Case: Coleman v. Brookside

2:22-cv-00423 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama

Filed Date: April 4, 2022

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a class-action lawsuit challenging a small town’s practice of over-policing to generate revenue through fines and fees. On April 4, 2022, a group of individuals whom the Brookside police detained in traffic stops filed this complaint and motion for class certification in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The plaintiffs sued the Town of Brookside, Alabama, Jett's Towing, and three Brookside police officers in their individual capacities, seeking redress for Fo…

This is a class-action lawsuit challenging a small town’s practice of over-policing to generate revenue through fines and fees. On April 4, 2022, a group of individuals whom the Brookside police detained in traffic stops filed this complaint and motion for class certification in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The plaintiffs sued the Town of Brookside, Alabama, Jett's Towing, and three Brookside police officers in their individual capacities, seeking redress for Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Represented by the Institute for Justice, the plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as disgorgement and cancellation of the fees arising from the unconstitutional policies and costs and attorneys’ fees. The suit was initially assigned to Magistrate Judge Nicholas A. Danella before being assigned to Judge Robert David Proctor on May 19, 2022.

The plaintiffs alleged that in 2018, Brookside policymakers began leveraging the police force to systematically target residents in baseless traffic stops, car searches, arrests, and unnecessary car tows for the purpose of earning vehicle “release” fees. The plaintiffs alleged that the town, which has fewer than 1,300 residents, increased its revenue by 640% over the course of two years and that it spent the revenue on a K9 unit, a SWAT tactical operations team, unmarked SUVs, a new communications center, and a new jail. The plaintiffs also alleged that annual tows from 2018 to 2020 increased from 50 to 789, and that many of the individuals targeted in these tows were also charged with offenses in Brookside Municipal Court and required to pay court fees. They claimed the town violated the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment because its policies, practices, and customs gave it an unlawful financial interest in legal proceedings and that the police officer defendants conducted unreasonable seizures in violation of the Fourth Amendment when they handcuffed the lead plaintiff and towed her car without a warrant or justification. 

In their initial complaint, plaintiffs sought to certify two classes: the "Towing Class" and the "Charging Class." The former would be composed of "[a]ll persons who, since March 1, 2018, have paid fees to either the Town of Brookside or Jett’s Towing (or both) to secure the release of a vehicle towed on the orders of the Brookside Police Department following a traffic stop.” The plaintiffs sought relief in the form of a return of fines paid and vehicles held as well as injunctive relief. The Charging Class would be composed of "[a]ll persons who have been charged with offenses in Brookside Municipal Court following traffic stops by the Brookside Police Department since March 1, 2018."

Additionally, the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit brought an individual claim against three members of the Brookside Police Department in their individual capacity for violations of the Fourth Amendment under §1983. The plaintiff alleged that the named police officers illegally handcuffed her after a traffic stop by fabricating a marijuana charge, in addition to illegally seizing, towing, and impounding her vehicle. The plaintiff sought compensatory damages against the individual officers.

The city and the towing company filed separate motions to dismiss on May 13, 2022. The same day, the city also filed an additional motion to dismiss on behalf of the named police officers, alleging that statutory limitations precluded the suit.

Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on June 17, 2022, adding a sub-class of individuals to the Towing Class (the "Vehicle Retention Sub-Class"). The sub-class would cover “[a]ll persons who, since June 17, 2020, have paid fees to the Town of Brookside to secure the release of a vehicle towed on the orders of the Brookside Police Department following a traffic stop.” The plaintiffs specifically alleged that the city's imposition of a mandatory $175 fee to recover one's vehicle, which was unrelated to the cost of administering the city's vehicle towing and impounding system, violated the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The plaintiffs sought a declaratory judgment against the practice, an injunction barring the practice, and a damages award disgorging and returning the fees previously paid to the Vehicle Retention Sub-Class.

The city renewed its motion to dismiss on July 1, 2022. The towing company followed with a renewal of its motion to dismiss on July 5, 2022. The police officers all sought summary judgment in their favor on July 22, 2022, arguing that their actions were covered by qualified immunity and that they did not commit Fourth Amendment violations. 

