Española Civil Rights Lawyer

Española Civil Rights Attorney

Civil rights violations can happen to anyone. Española Española residents may experience violations of fundamental rights during interactions with law enforcement or situations where freedom of speech is oppressed by the government. No matter the type of civil rights violation you experienced, you can rely on the services of an Española, NM, civil rights lawyer to hold the at-fault party accountable.

Any violation of someone’s civil rights erodes trust in our institutions. At Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez + Cox, LLC, we passionately fight to protect the rights of Española residents because civil rights play a critical role in maintaining a just and free society.

Why Choose Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez + Cox, LLC?

Experiencing police brutality and other civil rights violations can make anyone lose faith in our system of government. At Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez + Cox, LLC in Española, New Mexico, we stand as staunch advocates for civil rights, offering a blend of deep legal knowledge and compassionate client care.

Our attorneys have years of experience in civil rights cases and provide the highest level of representation while being accessibility to our clients and using the personal touch our clients need. By focusing on your specific goals, we tackle complex legal issues with determination, ensuring that your rights are protected and your voice is heard. Trust us to deliver justice with integrity and tenacity in every case we take on.

Common Civil Rights Violations in Española, NM

Civil rights violations in Española, NM, can take many forms. Sadly, police brutality and misconduct continue to be a common example of these types of violations. Additionally, bias in policing is a sad reality today.  For example, Law enforcement agencies cannot use race as the basis for pulling someone over. Any example of discrimination by a police officer that leads to a false arrest, bodily injury, or another type of harm can become grounds for legal action in court.

The Fourth Amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures by government authorities. Violations of the Fourth Amendment often occur during law enforcement interactions with civilians.

Police must have reasonable probable cause to detain someone. Unlawful searches and seizures can sometimes lead to lawsuits to protect your civil rights. Other common civil rights violations in New Mexico include discriminatory housing practices, denial of voting rights, and unfair treatment in education.

What Can a Civil Rights Lawyer Do for Me?

Any violation of your civil rights is a serious matter. One of the first steps you can take when seeking justice is to hire a civil rights attorney who can hold the at-fault party accountable. After taking your case, one of the first things a civil rights attorney will look for is the appropriate government agency with which to file an administrative complaint.

Filing an Administrative Complaint

Violations of federal civil rights laws could mean that the administrative complaint is filed with the EEOC. Violations of the New Mexico Human Rights Act could lead to an administrative filing with the New Mexico Human Rights Bureau.

The administrative complaint process is complicated.  Having the assistance of a skilled attorney can streamline the process and help prevent your claim from being delayed or rejected.  For certain cases, your lawyer may advise filing a civil rights claim in court.

Taking direct legal action may be needed in cases where the misconduct was so malicious that direct legal action is warranted. One example of when a civil rights claim in court is justified would be when police assault a suspect who is unarmed and non-violent. A police attack on someone due to their protected characteristic could constitute a serious civil rights violation.

FAQs

What Does the Civil Rights Act Prohibit?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in employment, public accommodations, education, voting, and federal funding. It ensures equal treatment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This landmark legislation has significantly advanced civil rights in the United States, empowering individuals and communities while fostering an inclusive society that values diversity and equality.

What Is an Example of a Civil Rights Law?

Civil rights laws have been enacted at the state and federal levels for many years. One example of a civil rights law is the New Mexico Civil Rights Act, which reduces barriers to holding police departments accountable for misconduct.

When a police officer violates the civil rights of someone in New Mexico due to discrimination, that officer and their department no longer have the levels of legal immunity they held before the enactment of the act in 2021.

What Are Human Rights Protections in New Mexico?

New Mexico provides robust human rights protections through the New Mexico Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, and more in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The state also enforces equal pay laws and has a Civil Rights Division to investigate discrimination complaints, promoting equality and safeguarding individual rights.

Can Someone Get Away With Violating My Civil Rights?

Someone may get away with violating your civil rights, especially if you do not take steps to protect your rights. New Mexico residents enjoy vast protections under state and federal law, but only when they exercise their rights to hold wrongdoers accountable. Civil rights laws provide the framework for protecting your rights, but they’re only protected when you take proactive steps by hiring a civil rights attorney.

Schedule Your Civil Rights Consultation Today

Civil rights violations can erode credibility in our public institutions. By using the laws we have in place to hold wrongdoers accountable, we can play an important role in creating a more just and equitable community for New Mexicans.

The attorneys at Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez + Cox, LLC take civil rights violations seriously. Discrimination is wholly unacceptable in any situation, especially from someone who works for the government or is in a position of public office. We believe that those whose civil rights have been violated deserve compensation for what they went through.

If your civil rights were violated, you can count on our team of compassionate lawyers to protect your rights and seek compensation for the harm you endured. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.