Unhoused / Homeless
Jonathan Mercedes v. City of New York et. al.
Jonathan Mercedes v. City of New York et. al. involves a false arrest under NY State Mental Hygiene Law Section 9.41. Jonathan Mercedes was arrested by police despite officers observing no action by Mr. Mercedes that indicated that he was a danger to himself or others. The NY State Mental Hygiene Law has received heightened public attention recently, following NYC Mayor Eric Adams' announcement that he intends to use it to forcibly hospitalize unhoused people.
Coalition on Homelessness v. City and County of San Francisco et al
Coalition on Homelessness v. City and County of San Francisco et al challenges San Francisco's policy of towing safely parked cars solely because the owner has 5+ parking tickets. The policy disproportionately harms unhoused people who live in their vehicles. Our brief argues that allowing police to initiate these tows without a warrant violates the Fourth Amendment and elevates the risk of police violence by unnecessarily increasing police contact with the public.
Allen et al v. City of Pomona
City of Pomona illegally seizing the property of its residents experiencing homelessness. We sued to stop the practice and force the city to honor the plaintiffs' constitutional rights and compensate them for lost property.
Resolved post-filing; no dispositive motions decided.
Glenn v. City of Los Angeles
29 y.o. man shot and during struggle with police; officer claimed Glenn reached for partner’s gun; video contradicted officer’s claim; survived by mother and 4 y.o. son.
Related article: https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-glenn-lapd-shooting-settlement-20161202-story.html
Cotton v. City of Eureka
Police beat to death a homeless, mentally ill, drug-addicted, 26 y.o. man; verdict includes $75k punitive damages, $1,250,000 for decedent’s pain and suffering, and non-economic damages awarded to father; does not include attorneys fees awarded separately.
Thomas v. City of Fullerton, et al
Police severely beat 37 yr. old schizophrenic, homeless man after he failed to comply with commands, died a few days later. Survived by parents; officers charged but not convicted.
Jones, et al. v. City of Albuquerque
Shooting death of 38 y. o., schizophrenic, homeless man, after being found camping on public lands in Albuquerque, survived by brother. Officers currently on trial for 2nd degree murder.