Case: Feenstra v. Sigler

4:19-cv-00234 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma

Filed Date: March 21, 2019

Closed Date: Oct. 10, 2023

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case alleged that Oklahoma state courts unconstitutionally imposed fines at sentencing without considering an individual's ability to pay the fines assessed. The plaintiffs in this case further alleged that the courts violated their due process and equal protection rights, as well as their right to counsel, based on the "cost docket" procedures and the possible penalty of incarceration for failure to pay outstanding fines. The plaintiffs were three indigent individuals who were fined by th…

The plaintiffs were three indigent individuals who were fined by the court system without the defendant judges first examining their ability to pay, as required by Oklahoma law. Despite their indigency, the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System had denied counsel to the plaintiffs for matters relating to the imposition of fines, fees, and court costs. The case was originally brought in state court in Oklahoma. In May 2019, the defendants removed the case to federal court; the plaintiffs did not contest that the federal court had subject-matter jurisdiction. On November 13, 2019, the case was assigned to Judge Gregory Frizzell.

The case was based on the alleged failures of the Oklahoma court system to follow both the Oklahoma Constitution and United States Constitution. All three plaintiffs were assessed fines at their original sentencing without consideration of their ability to pay. The plaintiffs were not advised to request the ability to pay inquiry by counsel from the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System. The defendant judges continued to assess the fines in excess of the indigent plaintiffs' ability to pay. The plaintiffs were asked to fill out "Rule 8 Form" to set up their payment plans after sentencing, but the form did not provide for inquiry into financial status as required by the Oklahoma criminal procedure law's Rule 8. The plaintiffs had to attend cost docket hearings to have their payment plans set. Allegedly, all of the plaintiffs advised the presiding judges at the cost docket hearings that they were unable to pay, but the fines were still kept in place.

The plaintiffs alleged that the defendant judges had a history of incarcerating indigent individuals who were unable to pay their fines, instead of inquiring into their financial status, as required by Oklahoma law. Rule 8 specifically provided that failure to make a payment should be met with an opportunity to be heard as to the reason for the failure to pay. Moreover, if the failure to pay was due to physical disability or poverty, the fines were to be relieved until there was a change in financial status that made it possible to pay.

In November 2019, two of the defendant judges were dismissed as defendants because claims relating to their actions at sentencing were time barred by the two-year statute of limitations. In a separate opinion, the court held that the plaintiffs' request for injunctive relief based on their federal claims against the state court judges was barred by 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

In January 2020, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint to address claims based on the continued actions by the Oklahoma courts within the statute of limitations term, and additional judges who assessed fines and fees were added as defendants. On February 19, 2020, the court ordered a settlement conference for later that year.

During the interim, the case was reassigned to Judge John Heil, III. On July 23, 2020, all claims for one of the three plaintiffs were dismissed. On March 10, 2021, the parties confirmed that the settlement conference resulted in no settlement.

On August 19, 2022, the plaintiffs filed a joint notice of settlement with the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System. The settlement provided that the parties would take certain actions within one year of its execution. The exact terms of the settlement were not disclosed in public court filings. On July 21, 2023, the plaintiffs and the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System filed a joint stipulation of dismissal with prejudice, stating that all matters in controversy between them had been resolved.

After the initial settlement, the case was reassigned to Visiting Judge Jane A. Restani, Judge for the United States Court of International Trade. At Judge Restani's request, the remaining parties filed a status report in May 2023. The parties noted that both the plaintiffs and the judicial defendants had pending motions for summary judgment.

On September 7, 2023, Judge Restani granted the defendants' motion for summary judgment as to the remaining federal claims, holding that the claims should be dismissed as moot. See 2023 WL 5806148. Neither of the remaining plaintiffs had outstanding debt before the state courts, and there was "no reason to believe that [the plaintiffs] will appear before the defendants in the future." Moreover, the Oklahoma legislature passed a statute that outlawed the imposition of jail sentences for failure to pay fines, fees, or costs without a hearing in which the defendant was represented by counsel. The court opined that "the state has taken apparently successful steps to prevent future constitutional violations." While the court entered judgment for the defendants and terminated the case, the court did acknowledge that "[t]he evidence before the court at this stage indicates that [the plaintiffs] were likely punished for poverty."

Because the court disposed of the plaintiffs' federal claims, the only remaining claims were based on state law. The court exercise its discretion to decline supplemental jurisdiction over the state law claims. The state law claims were remanded back to the state court. On October 10, 2023, the parties filed a joint stipulation of dismissal with prejudice in state court.

