Civil Rights Claims Defense

West Virginia Civil Rights Defense Attorney

At Francis, Nelson & Brison, PLLC in Charleston, West Virginia, our attorneys provide defense counsel in state and federal cases involving allegations of section 1983 and constitutional civil rights violations. Our representation in this area includes serving as local or primary counsel to insurance carriers who provide coverage for public entities, and defense services for government bodies, educational institutions and individuals accused of civil rights violations.

Cases which our lawyers are prepared to handle include those involving the following circumstances:

• Defense of sheriffs, state troopers and police officers accused of unlawful arrest, illegal search and seizure, and use of excessive force
• Defense representation of a city council accused of infringing on a person's First Amendment right to free speech while speaking at a city council meeting
• Defense of public officials and government bodies accused of abuse of power
• Defense of municipalities in cases involving contested condemnation proceedings and trespass
• Defense of prisons and correctional officers against accusations of cruel and unusual punishment, or defending correctional facility administrators or the West Virginia Department of Corrections against charges of providing unlawful living conditions
• Defense of office holders accused of abuse of process, harassment of a private citizen, or pursuit of an investigation for political purposes

Our well-established insurance defense practice serves as primary or local counsel to numerous carriers. We welcome the opportunity to serve as local counsel for out-of-state insurance carriers and businesses involved in West Virginia cases for public entity policyholders.

If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys about defense counsel in a case involving allegations of a civil rights violation, or if you have a question about our services, call 304-932-0788 (toll-free at 866-325-5032) or e-mail our Charleston office to arrange a complimentary consultation. Our lawyers will give you an early and accurate evaluation of liability, damages and the costs of litigating your case, and will reevaluate those factors if unforeseen circumstances arise.