It starts like any other day—you’re driving, maybe on your way home, when suddenly, red and blue lights flash in your rearview mirror. Being pulled over by the police can be stressful enough, but for many people, a simple traffic stop becomes the setting for a serious civil rights violation.
How Can Police Violate Civil Rights?
When law enforcement officers abuse their power, whether intentionally or through negligence, they can violate your constitutionally protected civil rights. These rights include your protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, your right to equal protection under the law, and your right not to be subjected to excessive force.
Sadly, routine traffic stops are often the setting where these rights are violated. Whether it’s an unjustified arrest, an illegal search of your vehicle, or the use of unnecessary force, victims have legal grounds to hold officers accountable—and civil rights attorney Greg Kirakosian is ready to help you do exactly that.
Common Civil Rights Violations During Traffic Stops
1. Wrongful Arrest
Police officers must have probable cause to make an arrest. That means they need a reasonable basis, backed by facts, to believe a person committed a crime. Unfortunately, not all arrests meet this standard. If you’re taken into custody during a traffic stop without sufficient evidence or legal justification, it’s considered a wrongful arrest—and it’s a violation of your civil rights.
Wrongful arrests don’t just disrupt your day; they can permanently affect your reputation, employment, and mental health. Greg Kirakosian understands the lasting damage caused by unlawful detentions and fights to ensure that victims are not just heard—but compensated.
2. Malicious Prosecution
Sometimes, officers go a step further after a wrongful arrest. If a law enforcement officer knowingly pushes for charges without probable cause—or worse, with fabricated evidence—they may be committing malicious prosecution. This is more than just a legal misstep; it’s a deliberate attempt to weaponize the justice system.
Victims of malicious prosecution may face court dates, legal fees, and emotional stress, all while knowing they’ve done nothing wrong. Greg Kirakosian has handled numerous malicious prosecution cases and knows how to challenge false narratives and hold prosecutors or police departments accountable for abusing the system.
3. Excessive Force and Police Brutality
Even when a traffic stop doesn’t lead to an arrest, it can still escalate. Excessive force is one of the most well-known forms of police misconduct. It occurs when officers use more force than necessary to manage a situation. If you’re not resisting, unarmed, or clearly posing no threat, there is no legal justification for the use of aggressive physical tactics.
From physical assaults to drawing a weapon without cause, excessive force violates your right to safety and dignity. Kirakosian Law has built a strong reputation for representing victims of police brutality. We understand how these incidents can cause long-term trauma and injuries, and we work tirelessly to obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.
4. Unlawful Search and Seizure
One of the most common issues during traffic stops is the illegal search of your car. Officers need either your permission, a warrant, or probable cause to search your vehicle. If none of these are present, and they search your car anyway, it’s a clear violation of your Fourth Amendment rights.
Unlawful searches often lead to wrongful arrests or charges based on improperly obtained evidence. Greg Kirakosian knows how to scrutinize the details of a traffic stop—dash cam footage, body cam audio, and police reports—to determine whether your rights were violated.
Why These Violations Matter
Civil rights violations are not just legal errors—they are personal harms. They can leave you with emotional distress, physical injuries, lost income, and a deep distrust of the system meant to protect you. These aren’t just cases; they’re life-changing experiences. And they deserve serious legal action.
When officers fail to follow the law, they undermine public trust and endanger the people they are sworn to serve. That’s why holding law enforcement accountable is so important—not just for the individual, but for the community.
Can You Sue for a Civil Rights Violation During a Traffic Stop?
Yes. Victims of civil rights violations—including those that happen during traffic stops—have the right to file a civil lawsuit. Under federal law (42 U.S. Code § 1983), individuals can sue government officials, including police officers, for violating their constitutional rights.
A successful lawsuit can result in monetary compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, legal fees, lost wages, and more. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish especially egregious misconduct.
Why Work With Greg Kirakosian?
At Kirakosian Law, we know that taking legal action against a police officer or department can be intimidating. But we also believe that no one is above the law. Greg Kirakosian is an experienced civil rights attorney with a proven track record of fighting for people who have been wronged by law enforcement.
Our firm will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your case
- Gather crucial evidence, including body cam and dash cam footage
- Work with experts in law enforcement procedure and civil rights
- Challenge the police department’s narrative
- Fight aggressively for the full compensation you’re entitled to
We don’t back down from tough cases—and we’re not afraid to stand up to powerful institutions. When your civil rights are violated, you deserve a legal team that takes your case personally.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you or someone you love has been the victim of wrongful arrest, excessive force, unlawful search, or malicious prosecution during a traffic stop, you don’t have to stay silent. Your story matters, and your rights matter.Greg Kirakosian is here to listen, advise, and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact Kirakosian Law today for a free consultation and let’s take the first step toward holding those responsible accountable.