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Civil Rights Attorney in Los Angeles

Civil Rights Violated? Get the Justice You Deserve.

Have you been treated unfairly because of your race, religion, gender, or disability? Even in a city like Los Angeles that celebrates diversity, discrimination happens. And if you’ve been a victim of civil rights violations, our civil rights attorney in Los Angeles is here to champion your cause. 

Civil rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that guarantee everyone equal protection under the law. These rights ensure people are treated fairly and can participate fully in society, regardless of factors like race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

Key Summary: 

  • Civil rights in California ensure equal treatment regardless of race, religion, gender, or disability. These rights encompass protections against discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and more. Understanding these rights enables individuals to hold institutions accountable and seek justice when their rights are violated.
  • Civil rights violations can manifest in numerous ways. This includes police misconduct, workplace discrimination, unequal educational opportunities, and infringements on freedom of speech and assembly. 
  • Legal recourse is available for civil rights violations. These may cover compensatory and punitive damages, injunctive relief, attorney’s fees, and non-economic damages for emotional distress. Time limits apply, so it’s crucial to act promptly, understand your options, and pursue appropriate legal action.

Understanding civil rights is crucial for everyone. It enables individuals to know their rights and hold institutions accountable for upholding them. Civil rights are constantly evolving, and legal battles are fought to ensure these rights are protected and expanded for all.

What Are My Civil Rights in California? 

In California, your civil rights are protected by both federal and state laws. These rights ensure that you are treated equally and fairly in various aspects of life. They provide protections against discrimination and other injustices. Here’s an in-depth look at some key civil rights in California:

1. Equal Protection and Anti-Discrimination

The California Constitution and state laws strongly protect people from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, age, and more. Important laws include:

California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

FEHA is one of the most comprehensive civil rights laws in the state, prohibiting discrimination in employment and housing. It covers:

  • Employment: Employers with five or more workers are not allowed to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on protected characteristics like race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, or age. They must treat everyone fairly. They must offer equal pay for equal work regardless of the employee’s personal characteristics.
  • Housing: Landlords and property managers are not allowed to discriminate against tenants or potential tenants based on the same protected characteristics. They must treat everyone fairly when it comes to renting out property, setting lease terms, handling evictions, and providing accommodations. 

Unruh Civil Rights Act

This law guarantees that everyone in California has the right to full and equal access to accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, or services in all business establishments, no matter their protected characteristics. This applies to places like hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and theaters.

Disabled Persons Act

This act provides protections for individuals with disabilities. It ensures equal access to public places, employment, and housing. It mandates reasonable accommodations and prohibits discrimination.

2. Freedom of Speech and Assembly

California upholds the First Amendment rights of individuals, including the freedom of speech, press, assembly, and petition. These rights allow individuals to:

  • Express Opinions: Californians can freely express their opinions in public and private forums, including social media, newspapers, and public spaces, without fear of government censorship.
  • Protest: The right to peaceful assembly and protest is protected, allowing individuals to gather and demonstrate against policies, actions, or events.
  • Press Freedom: The state protects the freedom of the press, ensuring that journalists can report on matters of public interest without undue interference.

3. Right to Privacy

California has strong privacy laws that offer more protections than federal standards. These laws are designed to keep your personal information safe and secure. These rules help ensure that your information is handled responsibly and that you have more control over how it’s used.

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

This act grants consumers significant rights over their personal information, including:

  • Right to Know: Consumers can request that businesses disclose the personal information they collect, sell, or share.
  • Right to Delete: Consumers can request the deletion of personal information held by businesses.
  • Right to Opt-Out: Consumers can opt-out of the sale of their personal information.

Invasion of Privacy

Individuals are safeguarded from unwanted government interference in their personal lives. It also ensures that personal information is treated respectfully and securely by both government entities and private businesses. These protections are in place to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive details about individuals and uphold their rights to keep personal matters private and secure from unauthorized access or misuse.

