This is very important to know in order to avoid getting arrested. You should know that the First Amendment protects our right of speech, assembly, and protest. Here are some basics rights you have as a protester according to Now This News.

You have the right to protest on public sidewalks, streets, and in parks. You have the freedom to picket, march, and hand out printed materials. If the rally is going to draw large crowds and the hosts want to ample space with parking and a marching route, a permit would be required so that the city can shut down certain roads and reserve the space needed. However, a protest cannot be shut down just because there's no permit. If there isn't a permit, police can ask you to move out of the streets to allow traffic flow.

You have the right to take pictures and video. If you're recording police interactions with civilians from a distance, the police cannot ask you to move or step away. Just make sure you're not interfering with what they're doing. You should keep in mind that police cannot make your delete photos or videos. They are also not allowed to search through your camera roll or gallery without a warrant. If you are taking pictures that you plan to post on social media or anywhere the mass public can see, I'd like to reiterate to spare identities. Blur faces, cross out eyes, and/or use face masks to your advantage.

It's important that you also know your rights of speech. Categories of speech that are NOT protected by the First Amendment include incitement to violence and incitement to unlawful activity. But simply expressing your viewpoints is perfectly legal. Authorities can place "time, place, and manner" restrictions on speech, though. This means that they can limit noise levels and enact curfews on the protest. The restrictions that they place should be non-discriminatory and not based on the content of the speech.

Police can only tell the crowd to disperse as a last resort and if their previous attempts to de-escalate the crowd have failed. They can also do this is there's a threat to safety. They should announce clear instructions (like which direction they want the crowd to move) and give ample time for everyone to leave.

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