PHOENIX, Ariz. (February 24, 2015) - Perkins Coie attorneys Jean-Jacques “J” Cabou and Alexis Danneman won a dismissal of all charges against Monica Jones, the transgender student and activist wrongfully convicted under Phoenix’s “manifesting” intent to engage in prostitution ordinance.  On February 19, 2015, the City of Phoenix Municipal Court issued a “Notice of Dismissal” of the charge(s) in the case of the State of Arizona v. Monica Renee Jones under Phoenix’s “manifesting” intent to engage in prostitution ordinance. 

“Throughout this case we have stressed that Monica was convicted in an unconstitutional trial, under an unconstitutional law, of a crime she didn’t commit,” said Cabou.  “We are thrilled that the case is finally over and that Monica was vindicated.  We and Monica regret that the law remains on the books for now, but we will continue our efforts to get the City of Phoenix to repeal this ordinance.”

In Phoenix Municipal Court in April 2014, Jones, a transgender woman of color, was convicted of violating a law that criminalizes waving at cars, talking to passersby and asking if someone is a police officer.  It infringes on protected free speech rights, including the right to express one’s gender identity.

Jones’s appeal was supported by the ACLU and the ACLU of Arizona, along with the Transgender Law Center, Lambda Legal Defense and Education fund and the Urban Justice Center, all of which filed an amicus brief on Jones’ behalf. 

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