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Understanding Your Right to a Fair Trial

Written by bkwritingsupport on February 9, 2023. Posted in Civil Law. Leave a Comment

Understanding your right to a fair trial is an important civil liberty. Part of the Bill of Rights, the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution details your rights within the criminal justice system.

Sixth Amendment rights are designed to protect you if you’re accused of crimes. Among the safeguards outlined in the Sixth Amendment include the right to a speedy and public trial, the right to an impartial jury of your peers, and the right to confront witnesses against you in a court of law.

In this blog we’ll discuss:

What is the Bill of Rights?
What is the Sixth Amendment?
How does the Sixth Amendment protect your rights?
What should you do if your Sixth Amendment rights are violated?

Right to a fair trial is in the Bill of Rights, shown here with an Eagle and a gavel superimposed over them. — The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a fair trial.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution. It was added to the Constitution in 1791 to outline individual rights. Considered a cornerstone of American law, it is widely regarded as one of the most important documents in the history of U.S. democracy.

Many Americans are familiar with the First and Second Amendments, which deal with freedom of speech and the right to bear arms. Others know all about the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure.

These amendments are more well-known because they get frequent exposure in the media. However, the Bill of Rights as a whole is designed to protect you from abuse of power by the government. They ensure all citizens are treated equally under the law.

What is the Sixth Amendment?

If you’ve ever watched a police procedural on television, chances are, you’ve heard reference to the right to a fair trial. You can find this guarantee in the Bill of Rights under the Sixth Amendment. An essential part of protecting the rights of all Americans, the Sixth Amendment is a critical part of the criminal justice process.

Under it, Americans are promised:

The right to a fair and speedy trial.
The right to an impartial jury of their peers.
The right to be informed of the charges against them.
The right to confront witnesses against them in court.
The right to an attorney.

A man wearing an orange prison jumpsuit is escorted by an officer of the court as part of a fair trial. — The right to a fair trial is part of your civil liberties under the Sixth Amendment.

How does the Sixth Amendment protect your rights?

American citizens can find several key protections for navigating the criminal justice system within the Sixth Amendment. Receiving a fair and just trial is among them. There are 5 rights outlined in this amendment.

Let’s break down the 5 basic rights under the Sixth Amendment to learn how they protect you.

You have the right to a speedy and public trial
Criminal cases must be heard in a court of law in a timely manner. On average, it can take 256 days for a felony case and 193 days for a misdemeanor charge for a criminal case to come before the court.

Attorneys for the accused can request bail for their clients. If granted, posting bail allows secures your release from jail while awaiting your court date. In some cases—like first-degree murder—you may be denied bail. If you’re a flight risk, a judge also can refuse to grant bail. In these instances, you’ll remain incarcerated until your trial.
You have the right to an impartial jury
Any jury trials for criminal proceedings must consist of peers without bias against the accused. Additionally, jurors must represent a cross-section of the community, which helps protect against partiality.

New Mexico courts randomly select names from voter registration lists to serve as potential jurors for criminal cases. Attorneys for the prosecution and defense—plus the presiding judge—ask potential jurors questions to determine their suitability to serve.
You have the right to be informed of the charges against you
One of the most important rights under the Sixth Amendment is knowing the charges against you. Without that information, you can’t properly prepare or defend yourself in a court of law.

In New Mexico, suspects are formally charged during an arraignment, during which time all charges against them are presented. Before that, you receive an official complaint—usually within 72 hours of an arrest—detailing pending charges and your rights.
You have the right to confront witnesses in a court of law
During criminal proceedings, the prosecution may present witnesses to corroborate the charges against you. They may testify before the court about something they personally witnessed. Sometimes the witnesses are victims of a crime who have agreed to testify against the accused.

The Sixth Amendment gives your criminal defense attorney the right to cross-examine witnesses against you in court. Your attorney can go so far as to challenge a witness’s testimony by providing evidence that contradicts what they’re claiming.
You have the right to representation from an attorney
If you’re arrested and charged with a crime, the Sixth Amendment ensures you have an attorney to represent you. Including this basic right within the amendment guarantees you can properly defend yourself against charges.

In the U.S., if you can’t afford an attorney, one is appointed to you through the courts. These lawyers are called public defenders.

Scales of justice balanced by a blindfolded lady to demonstrate the right to a fair trial. — The scales of justice are meant to move swiftly and fairly in the U.S. The Sixth Amendment helps protect these rights to a fair trial.

