Civil Rights Lawyers
What are civil rights?
Civil rights are guarantees of equal protection under the law, without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics, as established by the U.S. Constitution and various federal and state statutes. Examples of civil rights include the right to vote, the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and freedom against unwarranted searches of your home and property.
Some examples of civil rights violations include:
- Police brutality and excessive force.
- Unreasonable search and seizure.
- Cruel and unusual punishment.
- Abuse committed by a public official.
- Denial of housing based on a protected characteristic.
- Hate crimes.
What does a civil rights attorney do?
A civil rights lawyer stands up for the rights of those whose civil rights have been violated. The attorney’s job is to intervene to stop any ongoing violations and to pursue accountability, compensation, and often, positive change. Some of the actions a civil rights attorney might take include:
- Advising prospective clients as to whether they have a case.
- Investigating and taking legal action to secure documentation
- Negotiating settlements.
- Handling public relations on a client’s behalf.
- Pursuing legal action in civil court – and sometimes getting involved in criminal proceedings as well.
While civil rights lawyers usually represent individuals whose rights have been violated, the cases they handle also take on a broader meaning as they push back against systemic injustice. Effective civil rights attorneys balance advocacy for their clients’ individual interests with the overall systemic implications of each case.
How much does a civil rights attorney cost?
Depending on the nature of the case, a civil rights lawyer may bill by the hour or charge a contingency fee – meaning the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the eventual damages that are awarded. Hourly fees vary widely depending on the location, the attorney’s level of experience, and the complexity of the case.
How can I find the right civil rights lawyer?
Civil rights cases are often complex and proving a violation requires extensive research. You need an attorney who has specialized experience in this particular area of law. Civil rights cases are also understandably taxing and emotionally fraught, so finding an attorney who you know you can trust and feel comfortable working with is an absolute must.
Most civil rights attorneys offer free consultations, so if you believe your rights were violated, you have little to lose by talking to a lawyer. An experienced civil rights attorney will listen to your story and advise whether you have a viable case.
