Practice Areas

Civil Rights & Law Enforcement Defense

A core component of our litigation practice is defending sheriff’s departments, municipalities, and individual officers in high-exposure civil rights litigation. These cases often involve split-second decisions made under tense and rapidly evolving circumstances. Effective defense requires not only command of constitutional law, but a clear understanding of real-world policing.

Areas of Representation

Civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983

Alleged illegal search and seizure (Fourth Amendment)

False arrest and unlawful detention

Improper investigation claims

Excessive force allegations

High-speed pursuit liability

First Amendment retaliation claims

Selective enforcement or prosecution

Negligent hiring, training, and supervision

Monell claims alleging unconstitutional custom, policy, or practice

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Use of Force & Constitutional Standards

In use-of-force cases, courts apply the objective reasonableness standard established in Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989). The analysis requires evaluating force from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, not with hindsight, while accounting for the severity of the crime, the threat posed, and whether the suspect was actively resisting or attempting to flee.

We ground our defense strategy in the governing constitutional standards, including:

Strategic Advocacy

Civil rights defense requires disciplined case development, careful factual framing, and credible courtroom advocacy. We defend our clients firmly and strategically, protecting professional reputations while ensuring that constitutional standards are applied correctly and fairly.

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Why Peace Officers Trust Us

We understand the realities of policing. Split-second decisions are evaluated under constitutional standards, not hindsight.
We focus on the law. Our defense strategy is grounded in Graham, qualified immunity principles, and applicable state statutes
We prepare every case thoroughly. From body-worn camera review to expert analysis, we build the defense from the record outward.
We are trial-ready. We prepare cases to be defended before a jury when necessary.
We protect professional reputation. These cases affect careers, credibility, and futures; we take that responsibility seriously.
We are strategic, not reactive. Early positioning and disciplined motion practice matter.
Peace officers and agencies rely on counsel who understand both the legal standards and the operational realities of law enforcement. Ms. Samson brings both to every case.

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