The U.S. Constitution and many federal, state and local laws entitle people to certain important civil rights. Among those rights are the right to be protected against police abuse, freedoms of speech and religion and the right to be treated equally under the law. Unlawful conduct or discrimination occurs when a person’s fundamental rights are violated.
The people that initially formed our democracy, with a separation of key governmental powers, knew the importance of our freedoms and liberties and were concerned about the overreaching power of government. They realized from their past experiences that ordinary people are at the mercy of governmental authorities. Our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals whose civil rights have been violated by the government, their employer or other third parties. With attorneys who are well-versed in constitutional law, we have represented people over the years in cases against law enforcement overreaching and abuse. We provide daily advice to our clients in the areas of false arrest, malicious prosecution, excessive force, unlawful discrimination, first amendment protection (free speech violations), and other constitutionally protected liberties.
Civil Rights and Constitutional Claims brought against Governmental Authorities
♦ Violations committed by law enforcement, including excessive force, wrongful death, false arrest, malicious prosecution and racial discrimination, including federal cases brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Section 1983;
♦ Selective enforcement of laws on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, creed, gender or other unlawful criteria;
♦ Prisoners’ rights violations, including violations of first amendment freedoms of religion and withholding proper medical care;
♦ Lack of due process by government, including when property is forcibly taken through eminent domain; and
♦ Violations of the rights of first amendment rights of speech and fourteenth amendment rights of privacy.
Civil Rights Claims Brought Against Employers
This list is certainly not exhaustive, as there are many federal, state and local laws that protect people from unwarranted actions by the government and others. We bring constitutional and civil rights claims for individuals alone or, in some instances, as a class action, if there is a pattern of conduct and a number of individuals are involved.
If the police, housing authorities or other governmental actors have violated your legally protected rights and freedoms, we will be pleased to discuss your rights with you and your possible claims against such government agents.