The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU-MN) has been planning for the Republican National Convention (RNC) for over 18 months. With the goals of ensuring free speech rights for demonstrators and providing legal representation for those arrested, the organization is assembling a team of attorneys and volunteers in preparation for the convention.

According to Teresa Nelson, legal counsel for ACLU-MN, over 40 attorneys have already signed on and more are being processed with the goal of having one attorney for every ten arrestees.

“Our hope is for very few arrests but we are preparing for the worst,” said Nelson. “We are expecting about 800 arrests during the convention.”

Many of those arrests are expected to come when the March on the RNC reaches the Xcel Energy Center during the opening day of the convention. An expected 50,000-70,000 people will begin walking towards the convention site at 1:00 p.m. from the State Capitol. Law enforcement officials are requiring that protesters be clear of Fifth Street in downtown St. Paul by 3:00 p.m. ACLU-MN officials fear that with so many people participating in the march, thousands could be still in the street when the deadline passes.

ACLU-MN will also be handing out “know your rights cards” which give advice on dealing with the police and what not to do when confronted by law enforcement.

“The goal is to provide legal representation for protesters at their arraignment so they may be released quickly.” said Nelson.

Ramsey County District Court will hold at least two arraignment sessions per day with the option of two more sessions in the evening if required. On Wednesday, Hennepin County District Court also announced that it was clearing its schedule beginning Aug. 27 and will also have extended hours.