Hughes v. Smith County Jail Detention Settlement
From $685.87
What happened
Smith County detained people at the Smith County Jail for more than two days after they completed their custodial felony sentences. A federal court approved a settlement requiring the County to pay compensation to those affected.
Do you qualify?
Anyone detained at Smith County Jail for more than two days after completing a custodial felony sentence between July 11, 2021, and December 31, 2024.
How to file
Submit a simple claim form online or by mail by November 2, 2026. A check will be mailed to you after submission. No proof of purchase is required.
Common questions
- How much does the Hughes v. Smith County Jail Detention Settlement pay?
- Estimated payout: From $685.87. Actual amounts depend on how many valid claims are filed — most settlements divide a fixed fund pro rata, so a higher claim rate means a smaller individual check. An "up to" figure is a cap, not a guarantee.
- What is the claim deadline for the Hughes v. Smith County Jail Detention Settlement?
- The claim deadline is November 2, 2026. Filing is free and is done on the official settlement website at smithcountysettlement.com.
- Do I need proof of purchase for the Hughes v. Smith County Jail Detention Settlement?
- No. You can file without a receipt or proof of purchase. You attest that you qualify and submit basic details, though claims are still subject to review and submitting a false claim is a crime.
- Is the Hughes v. Smith County Jail Detention Settlement notice real, or a scam?
- Claims are filed at smithcountysettlement.com. Filing a class action claim is always free — no legitimate settlement charges you to claim, and no administrator will ask for payment, a gift card, or your full Social Security number by email or text. If a notice asks for any of those, it is not from the administrator. When in doubt, ignore the link you were sent and go to the official settlement website directly.
- How long until I get paid from the Hughes v. Smith County Jail Detention Settlement?
- Class action payouts typically take 12 to 24 months after the claim deadline, and longer if the settlement is appealed. Payments cannot be issued until the court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved.
- What happens if I do nothing?
- You receive no payment, and in most class actions you also give up the right to sue Smith County, Texas separately over these same claims. To keep that right you must opt out (exclude yourself) by January 31, 2026.
Who's involved
Plaintiffs
- Demarcus Lively
- Angela Alonzo
- Ladarion Hughes
Defendants
- Smith County, Texas
Counsel for plaintiffs
- Jon LoevyLoevy & Loevy
- Stephen H. WeilRomanucci & Blandin
- Margaret GouldLoevy & Loevy
- Akeeb Dami AnimashaunAkeeb Dami Animashaun, Esq.
- Camilla HsuDeason Criminal Justice Reform Center
- Nathan Alexander FennellDeason Criminal Justice Reform Center
Counsel for defendants
- James Arthur Evans , IIIRamey Flock, PC
- David R. Herring IglesiasIglesias PLLC
Parties and counsel from the public court docket. Listing an attorney here isn't an endorsement, and ClaimWatch isn't affiliated with any of them.
New to class actions?
This summary was generated from public settlement documents and may contain errors. Confirm eligibility, deadlines, and payment terms on the official settlement website before filing. ClaimWatch is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Filing a claim is free.
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