Both the United States and New Mexico Constitutions recognize essential rights that safeguard individuals from government overreach or misconduct. These fundamental rights encompass freedom from discrimination, unjust treatment, and the right to be treated fairly in various circumstances, such as employment, education, housing, interactions with law enforcement, and while incarcerated. In 2021, New Mexico enacted a state civil rights law to provide additional protections for its residents.
Dedicated Advocacy for Civil Rights
Located in Albuquerque, the Law Office of Matthew Vance, P.C., is committed to passionately advocating for individuals’ civil rights. Our goal is to hold accountable those individuals and entities that have violated these essential rights.
Our esteemed founding attorney, Matthew Vance, boasts extensive experience in litigation, accumulating a track record of securing high-value settlements, awards, and jury verdicts over his 25+ year legal career. Notably, Matthew represented the Wrongful Death Estate of Vicente Villela in a civil rights lawsuit against correctional officers and medical staff at the Bernalillo Metropolitan Detention Center. This case shed light on excessive force by correctional staff and the positional asphyxiation of Vicente Villela, which bore disturbing resemblance to the tragic death of George Floyd. Some related headlines include:
- “Family of inmate asphyxiated at MDC gets $4.56M award”
- “Father of 2 Died in Police Custody After Begging for His Life: It Destroyed Our Family”
- “’I can’t breathe’ inmate yells before dying”
- “MDC officers charged in death of inmate more than two years later”
Advocating for Inmates’ Rights
When it comes to prisons, jails, or juvenile facilities, inmates possess certain rights, including humane conditions, access to adequate medical care, the right to voice grievances about their conditions, freedom from discrimination, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment. At the Law Office of Matthew Vance, P.C., we provide assistance to both youth and adults throughout New Mexico who have experienced inhumane, unfair, and unlawful treatment within these facilities.
The Importance of a Knowledgeable Attorney
Civil rights lawsuits are among the most complex and legally challenging cases. In fact, incarcerated individuals often must first navigate administrative grievances or appeals before legal representation can be sought. However, if all previous efforts have been exhausted, we are here to help.
Matthew and Lisa at the Law Office of Matthew Vance, P.C., carefully review every request and strive to respond promptly. The decision to take on a particular case depends on various factors, including the presented issue or problem, the likelihood of success, and the resources required to offer diligent assistance.
Explore Your Options With a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to violations of your rights by a government entity or official, please contact our office today. We are dedicated to investigating your case and determining whether you may have a valid claim for compensation.
To schedule a free consultation, call (505) 242-6267 or send us an email. Please note that our office does not handle civil rights violations pertaining to employment or housing.
Visit Garrity Traina’s website to learn more about our commitment to upholding civil rights in Albuquerque.