Going to Trial: Defending Christians Exercising Their Faith From Criminal Prosecution in 3 Key Cases

At the ACLJ, we pride ourselves in fighting on the front lines for religious liberty. That means being in courtrooms anywhere and everywhere. Here are three dates to watch in the next month as the ACLJ represents clients across the country facing criminal prosecution simply for exercising their faith.

Chicago Preachers Facing Criminal Charges

In Chicago, our clients were preaching on the sidewalk near Millennium Park when police arrested them, confiscating their speaker and subjecting them to criminal prosecution. The ACLJ is suing Chicago for this blatantly unconstitutional practice of arresting preachers. That’s a case that is still ongoing. But while that lawsuit moves forward, we are also defending these preachers in their criminal trial.

We were able to get the bogus charges dropped for our first client, but the next day, two more preachers were arrested, and we are now headed to trial in their cases.

We are preparing for trial, and we will be in Cook County Court on May 1 for a pre-trial conference. Despite offering Chicago prosecutors ample evidence that these preachers were not violating Chicago’s ordinances in any way, the prosecutors have so far indicated that these matters will be set for trial that day. We’re ready to defend them all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.

Trial of Zack Knotts for His Pro-Life Speech in Ohio

Zack and Lindsay Knotts were sharing their passion for pro-life values when Zack was cited for a noise violation. In Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, we have had multiple hearings to show how local authorities’ misuse of this ordinance was unconstitutional and wrong. Unfortunately, those motions have been denied.

We fully intend to appeal those rulings for a more thorough review by Ohio’s appellate courts, but for now we must prepare for a criminal trial. We intend to present a robust case, showing how Zack’s conduct fell squarely within the law, and the pro-abortion motivated prosecution of him should be shut down. Zack’s trial is scheduled for May 9. And we’ll be ready to defend him.

Criminally Charged While Spreading the Gospel in North Carolina

Carter and Bethany Phillips were sitting in a car while Bethany’s father carried a wooden cross to bring attention to the Christian faith. Unfortunately, while they were waiting in the car, the police arrived, asking what they were doing there. Carter and Bethany remained peaceful, calm, and legally compliant, but that wasn’t enough. They have been charged with obstructing a police officer and now face charges in Gaston County, North Carolina.

After reviewing the video evidence, which clearly shows Carter’s innocence, the prosecution has attempted to lower the charges in an attempt to convince Carter to plead guilty. But he’s adamant – and the video shows – that he did nothing wrong. On May 27, we’ll be in court for trial to defend Carter and Bethany and show the judge the video proving their innocence.

Your Support Makes This Possible

Our legal team takes on as many cases as we can, and we push ourselves hard to defend religious liberty, the rule of law, and constitutional freedoms everywhere. It’s our members who make our mission possible. We thank you for your support, and we’ll keep you updated on these cases as we continue to fight for our clients wherever we’re called.