In these desperate economic times, the ACLU of Michigan has focused on a disturbing trend — criminal punishment of Michiganders because they are poor. All across Michigan, residents are being thrown in jail, kept in jail or convicted for the simple reason that they have little or no income or assets.
ACLU Challenges State Anti-Begging Law as Harsh, Unconstitutional
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 13, 2011
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a lawsuit today asking a federal judge to strike down a state law that criminalizes peaceful panhandling in all public places. The lawsuit was filed against the state attorney general and the City of Grand Rapids, which has made 399 begging-related arrests since 2008. > Full Story
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 13, 2011
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a lawsuit today asking a federal judge to strike down a state law that criminalizes peaceful panhandling in all public places. The lawsuit was filed against the state attorney general and the City of Grand Rapids, which has made 399 begging-related arrests since 2008. > Full Story
ACLU Challenges Debtors’ Prisons Across Michigan
Jailing people because they are too poor to pay legal fees is unconstitutional
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2011
DETROIT — The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Michigan said today that they are challenging “pay or stay” sentences imposed on five persons across the state who were illegally jailed for being too poor to pay court fines.
In each instance, the judge failed to hold a hearing that would prove the individual was too poor to pay, or give the defendant the option of a payment plan or community service. > Full Story
ACLU Commends Royal Oak for Repealing Harsh and Unconstitutional Ban on Begging
The organization encourages a dozen Oakland County cities to follow suit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 16, 2011
DETROIT – The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan commended Royal Oak officials for repealing an unconstitutional ordinance that punished peaceful panhandling on public sidewalks. The organization encourages cities across the state, including at least a dozen in Oakland County, to follow suit.
“Royal Oak realized that criminalizing the most vulnerable segment of our society is not only wrong, but also illegal,” said Dan Korobkin, ACLU of Michigan staff attorney. "City officials should be commended for their quick action to repeal the ordinance and protect the free speech rights of the poor.” > Full Story
Ban on Begging is Harsh and Unconstitutional, ACLU Tells Royal Oak Officials
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 13, 2011
ROYAL OAK, Mich. – In a letter today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan urged Royal Oak officials to stop enforcing an unconstitutional ordinance that punishes peaceful panhandling on public sidewalks. > Full Story