Some people are victims of civil rights violations without even knowing it. You might not be aware of such a violation unless you understand the nuances of the law. If you suspect your civil rights have been violated, do not be passive. Your best course of action is to meet with a civil right attorney for a review of your case to determine if your civil rights have actually been violated.
The Basics of Civil Rights Violations
Everything from sexual harassment to race-based discrimination, violations of fair housing rights and beyond qualify as civil rights violations. The question is whether one of your protected rights has been violated. Though you may feel as though your personal rights have been ignored, there is no guarantee your civil rights have been violated. Civil rights are specific rights protected by anti-discrimination laws. In many cases, supposed rights violations are actually legal. However, there is no way to be completely certain the incident in question actually violated your civil rights until you meet with an attorney.
How to Proceed if Your Civil Rights Have Been Violated
If you suspect one or several of your civil rights have been violated, t here are several options available. The assistance of a civil rights attorney will prove invaluable regardless of which route you take. It might be possible to resolve the matter through negotiations. Some of those who have had their civil rights violated have their attorney file a private lawsuit. As an example, if you believes you are the victim of employment discrimination, it is possible for you and your employer to avoid a lengthy court battle. Have your attorney and opposing counsel negotiate a solution and you might be able to avoid court.
Another option is to file a government claim. If you opt to file a complaint with the state or federal government, it will be up tot he government agency to ensure your civil rights are enforced. Such a complaint spurs an investigation into the claim. Ideally, the government will take additional action on your behalf to right this wrong. Regardless of whether the state or federal government handles your claim, it must be filed in a timely manner. In fact, in certain civil rights cases, the claim has to be filed with the government before it is possible to pursue a private lawsuit.
Filing a Lawsuit Following a Civil Rights Violation
If you are even slightly suspicious your civil rights have been violated, you likely have the option to file a private lawsuit in civil court. The lawsuit is filed against the parties responsible for the injustice in question. Your attorney will detail the civil right violation in the complaint filed with the court. The complaint is a legal document that explains the facts of the situation along with the allegation to show the defendant is responsible for the alleged violation. Your attorney will review the idiosyncratic facts of your case to create an accurate comoplaint. He or she will decide whether it is appropriate to file a civil rights lawsuit in state or federal court. In some situations, the choice of court is made by the victim. In other situations, applicable law dictates where the lawsuit is to be filed.
You Need an Attorney to Emerge With Justice
There is little chance of punishing the party in the wrong and obtaining justice unless you have a savvy civil rights attorney on your side. This legal practitioner will help file the civil rights violation claim in accordance with the nuanced rules of the court. Speak with a civil rights attorney, explain your situation and this legal professional will explain exactly which laws are applicable to your situation. Your attorney will evaluate every aspect of your case, explain all available options, guide you through the process and ultimately increase the chances of a positive outcome.
