Case: Jones v. Grady County

1:13-cv-00156 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia

Filed Date: Sept. 24, 2013

Closed Date: Oct. 14, 2015

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On September 24, 2013, a resident of Georgia filed this class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and state law against Grady County and the judge who presides over the state court of Grady County. The plaintiff, represented by attorneys from the Southern Center for Human Rights, asked the court for declaratory and injunctive relief and compensatory damages. The plaintiff claimed that the defendants violated the class members' con…

On September 24, 2013, a resident of Georgia filed this class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and state law against Grady County and the judge who presides over the state court of Grady County. The plaintiff, represented by attorneys from the Southern Center for Human Rights, asked the court for declaratory and injunctive relief and compensatory damages. The plaintiff claimed that the defendants violated the class members' constitutional rights under the Due Process and Takings Clauses by unlawfully imposing "administrative costs" on people who had been convicted of misdemeanors and were being sentenced to probation. Specifically, the plaintiff alleged that the defendant judge devised and enforced a moneymaking scheme for the county under which he would impose administrative costs on criminal defendants to enable the county to collect the money and deposit it in the county treasury. These costs often ranged between $700 and $800 for each defendant, regardless of the underlying offense. The plaintiff claimed that, from July 2011 to July 2012, about 540 state defendants paid administrative fees amounting to more than $296,000.

The plaintiff pleaded guilty on July 9, 2012, to driving under the influence. The defendant judge sentenced her to one year of probation and, in addition to imposing the statutorily authorized costs and fees, he ordered that the plaintiff pay the county $700 in unspecified administrative costs. That same month, the defendant judge sent a letter to the Grady County Commission in which he explained that he was doing his best to make money for the county and requested a salary increase based on these efforts to "maximize" revenue. Georgia's Judicial Qualifications Commission issued a public reprimand to the defendant judge for this and other ethical violations on March 18, 2013.

The District Court (Judge W. Louis Sands) granted in part and denied in part the defendants' motions to dismiss on August 13, 2014. The court began by rejecting the county's attempt to dismiss the § 1983 claims, holding that the plaintiff properly stated claims against the county for its own direct violations of the Due Process and Takings Clauses. The court also let proceed the federal claim for declaratory relief and the state constitutional claim. It did, however, dismiss the plaintiff's state tort claims against the county on the basis of sovereign immunity. As for the allegations against the defendant judge, the district court denied his motion in its entirety. The court in particular rejected his argument that, because he was acting in his judicial capacity, he enjoyed judicial immunity from the federal and state law claims. The court determined that the immunity doctrine did not apply because the plaintiff sufficiently alleged that the defendant judge was acting in a legislative capacity when he created and enforced the policy requiring state court defendants to pay administrative costs.

In the months following the order, the parties engaged in mediation and ultimately reached a settlement. On March 18, 2015, the District Court (Judge Sands) entered an order certifying the class and preliminarily approving the parties' proposed settlement agreement. The court certified a class consisting of all individuals who were forced to pay administrative costs in connection with a criminal case before the defendant judge on or after September 24, 2011. The class included about 400 people. Under the agreement's terms, the defendants were to pay each class member $100 in compensatory damages as well as refund those who paid administrative costs in an amount up to $700.

Meanwhile, on September 9, 2015, the court granted the plaintiff $96,362.63 in attorneys’ fees and $4,392.34 in costs, for a total of $100,754.97. Following a fairness hearing on September 15, 2015, the court granted final approval of the settlement agreement on October 14, 2015. The case is now closed.

Summary Authors

Brian Tengel (3/28/2015)

Virginia Weeks (1/30/2018)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5302172/parties/jones-v-grady-county-georgia/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Geraghty, Sarah E. (Georgia)

Primerano, Ryan (Georgia)

Attorney for Defendant

Elliott, James L. (Georgia)

Garland, James A (Georgia)

Rollins, Raleigh W. (Georgia)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

1:13-cv-00156

Docket [PACER]

Oct. 14, 2015

Oct. 14, 2015

Docket
1

1:13-cv-00156

Complaint

Sept. 24, 2013

Sept. 24, 2013

Complaint
36

1:13-cv-00156

Order

Aug. 13, 2014

Aug. 13, 2014

Order/Opinion
44-2

1:13-cv-00156

Settlement Agreement

Jan. 12, 2015

Jan. 12, 2015

Settlement Agreement
47

1:13-cv-00156

Order on the Joint Motion for Certification of a Class for Settlement Purposes, Appointment of Class Counsel, Preliminary Approval of a Proposed Settlement, Direction Regarding Notice to the Class, and the Scheduling of a Final Fairness Hearing

