Case: Rucker v. Spokane County

2:12-cv-05157 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington

Filed Date: Nov. 20, 2012

Closed Date: 2015

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On November 20th, 2012, a class of plaintiffs who had been jailed in Spokane County, Washington for unpaid financial obligations filed this lawsuit in the Eastern District of Washington. The plaintiffs sued Spokane County for violations of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The plaintiffs, represented by the Center for Justice and private counsel, asked the court for monetary damages. The plaintiffs claimed that Spokane County violated their due process rights by jailin…

On November 20th, 2012, a class of plaintiffs who had been jailed in Spokane County, Washington for unpaid financial obligations filed this lawsuit in the Eastern District of Washington. The plaintiffs sued Spokane County for violations of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The plaintiffs, represented by the Center for Justice and private counsel, asked the court for monetary damages.

The plaintiffs claimed that Spokane County violated their due process rights by jailing them for unpaid legal financial obligations (LFOs). They claim that the County's practice of using non-attorney employees in the County Clerk's office to make sentencing orders and provide legal advice violated the plaintiff's constitutional rights. Moreover, the plaintiffs claim their rights were violated by the County's practice of sentencing jail time for unpaid LFOs without a hearing.

The parties exchanged Discovery and agreed to pursue a settlement agreement.

On September 19th, 2014, the court (Judge Lonny R. Suko) certified the class and preliminarily approved of the proposed settlement agreement. The Defendant denied all allegations, but agreed to settle and pay damages of $349,967.68 to the class.

Summary Authors

Michael Abrams (11/21/2016)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5526396/parties/rucker-v-spokane-county/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Beggs, Breean Lawrence (Washington)

Biviano, Andrew Sean (Washington)

Finer, Jeffry Keith (Washington)

Patterson, Michael A. (Washington)

Attorney for Defendant

Kitson, Michael (Washington)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

2:12-cv-05157

Docket [PACER]

Feb. 25, 2015

Feb. 25, 2015

Docket
1

2:12-cv-05157

Complaint for Violations of Civil Rights

Nov. 20, 2012

Nov. 20, 2012

Complaint
6

2:12-cv-05157

Amended Complaint for Violations of Civil Rights Class Action Certification Pending

Dec. 18, 2012

Dec. 18, 2012

Complaint
28

2:12-cv-05157

Order Re: Motions for Partial Summary Judgment

Nov. 25, 2013

Nov. 25, 2013

Order/Opinion
70

2:12-cv-05157

Order Granting Joint Motion for Class Certification for Settlement Purposes and Preliminary Approval of Proposed Settlement

Sept. 19, 2014

Sept. 19, 2014

Order/Opinion
83

2:12-cv-05157

Order Granting Joint Motion for Final Approval of Class Settlement and Award of Attorneys Fees, Costs, and Incentive Awards

Feb. 25, 2015

Feb. 25, 2015

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5526396/rucker-v-spokane-county/

Last updated Feb. 11, 2024, 3:08 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT FOR VIOLATIONS OF CIVIL RIGHTS − CLASS ACTION CERTIFICATION PENDING against Spokane County ( Filing fee $ 350; Receipt # SPO017751). Summons issued. Filed by Betty Rucker. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(PL, Case Administrator) (Entered: 11/20/2012)

Nov. 20, 2012

Nov. 20, 2012

2

NOTICE of Appearance by Michael Alexander Patterson on behalf of Spokane County (Patterson, Michael) (Entered: 11/30/2012)

Nov. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

3

NOTICE of Appearance by Michael T Kitson on behalf of All Defendants (Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 11/30/2012)

Nov. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

4

SUMMONS Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs re Spokane County. (Beggs, Breean) (Entered: 12/05/2012)

Dec. 5, 2012

Dec. 5, 2012

5

First AMENDED COMPLAINT FOR VIOLATIONS OF CIVIL RIGHTS against All Defendants. Filed by Betty Rucker.(Beggs, Breean) Modified on 12/21/2012 COMPLAINT WAS REFILED UNDER ECF NO. 6 WITH CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS (CV, Case Administrator). (Entered: 12/11/2012)

