Source: http://ne.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20180803_0003169.DNE.htm/qx
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 23:10:54+00:00

Document:
THE STATE OF NEBRASKA, Defendant.
On July 16, 2018, Kenneth D. Voss, proceeding pro se, filed a Notice of Removal pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1441 and 1446. (Filing No. 1.) Attached to the Notice of Removal is a copy of a criminal complaint filed against Voss in the County Court of Brown County, Nebraska, on or about January 17, 2018, for three traffic offenses. (Filing No. 1 at CM/ECF p. 5.) The caption of Voss' Notice of Removal indicates that Voss's criminal case in Brown County is No. CR 18-26.
The clerk of this court docketed the Notice of Removal as a civil complaint filed pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (i.e., a civil rights action). On July 18, 2018, the court directed Voss to pay the $400.00 filing and administrative fees or request to proceed in forma pauperis within 30 days, in the absence of which this case would be dismissed without further notice. (Filing No. 4.) On July 30, 2018, Voss filed a “Verified Application for Permission to Proceed In Forma Pauperis.” (Filing No. 6.) Upon review of Voss' motion, the court finds that Plaintiff is financially eligible to proceed in forma pauperis.
The court further finds that Voss should be relieved from payment of the filing fee because it appears that Voss may be attempting to remove his state criminal case to this court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1443 and 1455. A filing fee is not required for the removal of a state criminal prosecution to federal court. See Lefton v. City of Hattiesburg, 333 F.2d 280, 285 (5th Cir. 1964).
A defendant who wishes to remove a criminal prosecution from a state court must file a notice of removal “containing a short and plain statement of the grounds for removal, together with a copy of all process, pleadings, and orders served upon such defendant . . . in such action.” 28 U.S.C. § 1455(a). In addition, “[a] notice of removal of a criminal prosecution shall be filed not later than 30 days after the arraignment in the State court, or any time before trial, whichever is earlier, except that for good cause shown the United States district court may enter an order granting the defendant . . . leave to file the notice at a later time.” 28 U.S.C. § 1455(b)(1). Further, “[i]f it clearly appears on the face of the notice and any exhibits annexed thereto that removal should not be permitted, the court shall make an order for summary remand.” 28 U.S.C. § 1455(b)(4).
(1) Against any person who is denied or cannot enforce in the courts of such State a right under any law providing for the equal civil rights of citizens of the United States, or of all persons within the jurisdiction thereof . . . .
To demonstrate that removal is proper under § 1443(1), a defendant “must show that he relies upon a law providing for equal civil rights stated in terms of racial equality.” Neal v. Wilson, 112 F.3d 351, 355 (8th Cir. 1997). Stated differently, “the right denied defendant must be one that arises under a federal law that provides for specific civil rights stated in terms of racial equality, ” and “the defendant must be unable to or be denied the opportunity to enforce these specified federal rights in the courts of the state in question.” Conrad v. Robinson, 871 F.2d 612, 614-15 (6th Cir. 1989) (citing Johnson v. Mississippi, 421 U.S. 213, 219 (1975)).
Here, Voss does not allege he was denied any civil rights on racial grounds or under a federal equal-rights law. Indeed, Voss fails to allege any facts to explain why he believes removal would be proper. Thus, to the extent Voss is requesting removal of his state criminal case to this court, this matter is summarily remanded to the County Court of Brown County, Nebraska, because it “appears on the face of the notice and any exhibits annexed thereto that removal should not be permitted.” 28 U.S.C. § 1455(b)(4).

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