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What types of cases do civil rights attorneys handle?
July 11, 2022 at 9:00 PM
Image of lady justice, showing what civil rights attorneys in Birmingham, AL, fight for.

It’s easy to dismiss setbacks or struggles because life isn’t fair. But there are situations where the law protects an individual against certain actions by others. Civil rights apply to anyone living in the US, including undocumented immigrants. They include the right to free speech, due process, and freedom from discrimination.

Since 1964, it has been illegal to discriminate against others based on race, religion, sex, disability status, or nationality in hiring, firing, and promoting.

After 1968, the Civil Rights Act extended to the sale, lease, or financing of property. If you feel you’ve experienced discrimination as an individual or group, you may have a case for a civil rights attorney in Birmingham, Alabama. Here are some of the types of typical cases they’ll handle.

Railway station from above 1

Job loss or not receiving a promotion for which you’re qualified.

Workplace discrimination is a serious issue because it compromises your ability to provide for yourself and your family. Alabama has additional workplace protections that prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on age or veteran status.

Employers also can’t pay lower wages to individuals based on sex or race for jobs that require equal skill, experience, and responsibility.

If you’re fired, aren’t receiving equal wages, or are passed over for a promotion for which you’re qualified, contact a civil rights attorney in Birmingham, Alabama. They’ll assess your situation and pursue legal action if you have a case.

Police searches of a person or property without probable cause or a warrant.

When you’re in an interaction with law enforcement officers, it can be hard to know what your rights are at the moment. They may insist upon searching your person or property, even if they don’t have a warrant or probable cause.

If you’ve been subjected to a search of your property, you can reach out to a civil rights attorney in Birmingham, Alabama, after the incident to find out if you have a case.

Typical civil rights violations include stop-and-frisk and selective enforcement. Bringing a lawsuit against law enforcement compels them to abide by the constitution in their policing of their communities.

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Incidents of police misconduct.

One of the most well-known civil rights violations today is police misconduct when law enforcement officers operate outside their authority.

  • Unlawful detention: includes incidents where a police officer stops an individual without reasonable suspicion, such as an illegal traffic stop.
  • Excessive force during arrests: this also includes the use of deadly force, which is forbidden unless there is an immediate threat of death or bodily harm to the officer.
  • False arrest: if unlawful detention goes on for an excessive amount of time or escalates into an arrest, it is another civil rights violation.

During a civil rights violation, it can feel as though an individual is powerless against law enforcement. However, attorneys in Birmingham, AL, will prosecute these cases to hold police departments accountable to their own code of conduct and the constitution.

Maxwell Tilman Trial Lawyers are civil rights attorneys in Birmingham who don’t take a fee unless we win.

We are familiar with prejudice and injustice, fueling our passionate advocacy for individuals and groups experiencing discrimination. Our team has a proven track record of success, securing a range of positive outcomes for clients, including compensation, injunctive relief, and punitive damages. If you’re concerned your civil rights are being violated, we can help. There’s no risk to our clients in pursuing legal action; we don’t take a fee unless we win.

Schedule a consultation with Maxwell Tilman Trial Lawyers to speak with a civil rights attorney in Birmingham, Alabama.