Author: Colin Daives
When your civil rights have been violated, it can be difficult to know where to turn or what to do. Many people in this situation want to do something, but they don't know what they can do or how to go about doing it. Instead of taking a stand and ensuring that their rights are protected, they focus their attention on moving on and putting the situation behind them. However, civil rights violation are a serious infraction and there is help out there for you if you know where to look and who to talk to.
If you feel that your civil rights have been violated, it is in your best interest to discuss your situation with a civil rights attorney. By federal law, you are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information and age. Some states and localities also offer protection for sexual orientation and numerous other factors. Only by speaking to a civil rights lawyer in your area will you know if you have a case.
The best way to find out if your civil rights have been illegally violated and if you have a case is to discuss the situation with a civil rights attorney. This doesn't mean that you'll simply want to call the first attorney you find in the phone book or online. Instead, you want to find an attorney with the right background. If your civil rights issue is related to employment, you may want to contact employment lawyers. In other instances, a civil rights attorney might be the right choice.
As you consider your options for attorneys, there are a few things you'll want to look for. First of all, look for a lawyer with experience in the particular type of discrimination you're facing or have faced. When you hire a lawyer who's dealt with similar cases, they'll know how to proceed to make sure that you're getting the help you need. You'll also find that they're much better able to give you an accurate idea of what you can expect from your experience, whether or not you have a solid case worth pursuing, and so on.
For example, if you were fired from your job based on your age, you would want to contact employment lawyers who've dealt with age related termination in the past. As you consult with a lawyer, don't be afraid to ask them about their background and education. Remember that you are the client and you have a choice in attorneys. You want to hire someone who will best represent you and the only way to determine the right choice is by carefully considering their background, asking questions, and evaluating each attorney individually.
You'll also want to be sure that you choose an attorney with whom you feel comfortable. The process of dealing with this type of case can take time and will require frequent communication with your attorney. Be sure that you're hiring someone you feel will work diligently for you, and who will keep you up to date at all times as to how your case is progressing.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/how-and-when-to-hire-a-civil-rights-attorney-1640400.html
About the Author
Colin Daives writes general information articles about a number of legal topics that range from personal injury to criminal law. Each state has different laws and every case is unique. His articles are not meant to be legal advice.
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