On July 26, 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division filed a statement of interest in the case. In the statement, attorneys for the DOJ emphasized the federal government’s interest in preserving equality of the law and its history in correcting similar cases of over-policing for profit. The Department then argued that the city’s actions violated provisions of the 14th Amendment requiring municipal courts, prosecutors, and police officers to maintain impartiality.

Judge Proctor denied the police officers’ summary judgment motion on October 28, 2022. He found that there was sufficient evidence to dispute whether the officers were acting reasonably when detaining the plaintiffs prior to impounding their vehicle. These disputes cast uncertainty over whether or not the police officers committed constitutional violations. If they did commit Fourth Amendment violations, this would nullify officers’ qualified immunity claims. As the disputes were factual matters, Judge Proctor denied summary judgment, preferring instead to let a jury determine the issue. 637 F. Supp. 3d 1290.

Judge Proctor reassigned the case to Judge Anna M. Manasco on December 7, 2022. In an earlier administrative termination to a motion by the plaintiffs, Judge Proctor wrote that moving the case to Judge Manasco would ease procedural burdens and promote consolidation with other cases pending before Judge Manasco relating to the city’s policing procedures. Judge Manasco’s Brookside cases (Thomas v. Town of Brookside, 2:22-cv-157-AMM, Wattson v. Town of Brookside, 2:21-cv-649-AMM, Harris v. Town of Brookside, 2:21-cv-1341-AMM) were all at similar procedural stages. Judge Manasco promptly ordered the parties of all four suits to discuss consolidation. Judge Manasco also lifted a stay on discovery against the three named police officers and scheduled proceedings for the lead plaintiff's individual §1983 claim.

On March 23, 2023, Judge Manasco denied both the city's and the towing company’s motions to dismiss. She rejected arguments by the city that the incidents at issue were “as applied” challenges, writing that the actions of officials reflected a broader policy and that this policy could be challenged on its face. Judge Manasco then denied the towing company’s dismissal motion, noting that the city and the towing company had a sufficient relationship to deem the towing company’s actions as state action.

The parties then turned their attention towards the issue of consolidation. On May 12, 2023, Judge Manasco consolidated the Wattson and Thomas cases and ordered all subsequent documents to be filed in the lead case, Wattson. On July 21, 2023, Judge Manasco ordered the parties in this action and in Wattson and Thomas to meet and confer regarding coordinating pretrial proceedings and directed them to submit a joint proposed scheduling order. On September 18, 2023, Judge Manasco approved the joint scheduling order, which noted that the parties in all three cases should be ready for trial by June 2025.

Discovery on the individual claim brought by the lead plaintiff (alleging a violation of the Fourth Amendment) against the three named police officers continued through November 2023. On December 28, 2023, the lead plaintiff moved for partial summary judgment on the individual count against the named officers. The motion is still pending before the District Court.

The case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Laura Irei (4/16/2022)

Matthew Schoenthal (4/17/2023)

Muiz Wani (2/19/2024)

Related Cases

Wattson v. Town of Brookside, Alabama, Northern District of Alabama (2021)

Thomas v. Town of Brookside, Alabama, Northern District of Alabama (2022)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63218236/parties/coleman-v-brookside-alabama-town-ofet-al/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Clark, Victoria (Alabama)

Dawson, William M (Alabama)

Gedge, Samuel B. (Alabama)

Attorney for Defendant
Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Attorney, Prim F. (Alabama)

Chamblee-Ryan, Katherine (Alabama)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

2:22-cv-00423

Class Action Complaint

April 4, 2022

April 4, 2022

Complaint
32

2:22-cv-00423

First Amended Class Action Complaint

June 17, 2022

June 17, 2022

Complaint
56

2:22-cv-00423

Statement of Interest of the United States

July 26, 2022

July 26, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
66

2:22-cv-00423

Memorandum Opinion

Oct. 28, 2022

Oct. 28, 2022

Order/Opinion

637 F.Supp.3d 1290

75

2:22-cv-00423

Joint Status Report Regarding All Parties' Views on Consolidation of Cases

Coleman v. The Town of Brookside

Dec. 21, 2022

Dec. 21, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
80

2:22-cv-00423

Order

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

Order/Opinion
120

2:22-cv-00423

Order

July 10, 2024

July 10, 2024

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63218236/coleman-v-brookside-alabama-town-ofet-al/

Last updated Sept. 3, 2024, 2:04 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas, Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant.(DNW) (Entered: 04/04/2022)

