Opinion ID: 790147
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Writ and Order to Compel Discovery

Text: 30 Medlock makes two arguments why his failure to provide payment or discovery as ordered was not willful. First, he contends that he is unsophisticated and did not understand that he needed to abide by the order. Second, Medlock argues that his was not a willful violation because he did eventually provide some of the requested documents. We find both arguments unpersuasive. 31 Medlock's argument that he is unsophisticated is unconvincing because Medlock was made aware of his obligations through several means. In addition, Medlock was represented by counsel and stated that he discussed his legal issues with his counsel. Under these circumstances, we find Medlock's failure to provide payment and discovery willful. Medlock was aware that an action against Medco had proceeded and that a default judgment had been entered. The Writ was sent to Medco and personally served on Medlock. On two occasions, Deputy Blevins visited Medlock and requested payment and information, and Medlock refused. Robinson later filed the Request and served a copy on both Medlock and his counsel. The due date for a response was November 12, 2003, and Medco failed to comply with the Request. On December 9, the district court ordered Medco to respond to the discovery request by December 11. Medco still failed to do so. A week past the deadline, Jenkins filed a Motion for Additional Time. In the motion, he stated that defendants had systematically failed to communicate or respond to counsel communications. 32 Medlock argues that he did eventually respond to Robinson's discovery request. That response, however, was unsatisfactory. On January 6, Jenkins sent a response to the discovery request to Robinson. It contained virtually none of the information requested; most of the answers simply stated not applicable. Under these facts, we find a willful violation of the court's order.