Unlawful Arrest in California

How this works in California

California courts apply both the U.S. Constitution and the California Constitution to unlawful arrest claims. When state protections are broader than federal ones, California judges follow the state rule. When they are equal or narrower, federal precedent controls under the Supremacy Clause.

Federal framework

Federal cases governing unlawful arrest include controlling U.S. Supreme Court decisions and binding precedent from the federal circuit covering California. Civil remedies most often proceed under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, with defenses including qualified immunity.

Practical next steps

1. Write down every fact — dates, names, badge numbers, witnesses.
2. Preserve evidence: photos, video, medical records, receipts.
3. Note deadlines. Many civil rights claims have a 1–3 year statute of limitations.
4. Talk to a California lawyer — the state bar referral service is free.