Challenging Pretrial Detention Practices in Maryland
Butler v. Prince George’s County et al. (previously Frazier v. PG County et al.)
In 2022, CRC and partners filed a class action lawsuit challenging Prince George’s County’s pretrial detention practices. The lawsuit seeks a declaration that PG County and its officials violate Plaintiffs’ rights under the United States and Maryland Constitutions by detaining people pretrial without meeting the substantive and procedural standards required for pretrial detention. Plaintiffs also seek a preliminary and permanent injunction requiring PG County to immediately halt its illegal practices, as well as money damages for every day of unconstitutional detention for each member of the Plaintiff class.
Media Coverage:
Editorial Board: As inmates languish, Prince George’s County judges turn a blind eye | Washington Post | July 24, 2022
Judges ordered their release from jail. They weren’t let out, lawsuit says. | Washington Post | July 20, 2022
Partners:
Georgetown Law's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection
Filings:
More from the Ending the Criminalization of Poverty
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Since the landmark Humphrey ruling, our California habeas project has expanded: providing training and partnering, so far, with 17 county public defender and appointed defender offices spanning all 6 of California’s intermediate appellate districts and the California Supreme Court.
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In partnership with public defenders in Oregon, Civil Rights Corps is challenging Oregon’s longstanding practices of jailing people charged with misdemeanors prior to trial and jailing people charged with other crimes without constitutionally required due process.
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Guill v. Allen. In November 2019, CRC filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of three people locked in jail cells in Alamance County, North Carolina only because they are too poor to purchase their freedom.