March 18, 2015

March 18, 2015

Order/Opinion
56

1:13-cv-00156

Order

Sept. 9, 2015

Sept. 9, 2015

Order/Opinion

2015 WL 2015

59

1:13-cv-00156

Order Granting Final Approval of Class Action Settlement

Oct. 14, 2015

Oct. 14, 2015

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5302172/jones-v-grady-county-georgia/

Last updated Feb. 15, 2024, 3:12 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against J WILLIAM BASS, SR, GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA, Filing Fee $ 400, Receipt Number 1689610, filed by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2Exhibit 1 - Letter from Judge Bass to Grady County Commission, # 3 Exhibit 2 - Public Reprimand, # 4 Exhibit 3 - Notice of Formal Proceedings)(bcl) Modified on 9/26/2013 (bcl). (Entered: 09/25/2013)

Sept. 24, 2013

Sept. 24, 2013

PACER
2

Consent Form (28 USC 636(c)(1)) sent to ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES. (bcl) (Entered: 09/25/2013)

Sept. 25, 2013

Sept. 25, 2013

PACER
3

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES. as to GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA (WEBER, GERALD) (Entered: 11/07/2013)

Nov. 7, 2013

Nov. 7, 2013

PACER
4

MOTION to Dismiss Party GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA filed by GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA(ROLLINS, RALEIGH) (Entered: 11/14/2013)

Nov. 14, 2013

Nov. 14, 2013

PACER
5

MEMORANDUM in Support filed by GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA re: 4 MOTION to Dismiss Party GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA (ROLLINS, RALEIGH) (Entered: 11/14/2013)

Nov. 14, 2013

Nov. 14, 2013

PACER
6

MOTION for Extension of Time to File as to 4 MOTION to Dismiss Party GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES filed by Sarah Elisabeth Geraghty. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Geraghty, Sarah) (Entered: 11/22/2013)

Nov. 22, 2013

Nov. 22, 2013

PACER
7

ORDER granting 6 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply re 4 MOTION to Dismiss Party GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA. Ordered by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands on 12/3/2013. (bcl) (Entered: 12/04/2013)

Dec. 4, 2013

Dec. 4, 2013

PACER
8

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by J WILLIAM BASS, SR. as to J WILLIAM BASS, SR (Elliott, James) (Entered: 12/06/2013)

Dec. 6, 2013

Dec. 6, 2013

PACER
9

MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 1 Complaint, : by J WILLIAM BASS, SR filed by James L. Elliott.(Elliott, James) (Entered: 12/06/2013)

Dec. 6, 2013

Dec. 6, 2013

PACER
10

MEMORANDUM in Support filed by J WILLIAM BASS, SR re: 9 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 1 Complaint, : (Elliott, James) (Entered: 12/06/2013)

Dec. 6, 2013

Dec. 6, 2013

PACER
11

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response to Bass Motion to Dismiss. by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES filed by GERALD R WEBER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(WEBER, GERALD) (Entered: 12/09/2013)

Dec. 9, 2013

Dec. 9, 2013

PACER
12

ORDER granting 11 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response to Motion to Dismiss. Ordered by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands on 12/10/2013. (bcl) (Entered: 12/11/2013)

Dec. 11, 2013

Dec. 11, 2013

PACER
13

RULES 16/26 ORDER: Scheduling Conference set for 2/25/2014 03:30 PM in Albany before U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands. Ordered by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands on 12/16/13. (jbk) (Entered: 12/16/2013)

Dec. 16, 2013

Dec. 16, 2013

PACER
14

Arbitration Referral Letter sent 12/30/2013 (hrm) (Entered: 12/30/2013)

Dec. 30, 2013

Dec. 30, 2013

PACER
15

***Arbitration Opt Out Letter by Defendant (ELLIOTT, JAMES) (Entered: 12/30/2013)

Dec. 30, 2013

Dec. 30, 2013

PACER
16

***Arbitration Opt Out Letter by Defendant (ROLLINS, RALEIGH) (Entered: 01/06/2014)

Jan. 6, 2014

Jan. 6, 2014

PACER
17

MOTION for Extension of Time to File as to 9 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 1 Complaint, :, 4 MOTION to Dismiss Party GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES filed by Sarah Elisabeth Geraghty. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Geraghty, Sarah) (Entered: 01/09/2014)

Jan. 9, 2014

Jan. 9, 2014

PACER
18

ORDER granting 17 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply re 4 MOTION to Dismiss Party GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA, 9 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 1 Complaint. Ordered by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands on 1/10/2014. (bcl) (Entered: 01/13/2014)

Jan. 13, 2014

Jan. 13, 2014

PACER

(DOCKETED IN WRONG CASE - PLEASE DISREGARD) Proposed Scheduling/Discovery Order Received and forwarded to Chambers (wks) Modified on 1/14/2014 (wks).

