The charges against three of the five protesters arrested during Chattanooga Women's March in January were dismissed Monday.
The activists were arrested during the march on Jan. 19 after they blocked city streets without a permit and refused to move. They were all charged with obstructing the roadway.
Joel Willis, Holly Lynn Selvwv, identified by police as Holly Johnson, and the Rev. Alaina Cobb all had their charge dismissed after paying court fees, online court records show.
Maddie Boyd-Nix, identified by police as William Nix; and Virginia "Ginger" Moss have yet to appear in court. Moss' court date is Tuesday, and Nix is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 11.
Since the charges have been dropped, the charges will be expunged from their record within 30 days, said attorney Chad Wilson, who represents Willis.
The activists say they are "encouraged by the outcome of today's hearing and the dismissal of charges."
"We believe the First Amendment guarantees the right of free speech to all, rich and poor alike, and that today's judgement reflects that fact," Cobb said in a statement. "We hope that our arrests and the subsequent dismissal of charges spark conversation. Both on the issues of immediate importance we were highlighting at the time and the need for the city to provide a clear and common path for all voices to be heard."