Protecting Your Constitutional Rights Because power has limits

Philadelphia Civil Rights Attorney

Civil Right Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA Upholding Constitutional Freedoms Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

The constitution grants certain rights and freedoms, and you are entitled to these civil rights without exception. Unfortunately, people’s constitutional rights are infringed every day, resulting in significant and far-reaching damages. The impact extends beyond the person whose rights were infringed, as every citizen is affected when civil rights violations occur. Respected around the state, our firm helps people enforce their constitutionally-guaranteed civil rights. With a team of acclaimed Philadelphia civil rights attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, we help you secure accountability and obtain justice.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen

From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.

Protecting Pennsylvania Citizens from Police Misconduct and Brutality

While Pennsylvania law enforcement is dedicated to serving and protecting the state’s citizens, there are unfortunate instances in which police officers overstep their bounds:

Racial profiling
Excessive use of force
Unjustified shooting
False arrest
Wrongful imprisonment
Unlawful interrogation techniques
Inappropriate or excessive use of pepper spray, Taser guns, and other tools for subduing individuals

When law enforcement officers cross the line between restraint and brutality, or abuse their position of power, you are entitled to seek damages for resulting injuries. Look to van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin to help. Attorney van der Veen has decades of experience helping individuals recover compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering incurred at the hands of law enforcement. In numerous cases, he has proven that clients accused of assaulting law enforcement officers were, in actuality, the victims of police brutality. Rely on van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin to put our knowledge and history of wins to work on your civil rights case.

Helping Victims of False Imprisonment and Wrongful Arrest Seek Justice

The proliferation of legal dramas has drawn attention to individual rights and law enforcement responsibilities. Unlike the shows, these rights are real. Before a police officer can detain or arrest you, he or she must have probable cause. Furthermore, once you have been detained, law enforcement must follow certain procedures. Mistakes are made at all stages in the process, and you should not assume that the circumstances leading to your detention or imprisonment were faithful to your rights. Our Philadelphia civil rights attorneys help you determine whether your rights were violated and how to best seek compensation from responsible parties.

Standing Up to Discrimination From All Sources

One of the most fundamental rights afforded people in this country is the right to be free from discrimination based on:

Race
Religion
National origin
Age
Sex
Disability

When someone experiences discrimination perpetrated by educators, employers, housing agencies, or public service providers, our entire state experiences a setback. If you have been a victim of discrimination, it is important to leverage the legal process to seek redress for this violation. Make sure you have only the best, most committed Philadelphia civil rights lawyer by your side. Because clients are of critical importance to me, our attorneys provide aggressive, determined representation to make right what was wronged by discrimination.

Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Rights Violations in Pennsylvania

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

A civil rights violation occurs when a government actor—or, in limited cases, certain private entities—interferes with rights protected under the U.S. Constitution or federal/state civil rights statutes. Common examples include police misconduct (excessive force, false arrest, unlawful searches), discrimination based on protected characteristics, violations of due process, and retaliation for exercising free speech. To pursue a claim, the violation must involve a legally protected right and a responsible party acting under color of law.
Your rights may have been violated if police lacked reasonable suspicion to stop you, probable cause to arrest you, or engaged in excessive force not justified by the situation. Other violations include coerced confessions, unlawful searches, racial profiling, or denial of medical care while in custody. Because these cases hinge on factual details, an experienced civil rights attorney can review evidence such as body-cam footage, witness statements, and arrest records to determine whether police acted unlawfully.
Yes. Under Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act, individuals may file lawsuits against police officers, municipalities, or government agencies for violating constitutional rights. These claims often involve excessive force, false arrest, or wrongful imprisonment. However, government defendants may assert qualified immunity, a legal defense that protects officials unless they violated a clearly established right. An experienced attorney is essential in overcoming this defense and proving liability.
Potential compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages intended to punish egregious misconduct. Courts may also order policy changes or training reforms in certain cases. Every claim is unique, and damages depend on the nature of the violation, the harm suffered, and the conduct of the defendant.

Consult With a Recognized Philadelphia Civil Rights Attorney to Uphold Your Rights

Understanding your rights is the first step towards justice when they've been infringed upon. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, we not only advocate for individuals who have been wronged but also strive to educate them on the vital principles that underpin civil liberties. We encourage you to watch our civil rights overview video for insights into how we approach these critical cases.

For a personalized assessment of your situation and to learn how we can assist you, contact us online or call (215) 610-3440 for a free initial consultation with our Philadelphia civil rights attorneys.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand

"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie

the complete coverage advantage

Full-Spectrum
Law

From criminal defense to personal injury and beyond, clients gain seamless, strategic support from a full-service law firm built to handle every legal challenge under one roof.
Values-Driven
Practice

From pro bono advocacy to charitable and community involvement, our attorneys are deeply invested in the people and causes they serve, because real justice includes giving back.
Human-Centered
Advocacy

We stand as the voice of the injured and a strong advocate for the accused. We don’t just see a case, we see the people and futures at stake, and we fight accordingly.
High-Caliber
Results

Our attorneys are nationally recognized, featured in major media, and trusted with the complex, high-stakes cases, because when the outcome matters most, experience matters more.

Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

Trial Lawyers Excelling in the Areas of Law Most Critical to You and Your Family

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