Basic civil rights are the cornerstone of our society, guaranteeing our freedoms and shielding us from unfair discrimination. A violation of your civil liberties and rights can have devastating and far-reaching consequences. It is not advisable to handle such a serious matter on your own.

You need a civil rights lawyer if you have been mistreated because of your race, religion, national origin, gender, or other characteristics protected by law. The civil rights attorneys at Allred, Maroko & Goldberg have established themselves as champions for civil justice in Los Angeles County. Led by founding partner Gloria Allred, we are proud to aggressively advocate on behalf of individuals whose rights have been abused.

Now is the time to take legal action against the party that has violated your civil rights. Call Allred, Maroko & Goldberg in Los Angeles at (213) 786-2852 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation. You deserve to have a tenacious civil rights lawyer on your side.

Your Civil Rights Explained

The US Constitution guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual – including freedom of speech, press, and religion. The fundamental freedoms of the Bill of Rights, federal and other state legislation, protect Americans from discrimination stemming from a wide range of characteristics.

The California guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual as well in its state Constitution and statutes. For example, the California Civil Code is a collection of state statutes governing the general obligations and rights of individuals in California. Civil rights are a key aspect of the California Civil Code, as highlighted in the Unruh Civil Rights Act. This comprehensive act provides protection from discrimination by all business establishments in California – including housing and public accommodations – based on age, ancestry, color, disability, national origin, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.

Civil rights are not no trivial matter something to be trifled with. If you are facing discrimination or another form of abuse in Los Angeles, you have the right to pursue legal action against the individual or entity that has harmed you.

Circumstances in Which You May Need a Civil Rights Lawyer in Los Angeles

When your constitutional rights are at stake, securing qualified legal representation is an essential step in holding others accountable for their actions and obtaining justice. An experienced civil rights attorney with Allred, Maroko & Goldberg can work to right the wrongs that have been committed against you. There are a number of situations in which it is in your best interest to consult a lawyer, such as the following.

Employment discrimination

It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an employee or a job applicant based on legally protected characteristics. In the US, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, disability, age, or genetic information.

If you have been treated unfairly or harassed in the workplace because of certain characteristics, you can file a Charge of Discrimination with the EEOC. You can then pursue a lawsuit in defense of your civil rights. Having an adept discrimination lawyer at hand will ensure no important deadlines are missed as you seek justice in your case.

Section 1981 is a federal statute allowing individuals to sue individuals and entities for racially discriminating against them.

Further, the California Constitution prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin as stated in Article I, Section 31(a). Other state laws, such as the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), provide broader protections, including against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability discrimination, and genetic information.

Housing discrimination

Federal law makes discrimination illegal in nearly every type of housing. The Fair Housing Act ensures equal housing opportunities for everyone. The law encompasses a wide range of housing-related matters – including housing sales and rentals, financing, housing assistance programs, and housing advertisements.

If you have ever been told you might be more “comfortable” in another neighborhood, pressured by a landlord to pay rent with sexual favors, or informed you must get rid of a service animal, you may have experienced housing discrimination – and a violation of your basic human rights. These and other housing violations can be stressful and scary. A good lawyer can help you uphold your right to a safe home.

Retaliation for asserting your rights

If you have complained about discrimination or harassment and another party has taken adverse action against you because of it, you have the right to file a civil rights claim. Retaliation for speaking out should not be tolerated – you deserve restitution for what you have gone through.

Sexual harassment or abuse

If you have experienced sexual harassment or another form of sexual abuse – no matter the setting – you have the right to take legal action against the offender. Both federal and California law provide several robust protections against sexual harassment. A civil rights lawyer, experienced in sexual harassment and abuse claims, can help you hold the aggressor accountable for your losses.

Police misconduct

Regrettably, there are frequent reports of police misconduct and discrimination against innocent individuals. When police officers in Los Angeles County use excessive force, their actions violate your civil rights. Furthermore, if you have suffered a personal injury or other losses due to police brutality or discrimination, you have the right to take legal action against the responsible party.

