A Comprehensive Guide to Protestor Rights in Pennsylvania

The First Amendment of the U.S Constitution offers protection for various forms of expression. This includes the right to free speech and even participation in mass demonstrations like protests or marches.

But there’s a catch here- the First Amendment might offer protection even against the strongest controversial viewpoints. However, if you try to inflict violence, or decide to sit-in, or block public roads, the cops might arrest you! So, understanding your share of rights as a protestor and what you can do if those rights get violated is very important.

In this blog, we’ve jotted down protestors’ rights and the correct way to respond to their violation. So, let’s explore and understand why hiring a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer remains a mandatory thing if you face such situations.

Where Can You Protest?

Public places: Places like parks, streets, plazas, sidewalks, etc., are protected spaces that can be used for protests legally, as long as you are not creating an obstruction for pedestrians or vehicles.

Government establishments: You have the right to protest outside courthouses or city halls. However, you shouldn’t be blocking any entrances or shouldn’t be disrupting any official business.

Private properties: You have to have permission to do protests on private properties or lands, or else you might be charged with trespassing!

Also, you don’t need to have a permit to protest on sidewalks or in parks. However, if the protest demonstration involves a massive crowd that could block traffic, you need to have a permit, for which you have to fill up a Special Event Permit Application. Or, you can also ask our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers for the details.

What to do if Cops Try to Disperse the Crowd?

In Pennsylvania, the cops might try to disperse a protest if it is a threat to public safety. But if they do, they are required to announce a dispersal order and give the crowd a chance to comply and walk away, along with providing them with a safe exit route.

So, here’s what you can do if the cops try to stop you or arrest you during a protest-

• Stay calm, don’t argue with them, and don’t try to resist.
• Ask them if you are free to leave or not. If yes, walk away. If not, ask them the reason for the arrest.
• Don’t answer any questions or sign on any document without consulting a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer.
• Exercise your right to remain silent and say that you need a lawyer.

What if You Face or Witness Misconduct?

If you experience or witness any misconduct from the cops, try to note down or record the following things-

• The names of the officers, their badge numbers, and the numbers of their patrol cars.
• The exact date, time, and location of the incident.
• Details of the incident.
• Names and contact information of the witnesses.

These will eventually help a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer at the time of filing complaints or as a defense against criminal charges. Also, remember that no matter how emotional you get, don’t use aggressive language. Besides that, don’t threaten or try to incite violence. These can result in criminal charges. Stay calm, even if the cops are not.

So, if you’ve been charged while protesting in Pennsylvania, don’t wait and call a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer from our Logue Law Group ASAP! We have extensive experience dealing with such matters and can offer you the best defense while protecting your rights and record. Call us at 844.PITT.DUI to book a free consultation.