The case is closed.

show full summary

Summary Authors

Andrew Del Vecchio (2/1/2024)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/15079541/parties/feenstra-v-sigler/

Judge(s)

Frizzell, Gregory Kent (Oklahoma)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Ago, Arthur Emmanuel (Oklahoma)

Braden, Myesha (Oklahoma)

Bryan, John Spencer (Oklahoma)

Fowler, John (Oklahoma)

Attorney for Defendant

Judge(s)

Frizzell, Gregory Kent (Oklahoma)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Ago, Arthur Emmanuel (Oklahoma)

Braden, Myesha (Oklahoma)

Bryan, John Spencer (Oklahoma)

Fowler, John (Oklahoma)

Lacovara, Michael (Oklahoma)

Terrill, Steven James (Oklahoma)

Vazova, Lilia (Oklahoma)

Watson, Leah (Oklahoma)

Wong, Leah (Oklahoma)

Attorney for Defendant

Lawson, Stefanie Erin (Oklahoma)

Mann, Richard Neal (Oklahoma)

Pederson, Devan A (Oklahoma)

Williford, Jon M (Oklahoma)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

	Document
CV-2019-12	Petition Oklahoma state trial court	March 21, 2019	March 21, 2019 Complaint
47 4:19-cv-00234	Opinion and Order	Nov. 13, 2019	Nov. 13, 2019 Order/Opinion 2019 WL 2019
48 4:19-cv-00234	Opinion and Order	Nov. 14, 2019	Nov. 14, 2019 Order/Opinion 2019 WL 2019
4:19-cv-00234	Order	Jan. 23, 2020	Jan. 23, 2020 Order/Opinion 2020 WL 2020
66 4:19-cv-00234	Amended Complaint	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2020 Complaint
138 4:19-cv-00234	Joint Notice of Settlement Between Plaintiffs and OID Defendants	Aug. 19, 2022	Aug. 19, 2022 Other
152 4:19-cv-00234	Opinion and Order	Sept. 7, 2023	Sept. 7, 2023 Order/Opinion 2023 WL 2023

show / hide documents

Resources

Title	Description		External URL Date / External URL
DOJ Dear Colleague Letter to Courts Regarding Fines and Fees for Youth and Adults U.S. Department of Justice	The DOJ issued a Dear Colleague letter for state and local courts and juvenile justice agencies regarding the imposition and enforcement of fines and fees for adults and youth. The letter highlights …	April 20, 2023	April 20, 2023 https://www.justice.gov/...

show / hide resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/15079541/feenstra-v-sigler/

Last updated April 6, 2024, 3:17 a.m.

