Protecting Your Civil Rights in South Carolina
At Strom Law Firm, we are proud to be a voice for those whose civil and constitutional rights have been violated. Led by nationally recognized civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers, our team fights tirelessly for victims of police brutality, unlawful arrests, racial discrimination, and in-custody abuse. With deep roots in South Carolina and a passion for justice, we are committed to holding law enforcement agencies and institutions accountable. If your rights have been violated, you deserve experienced advocates who will stand up, speak out, and seek justice on your behalf.
Fighting for justice in cases of police misconduct, discrimination, and constitutional violations across South Carolina
At Strom Law Firm, we are dedicated to fighting for justice in cases of police misconduct, discrimination, and constitutional violations across South Carolina. Whether you or a loved one has experienced excessive force, wrongful arrest, racial profiling, or abuse while in custody, our legal team—led by civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers—is here to stand up for your rights. We understand the deep trauma these violations cause, and we work relentlessly to hold law enforcement agencies, correctional institutions, and government entities accountable. Everyone deserves equal protection under the law—and we’re here to ensure that promise is upheld.
Meet Bakari Sellers – National Civil Rights Advocate and Trial Attorney
Bakari Sellers has spent his career advocating for marginalized voices and confronting injustice head-on. A graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and the youngest Black legislator in the country when elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives, Bakari has become one of the most respected civil rights attorneys in the nation. In addition to his legal work, he is a CNN political commentator, author, and frequent speaker on social justice issues.
At Strom Law Firm, Bakari brings national attention and seasoned legal strategy to civil rights cases — working closely with families, communities, and co-counsel to hold powerful institutions accountable. His leadership is instrumental in high-profile cases involving wrongful deaths in police custody, excessive use of force, and systemic civil rights violations across the state.
Our Approach to Civil Rights Cases
We handle a wide range of civil rights matters, including discrimination, unlawful searches, freedom of speech issues, and constitutional rights violations. Bakari Sellers works tirelessly to secure fair outcomes for individuals who believe their rights have been compromised. With a deep understanding of the law and a commitment to client care, he guides you through every step of the legal process.
Why Choose Our Civil Rights Services?
- Client-Focused Representation: Our approach centers on you. We listen closely to your story, gather all necessary evidence, and work diligently to challenge any injustice.
- Nationwide Reach: Clients from across the country trust us when they search for a “lawyer near me” who can handle civil rights cases with sensitivity and determination.
- Comprehensive Support: From the initial consultation to trial, our legal team ensures that you receive personalized attention and a thorough investigation of your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my civil rights?
The Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution guarantees, among other things: freedom of speech, the right to due process of law, and freedom from discrimination. There are a variety of different ways your Constitutional rights can be violated, including: police shootings, police brutality, unlawful arrest, violation of the right to free speech, racial profiling and other discrimination, and abuse in a jail or prison. If you believe any of your civil rights have been violated, call the experienced civil rights attorneys at Strom Law Firm.
In what ways can my civil rights be violated by the police?
Sometimes, the police violate rights through an improper due process procedure like search and seizure without probable cause. If you are detained by the police, you have the right to be free from excessive use of force. Police brutality through the improper use of physical blows (like tackling, punching, clubbing, kicking, and stomping), firing projectiles (beanbag, rubber bullets), and tasers is an unlawful use of force. And the police are limited on when they can lawfully use lethal force by firing their weapons at a person.
If police used excessive force or violated your rights during an arrest, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Our team, led by civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers, can help you hold law enforcement accountable.
In what ways can my civil rights be violated while in jail or prison?
Your civil rights guarantee that, while incarcerated, you must be confined in conditions that are in accordance with minimum standards defined by federal and state law. This includes the right to be provided with timely and adequate care for your serious medical needs. Corrections officers who are deliberately indifferent to your health and safety while you are in their custody may be violating your civil rights.
What should I do if I think my civil rights were violated in South Carolina?
If you believe your civil rights were violated, contact a civil rights lawyer right away. At Strom Law Firm, we can help you understand your rights and determine if you have a case.
Who is Bakari Sellers and how is he involved in civil rights cases?
Bakari Sellers is a nationally known civil rights attorney and advocate. He leads Strom Law Firm’s civil rights cases, fighting for victims of police misconduct, racial injustice, and in-custody abuse across South Carolina.
How much does it cost to hire a civil rights lawyer?
At Strom Law Firm, we offer free consultations. Most civil rights cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
How long do I have to file a civil rights claim in South Carolina?
The deadline to file a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, can vary depending on the type of claim. In South Carolina, most civil rights cases have a statute of limitations of 3 years, but it can be as short as 2 years in certain cases. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Can I sue if someone died in police custody?
Yes, if a civil rights violation caused your loved one’s death while in custody, you can sue. Our team has experience handling high-profile in-custody wrongful death cases involving civil rights violations across South Carolina.
How do I find a civil rights lawyer near me?
Search online with phrases like “civil rights lawyer Bakari Sellars” and “lawyer near me.” Clients often recommend our firm for our responsive, client-focused service.
How long does a civil rights case take?
