Theta Law Firm, LLP | Civil Rights

Civil Rights

"An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" - Martin Luther King Jr.

Our civil rights protections are fundamental and a large part of what makes the United States the great nation that it is. However, these principles are ingrained in our value system only because people have remained vigilant and aggressive in fighting back whenever civil rights violations do occur. When a person's civil rights are violated they feel more powerless and vulnerable than at any other point in their lives. That is why it is so important to act quickly when a violation of civil rights occurs - to stomp out the injustice, punish the violator, and seek compensation for the individual whose rights were violated.

Our Services

The attorneys of Theta Law Firm, LLP understand individuals that have had their civil rights violated. We are advocates and voices for our clients, guiding them through complex and trying circumstances. Some of the most common forms of civil rights violations that we see are:

Police Misconduct

We are all often told to trust the police and those in positions of authority because they are looking out for us. After all, the police motto is to protect and to serve. Police officers are supposed to protect us from harm, not dole out physical or mental punishment. The law protects all citizens from violence at the hands of the police, even people accused or convicted of crimes. When those in positions of authority overstep their bounds, it is important to make sure that they be brought to justice. They should not be allowed to continue to violate the civil rights of human beings. We provide superior representation to clients in police officer misconduct cases. Our attorneys fight for our clients every step of the way and are well-versed in the laws and individuals' rights concerning police misconduct.
Unlawful Search and Seizure

The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects against unlawful searches and seizures of people, their homes, and their belongings by governmental authorities. Whether it is by mistake or resulting from an abuse of power, the police often forget that there are limits to what they can do. Many times, an unlawful search and seizure can lead to criminal charges. If that is the case, and the rules were not followed by the police, you will need an attorney to argue that the evidence that was obtained unlawfully needs to be suppressed and not allowed to be used against you. That is where we can help fight for your civil rights. Even if you were not falsely arrested or charged with a crime, the police may have violated your civil rights by conducting an unlawful search and seizure. That is where we step in and make sure the police do not step outside their limits again.
Employment Discrimination

Employment disputes can arise from discriminatory actions, pay/overtime/scheduling issues, and breaches of written employment agreements, among other reasons. While employment in California is "at-will," employers can still be sued for taking adverse employment actions (firing, demoting, suspending, etc.) against employees if that action is taken for an unlawfully discriminatory reason. Employers are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of: race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, and marital status.
Abuses Based on Mental Health or Illness

It is a fundamental pillar of our society that people with disabilities, both physical and mental, should be afforded the same opportunities as everyone else. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act provide the disabled with protection against employment discrimination in both the private and public sectors. Additionally, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects the housing needs of those with disabilities. Our attorneys will help navigate the complex regulations within these laws to achieve the just result for our clients.
Housing Discrimination

There is no reason that anyone should be turned down for housing because the owner, lessor, or manager does not like a particular religion, sexual orientation, or the color of someone's skin. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and other housing related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or familial status. Furthermore, California laws offer extra protections through the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, and the Ralph Civil Rights Act. The Unruh Civil Rights Act provides individuals protections against discrimination by businesses and public accommodations based on age, ancestry, color disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or source of income. The Ralph Civil Rights Act is aimed at protecting individuals from violence or the threat of violence based on the aforementioned characteristics. We can provide help and advice to put an end to the discrimination you may be facing in making a home for you and your family.

Our Goals