Ohio Revised Code Section 2921.45 bars public servants—which includes federal-government employees—from using their positions to deprive or conspire or try to deprive any person of a constitutional or statutory right. Here is the statute:
Section 2921.45 | Interfering with civil rights.
(A) No public servant, under color of the public servant's office, employment, or authority, shall knowingly deprive, or conspire or attempt to deprive any person of a constitutional or statutory right.
(B) Whoever violates this section is guilty of interfering with civil rights, a misdemeanor of the first degree.
Due process is a federally protected civil right under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. The U.S. Supreme Court has long held that that right applies to immigrants. Zadvydas v. Davis, 533 U.S. 678, 693 (2001). See also Mathews v. Diaz, 426 U.S. 67, 77 (1976) ( “Even one whose presence in this country is unlawful, involuntary, or transitory is entitled to that constitutional protection.” )
So when ICE officers and their leaders kidnap and even render people to foreign prisons indefinitely, without due process, Ohio prosecutors have the authority to criminally charge them if the crime took place in those prosecutors’ jurisdictions.
When government officials weaponize their departments to go after universities, schools, or law firms for exercising their First Amendment rights, Ohio prosecutors have the authority to criminally charge those officials where the interference with civil rights is perpetrated against victims in Ohio.
Under the statute, anyone conspiring with or trying to deprive any person of a constitutional or statutory right is just as liable. That could mean the Attorney General of the United States or the Director of Homeland Security.
Or even the President of the United States.
Will any of Ohio’s prosecutors have the fortitude and principle to protect our constitutional rights from federal government civil-rights violations? Will judges understand that the interference-with-civil-rights criminal statute exists to protect us from tyranical goverment officials who violate our rights?
We’ll see.
(And the president lacks the authority to pardon federal officers who are prosecuted under state law.)
Private citizens can initiate these charges for judicial or prosecutorial review.
If you think you have a case, we can help. Contact us.
“ Being fraudulently and maliciously accused of white-collar crimes by deranged, vindictive individuals who, by false pretenses, intimidated and manipulated a police detective into believing and investigating unsubstantiated allegations is more devastating and unimaginable than I can ever verbally express. During the criminal investigation, I retained The Chandra...” Expand Being fraudulently and maliciously accused of white-collar crimes by deranged, vindictive individuals who, by false pretenses, intimidated and manipulated a police detective into believing and investigating unsubstantiated allegations is more devastating and unimaginable than I can ever verbally express. During the criminal investigation, I retained The Chandra Law Firm LLC because of Subodh Chandra, Esq.'s mastery of the law and proven record of success, and subsequently no charges were filed. In addition to Mr. Chandra being a brilliant attorney, I was impressed by his compassion, creative strategies, dedication, and relentless pursuit of justice. I am grateful for his representation and highly recommend The Chandra Law Firm LLC.” Hide
— YY
“ This law firm communicates extremely well. This law firm is professional. I would recommend this law firm to my family and friends. I appreciate your service. Thank you.”
