Detroit-area prosecutor dismissing 1,700 virus tickets

DETROIT (AP) — A Detroit-area prosecutor is dismissing more than 1,700 tickets that were issued for violating Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's coronavirus restrictions.

The cases were filed before the Michigan Supreme Court in October said Whitmer's emergency orders were made under a law that was unconstitutional, Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy said Monday.

Most cases — 1,632 — were misdemeanors filed in Detroit and still pending when Worthy made the announcement. Detroit police were aggressive in writing tickets for large gatherings or violations of other orders that were aimed at reducing the spread of the virus.

About 50 cases in suburban courts already have been resolved, according to the prosecutor's office. Anyone who paid fines should be able to pursue a refund.

"It is my earnest hope that people will continue to wear face masks, social distance, quarantine when warranted," Worthy said.