Civil Rights Attorney in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, gender, religion, or other characteristics. Civil rights laws protect these fundamental freedoms and prevent discrimination and unfair treatment. Wiberg Law Office, PLLC has spent years defending the civil rights of clients in New Hampshire.  

What are Civil Rights? 

Civil rights include a broad range of protections against discrimination and unequal treatment. They ensure that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and freedoms in various aspects of life, including employment, housing, education, and public accommodations.   

Civil rights are often associated with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, which aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans in the United States. However, civil rights laws also protect other marginalized groups, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and religious minorities.    

These laws are based on the principle of equal treatment and prohibit discrimination based on characteristics such as race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or religion. They also protect against retaliation for asserting one's civil rights or participating in civil rights activities.  

The Importance of Civil Rights Laws 

Civil rights laws serve as a powerful tool for promoting equality and protecting individuals from discrimination. They provide legal recourse for those who have been treated unfairly because of their race, gender, religion, or other characteristics.  

These laws also help to create a more inclusive and diverse society by promoting equal opportunities and challenging systemic discrimination. They recognize the value and worth of every individual and ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  

Civil rights laws also safeguard democracy and protect the constitutional rights of all individuals. They serve as a check on government power and ensure that everyone has access to basic freedoms and protections.

Understanding Civil Rights Violations 

Violations of civil rights can occur in numerous forms, such as: 

• Employment discrimination: Unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. 

• Housing discrimination: Denial of housing opportunities or unfair treatment in housing transactions due to race, religion, familial status, or other factors. 

• Educational discrimination: Unequal access to educational resources or opportunities based on race, gender, disability, or other protected categories. 

• Police misconduct: Excessive use of force, wrongful arrests, and other abuses of power by law enforcement officers. 

• Public accommodation discrimination: Denial of services or access to facilities based on race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics. 

• Voter suppression: Any practices aimed at disenfranchising or influencing voters, such as strict ID laws, purging voter rolls, or limiting access to polling places, particularly affecting marginalized communities. 

• Hate crimes: Criminal acts committed against individuals or groups motivated by bias against race, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics, which instill fear and perpetuate systemic discrimination. 

• Retaliation: Negative actions taken against individuals who exercise their civil rights or report violations, creating a chilling effect that discourages people from seeking justice or standing up against discrimination. 

When Do You Need a Civil Rights Attorney? 

If you experience discrimination in employment, housing, or education based on protected characteristics, a civil rights attorney can fight on your behalf. You must seek legal representation to uphold your rights if you face police misconduct, including excessive force or wrongful arrest.  

Hiring a civil rights attorney is vital if you encounter retaliation for reporting a violation or if you’re affected by voter suppression tactics aimed at disenfranchising you. They can guide you through the process of filing complaints, pursuing litigation, and securing compensation for damages incurred. They can advocate for your rights, challenge discriminatory practices, and work toward a more equitable resolution to your situation. 

Civil Rights Laws in New Hampshire 

The New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination (RSA 354-A) prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It covers various protected characteristics, including: 

• Race: Discrimination based on an individual's race or ethnicity is prohibited. 

• Color: Unfair treatment due to the color of one's skin is not allowed. 

• Religion: Individuals cannot be discriminated against based on their religious beliefs or practices. 

• Sex: Discrimination based on gender or gender identity is illegal. 

• Age: Protection against age discrimination, particularly in employment. 

• Disability: Ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and accommodations. 

• Marital status: Prohibits discrimination based on whether an individual is single, married, or divorced. 

• Sexual orientation: Discrimination based on an individual's sexual orientation is prohibited, protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from unfair treatment in various areas of life.   

• Gender identity: Individuals cannot be discriminated against based on their gender identity or expression, ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all.   

• National origin: Protection against discrimination based on an individual's national origin or ancestry is enforced, promoting equality for individuals from diverse backgrounds.   

Civil Rights Attorney in Portsmouth, New Hampshire 

Sven Wiberg has represented clients in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Rockingham County, Strafford County, Hillsborough, Dover, and Manchester for over three decades. Throughout his career, he has defended thousands of clients in criminal cases across various jurisdictions. As a former prosecuting attorney, Attorney Wiberg understands the challenges clients face when opposing District Attorneys, which allows him to spot issues and defenses that other offices might miss. 

If you believe your civil rights have been violated, contact Wiberg Law Office, PLLC, today to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Attorney Wiberg stands ready to advocate for your rights and achieve justice.