The duration varies by case complexity. Some cases may settle quickly, while others require extended litigation. We work to resolve matters efficiently without compromising on the quality of representation.
What rights are protected under civil rights law?
Civil rights laws protect freedoms such as equal treatment, freedom of speech, the right to privacy, and protection against discrimination by government entities and others.
How much does it cost to hire a civil rights lawyer?
Costs depend on the case, fee arrangements, and the time involved. We offer transparent fee structures and discuss potential costs during the consultation.
Can I handle my civil rights claim without a lawyer?
Civil rights claims can be complex. A dedicated lawyer can help navigate the legal system, gather evidence, and present a strong case on your behalf.
What results can I expect from my civil rights case?
While each case is unique, our goal is to achieve fair outcomes that may include compensation, policy changes, or other legal remedies to restore your rights.
The law in the United States provides each citizen with certain rights and privileges that help guarantee their safety, freedom, and an equal opportunity for prosperity. Regrettably, specific organizations or persons within them violate these legal rights every day in our country. This is where attorneys with expertise in civil rights step in to help. The national civil rights attorneys at Strom Law Firm have strong notions of fairness and justice. The attorneys also share a common desire to help make our society better through equality and to make our law enforcement and corrections legal systems safer for all citizens. This is accomplished, in part, by highlighting and seeking punishment for legal misconduct and discrimination when they occur, so that changes can be made to prevent it from happening again. If your civil rights have been violated, a lawyer at Strom Law Firm will handle your case to be sure legal justice is done.
What Does a Civil Rights Attorney Do in Legal Cases?
A civil rights attorney acts as an advocate for individual clients whose civil rights have been violated, whether they are U.S. citizens or immigrants living in the country. A lawyer is familiar with the liberties and protections that are granted to individuals by our Constitution, and they can be involved in both civil and criminal trials arising out of conduct that violates a person’s legal rights.
Some examples of civil rights violations include:
- Police brutality
- Use of excessive force
- Sexual assault
- Hate crimes
- Deliberate indifference to serious medical needs
- Cruel and unusual punishment
- Illegal searches and seizures
- Human trafficking
- Whistleblower cases
When are Civil Rights Violated by Law Enforcement?
In recent years, our lawyers at Strom Law Firm have had great success in litigating excessive force and other police misconduct cases. Our team of lawyers has worked on some very high profile civil rights and litigation cases, which are often highlighted in the media by Bakari Sellers, civil rights lawyer, political figure, CNN commentator, and member of Strom Law Firm. Suppose you have been the victim of excessive force or police misconduct of any kind in South Carolina or anywhere in the nation. In that case, it is critical to have an experienced civil rights team of lawyers on your side with the resources to fully pursue your legal case. For a free initial consultation with a seasoned civil rights lawyer, please contact us today.
Police Shootings
Have you or someone you know been the victim of an unjustified police shooting? The attorneys at Strom Law Firm have great admiration and respect for the law enforcement community. Our founder, Pete Strom, is from a law enforcement family in South Carolina. However, we are aware that certain actors within that esteemed community can be guilty of improperly exceeding their authority and/or covering for the malpractice of someone else in their organization. Frequently, when a police officer shoots someone without legal justification, the police department falsely accuses the victim of having done something to provoke the shooting. This can happen both in the investigation phase and in media reports made by law enforcement agencies. At times, their investigators attempt to sway public opinion and defeat efforts toward reasonable reform. Our seasoned civil rights lawyers, with journalism backgrounds, can help you and your family navigate the early litigation phase of your civil rights case with skill. These cases can be complicated to win. But our police shooting attorneys are willing to put in the extraordinary time and effort required to handle and win your civil rights case.
Excessive Force
Police officers commit misconduct and malpractice when they use excessive force during an arrest. Excessive force is the use of more force than is reasonably necessary to arrest a person suspected of committing a legal crime. Examples of excessive force can include physical force like hitting, kicking, or kneeling on a suspect already in custody and not resisting. It also includes the usage of a weapon against a suspect who is not armed and who the officers have no reason to suspect is armed. This can include the use of a gun, or weapons referred to by law enforcement as “less lethal” like tasers, inhalants, and projectile weapons. The use of excessive force can make any arrest unreasonable. This can violate the victim’s Fourth Amendment rights. Police are only allowed to use as much force as is reasonably necessary to make the arrest. This determination can vary depending on the facts of your legal case. The civil rights attorneys at Strom Law Firm can evaluate your litigation under the law and fight for your civil rights if they have been violated.
Unlawful Arrests
Police officers in SC are supposed to enforce our laws in order to protect the innocent and keep our streets safe. Unfortunately, they can be just as susceptible to making mistakes as any other citizens. If you have been unlawfully arrested or falsely accused, you cannot afford to be without a knowledgeable civil rights attorney. Civil rights cases are difficult to win and unlawful arrest cases are no exception. At Strom Law Firm, our civil rights attorneys have the experience and skill to help you if you have been the victim of a police shooting, excessive force, or false arrest. We have brought numerous cases in South Carolina, as well as around the country, including North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Washington D.C., and many more. While these civil rights cases can be very difficult and take hundreds, even thousands, of attorney hours, we commit for the long haul and have what it takes to fight for justice and fair treatment in your unlawful arrest or police misconduct case.