Jan. 14, 2014

Jan. 14, 2014

PACER
19

RESPONSE filed by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES re 9 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 1 Complaint, : (Geraghty, Sarah) (Entered: 01/29/2014)

Jan. 29, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

PACER
20

RESPONSE filed by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES re 4 MOTION to Dismiss Party GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA (Geraghty, Sarah) (Entered: 01/29/2014)

Jan. 29, 2014

Jan. 29, 2014

PACER
21

Letter regarding 14 day extension of time to reply to response to Motion to Dismiss re 20 Response to Motion (ROLLINS, RALEIGH) (Entered: 02/06/2014)

Feb. 6, 2014

Feb. 6, 2014

PACER
22

Letter regarding Extension of time to file reply brief re 19 Response to Motion (ELLIOTT, JAMES) (Entered: 02/11/2014)

Feb. 11, 2014

Feb. 11, 2014

PACER

Proposed Scheduling/Discovery Order Received and forwarded to Chambers (bcl)

Feb. 17, 2014

Feb. 17, 2014

PACER
23

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by JAMES A GARLAND on behalf of GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA (GARLAND, JAMES) (Entered: 02/24/2014)

Feb. 24, 2014

Feb. 24, 2014

PACER
24

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by RYAN PRIMERANO on behalf of ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES (PRIMERANO, RYAN) (Entered: 02/25/2014)

Feb. 25, 2014

Feb. 25, 2014

PACER

Minute Entry for proceedings held before U.S. District Judge W LOUIS SANDS: Discovery Hearing held on 2/25/2014. Discovery and Scheduling Order to be entered. (Court Reporter: Darlene Pino.) (jbk)

Feb. 25, 2014

Feb. 25, 2014

PACER
25

SCHEDULING/DISCOVERY ORDER. Ordered by U.S. District Judge W LOUIS SANDS on 2/27/2014. (bcl) (Additional attachment(s) added on 2/28/2014: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (bcl). (Entered: 02/27/2014)

Feb. 27, 2014

Feb. 27, 2014

PACER
26

REPLY to Response filed by GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA re 4 MOTION to Dismiss Party GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA (ROLLINS, RALEIGH) (Entered: 02/28/2014)

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

PACER
27

AFFIDAVIT in Support filed by GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA re 4 MOTION to Dismiss Party GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(ROLLINS, RALEIGH) (Entered: 02/28/2014)

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

PACER
28

AFFIDAVIT in Support filed by GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA re 4 MOTION to Dismiss Party GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA (ROLLINS, RALEIGH) (Entered: 02/28/2014)

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

PACER
29

REPLY to Response filed by J WILLIAM BASS, SR re 9 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 1 Complaint, : (ELLIOTT, JAMES) (Entered: 02/28/2014)

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

PACER
30

MOTION for Leave to File Sur-Reply Brief by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES filed by Sarah Elisabeth Geraghty. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Geraghty, Sarah) (Entered: 03/07/2014)

March 7, 2014

March 7, 2014

PACER
31

ORDER granting 30 Motion for Leave to File Sur-Reply Brief. Ordered by U.S. District Judge W LOUIS SANDS on 3/12/2014 (bcl) (Entered: 03/14/2014)

March 14, 2014

March 14, 2014

PACER
32

MOTION Exclude Affidavits From Consideration re 28 Affidavit in Support of Motion, 27 Affidavit in Support of Motion by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES filed by Sarah Elisabeth Geraghty. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Geraghty, Sarah) (Entered: 03/17/2014)

March 17, 2014

March 17, 2014

PACER
33

SURREPLY filed by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES re 9 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 1 Complaint, :, 4 MOTION to Dismiss Party GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA (Geraghty, Sarah) (Entered: 03/27/2014)

March 27, 2014

March 27, 2014

PACER
34

RESPONSE filed by GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA re 32 MOTION Exclude Affidavits From Consideration re 28 Affidavit in Support of Motion, 27 Affidavit in Support of Motion (ROLLINS, RALEIGH) (Entered: 04/04/2014)

April 4, 2014

April 4, 2014

PACER
35

REPLY to Response filed by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES re 32 MOTION Exclude Affidavits From Consideration re 28 Affidavit in Support of Motion, 27 Affidavit in Support of Motion (PRIMERANO, RYAN) (Entered: 04/09/2014)

