Everyone in the United States possesses rights and privileges that they are entitled to under the law. These rights work to ensure the safety, freedom, and ability to live comfortably and free from discrimination for all Americans. Individual rights and liberties are believed sacred in the United States. Therefore, the protection and indoctrination of civil rights is an important component of this country’s democratic principles. Unfortunately, as with most laws and legislation, civil rights can and often will be broken. Politicians, law enforcement agencies, hate groups, and other organizations in this country target and violate these protected rights on a daily basis.

Bossier civil rights attorney Michael J. Vergis fights for justice for his clients in every case he handles, and this is especially obvious in his civil rights practice. Michael J. Vergis and his staff are ready to fight for you if your rights have been infringed upon in any way.

What are Civil Rights?

Civil rights refer to an essential set of rights designed to protect people from unfair treatment. Based on legally protected characteristics, they encompass the right to equal treatment—free from discrimination—in a variety of settings, including education, employment, housing, public accommodations, and more.

You can find legislation for civil rights at both the federal and state levels. The majority of laws protecting and regulating civil rights are enacted at the federal level, such as the following:

• Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Voting Rights Act of 1965
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Age Discrimination Act of 1975
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
• Fair Housing Act (FHA)
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

The state of Louisiana mostly relies on federal legislation when it comes to civil rights. However, state law does provide a few additional protections for its citizens concerning discrimination in housing, employment, and people with disabilities. These laws can be found in Louisiana’s Revised Statutes (R.S.) 51 § 2601, R.S. 46 § 2251, and R.S. 23 § 301. 

What is a Civil Rights Lawyer?

A civil rights lawyer represents people whose rights have been infringed, whether they are residents of the United States or immigrants living in the nation. They are specialists on the individual freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution, and they may testify in both civil and criminal cases. 

When a person’s rights are violated, that person has the legal right to initiate a civil action against the person or organization that is responsible. To guarantee the best possible outcome, that person would hire a civil rights attorney to defend them in court.

What Does a Civil Rights Lawyer Do?

While assisting their clients, civil rights attorneys undertake a number of responsibilities. They do case research, write legal documents, present cases in court, and reach settlements, among many other things. They must also stay current on local laws and regulations relating to civil rights, which may change periodically. 

There is a realm of ways in which someone’s rights may be violated, thus requiring them to obtain legal help. A few examples of common civil rights violations include: 

• Police Brutality
• Hate Crimes
• Labor Rights Violations
• Sexual Assault
• Discrimination in the Workplace
• Wage Violations
• Whistleblower Cases
• Cruel and Unusual Punishment
• Search and Seizure Violations
• The Use of Excessive Force

Do I Have a Civil Rights Case?

Just because you feel as though someone violated your rights, this doesn’t always mean they violated your civil or protected rights from a legal standpoint. Thus, when determining if you have a viable civil rights case, the first thing you must ask yourself is whether there has been a violation of one or more of your protected rights. These rights work to protect you from unlawful discrimination on the basis of things like race, sex, age, disability, national origin, etc. 

If someone has violated one of these protected rights, you likely have a civil rights case on your hands. There are a few things you should do next. First, consult with a local civil rights attorney to know for certain if you have a legal case. If it is confirmed that you have a viable civil rights case, you have a few options regarding your next move: settling the dispute through informal negotiations, submitting a government claim, or initiating private legal action.

When To Hire a Civil Rights Attorney

You may be contemplating whether you truly need the help of a civil rights attorney or whether you can manage the lawsuit on your own. In any type of legal proceeding, especially those as complex as civil rights matters, it’s imperative to the outcome of your case that you have a legal professional on your side. 

The truth is, most people are not familiar with the complicated nature of laws that surround civil rights, at least not without a legal background. Thus, without a civil rights attorney, you may find that your attempt to sue another person for a civil rights violation is met with a less than favorable outcome. As a result, you may not receive the settlement that you deserve or even any settlement at all. It is hard to prove there’s been a violation of your civil rights, but a reputable Shreveport private attorney can significantly increase your chances of winning the case.

Michael J. Vergis – A Lawyer Who Fights for Civil Rights

If you feel you have been the victim of a civil rights violation, it is important that you obtain the help of a qualified civil rights attorney. For more information about what a civil rights attorney can do for you or to book a consultation to discuss your case, contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis today. Michael J. Vergis is a devoted civil rights attorney in Northwest Louisiana committed to ensuring that people whose rights have been violated receive the representation and justice they deserve. To get in touch, please give us a call at 318-698-3724 or fill out our online intake form today.