The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution states, “…nor shall any person… be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law.” Most public employees working for Los Angeles County have a property interest in their continued employment. The purpose of the guarantee of due process is to provide procedural protections against the arbitrary taking of a property interest by the government (your Department employer).

Due process for most county employees requires both a pre-deprivation hearing prior to significant disciplinary actions (Skelly Hearing) and a more formal post-deprivation hearing to challenge the discipline imposed (Civil Service Commission appeal hearing). Such disciplinary actions include dismissal, forced retirement, suspensions without pay, involuntary leave without pay, demotion, and pay reduction. Peace Officers enjoy additional protections provided by the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act (POBRA), particularly when the action may constitute punitive action within the meaning of that statute.

Workers’ Rights Legal Services is committed to empowering Los Angeles County workers by promoting the understanding of their respective rights with knowledgeable and aggressive attorney services to enforce these rights.

We are committed to making quality legal services more accessible and affordable for Los Angeles County employees.