Legal consequences of Olympic Torch protests?

[a_b_c_1_2_3]

California:

I know a group of people planning on demonstrating at the Olympic Torch Relay in San Francisco. What will be the likely legal consequences if they do any of these things:

a] Try to grab the torch
b] Try to put out the torch with a fire extinguisher
c] Block the torch progress
d] Throw eggs or paint balloons at torchbearers
e] Block the torch progress with human chains

[Zigner]

Varies from warnings to fines to jail

[Raptoer]

Originally Posted by a_b_c_1_2_3

a] Try to grab the torch
b] Try to put out the torch with a fire extinguisher
c] Block the torch progress
d] Throw eggs or paint balloons at torchbearers
e] Block the torch progress with human chains

A: Attempted theft
B: Assault (CO2 fire extinguisher), and illegal use of a fire extinguisher
C: Obstruction of public roadways (Think of why protesters need permits to protest on streets)
D: Assault
E: Obstruction of public roadways

[CdwJava]

And, of course, conspiring beforehand to commit even a misdemeanor can be charged as a felony in CA. However, since this IS San Francisco, my guess is the DA there will look at this as "free speech" ... but, the state might step in as might the feds if the issue becomes an embarassment.

Protest, yes ... interfere, no.

- Carl