Opinion
3:22-cv-05314-TL-JRC
01-12-2023
JUSTIN NICHOLAS JENNINGS, Petitioner, v. JACK WARNER, Respondent.
ORDER STAYING THE CASE
J. RICHARD CREATURA, CHIEF UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
The District Court has referred this action to Chief United States Magistrate Judge J. Richard Creatura. Petitioner Justin Nicholas Jennings, proceeding pro se, filed a federal habeas petition pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254, seeking relief from a state court conviction. Currently before the Court is petitioner's unopposed motion to stay the proceedings. Dkt. 29.
District courts may use a “stay-and-abeyance” procedure while a petitioner exhausts his claims in state court. Rhines v. Weber, 544 U.S. 269, 275-77 (2005); Calderon v. United States District Court (Taylor), 134 F.3d 981, 988 (9th Cir. 1998). Petitioner argues a stay is proper because he intends to file a personal restraint petition (“PRP”) in state court within 45 days to further challenge his relevant state court conviction. Dkt. 29. Respondent has filed a response stating he agrees with petitioner that it would be a proper exercise of discretion for the Court to stay the federal proceedings because the state PRP proceedings remain pending. Dkt. 30.
After reviewing the relevant record, the motion (Dkt. 29) is granted. The case is stayed.
Petitioner is directed to file a report every ninety (90) days informing the Court of the status of petitioner's state court proceedings. The first status report is due on or before April 14, 2023, and shall include the state court cause number(s). If the state court dismisses or resolves petitioner's state court proceedings, petitioner is directed to inform the Court and file a motion to lift the stay within 30 days of the state court taking action. Respondent's answer shall be filed 45 days after the stay is lifted.
The Clerk is directed to strike the noting date and remove from the Court's calendar the corrected response dated December 7, 2022. Dkt. 27.