Information for Activists

While video cameras are helping keep the Occupy movement strong and safe, not all of them are entirely friendly. A person from Americans for Prosperity was at our inaugural march, and while he was polite, he wasn’t always entirely forthright about his affiliations. When approached by someone with a camera, be sure to ask who they are, what organization they’re with, and never feel pressured to talk if you don’t want to.  And by all means feel free to chat with conservative cameramen, though we’d advise against it.  If you’re unsure, finding someone on the media committee is always a safe bet.

Other important info:

If you run into legal trouble leave a message on the Occupy Lincoln phone line – 402-937-1867.

A few general rules to remember:

* Stay on the sidewalks and do not block traffic.

* Comply with police orders if you do not want to get arrested.

* If you are arrested or questioned do not talk to the police under any circumstances – even if you have done nothing wrong – always ask for a lawyer – wait for a lawyer before you do anything. THIS IS YOUR 5TH AMENDMENT RIGHT. You DO have to give your name and ID to police officers if they ask for it. Never consent to a search. State loudly and clearly “I do not consent to a search”. You can be detained if police have direct suspicion that you were involved in a crime. Police CAN frisk you if they detain you or arrest you.

* It is common for police or citizen informers to infiltrate activist movements. Sometimes agents will try to provoke people to commit crimes so they can be prosecuted. Use your common sense and be careful. If someone asks you for drugs or asks you to do something you are not comfortable with DO NOT do it.

A BASIC PRIMER FOR ACTIVISTS – from the Nebraska ACLU:

What are your rights to express your political beliefs?  You have the right to engage in peaceful protest activity in public spaces.  Cities can and do impose certain restrictions on these activities, and in some instances one must obtain a permit before engaging in certain activities.  Here’s a general guideline:

WHAT YOU CAN DO WITHOUT A PERMIT:

• Have a demonstration, rally, press conference, or march on a public sidewalk.
• Distribute handbills on a public sidewalk or in a public park.

WHAT YOU CAN NOT DO:

• March in a public street without a permit
• Use amplified sound without a permit
• Block pedestrian passage on the sidewalk
• Block the entrance to a building
• You can NOT affix signs to public property such as light posts, police barriers, or public buildings

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE STOPPED BY THE POLICE:

Be polite and respectful.  Never bad-mouth a police officer.

Stay calm and in control of your words, body language & emotions.

Don’t get into an argument with the police.

Remember, anything you say or do can be used against you.

Don’t run.  Don’t touch any police officer.

Don’t resist, even if you believe you are innocent.

Don’t complain on the scene or tell police they’re wrong, or that you’re going to file a complaint.

Do not make any statements regarding the incident.

Ask for a lawyer immediately upon your arrest.

Remember officers’ badge & car numbers.  Write down everything ASAP.

Try to find witnesses & their names & phone numbers.

If you are injured, take photos of the injuries, but first seek medical attention.

If you feel your rights have been violated, file or call in a complaint with us or with the police department.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I protest, leaflet or picket on public property?

Depends on the property.  If you’re on a public sidewalk or in a public park, you’re almost definitely allowed to be there, because the Supreme Court has said “sidewalks and parks…have immemorially been held in trust for the use of the public” and are considered a public forum for free speech. Other public property, like the courthouse or government buildings, may be off-limits for protesting inside, though peaceful and quiet activity like handing out leaflets OUTSIDE is probably always protected.  The government can’t discriminate between different types of speech, though—if they are allowing one group to assemble and demonstrate then they have to allow everybody.

We want to have a protest at the park—why do we need a permit if it’s our right under the First Amendment?

The law allows the government to make neutral rules that apply to everyone which control the “time, place, and manner” of your free speech right.  If you want to hold a parade or rally, you can do so—but for a larger crowd the government has legitimate safety, traffic, and planning concerns so they can require you to get a permit ahead of time.  They can’t deny the permit just because they don’t like your cause, or charge excessive fees, though.

