Notice of Violations of Rights Under Color of Law

To

[Name of official or agency]

[Title or position]

[Address]

From:

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Phone / Email]

Date: [Insert Date]

Subject: Formal Notice – Violation of Constitutional Rights Under Color of Law

Citations: 18 U.S.C. §242 | 18 U.S.C. §245 | 42 U.S.C. §1983

Dear [Name or Title],

This letter serves as a formal notice that actions taken by you and/or your office appear to constitute violations of my constitutional rights, as protected under the United States Constitution and federal law.

Specifically, I believe these actions occurred under color of law, meaning they were carried out while acting in an official capacity, and resulted in the deprivation of rights guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment (Due Process and Equal Protection) and related provisions.

Summary of Violations (briefly describe):

[Example: Denial of parenting time without due process or finding of unfitness.]

[Example: Suppression or misrepresentation of evidence during judicial proceedings.]

[Example: Collusion among court-appointed professionals resulting in the deprivation of parental rights.]

Applicable Law:

18 U.S.C. §242 makes it a federal crime for any person acting under color of law to willfully deprive another of rights protected by the Constitution or U.S. law.

18 U.S.C. §245 prohibits interference with any person’s enjoyment of federally protected rights or activities.

42 U.S.C. §1983 provides a civil cause of action against any person who, acting under color of state law, deprives another of rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution.

These laws exist to protect citizens from abuse of power, coercion, or retaliation carried out under governmental authority.

I am respectfully requesting that this matter be investigated promptly and that appropriate corrective action be taken to restore and protect my constitutional rights. Please confirm receipt of this notice and advise what steps your office intends to take to address this issue.

Failure to respond or take corrective action may result in escalation to the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and, if necessary, a federal §1983 civil rights action seeking injunctive and declaratory relief.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Signature, if printed]

⚖️ 1️⃣ The First Letter: “Notice of Violation Under Color of Law”

This is the letter you send directly to the person or agency who violated your rights.

🎯 Purpose:

To put them on notice that you’re aware their conduct violated federal law.

To create a paper trail proving they were informed and given a chance to correct it.

To preserve your right to sue or escalate (because you showed good faith by seeking resolution first).

🧾 Examples of Who Gets This:

A GAL who overstepped authority, blocked communication, or acted as a therapist.

A judge who made an order without notice or due process.

A state agency employee or attorney who misused their position to deny your rights.

🧠 What Can Happen After They Receive It:

1. They may do nothing, most likely, especially if they’re used to impunity.

2. They may panic and self-correct, sometimes, knowing federal law was cited causes sudden compliance (emails get answered, therapy resumes, contact is “re-evaluated”).

3. They may retaliate or deny, which actually strengthens your claim because it proves pattern and willfulness.

Even if they ignore it, the key is:

✅ You’ve now created evidence of notice.

✅ If they continue the same behavior, it becomes willful misconduct, not “error.”

✅ This strengthens your federal claim (18 U.S.C. §242 or 42 U.S.C. §1983).

⚖️ Federal Complaint Letter for Reporting Civil Rights Violations Under Color of Law

This is the one you’d send to the U.S. Department of Justice or FBI after your initial notice to the violator has been ignored or the conduct continued.

It’s structured to meet DOJ and FBI intake standards, professional, factual, and direct, while preserving the emotional gravity behind what parents are enduring.

FEDERAL COMPLAINT LETTER

Re: Ongoing Civil Rights Violations Under Color of Law, Request for Federal Review and Oversight

To:

U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20530

📧 Submit Online: https://civilrights.justice.gov

and/or

FBI Civil Rights Unit – [Your State] Field Office

(For South Carolina)

151 Westpark Blvd.

Columbia, SC 29210

📞 (803) 551-4200

From:

[Your Full Name]

[Your Mailing Address]

[City, State ZIP]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

Date: [Insert Date]

Subject:

Formal Complaint, Violation of Constitutional Rights Under Color of Law (42 U.S.C. §1983 / 18 U.S.C. §242)

To Whom It May Concern:

I am submitting this complaint to formally report ongoing and willful violations of my constitutional rights under color of law by officials and court-appointed professionals operating within the [Name of County] Family Court system in the State of [Your State].

The conduct described below has resulted in the deprivation of my parental rights and denial of due process, in direct violation of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and federal civil rights statutes, including 42 U.S.C. §1983 and 18 U.S.C. §242.

1️⃣ Parties Involved

(List every person or entity involved with their role)

[Judge’s full name] – Family Court Judge, [County], [State]

[GAL’s full name] – Guardian ad Litem appointed in case no. [####]

[Therapist or counselor’s name] – Court-appointed therapist acting under direction of the GAL

[Attorney or agency name] – Counsel of record or state entity involved

2️⃣ Summary of Violations

Briefly summarize your situation in 1–3 paragraphs. Be specific, but focus on facts, not emotion.

