Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-3_20-cv-00800/USCOURTS-cand-3_20-cv-00800-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 890
Nature of Suit: Other Statutory Actions
Cause of Action: 28:1331 Fed. Question

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United States District Court

Northern District of California

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

GEORGE J. AUSTIN,

Plaintiff,

v.

TESLA, INC., et al.,

Defendants.

Case No. 20-cv-00800-JCS 

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE WHY 

APPLICATION TO PROCEED IN 

FORMA PAUPERIS SHOULD NOT BE 

DENIED

Re: Dkt. No. 3

Plaintiff George Austin, pro se, has applied to proceed in forma pauperis in this action. 

Austin’s application lacks sufficient information to determine whether he is indigent and unable to 

pay the filing fee. Austin indicates that he was employed until January 14, 2020 at a gross salary 

of between $60,000 and $100,000 per year, and a net salary of between $40,000 and $70,000 per 

year. It is not clear why Austin is unable to state his previous salary more precisely, and the 

difference between annual take-home pay of $40,000 and $70,000 may be relevant to whether he 

is entitled to proceed in forma pauperis. Austin also states that he has a bank account, but failed to 

answer the question asking for the current balance of that account, which is highly relevant to 

whether he can pay the filing fee. Because the Court cannot resolve Austin’s application without 

that information, Austin is ORDERED TO SHOW CAUSE why his application to proceed in 

pauperis should not be denied, by filing a new application no later than February 26, 2020

stating his actual salary at his previous job (or some explanation for why he does not know that 

number) and the current balance of his bank account.

The Court does not reach at this time any question of the sufficiency of Austin’s 

complaint. If Austin files a corrected application to proceed in forma pauperis and the Court 

grants that application, the Court will then consider whether Austin’s complaint is subject to 

Case 3:20-cv-00800-JCS Document 4 Filed 02/05/20 Page 1 of 2
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United States District Court

Northern District of California

dismissal as frivolous or for failure to state a claim on which relief may be granted under 28 

U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B).

Austin, who is not represented by counsel, is encouraged to consult with the Federal Pro 

Bono Project’s Legal Help Center in either of the Oakland or San Francisco federal courthouses 

for assistance. The San Francisco Legal Help Center office is located in Room 2796 on the 15th 

floor at 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. The Oakland office is located in 

Room 470-S on the 4th floor at 1301 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94612. Appointments can be 

made by calling (415) 782-8982, signing up in the appointment book located outside either office, 

or emailing federalprobonoproject@sfbar.org. Telephone appointments are available. Lawyers at 

the Legal Help Center can provide basic assistance to parties representing themselves but cannot 

provide legal representation.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: February 5, 2020

______________________________________

JOSEPH C. SPERO

Chief Magistrate Judge

Case 3:20-cv-00800-JCS Document 4 Filed 02/05/20 Page 2 of 2