How to Find Professional Attorneys to Help Protesters
One of the risks of protesting – even a peaceful protest – is that you could be arrested. Yes, the First Amendment gives us the right to peaceful assembly, but just because there is something in the Bill of Rights does not mean that you will not find yourself in a situation where these rights are violated.
Before you go to your next protest, it is recommended that you read, save and / or memorize the ACLU’s list of actions to take if you are stopped by the police during the protest . These include tips such as “keep your hands in plain sight” and “if possible, write down anything you remember, including the officers’ badges and patrol car numbers, and the agency they work for.”
The ACLU also offers this important advice:
If you are arrested, you have the right to ask why. If not, say that you want to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don’t say anything or sign anything without a lawyer.
Of course, most of us do not have a lawyer we can turn to immediately if we were arrested during a protest – and you may not even be sure if you can cover the costs of the lawyer’s fees. This means that before you go to the next protest, you must also save or remember the phone number of a free lawyer who is willing to help the protesters.
Twitter users have already begun compiling lists of lawyers willing to help protesters in need:
Right now, Ashley Holub’s Lawyer Spreadsheet includes 60 lawyers representing 18 states and the District of Columbia, and if you don’t see your state or city listed, quickly search Twitter for “pro-bono” and your city. the name should help you find additional resources.
Because if you are going to participate in your right to peaceful assembly, you need to know how to contact a lawyer before you need one.
Looking for ways to protect black lives? Check out this list of resources .