To file a charge

Although we do not take charges over the phone, you can get the process started over the phone. You can call to discuss your situation. A representative will ask you for some basic information to determine if your situation is covered by the laws we enforce and explain how to file a charge. Many states and localities have agencies that enforce laws prohibiting employment discrimination. This process, which is defined as dual filing , helps to protect charging party rights under both federal and state or local law.

If you file a charge at a state or local agency, you can let them know if you also want your charge filed with the EEOC. If you have 60 days or fewer in which to file a timely charge, the EEOC Public Portal will provide special directions for providing necessary information to the EEOC and how to file your charge quickly.

Your letter will be reviewed and if more information is needed, we will contact you to gather that information.

If you've hired an attorney, they'll usually pay the court costs on your behalf when they file the lawsuit. Have your harasser served with your complaint. Once your complaint is filed, it has to be delivered to your harasser. Typically this is done by a sheriff's deputy. If you don't have an address for your harasser, talk to your attorney. They'll have resources to locate the person. If you have an attorney, they'll pay this fee on your behalf.

Wait for your harasser to answer the complaint. Your harasser has a limited period of time after they're served with your complaint to file a written response — typically less than 30 days. If they don't file an answer, you may be eligible to win your case by default.

Work with your attorney to complete the discovery process. Assuming your harasser answers the lawsuit, the case enters discovery. You and your harasser will exchange evidence and ask each other questions about the case. This is when your harasser or a witness is asked questions under oath by your attorney. If your harasser has an attorney, they may want to depose you as well. Participate in a court hearing if the case has not settled. If your case is one of the rare ones that doesn't settle, a trial date will be set.

On the day of the trial, you and your harasser will appear in court and present your cases to the judge. While you're expected to be there, you don't necessarily have to testify as a witness if you don't want to. Keep in mind that if you testify, that means your harasser or their attorney, if they have one will also be able to ask you questions. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This article describes how to report and protect yourself from harassment in the US.

If you live in another country, the laws may be different. Report the harassment to your local police immediately and seek assistance from a local attorney. Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0. You Might Also Like How to.

How to. More References About This Article. Written by:. Jennifer Mueller, JD. Co-authors: 2. Updated: July 5, Categories: Law Enforcement Criminal Law. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 34, times. Did this article help you? Yes No. Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

Featured Articles How to. Trending Articles How to. New Pages How to. Watch Articles How to. What Happens Next. How to Respond to a Charge. Public Meetings. Employee SharePoint Site. Employee Web Mail. Civil Rights Reporter. The bases protected against discrimination in Ohio are: race, color, sex, disability, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, familial status in housing, military status and retaliation.

The Ohio Civil Rights Commission has a statute of limitations of six months of the alleged act of discrimination for public accommodation, credit, or disability in higher education complaints, one year for housing complaints, or two years for employment complaints. All charges of discrimination must be filed within those periods following the last occurrence of discriminatory harm and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission cannot investigate acts of discrimination that occurred prior to that date.

You may file a charge of discrimination with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission by visiting an office in person, by mail or by completing the charge form on-line.

Board attorneys help gather and prepare materials, and keep the parties apprised of case developments. It is illegal for an employer or union to retaliate against employees for filing charges or participating in NLRB investigations or proceedings. Under its statute, the NLRB cannot assess penalties. The agency may seek make-whole remedies, such as reinstatement and backpay for discharged workers, and informational remedies, such as the posting of a notice by the employer promising to not violate the law.

While the case proceeds through the Board process, the Regional Director may petition the appropriate U. District Court for temporary injunction orders to restore the status quo where rights have been violated, under Section 10 j of the Act. The General Counsel must first approve the petition and the Board must authorize it. If granted by the Court, an injunction may, among other things, require a party to return to bargaining, or reinstate unlawfully discharged employees, or stop the unlawful subcontracting of union jobs.