Dozens of supporters of Poughkeepsie sisters Julissa Dawkins and Jamelia Barnett — seen in a viral police arrest video from March — lined the steps of the Dutchess County family courthouse, before the girls entered for a hearing on Wednesday in the criminal case against them. 

The #JusticeforJamelia and #JusticeforJulissa rally was organized by the Vassar College Black Student Union and other local community groups.

"We want to see the officers be held accountable," said Chelsea Quayenortey, a Vassar student who helped organize the rally. "We want to see them lose their jobs and for the Poughkeepsie city police to recognize that what they're doing, the way they're running, is not right." 

The girls say they're thankful for the outpouring of support.

"It makes me very happy to see there are people behind us and there are people that want justice for us and everyone else that this has happened to," Dawkins said.

Their lawyer, William Wagstaff, is calling on the court to dismiss their case. 

"We're hoping today the judge, if not by the county attorney himself, is going to realize they're already in violation of the family court act and dismiss the petition against the girls," Wagstaff said.  

The girls have been on probation since they were arrested on March 11. Cameras were not allowed inside the courtroom but Spectrum News was allowed inside. Judge Mackenzie dismissed the girls from probation but did not dismiss the girls case.

Wagstaff says he still wants the court to realize their wrongdoing and Julissa and Jamelia's mom says the decision offers some relief.

"I wanted it to be over you know but the probation part is good the girls don't have to go to probation anymore," said Melisa Johnson, the girls' mom.  

Their next court date is set for December 3. The federal civil rights lawsuit is still ongoing.