Civil Rights

"Representing The Workers That Built This City"

Civil Rights Lawyers Who Fight For Justice In New York and New Jersey

Members of law enforcement are given power to enforce many laws. Prison officials and corrections officers also have specified power to maintain order at Rikers Island and other detention centers in New York and New Jersey. At the same time, the United States Constitution expressly guarantees a variety of vital civil rights for citizens and residents of the United States. Unfortunately, far too often, police or corrections officers exceed their authority and violate the rights of individuals.

We Take On The Government When Police Or Prison Officers Abuse Power 

It may seem daunting to fight the system. Civil rights cases are often complex. The government often denies wrongdoing and works to protect officials from any accountability for the harm they have caused. At Liakas Law, P.C., we turn the tables against the power of the establishment. To discuss the harm you have suffered at the hands – or weapons – of law enforcement, and to learn more about your rights, call 212-937-7765 for a free, no-pressure consultation.

​Our lawyers have the resources and experience to set the record straight across the spectrum of civil rights claims, including:

  • Prisoner abuse
  • False arrest
  • False imprisonment
  • Police brutality
  • Excessive force
  • Unlawful stop and frisk issues
  • Title 42 U.S.C. 1983 Claims

Our lawyers take your civil rights seriously and will provide their full attention to your case if your rights have been violated. When you turn to our respected civil rights attorneys, we will fully investigate every relevant detail to fight the government, maximize your compensation and get you the justice you deserve for the harm you or your loved one has suffered due to police misconduct or prison abuse.

​To arrange a free case evaluation and straightforward legal advice, we invite you to send us an email or call 212-937-7765. Our office in Manhattan is accessible from subway lines from anywhere in New York City. We can also arrange to meet you by appointment in our Chatham, New Jersey, office.

Police Brutality

Holding Law Enforcement Accountable For Police Brutality

The problems of police brutality and excessive force have garnered a large amount of media attention throughout the country in recent years. Partner, Paul Prestia, has been at the helm of these issues and has even sparked nationwide conversation regarding the shut-down of Rikers Island. In New York City, police misconduct is not a new experience. The use of excessive force is unlawful and includes a wide range of acts of misconduct. While police shootings often make headlines, excessive force and police brutality do not require the use of a firearm to support a civil rights claim.

Get Justice When Police Abuse Their Power​

Legal actions involving police misconduct require skilled legal analysis of the individual facts to show how law enforcement abused its power and violated your civil rights. Our attorneys have the resources to fully investigate the details of your interaction with police, and the experience to prepare and present a solid claim to seek justice. For attentive, aggressive and diligent representation, call the civil rights lawyers at Liakas Law, P.C.

Police brutality can erupt in any kind of police encounter. Officers may unreasonably turn to force during a routine traffic stop, an on-the-street stop and frisk encounter or after a chase while law enforcement is taking a person into custody.

You cannot be arrested unless there is a warrant for your arrest or there is probable cause to believe that you committed a crime. If you have been arrested without a warrant and without probable cause, and your case was subsequently dismissed, your civil rights may have been violated. You may have a false arrest cause of action against the City of New York and the NYPD.

Prisoner Abuse

Skilled Advocacy For Victims Of Prisoner Abuse

A detention in jail or prison certainly involves the loss of liberty. Corrections officers and prison guards seem to have a great deal of power to control the day-to-day lives of detainees. However, that power is limited. Inmates do have the right to be free from abuse in prison. The use of excessive force on the part of an officer, incidents of an officer sexually abusing an inmate, as well as corrections officials looking the other way when they know a gang fight or other inmate violence is likely to break out may serve as the foundation for a prisoner abuse or civil rights violation claim.

Rikers Island is the among the most notorious detention centers when it comes to violence, prison guard abuse, sexual assaults and inmate abuse. However, prisoner abuse can occur in any detention center, including The Manhattan Detention Complex — often referred to as “The Tombs” — as well as the Brooklyn House of Detention. In some cases, the refusal to provide food or medical care may violate an inmate’s rights. Prisoners with mental health issues are particularly vulnerable to abuse while being detained, whether they are being held in solitary or in the general population.

Getting Justice For Correctional Officer Abuse

The lawyers at Liakas Law, P.C., know how to investigate the facts and issues surrounding officer misconduct. Our resources, knowledge of the law and experience in fighting the government are clear strengths of the firm. We outwork the opposition to obtain the best possible outcome and protect the rights of our clients.

​Attorney Paul Prestia has spoken extensively in legal circles and in the national media about his work in the seminal solitary confinement and prisoner abuse case involving Kalief Browder and his family. When you work with Liakas Law, P.C., you are gaining access to attorneys and a legal team who are driven to go the distance to obtain justice for victims of prisoner abuse.

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