ECF Number	Description	Date	Link Date / Link
	State Court Petition/Complaint	March 21, 2019	March 21, 2019 PACER
1	Civil Cover Sheet	May 3, 2019	May 3, 2019 PACER
2	Appearance - Attorney	May 3, 2019	May 3, 2019 PACER
3	Amended Notice of Removal 1 Exhibit 1 - County Court Petition View on RECAP 2 Exhibit 2 - Docket Sheet View on PACER 3 Exhibit 3 - Summons View on PACER 4 Exhibit 4 - Motion to Associate Counsel View on PACER 5 Exhibit 5 - Motion to Associate Counsel View on PACER 6 Exhibit 6 - Order Admitting to Practice View on PACER 7 Exhibit 7 - Order Admitting to Practice View on PACER 8 Exhibit 8 - Order Admitting to Practice View on PACER 9 Exhibit 9 - Recusal And Request For Reassignment View on PACER 10 Exhibit 10 - Summons View on PACER 11 Exhibit 11 - Notice of Service View on PACER 12 Exhibit 12 - Motion to Associate Counsel View on PACER 13 Exhibit 13 - Motion to Associate Counsel View on PACER	May 3, 2019	May 3, 2019 PACER
4	Appearance - Attorney	May 3, 2019	May 3, 2019 PACER
5	Minute Order	May 6, 2019	May 6, 2019 PACER
6	Minute Order	May 6, 2019	May 6, 2019 PACER
7	Filing Fee Paid in Full	May 8, 2019	May 8, 2019 PACER
8	Status Report on Removed Action	May 9, 2019	May 9, 2019 PACER
9	Disclosure Statement (Corporate)	May 9, 2019	May 9, 2019 PACER
47	OPINION AND ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell (Deadline set 11/27/2019) ; terminating party John Gerkin (Special Judge of the District Court of Washington County, in his official capacity) ; granting in part and denying in part 10 Motion to Dismiss (kjp, Dpty Clk) Modified on 11/14/2019 to correct event title to Opinion and Order (kjp, Dpty Clk).	Nov. 13, 2019	Nov. 13, 2019 Clearinghouse
48	OPINION AND ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; granting in part and denying in part 11 Motion to Dismiss (kjp, Dpty Clk)	Nov. 14, 2019	Nov. 14, 2019 Clearinghouse
49	ANSWER (Re: State Court Petition/Complaint ) by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, State of Oklahoma, Craig Sutter (Williford, Jon) (Entered: 11/26/2019)	Nov. 26, 2019	Nov. 26, 2019 RECAP
50	MOTION to Amend the Complaint by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (With attachments) (Bryan, John) Modified on 12/9/2019 to seal PDF as document was filed unredacted; counsel will file the redacted version using the Errata/Correction event. (jjs, Dpty Clk). (Entered: 11/26/2019)	Nov. 26, 2019	Nov. 26, 2019 PACER
51	ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell, directing parties to file joint status report ( Status Report due by 1/10/2020) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 12/03/2019)	Dec. 3, 2019	Dec. 3, 2019 PACER
52	ERRATA/CORRECTION (Re: 50 MOTION to Amend the Complaint ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (With attachments) (Bryan, John) (Entered: 12/09/2019)	Dec. 9, 2019	Dec. 9, 2019 PACER
53	RESPONSE in Opposition to Motion (Re: 50 MOTION to Amend the Complaint ) by Curtis DeLapp, John Gerkin, Jared Sigler ; (Lawson, Stefanie) (Entered: 12/11/2019)	Dec. 11, 2019	Dec. 11, 2019 PACER
54	RESPONSE in Opposition to Motion (Re: 50 MOTION to Amend the Complaint ) by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, State of Oklahoma, Craig Sutter ; (Williford, Jon) (Entered: 12/11/2019)	Dec. 11, 2019	Dec. 11, 2019 PACER
55	REPLY to Response to Motion (Re: 50 MOTION to Amend the Complaint ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra ; (Bryan, John) (Entered: 12/18/2019)	Dec. 18, 2019	Dec. 18, 2019 PACER
56	REPLY to Response to Motion (Re: 50 MOTION to Amend the Complaint ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra ; (Terrill, Steven) Modified on 12/19/2019 - ENTERED IN ERROR - duplicative of 55 (sac, Dpty Clk). (Entered: 12/18/2019)	Dec. 18, 2019	Dec. 18, 2019 PACER
57	MOTION for Attorney(s) Mr. Arthur Ago to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $50 PHV fee; receipt number AOKNDC-2155529) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (With attachments) (Bryan, John) (Entered: 12/30/2019)	Dec. 30, 2019	Dec. 30, 2019 PACER
58	NOTICE ERRATA to Motion for Admission pro hac vice (Re: 57 MOTION for Attorney(s) Mr. Arthur Ago to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $50 PHV fee; receipt number AOKNDC-2155529) ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (With attachments) (Bryan, John) (Entered: 12/30/2019)	Dec. 30, 2019	Dec. 30, 2019 PACER
59	MINUTE ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell granting admission pro hac vice and ; adding attorney Arthur Emmanuel Ago for Sharonica Carter,Arthur Emmanuel Ago for Amanda Feenstra,Arthur Emmanuel Ago for Lonnie Feenstra ; granting 57 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 12/30/2019)	Dec. 30, 2019	Dec. 30, 2019 PACER
60	MOTION to Withdraw Attorney(s) by Curtis DeLapp, John Gerkin, Jared Sigler (Mann, Richard) (Entered: 01/09/2020)	Jan. 9, 2020	Jan. 9, 2020 PACER
61	MINUTE ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell granting Motion to Withdraw as Counsel of Record [Doc. 60] ; terminating attorney Richard Neal Mann ; granting 60 Motion to Withdraw Attorney(s) (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 01/09/2020)	Jan. 9, 2020	Jan. 9, 2020 PACER
62	JOINT STATUS REPORT by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (Bryan, John) (Entered: 01/09/2020)	Jan. 9, 2020	Jan. 9, 2020 PACER
