DETROIT — The ACLU of Michigan filed a federal lawsuit last week against a state law prohibiting panhandling in public areas.

Attorney General Bill Schuette, Grand Rapids Chief of Police Kevin Belk and officer Gregory Bauer are named as defendants. A person found “begging in a public place” is deemed “disorderly” according to the law. 

A total of 399 incidents were reported from Jan. 1, 2008 through May 24, 2011 leading to more than 1,600 days in jail and $60,000 in taxpayer expenses over the “unconstitutional state statute” according to the suit.