Taos Civil Rights Lawyer

Taos Civil Rights Attorney

Civil rights are protected at the state and federal levels in New Mexico. Our state enacted the New Mexico Civil Rights Act in 2021 to add further protections for individuals seeking justice following a violation of their rights under the New Mexico Bill of Rights, such as an unlawful arrest, the excessive use of force by law enforcement, or personal injuries unlawfully caused by a public employee. Victims of excessive force by law enforcement or another violation of rights can now hire a Taos civil rights lawyer to seek compensation from law enforcement groups that engage in discriminatory policies and practices.

At Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez + Cox, LLC, our lawyers are dedicated to helping clients seek justice in the form of financial compensation. By holding unethical police officers and other government officials accountable, we can improve the quality of services provided by law enforcement groups and agencies, creating safer communities.

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

At Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez + Cox, LLC, we pride ourselves on delivering powerful legal representation for civil rights cases, blending empathy with extensive legal experience. Our attorneys leverage years of high-level experience and offer clients the highest level or representation.

We recognize the significant personal challenges that civil rights cases can impose, and our team is dedicated to providing both strong legal support and compassionate counsel. By staying focused on your unique needs and objectives, we tackle obstacles head-on and fight tirelessly for the justice you deserve. Let our experience and dedication work for you today.

What Do Civil Rights Violations Look Like?

Civil rights protections extend to anyone living in New Mexico, including non-citizen visitors and residents. Civil rights are codified through the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other statutes that offer protection to individuals whose constitutional rights have been infringed upon by government entities.

• Freedom of speech: Free speech isn’t unlimited, but it is safeguarded in many cases. If the government unjustly restricts someone from expressing their views, a civil rights attorney can help challenge that action. Free speech is protected under the First Amendment.
• Employment discrimination: No employer can discriminate against someone because of their race, color, national origin, sex, gender, marital status, gender identity, and other characteristics of an employee. Government employers are held to high standards when it comes to protecting the rights of workers.
• Police misconduct: New Mexico law enforcement serves an important role, and most officers perform their duties honorably. Unfortunately, peace officers can sometimes let bias and emotions get in the way of serving the public. Under the New Mexico Civil Rights Act, police misconduct can lead to legal consequences for law enforcement agencies.
• Jail mistreatment: Civil rights extend to people who are incarcerated in New Mexico’s jail and prison systems. Inhumane treatment, abuse, and neglect in prisons and jails can constitute civil rights violations.

If you’ve experienced harm, retaliation, or harassment from a government employee, a civil rights lawyer can help determine your ideal course of action. It could be filing a complaint or pursuing litigation in New Mexico courts.

How Can I Be Compensated After My Rights Were Violated?

If your civil rights were violated, the first step you should take is to hire an attorney to represent you as you seek compensation. Not having an attorney on record could leave you vulnerable to false allegations and attempts to pressure you into accepting an unfavorable settlement.

Your lawyer can review your case to see which legal remedy offers a high chance for fair and timely compensation. One option is to file an administrative action with the appropriate state or federal civil rights agency.

Get the Help You Need

For cases that violate the New Mexico Human Rights Act, administrative action would be filed first with the New Mexico Human Rights Bureau. The New Mexico Civil Rights Act allows individuals to file claims against state or local government employees for violating their civil rights. This could be for cases of police brutality or unlawful detention.

The state’s civil rights law provides a legal path for holding public officials accountable and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights. For violations of federal civil rights protections, your attorney can file an administrative action with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,

FAQs

What Is the Civil Rights Act in New Mexico?

The New Mexico Civil Rights Act (NMCRA), was enacted in 2021 to allow individuals to file claims against government entities whose officials or employees violate a person’s constitutional rights. This law provides a state-level legal remedy for civil rights violations, allowing victims to seek compensation in state courts without needing to rely solely on federal protections.

Can I Be Financially Compensated if My Civil Rights Were Violated?

Yes, you can be financially compensated if your civil rights were violated in Taos, NM. If you have suffered harm due to a violation, you may be able to pursue damages through a civil claim. Compensation could include monetary damages for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages, depending on the severity of the violation and the impact on your life. Civil rights attorneys can help determine the right course of action to seek compensation.

What Should You Do When Your Civil Rights Are Violated?

If your civil rights were violated, you can hire an attorney to review your case and provide legal advice. Attorneys do far more than litigate. They are counselors at law who can connect you to important resources and provide advice, guidance, and insight about what steps you should take to protect your rights and hold the at-fault party accountable.

How Do I Get Involved in Civil Rights?

If you share a passion for civil rights, there are many nonprofit and advocacy groups that you can financially support or volunteer for. Civil rights in this country are an evolving and dynamic topic. One of the first steps is to take time to understand your rights, from the Bill of Rights to more recent legislation. You can advocate for new civil rights legislation by contacting your elected officials.

Schedule Your Taos Civil Rights Consultation Today

We understand that civil rights violations can have profound effects on individuals and communities, and we are committed to providing strategic, dedicated representation to victims of police misconduct and other forms of civil rights violations.

If you are looking for a compassionate and competent legal team to represent you in court, Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez + Cox, LLC, has a strong track record of winning compensation for clients whose civil rights have been violated. To schedule your civil rights violation consultation, contact our office today.