Know Your RightsFree Speech in Chicago

Because Freedom Can’t Protect Itself

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History of Free Expression in Chicago

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Presentation Overview

General 1st Amendment principles

Current Chicago regulations impacting freedom of expression

What to do if you are stopped by the police or arrested

What you can do to defend free speech in Chicago

General Free Speech Principles

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General Free Speech Principles

The general rule:

No regulation of messages

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General Free Speech Principles

The First Amendment does NOT protect a few narrow categories of expression.

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General Free Speech Principles

“Incitement”

“True threats”

“Fighting words”

When do I need a permit?

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When do I need a permit?

I need a permit when …

Parades in the street and free expression in the sidewalk that block the flow of pedestrian traffic

Large groups in Chicago parks

Other public spaces may require permits

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When do I need a permit?

I don’t need a permit for…

Small groups

Free speech activity that does not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic

Deadlines for permits do not apply to…

Spontaneous responses to current events

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Other Laws Impacting Speech

Blocking traffic and entrances

Harassment

Loud sounds

Disorderly conduct Many of the above categories fall into unprotected

disorderly conduct Failure to follow dispersal orders

The Illinois Eavesdropping Act

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The Illinois Eavesdropping Act

The Illinois Eavesdropping Act prohibits the audio recording of any conversation – whether private or non-private, and whether secret or open – absent all-party consent.

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The Illinois Eavesdropping Act

If the subject of recording is a police officer, the penalty is increased, to as many as 15 years of incarceration.

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The Illinois Eavesdropping Act

To be clear: this act prevents audio recording, not taking photographs or video recording with the audio function turned off.

A few notes on civil disobedience

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A few notes on civil disobedience

Civil disobedience is the refusal to comply with certain laws as a form of protest.

Often these are valid laws, such as laws preventing people from blocking the street.

The First Amendment generally does NOT protect such acts.

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A few notes on civil disobedience

When police issue dispersal orders, they must carefully distinguish between those protesters who intend to be arrested for civil disobedience, and those protesters who do not know their presence is unlawful.

An Illinois statute and a Chicago ordinance prohibit resisting arrest. The former has been applied to “going limp” during arrest.

What do I do if I am stopped by the police?

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What do I do if I am stopped by the police?

Stay calm. Don’t run. Don’t argue, resist, or obstruct the police, even if you are innocent or police are violating your rights. Keep your hands where police can see them.

Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly and silently walk away. If you are under arrest, you have a right to know why.

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What do I do if I am stopped by the police?-Remain silent-

You have the right to remain silent and cannot be punished for refusing to answer questions.

While you are on foot in a public place in Illinois, if a police officer asks you to identify yourself, you cannot be arrested for refusing to answer, but you can be arrested for giving a false answer.

If you wish to remain silent, tell the officer out loud. If you do talk to the police, do not lie: doing so often is a crime.

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What do I do if I am stopped by the police?-Searches-

You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may “pat down” your clothing if they reasonably suspect that you possess a weapon.

You should not physically resist, but you have the right to refuse consent for any further search. If you do consent, it can affect you later in court.

What do I do if I am arrested?

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What do I do if I am arrested?-Resisting Arrest-

Do not resist arrest, even if you believe the arrest is unfair.

Remember, going limp is a form of resisting arrest in Illinois.

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What do I do if I am arrested?-Right to a Lawyer-

Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. Don’t give any explanations or excuses.

If you can’t pay for a lawyer, you have the right to a free one, unless a fine is the only penalty for the crimes you are accused of committing.

Don’t say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.

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What do I do if I am arrested?-Phone Calls-

You have the right to make a local phone call.

You should not talk about the facts of your case over the phone from jail, because the police might be listening.

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What do I do if I am arrested?-Be Prepared-

Prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested:

Memorize the phone numbers of your family and your lawyer.

Make emergency plans if you have children or take medication.

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What do I do if I am arrested?-Getting Released-

If you were arrested for a fine-only offense or for a misdemeanor, you usually will be eligible for prompt release from the police station lock-up pursuant to an individual recognizance bond (often called an “I-bond”).

It’s important to have a photo ID. You may be released more quickly.

No more than 48 hours after your arrest, and regardless of the charges, you have the right to appear before a neutral judge.

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What do I do if I am arrested?-Documentation-

Try to learn and remember the names and badge numbers of all police officers involved in your arrest.

Try to remember all the details of your arrest, and write them down as soon as possible.

If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately, photograph your injuries, and obtain a copy of all treatment records.

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Important Information for Non-Citizens

If you are a non-citizen, ask your lawyer about the effect of a criminal conviction or plea on your immigration status.

Don’t discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer.

If an immigration agent visits you in jail, do not answer questions or sign anything before talking to a lawyer.

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If Your Rights are Violated

Contact the ACLU of Illinois:

Phone: (312) 201-9740

Email: complaint@aclu-il.org

Online: http://www.aclu-il.org/intake

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Defend Free Speech in Illinois

Join the ACLU of Illinois email list: http://action.aclu.org/ilemail

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter (@ACLUofIL)

Read more about your rights: http://rights.aclu-il.org

Because Freedom Can’t Protect Itself

http://rights.aclu-il.org