What Are Civil Rights?
The United States Constitution lays out civil rights granted to all Americans by virtue of their citizenship. They include these notable pieces of legislation:
- The First Amendment: Safeguards freedoms like speech, religion, and assembly, allowing individuals to express themselves, practice their chosen faith, and gather peacefully both in public and private
- The Fourth Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, ensuring privacy and security in personal affairs
- The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments: Pivotal in guaranteeing due process and equal protection under the law and prohibiting unjust treatment by the state or federal governments
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits federal and state governments and employers from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
These crucial and inalienable rights are intended to give every U.S. citizen the freedom to live life without fear of persecution or unfair treatment.
Common Civil Rights Violations Cases We Handle
Brown, Bass & Jeter handles a wide range of civil rights violation cases, taking up the cause of those who have faced injustices. We seek legal restitution for every client whose fundamental rights have been violated, providing comprehensive legal support every step of the way.
Some of the types of cases we handle include:
- Police brutality
- Use of excessive force, including cases involving the use of tasers
- Unlawful arrest
- Wrongful conviction
- Malicious prosecution
- Police shootings
- Inmate abuse, including excessive force and physical, sexual, and psychological abuse
- Unlawful death at the hands of police or guards
- Unlawful search and seizure
These are just a few examples. Civil rights violations can take many forms, some of which are less obvious than others.
Contact Our Civil Rights Law Firm in Jackson for Legal Help
If someone in a position of authority has violated your guaranteed civil liberties, consult an experienced civil rights attorney to begin building your case. You could be entitled to compensation from the responsible party.
Contact Our Civil Rights Law Firm in Jackson for Legal Help
If someone in a position of authority has violated your guaranteed civil liberties, consult an experienced civil rights attorney to begin building your case. You could be entitled to compensation from the responsible party.
How Do I Prove a Civil Rights Violation?
Proving a civil rights violation involves showing that your rights, as protected by law or the Constitution, have been infringed upon. It typically requires the following steps:
1. Identify the Specific Right Violated
First, you must clearly establish which civil right was violated. It could be a right enumerated in the Constitution, like freedom of speech or protection against unreasonable searches, or one protected under federal-level laws, like anti-discrimination statutes.
2. Gather Evidence
You’ll need to collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. Such evidence may include:
- Witness Statements: Accounts from people who observed the violation
- Documentation: Any relevant documents, such as employment records, emails, or text messages, that may indicate discrimination
- Physical Evidence: Photos, videos, or other clues that can support the claim
- Expert Testimony: In some cases, experts in various fields can testify about the nature and impact of the violation
3. Show that a Violation Occurred
Demonstrate that the action taken against you was indeed a violation of your civil rights. This involves proving that the conduct was unjustified under the law and directly infringed upon your protected rights.
4. Link the Action to the Harm Caused
Establish a clear connection between the violation and any harm you suffered, be it emotional distress, physical injury, or financial loss.
5. File a Complaint
Depending on the nature of the violation, you may need to file a complaint with a relevant government agency (like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for workplace discrimination) before pursuing a lawsuit.
6. Seek Legal Assistance
Civil rights cases can be complex. Therefore, it’s advisable to seek help from a lawyer who understands civil rights law. A qualified attorney can provide legal guidance, help gather evidence, and represent you in court if necessary.
It’s important to note that every civil rights case is unique, and the process of proving a violation can differ based on the identity of the victim, the specific circumstances, and the laws involved.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect?
Each case is unique, and as such, it would be both impossible and irresponsible for an attorney to estimate the potential value of your case without thoroughly analyzing the specific circumstances and injuries involved. A detailed assessment is necessary to determine the true impact of the crime or accident on your life.
However, we can outline the types of damages that are typically considered when evaluating a case’s worth, including:
- Medical Expenses: Costs incurred for medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing therapies.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work, both in the past and future if the injury affects earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury or accident.
- Diminished Quality of Life: Consideration for the impact of injuries on your overall well-being, daily activities, and enjoyment of life.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages for the loss of companionship, affection, and support from a spouse or partner due to the injuries sustained.
Our experienced attorneys recognize the challenges that come with navigating legal issues arising from a civil rights violation. We are committed to providing aggressive representation while maintaining compassionate client service. Our goal is to identify the liable parties and help you secure the compensation you deserve as swiftly as possible, enabling you to move forward and rebuild your life.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Jackson Civil Rights Attorney
If you or someone you care about are facing a violation of your civil rights, act quickly and retain the services of the experienced legal team at Brown, Bass & Jeter. We can file a lawsuit against law enforcement on your behalf and guide you through the necessary procedures to ensure that your suit is successful.
Why Choose Our Jackson Civil Rights Lawyers?
The legal professionals at Brown, Bass & Jeter always strive to uphold the rights and dignity of their clients, working tirelessly to achieve fair outcomes and hold violators accountable. When you work with our firm, you can expect the following benefits:
Unmatched Legal Knowledge
The lawyers at our firm possess a wealth of experience in civil rights law, which makes it possible for them to provide skilled representation to clients of all backgrounds. Our deep understanding of civil rights legislation guarantees that your case is handled adeptly.
Personalized Attention
All of our clients receive personalized attention. We recognize the individuality of every case and client and will address your specific needs with a tailored legal strategy.
A Commitment to Justice
Justice and equality are our highest priorities. We’ll work to obtain the compensation you deserve while also preventing similar incidents in the future. By doing so, we can help other families avoid the same hardship you’re experiencing.
An Equitable Fee Structure
We operate on a contingency basis, which means you won’t be on the hook for any attorney’s fees unless we achieve a favorable outcome in your case.
