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Ernest Sims is a veteran who survives on a $260 disability check for survival. When that's not enough, he asked people for spare change on the public streets of Grand Rapids.
On July 4, 2011, a Grand Rapids police officer arrested Sims for asking for change for bus fare. Sims has since pleaded guilty and was sentenced to $100 or two days in jail.
The ACLU of Michigan filed a lawsuit challenging the state's anti-begging law as unconstitutional, since peaceful panhandling is protected speech under the First Amendment.
► Read more about this case
Video: Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? Challenging Michigan's Anti-Begging Law
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