Example:

On [date], the court issued an order restricting my contact with my child without notice or opportunity to be heard. I was not informed of the hearing, nor given access to evidence used against me.

The Guardian ad Litem, acting under color of law, submitted undisclosed materials and communications to the court and to the child’s therapist. These actions resulted in the unlawful suspension of my parental rights and the complete denial of contact with my child for over [X] months, without any finding of unfitness or danger.

I previously issued a formal Notice of Violation Under Color of Law to the involved parties on [date], giving them the opportunity to correct their actions. They have failed to respond or take corrective action.

3️⃣ Evidence and Documentation Attached

Attach or reference key documents. Do not overwhelm — just the essentials:

✅ Copy of your original Notice of Violation Under Color of Law (dated and signed).

✅ Court orders showing the rights deprivation (with key sections highlighted).

✅ Relevant communications (emails, GAL reports, therapist notes).

✅ Proof of submission to local/state oversight bodies (if applicable).

4️⃣ Requested Federal Review

I respectfully request that your office review this matter for potential civil rights violations committed under color of law by state actors, including judicial officers, attorneys, and court-appointed professionals.

I further request that:

This case be entered into the DOJ Civil Rights and FBI databases for pattern tracking and systemic review.

Federal oversight or investigation be considered where appropriate.

Notice be sent confirming receipt of this complaint.

5️⃣ Additional Information

If other citizens or families have submitted similar complaints naming these individuals or agencies, I consent to my submission being used to support broader investigative or oversight efforts.

I certify that the information contained in this letter and the attached documents is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Legal Name]

[Signature, if printed copy]

Enclosures:

1. Notice of Violation Under Color of Law (dated [date])

2. Relevant court order(s)

3. Communications and supporting evidence

4. List of witnesses or additional parents affected (if applicable)

⚠️ Disclaimer

This sample letter is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Citizens are encouraged to seek legal counsel or contact the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division for guidance on filing formal complaints.

✅ Next Steps After Submission

Once sent or filed online:

You’ll receive an email or physical confirmation of receipt.

Your case will be reviewed for federal interest or forwarded to the appropriate field office.

If others name the same officials or agencies, patterns are flagged for systemic investigation.

Keep your submission copy and confirmation, it’s valuable evidence for future filings or oversight hearings.

⚖️ 2️⃣ The Second Letter: “Complaint to Federal Authorities”

This is what you send when the first notice is ignored or the violation continues.

🎯 Purpose:

To report the misconduct to the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI, or Inspector General.

To trigger review, oversight, or investigation.

To document the systemic pattern of rights violations, which is what builds federal cases.

🧾 Who Gets This:

U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division (for constitutional violations).

FBI Civil Rights Unit (for willful abuse of power or collusion).

State Inspector General or Bar Oversight Office (for professional misconduct).

📬 What Happens Next:

The agency reviews your report and adds it to their investigative database.

If other parents or professionals have filed similar complaints naming the same individuals or counties, it increases the likelihood of a formal investigation.

In some cases, they will contact you for supporting evidence or to provide a sworn statement.

It can later support federal civil actions, legislative reform, or judicial discipline.

⚖️ 3️⃣ What If the Violator Ignores the First Letter?

This is actually expected, and it’s where your power grows.

You then take three follow-up steps:

🟩 Step 1: Send a Follow-Up Notice (Final Warning)

> “This is a final notice regarding your continued deprivation of rights under color of law, previously detailed in correspondence dated [date]. Your failure to respond or correct your actions will be documented and forwarded to the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the FBI Civil Rights Unit.”

This makes it clear they can no longer claim ignorance or mistake.

🟩 Step 2: File the Federal Complaint

Attach copies of both letters and any evidence of the violations (orders, emails, GAL reports, therapy notes).

Send to:

> U.S. Department of Justice - Civil Rights Division

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20530

📧 civilrights.justice.gov

And to:

FBI Civil Rights Unit – Columbia Field Office

151 Westpark Blvd.

Columbia, SC 29210

🟩 Step 3: Use It in Future Court Filings

If you ever return to court (state or federal), you can include:

“Respondent was previously notified on [date] of constitutional violations under color of law and took no corrective action. Such inaction constitutes willful misconduct and denial of due process.”

This shows the judge, or a future investigator, that the misconduct wasn’t accidental.

⚖️ 4️⃣ Bottom Line

👉 The Notice to the Violator is about accountability and recordkeeping.

👉 The Complaint to Federal Authorities is about investigation and enforcement.

Even if the first is ignored, it becomes evidence, and that’s the step most parents miss.

