Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_07-cv-00320/USCOURTS-caed-1_07-cv-00320-2/pdf.json

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

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

JAMES R. BRISCOE, III, )

)

)

)

Plaintiff, )

)

v. )

)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF ) 

CORRECTIONS, et al., )

)

)

)

Defendants. )

 )

1:07cv0320 AWI SMS

ORDER DIRECTING PLAINTIFF 

TO FILE USM-285 FORMS

Plaintiff James R. Briscoe, III, appearing pro se and in forma pauperis, filed this civil

rights action on February 27, 2007. Plaintiff alleges that he was held in custody for

approximately three and one half months under an illegal California Department of Corrections

(“CDC”) detainer. 

DISCUSSION

A. Screening Standard

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

governmental entity or officer or employee of a governmental entity. 28 U.S.C. § 1915A(a). The

Court must dismiss a complaint or portion thereof if the prisoner has raised claims that are

legally “frivolous or malicious,” that fail to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, or

that seek monetary relief from a defendant who is immune from such relief. 28 U.S.C.

§ 1915A(b)(1),(2); 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2). If the Court determines that the complaint fails to

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state a claim, leave to amend may be granted to the extent that the deficiencies of the complaint

can be cured by amendment. Lopez v. Smith, 203 F.3d 1122 (9th Cir. 2000) (en banc).

B. Analysis

Plaintiff alleges that on March 8, 2006, the Fifth District Court of Appeals reversed his

criminal conviction. The Fresno County District Attorney re-filed the criminal case and he was

booked into the Fresno County Jail on May 31, 2006. On the same day, he alleges that a CDC

detainer was placed against him, preventing him from any form of release. The detainer was

eventually removed on August 17, 2006, and Plaintiff was released from custody. 

Plaintiff contends that the CDC detainer was “illegal” because he was not under the

jurisdiction of the CDC given the reversal of his criminal conviction and numerous orders from

the Fresno County Superior Court indicating that he was not to be held on a parole or probation

hold. As a result of his improper detainment, he alleges that he suffered physically and

emotionally, and seeks $1,000 for each day he was wrongly held. He also seeks punitive

damages. 

The complaint appears to state a cognizable claim for relief under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. 

Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Service is appropriate for the following Defendants: 

California Department of Corrections

Fresno County Parole Department

Fresno County Jail

2. The Clerk of the Court shall send Plaintiff three USM-285 forms, three

summonses, an instruction sheet and a copy of the complaint filed February 27,

2007. 

3. Within THIRTY (30) DAYS from the date of this Order, Plaintiff shall complete

the attached Notice of Submission of Documents and submit the completed

Notice to the Court with the following documents:

a. Completed summonses;

b. One completed USM-285 form for each defendant listed above; and 

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c. four copies of the endorsed complaint filed February 27, 2007.

4. Plaintiff need not attempt service on Defendants and need not request waiver of

service. Upon receipt of the above-described documents, the Court will direct the

United States Marshal to serve the above-named Defendants pursuant to Federal

Rule of Civil Procedure 4 without payment of costs. 

5. The failure to comply with this Order will result in a Recommendation that this

action be dismissed.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: May 3, 2007 /s/ Sandra M. Snyder 

icido3 UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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