Opinion
No. CIV S-12-1827 GEB CKD PS
07-24-2012
CHADERICK INGRAM, Plaintiff, v. CITY OF SACRAMENTO, et al., Defendants.
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This action was filed on July 11, 2012. Plaintiff is proceed in propria persona. The court takes judicial notice of the proceedings in United States of America v. Ingram, 2:10-cr-0014 MCE-1 (E. D. Cal.) and Ingram v. Grant Joint Union High School Dist., et al., 2:08-cv-2490 KJM DAD. See Fed. R. Evid. 201. In the criminal proceedings, plaintiff herein was declared incompetent and unrestorable based on mental health issues. See case no. 2:10-cr-0014 MCE-1, dkt. nos. 32, 39, 40. In the civil action, plaintiff was represented by counsel and after the declaration of incompetence in the criminal action, a guardian ad litem was appointed. See case no. 2:08-cv-2490 KJM DAD, dkt nos. 87, 88.
In this action, plaintiff is neither represented by counsel nor has a guardian ad litem been appointed. It appears from plaintiff's pleadings that there has been no change in his mental health issues since the declaration of incompetence in the criminal proceedings. An incompetent person can only proceed if represented by counsel. Johns v. County of San Diego, 114 F. 3d 874, 877 (9th Cir. 1997) (minors must be represented by attorney); see also Meeker v. Kercher, 782 f.2d 153, 154 (10th Cir. 1986) ("it is not in the interest of minors or incompetents that they be represented by non-attorneys").
Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY RECOMMENDED that this action be dismissed without prejudice.
These findings and recommendations will be submitted to the United States District Judge assigned to the case, pursuant to the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(l). Within fourteen days after being served with these findings and recommendations, plaintiff may file written objections with the court. The document should be captioned "Objections to Magistrate Judge's Findings and Recommendations." Plaintiff is advised that failure to file objections within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the District Court's order. Martinez v. Ylst, 951 F.2d 1153 (9th Cir. 1991).
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CAROLYN K. DELANEY
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE