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The Sanders Firm, P.C. Protects Against Private Actors

When we engage a case in the New York City area at The Sanders Firm, P.C. that involves action under color of law it usually pertains to law enforcement or other government officials. The nature of a violation of a statute by an action under color of law is defined by the fact that a person is abusing their authority as someone who in some way is an official representative of the local, state, or federal government. However, there are times when “private actors,” that is individuals who are not a part of law enforcement or the government, can be involved in and charged with action under color of law.

What Color of Law Pertains To

Actions under color of law pertain to five basic areas. When someone under color of the law violates your rights in any of these areas, they have transgressed against you.

The five areas covered under color of law are:

  • Excessive Force
  • Sexual Assaults
  • False Arrest and Fabrications of Evidence
  • Deprivation of Property
  • Failure to Keep from Harm

Private Actors

At The Sanders Firm, P.C. we also work on civil rights cases which involve private actors who commit actions under color of law. These situations involving abuse of power are often more complex than the more common complaints that are defined as being actions under color of law.

Private actors, those who are private citizens and are not involved in law enforcement or do not hold a position in the government, may also be in violation of state and federal law. There are a variety of ways in which a person may be considered to be a private actor acting under color of law.

For example, a private actor may be the head of a company who decides to terminate someone’s employment after being pressured to do so by a government official. A private actor may also be someone who claims to be a law enforcement official but is not one and acts to deprive one of their property. Other examples of private actors include private security officers employed by a government contractor who overstep their authority and state university officials suspending students without due process.

The private actor area under color of law is exceedingly diverse and demands intensive investigation and analysis. As it is with so many areas of the law, the private actor aspect is often being redefined by various courts and through different cases.

We Protect You

In the New York City area, The Sanders Firm, P.C. is experienced in all aspects of civil rights law that is part of action under color of law, including that involving private actors. If you think you have been the victim of a private actor under color of law, contact us. The Sanders Firm, P.C., your voice for justice in New York, is ready to serve and represent you. We will work with you to determine if you have been a victim in this area of civil rights law.