Oppenheimer Firm

Chicago’s Nationally Recognized Civil Rights And Criminal Defense Firm

Civil Rights

Why protecting civil rights matters more than ever

Imagine walking through your Chicago neighborhood and noticing increased stops, new workplace rules that seem unfair or barriers to voting. These changes affect everyone's freedoms. How you respond today can shape the future of your community. Knowing your rights is...

Legal guidelines for handling police misconduct at public events

Public events are a cornerstone of our society, bringing people together for various reasons. However, these gatherings, whether they are political or for entertainment, can sometimes lead to tense situations between law enforcement and attendees. Understanding the...

The legal considerations of organizing a protest

In a democracy, the right to protest is fundamental. However, organizing a protest involves more than just gathering a crowd. To ensure your voice is heard without legal complications, careful planning is essential. This guide will help you navigate the legal...

The right way to handle a traffic stop in any state

Getting pulled over isn't just inconvenient; it can become a high-stress situation, especially if you’ve dealt with law enforcement profiling in the past. You feel your pulse quicken the moment those lights flash behind you, and even if you've done nothing wrong, you...

How does the use of body cameras impact police accountability?

Body cameras have grown in use as a tool to help enhance police accountability and transparency. Law enforcement agencies throughout the country are adopting this technology. With increased use, we now have more evidence on how body camera footage can impact civil...

How to determine if you were a victim of false arrest

Being arrested can be a traumatic experience, especially if it happens without cause. If law enforcement detained you without a valid reason, you might wonder if you were a victim of false arrest. False arrest occurs when authorities detain or take someone into...

The anatomy of an illegal police shooting

Deadly force by law enforcement is one of the most serious actions an officer can take. While they often face dangerous situations requiring split-second decisions, their authority is not unlimited. When an officer crosses that line and uses force without...

What to do if you’ve been injured by police at a protest

Protests allow people to express their views, but they can also lead to injury. If you suffer an injury from police actions during a protest, take immediate steps to protect your rights and preserve evidence. Acting quickly strengthens your case if you decide to...

Responding to police officer misconduct at peaceful protests

The First Amendment establishes the right to protest the decisions and actions of the government. People living in the United States have the right to gather peacefully. They also have the right to freedom of speech, which includes the freedom to criticize government...

What to do if you suspect police illegally searched your property

The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. Law enforcement must obtain a warrant or meet a valid exception, such as consent or probable cause, before searching property. If officers conduct a search without...

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Michael D. Oppenheimer And Jon Robert Neuleib