Supporters gathered outside San Francisco’s Hall of Justice on Tuesday to rally behind 18 people facing charges after being arrested during a Pride Month block party.
The defendants had been expected to be arraigned Tuesday, but the hearing was pushed back until next week following a last-minute change.
Instead, attorneys filed a demurrer and a motion to dismiss in an effort to have all charges against the defendants thrown out. A judge did not issue a decision Tuesday.
Supporters of those arrested also gathered outside San Francisco’s Hall of Justice for a rally denouncing the misdemeanor charges filed by the District Attorney’s Office.
Each of the 18 defendants faces three misdemeanor counts: unlawful assembly, disobeying a dispersal order and resisting arrest.
Defense attorneys called the charges an overreach by the District Attorney’s Office and accused prosecutors of trying to intimidate the transgender community.
Rachel Lederman, an attorney representing the defendants, said she expects the charges to be defeated.
“We fully expect to beat these charges, which are completely baseless, because people are charged with disobeying a dispersal order that police documents themselves reveal that no dispersal order was given,” Lederman said.
The charges stem from the “Stud Alley” party, an unsanctioned street event that has taken place during San Francisco Pride and has resulted in vandalism in the past.
This year, videos posted on social media showed damage in the city’s South of Market neighborhood following the event, including graffiti, damage to businesses and vandalized security cameras.
A judge will ultimately decide whether the charges against the 18 defendants can move forward.
The defendants are expected to return to court Sept. 3.