Wrongful arrest, detainment, or conviction

If you believe you have been the victim of false arrest, false imprisonment, or malicious prosecution, a civil rights lawyer can help you determine if your rights were violated. Additionally, if you have been wrongly convicted of a crime and believe the conviction was based on your race or another protected characteristic, you need an employment attorney. He or she can work to establish the facts of your case and overturn a decision that was in infringement of your civil rights.

Voting rights violations

In the event you encounter impediments to voting or believe your voting rights have been compromised, a civil rights attorney can help. This includes situations where you may have been unlawfully removed from voter rolls or faced intimidation at the polls.

Freedom of speech and assembly violations

Violations of freedom of speech and assembly occur when governments or other entities restrict these fundamental civil rights without a legitimate legal basis. The violation of these rights could include checks on peaceful protests, arbitrary arrests, denial of permits, use of excessive force, and more.

Hate crimes

When an individual or entity commits a crime against another person based on hostility toward that one’s race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or transgender identity, it could potentially be prosecuted as a hate crime. These types of events have a traumatic impact on victims and communities as a whole.

Under California law, your civil rights may be violated if you have been subjected to hate violence or the threat of violence – even if the incident did not rise to the level of a hate crime. A civil violation may result in a restraining order, injunctive and/or equitable relief, a civil fine, and other penalties.

Additional forms of discrimination

Civil rights violations can happen in nearly every kind of situation. Individuals with disabilities may face accessibility and accommodation issues in public places, schools, and workplaces. In other instances, employers or municipalities treat people unfavorably based on religious beliefs. Incarcerated individuals, too, may face inhumane treatment, denial of medical care, and other abuses.

Civil rights lawsuits can be a means of protecting your rights and holding parties accountable for the gross violations they have committed. If you’re unsure whether your rights were violated, our law firm is here to help.

How a Los Angeles Civil Rights Attorney Can Support You

California civil rights cases can be incredibly complex and difficult to navigate. An experienced Los Angeles civil rights attorney can help you lay the foundation for a strong case – fighting for your rights every step of the way.

A seasoned civil rights lawyer will support you in these important ways:

• Assessing your case: During the initial consultation, your lawyer will listen to your side of the story and evaluate your situation. They He or she will help you determine which civil rights may have been violated and advise you on your legal options for restitution.

• Investigating the facts: Your attorney will investigate the mistreatment you have experienced and ensure all relevant factors are included in the case.

• Gathering evidence and building your case: Any police reports, witness statements, incident reports, medical records, and any other documents pertinent information will be gathered to build a compelling claim.

• Navigating the legal system: Your attorney will know the order in which your case must be processed and can ensure that all filing deadlines are met and that the statute of limitations is not overlooked.

• Negotiating a settlement agreement: Your lawyer will explain the types of remedies available to you and work to negotiate a just financial settlement for your damages.

• Arguing your case at trial: In the event a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached, your civil rights lawyer will be prepared to argue your case in court.

Civil rights lawyers play an invaluable role in challenging discrimination, upholding justice, protecting freedoms, and promoting social change. If you are enduring civil rights violations of any kind, an attorney is the advocate you need to take back your life and get the compensation you deserve.

Protect Your Civil Rights With the Help of Internationally Recognized Los Angeles Attorneys

Civil rights violations cannot be tolerated. Far too many Los Angeles residents are facing heartbreaking abuses of their fundamental freedoms. If you or someone you care about has had their civil rights encroached upon, prompt legal action is of the essence.

The compassionate and determined civil rights attorneys of Allred, Maroko & Goldberg are renowned for representing victims in high-profile civil rights and discrimination cases. In practice since 1976, we have the experience, passion, and empathy needed to handle even the most grievous civil rights violations.

Reach out to the Los Angeles law firm of Allred, Maroko & Goldberg at 323-653-6530 323-746-1853 or fill out our online contact form for a personal case review. We bring unparalleled experience to each client’s civil rights claim.