The constitution of the United States guarantees equal civil rights to all its citizens. These include principle laws such as the right to free speech, vote, and protection from discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. Sadly, citizens across the continental United States still suffer from police brutality, hate crimes, and other civil rights violations.
A Civil Rights attorney advocates for the defense of these principle civil rights laws and are a fundamental aspect of the judicial system of the United States as they stand for the protection of the very laws and rights that the country is based upon.
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The Role Of A Civil Rights Lawyer
A Civil Rights Lawyer fights for justice and equality. They advocate for a various range of cases, here are some of the most common ones:
- Police Brutality / Abuse from someone who holds public office
- Discrimination due to gender, orientation, religion, or ethnicity
- Hate Crimes
- Unreasonable warrants
- Being neglected in government offices / being victim to systemic racism.
- Not being allowed to practice your religion freely
If you come under the umbrella of any of these cases, chances are that you need a Civil Rights Lawyer to argue your case. These can be extremely lengthy, drawn-out proceedings that require a professional who understands legal documents and all the nuances pertaining to them.
A Civil Rights lawyer provides you with proper legal representation and presents you with advice on how you can move forward. Civil rights violations can often be hard to prove, especially when a civil suit is filed against the government. However, a good Lawyer can lead you to get a hefty settlement if you do indeed have a legible claim.
What To Expect From A Civil Rights Lawyer?
A competent Civil Rights Lawyer performs a plethora of tasks to aid their client in achieving the best resolution possible. Firstly, they research the case presented to them and provide their client with unsolicited legal advice on whether the matter is worth pursuing further. Moreover, the draft necessary legal documents required for court proceedings and eventually argue on your behalf in court and, most importantly, act as primary negotiators when it comes to settlements.
Most legible civil suits are settled outside of court in hefty payouts. Having a Civil Rights Lawyer who stays up to date with the regulations and policies being implemented in your local area can be a huge advantage.
Do I Need A Civil Rights Lawyer?
If your Civil Rights have been violated in any way, shape, or form, you can hire a Civil Rights lawyer. Procuring a Lawyer does not mean that they’ll jump straight into court for you. They act as counsel and advisors who help understand the nitty-gritty of your case and then present you with viable solutions. Sometimes, they may advise going to court if the case can be settled in another manner.
As mentioned earlier, civil suits can be lengthy and drawn out. They require an immense knowledge of court proceedings. Moreover, most individuals who have had their civil rights violated are not in a state to pursue their case on their own. They may be suffering a lot of anxiety or stress, which will hinder their ability to portray their point effectively.
The Process of Pursuing a Civil Case:
If you’ve hired a Civil Rights Lawyer, here’s a standard hierarchy of steps that you should expect in the next coming weeks:
- Initial Proceedings: You meet with your lawyer and discuss the case in detail, where your legal counsel then provides you with advice on how to move forward.
- Pleadings: The plaintiff legally files a complaint and delivers a copy to the defendant, with the defendant providing an answer in the next few weeks.
- Discovery: The point where expert witnesses and third-party information is gathered. Usually the longest part of the case.
- Trial: Briefs are provided to the court that detail and outline their evidence. The court then proceeds where the jury reaches a decision or verdict once both sides have adequately defended themselves.
An alternative to the lengthy and expensive process of Trial and Litigation is to reach a settlement which can be done through an arbitrator or a mediator depending on the situation.