Ask Angie

When you have been arrested illegally, the first and most important challenge is regaining your freedom. Once that happens, you may look for financial compensation for the wrong that was done to you. We are often contacted by clients looking to sue the police for wrongful arrests. The good news is that you can file a civil rights lawsuit against the police in many situations. For starters, an illegal arrest is a violation of your Constitutional rights. You have the right to b

Celebrate Black Women: This Black History Month pay attention to the mental health needs of black women in your life by allowing them space to be vulnerable without the expectation of ‘Black Girl Magic.’ The popular mantra or congratulatory phrase, ‘Black Girl Magic’ is used to describe black female exceptionalism—that is the black female collective’s ability to overcome challenges with unique grit and resilience. The accomplishments of black women are evident in Serena Willi

Q & A: Navigating discriminatory pay in the workplace. Q1) What type of case can I pursue if I think my employer is paying me less than I deserve? A: The Equal Pay Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Georgia Equal Pay Act are laws that protect individuals from discriminatory pay based on sex. Q2) How do I know if I have a case? A: The Equal Pay Act is a federal law that requires employers to pay opposite sexes the same wages for equal work. The Court look

Q & A: Navigating landlord tenant issues in the COVID-19 pandemic. Q1) Can I be evicted during the COVID-19 pandemic? A: Possibly. The CDC moratorium against evictions has been extended until January 31, 2021. If you submit a sworn statement to your landlord stating your inability to pay and meet certain guidelines, you may be protected from an eviction based on inability to pay. Landlords can still, however, evict tenants for other lease violations (i.e. violating communi

Q & A: Navigating special education issues in the COVID-19 pandemic. Q1) Does the CARES Act waive civil rights for students with disabilities? A: No, it does not. Currently, no such waivers are in place. To obtain a waiver, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos would have to obtain approval from Congress. Q2) Are scheduled Individual Education Plans (IEPs) automatically cancelled because schools are closed? A: No. The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights has issue

Why was a school in Florida able to involuntary commit a six-year-old girl with special needs? The Baker Act. Last week, the commitment of a six-year old, black girl to a mental health facility sparked outrage and debate about the treatment of children with special needs in American public schools. Importantly, the officers who responded to the call to pick up the child said, “I think it's more of them [the school] not wanting to deal with it.” While the school district is de