RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The 30 abortion rights protesters arrested last month for refusing to leave the steps of the Virginia Capitol during a rally could get by with community service.
Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin tells the Richmond Times-Dispatch she offered to drop trespassing charges against the 17 women and 13 men if they perform community service with a "legitimate nonprofit" organization. She said she also would drop unlawful assembly charges against each, because it would be difficult to prove.
The protesters were arrested March 3 during a rally against Republican-backed bills to require ultrasounds before abortions, among other anti-abortion measures.
McEachin said she had not heard from the protesters' attorneys.
