While nearly everyone caught in a traffic jam caused by protesters becomes upset due to the delay, it is important to recognize that reporting on traffic conditions is a mainstay of local news stations across the country, while protests often get ignored. Blocking traffic means at very least making the local traffic report.
Although organized protests or marches can obtain permits to close streets, frequently protesters move from the permitted areas. When protesters block highways or streets that they are not permitted to be on, they do risk arrest. However, police are loathe to arrest peaceful protesters, even when they block traffic. The recent protest in Washington D.C. blocked a busy intersection for 7 minutes, and there were no arrests reported.
While nearly everyone caught in a traffic jam caused by protesters becomes upset due to the delay, it is important to recognize that reporting on traffic conditions is a mainstay of local news stations across the country, while protests often get ignored. Blocking traffic means at very least making the local traffic report.
Although organized protests or marches can obtain permits to close streets, frequently protesters move from the permitted areas. When protesters block highways or streets that they are not permitted to be on, they do risk arrest. However, police are loathe to arrest peaceful protesters, even when they block traffic. The recent protest in Washington D.C. blocked a busy intersection for 7 minutes, and there were no arrests reported.
I Was Arrested While Protesting, Do I Need a Lawyer?
Frequently, protesters are arrested. While often protesters are simply detained in order for officers to effectively control a crowd, some protesters do get charged with crimes. If you are ticketed and released, or booked into custody, contact a lawyer right away as all criminal charges are serious matters that can have serious consequences.
Usually, protesters are charged with:
- Trespassing
- Disturbing the peace
- Disorderly conduct
- Failing to obey an officer’s instruction
- Obstruction of justice
- Resisting arrest
- Assault
If you get arrested while protesting, it is important to forget your First Amendment right to free speech and remember your Fifth Amendment right to silence so as to not incriminate yourself. Anything you say can be used against you. You can be charged with a crime even if you do not think you did anything wrong. Demand to speak with a lawyer and don’t answer the officer’s questions (apart from providing your identification).
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