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ST. LOUIS RECORD

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Close to 10,000 eligible for payout from Ferguson illegal fees settlement

State Court
Roediger

Roediger

Nearly 10,000 people are eligible for a share of close to $1.7 million after the City of Ferguson reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit over the illegal charging of court fees.

The class action stems from the aftermath of the controversial death of Michael Brown in August 2014.

Following Brown's police-involved death, it emerged that several municipalities in the St. Louis metro area charged fees were charged fees after being issued warrants or failing to appear in court.

Those who paid the fees will get 80 percent of what they paid in a refund if they file a claim, attorneys for the lead plaintiff, Roelif Carter, said.

The City of Ferguson did not respond to a request for comment from the St. Louis Record. 

St. Louis County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Dueker has approved a settlement of $1,699,405 to be distributed to class members.

ArchCity Defenders, the Saint Louis University School of Law Legal Clinics, and the Campbell Law Firm filed the suit on behalf of Carter.

“The lawsuit is an example of the problems that went on in Ferguson, and I feel that the settlement is good because people are going through a lot nowadays,” Carter said.

“Throughout my life, I’ve stood up to injustice, from my time in the Air Force to living in Ferguson. I’ll continue to stand up so things are better for my children and grandchildren.”

Brendan Roediger of the St. Louis University School of Law Legal Clinics and one of the lawyers for the plaintiffs, said in a statement: “The killing of Michael Brown brought into sharp focus abuses in municipal courts throughout St. Louis County and across the state. This is just one of many lawsuits which continue to move through the courts to correct these abuses."

Roediger added that the the fees were not authorized by the state legislature or the Missouri Supreme Court. Ferguson no longer charges those fees.

This case against Ferguson is the fifth to be filed by the same team of attorneys. Similar settlements were previously reached with St. Louis, St. John, Florissant, and Jennings.

A second class action against Ferguson is ongoing in federal court in St. Louis. It is alleged Ferguson operated a de facto "debtors' prison" by putting individuals in jail for not being able to post bond or pay fines.

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