Dawson was playing the role of a masked protester -- a little too close to the Republican National Convention in August -- and was arrested by New York police. For good measure, the cops also hauled off another actress and Dawson's director.

Dawson appeared in Manhattan criminal court Thursday on her motion asking that the obstruction and disorderly conduct charges be dismissed, "Celebrity Justice" reported.

However, the prosecution objected, saying the filming permit was for a different location, so Dawson was told to return to court in March.