(PC) Simmons v. Kishbaugh
Trial Court Opinion
8 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 9 FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA MELVIN JOSEPH SIMMONS, No. 2:19-cv-1650-TLN-EFB P 12 Plaintiff, 13 v. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS C. KISHBAUGH, et al., 15 Defendants.
17 Plaintiff, a state prisoner proceeding without counsel, has requested leave to proceed in forma pauperis pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915. ECF No. 3. Because he has not shown that he is unable to prepay the filing fee for this action, his request should be denied.
20 Pursuant to federal statute, a filing fee of $350.00 is required to commence a civil action in federal district court. 28 U.S.C. § 1914(a). This court also requires a $50 administrative fee.
22 The court may authorize the commencement of an action without prepayment of the fees and costs by a person who submits an affidavit showing that he is unable to pay, i.e., that because of his poverty, he cannot afford the court costs and still provide himself and his dependents with the necessities of life. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(1); Martinez v. Kristi Kleaners, Inc., 364 F.3d 1305, 1307 (11th Cir. 2004) (affidavit is sufficient if it represents that the litigant is “unable to pay for the court fees and costs, and to provide necessities for himself and his dependents”) (citing Adkins v. E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co., 335 U.S. 331, 339-40 (1948)).
1 Plaintiff’ s in forma pauperis application reflects that he is financially able to prepay the | filing fee to commence this action. See ECF No. 2 at 2 (listing, among other assets, property || valued in the amount of $42,000,000). Thus, it is apparent from plaintiff’ s application that he has | sufficient funds to prepay the $400 filing fee with funds remaining to provide necessities for || himself and his dependents.
6 Accordingly, it is hereby RECOMMENDED that: 7 1. Plaintiff’s application to proceed in forma pauperis (ECF No. 3) be denied; and 8 2. Plaintiff be directed to pay the $400 filing fee within 30 days of any order adopting 9 these findings and recommendations and that plaintiff be admonished that failure to 10 comply will result in the dismissal of this action.
11 These findings and recommendations are submitted to the United States District Judge || assigned to the case, pursuant to the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(). Within fourteen days | after being served with these findings and recommendations, any party may file written | objections with the court and serve a copy on all parties. Such a document should be captioned || “Objections to Magistrate Judge’s Findings and Recommendations.” Failure to file objections || within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the District Court’s order. Turner v. || Duncan, 158 F.3d 449, 455 (9th Cir. 1998); Martinez v. YIst, 951 F.2d 1153 (9th Cir. 1991).
18 | DATED: October 16, 2019.
19 tid, PDEA EDMUND F. BRENNAN 20 UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.