Practice Area
Police Misconduct
When those sworn to protect abuse their power, we hold them accountable. We litigate civil rights claims against officers and departments — from excessive force to false arrest — and have taken these fights all the way to the Illinois Supreme Court.
Our Approach
Handled personally, start to finish
Excessive force, false arrest, and civil rights violation claims. When you hire Tober Law, Cameron J. Tober takes on your case directly — investigating what happened, dealing with the insurers, and preparing every matter as if it will go to trial. That preparation is what drives results.
What we handle
- Excessive and unreasonable force
- False arrest and unlawful detention
- Civil rights (Section 1983) violations
- Police-chase and pursuit injuries
- Challenges to immunity defenses
Case Results
Results in this area
Handled a victorious appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court resulting in a unanimous opinion that effectively curtailed a state police immunity statute invoked by defendant officers in a police-chase case.
Argued a victorious appeal at the Appellate Court of Illinois, 3rd District, reinstating negligence claims erroneously dismissed under the Illinois Tort Immunity Act.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.
Police Misconduct: common questions
How long do I have to sue a city, village or the CTA in Illinois?
Usually one year. The Illinois Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/8-101) requires most civil actions against local public entities and their employees to be filed within one year of the injury, and some transit claims require earlier written notice. These deadlines are strictly enforced.
Can I sue a police officer for excessive force?
Yes. Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, you can sue state and local officers who violate your constitutional rights, including through excessive force, false arrest or malicious prosecution. Officers often raise qualified immunity and other defenses, so these cases require experienced civil rights counsel.
How long do I have to file a police misconduct claim in Illinois?
Federal Section 1983 claims in Illinois generally must be filed within two years. Related state-law claims against local police officers and departments are often subject to the one-year deadline in the Illinois Tort Immunity Act, so contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Does my immigration status affect my right to bring an injury or civil rights claim?
Immigration status does not take away a person’s constitutional rights or their right to seek compensation for injuries caused by others. Consultations with Tober Law are confidential.
Police Misconduct
Areas we serve
- Chicago
- Cook County Suburbs
- Collar Counties
- Plus clients statewide in Illinois and in Missouri.
Talk to Cam today.
Reach the attorney who will handle your case directly — free, confidential, and no obligation.