$8.14M Cincinnati Political Protest Class Action Settlement

Individuals physically arrested during political protests in Cincinnati between May 29 and June 8, 2020, whom the city charged with a misdemeanor and later dismissed the charges may be eligible to receive a cash payment from a class action settlement.

The City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County agreed to pay $8,143,000 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging violations of civil rights during the 2020 protests. The lawsuit claimed unlawful arrests, excessive detention and other constitutional violations related to the protest response.

Who are the class members?

The settlement class includes individuals who meet all of the following criteria:

• The city of Cincinnati physically arrested them during political protests between May 29 and June 8, 2020.
• The city charged them with a misdemeanor offense.
• The city dismissed those charges.

The settlement administrator identified class members through court or public records and sent them a claims package in the mail. The claims package includes a designation of award, which shows the class member's proposed payment amount.

There are additional categories within the class:

• Conditions of confinement subclass: Class members detained for more than five hours in connection with their arrest may be eligible for additional compensation.
• Secondary claim for uncompensated injury: Class members who suffered uncompensated injuries (such as severe physical or mental injuries, medical expenses, lost earnings or property loss) may submit a secondary claim for further compensation.

Who is excluded from the class?

• Those who signed a release or waiver in connection with a plea agreement for charges arising between May 30 and June 8, 2020
• Individuals charged with or alleged to have committed a felony or offenses involving violence or property damage
• Those who brought separate claims against the City of Cincinnati for similar constitutional violations

How much can class members get?

The settlement provides several payment categories:

• Base award for all class members: The settlement administrator will divide the class fund, $5,029,500, equally among all class members.
• Conditions of confinement subclass: If the City of Cincinnati detained the class member for more than five hours, they may receive up to $2,000 from a $600,000 fund.
• Secondary claim fund: A $300,000 fund available for class members who suffered uncompensated injuries. The settlement administrator will determine payments based on the evidence submitted. If approved claims exceed the fund, the administrator will prorate the payments.

How to claim a class action payment

Class members do not need to take action to receive their base award. The settlement administrator already has the information for class members and will automatically mail payments.

However, if a class member believes they are eligible for additional compensation (either as part of the conditions of confinement subclass or for a secondary claim for uncompensated injury), they must submit the online claim form. There is no PDF claim form. The claim deadline is June 5, 2025.

If a class member needs to update their contact information or did not receive a claims package but believes they are eligible for the settlement, they should email info@cincinnatiprotestsettlement.com with their full name, mailing address and supporting documentation.

Required information

• For the base award, class members do not need to submit any information.
• For the conditions of confinement subclass, class members must submit a signed declaration attesting to detainment for more than five hours.
• For secondary claims, class members must submit evidence such as declarations, affidavits, medical records or other documentation supporting their uncompensated injury claim.

Payout options

The settlement administrator will mail checks to the address on file with the settlement administrator. Class members whose addresses have changed should update them with the administrator to ensure receipt of payment.

$8.14 million settlement fund breakdown

The $8,143,000 settlement fund covers:

• Class fund: $5,029,500
• Conditions of confinement subclass fund: $600,000
• Secondary claim fund: $300,000
• Administrative expense payment: $65,000
• Attorney fees: $2,035,750
• Attorney expenses: $5,000 (estimated)
• Class representative awards: $55,000 total ($5,000 each for 11 representatives)
• Reserve Fund: $52,750

If any money remains after all payments and costs, the settlement administrator will redistribute it to class members who received and cashed a previous payment or, if redistribution is not feasible, donate it to a charitable organization.

Important dates

• Deadline to opt out: April 3, 2026
• Final fairness hearing: May 7, 2026
• Deadline to submit additional claims: June 5, 2026

When is the Cincinnati protest settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments approximately 105 days after the court resolves any appeals and grants final approval to the settlement.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleged protestors and others arrested during political protests in Cincinnati in 2020 suffered injuries and civil rights violations. The plaintiffs claimed violations of their First, Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights, including unlawful arrest, excessive detention and other constitutional violations.

The parties agreed to settle to resolve these claims without further litigation, and the City of Cincinnati also agreed to policy and training revisions as part of the settlement.

Sources

1. Settlement agreement
2. Settlement FAQ