April 4, 2022

April 4, 2022

Clearinghouse

Filing Fee - Pay.gov

April 4, 2022

April 4, 2022

PACER
2

NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT OF CASE TO A UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE FOR TRIAL: You must complete the attached form to indicate whether you consent to proceed before the assigned magistrate judge or decline to proceed before the assigned magistrate judge. (DNW) (Entered: 04/04/2022)

April 4, 2022

April 4, 2022

RECAP

Filing Fee: Filing fee $ 402, receipt_number AALNDC-4052809 (B4601119412). related document 1 COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas, Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant.(DNW). (Dawson, William) Modified on 4/5/2022 (DNW, ).

April 4, 2022

April 4, 2022

PACER
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas, Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant.(DNW) (Entered: 04/04/2022)

April 4, 2022

April 4, 2022

Clearinghouse

Filing Fee - Pay.gov

April 4, 2022

April 4, 2022

PACER
2

NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT OF CASE TO A UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE FOR TRIAL: You must complete the attached form to indicate whether you consent to proceed before the assigned magistrate judge or decline to proceed before the assigned magistrate judge. (DNW) (Entered: 04/04/2022)

April 4, 2022

April 4, 2022

RECAP

Filing Fee: Filing fee $ 402, receipt_number AALNDC-4052809 (B4601119412). related document 1 COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas, Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant.(DNW). (Dawson, William) Modified on 4/5/2022 (DNW, ).

April 4, 2022

April 4, 2022

PACER
3

MOTION for Limited Admission of Samuel Gedge by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/08/2022)

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

RECAP
4

MOTION for Limited Admission of Jaba Tsitsuashvili by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/08/2022)

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER
5

MOTION for Limited Admission of Suranjan Sen by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/08/2022)

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER
6

MOTION for Limited Admission of William Maurer by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/08/2022)

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER

PHV Fee Paid

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number AALNDC-4057490 (B4601119553). (Dawson, William) Modified on 4/11/2022 (DNW, ).

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number AALNDC-4057505 (B4601119550). (Dawson, William) Modified on 4/11/2022 (DNW, ).

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number AALNDC-4057509 (B4601119552). (Dawson, William) Modified on 4/11/2022 (DNW, ).

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number AALNDC-4057511 (B4601119551). (Dawson, William) Modified on 4/11/2022 (DNW, ).

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER
3

MOTION for Limited Admission of Samuel Gedge by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/08/2022)

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

RECAP
4

MOTION for Limited Admission of Jaba Tsitsuashvili by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/08/2022)

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER
5

MOTION for Limited Admission of Suranjan Sen by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/08/2022)

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER
6

MOTION for Limited Admission of William Maurer by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/08/2022)

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER

PHV Fee Paid

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number AALNDC-4057490 (B4601119553). (Dawson, William) Modified on 4/11/2022 (DNW, ).

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number AALNDC-4057505 (B4601119550). (Dawson, William) Modified on 4/11/2022 (DNW, ).

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number AALNDC-4057509 (B4601119552). (Dawson, William) Modified on 4/11/2022 (DNW, ).

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number AALNDC-4057511 (B4601119551). (Dawson, William) Modified on 4/11/2022 (DNW, ).

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

PACER
7

TEXT ORDER granting 3 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Samuel B. Gedge. Signed by Magistrate Judge Nicholas A Danella on April 11, 2022. (MEB2) (Entered: 04/11/2022)

April 11, 2022

April 11, 2022

PACER
8

TEXT ORDER granting 4 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Jaba Tsitsuashvili. Signed by Magistrate Judge Nicholas A Danella on April 11, 2022. (MEB2) (Entered: 04/11/2022)

April 11, 2022

April 11, 2022

PACER
9

TEXT ORDER granting 5 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Suranjan M. Sen. Signed by Magistrate Judge Nicholas A Danella on April 11, 2022. (MEB2) (Entered: 04/11/2022)

April 11, 2022

April 11, 2022

PACER
10

TEXT ORDER granting 6 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney William R. Maurer. Signed by Magistrate Judge Nicholas A Danella on April 11, 2022. (MEB2) (Entered: 04/11/2022)

