Civil Rights and Police Brutality Attorney Near You in Staten Island, NY

Being harmed by law enforcement officers is a deep breach of trust that leaves victims and their families feeling vulnerable and unheard. At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, our Staten Island civil rights and police brutality lawyers understand the courage it takes to stand up against injustice. With over 50 years of experience and more than $500 million recovered for our clients, our lawyers offer the compassionate support and strategic advocacy you need to hold powerful institutions accountable. 

Close-up of Supreme Court building that says “Equal Justice Under Law”

Key Takeaways

  • Broad scope of protection — Civil rights laws protect you against excessive force, false arrests, illegal searches, and more.
  • Critical deadlines — You typically have only 90 days to file a Notice of Claim when suing a government agency in New York.
  • Recoverable Damages — Victims may seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and, in some cases, punitive damages.
  • Trusted legal guidance— Our team handles the complex legal hurdles so you can focus on healing.
  • No upfront cost — Our Staten Island civil rights attorneys take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Understanding Civil Rights and Police Misconduct

Under the law, police brutality occurs when an officer uses more force than is reasonably necessary to handle a situation. Excessive force is not just a violation of police policy. It is a violation of your constitutional rights.

Common Civil Rights Violations Involving Law Enforcement

  • Excessive force — Whether an officer uses their fists, baton, Taser, or firearm, any force that exceeds what a reasonable officer would use in that moment is a violation of your rights.
  • Fourth amendment violations — The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. This can include being searched or arrested without probable cause or being subjected to physical violence after you have already surrendered.
  • False imprisonment — Being detained without a legal basis, even for a short period, can be grounds for a civil rights claim.


It’s important to keep in mind that a lawful arrest or conviction does not give an officer the right to use excessive violence or disregard your basic human dignity. Our civil rights lawyers can evaluate your case and determine whether you have a viable claim. 

What to Do After an Incident

The moments following an incident are chaotic, but taking certain steps immediately can help protect your future claim.


  • Seek medical assistance – Your health should be your top priority, so go to the ER or see a doctor as soon as possible. If you are in police custody, make sure to ask for medical care right away. Medical records also serve as vital evidence your personal injury lawyer will need.
  • Document everything — Take photos of your injuries, torn clothing, and the scene if possible. Write down a detailed account of what happened while it’s still fresh in your mind.
  • Gather witness information— If bystanders saw what happened or filmed the incident, ask for their names and contact information. Video footage can provide irrefutable evidence of excessive force.


If you believe you’ve been the victim of a civil rights violation, it’s crucial to seek legal representation immediately. We can protect your rights and preserve valuable evidence. For example, in New York, you can request body-worn police camera footage through a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request. Our team can help expedite this process to ensure the footage isn't lost or deleted.

Proving a Civil Rights Case

Civil rights lawsuits are complex and involve legal hurdles that can be challenging to overcome. 

Dealing with Qualified Immunity 

The law often provides officers with a protection called qualified immunity, which can make it harder to hold them accountable. This rule generally shields government employees from being sued unless we can prove their actions violated a clearly established right.



If we can demonstrate that an officer’s conduct was objectively unreasonable by citing past court decisions and presenting evidence, the obstacle of qualified immunity can be overcome. However, because this can be so difficult, bringing a claim against a municipality or police department provides an easier path to helping victims find the accountability and compensation they deserve. 

Building Your Case 

For a claim to be successful, we must provide clear proof of what happened and create a compelling narrative that clearly demonstrates how your rights were violated and that you suffered harm as a result.

Gathering Evidence

Our team acts quickly to preserve the facts needed to build a strong foundation for your case. Common evidence includes:


  • Video and audio — This includes police body-worn cameras, dashboard cameras, and footage from nearby surveillance and traffic cameras or bystanders.
  • Stop Reports — This mandatory NYPD report details the officer’s stated reason for the encounter, any force used, and whether a search occurred, which helps us to identify inconsistencies in their story.
  • Precinct logs — These records track officer movements and Stop Reports.
  • Professional history — We investigate records to find past complaints and disciplinary actions and identify patterns of misconduct or lack of proper supervision.
  • Expert analysis — We work with police training and tactical specialists to explain exactly how the officer’s actions violated standard safety protocols.
  • Medical documentation — Doctor’s reports, hospital records, and therapy notes can provide a solid link between the incident and your physical or emotional trauma.

Legal Remedies and Damages

The goal of any personal injury claim is to "make the victim whole." Our attorneys may be able to help you recover damages such as:


  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

Although it’s rare, in cases of especially egregious or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are not meant to compensate the victim, but rather to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from acting similarly in the future. While punitive damages against government entities are rarely allowed in New York, they may be sought against individual officers in federal court.

Filing Deadlines and Notices

In cases involving police departments, municipalities, or other government entities, time is of the essence. 

Notice of Claim

In New York City, you must file a formal Notice of Claim with the City Comptroller within 90 days of the incident. However, depending on where the incident occurred, you may have to notify a municipality, county, or specific state agency.

Statute of Limitations

Generally, you have one year and 90 days to file a lawsuit in state court, or three years for federal civil rights claims under Section 1983. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking justice, so it’s important to seek the counsel of an experienced civil rights lawyer as soon as you can. 

Why Choose Our Staten Island Civil Rights Lawyers?

  • Compassionate advocacy — We understand the deep impact civil rights violations have on families and treat every client with the dignity and respect they deserve.
  • Local commitment — We’ve served clients in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas for more than five decades, and stand with our neighbors as firm allies against injustice. Our client testimonials reflect our team’s dedication to helping injured victims find justice.
  • Proven strategy — Our record of success demonstrates that we have the resources, experience, and legal insight to navigate complex litigation and overcome tough legal hurdles.
  • No financial risk — You never have to worry about the cost of a lawyer; we get paid only if we secure compensation for you.

Contact a Civil Rights & Police Brutality Attorney Near You in Staten Island, NY

The betrayal of being harmed by a law enforcement officer is a heavy burden to carry alone. Let the experienced team at let Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, help you find a path forward. To schedule a free consultation with a civil rights and police brutality lawyer near you in Staten Island, NY, contact us or call 718-987-8444. We serve clients in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Rights & Police Brutality Claims in New York

Can I sue for police brutality if I was convicted of a crime?

Yes. A conviction does not give an officer the right to use excessive force or violate your dignity. While a conviction might prevent a claim for false arrest, it does not excuse physical violence or misconduct that occurred during or after your arrest.


Can I file a lawsuit if a loved one was killed by police?

Yes. When police misconduct results in a loss of life, the estate of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim.


Can I file a civil lawsuit in federal court?

Yes. A federal civil rights lawsuit may be filed when a government official violates rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. This enables victims to hold individuals accountable when state laws offer limited options for justice. Our personal injury attorneys are well-versed in civil law at local, state, and federal levels.



How long do I have to file a civil rights claim?

 In New York, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days for cases against the city. Federal civil rights claims typically have a longer window, but acting quickly is essential to preserve evidence and witness testimony.