Letter requesting stop to the prosecution of individuals under Palm Beach County’s ordinance.

Florida Justice Institute, together with lawyer Sabarish Neelakanta of SPN Law have sent a letter to the West Palm Beach State Attorney to request a stop to the prosecution of individuals under Palm Beach County’s ordinance concerning solicitation and distribution, or panhandling.  A local judge found the ordinance unconstitutional, but police continue to arrest individuals and prosecute them for these charges, many of which have resulted in defendants entering a guilty plea and being subjected to fines and court costs. Such prosecutions create inconsistencies in the application of criminal penalties and laws within this judicial circuit, and importantly trample on the constitutional rights of Palm Beach County residents to be free from selective and unjust prosecutions.