63	SCHEDULING ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell, setting/resetting scheduling order date(s): ( Discovery due by 9/1/2020, Dispositive Motions due by 10/1/2020, Motion Hearing set for 12/14/2020 at 01:30 PM before Judge Gregory K Frizzell, Proposed Pretrial Order due by 12/29/2020, Pretrial Conference set for 1/5/2021 at 09:30 AM before Judge Gregory K Frizzell, Nonjury Trial set for 1/19/2021 at 09:30 AM before Judge Gregory K Frizzell) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 01/10/2020)	Jan. 10, 2020	Jan. 10, 2020 PACER
64	ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by Devan A Pederson on behalf of Curtis DeLapp, Jared Sigler [Note: Attorney Devan A Pederson added to party Curtis DeLapp(pty:dft), Attorney Devan A Pederson added to party Jared Sigler(pty:dft).] (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 01/14/2020)	Jan. 14, 2020	Jan. 14, 2020 PACER
65	ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; granting in part and denying in part 50 Motion to Amend (lah, Chambers) (Entered: 01/23/2020)	Jan. 23, 2020	Jan. 23, 2020 PACER
66	AMENDED COMPLAINT against Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, Jared Sigler, State of Oklahoma, Craig Sutter, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw (Re: State Court Petition/Complaint ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (With attachments) (Bryan, John) (Entered: 01/31/2020)	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2020 Clearinghouse
67	Unopposed MOTION to Withdraw Attorney(s) Leah Watson by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (Bryan, John) (Entered: 02/12/2020)	Feb. 12, 2020	Feb. 12, 2020 PACER
68	Unopposed MOTION to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) to Answer (Re: 66 Amended Complaint, ) by Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw [Note: Attorney Devan A Pederson added to party Linda Thomas(pty:dft), Attorney Devan A Pederson added to party Russell Vaclaw(pty:dft).] (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 02/12/2020)	Feb. 12, 2020	Feb. 12, 2020 PACER
69	MINUTE ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell granting Motion to Withdraw [Doc. 67] and ; terminating attorney Leah Watson ; granting 67 Motion to Withdraw Attorney(s) (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/13/2020)	Feb. 13, 2020	Feb. 13, 2020 PACER
70	ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell (Deadline set 2/28/2020) ; granting 68 Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) (Re: 66 Amended Complaint, ) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/13/2020)	Feb. 13, 2020	Feb. 13, 2020 PACER
71	ANSWER (Re: 66 Amended Complaint, ) by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, State of Oklahoma, Craig Sutter (Williford, Jon) (Entered: 02/14/2020)	Feb. 14, 2020	Feb. 14, 2020 PACER
72	SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE ORDER by Magistrate Judge Jodi F Jayne, setting/resetting deadline(s)/hearing(s): ( Settlement Conference set for 9/10/2020 at 09:30 AM before Magistrate Judge Jodi F Jayne) (sdc, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/19/2020)	Feb. 19, 2020	Feb. 19, 2020 PACER
73	MINUTE ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell due to court scheduling conflict, the Dispositive Motion Hearing set December 14, 2020 is stricken and reset for December 10, 2020 at 1:30 p.m., setting/resetting deadline(s)/hearing(s): ( Motion Hearing set for 12/10/2020 at 01:30 PM before Judge Gregory K Frizzell) (Re: 63 Scheduling Order,, Setting/Resetting Scheduling Order Date(s), ) (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/26/2020)	Feb. 26, 2020	Feb. 26, 2020 PACER
74	ANSWER (Re: 66 Amended Complaint, ) by Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 02/28/2020)	Feb. 28, 2020	Feb. 28, 2020 PACER
75	ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by Stefanie Erin Lawson on behalf of Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw [Note: Attorney Stefanie Erin Lawson added to party Linda Thomas(pty:dft), Attorney Stefanie Erin Lawson added to party Russell Vaclaw(pty:dft).] (Lawson, Stefanie) (Entered: 02/28/2020)	Feb. 28, 2020	Feb. 28, 2020 PACER
76	Unopposed MOTION for Protective Order by Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw (With attachments) (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 03/13/2020)	March 13, 2020	March 13, 2020 PACER
77	PROTECTIVE ORDER by Magistrate Judge Frank H McCarthy ; granting 76 Motion for Protective Order (tjc, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 03/16/2020)	March 16, 2020	March 16, 2020 PACER
78	Joint MOTION to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) (Re: 63 Scheduling Order,, Setting/Resetting Scheduling Order Date(s), ) by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, Jared Sigler, Craig Sutter, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw (With attachments) (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 04/07/2020)	April 7, 2020	April 7, 2020 PACER
79	SCHEDULING ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell (Amended Scheduling Order) Granting Joint Application for Amended Scheduling Order) ; setting/resetting scheduling order date(s): ( Discovery due by 11/2/2020, Dispositive Motions due by 12/1/2020, Motion Hearing set for 2/12/2021 at 09:30 AM before Judge Gregory K Frizzell, Proposed Pretrial Order due by 2/22/2021, Pretrial Conference set for 3/1/2021 at 09:30 AM before Judge Gregory K Frizzell, Nonjury Trial set for 3/15/2021 at 09:30 AM before Judge Gregory K Frizzell); granting 78 Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 04/07/2020)	April 7, 2020	April 7, 2020 PACER
