July 15, 2020 | Criminal Defense

According to officials, the protests held throughout the city in June cost the Louisville Police Department $3.6 million in overtime costs. The money spent on overtime in just one month is over 40 percent of the total amount spent on annual overtime costs in 2019.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, overtime costs for the police department increased to $11.4 million from $7.4 million for the previous fiscal year. Even with the increase in overtime expenses, the police department did not exceed its annual budget for personnel costs.

Unfortunately, the overtime costs highlight issues related to manpower. Police officers worked 12 to 16 hours a day to provide sufficient manpower to cover the protests.

A closer look at the figures revealed that officers did not incur as much overtime in the second half of June as the first half of June. From May 28 through June 14, the police department averaged about $169,723 a day in overtime or $3.1 million. However, from June 15 through June 28, the average per day cost for overtime was $29,950, which totaled $419,310 for the period.

Protests Continue in Louisville in July

The protests from June continued into July. Throughout the July Fourth weekend, protestors continued to march nightly throughout Louisville.

The protests were mostly peaceful over the weekend. Protestors continue to call for justice for the death of Breonna Taylor. They also demand police reform.

The police reported several arrests earlier in the week as they began enforcing the mandatory closure of Jefferson Square Park each evening at 11:00 p.m. One person was arrested on July 3 on a criminal trespassing charge.

Common Charges Associated With Protests in Louisville

Even though many of the protests remained peaceful during the past few weeks, there were numerous arrests made by Louisville police officers since the protests began in late May. The criminal charges included:

  • inciting a riot
  • assault
  • disorderly conduct
  • harassment with contact
  • obstructing a highway
  • criminal mischief
  • unlawful assembly

Dozens of people were arrested and may be facing additional charges because of the protests.

Do Protestors Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

As with any criminal charge, a conviction for a crime committed during the Louisville protests can result in numerous criminal penalties. Depending on the charge, a protestor could face:

  • jail or prison sentences
  • fines
  • probation
  • community service

Felony convictions could result in other penalties. A person may be unable to qualify for a professional license, own a gun, or vote. Criminal records can have negative consequences for the rest of your life.

Consulting with a criminal defense lawyer before talking to police or accepting a plea deal is usually in your best interest. A lawyer analyzes the charges against you to determine the best way to fight the charges. You may have several defenses to the criminal charges, including violations of your civil rights.

Your lawyer may identify weaknesses in the state’s case that could result in a dismissal of charges or a reduction in the charges. If the state’s case against you is strong, a lawyer can help you negotiate the terms of a plea deal. Prosecutors may be more willing to work out a better deal if they know that you have an attorney looking out for your best interests.

What Should I Do After Being Arrested at a Protest?

Individuals have a Constitutional right to gather in peaceful protests. However, law enforcement agencies may use excessive force or criminalize the protest. Unfortunately, these actions can lead to arrests of protestors.

If you are arrested at a protest, it is crucial that you understand your legal rights. When a police officer stops you at a protest, try to remain calm.

Do not resist arrest, even if you believe the arrest is illegal. Resisting arrest can result in additional criminal charges. You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your vehicle.

During your arrest is not the time to argue whether the arrest was legal. A criminal defense lawyer can investigate the arrest and make legal arguments before a judge.

Politely refuse to answer questions without a lawyer present. As soon as possible, but not while you are in custody, write down everything you remember about the events leading up to the arrest and the arrest. If you believe you may have sustained injuries during the arrest, seek medical treatment and take photographs of the injury.

Do not argue with police officers or try to explain your side of the story. Talking to the police could hurt your case. It is best to remain silent and respectful until you can talk to a lawyer.

To learn more, call our Louisville criminal defense law firm at (502) 371-7000 or visit our contact us page to send us an email.