The Disrupting Meeting or Procession crime in the state of Texas gives police the right to arrest you if they believe you try to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting or procession by physical action or “verbal utterance.” Learn more detailed information about the Disrupting Meeting or Procession offense below.

Disrupting Meeting or Procession is classified in the Texas Penal Code under Title 9 “Offenses Against Public Administration and Decency,” Chapter 42 “Disorderly Conduct and Related Offenses.”

What is the current Texas law about Disrupting Meeting or Procession?

The current Texas law defines the offense of Disrupting Meeting or Procession in Penal Code Section §42.05 as follows:^[1]

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting, procession, or gathering, he obstructs or interferes with the meeting, procession, or gathering by physical action or verbal utterance.

How can I be charged with Disrupting Meeting or Procession?

You can be charged with Disrupting Meeting or Procession if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of 42.05(a) as described in the section above have been met.

What is the punishment for Disrupting Meeting or Procession?

A conviction for Disrupting Meeting or Procession is punished as a Class B misdemeanor,^[2] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $2,000 and jail time of up to 180 days. Learn about the differences between grades of felonies and misdemeanors

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §42.05^2. Texas Penal Code §42.05(b)