Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_20-cv-00124/USCOURTS-caed-1_20-cv-00124-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 550
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Civil Rights (U.S. defendant)
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Prisoner Civil Rights

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

GUILLERMO TRUJILLO CRUZ,

Plaintiff,

v.

BALLESTEROS,

Defendant.

Case No. 1:20-cv-00124-BAM (PC)

ORDER STRIKING UNSIGNED COMPLAINT 

AND REQUIRING PLAINTIFF TO FILE A 

SIGNED COMPLAINT

(ECF No. 1)

THIRTY (30) DAY DEADLINE

Plaintiff Guillermo Trujillo Cruz (“Plaintiff”) is a state prisoner proceeding pro se in this 

civil rights action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Plaintiff initiated this action on January 23, 2020, 

together with a motion to proceed in forma pauperis.

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 (ECF Nos. 1, 2.)

The Court is required to screen complaints brought by prisoners seeking relief against a 

governmental entity and/or against an officer or employee of a governmental entity. 28 U.S.C. 

§ 1915A(a). In preparing to screen the complaint, the Court noted that Plaintiff’s complaint lacks 

any signature. Both the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and this Court’s Local Rules require 

that all filed pleadings, motions and papers be signed by at least one attorney of record or by the 

party personally if the party is unrepresented. Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(a); Local Rule 131(b). As

Plaintiff’s complaint is unsigned, the Court must strike it from the record. Plaintiff will be 

 

1 Plaintiff’s motion to proceed in forma pauperis will be addressed by separate findings and 

recommendations.

Case 1:20-cv-00124-AWI-BAM Document 4 Filed 01/27/20 Page 1 of 2
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permitted thirty (30) days to file a signed complaint that complies with Federal Rules of Civil 

Procedure and the Local Rules.

Based on the foregoing, it is HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Plaintiff’s complaint, filed January 23, 2020, (ECF No. 1), is STRICKEN from the 

record for lack of signature;

2. The Clerk of the Court is directed to send to Plaintiff a civil rights complaint form;

3. Within thirty (30) days from the date of service of this order, Plaintiff SHALL file a 

signed complaint or a notice of voluntary dismissal; and

4. Plaintiff is warned that the failure to comply with this order will result in 

dismissal of this action, without prejudice.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: January 24, 2020 /s/ Barbara A. McAuliffe _

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:20-cv-00124-AWI-BAM Document 4 Filed 01/27/20 Page 2 of 2