Civil Rights

The civil rights attorneys at The Cochran Law Firm Los Angeles have tried more police-involved injury and death cases than anyone else in the country.  When a shooting by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's office resulted in five deaths and permanent disabilities, the civil rights attorneys at The Cochran Firm Los Angeles represented four of the five victims. 

Police misconduct is not only illegal, it is unconstitutional.  Victims of police misconduct and other civil rights violations are entitled to be compensated for the damage done through a civil lawsuit.  Civil lawsuits in this instance serve an important function of keeping a check on those in power and holding them accountable for their abuses. 

Our firm represents a diverse client base in all counties in California.  We have represented clients in a wide variety of police misconduct cases, such as:

• Police brutality
• Police harassment
• False or warrantless arrests
• Illegal searches and seizures
• Malicious prosecution

Government power can be abused in other ways as well, and vigilant citizens and their attorneys are often the only voice or vehicle to stem the abuse.

Employment Discrimination

Employment decisions or policies which are based on race, sex, age, religion or other factors are immediately suspect.  Once a discriminatory practice is shown, the employer has the burden of justifying its practice in a legitimate, nondiscriminatory way.  Often times, the proffered reason is only a pretext for underlying discrimination.  In addition to rooting out intentional discrimination, policies that have a discriminatory impact or effect on a particular group must also be addressed and remedied to right individual wrongs while working to build a more just society.

First Amendment

Freedom of speech and freedom of religion are core principles our country's founders embedded in the Constitution.  While government may regulate the time, place, and manner of speech or inconvenience religious practices in certain circumstances, these instances must be narrowly tailored to compelling government interests and must be accomplished in the least restrictive manner available.  Laws or policies which prohibit speech or infringe upon religious exercise, whether in the school, workplace, or public building, must be carefully monitored.  Constitutional violations need to be addressed with a strong voice which understands and respects our laws and tolerates no deviation from our country's founding principles.

Seek Experienced Legal Representation

Claims against governmental entities are subject to different statutes of limitations and other procedures than civil litigation against private individuals or companies.  A lawyer who is experienced in handling these types of cases will be sensitive to the different procedural requirements and know how to properly pursue a claim.  The Cochran Firm Los Angeles has been battling police misconduct and other civil rights violations on behalf of Californians for decades.  If you believe that your civil rights have been violated, contact The Cochran Firm Los Angeles to speak with an experienced civil rights attorney.