What Are Your Rights When Protesting in Connecticut

Peaceful protesting is one of our fundamentally protected rights by both the U.S. Constitution and the Connecticut Constitution. Whether you’re standing up for social justice, environmental causes, or local policy change, you need to understand your rights, to help you stay safe, and avoid unnecessary legal complications.

As a Connecticut criminal defense attorney, I have often seen cases where people are arrested during protests for charges like disorderly conduct, interfering with an officer, or unlawful assembly, even when they were simply exercising their lawful right to speak out. Here’s what you should know before you attend a demonstration or protest in Connecticut.

Your Right to Protest in Connecticut

You have the right to protest peacefully.

What does this mean? You are allowed to march, hold signs, chant, and express opinions publicly, as long as you do not engage in destruction of property or violence.

You can protest on public property.

Protesting is allowed on streets, sidewalks, and public parks, which are typical public forums where free speech is protected. It is not a good idea to block traffic or access to buildings in any way without a permit, because this could possibly lead to law enforcement intervention and arrest.

You cannot protest on private property.

If you protest on private land without permission, police can ask you to leave, and you are at risk for being arrested for trespassing if you don’t.

You have the right to record police.

This is often confused, but in Connecticut, you may legally record police officers performing their duties in public, as long as you don’t interfere with their work.

When Protests Turn into Arrests

Even peaceful protests can sometimes result in police intervention, detentions, and arrests. This is especially true when tensions rise or if law enforcement believes public order has been disrupted. Common protest-related charges in Connecticut include:

• Disorderly Conduct

• Interfering with an Officer

• Breach of Peace

• Criminal Trespass

• Obstructing Free Passage

Many of these charges are misdemeanors, but they can still result in arrest, fines, and a criminal record. This is why it is important to stay vigilant and stay calm. You have the right to an attorney and your day to defend against the charges in court.

What To Do If You Are Stopped or Arrested at a Protest

If law enforcement stops or questions you during a protest:

• Stay calm and keep your hands visible at all times during the interaction

• Ask if you are free to leave. If yes, calmly walk away. Do not engage in arguing

• If you are detained or arrested, exercise your right to remain silent and politely ask for an attorney

• Do not resist or argue with officers under any circumstances. If you believe the arrest is unjustified, that is what your attorney is for

Know Your Rights. Protect Your Voice.

Many protest-related arrests in Connecticut can be challenged successfully. Experienced attorneys can raise defenses such as lack of probable cause, protected First Amendment activity, police overreach, unlawful arrest, or mistaken identity. There are often arrangements that can be made such as programs in exchange for dismissals.

Protesting is one of the most powerful ways to create change, and it’s your constitutional right. If you are arrested, cited, or questioned after a protest in Connecticut, I can help you. I provide free, confidential consultations and discounted rates for those arrested while engaging in peaceful protests. I can help you understand your options and work to protect your freedom and your record.