Defending Against Discrimination in Phoenix, AZ

If you’ve been discriminated against, the Phoenix civil rights attorneys at McCune Law Group are here to help you fight back. Led by attorney Joe L. Richardson, our civil rights team seeks justice for all Americans, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. 

Civil rights suits take courage and dedication to pursue, but they can change lives and local institutions for the better. MLG civil rights lawyers are here not only to defend your legal rights, but to better the community by holding bad actors accountable for their biased and unlawful behavior. Don’t suffer civil rights violations in silence. When you’re ready to speak up, MLG will make sure your voice is heard — loud and clear.

Call (602) 922-0203 or complete our form to speak with a civil rights lawyer today.

What are Civil Rights?

You’ve probably heard the term “civil rights” thrown around on the news, or way back in history class. But what are civil rights, really? How do they differ from human rights? And, most importantly, how do we protect them?  
 
In the United States, civil rights are granted to each citizen by law. The most important civil rights laws in our country’s history hail from the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which 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.

Civil rights differ from human rights in that they are determined by national origin. Human rights — like the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of property — are protected by the fact that we’re all born human. Civil rights, however, can be trickier to defend. That’s where experienced civil rights lawyers come into play.

Common Types of Phoenix Civil Rights Violations  

Though our civil rights are protected under law, discrimination can and does occur. It’s important that you recognize the signs of a civil rights violation so that biased and exclusionary behavior does not persist unchecked.

• 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.

How to Defend Your Civil Rights in Phoenix, AZ

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 federal laws like Civil Rights Act, civil rights claims in Arizona are protected locally by the Arizona Civil Rights Act. These laws are enforced by both the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD).  

The EEOC handles workplace discrimination suits specifically related to hiring and firing, while the ACRD enforces all of Arizona’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 ACRD 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. 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 ACRD: 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 ACRD 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.  

How MLG’s Phoenix Civil Rights Attorneys 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 Come First  

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 have extensive experience litigating civil rights complaints 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.   

Taking Steps to Begin Your Civil Rights Suit   

If you have faced a violation of your rights in Phoenix, Arizona—whether due to discrimination, misconduct, or another injustice—and are ready to take legal action, here are the steps to get started:

1. Step 1: Research and Gather Information – Before reaching out, gather all relevant information about your case. This includes details about the incident and information about the parties involved. Take note of the date, time, and location of the incident.
2. Step 2: Call or Complete the Form for Initial Evaluation – Use the provided phone number or online form to contact our team. You may find it helpful to prepare a summary of your case before making the call or completing the form. This will ensure you provide essential details efficiently.
3. Step 3: Schedule a Free Evaluation – Request a free evaluation to discuss your case in detail. We offer free initial evaluations to assess the viability of your case. During this meeting, you can share the specifics of your situation, receive legal advice, ask questions, and get a better understanding of how our team can assist you.
4. Step 4: Prepare for the Evaluation – Before the scheduled evaluation, organize all relevant documents and be prepared to articulate the details of your case clearly. This will help the attorney assess the merits of your case more effectively. During the evaluation, feel free to ask any questions you may have about legal services, potential outcomes, and our approach to civil rights lawsuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Justice starts here. If you’ve experienced unfair or unlawful treatment in Phoenix, contact a McCune Law Group civil rights lawyer today. Call (602) 922-0203 or fill out our online form for a free evaluation.