Dec. 11, 2012

Dec. 11, 2012

6

Praecipe filed by Betty Rucker: Re 5 Amended Complaint. Description: typographical errors par. 15 & 24. (Beggs, Breean) (Entered: 12/18/2012)

Dec. 18, 2012

Dec. 18, 2012

7

ANSWER to Complaint by All Defendants.(Patterson, Michael) Modified on 1/23/2013 JURY DEMAND INCLUDED (CV, Case Administrator). (Entered: 01/22/2013)

Jan. 22, 2013

Jan. 22, 2013

8

SCHEDULING CONFERENCE NOTICE: Telephonic Scheduling Conference set for 3/13/2013 at 9:00 AM before Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Attachments: # 1 Consent to Magistrate)(LMM, Courtroom Deputy) (Entered: 01/29/2013)

Jan. 29, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

9

Amended ANSWER to Complaint with jury demand. by All Defendants.(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 02/27/2013)

Feb. 27, 2013

Feb. 27, 2013

10

Joint Certificate Pursuant to LR 26.1 / LR 16.1 by Spokane County. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Discovery Plan)(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 02/27/2013)

Feb. 27, 2013

Feb. 27, 2013

11

Minute Entry for TELEPHONIC proceedings held before Judge Lonny R. Suko: Scheduling Conference held on 3/13/2013. (Reported/Recorded by: Not Reported) (LMM, Courtroom Deputy) (Entered: 03/13/2013)

March 13, 2013

March 13, 2013

12

SCHEDULING ORDER: Telephonic Status Conference set for 1/28/2014 09:30 AM via Telephonic Argument before Judge Lonny R. Suko. Telephonic Pretrial Conference set for 4/8/2014 at 09:30 AM via Telephonic Argument before Judge Lonny R. Suko. Jury Trial set for 4/21/2014 at 01:00 PM in Spokane before Judge Lonny R. Suko. Signed by Judge Lonny R. Suko. (CV, Case Administrator) (Entered: 03/18/2013)

March 18, 2013

March 18, 2013

13

NOTICE of Association of Counsel by Andrew Sean Biviano on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Biviano, Andrew) (Entered: 08/21/2013)

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

14

MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment by Spokane County. Motion Hearing set for 11/14/2013 at 11:00 AM in Spokane before Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 09/25/2013)

Sept. 25, 2013

Sept. 25, 2013

15

STATEMENT OF Material FACTS re 14 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment filed by Spokane County. (Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 09/25/2013)

Sept. 25, 2013

Sept. 25, 2013

16

DECLARATION by Michael T. Kitson in Support re 14 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment filed by Spokane County. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit 1 Page 5−40, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit 2 Page 41−51, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit 3 Page 52−56, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit 4 Page 57−58, # 5 Exhibit Exhibit 5 Page 59−60, # 6 Exhibit Exhibit 6 Page 61−63, # 7 Exhibit Exhibit 7 Page 64−66, # 8 Exhibit Exhibit 8 Page 67−69, # 9 Exhibit Exhibit 9 Page 70−72, # 10 Exhibit Exhibit 10 Page 73−75, # 11 Exhibit Exhibit 11 Page 76−78, # 12 Exhibit Exhibit 12 Page 79−83, # 13 Exhibit Exhibit 13 Page 84−119, # 14 Exhibit Exhibit 14 Page 120−132, # 15 Exhibit Exhibit 15 Page 133−134)(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 09/25/2013)

Sept. 25, 2013

Sept. 25, 2013

17

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE as to 16 Declaration in Support of Motion,, for Partial Summary Judgment filed by Spokane County. (Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 09/26/2013)

Sept. 26, 2013

Sept. 26, 2013

18

RESPONSE to Motion re 14 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment filed by All Plaintiffs. (Biviano, Andrew) (Entered: 10/15/2013)

Oct. 15, 2013

Oct. 15, 2013

19

STATEMENT OF RESPONSIVE MATERIAL FACTS re 14 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit A)(Biviano, Andrew) (Entered: 10/15/2013)

Oct. 15, 2013

Oct. 15, 2013

20

REPLY MEMORANDUM re 14 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment filed by Spokane County. (Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 10/29/2013)

Oct. 29, 2013

Oct. 29, 2013

21

MOTION to Expedite by All Plaintiffs. Motion Hearing set for 11/7/2013 at 06:30 PM in Without Oral Argument before Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Biviano, Andrew) (Entered: 10/31/2013)

