Our government provides certain freedoms and liberties outlined in the US Constitution that courts have interpreted over the years. When a government official—such as a police officer, prison official, public housing security officer, or public school employee—abuses their authority, they may violate a person’s civil rights. A person who experiences discrimination in employment or housing is also a victim of a civil rights violation.
If you believe a public employee deprived you of your rights, or if you have been the target of illegal discrimination, contact an attorney as soon as possible. The law gives you the right to sue the public agency that employs the person, and you could receive damages for your physical, emotional, and psychological losses.
A Norwich civil rights lawyer at Ruane Attorneys is dedicated to helping people fight back against police misconduct, prison abuse, and discrimination. Reach out today to learn how we can stand up for you.
Civil Rights Violations by Police and Prison Officers
The police force has a long history of abusing the people they are sworn to protect, from racial profiling to assaults and homicides. When a criminal suspect experiences police mistreatment, their lawyer can use the injustice to suppress evidence or get a charge dismissed. The suspect could also have a claim against the police department and the officer for civil rights violations.
A civil rights lawsuit could be appropriate if a police officer:
- Made a false statement in a warrant
- Conducted an illegal search
- Used unnecessary force
- Knowingly pursued a false arrest or false charges
- Failed to provide necessary medical treatment
- Did not prevent a suspect or inmate’s suicide
- Improperly used deadly force
Using racial slurs or sexualized language also could constitute a civil rights violation.
These cases can be challenging, as courts give police officers broad latitude. However, a Norwich attorney could work tirelessly to hold the officer accountable for their illegal actions. Evidence from cell phone video, surveillance cameras, and body cameras often provides visual proof of civil rights violations.
Employment and Housing Discrimination in Norwich
The US Supreme Court has ruled that discrimination based on race, religion, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, sexuality, age, or disability is illegal. However, that does not mean it is uncommon.
If an employer does not hire or promote an otherwise qualified person for an improper reason, the employer has committed a civil rights violation. Similarly, denying housing or a mortgage to someone based on one of these reasons is also illegal.
A civil rights attorney at our Norwich office could represent someone who believes they experienced employment or housing discrimination based on personal characteristics. The victim of the civil rights violation could receive damages for their lost income and opportunity, emotional distress, and attorney’s fees in some cases.
Get Justice for Civil Rights Violations with a Norwich Attorney
Laws protect people from discrimination and abuse, but they must be enforced. Civil rights lawsuits are a way for citizens who have suffered abuse or discrimination to assert their rights and hold the wrongdoers accountable.
Civil rights lawsuits are a specialized area of law, and you need an attorney with significant experience handling these cases. Contact a Norwich civil rights lawyer at Ruane Attorneys to discuss your case if you feel you have been the victim of illegal discrimination or abuse of power by a public official.