— Shunnah Tyler
“ The Chandra Law Firm is an exceptional firm to work with! I could not have asked for a more knowledgable team of attorneys! I would highly recommend them! They took the time to not treat me just as another client but to know myself and my family!...” Expand The Chandra Law Firm is an exceptional firm to work with! I could not have asked for a more knowledgable team of attorneys! I would highly recommend them! They took the time to not treat me just as another client but to know myself and my family! I can't speak highly enough about Subodh and the team he has assembled! ” Hide
— Nicole K
“ Subodh and the members of his firm did what all great lawyers should do. They helped me seek and receive justice, and just as importantly never lost sight that aiding a client is more than providing legal advice and counsel. My family and I owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never repay. ”
— Raymond
“ Words cannot express the respect, honesty, and professionalism Mr. Chandra showed me and my family during a difficult time in my law-enforcement career. I called on Subodh when the mayor had retaliated against me for refusing to terminate two officers at my department. As Chief of Police...” Expand Words cannot express the respect, honesty, and professionalism Mr. Chandra showed me and my family during a difficult time in my law-enforcement career. I called on Subodh when the mayor had retaliated against me for refusing to terminate two officers at my department. As Chief of Police I couldn't do it. I told the mayor why I could not do that and the mayor's response was "if you don't fire those officers, I will fire you." After that conversation, one of the many things the mayor did was to change the locks to my office on three separate occasions along with prohibiting me from using a police vehicle. I explained this to Subodh who listened to me and then immediately wanted to talk with me and my wife together. He explained to both of us what can happen and what we needed to be prepared for if this case goes forward. After assuring him we were ready to see this to the end, he guaranteed my wife and me that he would do everything in his power to make sure the jury would have all the facts necessary to make the best decision possible. Subodh kept in constant contact with us throughout all proceeding. We never felt left out, confused, or abandoned. During the trial, Subodh was able to convay to the jury why I became a police officer, how difficult the job is, and how I couldn't let the mayor and village smear the name my father gave me. I could go on and on but I'll end by saying if I would ever need Subodh's services in the future, I will not hesitate to call him. I've already recommended several of my friends in the law-enforcement profession to Subodh and they told me, they saw him when they attended my trial to give me their support. The said they liked the way Subodh approached my case and he will be the first person they will call when they need legal counsel and service. That says a lot in my line of work. Oh yeah, Subodh won our case! ” Hide
— LaMont Lockhart
“ Mr. Chandra came aboard on my case very close to trial. It was a somewhat complex matter that had been in the courts for nearly 4 years. Mr. Chandra and his staff quickly got up to speed. Everyone at his firm was very professional, attentive, and accessible...” Expand Mr. Chandra came aboard on my case very close to trial. It was a somewhat complex matter that had been in the courts for nearly 4 years. Mr. Chandra and his staff quickly got up to speed. Everyone at his firm was very professional, attentive, and accessible for any questions. I was kept up to date on each development in the case and everyone was very understanding to my concerns and the personal toll the lengthy legal battle had on me. Mr. Chandra is knowledgeable, ethical and an extremely hard worker. He and his firm developed an excellent strategy and fought vigorously resulting in a favorable outcome beyond my original expectations.” Hide
— A wrongful-termination client
“ Subodh and his team did such an awesome job with everything! They were always there for me and fought for my justice and what i believed in. They not only were my lawyers but a friend to help me cope with everything. I could not have asked for a better group of people! They are truly great people to work with!”
— Tawnie
“ Very friendly and honest. Thanks for the representing [us] with this injustice system for the Rice family.”
— Samaria Rice, mother of the late Tamir Rice, who was killed by Cleveland police in 2014
“ Rumors had begun to surface that I was facing a possible criminal indictment. With my family at risk and my career and reputation on the line, I went to Attorney Chandra. After explaining my situation in detail, he set right to work—literally. With his extensive knowledge of...” Expand Rumors had begun to surface that I was facing a possible criminal indictment. With my family at risk and my career and reputation on the line, I went to Attorney Chandra. After explaining my situation in detail, he set right to work—literally. With his extensive knowledge of the players in both Ohio's state and federal criminal-justice system, he began contacting those prosecutors who were responsible for the investigation. Without hesitation or fear, and while displaying the utmost professionalism, he soon discovered that these rumors were nothing more than that—just rumors. He continued to make contacts on my behalf, keeping me informed every step of the way. He was dedicated not only to protecting my interests and well-being, but also to keeping me calm. When the results of this investigation were finally announced and I was not a part of it at all, the sense of relief was overwhelming. But I was confident all along that his skills as a litigator and his traits as family man would have seen me safely through, no matter what the outcome would have been. Attorney Chandra cares for his clients, fights for them and goes out of his way to ensure the best possible outcome. ” Hide
