Heroic activist, blogger, entrepreneur, and Free State Project participant James Cleaveland was sentenced in Judge Burke’s courtroom in Keene, New Hampshire for the charges of “disorderly conduct” and “resisting arrest”. His charges stem from a June 30th incident in which James was video recording police. According to officer accounts, James was ordered to move back from an “active scene,” and he complied. After complying with the first officer’s request, a different officer demanded he move back further. He refused and was arrested.
The allegation by police is that James’ refusal to move when ordered is what resulted in his “disorderly conduct” charge, and the physical movement of his recording arm when arrested is what resulted in a “resisting arrest” charge. Both charges are Class A Misdemeanors that are each punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $1000 in fines. On December 30, 2014, Judge Burke found James guilty of both charges in Cheshire County District Court. Yesterday Judge Burke sentenced James to 1 and a half years in jail, suspended on the condition of “good behavior,” plus $625 in fines. James has decided to appeal this decision to Superior Court. A date is not yet set for the new trial.
Here is video from the first trial of James Cleaveland, in which he defends himself “pro se.”
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