Gay Marriage Protest Sets Off Police Response

The Los Angeles Police Department declared a tactical alert in response to a march organized by opponents of Proposition 8, who marched from West Hollywood to Hollywood.

About 500 protesters gathered in the 6400 block of Sunset Boulevard, near the Los Angeles Bureau of CNN, prompting the LAPD to declare a tactical alert.

A few people were detained, but the overall indication is that the demonstrators and marchers are peaceful. Those detained were most likely charged with misdemeanors, if they were charged at all. Initially, a crowd gathered at Santa Monica and San Vicente boulevards to protest the passage of Proposition 8 in Tuesday's election.

Proposition 8 was an amendment to the California Constitution that eliminated the newly-declared right of same-sex couples to marry.

In California, criminal offenses are classified as infractions, misdemeanors or felonies. Infractions, such as traffic violations, are punishable by a fine and no jail time. Misdemeanor crimes are considered more serious than infractions but less serious than felonies, and carry a punishment of less than 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Felonies are serious offenses that generally carry a jail sentence (possibly state prison) of one year or more.

Misdemeanors are usually charged by a written complaint or "information" (formal charges without a grand jury). Typically the complaint is mailed to the accused by the prosecutor's office requesting their presence in court at a specified date. While misdemeanor charges may be considered minor, being accused and/or convicted can have devastating lifelong effects.

Misdemeanor examples include:

• DUI (driving under the influence)/DWI (driving while intoxicated): 1st , 2nd, or 3rd offense, no injuries
• Trespass
• Petty Theft/Shoplifting
• Disorderly Conduct
• Obscene Matter
• Probation Violations
• Unlicensed Driver
• Gambling
• Solicitation of Prostitution
• Violation of Restraining Orders
• Reckless Driving
• Assault and Battery (no or minimum injury)
• Domestic Violence