At The Mastromarco Firm, we handle a wide range of civil litigation matters. Our attorneys know how discrimination and unfair treatment can affect your work, family, or future, and we believe that having the right support matters. No matter what kind of legal problem you’re facing, a lawyer from The Mastromarco Firm can review your situation, explain your options, and develop a strategy that fits your needs. Contact us today for an initial consultation to learn how we can help with your case.
Law Enforcement Misconduct
Law enforcement officers hold significant authority, and with that authority comes certain responsibilities. When officers cross the line and violate citizens’ constitutional or civil rights, their actions can have serious and long-lasting consequences. The Mastromarco Firm represents individuals who have experienced misconduct at the hands of police officers and other law enforcement officials. Our goal is to give our clients a clear path to pursue justice through the courts.
Several laws protect people in these situations. For example, federal law allows you to bring a civil lawsuit against an officer or agency that violated your constitutional rights while acting under color of law. Federal laws also allow victims to seek criminal accountability in some cases. For example, it is a crime for an officer to willfully deprive someone of their protected rights and to engage in conspiracies to commit such violations. In addition, 34 U.S.C. § 12601 authorizes the Department of Justice to investigate and take action if police departments appear to be engaging in patterns of misconduct.
Our attorneys know from first-hand experience how difficult these cases can be. Victims often face retaliation, intimidation, or skepticism, which is why strong legal support matters. When clients come to us for help with cases involving law enforcement misconduct, we take the time to investigate what happened, gather evidence, and identify the best legal approach. Whether your case involves excessive force, wrongful arrest, unlawful searches, or other abuses of power, we know what it takes to hold officials accountable under both Michigan and federal law.
Hate-Based Claims
Hate crimes and prejudiced behaviors cause lasting harm to victims and communities. Fortunately, the law provides remedies to people who face violence, threats, or intimidation because of who they are. The Mastromarco Firm represents individuals who have experienced hate-based conduct in Michigan and works to hold offenders accountable under both state and federal law.
Michigan law provides broad protections under its recently amended hate crime statute. This law replaced a 36-year-old ethnic intimidation statute and now addresses crimes motivated by bias against race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and other protected traits. Relevant convictions now carry significant penalties to reflect the severity of these offenses.
Federal law also protects victims of hate-based conduct. Under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the government can prosecute violent acts committed because of personal characteristics or beliefs. Federal laws also prohibit the use of force or threats to interfere with federally protected activities like voting or attending school. Other federal protections include 18 U.S.C. § 247, which addresses attacks on houses of worship, and 42 U.S.C. § 3631, which bars threats or violence related to housing rights.
Our lawyers have seen how these crimes affect victims beyond the immediate harm. Hate-based acts can damage a person’s sense of safety at home, work, or in public. We take these cases seriously and work hard to pursue justice through the right combination of state and federal laws.
Public Accommodations
Everyone has the right to access public spaces without facing discrimination. If a business, service provider, or public institution denies someone equal treatment, the law offers ways to hold them accountable. The Mastromarco Firm represents clients across Michigan who have experienced discrimination in public accommodations access and seeks remedies under both state and federal law.
Michigan law provides strong protections in this area through the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. This law prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation or public service based on race, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It applies to a wide range of settings, including restaurants, stores, hotels, hospitals, and government offices.
Federal law also establishes important protections for people’s right to access public spaces and services. For instance, Title II of the Civil Rights Act bars discrimination in certain public places such as hotels, restaurants, and theaters. Similarly, Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses and organizations that serve the public to provide equal access to people with disabilities. These laws work together to protect everyone’s ability to participate in public life without discriminatory barriers or unequal treatment.
If discrimination disrupts your daily life, our team can investigate what happened, determine which laws apply, and build a solid legal case tailored to your circumstances. Whether your situation involves denial of service, failure to provide access, or unequal treatment in a business or public space, we’ll work to protect your rights and demand meaningful results.
Discrimination in Schools
All students deserve equal treatment in the classroom, regardless of their backgrounds or personal characteristics. When schools treat students unfairly or deny them opportunities, their education and development suffer. State and federal laws protect students against this kind of treatment, and The Mastromarco Firm represents students and families across Michigan who have faced discrimination in educational settings.
Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibits educational institutions from discriminating against students based on protected characteristics. The law applies to both public and private schools and makes it illegal for institutions to deny admission, segregate students, or treat them differently because of protected traits.
Federal protections add another layer of accountability. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act bars discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any school that receives federal funding. Similarly, Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination, which includes sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, or denial of athletic opportunities, in educational programs. Students with disabilities receive protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which require schools to provide equal access and appropriate educational services. Finally, the Equal Educational Opportunities Act also forbids practices that deny equal access to education, such as the failure to address language barriers for English learners.
Our attorneys understand how damaging discrimination in schools can be. It can limit a student’s academic progress, social development, and future opportunities. If you or someone close to you is experiencing this kind of discrimination, we can investigate your case, identify the applicable laws, and pursue remedies through administrative actions or litigation.
Why Choose The Mastromarco Firm?
The Mastromarco Firm has represented clients in Central and Northern Michigan for more than 20 years, with a focus on civil litigation and a strong record in employment and discrimination cases. We know the local courts, the legal procedures, and the communities we serve, which allows us to guide our clients effectively through even the most challenging disputes.
Our offices are located near both state and federal courts, so we can handle cases across multiple counties without delay. We combine a wealth of practical experience with individualized attention to provide the clear communication and strong advocacy our clients deserve. When you choose The Mastromarco Firm, you gain a skilled team committed to protecting your rights.
Contact Our Team Now
Have you experienced discrimination or hate-based mistreatment in school, in a public place, or at the hands of law enforcement? The Mastromarco Firm is here to protect your rights and pursue fair results. Get in touch with us now for an initial consultation to learn how we can help you demand accountability.