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Defending Your
First Amendment Rights

We represent Americans of all political persuasions who face intimidation or legal threats from public officials for exercising their First Amendment rights.

 

 

Whether you've been the target of a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation, blocked by an elected official on social media, denied access to public spaces, or had your constitutional rights otherwise violated, our focus is singular: to restore and protect those rights, regardless of viewpoint or subject matter.

Defending Free Speech:

Our Fight Against SLAPP Suits

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What Are SLAPP Suits?

 

Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP suits) are legal actions designed not to seek justice, but to silence critics through the burden of defending against litigation. These lawsuits directly threaten First Amendment rights by weaponizing the legal system against individuals and organizations exercising their constitutional right to free speech.

When powerful entities face criticism, they sometimes respond not by addressing the substance of that criticism, but by filing meritless lawsuits designed to:

  • Drain critics' financial resources through mounting legal fees

  • Consume their time and attention with complex legal proceedings

  • Create a chilling effect that discourages others from speaking out

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The First Amendment Connection

 

The First Amendment protects our fundamental rights to free speech, free press, peaceful assembly, and petitioning the government. SLAPP suits directly undermine these protections by:

  • Punishing protected speech on matters of public concern

  • Creating fear around participation in public discourse

  • Using courts to suppress legitimate criticism and debate

  • Forcing individuals to self-censor to avoid potential litigation

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How West Public Affairs

Defends Against SLAPP Suits

 

At West Public Affairs, we're committed to

protecting targets of SLAPP suits through

powerful legal advocacy:

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In States With UPEPA Protection

 

The Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA) provides critical anti-SLAPP protections. In states that have adopted this model legislation, we:

  • File special motions for expedited relief to dismiss meritless cases early

  • Leverage UPEPA's stay provisions to halt costly discovery while the motion is pending

  • Seek recovery of attorney's fees and costs for our clients when we prevail

  • Utilize the expedited appeal process if motions are wrongfully denied

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In States Without UPEPA

 

Many states still lack comprehensive anti-SLAPP protections. In these jurisdictions, we:

  • Deploy alternative legal strategies tailored to state-specific procedural rules

  • Work with legal partners to file early motions to dismiss

  • Pursue sanctions against frivolous litigation

  • Advocate for the adoption of strong anti-SLAPP legislation

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Why This Matters

 

SLAPP suits represent a dangerous abuse of the judicial system that threatens the open exchange of ideas essential to a functioning democracy. By intimidating critics with the prospect of expensive litigation, SLAPP suits create an environment where:

  • Public watchdogs are deterred from reporting misconduct

  • Citizens hesitate to speak at public meetings

  • Journalists self-censor investigative reporting

  • Online reviewers fear sharing honest opinions

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How We Can Help

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f you believe you're being targeted by a SLAPP suit for exercising your constitutional rights, contact West Public Affairs today. Our experienced team will:

1.Evaluate your case to determine if it qualifies as a SLAPP

2.Develop a strategic defense tailored to your specific situation

3.Deploy the appropriate legal tools to seek early dismissal

4.Fight to recover your legal costs from the party that filed the meritless suit

Contact us today to protect your voice and your rights.

Blocked by an Elected Official on Social Media?

We Can Help Restore Your Constitutional Rights

When government officials block constituents on their official social media accounts, they're not just being unfriendly—they're likely violating your First Amendment rights.

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The Supreme Court ruled in Lindke v. Freed (2024) that public officials cannot block people from accounts they use for government business just because they don't like what constituents have to say.

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We help people like you get unblocked and hold officials accountable.

FAQs About Social Media Blocking

 

How do I know if I have a valid case?

If you've been blocked by an official who uses their account to share government information or conduct official business, you likely have a case. During our consultation, we can help assess your specific situation.

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How long does the process take?

Most officials unblock constituents within 2-4 weeks of receiving our demand letter. If litigation becomes necessary, the timeline may extend to several months.

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Will I have to go to court?

Most cases resolve without court involvement. We always try to resolve matters through direct communication first.​

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Can any government official block people? 

Officials can maintain purely personal accounts where they can block anyone. However, if they use an account for official business (sharing government information, soliciting public input, etc.), they cannot engage in viewpoint discrimination by blocking critics.

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Ready to Be Heard Again?

Everyone deserves the right to participate in conversations with their elected officials.

Let us help you restore your voice.

How We Fight

  • Rapid response to official intimidation attempts

  • Defense against misuse of criminal statutes to suppress speech

  • Strategic constitutional rights litigation

  • Documentation of government overreach

  • Federal civil rights claim preparation

We Defend Your Right To:

  • Comment on public policy

  • Criticize government officials

  • Participate in public debate

  • Engage in political discourse

  • Challenge official actions

Issue-Neutral

We don't take sides in policy debates.

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We don't judge the content of protected speech.

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We simply ensure that public officials cannot use their power to silence citizens' constitutionally protected expression.

Our Experience

Our attorneys have served at the highest levels of government and private practice, including the Department of Justice and leading civil rights firms. We understand the tactics officials use to suppress speech – and we know how to counter them.

 

Whether you're conservative, liberal, or anywhere in between, your constitutional rights deserve protection. When officials threaten criminal prosecution for protected speech, we step in.

 

Contact us for a confidential consultation about defending your constitutional rights.

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