The District of Columbia agreed to pay $290,000 to resolve claims it arrested people for blocking passage as a form of racial discrimination.

According to plaintiffs in the case, the District of Columbia implemented discriminatory practices of arresting people for blocking passage or incommoding without probable cause. These arrests were a form of discrimination, the class action lawsuit contends.

The District of Columbia has laws that forbid “crowding, obstructing or incommoding” on streets, highways, sidewalks, building entrances or other passages. Blocking passage is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine or up to 90 days in jail.

The District of Columbia hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to a $290,000 class action settlement to resolve the discrimination allegations.

Table of Contents

District of Columbia Discriminatory Arrests Class Action Lawsuit

Who’s Eligible:
- Individuals who were arrested in the District of Columbia on at least one occasion solely for blocking passage (also known as incommoding) after Sept. 18, 2014, but who were never criminally charged for blocking passage or had charges against them dropped by prosecutors.
Estimated Amount: Up to $4,000.
Proof of Purchase: N/A
Claim Form Deadline: 07/25/2023
Case Name & Number:
- Alexander v. Government of the District of Columbia, Case No. 1:17-cv-01885-ABJ, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
How to file a claim:
- Head over to the Claim Form.
- Read over the claim form to see if you are eligible.
- Complete the claim form with your info.
- Submit your claim form to receive your potential award!

File a Claim

(Click here to file a claim)

Bottom Line

Don’t forget to take a look at our full list of Class Action Lawsuit Settlements! Be sure to give our list of No-Proof Class Action lawsuit to see other settlements you may qualify for.