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

22

ORDER GRANTING MOTION FOR EXPEDITED HEARING ON PLAINTIFF'S CROSS MOTION FOR PARTIAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT − GRANTED 21 MOTION to Expedite filed by Betty Rucker. Motion 14 for Partial Summary Judgment is set for 11/14/2013 at 11:00 AM in Spokane. Signed by Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (VR, Courtroom Deputy) (Entered: 11/01/2013)

Nov. 1, 2013

Nov. 1, 2013

23

RESPONSE to Motion re 14 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment filed by Spokane County. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Michael T. Kitson)(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 11/05/2013)

Nov. 5, 2013

Nov. 5, 2013

24

REPLY MEMORANDUM re 14 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment filed by Spokane County. (Kitson, Michael). Document sealed and no longer available. This document was previously filed at ECF No. 20 . Attorney to file the correct document . Modified on 11/6/13 to seal document(PL, Case Administrator). (Entered: 11/05/2013)

Nov. 5, 2013

Nov. 5, 2013

25

REPLY MEMORANDUM re 14 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment filed by Spokane County. (Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 11/06/2013)

Nov. 6, 2013

Nov. 6, 2013

26

REPLY MEMORANDUM re 14 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment and Plaintiff's Cross Motion for Partial Summary Judgment filed by All Plaintiffs. (Biviano, Andrew) (Entered: 11/12/2013)

Nov. 12, 2013

Nov. 12, 2013

27

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko: Motion Hearing held on 11/14/2013 re 14 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment filed by Spokane County and Plaintiff's Cross Motion. (Reported/Recorded by: Debra Kinney Clark) (LMM, Courtroom Deputy) (Entered: 11/14/2013)

Nov. 14, 2013

Nov. 14, 2013

28

ORDER RE MOTIONS FOR PARTIAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT - granting 14 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment; and the Plaintiffs Cross-Motion For Partial Summary Judgment 18 is DENIED. Signed by Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (CC, Case Administrator)

Nov. 26, 2013

Nov. 26, 2013

RECAP
29

MOTION for Summary Judgment by Betty Rucker. Motion Hearing set for 2/5/2014 at 06:30 PM in Without Oral Argument before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Beggs, Breean) (Entered: 12/17/2013)

Dec. 17, 2013

Dec. 17, 2013

30

STATEMENT OF MATERIAL FACTS re 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Betty Rucker. (Beggs, Breean) (Entered: 12/17/2013)

Dec. 17, 2013

Dec. 17, 2013

31

DECLARATION by Breean Beggs in Support re 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Betty Rucker. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit)(Beggs, Breean) (Entered: 12/17/2013)

Dec. 17, 2013

Dec. 17, 2013

33

MOTION to Certify Class by All Plaintiffs. Motion Hearing set for 2/5/2014 at 06:30 PM in Without Oral Argument before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Beggs, Breean) (Entered: 12/24/2013)

Dec. 24, 2013

Dec. 24, 2013

34

DECLARATION by Breean Beggs in Support re 33 MOTION to Certify Class filed by All Plaintiffs. (Beggs, Breean) (Entered: 12/24/2013)

Dec. 24, 2013

Dec. 24, 2013

35

DECLARATION by Jeffry K. Finer in Support re 33 MOTION to Certify Class filed by All Plaintiffs. (Beggs, Breean) (Entered: 12/24/2013)

Dec. 24, 2013

Dec. 24, 2013

36

DECLARATION by Andrew S. Biviano in Support re 33 MOTION to Certify Class filed by All Plaintiffs. (Beggs, Breean) (Entered: 12/24/2013)

Dec. 24, 2013

Dec. 24, 2013

37

Submission of Proposed Order Re 33 MOTION to Certify Class filed by Betty Rucker ; filed by All Plaintiffs. (Beggs, Breean) (Entered: 12/24/2013)

Dec. 24, 2013

Dec. 24, 2013

38

MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages in Memorandum in Support of Motion for Class Certification by All Plaintiffs. Motion Hearing set for 2/5/2014 at 06:30 PM in Without Oral Argument before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Beggs, Breean) (Entered: 12/24/2013)

