Civil Rights Attorney Overview
Lawyer Representation in Cases Involving Discrimination or Due Process Violations
The Constitution guarantees certain rights to people in the United States, and these rights have been expanded through multiple state and federal laws and court rulings over the course of the nation's history. Civil rights, which ensure that everyone is treated equally and that individual people are protected from unfair actions by the government, are one of the foundations of our country, and when these rights are threatened, it may be necessary to fight for these rights in the country's legal system.
If your civil rights have been violated, it is essential to work with an experienced attorney who understands state and federal laws and the procedures that must be followed. A skilled lawyer can work to help you obtain justice and ensure that you receive the protections you deserve.
Equal Protection
The 14th Amendment of the Constitution guarantees that everyone has equal protection of the laws. This means that federal or state laws should not be applied differently because of a person's race, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other factors. People facing discrimination related to employment or any other area of their lives may be able to pursue a lawsuit based on the violation of their civil rights.
Due Process
Another important right provided by the Constitution is the right to due process in criminal law matters. A person cannot be deprived of their life, liberty, or property without the due process of law. This means that law enforcement officers must follow the correct procedures when investigating and prosecuting a criminal case. Some common violations of the right to due process include:
- Excessive force - Police officers should not use unreasonable force when making an arrest. Victims of police brutality may be able to pursue compensation for the injuries they have suffered.
- Unreasonable search and seizure - The Fourth Amendment ensures that a person's private property cannot be searched by police officers without a search warrant or probable cause to believe a crime has occurred.
- False arrest/false imprisonment - Law enforcement officers must have probable cause to arrest a person for a crime. A person's civil rights may be violated if they are arrested without probable cause, or if they are convicted based on planted evidence, falsified witness statements, or other illegal actions taken by police officers or prosecutors.
- Malicious prosecution - Civil rights violations can occur if criminal charges or civil lawsuits are maliciously used to harass, intimidate, or defame a person.
- Denying access to an attorney - Everyone has the right to be represented by an attorney when they have been charged with a crime. If police officers refuse to allow someone to speak to their attorney or continue to ask questions after an attorney has been requested, this is a violation of civil rights.
If your civil rights have been violated by police officers, prosecutors, employers, or anyone else, it is important to work with a skilled attorney who can help you understand your best options for how to proceed. A civil rights lawyer can work to ensure that your rights are protected and help you obtain justice for the harm you have suffered.