April 11, 2022

April 11, 2022

PACER
7

TEXT ORDER granting 3 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Samuel B. Gedge. Signed by Magistrate Judge Nicholas A Danella on April 11, 2022. (MEB2) (Entered: 04/11/2022)

April 11, 2022

April 11, 2022

PACER
8

TEXT ORDER granting 4 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Jaba Tsitsuashvili. Signed by Magistrate Judge Nicholas A Danella on April 11, 2022. (MEB2) (Entered: 04/11/2022)

April 11, 2022

April 11, 2022

PACER
9

TEXT ORDER granting 5 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Suranjan M. Sen. Signed by Magistrate Judge Nicholas A Danella on April 11, 2022. (MEB2) (Entered: 04/11/2022)

April 11, 2022

April 11, 2022

PACER
10

TEXT ORDER granting 6 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney William R. Maurer. Signed by Magistrate Judge Nicholas A Danella on April 11, 2022. (MEB2) (Entered: 04/11/2022)

April 11, 2022

April 11, 2022

PACER
11

NOTICE of Appearance by William M Dawson on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/21/2022)

April 21, 2022

April 21, 2022

PACER
12

NOTICE of Appearance by Samuel B. Gedge on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Gedge, Samuel) (Entered: 04/21/2022)

April 21, 2022

April 21, 2022

PACER
13

NOTICE of Appearance by Jaba Tsitsuashvili on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Tsitsuashvili, Jaba) (Entered: 04/21/2022)

April 21, 2022

April 21, 2022

PACER
14

NOTICE of Appearance by Suranjan Michael Sen on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Sen, Suranjan) (Entered: 04/21/2022)

April 21, 2022

April 21, 2022

PACER
15

NOTICE of Appearance by William R. Maurer on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Maurer, William) (Entered: 04/21/2022)

April 21, 2022

April 21, 2022

PACER
11

NOTICE of Appearance by William M Dawson on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/21/2022)

April 21, 2022

April 21, 2022

PACER
12

NOTICE of Appearance by Samuel B. Gedge on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Gedge, Samuel) (Entered: 04/21/2022)

April 21, 2022

April 21, 2022

PACER
13

NOTICE of Appearance by Jaba Tsitsuashvili on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Tsitsuashvili, Jaba) (Entered: 04/21/2022)

April 21, 2022

April 21, 2022

PACER
14

NOTICE of Appearance by Suranjan Michael Sen on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Sen, Suranjan) (Entered: 04/21/2022)

April 21, 2022

April 21, 2022

PACER
15

NOTICE of Appearance by William R. Maurer on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Maurer, William) (Entered: 04/21/2022)

April 21, 2022

April 21, 2022

PACER
16

Summons Issued as to Jett's Towing, Inc., Marcus Sellers, The Town of Brookside, Alabama. Returned to plaintiff for service. (DNW) (Entered: 04/22/2022)

April 22, 2022

April 22, 2022

PACER
16

Summons Issued as to Jett's Towing, Inc., Marcus Sellers, The Town of Brookside, Alabama. Returned to plaintiff for service. (DNW) (Entered: 04/22/2022)

April 22, 2022

April 22, 2022

PACER
17

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Brittany Coleman, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas, Chekeithia Grant. Jett's Towing, Inc. served on 4/22/2022, answer due 5/13/2022. (Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/27/2022)

April 27, 2022

April 27, 2022

PACER
18

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Brittany Coleman, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas, Chekeithia Grant. The Town of Brookside, Alabama served on 4/22/2022, answer due 5/13/2022. (Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/27/2022)

April 27, 2022

April 27, 2022

PACER
17

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Brittany Coleman, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas, Chekeithia Grant. Jett's Towing, Inc. served on 4/22/2022, answer due 5/13/2022. (Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/27/2022)

April 27, 2022

April 27, 2022

PACER
18

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Brittany Coleman, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas, Chekeithia Grant. The Town of Brookside, Alabama served on 4/22/2022, answer due 5/13/2022. (Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/27/2022)

April 27, 2022

April 27, 2022

PACER
19

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Brittany Coleman, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas, Chekeithia Grant. Marcus Sellers served on 4/28/2022, answer due 5/19/2022. (Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/29/2022)

April 29, 2022

April 29, 2022

PACER
19

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Brittany Coleman, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas, Chekeithia Grant. Marcus Sellers served on 4/28/2022, answer due 5/19/2022. (Dawson, William) (Entered: 04/29/2022)

