Philadelphia Civil Rights Lawyers Discuss: When Should I Hire a Civil Rights Attorney?

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The Constitution guarantees all Americans a certain set of rights: freedom of speech, freedom from self-incrimination, and the right to privacy. Law enforcement officials and others in public office can sometimes violate these rights though excessive force. If the police have victimized you by violating these essential rights, you may have a civil rights claim for which you can recover damages. Here are instances when hiring a civil rights attorney may be necessary:

Police Brutality 
If law enforcement officials used excessive force when stopping, arresting, and booking you, you may have a strong civil rights claim against the individual officers and the department. Inhumane treatment, prolonged solitary confinement, and an inability to call a lawyer may all be illegal acts. Evidence of you injuries can support both a civil rights and a personal injury cause of action to be pursued in court.

Wrongful Arrest 
If you were a bystander or were otherwise not acting in a criminal capacity, a police officer needed probable cause in order to arrest you. Police may sometimes invent untrue exigent circumstances to make it look as though they had no other choice but to arrest you. However, false arrests can be a violation of your civil rights, and you should hire a civil rights attorney to help you receive compensation for your pain and suffering.

Age, Race, and Gender Discrimination 
Civil rights violation is an umbrella term that can reference a number of different discriminatory situations. If you are being harassed at work because of your age, gender, or sexual orientation, you have a claim of action against the perpetrator (and the employer, if it happens in the workplace). When teasing crosses the line into discriminatory language, your civil rights are violated enough to file suit.

Experienced Philadelphia Civil Rights Lawyers at The Law Offices of Patrick G. Geckle

If your civil rights are infringed upon, hiring a civil rights attorney can ensure that you have appropriate legal recourse. An experienced litigator can help apply the law to your unique situation. Philadelphia residents worried about their rights should call the Law Offices of Patrick Geckle at (215)-735-3326 or contact us online.