80	MINUTE ORDER by Court Clerk pursuant to General Order 20-14, reassigning case to Judge John F Heil, III, Judge Gregory K Frizzell no longer assigned to case, changing case number to 19-CV-234-JFH-FHM (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 06/10/2020)	June 10, 2020	June 10, 2020 PACER
81	SCHEDULING ORDER by Judge John F Heil, III (amended), setting/resetting scheduling order date(s): ( Proposed Pretrial Order due by 2/12/2021, Pretrial Conference set for 2/22/2021 at 09:30 AM before Judge John F Heil III, Jury Trial set for 3/15/2021 at 09:30 AM before Judge John F Heil III) (pll, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 07/09/2020)	July 9, 2020	July 9, 2020 PACER
82	STIPULATION of Dismissal, dismissing Defendants to claims asserted by Lonnie Feenstra, dismissing all claims asserted by Lonnie Feenstra, (Re: 66 Amended Complaint, ) by Lonnie Feenstra (Bryan, John) (Entered: 07/23/2020)	July 23, 2020	July 23, 2020 PACER
83	MOTION for Attorney(s) John Fowler to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $50 PHV fee; receipt number AOKNDC-2253535) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra (With attachments) (Terrill, Steven) (Entered: 08/24/2020)	Aug. 24, 2020	Aug. 24, 2020 PACER
84	Unopposed MOTION to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Settlement Deadline(s)/Conference to October 1, 2020 by Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 08/25/2020)	Aug. 25, 2020	Aug. 25, 2020 PACER
	***Motion(s) Referred to Magistrate Judge Jayne (Re: 84 Unopposed MOTION to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Settlement Deadline(s)/Conference to October 1, 2020 ) (see document number 84 ) (sac, Dpty Clk)	Aug. 25, 2020	Aug. 25, 2020 PACER
85	MINUTE ORDER by Judge John F Heil, III : granting plaintiff's motion as to John Fowler. Local counsel is directed to advise them of the requirements of Local Rule 83.4 and the need to register as a CM/ECF user in this Court ; granting 83 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (pll, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 08/27/2020)	Aug. 27, 2020	Aug. 27, 2020 PACER
86	MINUTE ORDER by Magistrate Judge Jodi F Jayne resetting Settlement Conference. Plaintiff's Settlement Conference Statement will be due September 14, 2020. Defendant's Settlement Conference Statement will be due September 21, 2020 ; setting/resetting deadline(s)/hearing(s): (to be held via video conference) ( Settlement Conference set for 9/28/2020 at 09:30 AM before Magistrate Judge Jodi F Jayne); granting 84 Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Settlement Deadline(s)/Conference (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (sdc, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 09/08/2020)	Sept. 8, 2020	Sept. 8, 2020 PACER
87	ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by John Fowler on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Fowler, John) (Entered: 09/10/2020)	Sept. 10, 2020	Sept. 10, 2020 PACER
88	MOTION to be Excused from the Settlement Conference set on September 28, 2020 by Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw (Lawson, Stefanie) (Entered: 09/14/2020)	Sept. 14, 2020	Sept. 14, 2020 PACER
	***Motion(s) Referred to Magistrate Jayne (Re: 88 MOTION to be Excused from the Settlement Conference set on September 28, 2020 ) (sac, Dpty Clk)	Sept. 14, 2020	Sept. 14, 2020 PACER
89	MINUTE ORDER by Magistrate Judge Jodi F Jayne ; granting 88 Motion to be Excused from Hearing (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (sdc, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 09/17/2020)	Sept. 17, 2020	Sept. 17, 2020 PACER
90	MINUTE ORDER by Magistrate Judge Jodi F Jayne striking Settlement Conference, to be reset at a later date, striking/terminating deadline(s)/Hearing(s) (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (sdc, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 09/28/2020)	Sept. 28, 2020	Sept. 28, 2020 PACER
91	MINUTE ORDER by Magistrate Judge Jodi F Jayne resetting Settlement Conference. Plaintiff's Settlement Conference Statement will be due October 15, 2020. Defendant's Settlement Conference Statement will be due October 22, 2020, setting/resetting deadline(s)/hearing(s): before ASJ R. Scott Savage (to be held via video conferencing) ( Settlement Conference set for 10/29/2020 at 09:30 AM before Adjunct Settlement Judge) (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (sdc, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 10/01/2020)	Oct. 1, 2020	Oct. 1, 2020 PACER
92	Unopposed MOTION to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Settlement Deadline(s)/Conference to November 12, 2020 by Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 10/08/2020)	Oct. 8, 2020	Oct. 8, 2020 PACER
	***Motion(s) Referred to Magistrate Cleary (Re: 92 Unopposed MOTION to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Settlement Deadline(s)/Conference to November 12, 2020 ) (see document number 92 ) (sac, Dpty Clk)	Oct. 8, 2020	Oct. 8, 2020 PACER
93	MINUTE ORDER by Magistrate Judge Paul J Cleary resetting Settlement Conference ; setting/resetting deadline(s)/hearing(s): before ASJ R. Scott Savage (to be held via video conferencing) ( Settlement Conference set for 11/13/2020 at 09:30 AM before Adjunct Settlement Judge); granting 92 Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Settlement Deadline(s)/Conference (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (sdc, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 10/28/2020)	Oct. 28, 2020	Oct. 28, 2020 PACER
