The United States grants its citizens the right to specific political and social freedoms and equality within its borders. However, this does not stop some individuals, agencies, and institutions from infringing upon those civil rights. People of every age, gender, race, color, religion, and national origin can become victims of civil rights violations.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC prides itself on making sure no one gets away with violating the rights of their clients. If someone deprived you of your rights, reach out to a Sacramento civil rights lawyer from their firm to learn more about filing a complaint and getting compensation. Get started by calling a member of the team today at 800-658-8448.
Understanding Civil Rights
While most people understand fundamental human rights–particularly the right to life and liberty–many do not know how they differ from civil rights. Human rights are generally absolute and self-evident, but civil rights are granted and protected by a nation’s government. In other words, someone’s civil rights can vary depending on the decisions of their country’s government. Moreover, the government is in charge of writing laws that define and defend the civil rights of its citizens.
Every citizen in the U.S. has the right to receive equal treatment in various settings. Discrimination can take place when another party violates your civil rights. In the U.S., anti-discrimination laws mostly grant protection concerning the following areas:
- Race
- Religion
- Sex
- Color
- National origin
You can refer to the U.S. Constitution to know your fundamental civil rights, but you may also find additional freedoms and protections in state constitutions. Civil rights complaints can also become linked with criminal law matters, and a Sacramento civil rights lawyer can help shed light on issues related to your case.
For a free legal consultation with a civil rights lawyer serving Sacramento, call 800-658-8448
State Actions Can Also Harm Your Civil Rights
Although the government is the main body responsible for preserving your civil rights, it can sometimes mistreat you. The U.S. Constitution also protects you from different kinds of government abuses, such as censorship of your freedom of speech. Apart from the government, you may also have a valid legal claim against private individuals or institutions when they deny you benefits and treat you differently from others. Consider discussing your case with a Sacramento civil rights lawyer to hear more about legal options available to you.
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Various Federal and State Laws Guarantee Your Civil Rights
The following are some examples of civil rights laws that apply to citizens in the U.S. and the state of California. Take note that many state laws parallel those at the federal level, but affords further protections or rights.
- Civil Rights Act of 1991 allows damages when there is intentional employment discrimination.
- Fair Housing Act forbids discrimination based on color, race, sex, disability, national origin, familial status, or religion when it comes to housing rental, sale, and financing.
- California’s Ralph Act, codified in Section 51.7 of the state’s Civil Code, protects an individual or his or her property from threat or violence regardless of age, gender, religion, color, national origin, or other personal characteristics.
- California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act states that it is unlawful for a business establishment to discriminate against a customer because of their gender, race, disability, religion, citizenship, or other personal characteristics.
Consult a Sacramento civil rights lawyer if you believe you experienced discrimination. Ben Crump Law, PLLC will not hesitate to fight for your rights, so call us today to inquire about a free case review.
Instances Where Civil Rights are Violated
Sometimes, it is difficult to recognize an act as discriminatory or a violation of your civil rights. In many cases, unconscious negligence can be mistaken for civil right violations. For this reason, in determining whether an act was a deliberate violation of rights or mere negligence, you need to discuss your case with a civil rights attorney. However, here are a few examples of situations where you could file a legitimate complaint against an establishment or individual.
- A restaurant refused you service because of your sexual orientation.
- You were passed over for a promotion because of your disability.
- A law enforcement officer proceeded to search you without probable cause because of your race.
- You lost your property because of your country of origin without receiving a hearing in court.
These are only a few examples out of numerous instances when you may have the right to seek justice. If you are unsure about how to proceed, get in touch with a Sacramento civil rights lawyer to help you make an informed decision.
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There Are Several Ways to Resolve Civil Rights Violation Issues
If you think someone violated your civil rights, you have the option to file a lawsuit in civil court, settle the issue through informal negotiations, or file a claim with the government. When filing a lawsuit, you could choose between filing in state or federal court. These options will mainly involve proving that the defendant is responsible for violating your civil rights and causing you harm. If you opt for informal negotiations, it usually means sitting down with the opposing party and working out an agreement. If you choose this route, it is best to have your attorney present to ensure a fair and just settlement.
Filing a complaint with the government results in allowing a government agency to intervene and impose your civil rights. The agency will be in charge of investigating your claims and taking necessary actions on your behalf. Though you are free to choose how you want to go about defending your rights, in most cases, it helps to meet with a Sacramento civil rights lawyer. That way, you will have a legal professional on your side who knows how the laws apply to your case and will correctly initiate a lawsuit or negotiation talks.
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Contact Us Today for Legal Support
We know all too well how stressful and complicated civil rights issues can be. There are specific procedures to follow before you can make a valid claim, and it may not be easy to prove that the opposing party committed civil rights violations. A Sacramento civil rights lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC is always willing to evaluate the details of your case and make recommendations that will serve your best interests.
Connect with a member of our team today by calling 800-658-8448 and take the first step in attaining closure. Our services are available 24/7, and you do not need to pay any fees unless we win your case.
Call or text 800-658-8448 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form