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/
Fill out Pre-Arrest forms
It’s always a good idea to provide key information so that if you are arrested, we’ll have an easier time tracking you in the criminal justice system. Groups might want to assign someone to safely store this information and be able to communicate it to us if someone is detained. Here’s a sample Pre-Arrest form you can use.
Important Information About Citations
If you get a citation please take of a picture of it and email it to us UpAgainstTheLawLC@gmail.com
Do NOT pay the citation until after we have helped you review the citation. Read more about citation handling.
What and What Not To Carry
Philly has evidently banned certain items near the fenced area near convention site. These include backpacks, wooden sticks, water guns and water balloons. Specific items not to carry: brass knuckles, leatherman, swiss army knife, or anything that can be construed as a weapon.
About your Personal Meds
If you are arrested and need your meds: make sure meds are in original prescription bottle with your name and your docs name on it.
Bail Bonds
We do NOT have a bail fund or post bail for anyone arrested…but
We do know who you can call
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.
You can post a bail bond with ABC Bail Bonds in Philadelphia during the DNC! ABC Bail Bonds, can help you! Agents are available 24 hours a day. Call 215-569-9200.
For the purposes of arrests occurring during the DNC, Up Against The Law has coordinated arrangements with ABC Bail Bonds for bail bond services to be offered to those detained with a monetary bail set.
Favorable bail terms will be offered with much less than the traditional 10% needed to be paid. In other words if you do not have the requisite 10% you can still get out of jail in a fast, timely manner. Mention Up Against The Law for favorable terms.
The bail office is located directly across from the Criminal Justice Complex at 49 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Call ABC Bail Bonds 215-569-9200 or go to www.abcbail.com for details.
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.
Be our Eyes on the Street: Legal Observers Needed
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