The rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution are not suggestions. They are enforceable protections that limit what the government can do to you—and when those rights are violated, the law provides a mechanism for accountability and compensation. Whether you have experienced unlawful search and seizure, excessive force by law enforcement, denial of due process, or another form of government misconduct, Inman & Strickler is prepared to fight for your rights.
Our constitutional rights practice addresses violations of the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments, among others. Common cases include unlawful searches and seizures in violation of the Fourth Amendment, excessive or deadly force by police officers, false arrest and malicious prosecution, denial of equal protection under the law, First Amendment retaliation against protected speech or expression, and due process violations in administrative and criminal proceedings.
Norfolk’s population includes a significant number of active-duty military personnel and veterans who may encounter unique constitutional issues related to their status or their interactions with both civilian and military authority. Our attorneys understand this context and how it affects constitutional claims.
42 U.S.C. Section 1983 is the primary federal statute that allows individuals to bring civil rights claims against government officials who have violated their constitutional rights while acting under color of state law. These cases are litigated in federal court and can result in compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fee awards.
Section 1983 cases are procedurally and legally demanding. Doctrines like qualified immunity—which protects government officials from personal liability in many circumstances—make these cases challenging. Successfully overcoming qualified immunity requires demonstrating that the violated right was clearly established at the time of the conduct. Our attorneys understand the legal framework and know how to build the strongest possible case within it.
Bringing a constitutional rights claim isn’t only about individual recovery—it’s about accountability. When law enforcement or other government actors act in ways that violate citizens’ rights, civil rights litigation is one of the most effective tools available to ensure that conduct is documented, challenged, and addressed. We take these cases seriously because the rights at stake are serious.
If you believe your constitutional rights have been violated by government action in Norfolk or the surrounding area, contact Inman & Strickler today. We will evaluate your situation and give you a clear picture of what your options are and what the path forward looks like.
