As federal authorities warn of possible armed protests across the country starting this weekend, those planning to participate should know they could find themselves facing felony charges, out of work and ostracized if those protests cross the line into criminality. The First Amendment ensures "the right of the people peaceably to assemble" but does not make assault, trespass, vandalism and other crimes legal. The fact that a crime occurred during the course of a demonstration is no defense, and simply being near someone who is committing a crime can expose a person to serious consequences. “The bright line is obviously don’t assault anyone, don’t be in places you’re not legally allowed to be and don’t destroy property. Those are three clear, bright lines," said Alex Little, a Nashville-based criminal defense attorney who previously served as a federal prosecutor in Nashville and Washington, D.C.