Memphis Civil Rights Attorney

Under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act, you have the right to sue state or local officials for the "deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and federal laws."

Examples of these rights include:

• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of religion
• Freedom of assembly
• Protections against unreasonable searches and seizures
• Protections against cruel and unusual punishment
• Discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

If you believe your civil rights have been violated, Donati Law, PLLC is here to help. We focus on protecting clients under the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. Our team is adamant about preserving free speech, due process, and healthy jail and prison conditions, and we also help fight police misconduct. Our firm can also assist with claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (“TVPRA”).

If you need help from a civil rights lawyer in Memphis, fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.

Successful Civil Rights Cases

Fighting Tennessee’s Drag Ban

Our team achieved a historic victory with a first-of-its-kind ruling in the nation. Judge Thomas Parker of Tennessee's Western District Court declared Tennessee's drag ban, known as the Adult Entertainment Act, unconstitutional. As a result, the government is now prohibited from enforcing this law within Shelby County. This significant ruling came after a consolidated preliminary injunction hearing and trial, conducted under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(a)(2).

Click here to read order in Friends of Georges, Inc. v. Steven J. Mulroy

After our successful win in Tennessee, our team achieved another historic victory, this time in the Sunshine State, when Florida’s Middle District Court granted preliminary injunctive relief against the enforcement of Florida Statute § 827.11, also known as Florida's drag ban. The Court concluded that our client has a strong likelihood of success in its First Amendment challenge, as the law is content-based and unconstitutional due to its vague and overbroad nature.

HM Florida-ORL, LLC v. Melanie Griffin

Fighting Poor Jail Conditions in Shelby County

Our team, along with Watson Burns, LLC, and Black McLaren Jones Ryland and Griffee PC, secured a $4.9 million settlement in Turnage et al., v. Oldham et al., a jail class action suit. This suit involved individuals detained by the Shelby County, Tennessee Jail due to the Odyssey computer system’s implementation in November 2016. The suit claimed that individuals arrested between November 1, 2016, and March 21, 2021, were detained longer than legally allowed because of the Odyssey system.

Common Examples of Civil Rights Violations

• Police brutality
• False arrest
• Malicious prosecution
• Correctional officer excessive force and retaliation
• Over detention in jails or prisons beyond a sentence or after release has been ordered
• Failure to receive appropriate medical treatment while incarcerated
• Denial of access to the courts

Despite the many civil rights laws and policies, these violations still happen, leading to physical and emotional harm. Our firm is here to fight back and defend your rights against such abuses.

How We Can Help

If you feel that your rights have been violated, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of experienced attorneys provides the legal guidance and representation you need to defend your rights. Whether you are facing discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment, we are dedicated to helping you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. We'll work tirelessly on your behalf to help make sure you receive fair treatment under the law.

To help defend and preserve your civil rights in Memphis, contact us today for a free consultation. You can reach us online or call our office at (901) 209-5500.