Experience You Can Trust,
Results You Can Count On

Fighting Civil Rights Violations Across Southern California Since 1985

Are you a victim of civil rights abuse? Have you been subjected to racial profiling, police brutality or discrimination? You are not alone.

At Brad Gage Law, APC, our civil rights attorneys are experienced in representing victims of civil rights abuses in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas. Our law firm has more than a 40-year history when it comes to some of the most significant civil rights cases since the 1980s. Our proven track record and numerous accolades speak to our commitment and success. When it comes to such a serious matter, you need a recognizable and acclaimed team that you can trust – and that is us.

Civil Rights Laws In California

California’s civil rights laws provide strong protections against abuse of power by law enforcement and other government actors. These rights are grounded in both the United States Constitution and the California Constitution, which prohibit excessive force, unlawful searches and seizures, equal protection (racial profiling and ICE raids) and violations of due process.

Several state laws reinforce these constitutional protections. The Tom Bane Civil Rights Act (California Civil Code § 52.1) allows citizens to sue when their rights are oppressed through threats, intimidation or coercion. It is often used in cases involving police brutality, wrongful arrest or unlawful detention.

The Bane Act is especially significant in holding public officials accountable. It applies when someone acting under color of law uses force or threats to interfere with a person’s rights – including the right to protest, the right to be free from excessive force and the right to equal protection under the law.

California also enacted Assembly Bill 392, which redefined when officers may use deadly force. Under this law, the police may only use such force when necessary to defend against an imminent threat of death or serious injury. This standard is stricter than the federal “reasonableness” test, reflecting the commitment to reduce fatal encounters with law enforcement.

Our Cases In Popular Media

Our firm’s significant impact on civil rights law has not only been recognized in the courtroom but also in popular media. One of our high-profile cases has been chronicled in both a book and a movie, bringing wider attention to the issues of corruption and injustice. The book, “Dead Wrong: The Continuing Story of City of Lies, Corruption and Cover-Up in the Notorious Big Murder Investigation,” dedicates Chapter 11 to the pivotal role of our own Brad Gage in uncovering the truth. This case is further explored in the movie “City of Lies,” which delves into the complexities and cover-ups involved.

Moreover, two other remarkable cases from our firm are currently being developed into documentaries. One focuses on the infamous North Hollywood Shoot Out Trial, while the other addresses the critical issue of deputy gangs. These portrayals highlight our unwavering commitment to uncovering truth and advocating for justice in even the most challenging cases.

Types Of Civil Rights Cases We Practice

Examples of civil rights cases we handle are:

Racial profiling: We challenge unlawful targeting based on race, ensuring equal protection under the law.
False arrests: We defend your right to freedom and challenge arrests made without proper cause.
Malicious prosecution: We hold authorities accountable when they pursue charges without merit.
Police shootings: We seek justice for victims of excessive force and wrongful shootings by law enforcement.
Protest injuries (police abuse): We advocate for those harmed during peaceful protests, ensuring accountability for police misconduct.

You can turn to us to fight for your rights and achieve the justice you deserve.

Handling Some Of The Nation’s Most Famous Cases

Just a few of the well-known cases we have handled include:

Representing the family of Christopher Wallace, better known as the Rap Star, Notorious BIG, or Biggie Smalls, against the LAPD
Defending Officer John Futrell in the infamous North Hollywood Shootout Trial
Representing the family of Officer Houston Tipping against the LAPD
Representing 1,085 African Americans in a racial profiling punitive class action lawsuit against the Beverly Hills Police Department for civil rights violations (along with Ben Crump, the attorney for George Floyd).
Represent the family of Rob Adams against the San Bernardino Police Department for civil rights violations in a shooting, also with attorney Ben Crump
Representing Niani Finlayson in a shooting by the Los Angeles sheriff’s department.

We have the experience and tenacity to protect your civil rights. We stand for justice, accountability and fairness. We will handle your case with tenacity and fight for your rights.

How Long Do You Have To File A Civil Rights Lawsuit?

Civil rights claims in California are subject to strict deadlines, and the timeline depends on who the claim is against and what rights were violated.

If your claim involves a government agency, such as a police department, you must first file a government tort claim within six months of the incident. This is a mandatory step before filing a lawsuit in court.

Once the agency responds or the deadline passes without a response, you typically have six months to file a civil lawsuit. For federal civil rights claims under Section 1983, the statute of limitations in California is generally two years from the date of the violation.

Because these deadlines vary and can be complex, it is essential to consult an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Why Choose Us For Your Civil Rights Case?

Our firm is not just about legal representation: it is about standing up for justice, accountability and fairness. We have successfully resolved some of the most difficult civil rights violation claims in recent memory. Our attorneys are trial-tested, having been named Trial Lawyer of the Year six times. As a boutique firm, we provide personal attention that larger firms often cannot match. Our dedication ensures that your case is handled with the utmost care and determination.

Frequently Asked Questions About California Civil Rights

When facing civil rights violations in California, you likely have many questions about your legal options and protections. Below, we answer the questions we often receive from our clients. If you do not see your specific question addressed here, contact our office for a confidential consultation about your situation.

Who is protected under civil rights?

Civil rights laws protect everyone in the United States, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or age. These protections apply in many areas of daily life, including employment, housing, education, voting and access to public places. Civil rights allow all people to participate fully in society and receive fair treatment under the law.

How long does a civil rights lawsuit usually take to resolve?

Civil rights lawsuits typically take between one and three years to resolve, though some cases may conclude faster. The timeline depends on several factors, such as the complexity of your case, the court’s schedule, the willingness of both sides to negotiate and the specific evidence involved. Every civil rights case follows its own unique path through the legal system, making it impossible to predict exactly how long your particular situation might take. Our attorneys will work diligently to move your case forward efficiently, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Will my case go to trial or settle out of court?

Most civil rights cases settle out of court. However, whether your case settles or goes to trial depends on several factors, including the strength of your evidence and the specific legal issues involved. Nevertheless, you will always have a voice in this decision, as we discuss the pros and cons of settlement versus trial at each stage.

What should I do immediately after a police misconduct incident?

After experiencing police misconduct, seek immediate medical attention for any injuries and ensure that health care providers document your condition thoroughly. When you are able, write down everything you remember about what happened, including time, location, officer names or badge numbers. Collect contact information from any witnesses. Save any physical evidence, such as torn clothing, damaged property or video recordings from phones or nearby security cameras. Contact a civil rights attorney as soon as possible to discuss your experience and learn about your options for filing a complaint or pursuing legal action.

What is ‘Qualified Immunity’ and how does it affect my case?

Qualified immunity is a legal rule that protects government officials like police officers from being held personally liable for constitutional violations in a civil lawsuit. This protection applies unless the official’s conduct clearly broke a law that was already well-defined in previous court cases. Because of this high standard, qualified immunity creates a significant legal hurdle in many civil rights cases and can sometimes lead to a case being dismissed.

One way to avoid Qualified Immunity defenses is with state civil rights claims. Our legal team is extremely experienced with such claims have achieved significant results for many of our clients.

Call Us Today For An Initial Consultation With Our Woodland Hills Civil Rights Lawyers

At Brad Gage Law, APC, we look forward to learning more about your situation. To learn more about your options, complete our confidential online form. If you prefer, you may call 818-462-8588 to arrange your case review at our Woodland Hills office today.