Protests And Assembly
G.S. 14-288.5 — a command to disperse given so the crowd can hear it, and a Class 2 misdemeanor for not complying
The command. An officer or official responsible for keeping the peace may command a crowd to disperse if the officer or official reasonably believes a riot, or disorderly conduct by an assemblage of three or more persons, is occurring. The command is given in a manner reasonably calculated to be communicated to the assemblage.
Failing to comply. Failing to comply with a lawful command to disperse is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Remaining at the scene after the command, and after a reasonable time to disperse has passed, is prima facie evidence of willfully engaging in the riot or disorderly conduct.
The right to assemble and to speak comes from the state and federal constitutions, and permits for marches and the use of public places are set by local rules; neither is on this page. Whether a particular order was lawful, or a particular gathering unlawful, is a question of fact and law for a licensed North Carolina attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- G.S. 14-288.5 — Failure to disperse when commanded a misdemeanor; prima facie evidence
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed North Carolina attorney.