Everyone is entitled to certain fundamental rights, with state and federal laws establishing them. While an attorney will help you seek damages when you suffer a civil rights violation, you should first ensure that the defendant truly violated your rights. In learning more about civil rights laws and how they apply to you, you can tell when you should consult civil rights lawyers.

When Should You Hire an Attorney to Defend Your Civil Rights

What Are Civil Rights?

Civil rights laws exist at both the state and federal levels to ensure equal treatment for everyone. These laws prohibit discrimination or special treatment based on an individual’s system of beliefs, appearance, and other characteristics. While we most commonly think of race or gender in terms of discrimination, there are many distinct classes of people that face discrimination. Additionally, treating someone negatively based upon their national origin, religious beliefs, marital status, or sexual orientation may be grounds for taking legal action. An attorney will help you determine if your civil rights have been violated and may advise you on the best course of action to take.

How Are Civil Rights Typically Violated? 

If you think someone has violated your civil rights, you should consider consulting civil rights attorneys. They can tell you if the actions taken against you were legitimate or based upon discrimination. An employer, landlord, business employee, or anyone with a position of authority over you has the power to discriminate against you.

What is the Difference Between Civil Rights and Constitutional Rights?

Some civil rights violations are also violations of your constitutional rights, such as an unreasonable search and seizure or subjecting you to cruel and unusual punishment. However, this isn’t always the case. If a public official uses his position to abuse you, it may or may not have been of a violation of your civil rights. However, it certainly is an encroachment of your constitutional rights. Alternatively, being passed up for a promotion or being fired from a position based upon your skin color or gender is a clear violation of your civil rights.

Gary C. Mitchell is based in Ruidoso, NM, and serves clients throughout the Lincoln, NE, area. In addition to criminal defense and personal injury, the firm also represents clients with civil rights violation cases. If you need to consult an attorney about a matter of discrimination, the firm’s 42 years of experience and dedication to the pursuit of justice can benefit you. To learn more about their legal team, visit their website. To set up an initial consultation, call (575) 257-3070.