Dec. 24, 2013

Dec. 24, 2013

39

Submission of Proposed Order Re 38 MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages in Memorandum in Support of Motion for Class Certification filed by Betty Rucker ; filed by All Plaintiffs. (Beggs, Breean) (Entered: 12/24/2013)

Dec. 24, 2013

Dec. 24, 2013

40

ORDER GRANTING 38 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. Signed by Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. Text−only entry; no PDF will follow. This text−only entry constitutes the Court order or notice on the matter. (GT, Judicial Assistant) (Entered: 12/26/2013)

Dec. 26, 2013

Dec. 26, 2013

41

Stipulated MOTION to Amend/Correct Case Schedule by Spokane County. Motion Hearing set for 1/2/2014 at 06:30 PM in Without Oral Argument before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 12/27/2013)

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

42

MOTION to Expedite Hearing on Stipulated Motion to Amend Case Schedule by Spokane County. Motion Hearing set for 1/2/2014 at 06:30 PM in Without Oral Argument before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 12/27/2013)

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

43

ORDER GRANTING 42 Motion to Expedite Hearing. Signed by Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. Text−only entry; no PDF will follow. This text−only entry constitutes the Court order or notice on the matter. (GT, Judicial Assistant) (Entered: 12/30/2013)

Dec. 30, 2013

Dec. 30, 2013

44

ORDER GRANTING STIPULATED MOTION TO AMEND SCHEDULE − GRANTED 41 Stipulated MOTION to Amend/Correct Case Schedule filed by Spokane County. Setting Hearing on 33 MOTION to Certify Class , 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment; Motion Hearing set for 4/15/2014 at 03:30 PM in Spokane. Jury Trial is continued to 10/6/2014 at 01:00 PM in Spokane. Signed by Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (VR, Courtroom Deputy) (Entered: 01/06/2014)

Jan. 6, 2014

Jan. 6, 2014

45

AMENDED SCHEDULING ORDER: Telephonic Status Conference set for 7/8/2014 10:00 AM in Telephonic Argument. Final Telephonic Pretrial Conference/Motion Hearing set for 9/23/2014 at 09:30 AM in Telephonic Argument. Jury Trial shall commence at 1:00 p.m. on October 6, 2014, Spokane. Signed by Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (VR, Courtroom Deputy) (Entered: 01/06/2014)

Jan. 6, 2014

Jan. 6, 2014

46

RESPONSE to Motion re 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Spokane County. (Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 01/17/2014)

Jan. 17, 2014

Jan. 17, 2014

47

STATEMENT OF Material FACTS re 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Spokane County. (Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 01/17/2014)

Jan. 17, 2014

Jan. 17, 2014

48

DECLARATION by Michael T. Kitson in Opposition re 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Spokane County. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G)(Kitson, Michael)

Jan. 17, 2014

Jan. 17, 2014

50

DECLARATION by Scott Mason in Opposition re 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Spokane County. (Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 01/17/2014)

Jan. 17, 2014

Jan. 17, 2014

51

Submission of Proposed Order Re 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Betty Rucker ; filed by Spokane County. (Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 01/17/2014)

Jan. 17, 2014

Jan. 17, 2014

52

MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages by Spokane County. Motion Hearing set for 1/30/2014 at 06:30 PM in Without Oral Argument before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 01/24/2014)

Jan. 24, 2014

Jan. 24, 2014

53

MOTION to Expedite by Spokane County. Motion Hearing set for 1/30/2014 at 06:30 PM in Without Oral Argument before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 01/24/2014)

Jan. 24, 2014

Jan. 24, 2014

54

ORDER GRANTING 52 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages; and GRANTING 53 Motion to Expedite Hearing. Signed by Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. Text−only entry; no PDF will follow. This text−only entry constitutes the Court order or notice on the matter. (GT, Judicial Assistant) (Entered: 01/24/2014)

Jan. 24, 2014

Jan. 24, 2014

55

RESPONSE to Motion re 33 MOTION to Certify Class filed by Spokane County. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 01/31/2014)

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

56

REPLY MEMORANDUM re 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by All Plaintiffs. (Biviano, Andrew) (Entered: 01/31/2014)

