Civil Rights Attorney In Petal, MS
Tucked along the Leaf River in Forrest County, Petal, Mississippi, is known as “The Friendly City.” Despite its vibrant downtown and welcoming environment, civil rights violations, such as police misconduct or discrimination, can disrupt the lives of those living in or visiting the city. Whether you have faced harassment at your place of work or a violation of your constitutional rights at a police stop, a Petal, MS, civil rights lawyer is here to defend you.
At Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience advocating for individuals who have faced civil rights violations. We are skilled in both civil rights and employment law, which allows us to leverage a wide referral network in these practice areas. If you have faced a violation of your civil rights, whether on the job or otherwise, we are here to help.
Common Civil Rights Violations We Handle
Civil rights violations happen across the US every day. In 2023, 96% of these complaints alleged discrimination had occurred on the grounds of sex, race, or disability. Some of the most common civil rights violations include the following:
- Police brutality. Law enforcement officers may use excessive or unnecessary force. A recent report from Amnesty International found that police shot and killed over 1,133 people in 2024, and a large portion of these victims were African American. Our attorneys are here to help victims of police misconduct and brutality seek both compensation and justice.
- Discrimination in employment. When an individual is treated differently at work due to their race, religion, country of origin, sex, gender, skin color, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity, this is a direct violation of their civil rights. The attorneys at Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, are here to represent you when you’re facing discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment at work due to these protected characteristics.
- Racial profiling. Often seen in arrests or cases of police brutality, racial profiling occurs when an individual is discriminated against based on their race. This is a common issue, and our team is here to help. In 2023, Black people were 18 times more likely to be arrested than white people. Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, can fight for you if you have been victimized by racial profiling.
- Wrongful arrest. If you have been arrested without any form of probable cause or due process, this is a direct violation of your civil rights in Petal, Mississippi. This can also include instances where you are arrested and not read your Miranda rights.
- Housing discrimination. This common civil rights violation can occur when an individual is denied housing or is charged a higher rent rate based on their gender, race, religion, country of origin, skin color, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
- Issues regarding voting rights. At Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, we are passionate about fighting against voter suppression. We work to ensure that every Petal resident’s right to vote is protected.
- Wrongful termination. Whether you are a technician at Paul’s Discount Glass and Tire or a healthcare professional at Merit Health Medical Group, you could face wrongful termination. If you have been fired for exercising your civil rights or for other discriminatory reasons, we are here to assist you in pursuing legal action.
- Violations of First Amendment rights. We are passionate about ensuring your First Amendment rights, including your freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. If these rights have been violated by government authorities, we are here to fight for you.
Steps to Take if Your Civil Rights Are Violated in Petal, MS
If your civil rights have been violated in Petal, Mississippi, there are several actions you can take, including:
- Documenting the event. It is important that you write down all the details of the incident, including the time, location, date, and the names of the individuals involved.
- Filing a complaint. Depending on the nuances of the violation, you may be able to file a complaint with a certain agency, including the EEOC or the HUD.
- Seeking legal assistance. It is vital that you seek the help of a civil rights lawyer who can handle the legalities of your case and ensure your rights are upheld and protected.
FAQs
Q: How much does a civil rights attorney cost?
A: It can be difficult to offer an exact number as to how much it might cost to hire a victim rights attorney in Mississippi. There are several variables involved in these cases, which can impact the final cost. These variables can include the complexity and duration of your civil rights case and the experience of your lawyer.
Q: How do I know if my civil rights have been violated?
A: Your civil rights may have been violated if you have suffered unfair or undue treatment based on your sex, race, religion, disability, gender, or other protected characteristic. If you have suffered an act of police misconduct or brutality, been wrongfully arrested, or been denied your constitutional right to vote, you may have suffered a violation of your civil rights and may be entitled to file a legal complaint.
Q: How long do I have to file a civil rights case?
A: Depending on the kind of civil rights violation you have faced, the statute of limitations–or the deadline by which you can file an official complaint–will vary. This is why it is so crucial that you speak with a civil rights attorney as soon as you can following the violation to ensure you do not miss any necessary deadlines or paperwork.
Q: What laws protect my civil rights in Mississippi?
A: There are several federal pieces of legislation that can protect you and your civil rights in Mississippi. These include the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Speak to a Trusted Civil Rights Lawyer Today
If you have suffered a civil rights violation in Petal, Mississippi, the team at Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC is here for you. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation with our skilled attorneys.
