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Protecting Civil Rights in Stillwater

Whether it's Stillwater PD, OSU Campus Police, or the Payne County Sheriff, no badge gives anyone the right to violate the Constitution. We hold them accountable.

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The Constitution Applies Everywhere

From campus to the county jail, strict laws govern how law enforcement must treat citizens. We enforce those laws.

Fourth Amendment

Protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures, including excessive force during an arrest.

Section 1983

The primary federal tool for suing government officials who abuse their authority and violate your rights.

Jailer Liability

If you are in custody, the government has a duty to provide medical care and protect you from violence.

Law Enforcement in Payne County

We handle cases involving all local agencies.

Stillwater Police Dept

The primary agency in the city. We investigate claims of excessive force and false arrest.

OSU Campus Police

Jurisdiction over the university. Unique issues regarding student interactions and state immunity.

Payne County Jail

Sheriff's department run facility. We litigate denial of medical care and inmate abuse cases.

Civil Rights Cases We Handle

We represent victims of government misconduct throughout Payne County.

  • Police Brutality

    Unjustified shootings, tasing, beatings, or chokeholds.

  • False Arrest

    Arrest without probable cause or based on fabricated evidence.

  • Jail Neglect & Abuse

    Denial of life-saving medicine, failure to prevent suicide, or guard brutality.

  • First Amendment Retaliation

    Arresting citizens for filming police or exercising free speech.

Learn More About Our Civil Rights Practice →
Stillwater Civil Rights

Damages in Civil Rights Cases

Compensatory Damages

  • Medical bills for injuries
  • Lost wages from false arrest
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

Punitive & Legal Fees

  • Punitive damages (to punish the officer)
  • Attorney fees (paid by the city)
  • Costs of litigation
  • Non-monetary relief (policy changes)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're searching for a civil rights lawyer near you in Stillwater or Payne County, look for an attorney with federal court experience and a track record of holding government officials accountable. Addison Law Firm handles Section 1983 cases throughout Oklahoma.
OSU Police are certified peace officers with full authority. However, because they work for a state university, claims against them may involve unique sovereign immunity issues. We can navigate this.
Yes. Even if you committed a crime, police cannot use excessive force. However, a conviction can complicate the case (Heck v. Humphrey). You need an experienced civil rights lawyer.
It's a legal doctrine that protects government officials from lawsuits unless they violated 'clearly established' statutory or constitutional rights. Overcoming this is the hardest part of a civil rights case.
Civil rights lawsuits are typically filed in Federal Court. For Stillwater, that represents the Western District of Oklahoma in OKC.

Your Rights Matter.

Contact us for a confidential evaluation of your civil rights claim.

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