Alonzo v. County of Riverside
Alonzo v. County of Riverside
Opinion of the Court
MEMORANDUM
The Alonzos appeal the denial of their motion for relief from judgment made pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60(b). The notice of appeal filed January 13, 2006 was timely as to the
Our review satisfies us that the district court considered the relevant legal standards set forth in Pioneer Inv. Servs. Co. v. Brunswick Assoc. Ltd. P’ship, 507 U.S. 380, 113 S.Ct. 1489, 123 L.Ed.2d 74 (1993). See also Bateman, 231 F.3d at 1223-1224 (holding that the Pioneer factors apply to Rule 60(b)(1) motions). However, we conclude that the district court abused its discretion in applying those factors. The record fails to reflect either bad faith on the part of the Alonzos’ counsel or prejudice to the County. See Pioneer, 507 U.S. at 395, 113 S.Ct. 1489 (listing as relevant factors whether there was “danger of prejudice to the [non-moving party]” and “whether the movant acted in good faith”). While we are sympathetic to the district court’s desire to move its docket along, the record suggests that the delay in prosecuting the case was not the direct result of action by either party’s counsel. We reverse and remand for the sole reason that the record fails to show anything other than “excusable neglect” on the part of counsel. See id. at 388, 391, 113 S.Ct. 1489.
REVERSED AND REMANDED.
This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by 9th Cir. R. 36-3.
Concurring Opinion
Concurring.
I join the majority since the Ninth Circuit does not yet require consideration of the presence or absence of a meritorious claim or defense.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Steven ALONZO v. COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
- Status
- Published