Legal
Know Your Rights - DNC

Return to the ACLU of Colorado's DNC Page

The U.S. Constitution, the Colorado constitution, and state and federal laws protect your right to free assembly and expression during the Democratic National Convention. Below is some information to help you fully exercise your rights. Check back often, as this site will be continually updated.

What are my rights when encountering law enforcement in Colorado?

Know Your Rights When Encountering Law Enforcement in Colorado (40 pages)
Warning: This version is a large, print-quality file (7MB).
Here's our small (1MB) web version. 

ACLU Bustcard (carry with you in case of arrest)

English

Spanish

Denver Police Dept. Training Bulletin requiring officers to give business cards upon request. This document is the result of an ACLU case in which Evan Herzoff was arrested after asking for a business card. Click here to watch video of that encounter.

Do I need a permit to engage in free speech and assembly on Denver, state or federally owned property?

Denver DNC Permitting Forms and Regulations during the DNC

Note: You do not need a permit to engage in free speech or assembly on Denver sidewalks or the 16th Street Mall as long as you stay on the sidewalks and obey all traffic laws.

Street Closure Map (PDF)

Parade (March) Routes (PDF) for Mon., Tues. and Wed. to Pepsi Center

March Route for Thursday to Invesco Field (PDF)

Regulations affecting First Amendment activity at the Denver International Airport

Information on regulations affecting free speech and assembly at the State Capitol, Lincoln Park, or other state-owned property (including a list of state-owned property in Denver)

Information regarding free speech and assembly on federal property
(including a list of federally-owned property)

What if I am arrested?

Information on Requests for Telephone Calls and Attorney Visits under Colorado Law for Arrestees during the Democratic National Convention
(Includes forms to fill out and carry with you prior to the DNC in case of arrest)

Denver County Court Bond Schedule
(pre-set bond amounts for most municipal and state charges)

If you need to report an arrest or request legal assistance with criminal charges during the DNC, you may call the People's Law Project at 303-830-0277. The number will be a 24-hour hotline from Sunday, August 24 through Thursday, August 28.

How do I file a complaint against law enforcement officers?

To file a complaint against a Denver Police Department Officer or a Denver Sheriff Department Deputy (online form available)

Note:  During the DNC, officers from other jurisdictions (e.g. Adams County Sheriff Department, Aurora Police Department, etc.) will be assisting with law enforcement in Denver.  The Denver Office of the Independent Monitor has confirmed that it will accept complaints regarding the conduct of law enforcement officers from non-Denver jurisdictions who are operating in Denver during the DNC.  Be sure to remember or write down the jurisdiction of any officer you wish to complain about, and provide that information in your complaint whenever possible.

Information on filing a complaint against a Colorado State Patrol officer

Information on filing a complaint against United States law enforcement officers

How to request legal help from the ACLU of Colorado

Other Resources:

The People’s Law Project is an organization formed by the Colorado Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild to coordinate legal observers, know your rights trainings, and mass defense at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. 

The city’s latest updates regarding the DNC

Back to the DNC page