Civil rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to all individuals in the United States, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. These rights, enshrined in the Constitution and various federal and state laws, form the bedrock of a fair and just society.
At Privette Law Office, we understand the critical importance of protecting civil rights and have made it our mission to fight for those who have suffered violations of their rights. Such violations can have dramatic practical and emotional consequences, and they can strike at the core of your sense of who you are in relation to society. If you believe your civil rights have been infringed upon, we encourage you to call us today or contact us online for a confidential consultation with our experienced attorneys.
Understanding Civil Rights
Civil rights are protected by various laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Fair Housing Act. Some of the most common types of civil rights protected by law include:
- Freedom from discrimination based on racial characteristics, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability
- The right to vote and participate in the political process
- Freedom of speech and assembly
- The right to due process and equal protection under the law
Civil rights violations occur when an individual or entity, such as an employer, landlord, or government agency, unlawfully discriminates against someone based on one or more of these protected characteristics. These violations can take many forms, from overt acts of discrimination to more subtle forms of bias and unequal treatment.
Recognizing Civil Rights Violations
Recognizing when your civil rights have been violated is not always easy, as the discrimination can often be subtle or disguised as something else. However, there are some common signs to watch out for:
- Being treated differently than others in similar situations due to your race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristic
- Facing retaliation for reporting discrimination or participating in a discrimination investigation
- Being denied access to housing, employment, or public accommodations based on a protected characteristic
- Experiencing harassment or a hostile environment due to your protected characteristic
Civil rights violations can occur in many different areas of life, but some of the most common include:
- Employment – Discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, or other employment practices
- Housing – Discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing
- Education – Discrimination in admissions, discipline, or other educational practices
- Law enforcement interactions – Racial profiling, excessive force, or other forms of discriminatory policing
If you have experienced any of these events or believe your civil rights have been violated in another way, it is important to take action to protect your rights and hold those responsible accountable.
Steps to Take When Your Civil Rights Are Violated
Taking swift action after experiencing a violation of your civil rights can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a favorable resolution to your case.
The first step is to document the incident thoroughly, including any relevant dates, times, locations, and witnesses.
Next, report the violation to the appropriate authorities (e.g., the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for employment discrimination, or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for housing discrimination).
Finally, seek the guidance of an experienced civil rights lawyer who can help you consider your legal options and fight for your rights.
How Privette Law Office Can Help
At Privette Law Office, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of civil rights cases, from employment discrimination to police misconduct. Our team of Missouri civil rights attorneys is committed to providing personalized attention and assertive representation to each and every client. We understand the emotional and financial toll that civil rights violations can take, and we work tenaciously to help our clients seek justice and recover the compensation they deserve.
Some of the types of civil rights cases we handle include:
- Employment discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics
- Housing discrimination, including refusal to rent, sell, or finance based on a protected characteristic
- Police misconduct, including excessive force, false arrest, and racial profiling
- Discrimination in education, including admissions, discipline, and harassment
- Voting rights violations, including voter suppression
No matter what type of civil rights violation you have experienced, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to help you fight back and protect your rights. We can give you the support and advocacy you need during mediation, arbitration, or a federal lawsuit if necessary.
Compensation in Civil Rights Cases
If you prevail in a civil rights case, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Back pay and front pay for lost wages and benefits
- Compensatory damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other intangible losses
- Punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for actions driven by evil motive or intent or involving a reckless or callous indifference to your constitutional rights
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
The amount of compensation available in a civil rights case will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the violation, the extent of the harm suffered, the strength of the evidence, and the quality of your legal representation.
Contact Privette Law Office Today
At Privette Law Office, we believe that every individual has the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality under the law. When those rights are violated, we are here to help. Over more than forty years, our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of success in handling civil rights cases, and we are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of our clients.
If you believe your civil rights have been violated, do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and work tirelessly to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.