

As an example, if a police officer uses unjust force after a traffic stop, this can be a Section 1983 claim because the officer is directly using their position with the government to take action. If this same officer were to instigate an altercation while off-duty and in plain clothes, then Section 1983 does not apply. 

What’s more, the actions taken “under color of law” must serve to deprive someone of their constitutional rights. If both of these elements—the color of law and the deprivation of constitutional rights—are present, then our Luzerne County civil rights attorney can bring a Section 1983 claim on the plaintiff’s behalf. 

It is not uncommon for these types of cases to be pursued in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, given the federal issues at stake. When seeking a civil rights lawyer in Wilkes-Barre for a Section 1983 matter, clients appreciate local representation that understands both state and federal court procedures and the specific requirements to pursue justice effectively.

Do you believe your rights have been violated? Contact the Law Office of William I. Abraham by calling (570) 762-9988 or filling out our online contact form and get a free consultation on your case. 

Your Rights During Encounters With Law Enforcement in Wilkes-Barre

Understanding your rights during interactions with law enforcement in Wilkes-Barre is crucial for protecting yourself and building a strong legal case, if needed. Encounters with police, corrections officers, or other government officials may happen at any time, whether you are at home, at work, or simply out in the community. Knowing what to expect and how to respond can make the difference when your civil rights are on the line.

When law enforcement officers stop you in public, request to search your property, or ask questions about your activities, you have specific rights under both the United States Constitution and Pennsylvania state law. For example, you have the right to remain silent and may decline to answer questions outside of providing identification when required. You also have the right to refuse consent to a search in the absence of a warrant, except under certain urgent circumstances. As a civil rights attorney Wilkes-Barre residents depend on, we help clients understand and assert these rights from the initial police encounter through possible proceedings at the Luzerne County Courthouse.

To protect yourself and your interests, remember these best practices during any interaction with law enforcement in Wilkes-Barre:

• Stay calm and respectful to help prevent escalation and preserve your legal options later.
• Clearly state if you want to remain silent, and request an attorney before answering any questions about criminal matters.
• Keep a detailed record of what happened, including names, badge numbers, and the location of the incident.
• Do not physically resist even if you believe your rights have been violated; instead, seek legal help promptly.

If you think your rights were violated in Luzerne County, contacting a civil rights lawyer Wilkes-Barre residents rely on can provide guidance tailored to our local legal landscape. We are ready to investigate your situation and stand up for your rights in every interaction with law enforcement and government authorities in our region.