Civil Rights Attorney in New York City
At The Law Office of Dan Ackman, civil rights litigation is not just one of many practice areas — it is a core focus of the firm. As a solo civil rights attorney based in New York City, Dan Ackman represents individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by government agencies, regulatory bodies, and administrative tribunals.
If you are facing a license suspension, revocation, vehicle seizure, or other government action that threatens your livelihood or reputation, you may have legal rights under the United States Constitution and New York law. Dan Ackman has successfully challenged unconstitutional policies at the highest levels of the federal courts, including the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
When government agencies overreach, individuals deserve strong legal advocacy. The Law Office of Dan Ackman provides strategic, experienced representation in civil rights cases involving due process violations, unlawful suspensions, unconstitutional seizures, and other abuses of power in New York City.
What Is a Civil Rights Violation?
A civil rights violation occurs when a government entity — such as a city agency, licensing authority, or administrative court — deprives someone of rights guaranteed by the Constitution. These rights include:
- Due Process of Law (Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments)
- Protection Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures (Fourth Amendment)
- Equal Protection Under the Law
- First Amendment Rights
- Access to Fair and Public Proceedings
In New York City, civil rights issues frequently arise in administrative proceedings before agencies such as the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) and the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH). When agencies suspend licenses based solely on arrests, seize property without a warrant, or conduct unfair hearings, constitutional protections may be violated.
Dan Ackman focuses on identifying these constitutional defects and pursuing relief in federal and state court.
Civil Rights Litigation Against the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)
Much of Dan Ackman’s civil rights work has involved challenging unlawful practices by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). For thousands of drivers, TLC licenses are essential to earning a living. When the agency imposes suspensions or revocations without proper procedures, the consequences can be devastating.
Landmark Second Circuit Victory: Unconstitutional Arrest-Based Suspensions
Dan successfully argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit that the TLC’s policy of suspending drivers based solely on an arrest — and then continuing those suspensions after a hearing — violated the Constitution.
The court ruled that this practice denied drivers due process of law. This decision had far-reaching implications for thousands of taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers in New York City.
Class Certification for 20,000 Suspended Drivers
In related litigation, a federal court certified a class of approximately 20,000 drivers whose licenses were suspended solely due to an arrest. Class certification is a critical step in civil rights litigation because it allows widespread unconstitutional practices to be addressed collectively rather than forcing individuals to fight alone.
Operation Refusal: Multi-Million Dollar Settlement for Taxi Drivers
The TLC’s “Operation Refusal” program subjected taxi drivers to enforcement actions that deprived them of due process protections. Dan Ackman challenged the constitutionality of this program in federal court.
A federal district court ruled that Operation Refusal denied taxi drivers due process of law. This ruling ultimately led to a multi-million dollar damages settlement for the affected class of drivers.
This case stands as a powerful example of how strategic civil rights litigation can result not only in policy changes but also meaningful compensation for those harmed.
Unconstitutional Summary Suspensions by OATH
The New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) plays a central role in administrative adjudications. However, constitutional protections still apply in administrative proceedings.
Dan Ackman obtained a federal district court judgment holding that OATH’s summary suspension of a non-lawyer advocate for taxi drivers was unconstitutional because it denied the advocate due process of law.
Administrative agencies cannot sidestep constitutional requirements simply because proceedings occur outside traditional courtrooms. Due process requires notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard.
Fourth Amendment Violations: Unlawful Vehicle Seizures
The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. Government agencies generally must obtain a warrant or provide adequate procedural safeguards before seizing property.
Dan Ackman secured two federal district court decisions holding that the TLC’s program of seizing vehicles without a warrant or prior hearing violated the Fourth Amendment and denied vehicle owners due process of law.
For vehicle owners — including drivers who rely on their cars to work — unlawful seizure can cause immediate financial harm. These cases reinforced that constitutional protections apply even in regulatory enforcement contexts.
Revocation-on-Conviction Policies Found Unconstitutional
In another major victory, a federal district court held that portions of the TLC’s revocation-on-conviction policy were unconstitutional. This policy resulted in automatic or near-automatic revocations of licenses following certain criminal convictions.
The court determined that aspects of the policy failed to provide adequate due process protections. The case ultimately led to a multi-million dollar settlement for the affected class of drivers.
This litigation underscored a fundamental principle: even when individuals have criminal convictions, the government must still follow constitutional procedures before depriving them of occupational licenses.
Protecting Industry Representatives and Advocates
Civil rights protections extend beyond drivers themselves. In one case, Dan Ackman obtained a federal district court decision holding that the suspension of an industry representative licensed to appear in NYC OATH courts violated due process.
Advocates and representatives who assist drivers play an essential role in ensuring fair administrative proceedings. When government agencies attempt to silence or sideline these representatives without proper process, constitutional rights are implicated.
Opening TLC Courts to the Public
Transparency is a cornerstone of justice. Dan also secured a state court decision opening TLC courts to the public. Public access promotes accountability and ensures that administrative proceedings meet constitutional standards.
Government adjudications that affect livelihoods must operate with openness and fairness. This ruling strengthened procedural protections for drivers and the broader public.
Why Due Process Matters
Many civil rights cases involve violations of procedural due process — the requirement that the government provide fair procedures before depriving someone of life, liberty, or property.
For licensed professionals in New York City, a license is often their primary means of earning income. When agencies suspend or revoke licenses without:
- Adequate notice
- A fair and impartial hearing
- The opportunity to present evidence
- A meaningful chance to challenge allegations
they may be violating the Constitution.
Dan Ackman’s litigation has repeatedly reinforced that regulatory enforcement must comply with constitutional safeguards.
Federal Civil Rights Claims Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983
Many civil rights cases are brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, a federal statute that allows individuals to sue government actors for constitutional violations. These cases may seek:
- Injunctive relief (to stop unconstitutional policies)
- Declaratory judgments (declaring policies unlawful)
- Monetary damages
- Class-wide relief for similarly situated individuals
As an experienced federal litigator, Dan Ackman has successfully pursued § 1983 claims in both federal district court and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
Who The Law Office of Dan Ackman Represents
The firm represents individuals and classes of individuals facing:
- TLC license suspensions
- Arrest-based license actions
- License revocations
- Vehicle seizures
- OATH summary suspensions
- Unconstitutional administrative procedures
- Due process violations in NYC agencies
- Fourth Amendment violations
- Unlawful regulatory enforcement
If a government agency action has threatened your ability to work or deprived you of property without fair procedures, you may have grounds for a civil rights claim.
A Strategic and Experienced Civil Rights Advocate
Civil rights litigation against government entities requires deep knowledge of constitutional law, federal procedure, and appellate practice. As a solo attorney, Dan Ackman provides focused, dedicated representation without the bureaucracy of larger firms.
His record of success includes:
- Victories in federal district court
- Precedent-setting decisions in the Second Circuit
- Class action certifications
- Multi-million dollar settlements
- Structural reforms to unconstitutional policies
These outcomes reflect a commitment to holding government agencies accountable under the Constitution.
Contact a New York City Civil Rights Attorney
If you believe a New York City agency — including the Taxi and Limousine Commission or OATH — has violated your constitutional rights, it is critical to seek legal advice promptly. Deadlines may apply to civil rights claims.
The Law Office of Dan Ackman is dedicated to protecting due process, defending constitutional rights, and challenging unlawful government practices in New York City. Contact Dan to learn more today.