What should you do if your Sixth Amendment rights are violated?

If you believe your Sixth Amendment rights were violated, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and hold the government accountable.

The most important thing you can do is contact a civil rights attorney. Criminal defense attorneys can help you defend yourself against charges, but they generally aren’t equipped to handle civil rights violation cases.

Once you have a civil rights attorney, they may recommend the following steps:

Appeal your criminal case to a higher court and use evidence of a violation of your rights in the lower courts.
File a complaint with the court or state bar association against a legal professional if you believe they violated your Sixth Amendment rights.
Report police misconduct if you believe your rights were violated during your arrest or other handling by the police. You can report misconduct to the internal affairs division of the police department handling your case, or take it to a state or federal law enforcement agency.

Protect your civil liberties

It’s important to act quickly if you think your Sixth Amendment rights were violated. In New Mexico, victims of civil rights violations have 3 years to file before the statute of limitations runs out.

Cameron & Russell have attorneys on staff experienced in both criminal defense and civil rights. Schedule a free case evaluation today to discover how we can help pursue your civil rights case.

How to Identify a Civil Rights Violation

Written by bkwritingsupport on November 3, 2022. Posted in Civil Law. Leave a Comment

We the People. When most residents in the United States hear those words, they immediately think of the preamble to The Constitution of the United States. The opening remarks are powerful for good reason. They proclaim who is adopting the Constitution, why they are adopting it, and what is covered under it.

Looking at it from a legal perspective, those 52 words declare the enactment of the provisions that follow. When those provisions are not followed in this country, it can constitute a civil rights violation.

Knowing your civil rights and whether they’ve been violated can be tricky, especially if you’re an immigrant. In this article, we break down details about your civil rights, how to identify if you’re the victim of a civil rights violation, and where to turn for help.

What are your civil rights?

Before you can know whether your civil rights have been violated, you must understand your rights and how they apply to your daily life. There are 10 categories of civil rights in the U.S. Not every category applies to every person.

civil rights violation police stop — Being stopped by the police can be scary. It also can be a violation of your civil rights in some cases.

Civil rights when stopped by the police

It can be scary to get stopped by the police. Some U.S. residents have reason to feel more terrified than others. Racial bias can play a huge role in traffic stops. The issue has been studied locally and nationally by several organizations, all with similar outcomes.

When you’re stopped by the police in public, you have rights. They include:

The right to remain silent (including answering questions about your U.S. citizenship status).
The right to refuse a search of yourself or your belongings.
The right to a government-appointed attorney if arrested.

Stay calm and never try to resist. State you wish to remain silent and request an attorney if police take you into custody. If your rights are violated, try to get as much information as possible, including the names and badge numbers of the officers and any witness information.

Civil rights for students

In 1969, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that student do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech at the schoolhouse gate.” Students have First Amendment rights in school with one caveat: they can’t disrupt the functioning of the school or violate school policies that don’t hinge on the message they are expressing.

Civil rights for students can be a tricky area to navigate. It’s best to consult with a civil rights attorney in Albuquerque if you believe your rights were violated.

civil rights violation protesting — The First Amendment protects your rights to engage in peaceful protest.

Civil rights for protesters

The First Amendment protects your right to assemble and express your views through protesting. Narrow restrictions, such as requiring permits, can be placed by local government officials and the police without infringing on your rights.

When planning to protest, it’s best to choose a traditional public forum like streets, sidewalks, and parks. You also have the right to speak in front of government buildings and other public spaces if you’re not blocking access. You can take photos if in a public space, including of federal buildings and the police.

If you’re arrested for legally protesting, contact a civil rights attorney immediately.

Civil rights protecting religious freedom

Religious freedom is one of the most misunderstood constitutional rights in the U.S. You can face religious discrimination at work, in school, and even in public housing.

Some of your religious freedom rights in these settings include:

Prevention from harassment that creates a hostile work, school, or housing environment.
Reasonable accommodations for religious practices.

You can reach out to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission if your rights have been violated on the job. For other religious freedom issues, contact a civil rights attorney.

