8 Fracking Protesters Plead No Contest, 2 others await Pre-Trial

Ten protesters arrested in February appeared in Marietta Municipal Court recently on misdemeanor charges associated with the incident. Over 100 protesters allegedly trespassed onto property where operations were conducted connected to the highly controversial process of gathering natural gas through hydraulic fracturing (also known as "fracking"). The site is the location of a facility that stores waste material that fracking creates. The protesters caused the facility to cease operations for about six hours until they were all removed or left the property. One protester, 33-year-old N.E., allegedly set up a 30-foot pole on the property, climbed it and refused to come down. He remained on top of the pole for about five hours. Only 10 of the total protesters were arrested which included N.E. who is waiting for his hearing to be scheduled. All the protesters are in their 20s and 30s. Eight of the arrested protesters were charged with criminal trespass, a fourth degree misdemeanor. They all pled no contest at their hearing and were ordered to pay $250 in fines and given a 30-day suspended sentence. Two other protesters pled not guilty. One was a 26-year-old woman from California—also facing criminal trespass charges—and the other was E.B. who has been charged with the additional offense of second degree misdemeanor resisting arrest. Talk to a criminal defense attorney immediately if you have been arrested and charged with a crime.

Defense for Misdemeanor and Felony Charges

Misdemeanor and felony charges alike can bring harsh penalties if a conviction is obtained. You could be put in jail or in county or state prison in the case of a felony conviction. Additionally, you may have to pay hundreds or thousands in fines, serve many hours of community service and be placed on probation for long periods of time. Criminal charges and their penalties can ruin your reputation, cause you to lose your job and create difficulties in the future due to having a criminal record. Make sure you have the skilled legal help you need to avoid these consequences!

Arrested for a crime in Marietta?

Get the help of a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer right away to see if your charges can be reduced or dismissed. Our team at the Merchant Law Firm has the dedication and drive to get our clients the results they need. Contact our law offices today to schedule a free initial consultation. We may be able to prevent a conviction!