When are a Prisoner’s Personal Civil Rights Violated?
Death or Serious Injury in Custody
The Supreme Court has said that the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, protects convicted prisoners from being subjected to a serious risk of harm by prison officials who are deliberately indifferent to their safety. The Fourteenth Amendment similarly protects pretrial inmates from being subjected to punishment while they await trial. Frequently, prisoners whose rights were violated in prison or jail lose their lives as a result of accidents, injuries, and disability that occur from mistreatment. And correctional officials often refuse to give families information about a loved one who has died in custody, making it even more challenging to get answers about the abuse, disabilities, or injury.
Even if correctional staff did not directly cause your loved one’s death, they may still be liable for failing to protect your loved one from abuse caused by an accident or injury, themselves, or someone else. The Supreme Court has recognized that in detention and correctional facilities, officials have a duty to protect prisoners from violence and injuries at the hands of other prisoners. If a correctional officer, nurse, or doctor knew that your loved one was at risk of being harmed by another and failed to act, he or she could be liable for the personal injuries or abuse that occurred.
Our success is primarily based on our tireless efforts to pursue justice for our clients and provide them with the best outcome possible for their civil rights cases. Our lawyers are intimately familiar with the ways that prisons and jails react to deaths in custody, including efforts by some to conceal their wrongdoing. We use this knowledge, along with our many years of experience in litigating prisoners’ rights, to help defeat the challenges that prisoners’ families face in trying to uncover the truth and obtain justice.
Denial of Medical Care
The Supreme Court has also recognized that the Constitution requires prison officials to provide adequate medical care and treatment for injuries to prisoners in their custody. Deliberate indifference to serious medical needs is an actionable constitutional violation. As our prisons and jails have become seriously overpopulated, prisoners are increasingly denied the medical and mental health treatment they need for their injury, disability, or medical condition. Moreover, many jails and prisons have outsourced their medical and mental health care responsibilities to private corporations. These businesses are motivated to provide as little care as possible under their contracts in order to make more profit, which can often result in malpractice, contamination, or defective treatment.
At Strom Law Firm, we can bring cases alleging delay or denial of medical care under the Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution. We take on cases involving death and serious injury due to inadequate medical care. Our attorneys believe that prison and jail staff, including the privatized healthcare staff to whom they delegate this duty through contracts, should take their constitutional obligation to provide medical care seriously. We work hard to ensure fair treatment and justice in situations where these obligations are ignored. Some of these contractors have had thousands of legal cases filed against them. Have you or a loved one been injured by deliberate indifference to serious medical needs by Correct Care Solutions (CCS), also known as Wellpath? Contact the team of experienced civil rights attorneys at Strom Law Firm today to discuss your legal case.
Excessive Force in Jails and Prisons
All prisoners, whether serving a sentence of incarceration or those held in jail pending trial, have a right to be free from excessive force by prison and jail staff. Unfortunately, many prisoners fall victim to violence perpetrated by correctional personnel. Recently, the Supreme Court found that when force is used against pretrial detainees held in jail pending trial, juries should consider only whether the force used was objectively appropriate, regardless of the intentions of the correctional staff. Our civil rights firm has represented prisoners (or their families) who were victims of excessive force in prison or jail, including both individual clients and classes of prisoners subject to a pattern of abuse. These cases, like all prisoners’ rights cases, are difficult to win. But we have extensive experience helping each client and skills in litigating excessive force cases, and we work hard to obtain justice for all of our clients.
Failure to Protect Legal Civil Rights
The Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments require prison staff to refrain from abusing the men and women in their care. But these amendments also require prison staff to protect these men and women from personal injury attacks by other prisoners or even from themselves. That is because when prison officials take someone into their custody, they take away their ability to protect themselves or seek outside aid. This means that if prison or jail staff know that you or your loved one faces a serious risk of substantial harm and fail to take action to protect against that harm, they may be liable for the personal harm suffered. The most common example of failure to protect occurs when prisoners are attacked by other prisoners or when personal injury accidents occur. We have successfully brought countless claims for incidents like these. We recently settled a case on behalf of numerous clients killed or injured in the highly-publicized riots at Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville, South Carolina in 2018 where various safety measures were breached. With such extensive experience, our lawyers can successfully handle your litigation and personal injury settlement.
Why Choose Strom Law Firm to Handle Your Civil Rights Case
At Strom Law Firm, we don’t just represent clients — we fight for justice. Our civil rights team, led by nationally recognized attorney Bakari Sellers, is dedicated to protecting individuals who have been wronged by government agencies, law enforcement, and institutions of power. With a legacy of integrity, relentless advocacy, and proven results across South Carolina, we bring both legal strength and compassionate counsel to every case. Whether you’re facing police brutality, wrongful arrest, or in-custody abuse, we’ll stand by your side and help you seek real accountability.
Call us today at 803-252-4800 for a free consultation. We’re here to listen, believe you, and take action.