April 9, 2014

April 9, 2014

PACER
36

ORDER granting 32 Motion ; granting in part and denying in part 4 Motion to Dismiss Party; denying 9 Motion to Dismiss Complaint. Ordered by U.S. District Judge W LOUIS SANDS on 8/13/2014. (bcl) (Entered: 08/13/2014)

Aug. 13, 2014

Aug. 13, 2014

RECAP
37

MOTION to Stay Proceedings by J WILLIAM BASS, SR, GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA filed by RALEIGH ROLLINS. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(ROLLINS, RALEIGH) (Entered: 08/22/2014)

Aug. 22, 2014

Aug. 22, 2014

PACER
38

MOTION for Reconsideration re 36 Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, Order on Motion to Dismiss Party, Order on Motion to Dismiss Complaint by GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA filed by RALEIGH ROLLINS.(ROLLINS, RALEIGH) (Entered: 08/26/2014)

Aug. 26, 2014

Aug. 26, 2014

PACER
39

MEMORANDUM in Support filed by GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA re: 38 MOTION for Reconsideration re 36 Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, Order on Motion to Dismiss Party, Order on Motion to Dismiss Complaint (ROLLINS, RALEIGH) (Entered: 08/26/2014)

Aug. 26, 2014

Aug. 26, 2014

PACER
40

ORDER granting 37 Motion to Stay. Ordered by U.S. District Judge W LOUIS SANDS on 8/26/2014. (bcl) (Entered: 08/26/2014)

Aug. 26, 2014

Aug. 26, 2014

PACER
41

RESPONSE filed by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES re 38 MOTION for Reconsideration re 36 Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, Order on Motion to Dismiss Party, Order on Motion to Dismiss Complaint (Geraghty, Sarah) (Entered: 08/28/2014)

Aug. 28, 2014

Aug. 28, 2014

PACER
42

Letter regarding status of case (ELLIOTT, JAMES) (Entered: 11/06/2014)

Nov. 6, 2014

Nov. 6, 2014

PACER
43

ORDER denying 38 Motion for Reconsideration. The parties are ordered to file the necessary settlement documents with the Court within 60 days of the entry of this order. Ordered by U.S. District Judge W LOUIS SANDS on 11/13/2014. (bcl) (Entered: 11/13/2014)

Nov. 13, 2014

Nov. 13, 2014

PACER
44

JOINT MOTION to Certify Class, MOTION for Hearing, MOTION for Settlement Approval by ALL PARTIES filed by RALEIGH ROLLINS. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Exhibit 1 - Proposed Settlement Agreement, # 3 Exhibit 2 - Proposed Settlement Order)(ROLLINS, RALEIGH) (Entered: 01/12/2015)

1 Memorandum in Support

View on PACER

2 Exhibit 1

View on PACER

3 Exhibit 2

View on PACER

Jan. 12, 2015

Jan. 12, 2015

PACER
45

ORDER re 44 MOTION to Certify Class, MOTION for Hearing, MOTION for Settlement Approval. The parties are ordered to submit a revised proposed Order that provides analysis of the referenced Rules as applied to the proposed settlement. Also, the parties are ordered to attend personally or telephonically, a preliminary hearing on 3/18/15 at 11:00 a.m. Ordered by U.S. District Judge W LOUIS SANDS on 2/27/15. (wks) (Entered: 02/27/2015)

Feb. 27, 2015

Feb. 27, 2015

PACER
46

RESPONSE to Court Order re 45 Order, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Notice of Class Action)(Geraghty, Sarah) (Entered: 03/13/2015)

March 13, 2015

March 13, 2015

PACER

Minute Entry for proceedings held before U.S. District Judge W LOUIS SANDS: Telephone Conference / Motion Hearing held on 3/18/2015 re 44 MOTION to Certify Class filed by J WILLIAM BASS, SR, GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA. Attys Rollins and Elliott present, Attys Weber and Geraghty appeared via telephone. Discussions re proposed settlement and deadlines were established by the Court. Final Fairness Hearing set for September 15, 2015. Preliminary Order to be entered by the Court. (Court Reporter: Sally Gray.) (jbk)

March 18, 2015

March 18, 2015

PACER
47

ORDER granting 44 Motion to Certify Class; granting 44 Motion for Hearing; granting 44 Motion for Settlement Approval. Ordered by U.S. District Judge W LOUIS SANDS on 3/18/2015 (bcl) Modified on 3/18/2015 (bcl). (Entered: 03/18/2015)

