3 Denver homeless advocates tried for violating camping ban

In this Tuesday morning, April 5, 2017 photo, from left, Therese Howard, Randy Russell and Jerry Burton speak to reporters before heading into a courtroom in Denver, to stand trial for allegedly violating the city's camping ban. The three defendants are trying to turn the tables on the city by drawing attention to what they think is an immoral law that makes it dangerous for homeless people trying to survive on the street. (AP Photo/Colleen Slevin) (The Associated Press)

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FILE - In this Nov. 15, 2016, file photo, an unidentified man drags his belongings away during a sweep of homeless people who were living on the sidewalks surrounding a shelter near the baseball stadium in downtown Denver. Three advocates for Denver’s homeless are being tried and could face a year in jail for trying to camp outside city hall. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File) (The Associated Press)

DENVER – Three advocates for Denver's homeless are being tried and could face a year in jail for trying to camp outside city hall.

Randy Russell, Jerry Burton and Terese Howard contend the city's law prohibiting people from camping on public property makes it dangerous for homeless people trying to survive on Denver's streets.

They were ticketed by police last November after setting up blankets and sleeping bags.

They face maximum penalties of up to a year in jail each or a $999 fine if convicted in their jury trial.

Closing arguments in the case were scheduled for Wednesday.

City officials have said there is enough space in shelters to house Denver's homeless population.

People who have pets or do not want to follow shelter rules cannot stay in them.