Civil Rights Attorneys in New Mexico

Protect your future with Kennedy Law Firm. Our dedicated New Mexico civil rights lawyers handle police misconduct & discrimination cases statewide.

The U.S. and New Mexico Constitutions exist to establish individuals’ rights and protect them from unfair treatment and abuse from those in power. When those protections are ignored, it can have a devastating effect on the person’s physical and emotional well-being and impact the rest of their life. Having your civil rights violated can often make you feel powerless, but there are legal options that can help you hold individuals and institutions accountable.

Talk to an experienced civil rights attorney about your case when you contact Kennedy Law Firm at (505) 588-5716.

Our Practice Areas

Police Misconduct

Police officers aren’t above the law. If you’ve been affected by police misconduct, our firm can help.

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Police Wrongful Death

If your loved one was killed in an interaction with police, you may have legal options. Reach out today to speak to a member of our team.

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School Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can occur in schools when the administration fails to protect students. If you or your child was abused in a school setting, call our firm today.

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False Imprisonment

You can’t be held against your will without legal justification or authority. If this has happened to you, contact our firm to discuss a potential claim.

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Police Brutality

Police brutality is devastating, both for the victims and their families. Talk to a civil rights attorney today to understand your legal options.

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Wrongful Arrest

Police officers must have valid legal authority to arrest you. If you believe that you were arrested without probable cause, call our firm to speak with an attorney.

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Wrongful Conviction

Errors in the legal process or misconduct on the part of officers or prosecutors can result in a wrongful conviction. Contact Kennedy Law Firm to find out what you can do if your conviction was invalidated.

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Excessive Force

Law enforcement officers have an obligation to use force only when necessary and in proportion to the threat. Speak to a member of our team to find out what you can do if you were a victim of excessive force.

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Institutional Child Abuse

Child abuse can happen when schools, foster care systems, and other institutions don’t take the proper steps to prevent harm. Reach out to our firm to discuss your options as a survivor.

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Negligent Security

Property owners are responsible for providing adequate security, especially in response to known threats. If you were the victim of a crime due to a property owner’s failure to act, call our firm.

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Crime Victims

Crime victims may have civil legal options to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and seek compensation. Talk to an attorney to learn more.

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Police Sexual Misconduct

Police officers who abuse their power and authority for sexual purposes are engaging in misconduct. Contact our firm to talk to an attorney about your rights and options as a victim.

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Our Approach to Your Case

When a client comes to us with a potential case, we start by reviewing the facts and determining how the state and federal laws apply. At our initial consultations, we can let you know if you have a case worth pursuing and what our next steps would be. Once a client hires us, we start the investigation process, which can include everything from interviewing witnesses to collecting records and documentation. Based on this information, we can begin putting together a legal strategy and determine which options make the most sense.

We keep the lines of communication open at all times, so you always know what’s happening and what step we’re at. We want our clients to be involved in the process and be able to make well-informed decisions regarding their cases.

Client Success Stories

They lead with compassion and genuine respect. Working with the Kennedy Law Firm changed my life. When I reached out for their services, I was broken and traumatized. The team’s patience and understanding has continued to support my healing journey and I am forever grateful. Thank you.

– Shimaa D.

The Kennedy Law Firm doesn’t just fight for your civil rights—they do it with the precision of a ninja and the charm of your favorite barista. Sharp, committed, and just witty enough to make legal battles almost fun, they turn injustice into a problem that actually has a solution. If your rights need backup, these are the people you want storming the courtroom and in your corner!

– JD D.

When seeking legal representation for our case, due to the nature of crime and the level of severity, it was challenging to find a firm that would represent our son. The Kennedy Law firm showed genuine compassion from day one. Five years later, while the case remains ongoing, Shannon and her team remain committed to our case as we continue to pursue justice for our son. I greatly value Shannon’s integrity and honesty in explaining the logistics of the case. It has helped tremendously especially when trying to navigate the loss of a child and learning to adapt to a new life that is overwhelmed with grief.

– Justice F.