I was told I couldn’t hand out flyers at the post office—is that true?

No!  You can hand out flyers, picket, or carry signs anywhere OUTSIDE the post office, as long as you’re not blocking the entryway or making a noisy disruption.  Don’t try to engage in free speech inside—that’s not allowed, and don’t try to gather petition signatures or collect donations inside or outside, since regulations still prohibit that activity.  Standing or sitting outside the post office with a sign or handing out free literature is definitely allowed, though.

What about holding a sign with obscenities on it or shouting curse words?

Yes, it’s completely legal.  The First Amendment protects all speech, including offensive language, and the government cannot prevent you from using even the “F” word in writing or speech.  Deliberate harassment or intimidation of particular individuals is not generally protected by the First Amendment and may be illegal under local laws, but it is not illegal to offend people by simply expressing a political message such as “F*** the war.”

Can I go to the shopping mall and put leaflets on cars or hand them out?

Not without permission of the property owner.  The First Amendment protection of free speech only protects you from the government—a private property owner still has the right to control his or her property, and if they don’t want you there, they can make you leave.  Some states do allow protest activities on private property, but Nebraska doesn’t yet have a law like that.

I was handing out flyers in a legal way, but I was ordered to leave anyway.  What should I do?

If you have quietly and politely explained you have a right to be there but the government official or police officer doesn’t agree, retreat for now rather than risk arrest.  Get as much information as you can about the person who told you to leave (name, title, badge or ID number), and immediately record your impressions of the encounter in writing. (Where were you standing? Who approached you? What did they say, exactly?)  Then contact the ACLU for help.  It’s better to peacefully retreat, even if you’re right, because then you don’t have the additional headache of a criminal ticket or being held in jail before a bond is set.

If you have questions, please contact ACLU Nebraska at info@aclunebraska.org or call (402) 476-8091.  Become a member online at www.aclunebraska.org!

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From the National Lawyers Guild “Know Your Rights!” Post 9-11 Project Document

What rights do I have?

Whether or not you’re a citizen, you have these constitutional rights:

The Right to Remain Silent. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives every person the right to remain silent in the face of questions posed by any police officer or government agent.

The Right to be Free from “Unreasonable Searches and Seizures”. The Fourth Amendment is supposed to protect your privacy. Without a warrant, police or government agents are not allowed to search your home or office and you can refuse to let them in. Know, however, that it is easy for the government to monitor your e-mail, telephone calls, and conversations in your home, office, car or meeting place.

The Right to Advocate for Change. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the rights of groups and individuals who advocate changes in laws, government practices, and even the form of government. However, the INS can target non-citizens for deportation because of their First Amendment activities, as long as it could deport them for other reasons.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS CANNOT BE SUSPENDED – EVEN DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY OR WARTIME.

What should I do if agents come to question me?

1. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TALK TO THE POLICE, FBI, INS, OR ANY OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENT OR INVESTIGATOR. You are not legally obligated to talk to anyone: on the street, at your home or office, if you’ve been arrested, or even if you’re in jail. If you are driving a motor vehicle, you are required to show your license and registration. Only a judge has the legal authority to order you to answer questions. If you are contacted, tell the agent you want to consult an attorney. They should stop trying to question you once you say this. You do not have to already have a lawyer. Remember to get the name, agency, and telephone number of any investigator who calls or visits you, and call the NLG, or a criminal or immigration lawyer, before deciding whether to answer questions.

2. YOU CAN SAY NO! If the police, FBI, INS or anyone else tries to enter your home without a warrant, say, “I will not talk to you until I consult an attorney.” Many people are afraid that if they refuse to cooperate, it will appear as if they have something to hide, or think that they can educate the police. Don’t be fooled. Talking to the FBI can be very dangerous. You can never tell how a seemingly harmless bit of information might be used to hurt you or someone else. The FBI is not just trying to find “terrorists”, but is gathering information on immigrants and activists who have done nothing wrong. And keep in mind that even though they are allowed to and do lie to you, lying to a federal agent is a crime. The safest things to say are “I am going to remain silent”, “I want to speak to my lawyer”, and “I do not consent to a search.”

3. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LET POLICE OR OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENTS INTO YOUR HOME OR OFFICE UNLESS THEY HAVE A WARRANT. Demand to see the warrant. If they have a search warrant, you cannot stop them from entering and searching, but you should still tell them that you do not consent to a search. This will limit the search to what is specified in the warrant. If they ask you to give them documents, your computer, or anything else, look to see if the item is listed in the warrant. If it is not, do not consent to them taking it without talking to a lawyer. An arrest warrant does not allow them to search your home or office unless you consent to that. Say “I do not consent to a search.” Do not answer any questions. Call the NLG or a criminal lawyer.

4. IF YOU ARE STOPPED ON THE STREET, ASK IF YOU ARE FREE TO GO. If you are stopped by the police, ask them why. Remember, they are allowed to lie to you. Ask “Am I free to go?” If they say yes, walk away. Legally, you do not have to give your name unless they suspect you of a crime, but it may be expedient to do so– however, be aware that police/agents may be carrying a list of deportable aliens, and that giving a false name could be a crime. If you are not free to go, you are being detained, but this does not necessarily mean you will be arrested. They are entitled to frisk you. A frisk is a pat down on the outside of your clothing. Do not consent to any further search. But if they continue, or in some other way violate your rights, stay calm and don’t physically resist police or agents. You will only be hurt and arrested. Stick to “I don’t consent, I want to speak to my lawyer.” and call a lawyer at your first opportunity. You do not have to answer questions if you are detained or even if you are arrested.

5. ANYTHING YOU SAY TO THE POLICE, FBI, INS, ETC. CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU AND OTHERS. They may pressure you by saying it’s unpatriotic not to answer, or that people with nothing to hide would talk. Remember, however, that even innocent people who have done nothing wrong may say things that the government will use against them or others. That is why the right not to talk is a fundamental right under our Constitution. Repeat “I want to talk to my lawyer” to any officer who questions you.

What if the FBI threatens me with a grand jury subpoena?

It is common for the FBI to threaten you with a subpoena to get you to talk to them. Don’t be intimidated. This is frequently an empty threat, and if they are going to subpoena you, they will do so anyway. Receiving a subpoena to testify before a grand jury doesn’t mean that you are suspected of a crime. And you may have legal grounds to quash the subpoena or to refuse to answer questions before the grand jury. If you do receive a subpoena, call the NLG or a criminal lawyer.

How should I respond to threatening letters or calls?

If your home or office is broken into, or threats have been made against you, your organization, or someone you work with, share this information with everyone affected. Take immediate steps to increase personal and office security. You should discuss with your group and with a lawyer whether and how to report such incidents to the police and the advisability of taking other legal action. If you decide to make a police report, do not do so without a lawyer present. See the contact information on the front for numbers you can call if you receive threats. If you suspect government agents are monitoring you, or are harassing you, report this to the NLG.

What if I am under 18?

Minors too have the right to remain silent; you do not have to talk to the police, probation officers, or school officials. If you are detained at a community detention facility or Juvenile Hall, you normally must be released to a parent or guardian. If charges are filed against you, you have the right to have a lawyer appointed to represent you at no cost.

Your rights at school: Public school students have the First Amendment right to politically organize at school by passing out leaflets, holding meetings, publishing independent newspapers, etc., just so long as those activities do not disrupt classes. Students can be suspended or expelled from school only if they violate the law or disrupt school activities. You have the right to a hearing, with your parents and an attorney present, before being suspended or expelled.

