Thousands of Americans have been peacefully protesting police brutality and racial discrimination for the last few months. They are all well within their rights to do so, but some are not protesting safely. While these gatherings are permitted by the Constitution, police are quick to make arrests and squelch any kind of violence. They are arresting many people for battery, property damage, and disturbing the peace. So, here are a few safety tips and a list of supplies you will want to consider if you are going to join this national movement for reform. Believe in the cause, let your voice be heard, but don’t let it end with you going to jail.

According to Nevada state law, battery is defined as any kind of intentional physical touching, including punching, pushing, burning, kicking, slapping, stabbing, throwing an object at, poisoning, biting, or pulling an object out of the alleged victim’s hand. So, if you feel compelled to throw something on someone, including water, it is considered battery. Pulling the baton out of a police officer’s hand for any reason is considered battery.

As soon as you can identify it, start calming anyone down who is exhibiting any kind of panicked behavior. It is important to be mentally prepared for the kind of long-term commitment a protest requires, not everyone is. The act is physically and emotionally grueling. Emotions can arise within a crowd and you may experience a myriad of feelings, such as joy, anger, or sadness.

One of the best ways to defend yourself against an assault or battery charge while protesting safely is to film or write down all police actions, brutality, and injuries you may have suffered. If you do have to interact with the police, always stay calm and keep your hands visible. If you can, without reaching into your pocket, film the interaction as unobtrusively as possible as a safeguard. It’s also a good idea to make a plan with a compatriot to film interactions if they are not involved. If you can’t get any film, immediately write down the officer’s badge number or physical characteristics.

It is essential to have a plan if the situation escalates. Pick a spot for your group to meet if you become separated for a predetermined amount of time. You should have a few spots picked out in case one becomes blocked by police, along with multiple routes to get to these spots.

Throughout a protest, it is important to remember why you are there. A protest is not a party. It is the right of the people to demand political and social change in mass. Do not bring alcohol to these events. First, drinking would undermine what is trying to be accomplished. Secondly, you are more likely to engage in aggressive and destructive actions if you are drunk. If caught, you could be arrested for assault and battery, and possibly other charges, such as public intoxication.

Protesting safely is the right of every American. However, it can be a difficult thing to do, especially when the local or federal police begin clearing the streets. Tempers can flare, you might find yourself being swept away with the crowd, and the protest might end with you in the back of a squad car. If this does happen to you, or someone you know, contact Jesse Kalter for a full case review. He is an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. His tenacious pursuit of justice has earned his clients countless not-guilty verdicts, and he has had hundreds of cases dismissed. He is available to serve Reno , Sparks , Carson City, Fallon, Fernley, Dayton, Yerington, Douglas County, and all other Northern NV rural counties.

If Protesting Safely Has Gone Wrong, You Need the Help of an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer
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