April 29, 2022

April 29, 2022

PACER
20

MOTION to Dismiss by Jett's Towing, Inc.. (Tidwell, Jay) (Entered: 05/13/2022)

May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022

RECAP
21

MOTION to Dismiss by The Town of Brookside, Alabama. (Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 05/13/2022)

May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022

RECAP
22

MOTION to Dismiss Grant and Thomas on Statute of Limitations Grounds by The Town of Brookside, Alabama. (Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 05/13/2022)

May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022

RECAP
20

MOTION to Dismiss by Jett's Towing, Inc.. (Tidwell, Jay) (Entered: 05/13/2022)

May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022

RECAP
21

MOTION to Dismiss by The Town of Brookside, Alabama. (Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 05/13/2022)

May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022

RECAP
22

MOTION to Dismiss Grant and Thomas on Statute of Limitations Grounds by The Town of Brookside, Alabama. (Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 05/13/2022)

May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022

RECAP
23

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas S Hale on behalf of Marcus Sellers (Hale, Thomas) (Entered: 05/18/2022)

May 18, 2022

May 18, 2022

PACER
23

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas S Hale on behalf of Marcus Sellers (Hale, Thomas) (Entered: 05/18/2022)

May 18, 2022

May 18, 2022

PACER
24

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 20 MOTION to Dismiss, 22 MOTION to Dismiss Grant and Thomas on Statute of Limitations Grounds, 21 MOTION to Dismiss, Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to Amend 1 Complaint by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Tsitsuashvili, Jaba) (Entered: 05/19/2022)

May 19, 2022

May 19, 2022

PACER
25

Case Reassigned to Judge R David Proctor. Magistrate Judge Nicholas A Danella no longer assigned to the case. Please use case number 2:22-cv-00423-RDP on all subsequent pleadings (DNW) (Entered: 05/19/2022)

May 19, 2022

May 19, 2022

PACER
26

INITIAL ORDER - with appendices attached. Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 5/19/2022. (KAM) (Entered: 05/19/2022)

May 19, 2022

May 19, 2022

PACER
24

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 20 MOTION to Dismiss, 22 MOTION to Dismiss Grant and Thomas on Statute of Limitations Grounds, 21 MOTION to Dismiss, Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to Amend 1 Complaint by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Tsitsuashvili, Jaba) (Entered: 05/19/2022)

May 19, 2022

May 19, 2022

PACER
25

Case Reassigned to Judge R David Proctor. Magistrate Judge Nicholas A Danella no longer assigned to the case. Please use case number 2:22-cv-00423-RDP on all subsequent pleadings (DNW) (Entered: 05/19/2022)

May 19, 2022

May 19, 2022

PACER
26

INITIAL ORDER - with appendices attached. Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 5/19/2022. (KAM) (Entered: 05/19/2022)

May 19, 2022

May 19, 2022

PACER
27

TEXT ORDER Before the court is Plaintiffs Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time 24 . The Motion 24 is GRANTED. On or before June 17, 2022, Plaintiffs SHALL either separately respond to the three motions to dismiss or file an amended complaint. Plaintiffs are ADVISED to consider the viability of their putative class action complaint's request to certify a Rule 23(b)(3) damages class, particularly in light of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes, 546 U.S. 338 (2011), and its progeny. Plaintiffs are FURTHER ADVISED to consider the effect of an earlier filed putative class action, Thomas v. Town of Brookside, 2:22-cv-157-AMM (N.D. Ala. 2022). Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 5/23/2022. (KAM) (Entered: 05/23/2022)

May 23, 2022

May 23, 2022

PACER

PHV Fee Paid

May 23, 2022

May 23, 2022

PACER
28

MOTION for Limited Admission of Victoria Clark by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Dawson, William) (Entered: 05/23/2022)

May 23, 2022

May 23, 2022

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number AALNDC-4091967. (Dawson, William) NDAL rec# B4601120406 Modified on 6/10/2022 (KAM).

