Defense of Black Lives Matter Protesters
[Scroll down or click HERE for Updates. If you want to know court dates for protesters we represent, email administrator@michigannlg.org]
The National Lawyers Guild has always supported struggles for Black liberation and Black power, defending and fighting for the people who protest and take direct action for the protection, self-determination, and uplift of Black and other oppressed communities. We are inspired by the historic George Floyd uprising that began in May 2020, and are proud to support the people involved. The Detroit and Michigan Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild will continue a high level of legal support for the movement for Black lives and the fight against systemic racism.
Our support includes:
Legal Observers (LOs) who, upon request, attend protests and other events where police may appear. LOs document police behavior and arrests, and often deter police violence by being present;
Hotline for protesters and supporters to call for legal support and representation;
Network of criminal defense attorneys dedicated to representing people taking action in defense of Black lives;
Know Your Rights trainings available for organizations and individuals regarding encounters with police during protests and during everyday activity.
Our Chapter is one of the founding and active organizations in the Detroit Coordinated Defense Coalition (more details below), committed to providing legal support to the courageous Black Lives Matter and anti-police-terror movement in Detroit and around Michigan.
In 2020, the National Lawyers Guild affirmed its commitment to the abolition of policing.
Photo by Anna van Schaap
From the Detroit Coordinated Defense Coalition
As members of Detroit’s defense community, we have come together to develop and offer coordinated legal support and representation to the protectors of Black lives. The involved organizations are working together to ensure that every arrested protester has a movement-oriented attorney and that we have a coordinated defense strategy. We are committed to providing effective and accountable legal support for Black liberation struggles happening in Detroit in the wake of this uprising. Know that we are here to stand with you and represent those who are arrested for exercising their rights to speak out against the unbroken legacy of institutional racism and violence brought on by the state and law enforcement for generations.
Coalition Members
Detroit & Michigan Chapter of the NLG
Detroit Justice Center
National Conference of Black Lawyers
Neighborhood Defender Service of Detroit
Wayne County Criminal Defense Bar Association
Michigan Liberation
Please reach out if, during protests in defense of Black lives and against police terror, you:
were injured by law enforcement
witnessed arrest or police violence
were arrested and/or ticketed
UPDATES: Detroit Coordinated Defense Coalition &
NLG-coordinated defense outside of metro Detroit
Important Announcements for Protesters Facing Charges
Read important information about the court process, written by Detroit Will Breathe organizer Tristan Taylor and endorsed by the Detroit Coordinated Defense Coalition.
