I'm a journalist who was falsely arrested and detained for recording footage of an accident scene that happened this past weekend. I was 25-50 feet away from the accident scene amongst other bystanders, not interfering or causing a disturbance to anyone in any way. An Austin police officer walked from the accident scene all the way over to where I was standing and ordered me to stop filming. I explained to the young officer that ordering me to cease from taking footage was not a lawful order and that there was no reasonable expectation of privacy in a public street, and that the Austin police department has been instructed that videotaping in a public place is not a crime. He arrested me on the spot and transported me to jail, where the officers completely and totally humiliated me. I was ordered to strip out of my clothes and into a filthy jumpsuit, which I refused. I repeatedly asked to see a magistrate or a judge, which they refused to do, and held me for 8-12 hours before release.
Consumers can use this platform to pose legal questions to real lawyers and receive free insights.
Participating legal professionals get the opportunity to speak directly with people who may need their services, as well as enhance their standing in the Lawyers.com community.