Civil Disobedience - Is it a Crime?

Many of the greatest civil rights movements that the world has seen have come about through the use of nonviolent resistance. In many cases, this resistance was civil disobedience, which is the intentional disobedience of a law. The protesting individuals broke these laws because they felt that they were unjust.

While protest is legal and civil disobedience sometimes occurs as a result, disobedience is not legal. Breaking the law is always a crime, regardless of whether and individual breaks it intentionally or unintentionally. It is important to keep this in mind should you ever decide to protest a law.

Crime

The sentencing for civil disobedience depends on the law that an individual breaks. Some crimes may be considered misdemeanors, meaning that individuals guilty of the crime may get off with just paying fines or performing a set number of hours of community service.

Civil Disobedience - Is it a Crime?

If the law an individual breaks is a felony, though, he or she may face jail time or further punishment. Many of the crimes committed that fall under civil disobedience tend to be misdemeanors, but some individuals may commit felonies.

Some instances of civil disobedience may cause the disruptive individual to injure or seriously harm an innocent bystander. This may make the offense greater, as well as open the possibility of a personal injury lawsuit.

Regardless of the crime, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to handle the case. Criminal cases are heard before juries, so accused individuals should hire the dedicated legal representation that they deserve. Criminal cases require a high degree of legal experience and an attorney who is well trained in presenting evidence.

If you have been accused of civil disobedience, an experienced lawyer, such as the San Jose criminal defense attorneys of the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, may be able to help you get a reduced sentence or avoid sentencing altogether if you are innocent.

Civil Disobedience - Is it a Crime?

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