4. Voting Rights

California protects the right to vote through various measures aimed at ensuring free and fair elections:

  • Voter Registration: The state has made voter registration accessible through online platforms and automatic registration at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
  • Voting Accessibility: Measures such as mail-in ballots, extended voting periods, and accessible polling places ensure that all eligible voters can participate in elections.
  • Protection Against Discrimination: Laws prohibit discrimination in voting based on race, language, disability, or other protected characteristics.

5. Educational Rights

Education is a fundamental right in California. And the state has put several laws in place to make sure that everyone has fair opportunities and is treated equally in education:

  • Equal Access: Public schools must provide equal access to education without discrimination based on race, sex, gender identity, disability, or other protected characteristics.
  • Students with Disabilities: Laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations and support to access education.
  • Safe School Environment: California requires schools to maintain a safe environment free from bullying and harassment.

6. Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement

California has put in place several rules to protect people’s rights in the criminal justice system. These measures are designed to make sure that the criminal justice system is fair and respects the rights of everyone involved, whether they are accused of a crime or affected by one.

  • Due Process: Individuals are guaranteed due process rights, including the right to a fair trial, legal representation, and protection against self-incrimination.
  • Protection Against Excessive Force: Laws and policies aim to prevent excessive use of force by law enforcement, ensuring accountability and oversight.
  • Immigrant Rights: California has enacted sanctuary laws to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation solely based on their immigration status, emphasizing due process and limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

7. Labor Rights

Workers in California enjoy comprehensive labor rights designed to promote fair working conditions. These rights are designed to ensure that workers are treated fairly, have safe working conditions, and have the opportunity to improve their working conditions through collective bargaining and legal protections.

  • Minimum Wage and Overtime: State laws set minimum wage standards and require overtime pay for hours worked beyond the standard workweek.
  • Workplace Safety: Regulations ensure safe working conditions and protect workers from hazards.
  • Collective Bargaining: Employees have the right to unionize and engage in collective bargaining for better working conditions and pay.

Civil rights in California are extensive and designed to ensure equality, dignity, and fairness for all residents. These laws are meant to protect people’s rights and dignity. They help stop discrimination and make sure everyone has a fair chance.

What are Examples of Civil Rights Violations? 

California has strong civil rights protections. But despite that, violations can still occur. Here are some examples of civil rights violations you might encounter:

  • Incidents of excessive use of force, racial profiling, unlawful arrests, and other forms of misconduct by law enforcement officers 
  • Discrimination in housing, employment, or denial of public services based on race or ethnicity, and sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Unequal pay for equal work, sexual harassment in the workplace, and unequal opportunities in education or athletics
  • Violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 
  • Refusal of service, workplace harassment, or denial of religious accommodation based on an individual’s religious beliefs
  • Any infringement on an individual’s right to free speech, including peaceful protest
  • Suppression of voting rights, such as restrictive voter ID laws or gerrymandering
  • Violations of civil rights involving immigration enforcement, detention conditions, or racial profiling 
  • Unlawful surveillance, unwarranted searches and seizures, and other privacy infringements by government agencies or private entities 

These are just a few examples, and civil rights violations can take many forms. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, it’s important to document the incident(s), gather any evidence available, and consult with a Los Angeles civil rights attorney to understand your options and potential legal recourse.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Civil Rights Lawsuit?

Compensation is available for civil rights violation lawsuits and it can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the case, the severity of the violations, and the applicable laws. Individuals who believe their civil rights have been violated and who decide to pursue legal action may seek compensation through various means. Here are some common forms of compensation in civil rights violation lawsuits:

Monetary Damages

One of the primary forms of compensation in civil rights cases is monetary damages. These can include:

  • Compensatory Damages: These are intended to compensate the victim for direct losses or harm suffered as a result of the civil rights violation. This can include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and emotional distress.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious misconduct or intentional violations of civil rights, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
  • Nominal Damages: In cases where the harm suffered is minimal, nominal damages (often a small monetary award, such as $1) may be awarded to acknowledge the violation of rights.

Injunctive Relief

In addition to or instead of monetary compensation, a court may issue injunctive relief. This involves court orders that require the defendant to take specific actions or cease certain behaviors. For example, a court may order an employer to reinstate an employee who was wrongfully terminated due to discrimination.

