Motion to dismiss denied in 2020 protest case

A motion to dismiss the case of a person charged after a protest of Missouri Gov. Mike Parson's agenda for the July 2020 legislative special session has been denied.

Online court records show Cole County Associate Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh denied the motion made on behalf of Abigail Holland, a woman from the St. Louis area who was charged with misdemeanor peace disturbance.

Holland's lawyer, Joseph Whitener, argued the charges don't fit the crime she is alleged to have committed. Whitener also told Limbaugh his client, under the U.S. and Missouri constitutions, has the right to peacefully assemble and verbally challenge the authority of law officers.

The protesters were demonstrating against crime legislation they said did more harm to residents who they said were facing oppressive actions by authorities in the St. Louis area.

Holland and two others are still facing potential trials in their cases. Five others who were charged took deferred prosecution, meaning the defendants agree their cases will be dismissed and, for that agreement, they will be placed on probation with the Cole County Prosecutor's Office for one year.