When to Seek Attorneys for Civil Rights Violations: Understanding Your Legal Options

The United States Constitution awards everyone fundamental freedoms and rights that are protected by law. These rights strive to ensure equal opportunities and treatment for all citizens, protecting against discrimination in a variety of settings. Attorneys for civil rights violations dedicate their lives to helping people whose rights haven’t been respected.

Each state has laws in place to further protect these rights. The Virginia Human Rights Act protects the citizens of Virginia. At Commonwealth Law Group, our civil rights lawyers represent people who have suffered because of violations of this act, but how do you know when it’s time to get help?

Signs It’s Time to Seek Legal Help for Civil Rights Issues

Being able to recognize civil rights violations is vital because it allows you to get help quickly. Often, signs are subtle, making them harder to spot. Here are some factors to watch for.

Unlawful Searches and Seizures

The Fourth Amendment prevents law enforcement from being able to gain access to your property or person without a valid warrant or probable cause. If they searched your home, car, or even your pockets without meeting very specific requirements, your rights were violated.

Police Misconduct and Use of Excessive Force

Law enforcement has to behave appropriately when arresting a suspect. If they used excessive force during your arrest or mistreated you in custody, you need a civil rights attorney.

Discrimination Based on Protected Characteristics

By law, you can’t be discriminated against based on protected characteristics that include:

• Race
• Religion
• Sexual orientation
• Age
• Nationality
• Gender
• Disability

If you’ve experienced discrimination in the workplace, educational institutions, or even while trying to get housing, you need civil rights representation.

Violations of Your Right to a Fair Trial

The Sixth Amendment grants everyone the right to an impartial trial. If you’re denied legal representation or if you have not been given a fair trial, your rights have been violated.

Hate Crimes or Harassment

If you’ve suffered harassment or have been subjected to threats and violence based on your identity, you’ve experienced a civil rights violation as well as a criminal act. You need representation.

Housing Discrimination

If you have experienced difficulties with evictions or being denied purchases or rentals because of your identity, this is a civil rights violation.

Common Types of Civil Rights Violations

Many civil rights violations occur in the workplace. These can include:

• Not being hired or promoted because of your identity
• Facing regular harassment, including sexual harassment
• Experiencing retaliation for reporting a problem
• Not having a safe work environment
• Not getting fair compensation

Other common types of civil rights violations involve law enforcement. Even if authorities suspect that you have committed a crime, you have rights. If you’re falsely arrested, experience excessive force, face inmate abuse, or don’t receive a fair trial, you’ve suffered a civil rights violation.

Another common type of violation is refusal of service. If you’ve walked into a restaurant, for example, and have been refused service because of your identity, it’s a violation of your civil rights.

How an Attorney Can Help to Improve the Outcome of Your Case

Because civil rights violations are not always obvious, they can be challenging to prove — especially if you attempt to do so without legal assistance. By hiring attorneys for civil rights violations, you can get help understanding what laws apply to your case and begin a claim to receive compensation.

Another of the most important reasons to hire a civil rights attorney is their ability to file for injunctive relief. Injunctive relief is a court order that requires or prohibits certain conduct.

At Commonwealth Law Group, we gather the evidence that proves your rights were violated, draft the paperwork to begin the claim, and negotiate settlements for you. With experienced representation, you have a better chance of getting the justice you deserve.

FAQs

Should I File a Lawsuit Under State or Federal Law?

The answer will depend on the exact details involving your case, but for the majority of people, state law is more favorable. State law tends to cover a broader range of protected traits. State law can also have higher damage caps, which means you can get more compensation for what you’ve suffered.

What Type of Compensation Can I Expect?

For civil rights violation lawsuits, you can expect compensatory damages, which can cover the financial and non-financial losses you suffered. You can also ask for an injunction, which requires that an action or inaction no longer be permitted.

For example, if a police officer used a chokehold when arresting you, the injunction would forbid all police officers from using a chokehold.

What Do I Do if My Civil Rights Are Violated?

The first thing you need to do is gather evidence and make notes of every detail of your case. Write down the name of the other party, the date the violation occurred, and what losses you suffered because of it. If it’s an ongoing violation, like long-term discrimination, try to gather as much evidence as you can. We’ll help with this step.

Contact our team of civil rights lawyers. These cases are complex, so you need to have experienced representation by your side.

Speak With Virginia Civil Rights Attorneys

No one should violate your civil rights — not at work, school, or any other area of your life. If you’ve suffered a violation, you should contact lawyers with experience in this field.

At Commonwealth Law Group, our team of civil rights lawyers have decades of combined legal experience. We know each case is unique, so we focus on providing dependable and powerful representation to help you get the justice you deserve.

Contact our team to schedule a free consultation.