Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_11-cv-01695/USCOURTS-caed-1_11-cv-01695-5/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

Plaintiff Walter Rapalo (“Plaintiff”) is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis 

in this civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Discovery in this matter opened on February 

19, 2014. On July 8, 2014, Plaintiff filed the instant motion requesting copies of subpoenaed 

documents free of charge. The Court finds a response unnecessary and the motion is deemed 

submitted.1 Local Rule 230(l). 

In his moving papers, Plaintiff explains that he was served with a subpoena by defense 

counsel, which directed Ace Attorney Services, Inc. to copy all of Plaintiff’s medical records and 

inmate appeal files. Ace Attorney Services reportedly contacted Plaintiff and informed him that if 

wanted a copy of the records, then he would have to pay copy costs. Plaintiff claims that these records 

 

1 Defendants will not be prejudiced by an inability to respond as the Court lacks authority to grant 

Plaintiff’s request. 

WALTER RAPALO,

 Plaintiff,

v.

S. LOPEZ, et al.,

Defendants.

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Case No.: 1:11-cv-01695-LJO-BAM PC

ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFF’S REQUEST FOR 

SUBPOENAED DOCUMENTS WITHOUT COST

(ECF No. 34)

Case 1:11-cv-01695-LJO-BAM Document 35 Filed 07/18/14 Page 1 of 2
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are central to this matter and, because he is indigent, the Court should order all documents obtained by 

Ace Attorney Services to be provided to him without cost. 

The Court lacks the authority to require a third-party to provide copies to Plaintiff free of 

charge. Further, Plaintiff has access to his medical records and prison files from which to obtain his 

own copies. Accordingly, Plaintiff’s request for copies of documents obtained by Ace Attorney 

Services without cost is DENIED. 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: July 18, 2014 /s/ Barbara A. McAuliffe _

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:11-cv-01695-LJO-BAM Document 35 Filed 07/18/14 Page 2 of 2