U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2015

John Demos, Jr. v. State of Washington

John Demos, Jr. v. State of Washington
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit · Decided July 8, 2015 · Motz, King, Duncan
606 F. App'x 127

John Demos, Jr. v. State of Washington

Opinion

Dismissed by unpublished PER . CURIAM opinion.

Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.

PER CURIAM:

John Demos, a Washington state prisoner, filed a “Bill of Review,” claiming that his 1974 and 1978 Washington state convictions were unconstitutional. The district court dismissed the action without prejudice pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(g) (2012) because Demos, a “three striker” under the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA), failed to demonstrate that he was under imminent danger of serious physical injury. Demos appeals.

*128 Because the “Bill of Review” attacked Demos’ convictions as unconstitutional, this action, sounds in habeas corpus. While dismissal under § 1915(g) was improper, see Smith v. Angelone, 111 F.3d 1126, 1130 (4th Cir. 1997) (“the in forma pauperis filing fee provisions of the PLRA do not apply to habeas corpus actions”), we find it unnecessary to remand to the district court for further proceedings. It is indisputable the district court was without jurisdiction over the matter; rather, jurisdiction is proper in a federal district court in Washington. Further, we find that transfer to the proper district court would not be in the interest of justice.

Accordingly, we dismiss the appeal. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

DISMISSED.

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