Regardless of race, gender, religion, age, or background, everyone residing in the United States is protected under the Constitution and federal law. These safeguards serve as the cornerstone of what we refer to as “civil rights.” It is not only unjust, but illegal when their rights are disregarded, denied, or willfully infringed upon, particularly by someone in a position of authority.
We at Kirakosian Law have personally witnessed the terrible toll that civil rights abuses can take on victims and their families. This blog will discuss what constitutes a civil rights violation, dispel common misunderstandings, provide a real-world example, and describe how to hold wrongdoers accountable with the assistance of a skilled civil rights lawyer like Greg Kirakosian.
What Are Violations of Civil Rights?
Violations of civil rights happen when someone’s legally protected freedoms are infringed upon by government officials, law enforcement, employers, or other institutions. These freedoms include:
- The right to equal treatment under the law
- The right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures
- The right to free speech and peaceful assembly
- The right to due process
- Freedom from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, or national origin
When a person’s civil rights are denied or violated—particularly by police officers or government employees—it may be possible to file a civil rights lawsuit.
Some of the most common examples include:
- Police brutality or excessive use of force
- Wrongful arrests or unlawful imprisonment
- Discrimination in public places, housing, or employment
- Malicious prosecution
- Retaliation for exercising free speech
- Racial profiling or harassment by law enforcement
Each of these violations can result in real, lasting harm: physical injury, emotional trauma, financial loss, and reputational damage.
Misconceptions About Civil Rights Violations
A lot of individuals have misconceptions about what constitutes a civil rights violation. Here are some widespread misconceptions:
- “Only if I suffer bodily harm is it a violation of my civil rights.”
False. Violations don’t have to involve physical harm; they might be psychological or emotional. For example, being denied a job or being illegally arrested due to your race are nonetheless infractions.
- “The police must have been correct if I was taken into custody.”
An arrest does not always imply that it was legal. You may be entitled to file a civil rights complaint if the police targeted you because of your ethnicity or religion or lacked reasonable cause.
- “The government is not subject to lawsuits.”
Police officers and other government workers are subject to the law, even if they have some protections like qualified immunity. They are subject to accountability if they violate the law. To stand up for your rights, you must first understand them.
Real-World Case Study: Police Brutality and Civil Rights
Let’s examine an example that demonstrates the grave repercussions of a civil rights violation.
For a minor driving infraction, local police stopped a man in California in 2020. Things immediately got out of hand. Officers removed the man from his car, tased him, and assaulted him despite the fact that he was unarmed and compliant. He suffered several wounds, including head damage and a shattered rib. Surveillance cameras in the area recorded the entire encounter, which defied the police’ initial accounts.
Citing racial profiling, unjust arrest, and disproportionate use of force, he filed a civil rights case against the police department. He was able to obtain compensation for his lost pay, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and emotional distress with the assistance of a committed civil rights attorney. More significantly, his case served to bring the department’s officers’ misbehavior to light and hold them accountable.
With the appropriate legal team at their side, a victim has stood up to injustice in numerous cases, like this one.
You Have Legal Options — And Kirakosian Law Is Here to Help
If you’re asking yourself, “What are violations of civil rights and what can I do if it happens to me?” — the answer is simple: You can fight back.
Civil rights cases can be complex and intimidating, especially when going up against a police department, city agency, or large employer. But you don’t have to do it alone.
Greg Kirakosian is an experienced civil rights attorney based in California who has spent his career protecting individuals from government overreach and abuse. At Kirakosian Law, we understand the emotional and legal challenges involved in civil rights cases. We listen carefully, investigate thoroughly, and fight relentlessly for our clients’ rights.
When you work with Greg Kirakosian, you get more than just legal representation—you get a dedicated advocate who believes in justice and isn’t afraid to take on powerful institutions.
The Bottom Line
Anybody can be the victim of a significant civil rights violation. No one should have to endure undue suffering because of police overuse of force, a false arrest, or unfair treatment at work. Do not wait if you think your civil rights have been infringed. In these situations, time is frequently of the essence, and taking prompt action is essential to safeguarding your future and your rights.
Kirakosian Law stands prepared to support you. We take pride in supporting victims of civil rights abuses in their battle for justice. Allow us to assist you in pursuing the restitution and justice you are due. For a free consultation, get in touch with Kirakosian Law right now. We are here to protect your rights because they are important.