Columbus Civil Rights Attorneys

Last updated on May 5, 2026

Americans are guaranteed certain civil rights by the Constitution, federal law and state law. Some of these rights include the right to be free from police misconduct and discrimination in educational settings, employment and housing. Other types of civil rights include freedom of speech, the right to vote and the right to equality in public places.

When employers, landlords or government employees discriminate against applicants or employees based on age, disability, sex, race, color, national origin or religion, they can be held liable for violating these important civil rights. If your civil rights were violated, you should contact an experienced civil rights attorney at Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC who can advise you.

Police Misconduct and False Arrest

Although police officers have broad powers to carry out their duties, they are prohibited from violating the civil rights of others. For example, police officers can be held liable for their actions if they exceed the scope of their authority. Law enforcement officers are permitted to use a reasonable degree of force during arrests. They are not, however, permitted to use excessive force, which would constitute a violation of the right to be free from unreasonable seizure. Once a police officer uses excessive force, he or she loses the protection of immunity. Victims can then hold a police officer accountable for violating his or her civil rights. In some cases, this means that injured parties can collect compensation for their losses. Other common claims against police officers that involve civil rights violations include false arrest and malicious prosecution.

Violations of First Amendment Rights

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution prevents the government from impeding a citizen’s right to free speech. Although the government can at times impose reasonable limitations as to the time, place and manner of speech, such restrictions must be narrowly tailored and content-neutral, and leave open ample alternative means of expression.

Generally, the First Amendment applies only to the government, not private individuals such as employers.

Employment Discrimination

A federal law, known as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal to discriminate against someone based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin in any aspect of employment, including:

• Hiring and firing
• Compensation or assignment
• Transfer or promotion
• Recruitment
• Testing
• Training programs
• Retirement plans

Another federal law, The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), protects employees and applicants from discrimination based on age. Under this law, employers cannot:

• Refuse to hire an individual because of that person’s age
• Deny benefits to older employees
• Include age preferences or limitations in employment advertisements

These laws help protect citizens from having their right to be treated equally under the law regardless of race, age or religion violated by government or nongovernment employers.

Housing

The Fair Housing Act is another federal law that helps protect people from having their civil rights violated by making it unlawful for landlords or sellers to:

• Refuse to sell or rent a dwelling to anyone because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status or national origin
• Include a preference or limitation in an advertisement based on race or another protected category
• Offer different sale or rental terms because of a person’s race, religion, sex or another protected characteristic
• Retaliate against a person or organization that aids or encourages the exercise of fair housing rights.

Landlords or real estate agents who fail to comply with these laws can be held liable for their actions.

How Long Do You Have to File a Civil Rights Lawsuit in Ohio?

Time limits apply to every civil rights claim, and missing a deadline can permanently bar recovery. In Ohio, claims brought under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, which commonly involves police misconduct or constitutional violations by government actors, generally follow Ohio’s statute of limitations for personal injury actions. This period is two years from the date the violation occurred. Courts strictly enforce this deadline, even when injuries or damages continue to develop after the incident.

Employment discrimination claims filed under the Ohio Employment Law Uniformity Act, enacted in 2021, follow different rules. Most employment-related civil rights claims under Ohio law must be filed within two years of the alleged discriminatory act. In some situations, administrative filing requirements or internal complaint procedures may also affect timing.

Where Are Most Civil Rights Cases Heard in Columbus, Ohio?

Many civil rights cases arising in Columbus are heard in either federal or state court, depending on the claims asserted. Federal civil rights lawsuits, including Section 1983 actions, are commonly filed in the Joseph P. Kinneary U.S. Courthouse, located at 85 Marconi Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43215. This courthouse serves as the home of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

State-based civil rights and employment discrimination claims may proceed in Franklin County courts. Venue selection can significantly affect procedure, motion practice and litigation strategy.

Why Hire a Columbus Civil Rights Attorney from Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC?

Civil rights litigation demands preparation, credibility and the ability to stand up to government entities and large institutions. Clients benefit from working with a firm that has a strong reputation and proven courtroom experience.

• Recognized trial lawyers with statewide respect: Attorneys John S. Marshall, Edward R. Forman, Samuel M. Schlein and Madeline J. Rettig have earned recognition from Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars for their civil rights and litigation work, reflecting peer acknowledgment of their skill and results.
• Experience against government and institutional defendants: The firm regularly handles cases involving law enforcement agencies, public employers and private entities, understanding how these defendants investigate and defend claims.
• Strategic case development from the start: Each matter is evaluated for evidentiary strength, damages exposure and procedural posture to build a focused litigation plan.
• Commitment to accountability and meaningful outcomes: The firm pursues cases with the goal of achieving compensation, policy change or both, depending on the nature of the violation.

Civil rights claims require more than knowledge of the law. They require resolve, preparation and the willingness to challenge misconduct directly.

Call to Speak to an Attorney About Your Civil Rights

If you live in Ohio and believe that your civil rights have been violated, please call us to speak to an attorney about your legal options.