May 23, 2022

May 23, 2022

PACER
27

TEXT ORDER Before the court is Plaintiffs Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time 24 . The Motion 24 is GRANTED. On or before June 17, 2022, Plaintiffs SHALL either separately respond to the three motions to dismiss or file an amended complaint. Plaintiffs are ADVISED to consider the viability of their putative class action complaint's request to certify a Rule 23(b)(3) damages class, particularly in light of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes, 546 U.S. 338 (2011), and its progeny. Plaintiffs are FURTHER ADVISED to consider the effect of an earlier filed putative class action, Thomas v. Town of Brookside, 2:22-cv-157-AMM (N.D. Ala. 2022). Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 5/23/2022. (KAM) (Entered: 05/23/2022)

May 23, 2022

May 23, 2022

PACER

PHV Fee Paid

May 23, 2022

May 23, 2022

PACER
28

MOTION for Limited Admission of Victoria Clark by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Dawson, William) (Entered: 05/23/2022)

May 23, 2022

May 23, 2022

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number AALNDC-4091967. (Dawson, William) NDAL rec# B4601120406 Modified on 6/10/2022 (KAM).

May 23, 2022

May 23, 2022

PACER
29

TEXT ORDER - Before the court is Victoria Clarks Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice 28 . The Motion 28 is GRANTED. Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 5/24/2022. (KAM) (Entered: 05/24/2022)

May 24, 2022

May 24, 2022

PACER
29

TEXT ORDER - Before the court is Victoria Clarks Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice 28 . The Motion 28 is GRANTED. Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 5/24/2022. (KAM) (Entered: 05/24/2022)

May 24, 2022

May 24, 2022

PACER
30

MOTION to Stay by The Town of Brookside, Alabama. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 06/15/2022)

June 15, 2022

June 15, 2022

PACER
31

ORDER This case is before the court on the parties Joint Motion to Temporarily Stay Discovery Obligations 30 ; The court hereby GRANTS the Motion; The parties' discovery obligations pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 16 and 26 and the courts Initial Order e temporarily STAYED until the court rules on Defendants motions to dismiss; If one or more Defendants answer Plaintiffs amended complaint (rather than move to dismiss it), the parties SHALL hold their Rule 26(f) conference no later than ten (10) days after the filing of the answer(s). Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 6/15/2022. (KAM) (Entered: 06/15/2022)

June 15, 2022

June 15, 2022

PACER
30

MOTION to Stay by The Town of Brookside, Alabama. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 06/15/2022)

June 15, 2022

June 15, 2022

PACER
31

ORDER This case is before the court on the parties Joint Motion to Temporarily Stay Discovery Obligations 30 ; The court hereby GRANTS the Motion; The parties' discovery obligations pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 16 and 26 and the courts Initial Order e temporarily STAYED until the court rules on Defendants motions to dismiss; If one or more Defendants answer Plaintiffs amended complaint (rather than move to dismiss it), the parties SHALL hold their Rule 26(f) conference no later than ten (10) days after the filing of the answer(s). Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 6/15/2022. (KAM) (Entered: 06/15/2022)

June 15, 2022

June 15, 2022

PACER
32

AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by Brittany Coleman, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas, Chekeithia Grant.(Tsitsuashvili, Jaba) (Entered: 06/17/2022)

June 17, 2022

June 17, 2022

Clearinghouse
32

AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by Brittany Coleman, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas, Chekeithia Grant.(Tsitsuashvili, Jaba) (Entered: 06/17/2022)

June 17, 2022

June 17, 2022

Clearinghouse
33

TEXT ORDER Before the court are Defendants Motions to Dismiss 20, 21, 22 . Plaintiffs have since filed an Amended Complaint 32 . Because the Motions at issue are no longer directed to the operative complaint, those Motions 20, 21, 22 are ADMINISTRATIVELY TERMINATED. Plaintiffs SHALL timely respond to the Amended Complaint 32 . Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 6/21/2022. (KAM) (Entered: 06/21/2022)

June 21, 2022

June 21, 2022

PACER
33

TEXT ORDER Before the court are Defendants Motions to Dismiss 20, 21, 22 . Plaintiffs have since filed an Amended Complaint 32 . Because the Motions at issue are no longer directed to the operative complaint, those Motions 20, 21, 22 are ADMINISTRATIVELY TERMINATED. Plaintiffs SHALL timely respond to the Amended Complaint 32 . Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 6/21/2022. (KAM) (Entered: 06/21/2022)

