Standing Up for Victims of Excessive Force, False Arrest, and Civil Rights Violations
Law enforcement officers must protect and serve, not abuse their power. When police cross the line, the consequences can be life-altering: wrongful arrests, physical injuries, psychological trauma, or even death. At Williford Law, we represent individuals and families in [City] and across Texas who have been harmed by police misconduct, including excessive force, illegal searches, racial profiling, and wrongful death.
We pursue justice for those whose constitutional rights were violated — and hold officers and departments accountable under state and federal law.
What Constitutes Police Misconduct?
Police misconduct refers to unlawful or abusive behavior by law enforcement that violates an individual’s constitutional rights under the U.S. Constitution or Texas law.
Common Forms of Police Misconduct:
| Type | Description |
| Excessive Force | Use of physical force beyond what is reasonable or necessary — including beatings, taser misuse, and unjustified shootings |
| False Arrest or Imprisonment | Arresting someone without probable cause or legal justification |
| Illegal Search or Seizure | Violating the Fourth Amendment by searching property or detaining a person without a warrant or valid exception |
| Racial Profiling | Targeting individuals based on race, ethnicity, or perceived immigration status |
| Failure to Intervene | Officers who witness unlawful conduct by other officers and fail to stop it |
| Retaliation or Intimidation | Threats, harassment, or false charges in response to complaints or protected speech |
| Wrongful Death | Fatal encounters due to unlawful police action or neglect in custody |
These cases often involve civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, as well as state-law tort claims like assault, battery, and negligent supervision.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Police misconduct claims may involve multiple responsible parties, including:
- Individual officers who engaged in the misconduct
- Supervisors who condoned or ignored violations
- Municipalities or police departments under Monell liability for systemic failures (e.g., failure to train, supervise, or discipline)
- Private security or off-duty officers acting under color of law
We investigate not only the incident but the policies, patterns, and institutional culture that enabled it.
Legal Remedies for Victims of Police Misconduct
Depending on the case, victims may be entitled to:
- Compensatory damages for physical injuries, emotional trauma, lost income, and medical expenses
- Punitive damages for willful or malicious conduct (where allowed)
- Injunctive relief or reform demands in class action or pattern/practice litigation
- Attorneys’ fees and costs under 42 U.S.C. § 1988
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
We partner with medical, forensic, and law enforcement experts to build compelling cases grounded in facts and constitutional law.
Why Choose Williford Law?
- Experienced in § 1983 litigation and Texas civil rights claims
- Strategic, trauma-informed advocacy with a trial-ready mindset
- Relentless investigation into body camera footage, internal reports, and prior complaints
- No legal fees unless we win (in qualified civil rights cases)
We take these cases seriously because your rights are not optional, and accountability matters.
