Colorado Excessive Force Attorneys
Holding police accountable when force crosses the constitutional line.
Excessive force is a constitutional violation — not just part of the job.
Police are allowed to use reasonable force to make an arrest or protect themselves and others. They are not allowed to use more force than the situation requires. When an officer crosses that line — striking a person who is already restrained, deploying a Taser or K-9 on someone who poses no threat, kneeling on someone's neck, or shooting a person who is not an immediate danger — it can violate the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Courts judge excessive force under the standard the Supreme Court set in Graham v. Connor: whether the force was 'objectively reasonable' in light of the facts the officer faced, judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene. That analysis weighs the severity of the crime, whether the person posed an immediate threat, and whether they were actively resisting or trying to flee. For deadly force, Tennessee v. Garner requires that the officer have probable cause to believe the person poses a significant threat of death or serious harm.
These cases are usually brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the federal civil rights statute that lets people sue government officials who violate their constitutional rights. In Colorado, victims may also have a claim under C.R.S. § 13-21-131 — the state civil rights law passed in 2020 — which allows claims against peace officers for violating rights under the Colorado Constitution and does not allow qualified immunity as a defense in state court.
Excessive force cases are won or lost on evidence: body-worn camera and dashcam footage, medical records, use-of-force reports, training and policy records, and witness accounts. That evidence is overwritten or lost quickly, which is why it matters to talk to a lawyer who knows how to preserve it as soon as possible.
Excessive force cases we handle
- Unjustified shootings and deadly force
- Strikes, takedowns, or chokeholds after a person is restrained
- Improper Taser, pepper spray, or 'less-lethal' munitions use
- K-9 deployments on non-threatening or surrendering people
- Force used against people who were handcuffed or complying
- Force against people experiencing a mental health crisis
The right firm for a civil rights case in Colorado.
Trial-First Practice
We prepare every case as if it will be tried. That preparation is what makes opposing counsel — and insurers — take our clients seriously.
Federal Civil Rights Focus
Section 1983 cases live or die in federal court. We know the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, its judges, and the qualified-immunity landscape.
Contingency Fee
You pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we recover money for you, and initial consultations are free and explained in writing.
How We Handle Your Case, Step by Step
- 01
Consultation
A free, confidential conversation to understand what happened and what you hope to accomplish.
- 02
Investigation
We preserve footage, gather records, interview witnesses, and consult experts to build the factual record.
- 03
Demand & Negotiation
We present the case to opposing counsel and pursue resolution where the facts support one.
- 04
Litigation
If a fair settlement is not on the table, we file in federal court and prepare the case for trial.
Excessive Force questions answered.
Jason Kosloski
Every excessive force case is handled directly by an attorney — not a case manager or intake service.
Meet Jason →“Joe and his team listened to us when no one else would. They explained every step in plain English and treated us with respect from day one.”
Where we handle excessive force cases
Kosloski Law represents clients in every corner of Colorado — and some of the most important civil rights cases come from its smallest counties. Federal civil rights cases from anywhere in the state are litigated in the U.S. District Court in Denver, so wherever you are, you get the same firm and the same fight.