When someone commits a crime, the justice system focuses on punishing the offender—not helping the victim recover. But victims often face medical bills, missed work, and emotional pain that punishment alone can’t fix. In Illinois, you can file a civil personal injury claim to seek financial recovery, even if the criminal case is still pending…
Continue reading…Understanding Housing Discrimination and the Fair Housing Act
Everyone deserves fair access to housing, yet discrimination continues to happen in Chicago and throughout Illinois. However, the Fair Housing Act guarantees certain rights, and an experienced Chicago civil rights lawyer can help if someone discriminates against you. Basics of the Fair Housing Act The Fair Housing Act became law in 1968 as part of…
Continue reading…What Makes a Valid First Amendment Retaliation Claim?
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the rights to free speech, to peacefully assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances. The First Amendment bars federal, state, and local governments from passing laws that restrict protected speech. It also prohibits the government from retaliating against a person for their constitutionally protected…
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Your Civil Rights When Dealing With Law Enforcement
You are guaranteed certain civil rights when dealing with law enforcement. At Hale & Monico, our Chicago civil rights attorneys aggressively pursue claims involving civil rights violations. Learning about your civil rights when dealing with law enforcement helps you know when officers cross the line. What Are Civil Rights? Civil rights give us freedom and…
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What Rights Do Prisoners Have Against Jail Neglect?
A jail sentence has the potential to result in abuse and neglect. However, few in the mainstream media and political scene are willing to acknowledge that prisoners often suffer brutal experiences after conviction. Prisoners have rights against jail neglect as detailed below by our Chicago civil rights attorneys. Prisoners Have Legally Protected Rights There is…
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Building a Strong Police Brutality Case Through Video and Medical Evidence
As recent headlines prove, many people become victims of police brutality. Those cases can be difficult to prove, but they are winnable by a Chicago civil rights attorney. It’s important to use solid physical evidence to win a case involving police brutality in Illinois. Video of what happened should always be obtained. It’s also crucial…
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How Body Cam Footage Can Affect Police Misconduct Cases
In the heart of Chicago, where struggles against police misconduct are deeply felt, body cam footage has become crucial in ensuring those charged with protecting and serving do not overstep their mandate. If you think you’ve been a victim of police misconduct, bodycam footage may be a critical element in your civil rights case. However,…
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Building an Effective Defense Against False Arrest Charges
If you were the victim of an unlawful arrest, you might be able to use false arrest as a defense in your criminal case. You might also be able to pursue financial compensation for the police misconduct. False arrest cases are challenging, and not to be handled as a DIY project. You will want to…
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Police Misconduct and Personal Injury Claims: Protecting Your Rights
If you suffered an injury because of police brutality or other misconduct, you might be able to go after financial compensation for your injuries and other losses, but you cannot expect that a check will simply show up in the mail. You will have to take action and make a personal injury claim. This blog…
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What Types of Damages are Available in Illinois Civil Rights Lawsuits?
You might wonder whether it is worth it to file a civil rights lawsuit if an employer or someone working for the government violated your civil rights. Will they merely get a reprimand, or will the court make it financially worth your while to hire a lawyer to take action on your behalf? If you…
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