June 21, 2022

June 21, 2022

PACER
34

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas S Hale on behalf of Maresha Moses (Hale, Thomas) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

PACER
35

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas S Hale on behalf of Anthony Ragsdale (Hale, Thomas) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

PACER
36

NOTICE by Maresha Moses (OF ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE) (Hale, Thomas) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

PACER
37

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time (FOR FILING MOTION OR RESPONSIVE PLEADING) by Maresha Moses, Anthony Ragsdale, Marcus Sellers. (Hale, Thomas) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

PACER
38

TEXT ORDER Before the court is Defendants Sellers, Moses, and Ragsdales Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time 37 . The Motion 37 is GRANTED. Defendants Sellers, Moses, and Ragsdale SHALL respond to the amended complaint on or before July 22, 2022. Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 6/29/2022. (KAM) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

PACER
34

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas S Hale on behalf of Maresha Moses (Hale, Thomas) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

PACER
35

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas S Hale on behalf of Anthony Ragsdale (Hale, Thomas) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

PACER
36

NOTICE by Maresha Moses (OF ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE) (Hale, Thomas) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

PACER
37

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time (FOR FILING MOTION OR RESPONSIVE PLEADING) by Maresha Moses, Anthony Ragsdale, Marcus Sellers. (Hale, Thomas) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

PACER
38

TEXT ORDER Before the court is Defendants Sellers, Moses, and Ragsdales Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time 37 . The Motion 37 is GRANTED. Defendants Sellers, Moses, and Ragsdale SHALL respond to the amended complaint on or before July 22, 2022. Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 6/29/2022. (KAM) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

PACER
39

MOTION to Dismiss First Amended Complaint by The Town of Brookside, Alabama. (Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 07/01/2022)

July 1, 2022

July 1, 2022

RECAP
39

MOTION to Dismiss First Amended Complaint by The Town of Brookside, Alabama. (Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 07/01/2022)

July 1, 2022

July 1, 2022

RECAP
40

TEXT ORDER Before the court is Defendant Town of Brooksides Motion to Dismiss 39 . The parties are REMINDED to brief the motion in accordance with Exhibit B to the courts Initial Order 26 . Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 7/5/2022. (KAM) (Entered: 07/05/2022)

July 5, 2022

July 5, 2022

PACER
41

NOTICE by Anthony Ragsdale (OF ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE) (Hale, Thomas) (Entered: 07/05/2022)

July 5, 2022

July 5, 2022

PACER
42

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 39 MOTION to Dismiss First Amended Complaint and officers' expected motion(s) to dismiss Coleman by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Tsitsuashvili, Jaba) (Entered: 07/05/2022)

July 5, 2022

July 5, 2022

PACER
40

TEXT ORDER Before the court is Defendant Town of Brooksides Motion to Dismiss 39 . The parties are REMINDED to brief the motion in accordance with Exhibit B to the courts Initial Order 26 . Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 7/5/2022. (KAM) (Entered: 07/05/2022)

July 5, 2022

July 5, 2022

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Alabama

Case Type(s):

Policing

Special Collection(s):

Fines/Fees/Bail Reform (Criminalization of Poverty)

Traffic Stop Litigation

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 4, 2022

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The "Towing Class" to be composed of "[a]ll persons who, since March 1, 2018, have paid fees to either the Town of Brookside or Jett’s Towing (or both) to secure the release of a vehicle towed on the orders of the Brookside Police Department following a traffic stop.” The "Charging Class" to be composed of "[a]ll persons who have been charged with offenses in Brookside Municipal Court following traffic stops by the Brookside Police Department since March 1, 2018." The "Vehicle Retention Sub-Class" of the "Towing Class" to be composed of “[a]ll persons who, since June 17, 2020, have paid fees to the Town of Brookside to secure the release of a vehicle towed on the orders of the Brookside Police Department following a traffic stop.”

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Institute for Justice

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

Town of Brookside, Alabama (Jefferson), City

Jett's Towing, Inc. (Jefferson), Private Entity/Person

Town of Brookside, Alabama (Jefferson), City

Defendant Type(s):

Law-enforcement

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Due Process: Procedural Due Process

Unreasonable search and seizure

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Courts

Fines/Fees/Bail/Bond

Forfeiture

Pattern or Practice

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Over/Unlawful Detention (facilities)

Policing:

False arrest

Traffic Stops