What Happens When College Students Get Arrested at Political Protests?

 Posted on October 14, 2024 in Criminal Defense

With another academic year underway, college campuses across the country are the common hosts of political protests and demonstrations focusing on all sorts of issues. College is a wonderful time for people to explore and learn more about themselves and the world around them, and students often find it exciting to feel they are doing their part to make the change they want to see.

However, political protests can sometimes turn violent without much warning. There could be a huge group of people protesting peacefully when suddenly a small group of extremists turns the dynamic into something very different. Students who are not interested in rioting and chaos can find themselves in the middle of it all and get arrested. If this happens to you or your child, contact a skilled Illinois criminal defense lawyer for help.

What Should I Do if I Get Arrested?

If you get arrested at a political protest, you need to be careful about how you react. There are ways you can act that could make matters much worse. Expressing your opinion in a country that respects the freedom of speech should not ruin your future. The following steps can help you try to keep the situation under control:

• Remain calm. This might require you to go against your instincts, but be as cooperative as possible with the police. Things can get much worse if you are hostile towards them. Follow whatever instructions they give you and focus on resolving this.
• Know your rights. The freedom of speech and the right to assemble is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. While the police might try to accuse you of trespassing, disorderly conduct, or resisting arrest, you can explain that you were simply exercising your constitutional right to express your opinions while things got out of hand because of other people.
• Collect evidence. Film of the protest, especially before police arrived and once they began arresting protestors, can offer a good perspective of what happened. If you are convinced you did nothing in violation of the law, video evidence of what truly happened can be useful in your defense. Eyewitnesses and security camera footage might also be helpful.
• Get legal guidance. A criminal defense attorney can explain your rights, review the case against you, and guide you on how to end this episode with as favorable an outcome as possible for you.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Naperville, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer

It can be overwhelming and distressing to be arrested at a political protest on your college campus. An experienced Illinois criminal defense attorney at Law Office of Philip R. Nathe can help you understand what is happening and advocate so that this expression of free speech does not end up ruining your future. Call us at 630-416-7600 to schedule a free consultation.