Civil Rights and Independent Defense
Gerstein Harrow has a robust civil-rights practice, including a particular speciality in representing criminal-defense advocates whose independence is challenged. Led by Charlie Gerstein, a former attorney at Civil Rights Corps, and Jason Harrow, former Chief Counsel for Equal Citizens, Gerstein Harrow has filed cases for individuals illegally detained or harmed by police violence and whose civil rights were otherwise violated.
What kind of civil rights cases does Gerstein Harrow specialize in?
Gerstein Harrow’s lawyers have represented individuals asserting many different kinds of civil rights claims, but they have two particular areas of expertise: (1) First Amendment claims on behalf of those whose speech rights have been infringed, and (2) claims against government officials, including police officers, for excessive force or illegal detention.
How do you help support the independence of advocates for criminal defense?
Gerstein Harrow partner Charlie Gerstein has written frequently about the ways in which the independence of defenders and defense advocates has been compromised. This not only demeans the profession, but it also harms criminal defendants by cramping the ability of lawyers to assert the best possible cases for their clients.
Charlie is therefore regularly consulted by those who believe their rights to defend their clients have been infringed. For instance, when a criminal defense advocate was unconstitutionally banned from a courthouse in Victoria, Texas, Gerstein Harrow stepped in and immediately got her access restored. Likewise, when the leader of Oregon’s public defense was fired for failing to do the bidding of the Chief Justice, Gerstein Harrow sued on his behalf that the firing violated the public policy of Oregon.
If you believe we can help you with a case presenting a civil rights issue, especially one involving the independence defenders, shoot us an email at hi@gerstein-harrow.com to discuss.