Civil Rights Lawyers in Towson, MD

Have your civil rights been violated in Towson or anywhere across Maryland? Civil rights violations can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm that lasts long after the event. The law gives you the right to demand accountability from responsible parties, including police departments or government agencies, but standing up to these entities alone is daunting.

At Greenberg Law Offices, our Towson civil rights lawyers don’t hesitate to speak truth to power and will fight aggressively to protect your rights. Since 1966, we have successfully represented clients facing discrimination, police misconduct, employment retaliation, and more. Our attorneys work directly with you and your family members to achieve justice.

Contact Greenberg Law Offices today for your free, no-obligation initial consultation, and let our family help your family. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why You Should Hire a Towson Civil Rights Attorney

Taking legal action after a civil rights violation can be a difficult process, especially when you’re already struggling to recover from the stress and trauma of the incident. Your first step might be to try gathering evidence, but it’s common to run into resistance from police, government agencies, or employers who have violated your rights. You could face stonewalling or outright refusals when requesting records, video footage, or witnesses willing to come forward.

Another significant challenge is the legal complexity of civil rights claims. To file your claim, you will need to understand federal laws, Maryland laws, and court rules — all of which can be confusing if you don’t have legal training. Meanwhile, government agencies and police departments have strong legal teams defending them, and these attorneys know exactly how to respond to civil rights claims. Without a lawyer on your side, you will find yourself at a significant disadvantage.

Fortunately, a civil rights lawyer from Greenberg Law Offices can level the playing field. Your attorney will know exactly how to prepare your claim and stand up to those in power. They can gather the evidence you need, handle communications with the other side, and meet all relevant requirements and deadlines for your claim. If your case goes to court, your lawyer can argue persuasively on your behalf. They will handle every aspect of your legal case so you can focus on your life and your recovery.

At Greenberg Law Offices, our Towson civil rights attorneys have been fighting for Maryland residents for more than 60 years. We opened our law firm in 1966, and across three generations, our attorneys have successfully handled numerous civil rights cases, including complex police brutality claims. We prepare each case we handle as if it will go to trial so we’re prepared for every eventuality. We pride ourselves on standing up firmly against abusive authority figures to champion your civil rights.

Our attorneys also believe strongly in treating every client like family. In fact, our motto is “Let Our Family Help Your Family.” When you come to us for help, we take the time to meet not just with you but also with your family because we know civil rights violations impact not only you, but also your loved ones. Choosing Greenberg Law Offices means getting a legal team dedicated to fighting hard for the justice you deserve.

What Do “Civil Rights” Include?

Civil rights are freedoms and protections guaranteed to each person by law. These rights come from the US Constitution, federal laws, and state laws in Maryland. Civil rights laws grant everyone the right to fair treatment regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other personal characteristics.

Constitutional rights include the following:

• Freedom of speech
• Freedom to assemble
• Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures (searches/seizures without probable cause)
• Right to procedural and substantive due process
• Freedom from cruel and unusual punishment
• Right to equal protection of the law

If you experience civil rights violations by government employees or officials acting under the color of law, you can hold those people accountable through a lawsuit filed under 42 U.S.C. §1983.

At Greenberg Law Offices, a Maryland civil rights lawyer can review your case and explain your legal options. They can also take legal action on your behalf and fight to protect your rights.

What Are Instances of Civil Rights Violation Cases?

Civil rights violations can involve discrimination based on protected characteristics, targeted harassment, or even physical violence from authority figures. These violations can happen at work, in schools, or even in your own home. Common types of civil rights violations include:

• Police and Government Misconduct – This type of civil rights violation occurs when police officers or government employees abuse their power. Examples include government officials falsifying documents or city employees punishing you unfairly for speaking out.
• Police Brutality – Police brutality involves police officers using unnecessary force. Examples include police officers violently restraining and injuring someone who is unarmed and not resisting arrest.
• Sexual or Physical Assault – This type of violation occurs when an official abuses their position to physically or sexually harm someone. For instance, a corrections officer who physically beats or sexually assaults a prisoner commits a serious civil rights violation.
• Wrongful Imprisonment – With wrongful imprisonment, someone is held in custody without legal justification. For instance, if authorities continue to detain you after your charges get dropped or dismissed, that is a civil rights violation.
• False Arrest or Imprisonment – False arrests occur when authorities arrest someone without proper evidence or legal grounds. For example, if the police arrest you without reasonable suspicion or evidence you committed a crime, they are violating your rights
• Unlawful Search and Seizure – The US Constitution protects your right to privacy. If police officers search your home or car without a warrant or valid reason, or if they take your property without cause, they are violating your constitutional rights.
• Wrongful Conviction – A wrongful conviction occurs when someone is found guilty of a crime they did not commit. This can happen if prosecutors hide evidence proving your innocence or if a court denies your right to a fair trial.

What Compensation Could You Pursue in a Civil Rights Violation Lawsuit?

If someone violated your civil rights, you could be entitled to monetary compensation for the harm you experienced. This compensation can help you pay for financial losses directly tied to the violation and can also address the emotional and mental suffering you endured. Depending on your case, you could receive compensation for:

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Civil Rights Violation Lawsuit?

Yes, Maryland has specific time limits for filing civil rights lawsuits. These deadlines depend on the type of claim involved. For many civil rights lawsuits, Maryland law gives you three years from the date the violation happened. This general rule applies to claims involving violations like wrongful arrest, wrongful imprisonment, and police brutality.

However, some claims have shorter deadlines. If your lawsuit involves violations like assault, libel, or slander, you must initiate your claim within one year. If your case involves employment discrimination, you must file a discrimination complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) within 180 days. Then, after you allow the MCCR time to investigate, you have two years to file a lawsuit.

Missing these deadlines usually means losing your right to file a lawsuit. A Towson civil rights attorney from Greenberg Law Offices can explain exactly how these deadlines apply to your situation and help you take swift action before time runs out.

Contact a Towson Civil Rights Violation Attorney Today

If your civil rights were violated in Towson or elsewhere in Maryland, contact Greenberg Law Offices today. Our attorneys are here to listen to your story and help you explore your legal options in a free consultation session.