Lawsuit targets penalties for minors in Michigan alcohol cases

Associated Press Report

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By WSBT 24/7 News

Story Created: Apr 4, 2009 at 1:30 PM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 4, 2009 at 1:30 PM EDT


PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) — A lawsuit aims to stop district court judges in Oakland County from sending minors to jail for violating probation after their first conviction for possessing alcohol.

The Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News report a lawsuit was filed Thursday in Oakland County Circuit Court over the actions of judges in 48th District Court in Bloomfield Township and the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills.

Lawyer Jim Amberg sued on behalf of some families and says judges are "intentionally circumventing the law" by imposing harsh rules on first-time offenders.

Judge Lisa Asadoorian presides in 52-3 District Court and defends the practice of jailing in some cases. In 48th District Court, Judge Diane D'Agostini says she is tough because she believes in accountability.

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