Atlanta Civil Rights Lawyer
You may believe you have a friendly, supportive community and that no one would ever violate your rights and freedoms. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Even if you live in a usually supportive environment, you still may be vulnerable to violations of their civil rights and discrimination.
If you experience civil rights violations in any form, you may need to seek out and consult with an Atlanta civil rights lawyer. The lawyers at Fischer Redavid PLLC have the tools you need to address this injustice.
Discrimination in Atlanta Housing and Employment
The sad truth is, that civil rights violations can occur at any time in your daily life. Civil rights laws protect you from discrimination, harassment, and harm from others, but others may try to violate those rights. For many, this can impact your ability to work and live comfortably.
If you have been denied housing or employment because of your race, gender, or other protected category, an Atlanta civil rights attorney can help. Your lawyer can help you approach cases involving the following:
- Denial of housing based on race, religion, sex, and other categories
- Sexual harassment in the workplace
- Failure to hire or denial of equal pay based on protected categories
- Denial of credit based on your identity
Civil rights law allows you to act when someone violates your rights. The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate against you based on your race, national origin, disability, sex, or family status. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits discrimination in granting credit based on the same factors.
These laws protect you when seeking housing and in the workplace. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. If you’ve faced any of these types of discrimination, your lawyer can guide you to the answers you need to recover from this traumatic event.
Discrimination by the Police
If you’ve been subject to unreasonable search and seizure, you may be able to sue. A civil rights lawyer in Atlanta can help you prove your constitutional rights have been violated by police misconduct.
But what counts as police misconduct? Here are a few things you may need to know before you sue.
Unreasonable Search
An unreasonable search occurs when officers of the law violate one of your constitutional rights during a routine traffic stop or arrest. Some examples of this are if cops take your fingerprints without probable cause or consent, or if they enter your home without consent or a warrant.
Unreasonable Seizure
An unreasonable seizure occurs when the police arrest someone without probable cause or hold them longer than necessary before allowing them to leave the premises. Law enforcement officers can’t legally use excessive force during any arrest since this could also be considered an unreasonable seizure of a person’s body, their property, or both.
Unfortunately, illegal stops happen frequently, and they can be tense, frightening situations. Your future, your record, and your freedom may be on the line. In these situations, you may feel you’ve been racially profiled or that you’ve otherwise been discriminated against. Your lawyer can review the details of your arrest and fight for you when your rights have been violated.
Police Brutality
Violent acts by police officers have been in the public eye in recent years, and more people than ever are seeking help after facing a violent response from police officers. You may have been injured or threatened by the police, or you may have lost a loved one to police violence.
If you or a loved one suffered because of a police officer’s actions, you may have grounds for a civil rights claim. Talk to your attorney about the details of the incident and get answers for your next steps.
Wrongful Arrest
False imprisonment or wrongful arrest refers to the wrongful detainment of another person. For example, the police may have no reason to arrest you, racially profile you, or otherwise take you into custody without cause. This can be scary, and if you resisted, you may be facing more difficulties in getting your freedom back.
When this happens, you may need help from a civil rights lawyer to get justice in Georgia. These cases can be tough, and proving wrongdoing may be complex, but your lawyer can guide you through this process.
Religious Discrimination
Religious discrimination is illegal. This means that employers cannot fire you or refuse to hire you because of your religion or make decisions about your religious beliefs. That includes not allowing you time off from work for religious holidays or not allowing you to wear religious attire while you’re at work.
If your employer has violated your civil rights by firing you because of your religion or because you wore religious attire at work, you may be able to pursue legal action against them. An Atlanta civil rights attorney can guide you through the claims process.
Your case will be stronger if you have evidence, like the following:
- Statements made by other employees or managers at the company about your religious beliefs or attire
- Testimony from other employees with similar beliefs
- Any discriminatory written policies regarding dress code or appearance
For example, a Muslim woman may have a civil rights case if her employer says she cannot wear a head covering per her beliefs. If your employer has violated your civil rights, you may need to contact a civil rights lawyer in Atlanta as soon as possible.
As an employee, you don’t have to show that you suffered actual harm from religious discrimination for your claim to be valid. You’ll need to instead prove you were targeted and faced discriminatory practices in the workplace because of your religious beliefs.
Discrimination Against People with Disabilities
If you have a disability, the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA protects you against discrimination in public life. This act protects your right to dignity, access to public spaces, and the ability to seek work.
Unfortunately, you may instead be facing a lawsuit. Many people with disabilities, unfortunately, find their accommodation needs are not met, and in some cases, they may face illegal penalties or harassment for requesting their rights be respected.
As an example, an employer may have refused to hire you because of your disability or medical condition that requires medication or special equipment. When this happens, it’s important to contact a civil rights lawyer in Atlanta to talk about the case. You may have grounds for a lawsuit that addresses the discrimination you faced.
How Can a Lawyer Protect My Civil Rights?
When you’re facing a civil rights claim, you may be dealing with a complex case involving case law you may not understand. That’s especially true if you’re dealing with a case of police misconduct, which means you’ll be facing laws meant to protect the police.
Because a single mistake can lead to a dismissal, you may need a lawyer’s help to get answers and justice for your claim. Your lawyer has tools at their disposal you may not have access to. That gives them the chance to explain these laws and how they apply to your case.
Your lawyer can also represent you in the courtroom. Standing before a judge and the parties that discriminated against you can be scary and intimidating. Your lawyer has the experience, and they’re prepared to use that experience for your case. If you’re worried about your day in court, reach out to a professional who can guide you through this difficult situation.
Call a Civil Rights Lawyer in Atlanta for Aid
When you’re facing a civil rights claim, you may be struggling to recover from this situation. You may have lost your job, been injured, or faced harassment that left an emotional impact on your mind. Worse, you may not have the tools you need to seek justice for your suffering.
No matter what has happened to you and why, if your rights were violated, we’re here to help you get justice. The compassionate Atlanta civil rights lawyers at Fischer Redavid PLLC have the tools you need for recovery, from your first free consultation to the final decision.
Ready to contact a lawyer? We’re waiting for your call. Reach out by calling or by filling out the online contact form below to discuss your case.
