A former Telfair County commissioner who was charged with trespassing at her local jail is challenging a Georgia law that allows authorities to arrest people who "loaf, linger or stand around" near inmates.

Beulah Dollar filed a federal lawsuit Thursday claiming Telfair County Sheriff Jim Williamson violated her civil rights when she was arrested in July 2006 as she attempted to meet with prisoners at the Telfair County Jail without first seeking his permission.

"As a county commissioner I had a right to visit the jail and any property belonging to the county," Dollar said.

The lawsuit was filed by the Southern Center for Human Rights in U.S. District Court in Dublin.

It says a state law making it a felony to "loaf, linger or stand around where inmates are employed or kept" is too vague and broad, and that it limits Dollar's free speech.

"Commissioner Dollar has a right and duty to monitor the jail," said Gerry Weber, a senior attorney with the center. "Dragging out the archaic, likely unconstitutional 'loaf and linger' law to obstruct her well-intentioned efforts was a clear violation of her rights."

Williamson said he was trying to maintain order in the jail — not restrict Dollar's access. "If you want to talk with some of the inmates or give them information, just tell me," said Williamson. "But don't sneak around and do it. That's dangerous."

Dollar served eight years as a commissioner for Telfair County, about 70 miles southeast of Macon.