5,000 panhandlers in Chicago filed a class-action lawsuit alleging they were unfairly ticketed or arrested while politely requesting money on the streets of Chicago. A federal judge has ordered a settlement in which each may receive up to $400.00.

The case, filed in federal court in 2001, focused on a local disorderly conduct law that let police arrest people on public streets for drunkenness, lewdness — and panhandling. If arrested, the person could face a fine of as much as $500.

"Having a blanket prohibition like that isn't legal," said Mark Weinberg, one of the attorneys who represents the panhandlers. "You can ask me for help to cross the street. You can ask me for the time. But if you asked me for a dollar, the city could throw you in jail."

....On Friday, federal Magistrate Nan R. Nolan approved a settlement that calls for Chicago to pay $99,000 in damages. The city, which admits no wrongdoing, also will pay an additional $375,000 to cover the prosecution's legal fees and the cost of distributing the money.

About 5,000 people are estimated to qualify to share in the settlement proceeds. The offending law has since been repealed.