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

57

STATEMENT OF (PLAINTIFF'S REPLY) FACTS re 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by All Plaintiffs. (Biviano, Andrew) (Entered: 01/31/2014)

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

58

REPLY MEMORANDUM re 33 MOTION to Certify Class filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Appendix Appendix A, # 2 Appendix Appendix B)(Biviano, Andrew) (Entered: 02/14/2014)

Feb. 14, 2014

Feb. 14, 2014

59

NOTICE RESETTING Hearing on Motion − By Court − Text entry;no PDF document. Oral Argument Requested re 33 MOTION to Certify Class , 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment : Motion Hearing currently set for 4/14/14 is reset for 4/23/2014 at 11:00 AM in Spokane before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (LMM, Courtroom Deputy) (Entered: 03/20/2014)

March 20, 2014

March 20, 2014

60

NOTICE RESETTING Hearing on Motion − By Court − Text entry;no PDF document. Oral Argument Requested re 33 MOTION to Certify Class , 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment : The Motion Hearing currently set for 4/23/14 is reset to 5/15/2014 at 2:30 PM in Yakima before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (LMM, Courtroom Deputy) (Entered: 04/08/2014)

April 8, 2014

April 8, 2014

61

NOTICE of Cancellation − By Court: Counsel informed the Court this matter is resolved; all hearing dates are vacated. Settlement paperwork forthcoming − Text entry;no PDF document. (LMM, Courtroom Deputy) (Entered: 05/08/2014)

May 8, 2014

May 8, 2014

62

ORDER CLOSING FILE. Signed by Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (VR, Courtroom Deputy) (Entered: 05/16/2014)

May 16, 2014

May 16, 2014

63

MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages on Joint Motion for Class Certification for Settlement Purposes and Preliminary Approval of Proposed Settlement by Spokane County. Motion Hearing set for 8/26/2013 at 06:30 PM in Without Oral Argument before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 08/19/2014)

Aug. 19, 2014

Aug. 19, 2014

64

MOTION to Certify Class for Settlement Purposes and Preliminary Approval of Proposed Settlement by Spokane County. Motion Hearing set for 9/18/2014 at 02:00 PM in Telephonic Argument before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 08/19/2014)

Aug. 19, 2014

Aug. 19, 2014

66

ORDER GRANTING 63 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. Signed by Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. Text−only entry; no PDF will follow. This text−only entry constitutes the Court order or notice on the matter. (GT, Judicial Assistant) (Entered: 08/19/2014)

Aug. 19, 2014

Aug. 19, 2014

67

NOTICE re hearing on 64 MOTION to Certify Class for Settlement Purposes and Preliminary Approval of Proposed Settlement . Counsel are directed to call the Court Conference Line: 1−877−336−1828; Access Code: 3470056; Security Code: 5157 at 2:00 p.m. on 9/18/14. (GT, Judicial Assistant) (Entered: 09/17/2014)

Sept. 17, 2014

Sept. 17, 2014

68

Praecipe filed by Spokane County: Re 64 MOTION to Certify Class for Settlement Purposes and Preliminary Approval of Proposed Settlement , 65 Declaration in Support of Motion,. Description: correct language as directed by court. (Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 09/18/2014)

Sept. 18, 2014

Sept. 18, 2014

69

Minute Entry for TELEPHONIC proceedings held before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko: Motion Hearing held on 9/18/2014 re 64 MOTION to Certify Class for Settlement Purposes and Preliminary Approval of Proposed Settlement filed by Spokane County. (Reported/Recorded by: Lynette F. Walters) (GT, Judicial Assistant) (Entered: 09/19/2014)

Sept. 18, 2014

Sept. 18, 2014

70

ORDER GRANTING JOINT MOTION FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION FOR SETTLEMENT PURPOSES AND PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF PROPOSED SETTLEMENT - granting 64 Motion to Certify Class. Signed by Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (CC, Case Administrator)

Sept. 19, 2014

Sept. 19, 2014

RECAP
71

Stipulated MOTION To Extend Opt Out Deadline re 70 Order on Motion to Certify Class by Spokane County. Motion Hearing set for 1/14/2015 Without Oral Argument before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 01/14/2015)

