Opinion
No. 2:12-cv-1526 EFB P
08-01-2012
SHAWN CURTIS DONGES, Petitioner, v. UNKNOWN, Respondent.
ORDER
Petitioner is a state prisoner without counsel. This case is before the undersigned pursuant to petitioner's consent. See 28 U.S.C. § 636; see also E.D. Cal. Local Rules, Appx. A, at (k)(4). Petitioner has filed a document titled "Notice of intent to file a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus." Dckt. No. 1. In this document, petitioner explains that he intends to file a federal habeas petition, but that he is unable to file his petition at this time. Id. Petitioner also states that he wants to "safe-guard myself in case my time restraints expire." Id.
Petitioner's filing only signals his intent to file a petition; it does not act as a protective petition for purposes of the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996's one-year statute of limitation. Furthermore, to commence a civil action, a party is required to file a complaint or petition. Fed. R. Civ. P. 3; Rule 3, Rules Governing § 2254 Cases. Petitioner's filing constitutes neither. If petitioner wishes to proceed with this case, he must file a petition.
Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED that:
1. Petitioner shall file a petition for writ of habeas corpus within 30 days of the date of this order; and
2. Petitioner is warned that failure to do so will result in this case being closed.
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EDMUND F. BRENNAN
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE