Disturbing a Meeting | Penal Code § 403

Description

The crime of Disturbing a Meeting may be levied against a person who, without authority of law, willfully disturbs or breaks up any assembly or lawful meeting. Examples are protesters chanting at a public service commission meeting or an irate resident using obscenities to describe the potholes on his street and refusing to sit down when asked to.

What does the prosecutor have to prove?

1. Defendant acted without the authority of law.
2. Defendant willfully disturbed or broke up an assembly or meeting that was not unlawful in its character. [PC 403]

Punishment

Misdemeanor: 0-180 days

 

Can this be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor (“wobbler”)?	No
Is this charge a strike?	No
Is this charge a “serious felony”	No
Is this charge a “violent felony”	No
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?	No
Do I have to register as a drug offender if convicted?	No
Do I lose my right to own or possess a firearm if convicted?	No
Do I lose my right to vote if convicted?	No
Am I eligible for a local sentence (PC § 1170(h)) if convicted?	No
Am I eligible for PC § 1000 drug diversion if convicted?	No
Am I eligible for Prop. 36 drug diversion if convicted?	No
Am I required to give a DNA sample if convicted?	No
Is this charge considered a “crime of moral turpitude” for immigration purposes?	No
Is this charge considered a “aggravated felony” for immigration purposes?	May
Is this charge considered a “controlled substance violation” for immigration purposes?	No
Is this charge considered a “domestic violence” for immigration purposes?	No
Is this charge considered a “firearm conviction” for immigration purposes?	No