Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00647/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00647-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 440
Nature of Suit: Other Civil Rights
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Civil Rights Act

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

ESTATE OF DERRICK AUSTIN, et al.,

Plaintiffs,

v.

KERN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, et al.,

Defendants.

Case No. 1:24-cv-00647-KES-CDB

ORDER DENYING AS MOOT 

SUBSTITUTION OF ATTORNEY

(Doc. 15)

The Court has read and considered the filed Consent Order Granting Substitution of 

Attorney Form AO-154 of Plaintiffs Estate of Derrick Austin, et al., to substitute Denisse O. 

Gastélum as counsel of record in place of Mike Arias and Alex Ballard. (Doc. 15). 

The request is missing the signature and date of the new attorney. (Doc. 15 at 1). 

Additionally, it appears from the docket that Denisse O. Gastélum is already counsel for 

Plaintiffs, from the time of the initial complaint (Doc. 1) as per Local Rule 182(a)(2), rendering 

moot Plaintiff’s substitution request. In the declaration of Mike Arias accompanying the form, 

Arias represents at paragraph four that Gastélum is already counsel for Plaintiffs in the action. 

(Doc. 15-1 at 2). At paragraph 3, Arias reperesents that he and Ballard seek withdrawal as 

counsel. Id. 

Case 1:24-cv-00647-KES-CDB Document 20 Filed 09/18/24 Page 1 of 2
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Plaintiffs’ Consent Order Granting Substitution of Attorney Form AO-154 (Doc. 15) is 

both moot as to Gastélum and the incorrect method for Arias and Ballard to withdraw as counsel. 

Accordingly, it is HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff’s request to substitute counsel 

(Doc. 15) is DENIED as moot. Counsel are directed to use the appropriate procedure when 

seeking withdrawal.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: September 18, 2024 ___________________ _

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:24-cv-00647-KES-CDB Document 20 Filed 09/18/24 Page 2 of 2