State v. Brune

Mark Brune was arrested in 2011 for holding a sign, “Stranded – Broke – Hungry - Please Help - God Bless,” in violation of Escambia County’s Panhandling Ordinance.

Brune Sign Photo 2

Burne challenged the ban against “asking for an immediate donation of money” as a violation of First Amendment freedom of speech.  Burne also argued the ordinance was inappropriately applied to him because the ordinance allows persons to “passively” hold a sign asking for money – and that was all that he was doing.  In the end, the county court dismissed Burne’s charge ruling that just holding a sign did not violate the ordinance.

Legal Documents

Defendant's Motion to Dismiss (03/28/11)

Second Motion to Dismiss (07/05/11)

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