Civil rights protecting against sex discrimination, gender identity, sexual orientation

Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prevents employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating based on sex. Some courts also have ruled Title VII bans discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Because the U.S. Supreme Court has not yet taken up this issue, LGBTQ+ people can face murky interpretations of their rights. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against based on your gender identity or sexual orientation, it’s time to consult with a civil rights attorney in Albuquerque.

civil rights violation voting — You have a right to cast your ballot in the U.S. without the fear of voter intimidation.

Civil rights protecting voters

Voters’ rights have been in the forefront since the 2020 election in the U.S. In an increasingly hostile environment, some voters wonder about their rights and how to enforce them. As a legally-registered voter in the U.S., you have the right to:

Access disability-related accommodations (including language assistance) at the polls.
Complete your vote if you’re still standing in line when the polls officially close.
Exercise your voting rights without voter intimidation efforts.

You can call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-687-8683 if you experience issues at your polling place.

Civil rights for prisoners

Prisoners have the right to be protected against discrimination and abuse while incarcerated. Under the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, prison officials have a legal obligation to refrain from using excessive force and protecting prisoners from assault by other prisoners.

File a grievance if your rights have been violated while in prison. You also can contact a civil rights attorney.

Civil rights protecting race, ethnicity, or national origin

If a company or an individual treats you differently based on your race, ethnicity, or national origin, it’s a civil rights violation in the U.S. Being denied a job or a promotion can be blatant examples of this kind of illegal discrimination. Some other forms – like policies against hiring those with a criminal record – can be more subtle.

In this category, the Constitution:

Protects you from housing discrimination, employment discrimination, and denial of service in public places.
Prevents the government from treating you differently based on your race, ethnicity, or national origin.

If your rights have been violated, gather as much documentation as you can and consult a civil rights attorney immediately.

civil rights violation disability — Disabled persons have protections under the Constitution and other federal and state laws.

Civil rights for disabled persons

Sadly, people with disabilities in the U.S. face widespread discrimination, exclusion, and segregation. Federal disability rights ensure fairness for disabled persons in housing, the workplace, and other public accommodation situations.

You’re not required to disclose your disability to coworkers or supervisors. Reasonable accommodations must be made on the job and in public for you to access the same services as non-disabled persons.

Filing a complaint with the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission is the first step if you’ve experienced civil rights violations in any of these situations. You also can reach out to a civil rights attorney familiar with disability law in New Mexico to further assist.

Civil rights for immigrants

It doesn’t matter what your immigration status is in the U.S. You have guaranteed rights under the U.S. Constitution.

One of the most common issues faced by immigrants – including those legally in the U.S. – is being asked by law enforcement about their citizenship or immigration status. You have a right to remain silent and refuse to discuss your status. You also have the right to refuse consent to a search of your body or your belongings.

If you have immigration status documents, we recommend carrying them with you always. Present them if requested, but only to a U.S. immigration agent.

Contact a civil rights attorney immediately if any of these rights have been violated.

Do only U.S. citizens have civil rights?

Some people are misinformed about who the Constitution covers. They believe you must be a U.S. citizen to enjoy the freedoms and rights outlined within this document. Those assumptions are wrong.

Everyone has basic rights under the U.S. Constitution, including non-citizens. Never let an authority figure try to tell you that you aren’t protected because of your citizenship status.

The U.S. Constitution specifically says under Section 1 Due Process of Law: No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

While U.S. citizens may have some rights not afforded to non-citizens – voting, running for certain government offices – all persons living in the U.S. have equal protection under the law.

What is a civil rights violation?

A civil rights violation happens when force, or the threat of force, is used against you to keep you from exercising any of your rights under the U.S. Constitution.

The U.S. Department of Justice takes seriously all civil rights violations. This federal office protects civil rights through enforcement, education, and coordination. You can file a complaint directly with their offices.

You also have the right to consult with a civil rights attorney in Albuquerque if you want to review the merits of your case before filing.

civil rights violation workplace — Workplace discrimination can be subtle or obvious but it’s always a civil rights violation.

What are some examples of civil rights violations?

Sometimes civil rights violations are blatant, like being physically threatened at your polling place while trying to vote. Others can be more subtle, like being denied a promotion at work based on your gender or race.

Let’s explore two examples of what discrimination can look like at work and in public accommodations.

Example 1: Disability Discrimination

Let’s say you’re a person with a tic disorder. Your disorder causes irregular, repetitive and uncontrollable movements of muscles throughout your body that can happen without warning. You’re enjoying a night out at a restaurant with your friends, when you’re approached by the manager. He explains that he needs to relocate you and your guests to a table in the back of the restaurant because your ticking is upsetting some other patrons.