94	MINUTE ORDER by Court Clerk reassigning the magistrate judge in this case pursuant to General Order 20-37, reassigning case to Magistrate Judge Christine D Little, Magistrate Judge Frank H McCarthy no longer assigned to case, changing case number to 19-CV-234-JFH-CDL (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (pll, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 11/06/2020)	Nov. 6, 2020	Nov. 6, 2020 PACER
95	Joint MOTION to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) Joint Motion to Amend Scheduling Order (Re: 81 Scheduling Order,, Setting/Resetting Scheduling Order Date(s), ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra (Terrill, Steven) (Entered: 11/23/2020)	Nov. 23, 2020	Nov. 23, 2020 PACER
96	SCHEDULING ORDER by Judge John F Heil, III (amended) ; setting/resetting scheduling order date(s): ( Dispositive Motions due by 1/25/2021, Discovery due by 2/8/2021, Proposed Pretrial Order due by 6/21/2021, Pretrial Conference set for 6/28/2021 at 01:30 PM before Judge John F Heil III); granting 95 Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) (pll, Dpty Clk) Modified on 12/10/2020 to correct pretrial time (pll, Dpty Clk). (Entered: 11/25/2020)	Nov. 25, 2020	Nov. 25, 2020 PACER
97	Unopposed MOTION to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) Amend Scheduling Order to extend dispositive motion deadline (Re: 96 Scheduling Order,, Setting/Resetting Scheduling Order Date(s),, Ruling on Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s), ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra (Terrill, Steven) (Entered: 01/15/2021)	Jan. 15, 2021	Jan. 15, 2021 PACER
98	MINUTE ORDER by Judge John F Heil, III : Extending the dispositive motion deadline ; setting/resetting scheduling order date(s): ( Dispositive Motions due by 2/22/2021); granting 97 Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (pll, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 01/19/2021)	Jan. 19, 2021	Jan. 19, 2021 PACER
99	Joint MOTION for Leave to Exceed Page Limitation by Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 02/16/2021)	Feb. 16, 2021	Feb. 16, 2021 PACER
100	MINUTE ORDER by Judge John F Heil, III ; granting 99 Motion for Leave to Exceed Page Limitation (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (clb, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/17/2021)	Feb. 17, 2021	Feb. 17, 2021 PACER
101	MOTION for Summary Judgment and Brief in Support by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, Craig Sutter (With attachments) (Williford, Jon) (Entered: 02/22/2021) 1 Exhibit Amended Complaint View on PACER 2 Exhibit Sharonica Carter's OSCN Case Detail View on PACER 3 Exhibit Plea of Guilty Summary of Facts View on PACER 4 Exhibit Amanda Feenstra Depo View on RECAP 5 Exhibit Sharonica Carter Depo View on RECAP 6 Exhibit Craig Sutter Depo View on RECAP	Feb. 22, 2021	Feb. 22, 2021 RECAP
102	MOTION for Summary Judgment and Brief in Support by Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw (With attachments) (Lawson, Stefanie) (Entered: 02/22/2021) 1 Exhibit View on PACER 2 Exhibit View on PACER 3 Exhibit View on PACER 4 Exhibit View on PACER 5 Exhibit View on PACER 6 Exhibit View on PACER 7 Exhibit View on PACER 8 Exhibit View on PACER 9 Exhibit View on PACER 10 Exhibit View on PACER 11 Exhibit View on PACER 12 Exhibit View on PACER 13 Exhibit View on PACER 14 Exhibit View on PACER 15 Exhibit View on PACER 16 Exhibit View on PACER 17 Exhibit View on PACER 18 Exhibit View on PACER 19 Exhibit View on PACER 20 Exhibit View on PACER 21 Exhibit View on PACER 22 Exhibit View on PACER 23 Exhibit View on PACER 24 Exhibit View on PACER 25 Exhibit View on PACER 26 Exhibit View on PACER 27 Exhibit View on PACER 28 Exhibit View on PACER 29 Exhibit View on PACER 30 Exhibit View on PACER 31 Exhibit View on PACER 32 Exhibit View on PACER 33 Exhibit View on PACER 34 Exhibit View on PACER 35 Exhibit View on PACER 36 Exhibit View on PACER 37 Exhibit View on PACER 38 Exhibit View on PACER 39 Exhibit View on PACER 40 Exhibit View on PACER 41 Exhibit View on PACER 42 Exhibit View on PACER 43 Exhibit View on PACER 44 Exhibit View on PACER 45 Exhibit View on PACER 46 Exhibit View on PACER 47 Exhibit View on PACER 48 Exhibit View on PACER	Feb. 22, 2021	Feb. 22, 2021 RECAP
103	MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra [Note: Attorney Michael Lacovara added to party Sharonica Carter(pty:pla), Attorney Michael Lacovara added to party Amanda Feenstra(pty:pla).] (With attachments) (Lacovara, Michael) (Entered: 02/22/2021) 1 Exhibit View on RECAP 2 Exhibit View on RECAP 3 Exhibit View on PACER 4 Exhibit View on RECAP 5 Exhibit View on PACER 6 Exhibit View on RECAP 7 Exhibit View on RECAP 8 Exhibit View on PACER 9 Exhibit View on PACER 10 Exhibit View on PACER 11 Exhibit View on PACER 12 Exhibit View on PACER 13 Exhibit View on PACER 14 Exhibit View on PACER 15 Exhibit View on PACER 16 Exhibit View on PACER 17 Exhibit View on PACER 18 Exhibit View on PACER 19 Exhibit View on PACER 20 Exhibit View on PACER 21 Exhibit View on PACER 22 Exhibit View on PACER 23 Exhibit View on PACER 24 Exhibit View on PACER 25 Exhibit View on PACER 26 Exhibit View on PACER 27 Exhibit View on PACER 28 Exhibit View on PACER 29 Exhibit View on PACER 30 Exhibit View on PACER 31 Exhibit View on PACER 32 Exhibit View on PACER 33 Exhibit View on PACER 34 Exhibit View on PACER 35 Exhibit View on PACER 36 Exhibit View on PACER 37 Exhibit View on PACER 38 Exhibit View on PACER 39 Exhibit View on PACER 40 Exhibit View on PACER 41 Exhibit View on PACER 42 Appendix View on PACER	Feb. 22, 2021	Feb. 22, 2021 RECAP