The Kennedy Law Firm did an amazing job! I will never be able to thank them enough for continuing to fight and win my case. They have a great team and I especially appreciated how kind and helpful Sima Padilla was through this entire process!

– Renee C.

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We Help Clients With a Variety of Legal Matters

At Kennedy Law Firm, our team represents clients across a wide range of legal issues, including civil rights violations. Some of the types of cases we handle include:

Police Misconduct
Police Wrongful Death
School Sexual Abuse
False Imprisonment
Police Brutality
Wrongful Arrest
Wrongful Conviction
Excessive Force
Institutional Child Abuse
Negligent Security
Crime Victims
Police Sexual Misconduct

We believe that those who abuse their power and authority should be held accountable, and we work to make that happen. If you have been involved in any of the above situations or have questions about another civil rights issue, contact our firm to talk to an attorney.

Meet Our Attorneys

Shannon L. Kennedy

Partner | Civil Rights Attorney

Joseph P. Kennedy

Partner | Civil Rights Attorney

Erin S. Pearson

Office Manager

Insima Padilla

Paralegal

About Us

Do You Have a Civil Rights Violation Claim?

While negative experiences with police officers or other people in power are unpleasant, they don’t always rise to the level of a civil rights violation. These cases generally involve a violation of rights protected by the state or the U.S. Constitution, and whether you can pursue a lawsuit depends on what rights the authority figure violated and the total circumstances of the case. This includes reviewing the facts of what happened, including looking at photos, videos, or other potential evidence, what actions were taken, and what impact the incident has had on your life since.

Why Choose Us

Decades of Proven Experience

At Kennedy Law Firm, our attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience helping those in New Mexico protect their rights and hold those who violate them responsible. We are familiar with both state and federal civil rights claims procedures, including the special provisions under the New Mexico Civil Rights Act.

Strategic Legal Approach

Building a strong case starts with a clear understanding of what happened and what protection strategies we can use when pursuing a claim. Our attorneys review the facts of your case, identify potentially liable parties, and work with you to determine your goals for pursuing a legal resolution.

Dedicated Civil Rights Advocates

The attorneys at Kennedy Law Firm are dedicated civil rights advocates. We know what it takes to pursue a claim against institutions and public entities, such as a police department, and every member of our team is committed to holding both individuals and institutions that violate our clients’ civil rights accountable.

Personalized Care and Attention

When you work with our firm, you’re not just a case number. We take the time to understand your unique situation and the events that led you to this place. Each case requires a tailored legal approach, and we make sure you have a full understanding of all your options as we move forward.

Compassionate Legal Representation

Having your civil rights violated can be an emotional and even traumatic experience. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating sensitive subjects, and we’re here to be an empathetic advocate you can trust.

Strong Track Record of Results

We’re a recognized and trusted civil rights law firm, and we have a strong history of favorable settlements and results that speak for themselves. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and litigators, meaning they are just as comfortable working on a fair settlement deal as they are taking your case to trial.

Why You Need a New Mexico Civil Rights Attorney

Civil rights cases generally focus on constitutional rights, and there may be multiple overlapping legal issues, such as direct abuse by a teacher and institutional liability arising from negligent hiring practices. An attorney can help you understand whether you have a claim, who could be liable, and what legal standards apply to your situation. Having a local New Mexico attorney can also help if you’re planning on filing a case under the New Mexico Civil Rights Act.

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Can You Sue Police for Wrongful Arrest in New Mexico?

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Failure to Supervise: How Negligent Schools Enable Abuse

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What Constitutes Excessive Force Under New Mexico Law?

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The Kennedy Law Firm has sued the City of Española for the unlawful police shooting of Jeffrey…

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Why Clients Choose Kennedy Law Firm

When you’re considering legal action against an individual or institution that has abused its power and violated your rights, you need a firm that understands the seriousness of these cases. Kennedy Law Firm has extensive experience handling high-profile cases that involve everything from police brutality to institutional child abuse. Our client-focused approach and understanding of the state and federal laws make us a strong choice for your case.

