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Court rules in tow case

by Ashley Archibald | May 17th, 2017

A Seattle Municipal Court judge ruled May 12 against a man who claimed that the city of Seattle had violated his constitutional rights when it towed and impounded his broken-down truck. Steven Long, 57, who was experiencing homelessness, returned to a gravel lot at Rainier Avenue and Dearborn Street to find that his truck, which he was using as a residence, had been towed because he had been parked there for more than 72 hours.

Long and attorneys from Columbia Legal Services argued that the tow — which racked up hundreds of dollars in fines and deprived him of his vehicle, plumbing tools, warm clothing and food — violated the constitutional protections against excessive, punitive fines and deprivation of life, liberty or property.

They also believe that the seizure violated the state constitution, which protects property used as a residence.

Judge Karen Donahue ruled that parking enforcement had followed Seattle law and that fees associated with the tow were not considered “excessive fines.” An appeal is planned.

Ashley Archibald is a Staff Reporter covering local government, policy and equity. Have a story idea? She can be can reached at ashleya (at) realchangenews (dot) org. Twitter @AshleyA_RC

Read the full May 17 issue.

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