Prince William County LoiteringCommonwealth v. Arias 

A group of Latino men were standing on a public sidewalk near an apartment complex. Three police officers approached them and were asked to show identification. Those who were unable to prove that they lived in the apartment complex were charged with trespassing. Those who did show that they lived in the apartment complex were instead charged under the Prince William County loitering ordinance, which makes it unlawful to remain in a place "under circumstances which justify a reasonable suspicion that such person may be engaged in, or is about to engage in, a crime, or with the purpose of begging." We filed a motion to dismiss. On October 7, 2009, prosecutors voluntarily dismissed the case.

Court Documents (click links to view .pdf)
Prince William County General District Court-- Motion to Dismiss

Attorney(s)

Rebecca Glenberg, ACLU of Virginia

Pro Bono Law Firm(s)

Mark Voss, Daniel Voss, Manassas

Date filed

August 14, 2009

Court

Prince William County General District Court

Status

Cerrado