Police officers—whether local, state, or federal—may not secure criminal convictions through unconstitutional or unlawful means. The Constitution protects individuals—citizens and non-citizens alike—from being wrongfully convicted as a result of fabricated evidence, suppressed exculpatory material, or other violations of fundamental due process. Illinois law likewise recognizes the right to seek redress when a conviction is obtained through misconduct.

A wrongful conviction occurs when a person is convicted of a crime they did not commit due to constitutional violations, including the fabrication of evidence, coercion of witnesses or confessions, suppression of exculpatory evidence, or other investigative or prosecutorial misconduct. When law enforcement officers cause or contribute to a wrongful conviction by violating constitutional requirements, those actions undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system and violate an individual’s rights.

When a wrongful conviction occurs, the officers involved may be held personally liable, and the government entity that employs them may also be responsible under federal or state law. Sadelski Law represents individuals who were wrongfully convicted by pursuing claims against the involved officers and responsible government entities in federal or state court to hold them accountable and seek full compensation for violations of constitutional rights.