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Spokane Civil Rights Attorney

Protecting Victims of Civil Rights Violations

In the U.S., both citizens and non-citizens alike have certain rights protecting their liberties. These civil rights ensure that all people can live full and productive lives in this country. Unfortunately, even though these rights are enumerated in the U.S. Constitution and various laws, that does not mean they are staunchly adhered to. Some individuals or entities might knowingly engage in behavior that violates a person's civil rights, causing them to suffer serious physical, mental, or financial injury. Fortunately, victims have legal recourse to take action against those who have wronged them and seek remedies for damages they suffered by contacting a Spokane civil rights attorney.

Pursuing a civil rights claim is not easy, especially when it is made against a government official or agency. If your civil rights have been infringed upon and you sustained harm as a result, speak with Phelps & Associates right away. Our Spokane, WA, civil rights lawyer is ready to stand up and seek justice for you. We do not tolerate discrimination or unjust treatment in any setting in this country. Our team will fight fiercely to ensure your rights are protected and pursue a favorable outcome on your behalf.

To schedule a consultation with one of our Washington civil rights attorneys, call us at (509) 620-0606 or contact us online today.

What Are Civil Rights?

Civil rights allow equal treatment under the law for all people in this country. These laws apply regardless of a person's status or beliefs.

What Are Civil Rights Violations?

Civil rights violations occur when a person or entity engages in harmful or discriminatory conduct against a person in a way that strips them of their liberties or ability to live free from harm. Such actions can lead to physical, emotional, or financial injury.

Various types of behaviors can be considered civil rights violations, and they can be grouped into the following broad categories:

Discrimination

A variety of laws protect people from being discriminated against because of their race, color, national origin, disability status, sex, religion, or familial status. Unfortunately, discriminatory conduct can occur in various sectors of our lives, including, but not limited to, housing, employment, schooling, and health care.

An example of a discrimination-based civil rights violation would be if an employer does not promote an employee based on the color of their skin as opposed to their qualifications or work performance.

Freedom of Speech

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right of all people to freely express their ideas and opinions – with some limitations.

An example of a free speech violation would be if law enforcement officers arrested a group of people who were peacefully assembling or protesting.

Hate Crimes

A hate crime occurs when a victim is targeted because of their status in a protected class. Protected classes include color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability.

When a person commits a hate crime, they harm not just one person but a whole group of people. Physical offenses or threats against a protected class can spread fear through the community and the country.

Police Misconduct

Law enforcement officials have the authority to stop, arrest, and investigate people suspected of being involved in criminal activity. However, that power is not unlimited. Despite this, some police officers might engage in conduct that goes beyond the bounds of their authority and violates a person's civil rights.

Various acts can be considered police misconduct. For example, officers need to have reasonable suspicion or probable cause before stopping or arresting someone. If they have neither, they violate the individual's Fourth Amendment protection to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.

Privacy Laws

Privacy laws are in place to protect an individuals' personal information. One way a violation can occur is when a law enforcement official gathers the names of people engaged in conduct that goes against the officer's beliefs but is otherwise lawful. The officer might then use this information for their own purposes.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the rights of individuals with disabilities and prohibits discriminatory conduct against them.

An example of an ADA violation would be if an employer fails to provide reasonable accommodations to candidates or employees with disabilities.

The above are just a few examples of the ways a person may be subject to unjust treatment. Whatever your situation, speak with our Spokane civil rights lawyer to learn about your legal options for seeking justice.

Retain the Services of a Spokane Civil Rights Attorney

At Phelps & Associates, we are here for you. We want to be a voice for you and hold accountable any person or entity that has infringed upon your rights. Contact our Spokane civil rights attorney today!

Our civil rights attorney in Spokane, Washington, is ready to zealously advocate on your behalf. Contact us at (509) 620-0606 today.

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