March 18, 2015

March 18, 2015

RECAP
48

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Motion for Attorney Fees and Expenses. by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES filed by SARAH ELISABETH GERAGHTY. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(GERAGHTY, SARAH) (Entered: 04/24/2015)

April 24, 2015

April 24, 2015

PACER
49

ORDER granting 48 Motion for Extension of Time to file Motion for Attorneys Fees and Expenses. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE W LOUIS SANDS on 4/30/15 (wks) (Entered: 05/01/2015)

May 1, 2015

May 1, 2015

PACER
50

MOTION for Attorney Fees by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES filed by SARAH ELISABETH GERAGHTY. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Affidavit Weber, Gerry, # 3 Affidavit Geraghty, Sarah, # 4 Affidavit Primerano, Ryan, # 5 Affidavit Bracken, Larry, # 6 Affidavit Hodges, Kenneth)(GERAGHTY, SARAH) (Entered: 05/15/2015)

May 15, 2015

May 15, 2015

PACER
51

Letter regarding extension of time re 50 MOTION for Attorney Fees (ELLIOTT, JAMES) (Entered: 06/02/2015)

June 2, 2015

June 2, 2015

PACER

Notice of Clerk's Granting of Extension re: 51 Letter, 50 MOTION for Attorney Fees filed by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES. (bcl)

June 3, 2015

June 3, 2015

PACER
52

MOTION for Extension of Time to File to Motion for Attorneys' Fees as to 50 MOTION for Attorney Fees by J WILLIAM BASS, SR, GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA filed by JAMES L ELLIOTT. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(ELLIOTT, JAMES) (Entered: 06/11/2015)

June 11, 2015

June 11, 2015

PACER
53

ORDER granting 52 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply re 52 MOTION for Extension of Time to File to Motion for Attorneys' Fees as to 50 MOTION for Attorney Fees. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE W LOUIS SANDS on 6/15/2015. (bcl) (Entered: 06/16/2015)

June 16, 2015

June 16, 2015

PACER

NOTICE OF SETTING HEARING: Final Fairness Hearing re Settlement set for 9/15/2015 02:00 PM in Albany before US DISTRICT JUDGE W LOUIS SANDS. (jbk)

July 1, 2015

July 1, 2015

PACER
54

RESPONSE filed by J WILLIAM BASS, SR, GRADY COUNTY GEORGIA re 50 MOTION for Attorney Fees (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of James L. Elliott)(ELLIOTT, JAMES) (Entered: 07/10/2015)

July 10, 2015

July 10, 2015

PACER
55

REPLY to Response filed by ROBERTA IMOGENE JONES re 50 MOTION for Attorney Fees (GERAGHTY, SARAH) (Entered: 07/27/2015)

July 27, 2015

July 27, 2015

PACER
56

ORDER granting in part 50 Motion for Attorney Fees. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE W LOUIS SANDS on 9/9/2015. (bcl) (Entered: 09/09/2015)

Sept. 9, 2015

Sept. 9, 2015

RECAP
57

JUDGMENT on Attorney Fees. (bcl) (Entered: 09/09/2015)

Sept. 9, 2015

Sept. 9, 2015

PACER

Minute Entry for proceedings held before US DISTRICT JUDGE W LOUIS SANDS: Final Fairness hearing held on 9/15/2015. The Court heard from counsel as to notice requirements and was satisfied the parties had complied. Counsel to submit proposed order for the Court's review and consideration by 9/30/2015. Final Order to be entered by the Court. Court Reporter: Sally Gray. (jbk)

Sept. 15, 2015

Sept. 15, 2015

PACER
58

AMENDED ORDER amending 56 Order on Motion for Attorney Fees. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE W LOUIS SANDS on 9/17/2015. (bcl) (Entered: 09/17/2015)

Sept. 17, 2015

Sept. 17, 2015

PACER
59

ORDER Granting Final Approval of Class Action Settlement. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE W LOUIS SANDS on 10/13/2015. (bcl) (Entered: 10/14/2015)

Oct. 14, 2015

Oct. 14, 2015

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory: Georgia

Case Type(s):

Criminal Justice (Other)

Special Collection(s):

Fines/Fees/Bail Reform (Criminalization of Poverty)

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 24, 2013

Closing Date: Oct. 14, 2015

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

A resident of Georgia who was forced to pay certain administrative costs to Grady County upon pleading guilty for driving under the influence.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Southern Center for Human Rights (SCHR)

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Grady County (Grady), County

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

State law

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

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Monetary Relief

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Litigation

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: 100,754.97

Issues

General:

Courts