— T.J. (law enforcement)
“ I looked long and hard for a good lawyer for my case, having had two previous lawyers who had clearly been living on old reputations as they were lackluster in their representation of my case. I interviewed a number of attorneys and chose the Chandra Law Firm...” Expand I looked long and hard for a good lawyer for my case, having had two previous lawyers who had clearly been living on old reputations as they were lackluster in their representation of my case. I interviewed a number of attorneys and chose the Chandra Law Firm in part because of the time Subodh and his partner... spent to understand my case and in interviewing me before they chose to take the case, asking me thoughtful, insightful questions. Once onboard, we hit some difficult points in the matter and at all times, they maintained excellent communication with me, talking through the options we had. I value their communication skills and responsiveness as much as I came to value their intelligence, compassion, and passion for my case. I could not have been more pleased with their representation of me, especially when compared to the representation I had received from the other Cleveland attorney I had had who is clearly part of the Cleveland establishment but who actually did so little to advance my case. When I read the complaint that Subodh... wrote for the case, which brought the parties to mediation (a feat that neither of the other attorneys had succeeded in doing), it was clear that, finally, I had great attorneys who knew how to represent my case. The complaint was outstanding in terms of its clarity of a difficult case that spanned several years. Mine was a case where good lawyers made all of the difference and The Chandra Law Firm made that difference, delivering a successful outcome where other lawyers had not by intelligent, ethical, and plain hard work on my behalf. You will be in very good hands if they represent you.” Hide
— Jeanne
“ The Chandra Law Firm guided me through the most difficult time in my life with a sexual-harassment and retaliation case in the public sector. Subodh is charismatic, empathetic, and brilliant. He is sensitive and an expert in civil rights. His composure during this experience was essential and...” Expand The Chandra Law Firm guided me through the most difficult time in my life with a sexual-harassment and retaliation case in the public sector. Subodh is charismatic, empathetic, and brilliant. He is sensitive and an expert in civil rights. His composure during this experience was essential and second to none in my year-long case. I would highly recommend him and his law firm for anything employment-related. He will guide you the best way to resolve a matter in accordance with the Law.” Hide
— Rebecca C.
“ Subodh took the time to listen to my story. As much as I showed excessive emotion, he stayed calm and cool while compassionate to the situation. He explained how the law applied to the situation and offered his evaluation in a balanced way while holding my interests...” Expand Subodh took the time to listen to my story. As much as I showed excessive emotion, he stayed calm and cool while compassionate to the situation. He explained how the law applied to the situation and offered his evaluation in a balanced way while holding my interests at the highest priority. Lawyers get a reputation for being underhandedly calculated and inattentive, but Subodh can never be those things. He speaks with passion and with dedication to the client. His established experience allowed him to be strategic with the twists and turns of my case. He helped me receive a fair and beneficial result. He was generous with his time and offered assistance in other aspects of my case and final settlement through his extended professional network. Subodh, provided me with the best and most professional service I could ask for and I'm glad to have him as a close contact. I recommend Subodh to many of my personal networks for his fervent dedication to the Client and the Law. ” Hide
— A Client
“ Many times people have horrible things to say when it comes to attorneys. I must say whatever thought, stereotype, or prejudice you may have for lawyers throw them out of the window. When it comes to being an upstanding and righteous lawyer Subodh Chandra fits the mold.” Expand Many times people have horrible things to say when it comes to attorneys. I must say whatever thought, stereotype, or prejudice you may have for lawyers throw them out of the window. When it comes to being an upstanding and righteous lawyer Subodh Chandra fits the mold. Subodh was not just an attorney for me. He was my counselor, my advocate, my supporter, and my friend. I truly appreciate his guidance and his respect for the law. I hired Subodh to represent me in a long, drawn out, and painful discrimination case against my employer. With his intelligence and knowledge of the law the case was settled and the result was very pleasing. I was able to keep my employment along with some compensation for back pay and emotional damages. If anyone ever asked me for an attorney recommendation, I would without hesitation recommend the Chandra Law Firm.” Hide
— Giavonna
“ I could not be more thankful to Subodh... and [his] team. You guys did an outstanding job of keeping me informed and making sure that I understood the entire process. Throughout my entire Law Enforcement career I have dealt with some good attorneys, but they cannot matchup...” Expand I could not be more thankful to Subodh... and [his] team. You guys did an outstanding job of keeping me informed and making sure that I understood the entire process. Throughout my entire Law Enforcement career I have dealt with some good attorneys, but they cannot matchup to the superb quality and knowledge that you guys have! Thank you so much again for everything you did for me!” Hide
— Nick (law enforcement)
“ Excellent and caring service. I was more than pleased that my case was humanized so that it was addressed properly.”
— Nicole R.
