Common Civil Rights Violations in Los Angeles and How to Fight Back
In the United States, we enjoy a wide range of civil and constitutional rights. However, it’s not uncommon for those rights to be violated in a variety of ways, and knowing your rights is an important first step in defending them. Outlined in the Constitution, federal law, and state law, these rights ensure fair and equal treatment. When your civil rights are violated in Los Angeles, working with the right attorney is key. If your rights were violated by a police officer or other law enforcement professional, a Los Angeles police misconduct attorney is your next call. The team at the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo can advocate for you and hold these parties accountable.
The police misconduct lawyers at the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo can help you defend your rights. Since 1984, attorney Dale K. Galipo has aggressively fought for clients in personal injury and criminal defense cases. Since 2004, he’s been known for his seven-figure jury verdicts for clients who were victimized by police abuse. Call us at 818-347-3333 to discuss your case now.
There are numerous civil rights violations that plague residents of Los Angeles and nearby communities. Learn more about common issues that arise and how to fight back.
Police Misconduct
One of the most grave forms of civil rights abuse we see in Los Angeles is misconduct by law enforcement. Our police misconduct law firm has seen cases involving excessive use of force, unlawful arrests, racial profiling, and even in-custody death. Those who are victimized by police misconduct should take careful note of important details, including the involved officers’ names and badge numbers, patrol car numbers, and specific words and actions. People who witness police misconduct play a powerful role in these interactions, as they can provide support by recording interactions or advocating for the victim. These issues can be reported to the police department’s internal affairs division, but results are mixed . More often than not, victims have to reach out to police misconduct attorneys to truly hold officers accountable.
Racial Discrimination
Despite the diversity that Los Angeles is known for, racial discrimination remains a massive problem. Those targeted due to their race may be on the receiving end of racial slurs, unfair treatment, and lost opportunities. Unfortunately, many people never even try to assert their rights in this area. They assume that it’s too easy for employers and others to claim that their actions were due to a factor other than race, so they don’t even bother. This isn’t true; skilled attorneys and civil rights groups can help victims demand justice and ensure fair treatment under the law. A lot depends on where the discrimination occurs. For example, discrimination at work would be reported to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Discrimination occurring in housing would fall under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. This department would also handle complaints regarding an unfair workplace.
Housing Discrimination
Housing discrimination is a significant problem in Los Angeles and other densely populated areas of the state. It can be very difficult for tenants and applicants to demand fair treatment—the rental market in Los Angeles is competitive and intense, and landlords often feel entitled to treat tenants and applicants as they please without regard for the law. The Fair Housing Act provides a wide range of protections for buyers and tenants. The California DFEH handles these complaints and violations at the state level. Violations may show up in a variety of ways. A landlord may refuse to accept applications from people based on their race, disability, ethnicity, family status, and other protected statuses. They may also attempt to charge more in violation of the law, limit access to certain facilities and services, or require people in certain groups to agree to different terms and conditions than other tenants.
Educational Discrimination
Students are entitled to equal learning opportunities and resources. Educational discrimination, which includes unequal funding, denial of disability services, and biased disciplinary actions, can keep children from accessing the education they need to thrive. School districts are obligated to ensure that students can tap into the learning opportunities they are legally entitled to, and they can be held liable for the actions of their teachers, paraprofessionals, and other employees.
Choose the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo—We’re Here for You
If your civil rights have been violated by a police officer, you need a committed and passionate police misconduct law firm ready to fight for you. Our team of police misconduct lawyers is ready to start working on your civil rights case. Call us at 818-347-3333 or reach out online.