This can be an uncomfortable situation. It’s also blatant discrimination. In this instance, you have a right to refuse their offer to relocate your table. If they insist or refuse to serve you unless you comply, you have a case for a civil rights violation.

Example 2: Workplace Discrimination

Let’s say you’re a black woman working in a typically male-dominated industry. A supervisory position has just opened within your company, and it’s between you and another employee (who just so happens to be an older white male). You have more experience. He ends up with the promotion.

It’s quite possible this is a case of workplace discrimination based on your gender or your race (or both). Consulting with a civil rights attorney familiar with workplace discrimination laws can help you build a case.

Seeking help with civil rights violations

In addition to the protections afforded to you under the U.S. Constitution, New Mexico also has its own statewide statutes that offer added protection, including the New Mexico Human Rights Act of 1969.

If you believe your civil rights have been violated, reach out to our offices today to schedule a free case evaluation. Our skilled civil rights attorneys can review your case and make recommendations for the best possible outcome.

Women’s History Month: Sexism in the Workplace

Written by bkwritingsupport on March 17, 2022. Posted in Civil Law. Leave a Comment

March is Women’s History Month and the perfect time to talk about sexism in the workplace. Sex-based discrimination on the job is a real concern for New Mexican women. It’s also considered a civil rights violation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Just how many women experience inequity in the workplace? According to data from Pew Research, about four in ten working women have faced gender-based discrimination. Discrimination comes in many forms, including earning less than male counterparts to being passed over for a promotion.

If you believe you’re the victim of sexism in the workplace, you have legal options. Working with an experienced civil rights attorney can get you the resolution you seek.

What is sex-based discrimination?

Sex-based discrimination in the workforce takes on many forms, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). It includes firing, fringe benefits, hiring, job assignments, layoffs, promotions, and salary.

Sexism in the workplace also includes sexual harassment. Women subjected to unwelcome sexual advances – verbal or physical – have a legitimate complaint. Offensive remarks about your sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy status also fall into this category.

Gender discrimination can lead to a hostile work environment for women.

What constitutes a hostile work environment in New Mexico?

Sometimes sex-based discrimination is so severe it creates a hostile work environment. New Mexico Statute 28-1-7 (2018) defines when sexism in the workplace crosses that line. Herald v. Bd. Of Regents of the Univ. of New Mexico is an example of sex-based discrimination turning a workplace hostile. The presiding judge in the case rules in the defendant’s favor based on three claims:

Disparate treatment.
Sex discrimination.
Retaliation.

There are several signs that a workplace has become antagonistic. Any time you feel uncomfortable, scared, or intimidated by unwelcome conduct from coworkers or supervisors, your workplace meets the legal definition of hostile.

How to prove sex discrimination

When it comes to proving sex discrimination in the workplace, it always comes down to the decision maker’s intent. Can you support your claim that you were overlooked for a promotion or fired from your job based solely on the thinking of the person in charge of the situation? How do you prove what’s inside another person’s head, guiding their choices?

There may be signs and supporting evidence of a person’s intent. Let’s say your boss repeatedly passes you over for a promotion, even though you have more experience and qualifications than the male colleague he instead advances. A pattern of behavior counts as intent. Here’s how you take circumstantial evidence and build your case:

Provide evidence you are in a protected class.
Provide evidence you were qualified for the promotion.
Provide evidence you didn’t get the promotion.
Provide evidence the employer promoted someone not in your protected class or left the position unfilled.

There are other kinds of anecdotal evidence you can use to support your case. Maybe your supervisor makes negative, offhand remarks about mothers who work outside the home. Document this kind of behavior. It may be useful if you pursue a gender discrimination case.

Filing a sex discrimination claim in New Mexico

If you’ve decided to pursue a gender bias claim against your employer, speaking to an experienced civil rights attorney is the first crucial step. Your attorney can help you decide whether you should file your complaint with the New Mexico Human Rights Bureau or the EEOC. The two agencies have a work-sharing agreement, allowing them to cooperate with each other to process claims.

Acting fast in sex discrimination cases is required under New Mexico Statutes. You have 180 days from the time you believe you were discriminated against for state filing and 300 days for federal filing (EEOC). While it’s not necessary to have an attorney to file a claim with either agency, it is highly recommended.

