NY Lawmakers Accept Plea Deals In Occupy Arrests
NEW YORK (AP) -- Two New York City lawmakers arrested at an Occupy Wall Street march have taken offers to get their cases dismissed by avoiding further arrests for six months.
Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito and Councilman Jumaane Williams were in court Wednesday to resolve the disorderly conduct cases. The offer is a standard one for protesters facing similar charges after first-time arrests. Disorderly conduct is a violation, not a crime.
Mark-Viverito and Williams were among dozens of people who calmly sat down in roadway near the Brooklyn Bridge Nov. 17. They were part of broader demonstrations that day.
Mark-Viverito says she's "more committed than ever'' to drawing attention to the protesters' message. Williams didn't have any immediate comment Wednesday evening but has said the protests "have laid the foundation for real change.''
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
