How To Get Legal Help for a Civil Rights Issue

The U.S. Constitution and its amendments, as well as federal and state laws, guarantee a wide range of civil rights to people in the United States. Unfortunately, civil rights violations happen all the time, perpetrated by government or private entities. When someone violates your civil rights, you need to take action to defend your rights.

A civil rights attorney can help protect your rights and seek justice. Your civil rights legal options can depend on where you live. Contact a local civil rights attorney for legal help with your case.

Understanding Civil Rights Issues

The U.S. Constitution plus federal and state civil rights laws protect your individual rights. You have the right to live your life as you see fit as long as it doesn’t interfere with the rights of others. If the government or individuals interfere with your basic civil rights, you can take legal action to enforce your rights.

Civil rights issues include:

• Free speech rights
• Voting rights
• Education rights
• Housing rights
• Freedom of religion
• Property rights
• Family law rights
• Right to be free from unjust incarceration
• Right to be free from police harassment

Why You Need a Civil Rights Attorney

You can report some civil rights violations to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) or other relevant federal or state agencies.

Government agencies investigate and prosecute various civil rights violations. However, an attorney can help you explore more legal options and can take your case if the government doesn’t.

For example, if an employer fires you because of a covered disability, it is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You can report such violations to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC may help you resolve the civil rights violation and recover compensation. However, if the EEOC doesn’t find a violation, that may be the end of your claim.

A civil rights attorney, on the other hand, will understand all of your legal options under state and federal civil rights laws. As your lawyer, their job is to act in your best interests. A lawyer can take legal action even when the government will not and seek different types of legal remedies, including:

• Financial compensation. Compensation can include economic damages for lost work if you were wrongfully terminated or non-economic damages for things like emotional distress.
• Punitive damages. Monetary compensation that aims to punish and deter civil rights violators from further wrongdoing.
• Injunctive relief. A court orders the responsible party to do or refrain from doing something. For example, the court could order an employer to rehire you after a wrongful termination claim.

Many civil rights laws have fee-shifting provisions that allow you to recover legal fees as the plaintiff. Making the defendant to pay for your legal services will reduce your financial burden.

Types of Civil Rights Cases

There are many different types of cases involving civil rights violations, including:

• Employment discrimination
• Housing discrimination
• Education discrimination
• Unlawful eviction
• Denial of government benefits
• Police brutality
• Voting rights violations
• Free speech violations
• Denied health care

Some of the most common civil rights claims involve housing. Most states have laws giving tenants and property owners legal rights to prevent unlawful evictions and foreclosure. If a landlord or bank kicks you out of your home, you may have a civil rights claim.

Some government agencies can help with civil rights issues without you having to hire a lawyer. For example, if you experience housing discrimination based on your race or disability, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or your state housing agency.

However, government agencies won’t handle all types of civil rights cases. The government agency may also investigate your claim and find no violation. If the government doesn’t take your case, you can contact a civil rights attorney to help you get compensation.

How To Find the Right Civil Rights Lawyer

Civil rights lawyers have experience handling these types of cases. Generally, any licensed lawyer can offer legal advice or provide legal services. However, different types of legal matters are very different. A criminal defense lawyer’s experience is not like a real estate attorney’s practice. Look for a lawyer with experience in civil rights cases like yours.

There are many options to help your find the right civil rights attorney. Ask friends and family for legal references to find an attorney they had a good experience with. You can also contact your local bar association for a referral.

Try searching third-party attorney listing sites like Super Lawyers. The Super Lawyers directory allows you to search by legal issue and location for lawyers with experience handling civil rights claims.

Understanding Legal Costs and Aid Options

Attorneys charge for their professional legal services. Different fee options include flat, hourly, and contingency fees. Legal costs can vary based on things like that type of case, location, and law firm size. Make sure you understand the legal costs and fees before hiring an attorney.

You may be eligible for low-cost or free legal services from legal aid organizations. Nonprofit organizations and legal clinics provide legal help for low-income people and their families. You may have to demonstrate your income level to qualify for legal aid providers. If you’re facing civil rights issues in the wake of a natural disaster, you may qualify for Disaster Legal Services.

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is a nonprofit that supports civil legal aid for low-income Americans. It search tool to help you find civil legal assistance in your area. Contact the American Bar Association (ABA) for a referral to a local legal aid program. You can also try your state or county bar association to find out about options for free legal help. Many law schools have legal clinics offering advocacy services for low-income individuals. You can also find volunteer lawyers offering pro bono services.

Resources for Legal Assistance

Your local state or court system may offer self-help legal resources for individuals dealing with common civil rights legal problems. Courts may provide legal information, but don’t offer legal advice. The court will still expect you to follow the court rules and state laws, even if you are representing yourself.

Consider talking to a lawyer if you have legal questions about your claim. An experienced civil rights lawyer can review your case, explain your legal options, and represent you in court. For legal advice about your case, contact an experienced civil rights attorney.