City Retaliation Legal Concerns

Summary

City retaliation and ADA violations may involve legal concerns under civil rights laws. Public buildings must comply with the ada for accessibility. Retaliation by officials for lawful complaints can be unlawful. For property damage caused by city-owned trees, the city may be liable. Consider filing an ada complaint with the doj, reporting misconduct to the state ethics commission, or consulting a civil rights attorney. Organizations like the southern poverty law center may assist with civil rights cases.

Full Conversation

Police came to my property uninvited claiming it was a welfare check because my water bottles were on my porch, then when I demanded they leave, the officer began looking in my window, despite my saying I am fine, and they would not say who made the call, which I suspect it wasn't a call at all, as I know no one except my neighbor who would pick up the phone and call me if she had concern. Police chief said he would make a false reporting against me if I filed a complaint.
I'm sorry to hear about this situation. In Georgia, police may conduct welfare checks but should respect your rights and privacy. Retaliation for filing complaints or misuse of authority can raise legal concerns. Have you considered documenting these incidents, including dates, times, and any witnesses? This documentation may help for future legal steps.
Then one of the trees in the right of way fell on my wheelchair ramp and the city would not clean up their mess or pay for the damage, and the clerk subtly said, we reported it to the police, as an intimidation tactic. Then when I asked the city clerk to put another trash can on my account, she said "No" and I would have to come to the office to sign up for another can and the clerk knows that my wheelchair is not accessible to the city building and they won't make it accessible - just said, call and if we are available, we will come and let you in.
I understand your frustration with this situation. Here’s some general legal information for your concerns:
- **Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):** Public buildings, like city offices, must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Denying access can be a violation of federal law.
- **Tree Damage:** If the tree was on city property, the city might be liable for damages; you may file a claim with the city.
- **Intimidation or Retaliation:** Document all incidents thoroughly. Retaliation by public officials for lawful complaints may be unlawful.
Have you considered contacting the Georgia Disability Services or filing a formal complaint about accessibility barriers?
what can the Georgia Disability Services do?
Georgia Disability Services provides assistance to individuals with disabilities, including:
- Ensuring compliance with the ADA for public spaces and services.
- Offering resources to address accessibility barriers.
- Advocating for accommodations and disability rights.
Would you like information about filing an ADA complaint or contacting a specific office for assistance?
yes, and can they deal with the other stuff too
Georgia Disability Services primarily focuses on disability rights and accessibility issues, such as ensuring compliance with the ADA. For concerns like retaliation or property damage, those may require separate legal actions or complaints. Would you like guidance on filing an ADA complaint and referrals for other legal concerns?
yes
To file an ADA complaint, you can follow these steps:
- **Step *:** Document incidents clearly, including dates, times, and details.
- **Step *:** File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) under the ADA.
For retaliation or property damage, consider consulting an attorney experienced in civil rights or government liability.
For direct assistance:

Georgia Advocacy Office


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.thegao.org
www.thegao.org they dont handle these cases
Thank you for clarifying. It seems the Georgia Advocacy Office may not handle the specific issues you’re facing. For your concerns:
- **ADA Complaint:** File directly with the U.S. Department of Justice ADA website: [https://www.ada.gov](https://www.ada.gov).
- **Property Damage:** File a formal claim with your local city government.
- **Retaliation:** Consider consulting a civil rights attorney.
Would you like assistance finding local legal aid or attorneys?
the city government is the mayor and clerk, and they are the ones doing this
I’m sorry to hear about your situation. In Georgia, if city officials are involved in alleged misconduct, you might consider the following steps:
- **File an ADA Complaint:** Submit your complaint directly to the DOJ at [https://www.ada.gov](https://www.ada.gov).
- **Report Misconduct:** Contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation or state ethics commission.
- **Legal Assistance:** Consult a civil rights attorney for retaliation claims.
Would you like help locating a local attorney or filing a formal complaint?
Georgia Bureau of Investigation said i needed to file a police report, but the police cheif is aoart of the retaliation
I understand how challenging this situation must be for you. If filing a police report locally is not viable due to alleged misconduct, you can consider:
- **Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI):** Request their advice on next steps since the local police are implicated.
- **Consult an Attorney:** A civil rights attorney can assist with addressing retaliation and filing complaints.
Would you like help finding a civil rights attorney or contacting another agency?
yes
For assistance with your situation:
- **Civil Rights Attorney:** Contact the Georgia Legal Aid office at [www.georgialegalaid.org](https://www.georgialegalaid.org) or call (*) *-* to find an attorney specializing in civil rights and retaliation cases.
- **GBI Assistance:** Follow up with the GBI, explaining the local conflict.
Would you like more help with this?
i already spoke to gbi, they wont help
I’m sorry to hear about the difficulties you’re facing. If the GBI cannot assist, here are alternative options:
- **State Ethics Commission:** File a complaint regarding misconduct by public officials.
- **Federal Oversight:** Consider reporting retaliation to the **U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division** at [www.civilrights.justice.gov](https://civilrights.justice.gov).
- **Civil Rights Attorney:** Contact **Georgia Legal Aid** at (*) *-* for further legal assistance.
Would you like additional guidance on any of these steps?
Georgia Legal Aid only handles divorces and restraining orders
I understand your frustration. If Georgia Legal Aid cannot assist, you may consider:
- **Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC):** They handle civil rights and government misconduct cases. Website: [www.splcenter.org](https://www.splcenter.org).
- **Civil Rights Division - DOJ:** File a complaint at [https://civilrights.justice.gov](https://civilrights.justice.gov).
Would you like help finding other attorney resources?