Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California

It's not a specific statute of limitation so much as it is a claim against a public entity for allegations of police misconduct. As such, it is subject to California's Government Tort Claims Act. This means that you must first file a claim with the government, before you file a lawsuit.

A claim against a public entity for personal injury or death or damage to personal property must be presented to the governmental entity within 6 months of accrual of the cause of action. (Gov�t Code, � 911.2.)

The time limit runs from the date that the claimant�s right to sue occurs. This is the date that the statute of limitations would run if there were no claim filing requirement. (Gov�t Code, � 901.)

The governmental entity has only 45 days within which to accept or reject the claim, unless it is extended by stipulation with the claimant. If the governmental entity fails to act within the 45-day period, the claim is deemed rejected by operation of law. (Gov�t Code, � 912.4.)

If proper notice of rejection is given, suit must be commenced within six (6) months after delivery or mailing of the notice of rejection. (Gov�t Code, � 945.6 subd. (a)(1).)

If improper notice, or no notice of the rejection was given, suit must be commenced within two (2) years from the date the cause of action accrued to file a lawsuit. (Gov�t Code, � 945.6 subd. (a)(2).)