Your civil rights are the foundation of your freedom. They protect your voice, your opportunities, and your dignity in the face of injustice. Whether it’s standing against systemic discrimination or fighting violations by the powerful, ensuring your civil rights are upheld is a fight worth every ounce of energy. If someone has violated those rights, it’s time to take action. Our team stands with you, committed to exposing the injustices you’ve faced and demanding accountability. From the workplace to public spaces, our mission is simple: protect the people of South Carolina with fierce determination and a tenacious spirit.
When you’ve had your rights trampled, it can feel like the odds are stacked against you. The Law Office of Joshua P. Golson is on your side. Our mission goes beyond the courtroom. We are here to amplify your voice, ensure your rights are upheld, and hold those who violated the law accountable. From the moment you walk into our office, we treat your case like something deeply personal—because it is. This is about your life, your future, and a justice system that must work for everyone. Trust us to bring our sharp legal guidance and unwavering passion for equality to every case we handle.
Understanding Your Rights Under Federal and State Law
Although many types of civil rights violations exist in South Carolina, several are more prevalent than others. In many instances, individuals and their families are denied access to housing due to racial discrimination.
Some of the most common civil rights violations that occur in the workplace include:
- Racial discrimination
- Equal pay or compensation discrimination
- Age discrimination
- Sexual harassment
- Discrimination based on a person’s national origin
- Discrimination or termination of employment due to pregnancy
- Denying a qualified applicant employment due to disability
Aside from offenses in the workplace, hate crimes rank high on the list of civil rights violations. Often, an individual may suffer a severe personal injury as a result of a hate crime that resulted in them being assaulted.
However, South Carolina is only one of three states that does not currently have specific laws on the books that deal with hate crimes.
Common Civil Rights Cases We Handle
Our Columbia firm is committed to representing individuals who have suffered violations while in jail or prison. Civil rights violations in correctional settings can be devastating, and it’s critical to hold perpetrators accountable. Below are some areas where our team can help.
Jail & Prison Injuries and Deaths
The death of a loved one in jail or prison is a heartbreaking and life-altering event. While some losses may result from natural causes, others occur due to negligence, abuse, or inadequate care. If a death occurred because of poor conditions, inadequate medical treatment, or failure to act in a life-threatening situation, the jail or prison may bear responsibility. Our South Carolina attorneys are dedicated to seeking answers and justice for families who have endured such tragic circumstances.
Malicious Prosecutions
Malicious prosecution occurs when someone is intentionally and wrongfully subjected to legal action without probable cause. This abuse of power can devastate the victim’s life, including financial loss, emotional distress, and harm to their reputation. Our attorneys will fight to expose and rectify malicious prosecutions, holding accountable the parties who sought to harm you unlawfully.
Failure to Protect Inmates
Jails and prisons are obligated to ensure the safety and welfare of inmates. When staff fail to protect inmates from harm—whether due to violence, harassment, or dangerous conditions—they may be held accountable. If you or a loved one has been harmed because of a facility’s failure to provide adequate protection, we can help you seek justice.
Medical Neglect in Jail
Access to medical care is a basic human right, even for individuals in custody. When officials fail to provide necessary treatment for medical conditions, it can result in suffering, deteriorating health, or worse. If you or a loved one experienced medical neglect while incarcerated, our team can help you fight for justice and recover compensation for the harm done.
False Arrests
A false arrest occurs when someone is detained without proper legal justification. This act violates the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from unreasonable seizures by law enforcement. If you’ve been falsely arrested, you may feel powerless, but our attorneys will vigorously advocate for your rights and help you seek compensation for this violation.
Police Brutality and Misconduct
Law enforcement officers are entrusted with protecting the public, but unfortunately, police brutality and misconduct remain a harsh reality for many. Excessive force, racial profiling, unlawful searches, and other forms of misconduct erode trust in the justice system and cause immense personal harm. If you’ve been a victim of police misconduct in Columbia or throughout the state of South Carolina, the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC is ready to fight for you and hold those in power accountable.
Excessive Force
If you were seriously hurt by police or prison staff anywhere in South Carolina, Josh Golson Law is here to help. We handle cases involving excessive force, civil rights violations, and injuries that happen during arrests or while in custody. No matter where it happened or who was involved, we’ll take the time to understand what you went through and fight for the justice you deserve.
Illegal Search & Seizure
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution safeguards individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means law enforcement generally needs a warrant, based on probable cause, to search your property or person and seize evidence. When authorities conduct a search or seizure that violates your Fourth Amendment rights, any evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court. If you believe you have been subjected to an illegal search or seizure in South Carolina, our firm is dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights. We can investigate the circumstances surrounding the search or seizure to determine if your rights were violated.
What Do Civil Rights Laws Protect?
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law passed by Congress to address civil rights violations in the United States. The Civil Rights Act prohibits individuals from suffering discrimination based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Civil Rights Act also has provisions that make it illegal for employers to discriminate or terminate an employee based on that person’s gender, race, or sexual orientation. The Act also includes laws that forbid sexual harassment in the workplace.
Additionally, the Act prohibits any form of discrimination in public accommodations, federally funded programs, or public facilities. The Civil Rights Act also mandated that schools be desegregated, and all people be afforded an equal education opportunity.
South Carolina has strict laws that deal with civil rights violations and will fight to help you recover compensation if appropriate for your case. If you still need clarification about civil rights laws, contact the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC to represent South Carolina victims, and ask to schedule an appointment with a member of our legal team who can provide you with more information.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Civil Rights Lawyer in SC?
One of the biggest advantages of working with a civil rights lawyer is expertise. Laws and policies are constantly evolving, and understanding how changes impact your case is critical. We’re also here to gather evidence, strategize, and do the heavy lifting to prove your claims. It’s about more than compensation. It’s about taking a stand, setting a precedent, and preventing future injustices for you and others. At the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, we don’t just aim for a temporary fix; we fight for long-term change and justice that lasts.
Why Choose the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson
The Law Office of Joshua P. Golson brings bold energy and legal know-how to every case. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for success in complex civil rights cases. But this isn’t just about accolades. It’s about clients who feel seen, heard, and supported during some of the toughest moments in their lives.
Different stories, but one unifying truth: they deserve better. We treated their cases with focus and determination, crafting customized legal strategies that put them in the best position to succeed. The results were worth every ounce of effort.
At our firm, every case is a chance to create change. We view every client as someone who has entrusted us with something incredibly valuable—their fight for equality and justice. We don’t just represent clients. We empower them. Whether we’re exposing systemic injustices, holding institutions accountable, or helping you find your voice after a challenging experience, know that we’ll be there for you every step of the way.
Don’t wait for justice to find you. Reach out today and schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson. Together, we can turn the wrongs you’ve experienced into the spark for meaningful change.
