Were You Arrested At A Protest? Here’s What You Need To Know And Do Next If You Are.

Exercising your right to protest is a fundamental part of American democracy. Most protests are peaceful. However, there’s always a risk that you will be arrested. Yes, even if you haven’t done anything wrong.

Knowing what to do in that situation can make a significant difference in the outcome.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take if you find yourself arrested at a protest.

We’ll cover your rights, how to act during the arrest, and what to expect afterward.

Understanding this process can help you stay calm and protect yourself legally.

Your Rights During a Protest

It’s crucial to understand your rights before heading to a protest. The First Amendment protects your right to peaceful assembly. However, there are limits. Protests must remain non-violent. In addition, you must also obey lawful orders from police. These include such things as staying off private property or keeping streets clear.

If police declare a protest unlawful, you must leave the area to avoid arrest. However, you still have rights even if an arrest occurs. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. The law does not require you to answer questions about your immigration status. It might be a good idea to memorize a lawyer’s phone number. You may want to write it on your body in permanent marker is a smart precaution.

What to Do if You Are Arrested

Having the police arrest you can be a stressful and confusing experience. The way you handle the situation. How you handle yourself will have a major impact on your case.

1. Remain Calm and Compliant

The most important thing to do is to stay calm. Do not resist arrest, even if you believe it is unjust. Resisting can lead to additional charges, like “resisting an officer without violence,” and may result in the police using force. Keep your hands visible and comply with the officer’s instructions.

2. State Your Intention to Remain Silent

You have the right to remain silent. You should clearly state, “I am going to remain silent. I want to speak with a lawyer.” After saying this, do not answer any further questions. Police are trained to get information from you, and anything you say can be used against you. The only information you are required to provide is your name and address.

3. Do Not Consent to a Search

Police may ask to search your person or your belongings. You can refuse by saying, “I do not consent to a search.” If they search you anyway, do not physically resist. Your refusal to consent can be important later in court. If police have a warrant or probable cause, they can legally search you without your consent. However, you should still make your objection clear.

4. Ask for a Lawyer Immediately

As soon as you are arrested, ask for a lawyer. Repeat this request as often as necessary. Do not speak to the police, detectives, or anyone else about your case without a lawyer present. Police must stop questioning you once you have requested legal counsel.

After the Arrest: The Booking Process

Once you are taken into custody, you will go through a booking process at the police station. Here’s what typically happens:

Recording Information:

The police will record your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and physical characteristics.

Fingerprinting and Mugshots:

Your fingerprints and photograph will be taken.

Confiscating Personal Property:

Your personal belongings will be taken and cataloged. You will get them back upon your release.

Health Screening:

You may be asked basic questions about your health to ensure you receive necessary medical care while in custody.

During this process, continue to exercise your right to remain silent. Do not discuss the protest or the reasons for your arrest with officers or other detainees.

Getting Out of Jail: The Bail Process

After booking, the next step is securing your release, which often involves posting bail. Bail is a financial agreement that ensures you will appear for your court dates.

How The Court Determines Your Bail?

Minor offenses are common in protest arrests. They include such things as disorderly conduct or failure to disperse. There is often a standard bail amount set by a “bond schedule.”

This allows for a quicker release. If not, you may need to wait for a judge to set bail. Bond hearings usually happen within 24 hours of arrest. At the hearing, the judge will consider a few factors like the alleged offense and your criminal history. In addition, the court will look at your ties to the community.

How a Bail Bondsman Can Help

Posting the full bail amount can be financially challenging. This is where a bail bondsman in Orlando, FL, can be a crucial ally. For a 10% fee of the total bail amount, a bail bonds company will post the entire bail for you.

Using a bail bondsman allows you to get out of jail quickly. It also saves you the headache of liquidating assets or tie up a large sum of money.

The process is straightforward. You or a loved one contacts the bail bondsman and provide them with the information about the arrest. They pay the fee. The bondsman then handles the paperwork and posts the bond with the court.

BailOption Is Here To Help You!