Arrested during Republican National Convention in Tampa 2012?
The Republican National Convention (RNC) will be coming to Tampa from August 27th through the 30th, 2012 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories will gather to celebrate the 40th RNC. The convention will also include approximately 15,000 credentialed media (an international press corps second only in size to this summers London Olympic Games).

The City of Tampa has begun to prepare for the large pressence of protesters expected at the RNC. Tampa police have spent about $13.6 million so far on big-ticket security items, including 200 bicycles, 13 electric all-terrain vehicles and one armored truck seven Segways, 1,765 handheld radios, 163 vehicle-mounted radios, helmets, face shields and body armor. Tampa police will bring in more than 3,000 officers from 59 law enforcement agencies from around the state, along with Florida National Guard troops, to patrol the streets.

Demonstration Video for Security During the RNC
Below you will find a demonstration video showcasing some of the efforts and procedures Tampa Bay Police are taking in preperation for the RNC. Use the video below to increase your understanding and knowledge of Tampa Bay Police Strategy for RNC.

Notice To Appear During the RNC
Not all cases will result in a formal arrest. Under different circumstances, the officer will issue the offender a notice to appear. This allows the offender to be released on the scene without arrest. It is important to note that a Notice to Appear is the equivalent of an arrest, and you are still facing criminal charges.

Multiple city ordinance or midemeanor violations will result in a notice to appear. Some of the misdemeanor charges include: Disorderly conduct, Criminal Mischief, Theft, Grand Theft, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Special tempory ordinance has been put in to place for the 2012 RNC that prohibits the posession of water pistols and even the wearing of masks (such as those depicting political figures).

Regarding concealed weapons, a new Florida Statute (F.S. 790.33) does not allow law enforcement to prohibit concealed weapons around the 2012 RNC.

Special Court Procedures During the RNC
Court officials have increased staffing to handle RNC arrests. Judges will convene for first appearences at 8 a.m., 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. every day of the convention and are prepared to handle large numbers of appearences if necessary. No juries will be summoned convention week. Court proceedings will be parceled out to the Falkenburg Road Jail and satellite offices.

Depending on circumstances, arrested protesters may plead guilty to misdemeanors or seek bond and help from public defenders. Protestors will not be in the same room as the judge. They will appear before him from large gallery rooms at Falkenburg and Orient Road jails by way of closed-circuit TV.

Defend Your Civil Rights
At my law firm I dedicate myself to my client's needs and give them the one on one attention that they deserve for their case. Contact us using the form above to discuss your rights in regards to an arrest at the 2012 Republican National Convention.


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* These are helpful tips and should not be considered legal advice. For help and/or legal advice please contact your attorney or schedule a free consultation with us.