You also have the option of filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against the offender in a sex discrimination case. Consulting with a civil rights attorney helps you identify if this is the best course of action. Some employment contracts call for mandated mediation with an employer before legal action can be pursued. Your attorney can review your case and provide guidance based on your unique situation.

You don’t have to tolerate sexism at work

Sexist attitudes and practices have no place in the 21^st century workforce. You don’t have to tolerate sex discrimination that causes a hostile workplace. Part of challenging this kind of toxic workplace culture includes legal recourse.

Reach out to the experienced civil rights attorneys at Cameron and Russell to schedule your case evaluation. We’ll help you rid your office of gender bias so you can get back to working hard.

Free Speech vs. Hate Speech in N.M.

Written by bkwritingsupport on February 16, 2022. Posted in Civil Law. Leave a Comment

Americans enjoy free speech among their Constitutional rights. Free speech means you can express your views about a variety of topics without fear of persecution from the federal government. Some people think free speech gives them unlimited rights to say whatever they are thinking, regardless of how offensive or inappropriate it may be for their current audience. While the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled in favor of free speech rights, there are times when free speech crosses the line to hate speech. When that happens in New Mexico, it can be possible to be prosecuted.

What is hate speech?

Under U.S. law, there is no legal definition for hate speech. The New Oxford Companion to Law defines the term as any “expression which is likely to cause offense or distress to other individuals on the basis of their association with a particular group” or incite violence against a group based on their race, religion, skin color, sexual identity, ethnicity, disability, or national origin.

As a rule, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects all speech, including that deemed hateful based on the above definition. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision under Snyder v. Phelps provides an example of why hate speech is protected. Hate speech can only be criminalized when its use directly incites criminal activity or violence against a specific person or group.

Limitations of free speech in New Mexico

Legal and Constitutional scholars disagree about what constitutes unprotected speech in different ways. However, even the experts agree there are times when free speech does not protect you from civil or criminal liability. Here are a few times you can be held accountable for the words that leave your lips:

Blackmail
Child pornography
Defamation (including libel and slander)
Fighting words
Incitement to disregard the law
Obscenity
Solicitations to commit crimes
Verbal threats

Let’s use an example of a group of young men using derogatory terms for a Jewish person they encounter on the street. They use the slurs to incite others around them to launch a physical attack. Not only is this hate speech, but it also rises to the level of a hate crime in New Mexico.

The U.S. Constitution outlines the rights and responsibilities of citizens, including the right to free speech.

Hate speech on the job

Employees can find their free speech rights under fire if they use derogatory terms or slurs directed at coworkers. How is this possible? We need only go back to the words of the First Amendment to understand: “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” The first five words are the key to how employers and some other entities can limit free speech: Congress shall make no law. In a nutshell, the First Amendment applies to the U.S. government only. The 14^th Amendment, which was added on July 9, 1868, extends these rights to state and local governments. Many people confuse their First Amendment rights because they do not understand fully how they work. While the local, state, and federal governments can’t prosecute you for speaking your mind, that protection doesn’t extend to employers and other private entities.

Let’s take for instance social media. If you post a hate-filled rant on your social media accounts that uses derogatory terms for people of color or another ethnicity, your employer could fire you. They may decide your behavior reflects negatively on their company and terminate your employment. The same holds for using ethnic or racial slurs against a coworker. Sure, you have the right to say whatever you want in the workplace. Your employer also has the right to part ways with you because of it.

You could not successfully sue your employer under either of these circumstances for violating your Constitutional right to free speech since they are a private entity.

When hate speech escalates to a hate crime

Sometimes hateful speech can escalate into a hate crime. When that happens, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 applies. Congress passed this legislation, which was signed into law by former President Barack Obama. Violating this law qualifies you for a federal hate crime charge, which carries stiffer penalties. Hate crimes can be misdemeanors or felonies depending on intent and the criminal acts committed. Here are some examples of hate speech that can spiral into hate crime territory.

Assault and battery. If you assault someone simply because you do not like their disabled status, ethnicity, race, religion, or sexual orientation, you can be charged with a federal hate crime.
Destruction of property. If you destroy someone’s property solely because they are a different race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability status, you can be charged with a federal hate crime.
Stalking and trespassing. If you follow someone of a different color, race, religion, or other protected class, and trespass onto private property in your pursuit of them, you can face federal hate crime charges.

