Know Your Rights - A guide for protesters

The updated NLG Know Your Rights booklet is a more comprehensive version of our classic pamphlet, with more info for protesters at higher risk of being targeted by law enforcement. This resource is best to use in advance of an action or demonstration, to give you the kinds of information that will help you know your rights and risks.

This booklet was created by the National Lawyers Guild, in collaboration with the National Police Accountability Project, National Immigration Project of the NLG, and the Know Your Rights Camp, with material from the NLG Disability Justice Committee, NLG Mass Defense Committee, and NLG law student members.

See this guide in Spanish, Arabic, English, and Farsi.

Print these QR codes to share the Protester Guides!

Open the full PDF by clicking the button here.

This NLG number can be printed on handbills, written on arms, chanted in the streets, and memorized! It’s the number to call if you’re a social justice protester in Michigan who has been arrested or injured, or witnessed an arrest or injury at a protest.

Working with our NLG Legal Observers; Michigan Liberation Jail, Street, and Mental Health Teams; the Michigan Solidarity Bail Fund; and our on-call attorneys, the NLG helps provide critical support to protesters by getting them out of jail, documenting their experience, and connecting them with legal representation and trauma care resources.

NLG Hotline answerers are trained students, legal workers, attorneys, and activists working under the supervision of an NLG attorney. The NLG phone and email are answered 7 days a week. Calls allow us to connect protesters with bail and other arrestee support; keep track of arrest and ticket details, contact information, and people’s stories; and network to find them legal representation in court.

Email admin@michigannlg.org or use the button below.

Once you contact us and provide your email address, please check your Spam folder for a response. Sometimes our response goes there!

This is a sample form drafted by the National Lawyers Guild – Detroit & Michigan Chapter. Modify it to suit your needs and the needs of the demonstration. 

DON’T TALK TO POLICE, FBI, OR OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT.

You are not legally obligated to talk with them or answer questions.

Say these “magic words'' of legal protection: “I choose to remain silent. I want to see a lawyer” if police, detectives, or agents of any kind call or visit you. Which they might do. No matter why they say they want to speak with you, say (and repeat as often as you want) “I choose to remain silent. I want to see a lawyer.” And NOTHING else. Build that wall of resistance.

Protesters: Please call or email if you have been approached by FBI, cops, or investigators asking you questions or serving you with papers.

313-925-2626
administrator@michigannlg.org

The NLG offers trainings in Know Your Rights. Click this button for lots more information.

Herbal First Aid / Aftercare for All Who Have Experienced Police Violence

An extraordinary resource! Compiled in Spring 2020 by herbalists, street medics, herbal first aid specialists, and educators: Dixie Pauline, Grassroots Apothecary, MASHH; Greta Montagne, Gentle Strength Botanicals, MASHH; Dana Aronson, Wild Kin Botanicals; Ingrid Bauer, MD, Five Flavor Herbs; Jocelyn Laurel Tena, Paramedic, Blackcap Medical Collective, MASHH.

Shared with the NLG and Detroit protesters by Michigan Liberation in August 2020

This document was created for protesters and organizers preparing to testify publicly at the June 20, 2020 People’s Tribunal in Detroit (hosted by Detroit Will Breathe), these important legal tips can be helpful and protective in many situations when talking about protests, police, etc.

We do not recommend speaking with cops or other government agents. You have NO legal obligation to speak with the police or FBI, and we strongly discourage talking to them, on the phone, at your home, anywhere.

The legal tips also provides some tips on talking about protest experiences through social media and written word.

Photo by Ken Coleman

The Detroit & Michigan National Lawyers Guild began an online legal directory in early 2022. If you are member, please contact administrator@michigannlg.org to sign up and provide your info and fee. If you are seeking an attorney or legal worker, please click the Legal Directory button below.

Housing is a Human Right! Tenants need legal representation and easier access to the courts and housing resources to prevent eviction. Find information here!

First published 2/28/2022 by the NLG National Office

Resources for Black law students, legal workers, lawyers, and organizers:

• National Black Law Students Association pre-law mentorship for prospective Black lawyers

• NLG Haywood Burns Fellowship for law students and legal workers (opens in Nov 2022)

• NLG Leonard I. Weinglass Memorial Fellowship for law students, legal workers, and lawyers (opens in May 2022)

• Law 4 Black Lives legal organization membership

• Movement for Black Lives mutual aid resources by state

• For NLG members: Join The United People of Color Caucus

Resources for strengthening racial justice work:

• (Divorcing) White Supremacy Culture readings

• National Conference of Black Lawyers webinar recordings

• NLG Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) and The United People of Color Caucus (TUPOCC) Engaging in Anti-Oppression Work guide

• Law 4 Black Lives webinars and resource documents

• Resource for BLM Healing Justice & Direct Action