Jan. 14, 2015

Jan. 14, 2015

72

ORDER GRANTING 71 Motion To Extend Opt Out Deadline re 70 Order on Motion to Certify Class by Spokane County. Signed by Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. Text−only entry; no PDF will follow. This text−only entry constitutes the Court order or notice on the matter. (GT, Courtroom Deputy) (Entered: 01/15/2015)

Jan. 15, 2015

Jan. 15, 2015

73

MOTION for Attorney Fees and Costs and Incentive Award by All Plaintiffs. Motion Hearing set for 2/25/2015 at 02:00 PM in Richland Courtroom 189 before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Biviano, Andrew) (Entered: 01/28/2015)

Jan. 28, 2015

Jan. 28, 2015

74

DECLARATION by Andrew S. Biviano in Support re 73 MOTION for Attorney Fees and Costs and Incentive Award filed by All Plaintiffs. (Biviano, Andrew) (Entered: 01/28/2015)

Jan. 28, 2015

Jan. 28, 2015

75

DECLARATION by Breean L. Beggs in Support re 73 MOTION for Attorney Fees and Costs and Incentive Award filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Biviano, Andrew) (Entered: 01/28/2015)

Jan. 28, 2015

Jan. 28, 2015

76

DECLARATION by Jeffry K. Finer in Support re 73 MOTION for Attorney Fees and Costs and Incentive Award filed by All Plaintiffs. (Biviano, Andrew) (Entered: 01/28/2015)

Jan. 28, 2015

Jan. 28, 2015

77

Joint MOTION for Settlement of Class Action (Final Approval) by Spokane County. Motion Hearing set for 2/25/2015 at 02:00 PM in Richland Courtroom 189 before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 01/28/2015)

Jan. 28, 2015

Jan. 28, 2015

79

DECLARATION by Michael T. Kitson in Support re 77 Joint MOTION for Settlement of Class Action (Final Approval) filed by Spokane County. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, pp. 4 − 5, # 2 Exhibit B, pp. 6 − 8)(Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 01/28/2015)

Jan. 28, 2015

Jan. 28, 2015

80

NOTICE of Hearing on Motion − By Court − Text entry; no PDF document. Oral Argument Requested re 77 Joint MOTION for Settlement of Class Action (Final Approval) , and 73 MOTION for Attorney Fees and Costs and Incentive Award : Motion Hearing RESET for 2/25/2015 at 2:00 PM Spokane Courtroom 755 before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. Change in location only. (GT, Courtroom Deputy) (Entered: 01/29/2015)

Jan. 29, 2015

Jan. 29, 2015

81

DECLARATION of Colette Saunders of Service re 79 Declaration in Support of Motion, 78 Declaration in Support of Motion, by Spokane County. (Kitson, Michael) (Entered: 02/05/2015)

Feb. 5, 2015

Feb. 5, 2015

82

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko: Motion Hearing held on 2/25/2015. (Reported/Recorded by: Mark A. Snover) (GT, Courtroom Deputy) (Entered: 02/25/2015)

Feb. 25, 2015

Feb. 25, 2015

83

ORDER GRANTING JOINT MOITON FOR FINAL APPROVAL OF CLASS SETTLEMENT AND AWARD OF ATTORNEYS FEES, COSTS, AND INCENTIVE AWARD granting 73 Motion for Attorney Fees; granting 77 Motion for Settlement Signed by Senior Judge Lonny R. Suko. (VR, Courtroom Deputy) (Entered: 02/25/2015)

Feb. 25, 2015

Feb. 25, 2015

Case Details

State / Territory: Washington

Case Type(s):

Criminal Justice (Other)

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 20, 2012

Closing Date: 2015

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs are a class of thousands of men and women residing in Spokane County, Washington who faced criminal liability for unpaid financial obligations, and who were deprived of access to an attorney and other legal rights due to them.

Plaintiff Type(s):

City/County Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Spokane County, Washington (Spokane), County

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Equal Protection

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Monetary Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Attorneys fees

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: $349,967.68

Issues

General:

Access to lawyers or judicial system

Courts

Over/Unlawful Detention

Pattern or Practice

Poverty/homelessness

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Commitment procedure

Placement in detention facilities

Affected Sex or Gender:

Female

Male