press releases

For Immediate Release: Waiting for Justice in Ferguson: Seven Years and Counting

February 8, 2022 The murder of Mike Brown and the Ferguson uprising exposed Ferguson’s practices of predatory policing, operating an extortionary municipal court, and illegally jailing impoverished people. Seven...

read more

THE STATUS OF BAIL, COURTS, AND CAGES IN ST. LOUIS

A Statement by ArchCity Defenders November 15, 2021  In 2019, ArchCity Defenders and partners from across the country challenged a system of cash bail that routinely caused people to...

read more

For Immediate Release: Excessive Force and Unlawful Search and Seizure Lawsuit Filed Against Five Maryland Heights Police Officers and Maryland Heights

October 25, 2021  Today in federal court, ArchCity Defenders and the Powell Law Firm filed a lawsuit on behalf of Tranell Stewart and Lisa Jones, respectively, alleging that officers...

read more

Statement from Coalition of St. Louis Area Community Organizations on Jones Administration’s Decision to Increase Police Presence in Downtown St. Louis

September 21, 2021 On September 14, Mayor Tishaura Jones announced that her administration will increase the police presence in downtown St. Louis in response to recent reports of violence...

read more

For Immediate Release: Elderly Black Veteran Killed by St. Louis City Police on a “No Knock” Warrant, Family Files Federal Lawsuit 

June 30, 2021 On February 21, 2017, officers with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, unlawfully stormed into the home of Don...

read more

For Immediate Release: New Federal Lawsuit Details Culture of Water Deprivation and Excessive Macing at City Justice Center

May 24, 2021 In the same jail that’s been the source of recent uprisings and public scrutiny, three men detained pretrial are filing a lawsuit alleging their 14th amendment...

read more

ArchCity Defenders Publishes ‘Know Your Rights’ Guide for People Facing Eviction

ArchCity’s housing rights guide is the latest material designed to help an individual represent, defend, and advocate for themself in court. The majority of people facing eviction are “pro...

read more

For Immediate Release: Man with Disability Held at City Jail Secures Shower After 160 Days & Lawsuit

City Agreement Comes Shortly After Court Granted Temporary Restraining Order Against Jail March 26, 2021 Today in federal court, the City of St. Louis committed to doing the right...

read more

For Immediate Release: Man with a Disability Sues City Justice Center After Being Denied a Shower for Over 150 Days

Federal lawsuit comes three weeks after Mayor’s office denies any concerns with the jail Today in federal court, ArchCity Defenders (ACD), Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Law Legal...

read more

For Immediate Release: ArchCity Defenders and Co-Counsel Challenge St. Clair County Practice of Extracting Social Security Benefits for Court and Jail Costs

February 23, 2021 ArchCity Defenders, Terrell Marshall, and Gupta Wessler have filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of George Richey, an honorably discharged Army veteran, father, and grandfather who...

read more

Subscribe