Have Your Civil Rights Been Violated?
Do you believe you have a case against police for excessive force, false arrest, or unreasonable search and seizure? Do you think a school or any other government agency has violated your constitutional rights—including free speech, the right to gather and protest, freedom of religion, gun rights, the right to privacy, due process, and equal protection? Have you experienced illegal discrimination in employment or housing, or discrimination based on your disability?

If you’re thinking of suing, you should speak to a civil rights lawyer. An attorney who’s experienced in this area can explain:

• which federal and state laws or constitutional provisions might apply to your situation
• whether and when you need to file a complaint with a government agency before you can sue, and
• whether the government agencies and officials who violated your rights are legally immune from lawsuits, and whether the circumstances in your case could overcome that immunity.

A civil rights lawyer can look at the circumstances in your situation and discuss your legal options, including your chances of success with a lawsuit against whoever violated your civil rights and how much money you might expect to receive in damages.

Looking for a Lawyer?
At Lawyers.com, you’ll find a user-friendly search tool that allows you to tailor results by area of law and geography. You can also search for attorneys by name. Attorney profiles prominently display contact information, list topics of expertise, and show ratings—by both clients and other legal professionals.

Ready to Meet With a Lawyer?
Before hiring a lawyer or law firm, make sure to speak directly—preferably in person—to the attorney who will be primarily responsible for handling your case. Consider bringing to the conversation a list of questions and any documentation related to your case. Remember that you don’t need to hire the first lawyer you consult and that, first and foremost, you want a lawyer you trust.

What to Ask a Lawyer
When gathering your thoughts and documents, think about what you’ll want to ask the lawyer. Consider including on your list questions about:

• the lawyer’s experience with civil rights cases like yours
• whether the attorney usually represent plaintiffs (the people suing) in civil rights cases or defendants
• whether the attorney practices in the court where you might file a lawsuit
• how often the lawyer goes to trial or settles cases like yours
• who else would be working on the case
• whether the attorney would charge you on by the hour or on a contingency basis (meaning the lawyer would get a percentage of an award or settlement that you receive), and
• how other case costs will be handled.