Record the incident details.
Write down the date, location, agencies involved, and where relevant evidence may be held.
Civil Rights
New York Civil Rights Lawyers
Representation involving allegations of false arrest, malicious prosecution, excessive force, and other civil rights violations. Talk with the firm about what happened, available evidence, and any urgent filing deadline.
A civil rights consultation should connect the incident to its records and procedural history. Identify the officers or agencies involved, injuries, witnesses, video, and any related criminal case. Explain what complaints or document requests have already been made so counsel can assess possible claims and time-sensitive next steps.
- False arrest allegations
- Excessive force claims
- Related criminal proceedings
WHAT TO DO NOW
Preserve available evidence.
Keep photographs, medical records, notices, witness details, and video in their original form.
Ask about deadlines promptly.
Tell the attorney about the incident date, any pending criminal case, and all notices received.
The incident and its aftermath both matter.
A potential civil rights claim may involve an arrest, police force, injury, detention, and an underlying criminal proceeding. The attorney needs the chronology and available records to evaluate the proposed claim. Filing requirements vary with the claim and defendant, so obtain advice promptly rather than assuming one deadline applies to every part of the matter.
EXPLORE YOUR SITUATION
Focused guidance for your matter.
THE PATH AHEAD
Understand the next stage.
Claim evaluation
Review the incident, injuries, agencies involved, and status of any criminal proceeding.
Evidence and deadlines
Identify records to preserve or request and the filing requirements that need review.
Litigation or resolution
Assess the evidence, available claims, and the appropriate next step for the particular case.
REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
Results and published case coverage.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Coverage describes allegations and proceedings at publication, not necessarily a final outcome.
Reported result
Subway touching allegations and false arrest
Russ Kofman tried a case involving forcible touching and third-degree sexual abuse allegations. The firm reports a not-guilty verdict and a later false-arrest settlement.
Explore the firm's case record →Reported result
Theft case and civil settlement
The firm reports dismissal of a theft case and a monetary settlement. The public summary does not state the amount.
Explore the firm's case record →CLIENT EXPERIENCES
From the firm’s client reviews.
I have used them for my civil cases and my criminal cases they are very hard working and professional. They will stop at nothing to see that you get the justice you deserve and i highly recommend them to anyone who is in need of a great law firm. Lastly i would like to thank them for sticking by me and proving my innocence.
Excerpts from reviews published on the firm’s website. Individual experiences and outcomes vary.
Read all client reviews →
MEET YOUR LEGAL TEAM
Discuss your matter with the firm.
Russ Kofman's practice includes state and federal criminal defense, DWI, sex offense allegations, Title IX proceedings, and civil rights matters. Contact the firm to discuss the appropriate representation for your situation.
Read Russ Kofman's profile →COMMON QUESTIONS
Civil Rights questions.
Does dismissal automatically establish a civil rights claim?
A favorable criminal outcome is information the attorney will want to review, but the civil claim requires its own evaluation. Provide the criminal case documents and a chronology of what occurred.
What if my criminal case is still pending?
Tell both counsel about the pending proceedings. A potential civil claim and criminal defense may involve overlapping facts and communications, so the timing and strategy need coordinated review.
What records should I keep?
Preserve available photographs, video, medical documentation, arrest and court papers, and witness contact information. Identify any records you know exist but do not have. Ask the attorney how to provide sensitive material.
What if I still have a criminal case?
Tell counsel the charges, case number, next date and the status of any dismissal, trial or appeal. Provide the criminal papers as well as records of the alleged rights violation. The relationship between the proceedings needs individualized review.
What records should I identify?
List officers or agencies involved, incident locations and dates, witnesses, medical treatment, photographs and video. Preserve original records and tell counsel about any requests already made for documents or recordings.
How should I prepare an incident timeline?
Write the dates and sequence of events while separating your direct observations from information supplied by others. Include custody, court appearances, injuries, complaints and responses. Give counsel the timeline and supporting records so possible claims and deadlines can be evaluated.
Read the detailed civil rights guide
Civil Rights Lawyers in New York
Protecting Our Clients & Fighting for Their Best Interests
Victims of malicious prosecution, police brutality, and other civil rights violations can turn to the trusted attorneys at Lebedin Kofman LLP. Backed by years of legal experience, our attorneys have an in-depth understanding of this complicated practice area. We have an extensive track record of success in civil rights law, and we have helped thousands of clients resolve their legal problems. We can assist you, too.
Call Lebedin Kofman LLP today at 646 663 4430 or contact us online to schedule a free initial case evaluation with our civil rights lawyers in New York.
When you have been mistreated or abused by government or law enforcement officials, you need to retain experienced representation to hold them accountable. Our lawyers can guide you every step of the way through the legal process as we fight relentlessly for your best interests.
Our firm genuinely cares about our clients, and we are committed to helping them achieve their goals. Speak with the firm about the immediate issue and any approaching deadline.
While burglary can be treated in the same manner in other states as the crime of breaking and entering, under the New York Penal Law, there is no such offense as breaking and entering. The act of breaking into a building is not an element necessary for a person to be charged with burglary in New York.
Dedicated to Providing the Highest-Quality Representation
Our firm knows that dealing with legal issues can be extremely difficult and stressful, especially when you are up against the party that violated your rights. That’s why we are here to defend your rights and handle all your legal obligations while you focus on other important facets of your life.
Our legal team can assist you with filling out and filing your paperwork, and we can inform you of all the potential short- and long-term effects of your decisions. You can rely on us to strongly represent your best interests both in and out of the courtroom.
Our attorneys can handle the following types of cases:
Call our civil rights lawyers in New York today at 646 663 4430 or contact us online to set up your complimentary initial consultation.
Our Process
Our Firm Is Your Solution
The attorney will call you to discuss your case, defenses, and possible outcomes.
You will be told the fee right away, as well as, potentially available payment plans and financing options.
You will have the option of coming into our office to discuss further or we email you a retainer agreement and we can handle everything right from your phone without the need to go anywhere.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Talk to a New York defense attorney.
Tell us the immediate issue and the best way to reach you. For an arrest, police contact, or an approaching court date, call the firm directly.
646 663 4430Free consultation. Do not wait for a form response when a deadline is near.