Ontario Civil Rights Attorneys Fighting Injustice

If you’ve experienced discrimination in California, you need the Ontario civil rights attorneys at McCune Law Group (MLG). A premiere complex litigation law firm with deep ties to Southern California, MLG offers expert legal assistance to those who have been victims of employment discrimination, housing discrimination, police misconduct, and other civil rights violations.  

Led by attorney Joe L. Richardson, our team of civil rights lawyers has been recognized for excellence by respected orgs such as Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers. We’re here not only to defend your legal rights, but to better the community by calling out unacceptable biases. Civil rights suits take courage and dedication to pursue, but with an expert litigator by your side, you stand to recover maximum compensation while changing local institutions for the better. When you’re ready to take a stand, MLG will be behind you every step of the way.

Justice starts here. Call (909) 345-8110 or complete the online form to speak with an Ontario civil rights lawyer today.

Understanding Your Civil Rights 

In the United States, civil rights laws are based on the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This landmark legislation prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. These categories — along with religion, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation — are considered a “protected class.” This means individuals cannot be discriminated against for any of these protected traits.  

Your civil rights may have been violated if you’ve experienced unfair treatment on the basis of one or more of these categories. This treatment often occurs when government agencies, private entities, or individuals prioritize profit, efficiency, or biases over equity, and it can be present in a wide range of situations. No matter what form of discrimination you’ve experienced, civil rights protections are your right as a citizen. You should not hesitate to seek legal representation if you experience discriminatory practices in the workplace, at school, or when encountering a government entity.

Common Types of Civil Rights Violations in Ontario, CA

  • Employment Discrimination: This type of discrimination, sometimes called “workplace discrimination” describes a situation in which a person faces hardships at work due to biases on the part of their employer or co-workers. Workplace discrimination may include being passed over for promotion, receiving unfair pay for equal labor, or experiencing a hostile work environment. 
  • Housing Discrimination: Any situation in which an individual is denied access to shelter due to their race, gender, national origin, or sexuality is illegal under the Fair Housing Act. Whether you’re renting, purchasing a home, or seeking public housing, you have a right to a roof over your head. 
  • Voter Suppression: When individuals or institutions attempt to prevent people from certain demographics from exercising their voting rights, this is a form of unlawful discrimination. Voter suppression can occur on an individual or community-wide scale, and it can be an indicator of corruption within government institutions. 
  • Police Misconduct: Though we trust our police officers and police departments to keep us safe, they too can perpetrate discrimination in the form of false arrests, unusual punishment, illegal searches, violation of due process rights, or police brutality. Often informed by racial profiling, these incidents are sadly not uncommon. Victims of police misconduct should not hesitate to take legal action; you have the right to file a civil rights lawsuit against a law enforcement agency if you have been mistreated. 

Defending Your Rights in Ontario, CA  

If you’ve experienced any violation of your individual rights, you have the power to fight back by filing a civil rights claim. 

In addition to the Civil Rights Act, civil rights claims in California are protected by the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Depending on the type of discrimination you’ve experienced, you may file a claim with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Civil Rights Department (CRD).   

The EEOC handles workplace discrimination suits specifically related to hiring and firing, while the CRD enforces all of California’s Civil Rights laws. If you’ve been wrongfully terminated due to workplace discrimination, for example, you may need to file a claim with the CRD and the EEOC.  

This may sound complex, but dedicated civil rights law firms can help you navigate the process smoothly, ensuring you meet deadlines and prepare the strongest legal strategy possible.  

What to Expect When Filing a Civil Rights Claim  

Before, during, and after filing a civil rights claim, you may be wondering what comes next. Here, we outline what a typical filing process looks like, from beginning to end.    

  1. Filing an Internal Complaint: If you’re filing a complaint against an employer or another entity, you may need to pursue an internal grievance process before escalating your complaint. This important step not only creates a record of your concerns but is often required by state and federal agencies. Failing to pursue this process can cause your later complaint to be delayed or dismissed. 
  2. Contacting a Civil Rights Attorney: Civil rights proceedings can be legally complex, and you’ll want to retain a litigator to help you build the strongest case possible. These specialized lawyers can draw on their experience with civil rights actions to provide you strong, focused legal advice. The sooner you reach out to an expert civil rights attorney, the better your chances of winning against deep-pocketed opponents.    
  3. Filing a Complaint with the EEOC and/or the CRD: As described above, these agencies enforce and manage discrimination cases in the state of California. Both agencies offer options to file via phone, printable form, or online.  
  4. Investigation: After you’ve filed a complaint, the EEOC and/or CRD will launch an independent investigation to determine if your civil rights were violated under Arizona aw. This investigation may include review of evidence and interviews with parties on both sides.  
  5. Mediation or Litigation: Once investigations have been concluded, the parties may attempt to negotiate a pre-litigation settlement through mediation. If mediation fails, you may choose to pursue civil rights litigation with the help of your civil rights attorney.  
  6. Settlement: As in other civil suits, victims of civil rights discrimination may seek damages for their hardship. These damages – paid out in a settlement agreement – may include lost wages due to wrongfully terminated employment, pain and suffering, or emotional distress.  

