Facts

Plaintiffs Brian Chavez, Brandon Bracamontes filed a class action suit against defendant County of Santa Clara in regards to inmates being held in solitary confinement and mistreatment of inmates in prison

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiffs claimed that the County of Santa Clara violated the constitutional rights of inmates by placing them in solitary confinement. Plaintiffs later amended the suit to include claims pertaining to suicide prevention; dental, medical, and mental health care; use of force; and failure to accommodate inmates with non-mobility disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Plaintiffs sought injunctive relief for the constitutional and ADA violations.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendants disputed the allegations

Result

The parties reached a settlement agreement. Under the terms of the consent decree, the county agreed to implement various remedial, which include making several modifications to the intake and booking process, improve the delivery of medical, dental, and mental health care while in custody, additional efforts at suicide prevention, and the use a new, innovative phased approach to housing inmates who engage in violence. In addition, for officers using force against inmates, the county has developed a new policy and implemented extensive training to staff on the policy as well as crisis intervention and conflict resolution training. The consent decree also includes attorney fees in the sum of $1.6 million.