Can a Wrongfully Convicted Person Sue for Lost Years of Freedom in Illinois?
Yes. A person who was wrongfully convicted in Illinois may be able to seek compensation for the years spent in prison. Illinois law allows some exonerees to pursue financial recovery through a state compensation statute and, in certain cases, through federal civil rights lawsuits when government misconduct contributed to the conviction. The...
Can a Wrongfully Convicted Person Sue for Lost Years of Freedom in Illinois? Continue reading…What Are My Rights if Arrested During a Protest or Demonstration?
Participating in a protest or demonstration is a good way to make your voice heard. Unfortunately, you may be at risk of an arrest, which is why you should know your rights before and during a protest. Here’s what to keep in mind about your First Amendment protections and other legal rights.
What Are My Rights if Arrested During a Protest or Demonstration? Continue reading…Civil Injury Claims For Crime Victims
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...
Civil Injury Claims For Crime Victims 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...
Understanding Housing Discrimination and the Fair Housing Act 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...
What Makes a Valid First Amendment Retaliation Claim? Continue reading…
Your Civil Rights When Dealing With Law Enforcement
You are guaranteed certain civil rights when dealing with law enforcement. At Hale Law Group, 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...
Your Civil Rights When Dealing With Law Enforcement Continue reading…
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.
What Rights Do Prisoners Have Against Jail Neglect? Continue reading…
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...
Building a Strong Police Brutality Case Through Video and Medical Evidence Continue reading…
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...
How Body Cam Footage Can Affect Police Misconduct Cases Continue reading…
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...
Building an Effective Defense Against False Arrest Charges Continue reading…
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...
Police Misconduct and Personal Injury Claims: Protecting Your Rights Continue reading…
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...
What Types of Damages are Available in Illinois Civil Rights Lawsuits? Continue reading…