EEOC
Understand the EEOC Charge Process in Hamilton County
Workplace discrimination is not only unfair. It’s unlawful. If you’ve experienced discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or another protected category, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is often the first step in seeking justice. At Roberts Law, we help clients in Hamilton County, Indiana, understand the EEOC charge process and protect their rights.
Why the EEOC Matters in Employment Discrimination Cases
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing workplace discrimination laws. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against at work, the EEOC is often your first stop. Filing an EEOC complaint is usually required before taking your case to court.
The EEOC investigates charges of discrimination, provides mediation services, and, in some cases, tries to help both sides resolve the issue. At the end of the investigation, the EEOC will decide if there is evidence that discrimination occurred. If they do not find evidence or if they cannot resolve the matter, they issue a “Notice of Right to Sue,” which allows you to file a lawsuit in federal court.
This process may sound straightforward, but it’s rarely simple. Working with an experienced EEOC charge attorney can help you avoid mistakes and protect your rights from the very beginning.
How the EEOC Charge Process Works
Many employees begin searching online for information about the EEOC charge process after experiencing workplace discrimination. The process can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. Here’s what you can expect:
- Filing the Charge – You start by filing an EEOC complaint, also known as a “charge of discrimination.” This must be done within strict time limits, often 180 days from the discriminatory act. Missing this deadline can completely block your ability to pursue a case.
- Employer Notification – Once your charge is filed, the EEOC notifies your employer and begins investigating.
- Investigation – The EEOC may request documents, interview witnesses, and review your evidence. This stage can take months, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Mediation or Conciliation – The EEOC may offer mediation to try to resolve the matter without litigation. Mediation is voluntary but can be effective when both sides are willing to talk.
- Determination – At the end of the investigation, the EEOC makes a determination. They may find that discrimination likely occurred, or they may close the case without a finding.
- Notice of Right to Sue – If the EEOC closes the case, it issues a Notice of Right to Sue, which allows you to take your case to federal court.
Because each step carries legal consequences, it’s best to have a lawyer guiding you through the process.
Filing an EEOC Complaint in Indiana
Filing an EEOC complaint is more than just filling out forms. It requires telling your story in a way that clearly shows how your employer violated federal or state discrimination laws. This means including important details like dates, witnesses, and examples of unfair treatment. An employment discrimination lawyer can help you strengthen your case by:
- Identifying which laws apply to your situation
- Gathering and preserving critical evidence
- Framing your complaint so it highlights the strongest points
- Communicating with the EEOC and your employer on your behalf
- Preparing you for mediation or interviews during the investigation
Why Work With Roberts Law?
Attorney Tom Roberts brings a unique combination of experience that sets him apart from other EEOC charge attorneys. Before practicing law, Tom spent 14 years working in corporate human resources. That background gave him firsthand knowledge of how employers think, how HR departments handle discrimination claims, and what strategies companies use to defend themselves. This insight allows him to anticipate the other side’s moves and build stronger cases for employees. Clients trust Roberts Law because we:
- Provide personalized, client-focused strategies
- Balance compassion with aggressive advocacy
- Offer both in-person and virtual consultations for convenience
- Handle every case with integrity, honesty, and attention to detail
Get Legal Help for Workplace Discrimination
If you believe you’ve been mistreated at work, don’t wait. Deadlines for filing are short, and employers often act quickly to protect themselves. The sooner you get legal help for workplace discrimination, the stronger your position will be.
At Roberts Law, we are here to help you file an EEOC complaint, guide you through the EEOC charge process, and fight for your rights in court if needed. Our firm serves clients across Hamilton County, including Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, and nearby Indiana communities.
Contact Us Today
Discrimination has no place in the workplace. If you’ve experienced it, you deserve an attorney who will listen, guide, and fight for you. Contact us at Roberts Law today to schedule a consultation with an experienced employment discrimination lawyer.