Students can have their backpacks and lockers searched by school officials at school if they have “reasonable suspicion” that you are involved in criminal activity, carrying drugs, weapons, etc. Reasonable suspicion means they have to have a specific reason, but in reality, doesn’t give you much protection. Do not consent to the police or school officials searching your property, but do not physically resist or you may face criminal charges.
Students can now be stopped and questioned by school officials at school even without reasonable suspicion. If you are not in class you can be stopped and questioned as to where you are going and why, but they should not stop and question you for engaging in legally protected political activity or because of your ethnicity or religion.
What if I am not a citizen?

1. CARRY WITH YOU THE NAME AND NUMBER OF AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY WHO WILL TAKE YOUR CALLS. If you are a legal permanent resident, you should carry your green card as well. Navigating the immigration system by yourself is extremely difficult. INS will not explain your options to you. You do not have to reveal your immigration status or answer any other questions. As soon as you encounter an INS agent, call your attorney. If you can’t do it right away, keep trying.

2. KNOW AND ASSERT YOUR RIGHTS! INS will not do it for you. Currently, all non-citizens have the following rights, regardless of your immigration status:

a. You have the right to speak to an attorney before answering any questions or signing any documents. You have the right to call an attorney or your family if you are detained and you have the right to be visited by an attorney in detention. You have the right to have your attorney with you at immigration hearings with INS. You do not, however, have the right to a government-appointed attorney, so you must hire one or find someone who will represent you for free. Call the numbers listed on this pamphlet for help.

b. If you are arrested or detained, the INS must decide in 48 hours whether to put you into immigration proceedings and whether to keep you in custody or to release you on bond. Under a new regulation issued on September 17, the INS has an “additional reasonable period of time” in the event of “an emergency or other extraordinary circumstance” to make the decisions whether to keep you or release you. Make sure your attorney talks to national immigration rights organizations if this is the reason INS is keeping you in detention (see the contact numbers on the front.)

c. You have the right to request release from detention even if INS hasn’t said why it wants to deport you. In most cases you have the right to request release from detention by paying a bond if necessary, or to request a bond hearing before an immigration judge.

d. In most cases, you have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge to determine whether you have violated the immigration laws. If you have criminal convictions, were picked up by INS when you came into the U.S., or have been ordered deported in the past, you must talk to an attorney about whether you have this right and what other legal alternatives you might have.

IF YOU DO NOT DEMAND THESE RIGHTS OR IF YOU SIGN DOCUMENTS WAIVING YOUR RIGHTS, THE INS MAY DEPORT YOU BEFORE YOU SEE EITHER AN ATTORNEY OR A JUDGE. Leaving the U.S. in this way may have serious consequences for your ability to later enter or to gain legal immigration status in the U.S. However, the immigration laws are complex and many changes are being proposed in response to September 11, so the above information may change. You must consult an immigration specialist attorney to know your rights.

3. TALK TO AN IMMIGRATION LAWYER BEFORE LEAVING THE U.S. Some non-citizens may be barred from coming back to the U.S., perhaps permanently. This includes some lawful permanent residents and applicants for green cards.

4. IF YOU ARE A FOREIGN NATIONAL ARRESTED IN THE U.S., YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CALL YOUR CONSULATE or to have the police inform the consulate of your arrest. The police must allow your consul to visit or speak with you. Your consul might assist you in finding a lawyer or offer other help, such as contacting your family. You also have the right to refuse help from your consulate.

The rights outlined above apply to non-citizens who are inside the United States. Foreign nationals at the border (air or land) who are seeking to enter the United States are subject to additional restrictions and do not have all the same rights.

NATIONAL LAWYERS GUILD (NLG)
Post 9-11 Project
(212) 505-9119 www.nlg.org/post911

NLG National Immigration Project: Help for immigration attorneys and help finding immigration attorneys (617) 227-9727

National Immigration Law Center (on line immigration information) www.nilc.org

American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC): Report hate crimes and harassment against Arabs and Muslims; help for non-citizens and attorneys (202) 244-2990