On November 2, 2002, local police officers in Racine, Wisconsin raided a benefit party featuring electronic music. Three people were arrested on drug charges but over 440 people were issued citations for $968 just for being at a party where drugs were found.
Police cited people under a city ordinance that prohibits people from remaining in a building that is used for ""the purpose of selling, serving, storing, keeping or giving away controlled substances."" Although the fine was reduced to $100 for those who would plea guilty, the majority of partygoers refused the offer, sticking to their non-guilty pleas and defending their right to attend a rave.
The ACLU Drug Policy Litigation Project worked with the ACLU of Wisconsin and the Electronic Music Defense and Education Fund (EM:DEF) to petition the Racine City Attorney to drop the citations and uphold the attendees' First Amendment rights of expression and association. In November, the ACLU sent a letter to the City expressing its concerns and the legal ramifications of the raid. In January 2003, the City of Racine announced that it would drop all charges against the 441 people. The City would also work to update its disorderly house ordinance, develop guidelines, and train Racine police for future enforcement.
To see the ACLU press release, please click here.
To read the ACLU letter that was sent to the City Attorney of Racine, please click here.
To read stories from people attending the fundraiser, please click here.
To view media coverage, please click here.