KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

First Amendment Rights: Your Right to Protest

The First Amendment guarantees your right to peaceful assembly, freedom of speech, and freedom to petition the government. These are constitutional rights, not privileges. But you need to know how to exercise them legally.

What you can do:

• Protest peacefully in public spaces (parks, sidewalks, plazas)
• Hold signs and distribute literature
• Chant and speak about political issues
• Film and photograph police activity in public spaces
• Record arrests and incidents as they happen

Legal limitations:

• Cannot block traffic or emergency vehicles
• Cannot disrupt private businesses without permission
• Local permits may be required for large marches on public streets
• Cannot incite immediate violence ("fighting words")
• Must comply with reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions

Fourth Amendment: Your Right Against Unreasonable Searches

The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. This applies to your person, your belongings, and your digital devices.

Your rights:

• You can refuse searches without a warrant or probable cause
• Police cannot search you without reasonable suspicion of a crime
• Your phone and belongings cannot be searched without a warrant
• You can say: "I do not consent to this search"
• If arrested, you must be informed of the charges against you

Fifth Amendment: Your Right to Remain Silent

The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent and protects you from self-incrimination. This is one of your most important rights during police encounters.

What this means:

• You do not have to answer police questions
• You can say "I want to speak to a lawyer before answering"
• You can say "I'm exercising my right to remain silent"
• You do not have to provide ID unless you're driving or in certain states
• Anything you say can and will be used against you in court

Sixth Amendment: Your Right to Legal Counsel

If you're arrested, the Sixth Amendment guarantees your right to legal representation. Do not answer questions or sign anything until your lawyer is present.

If arrested:

• State clearly: "I want to speak to a lawyer"
• Do not answer questions until your lawyer arrives
• You have the right to one phone call
• Call a lawyer or legal aid organization immediately
• Do not sign anything without consulting a lawyer first
• Remember everything that happened for your lawyer

Your Right to Record Police Activity

You have the right to record police activity in public spaces in most jurisdictions. This is protected by the First Amendment (freedom of press).

Recording rights:

• You can record police in public spaces where you have a legal right to be
• Police cannot confiscate your phone without a warrant
• Police cannot demand you stop recording (if it's legal in your jurisdiction)
• Your recordings can be evidence in legal proceedings
• You can livestream to protect evidence from being deleted

Check local laws: Some states have restrictions on recording without consent. Research your local laws before recording. In most public protest situations, recording police activity is legal and protected.

What to Say and Not Say to Police

When You're Arrested: Step-by-Step Guide

If you're arrested during a protest, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Stay calm. Don't resist physically. Physical resistance is a separate crime.
2. State your rights clearly: "I am exercising my First Amendment right to protest. I want to speak to a lawyer."
3. Remain silent. Don't answer questions except to ask: "Am I under arrest? Am I free to go?"
4. Ask for a lawyer immediately. Say: "I want to speak to a lawyer" repeatedly if necessary.
5. Document everything. Officer names, badge numbers, what was said, witnesses present.
6. Use your one phone call. Call a lawyer, legal aid, or trusted contact.
7. Don't sign anything without consulting with a lawyer first.
8. Don't plead guilty at your first court appearance without legal counsel.

Legal Aid Resources

If you're arrested or need legal assistance, here are resources that can help:

• National Lawyers Guild: 1-888-NLG-EXAM (serves protesters nationwide)
• ACLU: 1-888-243-3044 (civil liberties legal information)
• Local Legal Aid Organizations: Search "legal aid [your city]" for local resources
• Bail Funds: Local community bail funds may help with bail if arrested
• Know Your Rights Trainings: Many organizations offer free training workshops

Document Everything: Legal Evidence Protocol

Documentation is crucial for protecting your rights and holding authorities accountable:

• Police Interactions: Officer names, badge numbers, what was said
• Arrest Procedures: Time, date, location, witnesses, what happened
• Witnesses: Names and contact information of people who saw what happened
• Injuries: Photos of any injuries, medical treatment received
• Property Damage: Photos of damaged belongings or property
• Video Evidence: Record police encounters (legal in most public places)

If your phone is confiscated: Use cloud backup, send videos to trusted contacts immediately, or livestream to protect evidence.