First off….Laws are Changing
We highly advise that you keep abreast of the many changes to laws regarding protesters by checking the ACLU’s DNC Page here https://www.aclupa.org/issues/freespeech/dnc/
Go Deeper – Get Fully Prepped for Protest
- Why the ACLU is fighting Philly’s new DNC protest restrictions
- What you need to know before protesting the DNC
- Will Philly adhere to decades-old restrictions on political infiltration at upcoming DNC protests?
- City promises calm, prepares for chaos ahead of DNC
Attend our Know Your Rights Training
Four public Know Your Rights trainings will specifically address protests for the DNC. These trainings will provide activists with Know Your Rights information for protest in Philadelphia during the DNC.
ALL TRAININGS TO BE HELD AT ARCH STREET METHODIST CHURCH, CORNER OF BROAD AND ARCH ST., 55 N. BROAD ST 19107.
- Saturday, July 9, 2016: 2:00pm-4:45pm
- Saturday, July 16, 2016: 2:00-4:45pm
- Wednesday, July 20, 2016: 6:30pm-8:30pm
- Saturday, July 23, 2016: 2:00pm-4:45pm
Hotline starts July 23
Arrest Hotline 484-758-0388
Beginning Saturday, July 23, 2016 throughout the DNC, and after if needed, we will staff a 24 hour arrest hotline.
This phone hotline will be used by legal observers and protesters to report arrests and incidents of police misconduct. Folks arrested can also call into the hotline to report their own arrest. We will make every effort to contact friends and loved ones of those arrested to keep them informed as to what is happening to folks. We will help direct folks to jails for jail support, and we will track all arrestees through the jails/bail hearings until they are released.
We will be working with the NLG/ACLU organized and trained legal observers (the green hats!) to assist us in reporting arrests and gathering information from potential witnesses/video/photo evidence.
Lawyers are Ready
For folks that are arrested, Up Against the Law has teamed up with approximately 20 private criminal defense attorneys who have agreed to represent protesters arrested during the DNC. These attorneys are some of the best criminal defense attorneys in the city and have been vetted in advance to advocate for activists in the way that activists choose.
Up Against the Law will continue to support anyone post arrest during the DNC by working with the attorneys to gather evidence, maintain contact, and assist with communication between lawyers and activists. This will include post arrest meetings with Up Against the Law and lawyers and making ourselves available to answer simple questions (not legal advise) regarding any pending criminal/civil cases.
WHAT WE DO NOT DO:
We do NOT have a bail fund or post bail for anyone arrested.
We strongly encourage all groups to have their own bail fund. If bail is needed, we are happy to explain the bail process which we do in our trainings. Philadelphia does not use bail bonds. Bail is paid directly to the courts. Bail can be posted 24/7. Cash only after 5pm, credit/debit cards, cash, certified checks can be used to post bail M-F, 8:00am-5:000pm.
