As a seasoned advocate for free speech, expression, and the fundamental rights that shape the core of our democracy, Thompson Legal LLC stands at the forefront of defending your constitutional liberties.
First Amendment rights are essential for the functioning of a free and democratic society. They allow individuals to express themselves, hold dissenting opinions, and participate in the democratic process without fear of government repression. These rights serve as a cornerstone of American democracy, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and that citizens can hold their government accountable.
The First Amendment to Constitution says:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The First Amendment protects individuals from government actions that infringe upon their freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. Private entities, on the other hand, are generally not bound by the First Amendment. Violations of the First Amendment typically involve government actions such as:
- Retaliation for Speech: Punishing individuals for expressing their opinions, especially when it comes to government criticism.
- Exclusion from Public Meetings or Censoring Public Forum Participation: Preventing individuals from attending public meetings or stifling their ability to speak during public forums can infringe on the right to freedom of speech and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.
- Suppression of Political Dissent: Attempts to silence or punish individuals for expressing political opinions or participating in peaceful protests.
- Religious Discrimination: Government actions that favor or disfavor a particular religion can violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from establishing an official religion.
- Restrictions on Peaceful Assembly: Unreasonable limitations on the right to gather peacefully for protests, demonstrations, or other expressive activities can violate the freedom of assembly.
- Prior Restraints on Speech: Attempts by the government to prevent the publication or dissemination of information before it occurs.
- Discrimination Based on Speech Content: Laws or regulations that discriminate against specific viewpoints or types of speech may violate the First Amendment by suppressing particular perspectives.
- Compelled Speech: Forcing individuals or organizations to express specific messages or viewpoints against their will.
In a world where the right to free speech is more crucial than ever, Thompson Legal LLC emerges as a beacon of legal expertise and unwavering commitment to the principles enshrined in the First Amendment.
If you find yourself in need of a First Amendment advocate, Thompson Legal LLC is ready to stand by your side. At Thompson Legal LLC, we take pride in our proven track record of successfully litigating First Amendment cases. With a deep understanding of First Amendment law and a commitment to justice, we stand ready to fight for your rights and liberties.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your case, explore legal options, and experience firsthand the dedication and passion that Thompson Legal LLC brings to every client. Call or text us today at 502-366-2121 for a free consultation if you have any Kentucky or Ohio Constitutional rights issues.
Common Questions About Free Speech
You have a constitutional right to attend public meetings. If you’re kicked out for expressing your opinion rather than being disruptive, it may violate the First Amendment—especially under Kentucky and Ohio law.
First Amendment lawsuits are usually filed in federal court and involve claims against government officials for restricting your speech. While you can file on your own, working with an experienced attorney in Kentucky or Ohio improves your chances—and legal fees may be recoverable if you win.
First Amendment lawsuits usually begin by proving that a government official or agency took action against you because of your protected speech. This could include being silenced at a public meeting, banned from government property, or censored on official social media. These cases are often filed in federal court and require detailed legal arguments and evidence. While you technically can file a claim on your own, having an experienced First Amendment attorney greatly increases your chances of success. Many lawyers in Kentucky and Ohio offer consultations and may take cases on contingency or with fee-shifting if you win.
The First Amendment only protects your speech from government actions—not private companies or individuals. In Kentucky and Ohio, most free speech lawsuits must involve a government actor to move forward.
Many people think the First Amendment protects them from all forms of censorship, but it only applies to government actions—not private individuals or companies. That means you generally can’t sue a private business, employer, or individual for restricting your speech. However, if the person or business is acting on behalf of the government—or working closely with a government agency—there may still be a case. For example, a private employer or a private website like Facebook can legally restrict your speech, even if it feels unfair. But when a government agency, public official, or public school takes action against you because of your speech, that raises constitutional concerns. In Kentucky and Ohio, successful First Amendment lawsuits almost always involve government actors.
If a government agency deleted your comment on social media because of your opinion, it may violate your First Amendment rights. In Kentucky and Ohio, agencies must apply content rules fairly and cannot censor criticism.
It depends on why the comment was deleted. If your comment included threats or consistently applied policy, it might be lawful. However, if your comment was removed because you criticized a government agency or expressed an unpopular opinion, that could violate the First Amendment. When a government agency operates a Facebook page, Twitter/X account, or other public platform for official purposes, it becomes a public forum—and censorship based on viewpoint is unconstitutional. In Kentucky and Ohio, courts are beginning to take a hard look at these digital free speech violations.
If a mayor or council member uses Facebook for government business, they can’t block you based on your viewpoint. Courts in Kentucky and Ohio have ruled that this kind of online censorship may violate the First Amendment.
If a mayor or city council member uses their Facebook page (or any social media account) to discuss government business, share policy updates, or communicate with constituents, they cannot block users based on their views. Courts have ruled that when public officials use social media for official purposes, those pages become designated public forums where the First Amendment applies. Blocking you for asking tough questions, expressing disagreement, or criticizing their decisions may violate your constitutional rights. This issue has become increasingly common in Kentucky and Ohio, and lawsuits have been filed to stop public officials from silencing citizens online.
If you were banned from city hall or a government building because of something you said, that may violate your First Amendment rights. In Kentucky and Ohio, bans without clear reasons or due process are often unconstitutional.
If you’ve been banned from city hall or any government property, the first step is to ask for written notice explaining the reason and duration of the ban. Government agencies must follow due process, and bans that result from your protected speech—such as criticism of officials or participation in public meetings—may violate the First Amendment. In Kentucky and Ohio, courts have found that banning individuals from public spaces without fair procedures or justification can be unconstitutional. A First Amendment attorney can help challenge the ban and protect your rights.
If a government official silenced you during a public meeting because of your viewpoint, you may be able to sue for a First Amendment violation. This includes being interrupted, skipped, or cut off during public comment in Kentucky or Ohio.
Yes, if a government official silenced you during a public meeting because of your viewpoint, you may have a valid First Amendment claim. Courts have ruled that restricting speech in public forums based on content or criticism of officials is unconstitutional. This includes cutting off your microphone, interrupting your comment, or skipping your turn to speak. In Kentucky and Ohio, several lawsuits have succeeded when citizens were denied the right to express their views during public meetings.
You have the right to speak during public comment at city council meetings. If you’re kicked out for your viewpoint—not because you were disruptive—it may violate the First Amendment, especially under Kentucky and Ohio law.
If you’re removed from a city council meeting simply for expressing an unpopular opinion, that could violate your First Amendment rights. Officials can ask you to leave only if you are truly disruptive—not just because they disagree with your message. In both Kentucky and Ohio, public meetings are considered limited public forums, and content-neutral rules must be applied equally. If you were silenced, removed, or banned from attending future meetings, you may have grounds for legal action.