It went relatively well. The charges weren't dismissed. They just gave everybody an $85 fee, 80 hours of community service, and 90 days probation. If we do this, our records will be wiped clean. If not, we will be tried for Misdemeanors. There was no need for us to admit we were guilty or claim we were innocent. That didn't seem important. Only one of us was even allowed to give testimony.

The judge said that if you walk with a group of people, you take the risk that one of them is going to do something stupid, and that you will be held responsible. More or less. Also that it is okay to engage in civil disobedience, but that getting punished was part of it. She was basically trying to keep everyone calm and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

I'm not happy or unhappy about it. Relieved it isn't worse, but not looking forward to trying to squeeze in 80 hours of community service in between grad school and teaching.

Rachel