Protecting your fundamental rights is at the core of our practice. We are committed to protecting individuals whose civil rights have been infringed upon. This includes police misconduct cases. If you have been the victim of excessive force, wrongful arrest, harassment, or any form of police abuse, our firm is here to help. We have a proven track record of holding law enforcement accountable and securing the compensation and justice you deserve. Whether it involves personal injury, insurance bad faith, civil rights violations, or discrimination claims, we stand ready to fight for your rights.
Notable Cases
Wingate v. Whitlatch, et. al.
SPD Officer Whitlatch unlawfully stopped Mr. Wingate, a Black man for walking with a golf club. The officer falsely claimed that Mr. Wingate had threatened her and that his walking stick was a weapon. Mr. Wingate, a septuagenarian, was arrested and spent the night in jail. The next day he was forced to plead guilty to secure his release. The jury found the officer had violated Mr. Wingate’s civil rights and awarded damages.
Sedrick Altheimer v. Sheriff Troyer, et. al.
Sedrick Altheimer was delivering papers in the same neighborhood that he had worked in for years. When Sheriff Troyer saw a Black man driving in the early morning hours he called 911 alleging that Mr. Altheimer had threatened his life. The county settled the matter shortly after Sheriff Troyer’s deposition.
Joshua Flores v. Centralia Police et. al.
Joshua Flores was an 18 year old Hispanic male experiencing a manic episode when he was confronted by Centralia PD. The officers on the scene knew Joshua, having been to his home less than 12 hours earlier while he was experiencing a manic episode. Yet, Mr. Flores was shot in the chest and left to die face down in the dirt. This was a violation of Mr. Flores’ civil rights and the City paid damages to his estate.
CJ Pellum v. City of Federal Way, et. al.
CJ Pellum was arrested and jailed after a woman falsely accused him of harassing her in a local supermarket. Mr. Pellum was arrested at his workplace despite never being at that store. He remained in custody until his employer provided irrefutable proof that he had been at his job during the alleged incident. The City settled his civil rights claim.
Costanich v. DSHS et. al.
In 2010, the Ninth Circuit established that DSHS social workers had fabricated evidence against foster parent Kathy Costanich. The court held, for the first time, that CPS workers who fabricate evidence in child abuse investigations are liable for civil rights violations.