104	MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment [CORRECTING DKT 103] by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra (Lacovara, Michael) (Entered: 02/23/2021)	Feb. 23, 2021	Feb. 23, 2021 RECAP
105	Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion / Joint Motion to Extend Summary Judgment Briefing Deadlines (Re: 104 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment [CORRECTING DKT 103], 102 MOTION for Summary Judgment and Brief in Support, 101 MOTION for Summary Judgment and Brief in Support ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra (Lacovara, Michael) Modified on 3/8/2021; this is a two-part motion of which one part was filed - see 106 for Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearings/Deadlines (sac, Dpty Clk). (Entered: 03/05/2021)	March 5, 2021	March 5, 2021 PACER
106	MOTION to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) (submitted as part of 105 ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra (sac, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 03/08/2021)	March 5, 2021	March 5, 2021 PACER
	NOTICE of Docket Entry Modification; Error: this is a two-part motion of which one part was efiled; Correction: efiled Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearings/Deadlines - see 106 (Re: 105 Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion / Joint Motion to Extend Summary Judgment Briefing Deadlines ) (sac, Dpty Clk)	March 8, 2021	March 8, 2021 PACER
107	MINUTE ORDER by Judge John F Heil, III : granting the parties an extension of time to respond ; setting/resetting deadline(s)/hearing(s): ( Responses due by 3/29/2021, Replies due by 4/19/2021); granting 105 Motion for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion (Re: 103 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment, 104 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment [CORRECTING DKT 103], 102 MOTION for Summary Judgment and Brief in Support, 101 MOTION for Summary Judgment and Brief in Support ) (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (clb, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 03/09/2021)	March 9, 2021	March 9, 2021 PACER
108	SCHEDULING ORDER by Judge John F Heil, III ; setting/resetting scheduling order date(s): ( Proposed Pretrial Order due by 8/23/2021, Pretrial Conference set for 8/31/2021 at 02:30 PM before Judge John F Heil III, Jury Trial set for 9/20/2021 at 09:00 AM before Judge John F Heil III); granting 106 Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) (clb, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 03/09/2021)	March 9, 2021	March 9, 2021 PACER
109	SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE STATUS REPORT by Adjunct Settlement Judge by ASJ R. Scott Savage advising the litigation did not settle., striking/terminating deadline(s)/Hearing(s) (LML, Chambers) (Entered: 03/10/2021)	March 10, 2021	March 10, 2021 PACER
110	RESPONSE in Opposition to Motion (Re: 102 MOTION for Summary Judgment and Brief in Support ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra ; (With attachments) (Lacovara, Michael) (Entered: 03/29/2021)	March 29, 2021	March 29, 2021 PACER
111	RESPONSE in Opposition to Motion (Re: 101 MOTION for Summary Judgment and Brief in Support ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra ; (With attachments) (Lacovara, Michael) (Entered: 03/29/2021)	March 29, 2021	March 29, 2021 PACER
112	RESPONSE in Opposition to Motion (Re: 104 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment [CORRECTING DKT 103], 103 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment ) by Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw ; (With attachments) (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 03/29/2021)	March 29, 2021	March 29, 2021 PACER
113	REPLY to Response to Motion (Re: 101 MOTION for Summary Judgment and Brief in Support ) by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, State of Oklahoma, Craig Sutter ; (Williford, Jon) (Entered: 04/12/2021)	April 12, 2021	April 12, 2021 PACER
114	REPLY to Response to Motion (Re: 102 MOTION for Summary Judgment and Brief in Support ) by Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw ; (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 04/12/2021)	April 12, 2021	April 12, 2021 RECAP
115	REPLY to Response to Motion (Re: 104 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment [CORRECTING DKT 103] ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra ; (With attachments) (Lacovara, Michael) (Entered: 04/19/2021) 1 Appendix of Unpublished Authority Cited View on PACER	April 19, 2021	April 19, 2021 RECAP
116	NOTICE of Change of Address by Michael Lacovara by on behalf of Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra (Lacovara, Michael) (Entered: 05/04/2021)	May 4, 2021	May 4, 2021 PACER
117	NOTICE of Change of Address by Lilia B. Vazova by on behalf of Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra [Note: Attorney Lilia B. Vazova added to party Sharonica Carter(pty:pla), Attorney Lilia B. Vazova added to party Amanda Feenstra(pty:pla).] (Vazova, Lilia) (Entered: 05/04/2021)	May 4, 2021	May 4, 2021 PACER
118	DESIGNATIONS (DEPOSITION/INTERROGATORY) re: deposition/interrogatories of Glenda Powell, Warren Craig Sutter, Halee Lawrence by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra (Lacovara, Michael) (Entered: 05/24/2021)	May 24, 2021	May 24, 2021 PACER
