Representing YouTube Creators and Content Creators

Independent journalists, YouTubers, livestreamers, and First Amendment auditors document how government works, and they are often treated unlawfully for doing it. Grable PLLC has represented content creators in three kinds of matters: civil-rights actions over unlawful treatment by police and government officials, open-records litigation, and Anti-SLAPP disputes.

Civil-Rights Actions Against Police and Government

We have represented creators in civil-rights actions over unlawful treatment by police and government officials. In 2017 the Fifth Circuit recognized a First Amendment right to record police officers performing their duties in public, subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. When creators are detained, arrested, or have phones or cameras seized for lawful recording or for critical coverage, the officers and agencies involved may be liable under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

• Arrests, detentions, and citations for lawful recording
• Seizure or deletion of footage or devices
• Retaliation for critical coverage, questions, or complaints
• Removal or bans from public spaces and public meetings

Open-Records Litigation

We have represented creators in open-records litigation under the Texas Public Information Act (Tex. Gov’t Code ch. 552) and similar laws. When a governmental body refuses to release body-camera footage, reports, or other public information, or fails to follow the Act’s procedures, a requestor may be able to file suit for a writ of mandamus to compel disclosure, and the court may award attorney’s fees in some cases.

Anti-SLAPP Disputes

We have represented creators in Anti-SLAPP disputes. Creators are often threatened with defamation and related suits by the people they cover. In Texas, the Texas Citizens Participation Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code ch. 27) can allow early dismissal and a mandatory award of attorney’s fees when a suit targets speech on a matter of public concern. The motion generally must be filed within 60 days after service.

Matters Outside Texas

We practice primarily in Texas, with select matters outside Texas. We handle matters outside Texas, appearing pro hac vice or with local counsel where required.