You’re not just sending letters. You’re building a case for oversight.

Here’s a step-by-step, plain-English guide for parents explaining:

✅ What “color of law” means,

✅ The types of conduct to include in their notice,

✅ How to fill it out properly,

✅ Where to send it,

✅ What to expect next, realistically.

⚖️ How to File a Color of Law Violation Notice (For Parents in Family Court)

🟩 1️⃣ What “Color of Law” Means

“Under color of law” means someone used their authority or position (as a judge, attorney, GAL, therapist, or other professional working within the court system) to violate your constitutional rights.

In family court cases, this often happens when officials:

Act outside their lawful role,

Ignore due process,

Collude with others to deprive a parent of rights, or

Knowingly apply the law unequally.

Even if they claim “judicial immunity,” they are not immune from investigation when their actions clearly violate federal rights.

🟩 2️⃣ Examples of Color of Law Violations in Family Court

Here are common examples that parents can list in their “Citizen’s Statement” section of the notice:

⚖️ Due Process Violations

You were not notified of a hearing where parenting rights were restricted or suspended.

The GAL or opposing counsel submitted evidence you were never shown.

The judge allowed testimony or reports you were unable to challenge or cross-examine.

⚖️ Equal Protection Violations

One parent was allowed to ignore court orders without consequence, while the other was punished for compliance.

Evidence favorable to one parent was disregarded, while false claims by the other were accepted.

⚖️ Abuse of Power / Retaliation

You were punished or restricted for posting online, seeking accountability, or exercising free speech.

The GAL or therapist acted as both investigator and treatment provider, influencing outcomes without authority.

The judge or GAL threatened loss of contact if you didn’t “agree” to therapy or fees.

⚖️ Collusion and Fraud

Multiple court-appointed professionals share financial or professional relationships (referring cases to each other, protecting reputations).

The GAL or attorney coordinated off-record communications or private meetings to influence court decisions.

False affidavits or testimony were knowingly submitted to the court and not corrected once proven false.

🟩 3️⃣ How to Fill Out the Notice

Section 1: “Name and Address of Citizen”

Your full name, mailing address, phone, and email.

Section 2: “Name and Address of Notice Recipient”

The person or office responsible, this could be a:

Judge (send to their administrative office, not their personal chambers)

Guardian ad Litem

Licensed therapist or counselor

State or county agency

Family Court Administrator

Section 3: “Citizen’s Statement”

Briefly describe what happened and when. Be specific, but concise.

Example:

“On April 10, 2025, my parental rights were restricted without notice or opportunity to be heard. The GAL, acting under color of law, submitted false information that was not disclosed to me prior to the hearing. As a result, I have been denied all contact with my child for over six months without a finding of unfitness.”

Signature & Date

Sign and date the form.

🟩 4️⃣ Where to Send It

You can send copies (with a short cover letter) to these agencies for investigation or documentation:

1. U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division

U.S. Department of Justice

Civil Rights Division

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20530

📧 You can also file online: civilrights.justice.gov

2. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) , Civil Rights Unit

Each state has an FBI field office.

In South Carolina:

FBI Columbia Field Office

151 Westpark Blvd.

Columbia, SC 29210

(803) 551-4200

3. State Office of Inspector General (OIG), if it involves a state-employed judge, GAL, or agency.

4. State Bar / Professional Licensing Board, for attorneys, therapists, or GALs acting outside scope.

🟩 5️⃣ What to Expect Next

Here’s the reality, and it’s important:

You may not get a direct response right away.

Federal agencies often review these for patterns, they open investigations when multiple reports point to systemic misconduct.

If others submit similar complaints naming the same individuals or counties, it raises priority. (So community action matters!)

You can use your submission as evidence later in civil suits or legislative advocacy, it creates a paper trail that officials cannot deny knowledge of.

If the violation is severe (false reports, retaliation, civil rights deprivation) the DOJ or FBI may contact you for more information or refer it to the appropriate enforcement branch.

🟩 6️⃣ Example Cover Letter

> Subject: Formal Notice of Civil Rights Violations Under Color of Law

Dear Civil Rights Division,

I am submitting the attached notice regarding ongoing violations of my constitutional rights under color of law in the (Your County) Family Court system.

These actions have resulted in the deprivation of my parental rights, suppression of due process, and abuse of power by court-appointed professionals.

I respectfully request that your office review this information and consider investigation or oversight.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[City, State]

[Phone / Email]

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this guide is for educational and awareness purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.

Parents are encouraged to seek legal counsel or contact the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division for guidance on filing formal complaints under federal law.

The goal of this resource is to empower citizens to understand and document civil rights violations within family court systems and to promote accountability through lawful and ethical channels.