Penalties for hate speech and hate crimes

Penalties for hate crimes depend on whether you face state or federal charges. You may end up with fines, jail time, or probation. You can be sentenced to complete anti-racism or anger management counseling programs. The punishment is at the discretion of the court within state and federal hate speech and hate crime laws.

Seeking legal help for hate speech and hate crimes

If you are the victim of hate speech or a hate crime, it is imperative you consult with an attorney skilled in Constitutional law to protect your rights. Call Cameron & Russell at 505-218-7844 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.

How to Protect Your Civil Rights

Written by bkwritingsupport on January 20, 2022. Posted in Civil Law. Leave a Comment

Nowadays, lots of people claim their civil rights have been violated. From the right to a fair trial to the right to receive a free and appropriate public education, there are many protections that fall within the scope of civil rights guaranteed to all American citizens. Civil rights laws attempt to guarantee full and equal citizenship regardless of a specific group characteristics like race or gender.

What does it mean to have your civil rights violated? More importantly, how do you protect your civil rights when you believe a breach has occurred? The New Mexico Civil Rights Act allows residents to seek legal action against government entities in state court if they believe their civil rights have been violated. The act also permits the elimination of qualified immunity – the shielding of government workers from personal liability under federal law – as a legal defense in such cases.

What is a civil right?

Before you can determine if your civil rights have been violated, it is helpful to understand what falls under the scope of civil rights in New Mexico. A civil right is a guarantee of equal social opportunities and equal protection under the law. These protections apply to everyone regardless of their gender, race, religion, or other personal characteristics.

Some examples of civil rights include:

The right to vote.
The right to a fair trial before a jury of your peers.
The right to government services.
The right to a public education.
The right to use public facilities.

Civil rights are not the same as civil liberties. The difference is civil liberties are freedoms secured by placing certain restraints on the government. For example, the right to free speech without fear of prosecution by the government is an example of a civil liberty.

How to know if your civil rights are violated

Civil rights legislation defines a protected class of people who most often are victims of civil rights violations. Protected classes in the U.S. include color, national origin, race, religion, and sex. Protected classes can expand when specific legislation is enacted to include new categories. Some examples of expanding protected classes through legislation include people with disabilities, pregnant women, and LGBTQ+ people.

How do you know if your civil rights are violated? Let’s look at a few common examples to create a clearer picture.

Scenario #1: A police officer pulls over a motorist for a broken taillight. During the stop, the police officer demands to search the person’s vehicle without any justification for the request and arrests the individual when they refuse to comply. This is a violation of the right to be protected from unreasonable searches and seizures.

Scenario #2: A pregnant woman who qualifies for welfare benefits, including healthcare coverage with prenatal care, has her benefits withheld in violation of federal laws.

Scenario #3: A Black family applies to lease an apartment. The landlord denies the application, stating he prefers to rent to Caucasian tenants only. This is a civil rights violation under the state and federal fair housing and anti-discrimination laws.

These are just a few examples of civil rights violations. Consulting with an attorney knowledgeable in civil rights law in New Mexico can determine whether your rights have been violated.

Suing for civil rights violations

Individuals who believe their civil rights have been violated have recourse under state and federal laws. Thanks to the passage of the New Mexico Civil Rights Act, residents of New Mexico now can sue for damages for a violation of state constitutional rights. Under the new provisions, individuals can sue for infringement of freedom of speech, religion, or the right to vote, plus seek restitution if they were unduly or cruelly punished or unlawfully held against their will by governmental agencies.

New Mexico is one of only two states to enact such a law. The other state is Colorado. Civil rights violation claims must be filed in one of two ways. Plaintiffs can file with the relevant government agency or sue in civil court. A civil rights attorney can help determine whether it is best to file in state or federal court. The New Mexico Civil Rights Act sets a cap of $2 million in damages for any governmental entity to pay.

What do if your civil rights are violated

Consulting a civil rights attorney is the most crucial step you can take if you believe your civil rights have been violated. An experienced civil rights lawyer can walk you through the main phases of a civil rights violation lawsuit to ensure your rights are protected every step of the way. They know which laws apply, whether you must file a claim with the government first, and whether you should file your lawsuit in state or federal court. The knowledgeable civil rights team at Cameron and Russell can evaluate all aspects of your case and present all available options. Contact our offices to schedule your case evaluation.

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