Rob King & Associates, Trail Lawyers | December 17, 2025 | Civil Rights
No one should ever have to tolerate discrimination, unlawful detention, excessive force, or other violations of their civil rights. However, civil rights violations do happen, and when they do, it’s critical to know how to protect yourself, preserve evidence, and seek justice.
Navigating the legal process after a civil rights violation can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps early on can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Recognize the Violation
The first step is understanding what constitutes a civil rights violation. Civil rights are the protections guaranteed by the Constitution and federal law that ensure every person’s freedom and equal treatment under the law.
Examples may include:
- Police misconduct
- Discrimination
- Wrongful arrest or detention
- Violation of free speech or assembly rights
- Denial of due process
If you’ve experienced any of these or other unlawful actions by government officials or entities, your rights may have been violated.
Ensure Your Immediate Safety and Preserve Evidence
Your safety is the top priority. If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services or get to a safe location first. Once you are safe, focus on documenting and preserving evidence.
Strong evidence is the backbone of any civil rights case. The sooner you begin preserving it, the better your chances of building a successful claim.
Important steps include:
- Photograph injuries, locations, or property damage
- Save clothing or objects involved in the incident
- Record dates, times, and details of what happened
- Collect any surveillance footage, if available
- Identifying any witnesses
- Gather any physical evidence before it is altered or destroyed
Prompt documentation can be crucial, especially if evidence could be lost or erased over time.
Write a Detailed Account of the Incident
Memories fade, but written accounts can preserve critical details.
As soon as you are able, write out everything you remember about the incident, including:
- Who was involved?
- What exactly happened?
- Where did it occur?
- When did it happen?
- Were there any witnesses?
- How did you respond, and how did others respond?
Be as detailed and factual as possible. Avoid speculation or assumptions—just record what you know and observed.
Seek Medical Attention
If you were physically harmed, seek medical attention promptly—both for your health and for documentation purposes. Medical records provide objective evidence of injuries and their severity, and they can play a vital role if you pursue compensation.
Even injuries that seem minor at first should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Avoid Talking About Your Case Publicly
It’s natural to want to share what happened—especially on social media. However, public statements, posts, or discussions can be used against you later. It’s often wise to limit what you share publicly about your situation and preserve confidentiality to protect your case.
Consult an Experienced Civil Rights Attorney
One of the most important steps is to seek the advice of a qualified attorney with experience in civil rights law.
A civil rights attorney can:
- Evaluate whether your rights were violated
- Explain your legal options and likely outcomes
- Help you collect and preserve evidence
- Represent you in negotiations or in court
- Protect you from common pitfalls in civil rights litigation
It is important to act quickly and contact a civil rights lawyer as soon as possible to learn about your options.
Contact the Indianapolis Civil Rights Attorneys at Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers for Help Today
If your civil rights have been violated, acting quickly and methodically can greatly improve your chances of holding the responsible parties accountable and obtaining justice.
When facing the complexities of civil rights law, having a dedicated legal team on your side can make all the difference. If you believe your rights have been violated, consider reaching out to Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers, for a free consultation to explore your options and protect your rights.
We proudly serve Marion County and its surrounding areas.
Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers – Indianapolis Office
320 N Meridian St Suite 906
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 916-0000
