Civil Rights

Tampa Civil Rights Attorneys Holding Power Accountable

When a government official, whether a police officer, a corrections employee, or another government actor, crosses the line and violates your constitutional rights, the system is not designed to make that easy to prove. Government defendants have institutional backing, qualified immunity defenses, and lawyers whose job is to make your case go away. At Michael P. Maddux, P.A., we take on those cases anyway, because accountability matters, and because our clients deserve someone in their corner who won’t back down.

Excessive Force

Police officers are permitted to use force when necessary, but the Constitution draws a line at force that is objectively unreasonable given the circumstances. We investigate incidents involving excessive force, including cases where an officer’s actions caused serious injury or death, gathering body camera footage, witness statements, and use-of-force policies to build a clear picture of what happened and why it crossed the line.

False Arrest

An arrest without probable cause is a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights, even if charges are later dropped or you’re never convicted. We look closely at what officers knew at the time of the arrest, whether their stated justification holds up, and whether the arrest was really about enforcing the law or about something else entirely.

First Amendment Violations

The right to speak, protest, record police activity, and criticize the government is foundational, and it is also frequently tested. We represent clients who have faced retaliation, arrest, or other government interference for exercising their First Amendment rights, working to hold officials accountable when they punish protected speech or expression.

Section 1983 Litigation

Most civil rights claims against government actors are brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, a federal statute that allows individuals to sue when someone acting under color of state law violates their constitutional rights. These cases move through federal court, involve unique procedural hurdles like qualified immunity, and require an attorney who understands both the constitutional issues and the litigation process. We handle Section 1983 claims from investigation through trial.

Standing Up to the System

Civil rights cases are rarely simple, and they are almost never quick. They require thorough investigation, a willingness to go up against government resources, and the persistence to see a case through years of litigation if that’s what it takes. That’s the kind of representation we provide.

Talk to Us Today

If you believe your rights were violated by police or another government actor, don’t assume there’s nothing you can do about it. Contact Michael P. Maddux, P.A. to discuss what happened and find out what options you have.