Our team is here to help. Contact Kennedy Law Firm at (505) 588-5716 to set up a confidential consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Civil Rights Violation?

When we talk about civil rights violations, we’re referring to instances where a person’s legally protected rights are infringed upon. These cases often involve government organizations or those acting under specific authority, such as law enforcement officers. Examples of civil rights violations can include unreasonable search and seizure, unlawful imprisonment, wrongful arrest, excessive force, and discriminatory actions.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in Civil Rights Cases?

Any individual or entity that was responsible for or contributed to the civil rights violation could potentially be named as a defendant in a civil rights case. It’s common for federal cases to focus on individual people, such as law enforcement officers, teachers, or other staff members. And it can be more complicated to file a lawsuit against a police department or institution in federal court. The New Mexico Civil Rights Act allows public entities to be sued directly. This can provide a path to hold negligent institutions accountable for their employees’ actions.

What Compensation Can You Be Awarded in a Civil Claim?

Civil claims are built around the plaintiff seeking financial compensation for their damages and losses. This can include financial losses, such as medical bills for treating an injury or lost income from time off work. However, the law also allows plaintiffs to seek compensation for nonfinancial damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. In rare cases, you may even be able to ask for punitive damages, which go above and beyond the losses you experienced and are meant to be a punishment and deterrent for the defendant. The type and amount of compensation you could receive through a civil suit depend on the circumstances of the case, and talking with an attorney can give you a better idea of how much your claim may be worth.

Is It Possible to Settle a Case Out of Court?

Many civil cases are resolved out of court through negotiations and settlement agreements. A settlement agreement can be proposed at almost any time during the case up until the judgment is issued, but it’s common for negotiations to happen during discovery or the pre-trial motions. This is when the legal teams are getting a better idea of what evidence and strategies may be used and the strength of their cases. Negotiating a settlement can help you resolve the case more quickly and avoid going through a full trial. However, a settlement isn’t always the right path, and your attorney may recommend going forward with litigation if a fair agreement can’t be reached.

Can Law Enforcement Officers Be Held Responsible for Police Misconduct?

Police officers must still abide by the law, and their authority and power come with greater responsibility. If officers abuse their power or break the law while performing their duties, it’s considered police misconduct. Examples of police misconduct can range from using excessive force to inappropriately accessing people’s information for personal reasons unrelated to policing. There are legal avenues, such as filing a complaint or pursuing a civil claim, to hold officers, and potentially the police department, accountable for misconduct. How these cases work depends on the exact details of what happened and whether it’s a federal or state case.

Do Criminal Charges Need to Have Been Filed to Pursue a Civil Claim?

Civil cases are treated separately from any criminal proceedings. This means that criminal charges do not have to be filed for a victim to pursue a civil claim against an individual or institution. Civil and criminal cases also have different standards for the burden of proof. This means it’s possible to win a civil claim, even if criminal charges were never filed against the defendant or the defendant was acquitted. Our firm can determine whether you have a civil claim, regardless of any current or previous criminal charges. We can also discuss how a civil lawsuit could help you seek compensation for your damages, which the criminal courts can’t offer.

Do Schools and Other Institutions Have a Responsibility to Prevent Abuse?

Schools and other institutions that provide care and supervision for children and other vulnerable populations have the responsibility to provide a safe environment. This includes having appropriate hiring practices, including conducting required background checks, and training protocols so that teachers and other staff members know what to do and how to handle reports of abuse. If a school becomes aware that abuse may be happening, such as through a report, and doesn’t take appropriate action, it could be liable for the abuse.

What Should You Do If You Were the Victim of Institutional Abuse?

Institutional abuse can be physically, mentally, and emotionally damaging because it’s often perpetrated by the very people you were supposed to trust. If you suffered abuse in an institutional setting, whether that’s a school, group home, or the foster care system, there is help and support available. An attorney can help you identify and preserve important evidence and documentation, identify who is liable for what happened to you, and help you decide whether legal action is appropriate.

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(505) 588-5716