State v. Fielden

HUNSTEIN, Presiding Justice.

While attending a Valdosta City Council meeting, appellees Fielden and Touchton stood silently as a show of support for another citizen who, after speaking during the “Citizens to be Heard” portion of the meeting, had then refused the mayor’s request to step down from the podium. Appellees were thereafter arrested and charged with violating OCGA § 16-11-34 (a), which provides:

Aperson who recklessly or knowingly commits any act which may reasonably be expected to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting, gathering, or procession is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Appellees…