Concord Civil Rights Lawyer
Every American is afforded civil rights under both state and federal law. Civil rights laws protect people from being treated unfairly by their government and protect their right to take part in how the government operates.
If your civil rights have been violated, a Concord civil rights lawyer experienced in litigating claims similar to yours could help you obtain justice for the violation of your fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the law. Speak to a skilled attorney today.
Types Of Civil Rights
Civil rights guaranteed to every American include:
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of assembly
- Freedom of religion
- The right to due process of law
- Freedom from unlawful searches and seizures
- Freedom from the use of excessive force by government agents
- The right to obtain government documents and attend government meetings
- The freedom to petition the government for redress of grievances
- The right to vote
- Right to a fair trial and fair administrative decisions by government boards
If any of these or other civil rights are violated, an experienced Concord attorney could help you seek appropriate legal remedies. Examples of the types of claims that may be filed to vindicate your civil rights include claims for access to government documents under RSA 91-A, protecting public employees’ right to criticize the government bodies they work for under RSA 98-E, malicious prosecution or false arrest claims for bad faith, unsupported criminal charges, and federal civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. S 1983 for excessive force or other deprivations of your constitutional rights.
Filing Civil Rights Claims In Concord
If you are abused by the police or other government agents, treated unfairly by a government board, or denied information you have requested from the state or a municipality, you may have a claim to vindicate important civil rights. Vindicating civil rights claims is often a very complicated process because there are many confusing and sometimes inconsistent doctrines and exceptions to those doctrines.
There are generally many governmental immunity issues that will also need to be overcome before you can be successful on a claim against the government. Government officials and bodies can often claim various forms of immunity from lawsuits, possibly including sovereign immunity, official immunity, qualified immunity and discretionary function immunity, among others.
It takes an experienced and knowledgeable attorney to navigate these issues. Our attorneys at Lehmann Major List, PLLC, have considerable experience with these issues and can guide you to your best chance of success on a civil rights claim in Concord.
The good news is that if you succeed on a civil rights claim against the government at a trial, many of the statutes that provide you with the right to sue also provide that a prevailing plaintiff is entitled to have his or her attorneys’ fees paid by the government body that committed the civil rights violation. Our attorneys at Lehmann Major List, PLLC, have experience in obtaining attorneys’ fees awards after successfully winning civil rights claims for their clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Rights
Civil rights violations are probably the most egregious types of experiences out there. All Americans deserve to have their rights respected. And sometimes it can be shocking to run afoul of a civil rights problem. If you think someone violated your rights, we can help you, and the first place to start is providing you with answers such as:
What constitutes a violation of my civil rights?
The federal government and New Hampshire guarantee you protections under the law. The main ones you know are freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms and so on. There are many rights that are less well-known. You also have freedom from discrimination in many classes, such as sex, age, race, sexual orientation, religion and veteran status. If you experience something at work or in contact with authorities that feels like an overreach, it may be. And we want to hear about it.
What protections do I have against discrimination?
Individuals are protected against discrimination by federal laws such as the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as state laws that prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics in employment, housing, education and public accommodations.
What should I do if I believe my rights have been violated by the government?
If you believe your rights have been violated by the government, you can file a complaint with the appropriate governmental agency or seek assistance from civil rights organizations that advocate for individuals’ rights.
Can I sue for damages if my civil rights are violated?
Yes, you can potentially sue for damages if your civil rights are violated. This may include compensatory damages, punitive damages or injunctive relief, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
Does New Hampshire have a Right to Know Law?
Yes, New Hampshire has a Right to Know Law, which ensures public access to governmental records and proceedings, promoting transparency and accountability in government operations.
Talk To A Concord Civil Rights Attorney For A Case Evaluation
If your civil rights have been violated by the police, a government agency or the town you live in, you are entitled to pursue justice for the abuse of your rights. An experienced Concord civil rights lawyer could investigate your case, identify the appropriate channel to file your claim, and fight to defend your rights and obtain justice. Call at 603-715-2516 or reach out online today for assistance with protecting your civil rights.