Types of Damages Awarded in a Civil Rights Lawsuit  

‘Damages’ refers to the monetary compensation victims may be awarded upon settlement of their civil rights claim. As in all civil matters, the damages you may be awarded depends on the specifics of your situation. Some of the most common types of civil rights claim damages include: 

  • Compensatory Damages: These damages are meant to repair harm by offering the plaintiff fair compensation for any financial losses they may have incurred due to discrimination. These losses may include medical care, lost income, emotional distress, among others. 
  • Nominal Damages: These small sums may be awarded to plaintiffs who win their case, but do not demonstrate any financial loss.
  • Punitive Damages: These damages, meant to “punish” bad actors, may be awarded in civil rights cases in which the defendant acted in deliberately or egregiously harmful ways. These damages are often claimed in cases where discrimination was severe or even violent.

How Ontario Civil Rights Attorneys from MLG Can Help You  

A civil rights attorney does more than simply help you file your claim and meet important deadlines. At MLG, we want our clients to feel seen, heard, and supported throughout the legal process. If you’re looking for tenacious litigation combined with compassionate client care – MLG is the place for you. Read on to discover more about why our clients  

Client’s First, Always!   

At MLG, we blend the extensive resources of a prominent law firm with the personalized care of a boutique service. Whether you are confronting systemic discrimination, civil liberties violations, or the denial of your fundamental rights, our dedicated civil rights attorneys are here to fight for justice with the compassion and commitment you deserve.   

Zero Upfront Fees   

That’s right: at MLG, we believe everyone should have access to justice, regardless of financial circumstances. Our legal team works on a contingency fee structure, meaning we do not get paid until you do. This structure eliminates upfront costs and aligns our goals with yours every step of the way. Our priority is ensuring your rights are upheld and you receive the maximum compensation or redress possible – all at no upfront cost to you.   

Track Record of Success 

Our attorneys are experienced in civil rights law and have a track record of securing justice for clients facing discrimination, police misconduct, and other civil rights violations. We have successfully recovered significant settlements in cases involving workplace discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, and First Amendment violations. With strategic expertise and an unwavering commitment to equality, we strive to achieve justice and fair outcomes for every client we represent.   

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of civil rights cases do attorneys in Ontario, CA typically handle?

Civil rights attorneys in Ontario, CA handle a wide range of cases, including but not limited to discrimination based on race, gender, disability, and sexual orientation. They may also handle police misconduct cases, wrongful arrests, and violations of free speech or due process rights.

The best way to determine if you have a valid civil rights claim, is to consult with a civil rights attorney. As experts in civil rights issues, these attorneys can examine the particulars of your situation, including any evidence of discrimination or wrongdoing, and advise you of your legal options.

During an initial evaluation with a civil rights attorney, you can expect to be asked detailed questions about the discrimination you experienced. You may also review any relevant documentation or evidence and explain the legal options available to you. They will also discuss their fees and the process involved in pursuing a claim.

The vast majority of civil rights attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. However, it’s important to discuss all potential fees during your initial consultation to understand your financial obligations

The timeline for resolving civil rights cases varies widely depending on the complexity of the case, the parties involved, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases may settle quickly, while others could take months or even years to reach a resolution. Your attorney will be able to provide a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your case.

If you or a loved one is seeking legal representation after experiencing discrimination, contact an Ontario civil rights attorney at McCune Law Group today. Call (909) 345-8110 or fill out the online form to get started.

Attorney Advertising

McCune Law Group, APC is responsible for this advertisement. The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. The information you obtain is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Use of this website or submission of the online form does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Counsel Richard McCune is licensed to practice only in the state of California. The law firm of McCune Law Group has attorneys licensed to practice law in AZ, CA, GA, MO, NY, and PA. McCune Law Group is a national firm that brings lawsuits in a majority of the states. In states where one of its attorneys is not barred, it does so by filing the complaint along with local counsel barred in that state.  

The results discussed do not guarantee, warrant, or predict the results in future cases.   

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