With 4-6% of people incarcerated in US prisons actually innocent, wrongful convictions are terrible mistakes in the justice system that can have a lasting impact on innocent people and on society as a whole.
There are many things that can lead to wrongful convictions, such as fake confessions, eyewitness identification gone wrong, bad forensic evidence, bad legal representation, prosecutorial misconduct, and wrong informant testimony.
Wrongful conviction attorney David Rudolf says police officers have this thing called “tunnel vision,” meaning they are sure of what happened in a case but little did they know that it can ignore or downplay the facts that clear the person. The less real proof they have (because the person is innocent), the more likely they are to do something wrong.
Civil rights lawyers are substantial when it comes to helping resolve wrongful convictions, fighting for justice on behalf of people who were wrongly convicted and a wide range of legal issues that have to do with protecting and enforcing people’s civil rights and freedoms.
Let’s focus on the five key qualities your civil rights attorney should possess for you to win a successful outcome in your case.
Experience and Expertise
Lawyers for civil rights who specialize in this area know a lot about civil rights rules and have a history of winning cases like this. A lawyer with a lot of experience will know how to best represent you in court. Expertise in civil rights cases is important to make sure that your rights are protected and advocated for in the best possible way.
Look for an attorney who has a successful history of achieving positive outcomes for their clients. A knowledgeable attorney will be able to provide you with legal advice and develop a strong strategy to address your specific needs and concerns.
Strong Communication Skills
As a civil rights attorney, you must be able to clearly articulate legal concepts to clients who may not have a legal background. Being able to explain complicated legal terms in a way that your clients can understand helps build trust and ensure that they’re fully informed throughout the legal process.
Strong communication skills are important for negotiating with opposing parties and presenting arguments in court. Your ability to persuasively communicate your client’s case can greatly impact the outcome of a civil rights lawsuit. Whether you’re advocating for a client in front of a judge or discussing settlement terms with the opposing counsel, your communication skills can make a significant difference in the success of your client’s case.
In Atlanta, where civil rights cases can be particularly sensitive and high-profile, the ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with clients, judges, juries, and the public is key to being a successful civil rights attorney.
Commitment to Social Justice
Being committed to social justice means actively working towards equality and fairness for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or background. A civil rights attorney who’s dedicated to social justice won’t only fight for the rights of their clients but will also strive to create systemic change to address injustices in society.
When hiring a civil rights attorney in Atlanta, look for someone who’s passionate about making a difference and has a proven track record of standing up for marginalized communities. A commitment to social justice goes beyond just legal representation; it involves actively seeking ways to promote equality and challenge discrimination in all its forms.
Track Record of Success
Demonstrate a civil rights attorney’s effectiveness by evaluating their history of successful cases in Atlanta.
A strong track record of success indicates the attorney’s competency and ability to handle the complications of civil rights law. Look for attorneys who have a proven history of securing favorable outcomes for their clients in cases related to discrimination, police misconduct, or other civil rights violations. By examining past cases, you can evaluate the attorney’s experience in handling similar situations and their ability to achieve justice for their clients.
When researching a civil rights attorney’s track record, pay attention to the types of cases they’ve handled and the results they’ve obtained. Successful outcomes, such as settlements in favor of the accuser or successful litigation in court, demonstrate the attorney’s skill and dedication to their clients’ causes. Consider the attorney’s reputation within the legal community and among past clients, as positive feedback and referrals can further validate their track record of success in Atlanta.
Understanding of Local Laws
Atlanta, like many other cities, has specific ordinances and regulations that impact civil rights issues such as discrimination, police misconduct, and voting rights. A knowledgeable civil rights attorney in Atlanta should be knowledgeable of these local laws to provide the best possible legal representation for their clients.
Understanding Atlanta’s local laws is important, as they can vary from state laws to federal regulations. For instance, Atlanta may have specific procedures for filing civil rights complaints or deadlines that differ from those in other jurisdictions. By having a comprehensive understanding of these processes, you can handle the legal system more effectively on behalf of your clients.
Being familiar with local laws allows you to anticipate potential challenges or arguments that may arise in civil rights cases specific to Atlanta. This proactive approach can help you build stronger legal strategies and advocate more efficiently for justice.
Conclusion
These are the top qualities you should look for in an attorney. By choosing an attorney with these qualities, you can feel confident in their ability to advocate for your rights and fight for justice. Don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to protecting your civil liberties.
