Civil Rights Lawyer Washington DC

The SITUATIONS:

A citizen and teacher in a local county exercises her right to speak to the newspaper about how her local school district is wasting taxpayer money on unqualified teachers to teach their children.

A county police officer wishes to practice his Nazirite religious views and continue growing the locks of his hair, which conflict with police department grooming standards.

A state exercises its power of eminent domain to “take” part of real property in order to allow a commercial real estate developer to build a shopping mall to replace a blighted housing project. The state pays what it has determined to be the fair market value for the property taken.

What could go WRONG:

The teacher is abruptly removed from teaching courses that she has taught for years and is assigned a new course to teach at a school that is now a long-distance commute from her home.

The police officer is disciplined for refusing to cut his hair and is proposed for termination for failing to conform to the department’s grooming code.

The money received for the property is well below what is considered to be just and fair compensation.

The RIGHT CHOICE:

Every individual has a right not to be retaliated against for speaking out on matters of public concern as a U.S. citizen. Efforts to silent speech should be exposed and stopped.

Constitutional torts, such as violations of one’s First Amendment Free Speech rights, freedom to associate with others, or freedom to exercise one’s religious beliefs are just a few civil rights that are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Each state within the United States also has constitutional protections that grant rights to its citizens. Public employees – whether working for the federal, state, or local governments – are also entitled to due process protections prior to being subjected to adverse employment actions, such as the loss of their job. The Fifth Amendment or Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants such protections, depending on the employer.

Determining what constitutes “just compensation” under the Fifth Amendments Takings Clause is typically driven by a battle between experts. Working with these experts is key to properly assessing the value of property taken and whether the taking was proper in the first place.

At the same time, the laws covering civil rights are evolving and require experienced legal training to navigate through the court system to seek redress for constitutional injuries. For these reasons, the Right Choice begins with understanding your rights … and then entails assessing the specific facts of your situation, what civil rights may have been violated, and what evidence and tools can be brought to bear to make you whole and have your rights restored.

Looking to Fight for Your Civil Rights? Ask These 5 Questions First

If you feel as though your civil rights have been violated, it’s important to find the right lawyer to help you with your case. Of course, there are plenty of lawyers out there who will be happy to take your money, but that doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily be able to help you get the compensation you deserve or achieve justice in your case. When you need a civil rights lawyer who will fight for what you deserve, consider these five questions before choosing an attorney.

1) What Are Your Areas Of Practice?

When you first consult with a civil rights lawyer, you should ask about their areas of practice. This will give you a good idea of whether or not they have experience handling cases similar to yours. If they don’t have experience in your specific area of concern, they may still be able to help you, but it’s worth asking about. You also want to know the firm’s history with cases like yours. It is always best to work with someone who has successfully won these types of cases before so that you know they are capable and qualified. A good question to ask is what happens if we lose my case. There are many things that can happen when one loses a case and it is important that you are aware of the possible outcomes before going into battle.

2) Do You Have Any Experience With Fighting Wrongful Charges?

If you’ve been wrongfully charged with a crime, it’s important to find a lawyer who has experience fighting these types of cases. The last thing you want is someone who will just take your money and do nothing to help you clear your name. Find out how much experience the lawyer has in this type of case so that you can feel confident they’ll have the knowledge needed to get the job done.

3) What Do I Need To Bring To A Meeting?

When you’re meeting with a lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. You’ll want to bring any documentation related to your case, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements. You should also be prepared to discuss your story in detail, as this will help the lawyer understand the best way to proceed. Finally, be sure to ask questions about the lawyer’s experience and expertise in civil rights law.

4) Can You Share Some Of Your Clients’ Stories With Me?

When you’re looking for a lawyer, you want someone who has a proven track record of success. The best way to gauge whether or not a lawyer is right for you is to ask about their past clients and cases. Any reputable civil rights lawyer should be more than happy to share some of their previous clients’ stories with you. If they don’t mention any of their clients, that’s a major red flag.

5) How Can I Reach You When I Need Legal Help With My Case?

When you contact a lawyer, you should feel confident that he or she will be available to take your call and answer your questions. You should also have a clear understanding of how the lawyer will communicate with you during your case. No one can predict the outcome of a civil rights case with 100% accuracy, but your lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of your chances of success. He or she will also be able to tell you what kind of evidence will be most important in proving your case.

Contact a civil rights attorney at Eric Siegel Law today for help with your case!