119	DESIGNATIONS (DEPOSITION/INTERROGATORY) re: deposition/interrogatories of Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas by Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 05/24/2021)	May 24, 2021	May 24, 2021 PACER
120	COUNTER DEPOSITION DESIGNATIONS by Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 06/03/2021)	June 3, 2021	June 3, 2021 PACER
121	ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by Jacqueline R Zamarripa on behalf of Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, Craig Sutter [Note: Attorney Jacqueline R Zamarripa added to party Oklahoma Indigent Defense System(pty:dft), Attorney Jacqueline R Zamarripa added to party Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors(pty:dft), Attorney Jacqueline R Zamarripa added to party Craig Sutter(pty:dft).] (Zamarripa, Jacqueline) (Entered: 06/04/2021)	June 4, 2021	June 4, 2021 PACER
122	MOTION to Substitute Attorney Jacqueline Zamarripa for Jon Williford by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, Craig Sutter (Zamarripa, Jacqueline) (Entered: 06/04/2021)	June 4, 2021	June 4, 2021 PACER
123	MINUTE ORDER by Judge John F Heil, III : Certain Defendants' motion to substitue counsel is granted ; adding attorney Jacqueline R Zamarripa for Oklahoma Indigent Defense System,Jacqueline R Zamarripa for Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors,Jacqueline R Zamarripa for State of Oklahoma,Jacqueline R Zamarripa for Craig Sutter terminating attorney Jon M Williford ; granting 122 Motion to Substitute Attorney (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (pll, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 06/04/2021)	June 4, 2021	June 4, 2021 PACER
124	Joint MOTION to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) to File Objections to Deposition Designations and to Submit Annotated Transcripts (Re: 108 Scheduling Order,, Setting/Resetting Scheduling Order Date(s),, Ruling on Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s), ) by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, Jared Sigler, State of Oklahoma, Craig Sutter, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 06/09/2021)	June 9, 2021	June 9, 2021 PACER
125	MINUTE ORDER by Judge John F Heil, III : Granting in part the joint motion re: deposition designations. If a party determines that a witness will be unavailable to testify at trial, the party is to notify the Court and a deadline to file deposition designations will be set. ; granting in part and denying in part 124 Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (pll, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 06/11/2021)	June 11, 2021	June 11, 2021 PACER
126	Unopposed MOTION to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, State of Oklahoma, Craig Sutter (Zamarripa, Jacqueline) (Entered: 07/23/2021)	July 23, 2021	July 23, 2021 RECAP
127	MINUTE ORDER by Chief Judge John F Heil, III : striking scheduling order ; striking/terminating deadline(s)/Hearing(s); denying 126 Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) (pll, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 07/28/2021)	July 28, 2021	July 28, 2021 RECAP
128	MOTION to Withdraw Attorney(s) John Fowler by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (Terrill, Steven) (Entered: 08/17/2021)	Aug. 17, 2021	Aug. 17, 2021 PACER
129	MINUTE ORDER by Chief Judge John F Heil, III : Granting plaintiffs' motion to withdraw attorney ; terminating attorney John Fowler ; granting 128 Motion to Withdraw Attorney(s) (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (pll, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 08/18/2021)	Aug. 18, 2021	Aug. 18, 2021 PACER
130	MAIL to Leah Wong, Michael Lacovara, and Lilia Vazova Returned - remailed on 08/19/2021 to 1271 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 - new address obtained from docket sheet. (Re: 127 Minute Order, Striking/Terminating Deadline(s)/Hearing(s), Ruling on Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s) ) (ll, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 08/19/2021)	Aug. 19, 2021	Aug. 19, 2021 PACER
131	MAIL to Leah Wong Returned - remailed on 08/30/2021 to 1271 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 - new address obtained from Dkt# 130 . (Re: 129 Minute Order,, Adding/Terminating Attorney(s),, Ruling on Motion to Withdraw Attorney(s), ) (ll, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 08/30/2021)	Aug. 30, 2021	Aug. 30, 2021 PACER
132	MOTION to Withdraw Attorney(s) Leah Wong by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra (Vazova, Lilia) (Entered: 09/03/2021)	Sept. 3, 2021	Sept. 3, 2021 PACER

show / hide docket entries

Case Details

State / Territory: Oklahoma

Case Type(s):

Criminal Justice (Other)

Special Collection(s):

Fines/Fees/Bail Reform (Criminalization of Poverty)

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 21, 2019

Closing Date: Oct. 10, 2023

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Individuals convicted of minor offenses who are below the poverty line and risk re-incarceration for failure to pay fines which were assessed without consideration of their poverty status

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Lawyers Comm. for Civil Rights Under Law

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Special Judges of the District Court (Washington), County

Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, State

Defendant Type(s):