Attorney’s Fees and Costs

In some civil rights cases, the prevailing party may be entitled to have their attorney’s fees and legal costs paid by the defendant. This provision is designed to encourage individuals to pursue civil rights cases without fear of the financial burden.

Policy Changes

In some cases, particularly those involving systemic civil rights violations, a court may require the defendant (often a government agency or organization) to implement policy changes or reforms to prevent future violations and ensure compliance with civil rights laws.

Compensatory Services

In cases involving educational or disability rights violations, the court may order compensatory services or accommodations to rectify the harm suffered. For example, a student with disabilities may receive additional educational services to make up for past deficiencies.

Settlements

Many civil rights violation cases are resolved through negotiated settlements between the parties. In a settlement, the defendant may agree to pay a specific amount of compensation and/or make specific changes to their behavior or policies to resolve the dispute without going to trial.

The availability and amount of compensation in civil rights violation lawsuits can vary based on the specific laws violated, the jurisdiction, and the facts of the case. If you are considering pursuing a civil rights violation lawsuit, consult with our civil rights attorney in Los Angeles who can guide you on your potential compensation, and advocate on your behalf to seek the appropriate remedies and damages.

Are There Time Limits in Filing Civil Rights Lawsuits?

Yes, there are time limits for filing civil rights lawsuits in California. These deadlines dictate how long you have after the alleged violation to initiate legal action. Missing the deadline can significantly weaken your case or even prevent you from suing altogether.

Here’s a breakdown of key points on time limits for California civil rights cases:

Discrimination Claims (e.g., Employment Discrimination)

Under California law, you generally have one year from the date of the alleged discriminatory act to file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). After receiving a right-to-sue notice from the DFEH, you have one year to file a civil lawsuit.

Federal Civil Rights Violations (e.g., 42 U.S.C. § 1983 Claims)

For federal civil rights claims filed under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which often involve alleged violations of constitutional rights by government officials, the statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of the violation.

Personal Injury Claims (e.g., Police Brutality)

Personal injury claims, including those related to police brutality or excessive use of force, are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations in California. This means you have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit.

Sexual Harassment Claims

In California, you generally have one year from the date of the last act of harassment to file a complaint with the DFEH. After receiving a right-to-sue notice, you have one year to file a civil lawsuit.

Whistleblower Claims (e.g., Retaliation for Reporting Misconduct)

Claims brought under California’s whistleblower protection laws typically have a one-year statute of limitations from the date of the retaliatory action.

It’s important to note that there may be exceptions or extensions to the statute of limitations in certain situations, so it’s advisable to consult with our civil rights attorney in Los Angeles who are knowledgeable in civil rights law to ensure you understand the applicable deadlines for your particular case.

Why Do I Need a Civil Rights Lawyer in California? 

If you believe your civil liberties or rights have been infringed upon, you need a civil rights attorney by your side. Whether you’re facing discrimination, police misconduct, or other violations, they can provide invaluable support in pursuing justice, maximizing compensation, and ensuring your voice is heard effectively in legal proceedings.

Here are some ways a civil rights attorney in Los Angeles can help:

  • Navigate complex laws and regulations
  • Advocate for you and ensure that your rights are protected
  • Help you understand the procedural requirements
  • Pursue the maximum amount you are entitled to 
  • Negotiate settlements on your behalf
  • Increase your chances of a successful outcome if your case goes to trial
  • Provide support and guidance throughout the process

Having a civil rights attorney ensures you have a professional ally who is committed to fight for your interests and that you have the best possible chance of achieving a just and favorable outcome.

Call Our Civil Rights Attorney in Los Angeles Now!

Whether you’re dealing with employment discrimination, police misconduct, police shootings, excessive force, housing discrimination, or any other civil rights matter, Conlogue Law LLP can be your advocate, your voice, and your champion in the pursuit of justice. We are committed to upholding the principles of fairness and justice that are at the heart of our society.

So, if you believe your civil rights have been violated, don’t hesitate to seek the support and counsel of our Los Angeles civil rights attorney. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. 

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