Disturbing a Religious Meeting – California Penal Code § 302 PC

What Is California Penal Code § 302 PC?

Under California Penal Code 302 PC, it is a crime to willfully and intentionally disturb or disrupt any lawful assembly or meeting for religious worship. In plain terms, this law makes it illegal to intentionally interfere with a religious service while it is taking place.

The statute states:

California Penal Code 302 – “Every person who willfully disturbs or disquiets any assemblage of people met for religious worship… by profane discourse, rude or indecent behavior, or by making a noise, either within the place where the meeting is held or so near it as to disturb the order and solemnity of the meeting, is guilty of a misdemeanor.”

PC 302 applies to any recognized place of worship — including churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, or any location being lawfully used for a religious service. The law is designed to protect the right of people to gather and worship in peace, regardless of the faith or denomination.

What Conduct Can Lead to a PC 302 Charge?

A wide range of behavior can trigger a PC 302 charge, but in every case, the prosecution must prove that the disturbance was willful — meaning it was intentional and not accidental.

Examples of conduct that may lead to charges include:

• Yelling, shouting, or causing a scene during a religious service.

• Interrupting a service with loud, offensive, or disruptive conduct.

• Intentionally creating noise or commotion to distract or disturb worshippers.

• Entering a religious service and refusing to leave when asked by those in charge.

Because these situations often happen in emotionally charged environments, what one person considers “disruption” may be a misunderstanding or an overreaction. That’s why it’s important to have a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who can carefully review the facts, challenge the evidence, and ensure your side of the story is heard.

Penalties for Disturbing a Religious Meeting (PC 302)

In California, disturbing a religious meeting is usually charged as a misdemeanor offense. While it is not a felony, a conviction can still carry serious criminal penalties and create a permanent record that affects your future.

Misdemeanor Penalties

If convicted of PC 302 as a misdemeanor, you may face:

• Up to 1 year in county jail

• Fines of up to $1,000

• Misdemeanor probation (informal probation with court-imposed conditions)

Collateral Consequences

A conviction for disturbing a religious meeting can have additional effects beyond the courtroom, including:

• A permanent criminal record that may appear on background checks

• Loss of employment opportunities

• Possible impact on professional licenses or certifications

• Immigration consequences for non-citizens, including deportation or denial of reentry to the U.S.

Related Offenses

• [PC 415 – Disturbing the Peace]
  Makes it a crime to engage in fighting, challenge someone to a fight, create loud and unreasonable noise, or use offensive words likely to provoke violence in a public place.

• [PC 602 – Trespassing]
  Prohibits entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission, including refusing to leave when asked.

• [PC 647c – Obstructing a Public Way]
  Criminalizes willfully blocking or interfering with the free movement of people on a public street, sidewalk, or other public area.

• [PC 594 – Vandalism]
  Involves damaging, destroying, or defacing another person’s property, including places of worship.

Legal Defenses to PC 302 Charges

Being arrested for disturbing a religious meeting does not automatically mean you will be convicted. Many cases involve misunderstandings, exaggerated claims, or situations where your actions were misinterpreted. A strong defense begins with understanding the exact facts, the evidence against you, and the legal protections available under California law.

Common defenses to Penal Code § 302 PC charges include:

• The conduct was not willful or intentional – Your actions may have been accidental, unplanned, or misunderstood by others.

• You did not actually disturb the meeting or service – There must be proof that your actions disrupted the religious assembly in a meaningful way.

• Violation of your First Amendment rights – In some cases, speech or expression may be protected under the U.S. Constitution.

• False accusation or mistaken identity – Someone may have wrongly identified you as the person responsible.

• Insufficient evidence – The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.