First Amendment Resources

This page provides resources related to the represention of those whose exercise of their First Amendment rights result in arrest and prosecution. Irrespective of political ideology, the right to protest and petition the government for a redress of grievances is the foundation of American democracy. People who are charged with criminal offenses, many of whom are not persons of means, while standing up for their principles should receive vigorous representation irrespective of their economic status.

United States Constitution Amendment I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceable to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

NACDL has a long tradition of fighting to protect constitutional principles, and standing up for the individual against the government. While the charges against most protesters are often misdemeanors, the consequences of a criminal record have never been greater in American society.

Video Trainings

Representing Protesters webinar presented by Martin Stolar, criminal defense and civil rights attorney (October 11, 2017)
Defending Protesters Facing Criminal Charges webinar presented by Jeffery Robinson and Lee Rowland, ACLU (June 27, 2017)

NACDL Resources

NACDL’s Fourth Amendment Center has resources available to assist attorneys seeking to challenge the use of new law enforcement technologies in their cases. Specifically, counsel should be alert to unlawful device searches, seizures, and compelled decryption orders, as well as police access to cell phone location information and the use of facial recognition. The Fourth Amendment Center has manuals and sample motions available as well.
- Digital Hygiene for Defense Lawyers webinar by Matt Mitchell
- The Fourth Amendment Center is available to consult with defense counsel and provide direct litigation assistance in cases involving these issues. Contact 4AC@nacdl.org for more resources or litigation support.
Criminal Docket Episode #52, released Sept. 19, 2017

National Lawyers Guild Mass Defense Program

National Lawyers Guild Volunteer Lawyer Contacts – To donate your services, contact the nearest chapter. If you don’t find one in your area, please email the NLG Mass Defense Director at massdef@nlg.org.
Know Your Rights
- Know Your Rights During COVD-19

Additional Resources

CNN: If you're planning to take part in protests, know your rights. Read this. by Scottie Andrew (June 3, 2020)
ACLU: Know Your Rights: Protesters’ Rights
Electronic Frontier Foundation: Digital Security Tips for Protesters by Bill Budington (November 16, 2016)
Electronic Frontier Foundation: Surveillance Self-Defense: Attending a Protest (June 2, 2020)
First Amendment Watch, NYU: A Citizen's Guide to Recording the Police (June 2020)

Supported by NFCJ

The NACDL Foundation for Criminal Justice preserves and promotes the core values of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the American criminal justice system.

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