Lawsuit Challenges Detroit's Loitering Law
DETROIT (WWJ) - A legal challenge has been launched against the city of Detroit's loitering law. As WWJ's Rob Sanford reports, there are claims the law is being enforced indiscriminately.
A lawsuit has been filed in Detroit Federal Court that claims Detroit police are passing out loitering tickets to people who happen to be near where illegal activity is taking place.
Southfield attorney Daniel Romano tells the Detroit Free Press if you happen to be on the same block as a drug house being raided, you will likely get a ticket.
Romano is representing 12 people and is seeking class action status for the suit. Romano told the paper that the police are giving these tickets to people who just happened to be in the vicinity of where illegal activity took place, adding that here are likely "thousands of people" who've been ticketed for the "loitering in a place of illegal occupation" offense.
The penalty for loitering is up to 93 days in jail, and/or a $1,000 fine.
