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

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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.

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

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

19-cv-00012	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 6040401
48 4:19-cv-00234	Opinion and Order	Nov. 14, 2019	Nov. 14, 2019 Order/Opinion 2019 WL 6064854
4:19-cv-00234	Order	Jan. 23, 2020	Jan. 23, 2020 Order/Opinion 2020 WL 7034347
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 5806148

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Resources

Resources related to this case
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/...

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Docket

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

Last updated June 27, 2026, 6:13 a.m.

Docket for: Feenstra v. Sigler

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
	March 21, 2019	PETITION/COMPLAINT filed in State Court against All Defendants by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (sc, Dpty Clk)
	March 21, 2019	State Court Petition/Complaint
1	May 3, 2019	CIVIL COVER SHEET by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, Craig Sutter (Williford, Jon) (Entered: 05/03/2019)	RECAP
2	May 3, 2019	ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by Jon M Williford on behalf of Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, Craig Sutter (Williford, Jon) (Entered: 05/03/2019)	RECAP
3	May 3, 2019	NOTICE of Removal by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, Craig Sutter (With attachments) (Williford, Jon) Modified on 5/6/2019 to delete text entered in error (sac-qc, Dpty Clk). (Entered: 05/03/2019) 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	RECAP
4	May 3, 2019	ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by Stefanie Erin Lawson on behalf of Curtis DeLapp, John Gerkin, Jared Sigler [Note: Attorney Stefanie Erin Lawson added to party Curtis DeLapp(pty:dft), Attorney Stefanie Erin Lawson added to party John Gerkin(pty:dft), Attorney Stefanie Erin Lawson added to party Jared Sigler(pty:dft).] (Lawson, Stefanie) (Entered: 05/03/2019)	RECAP
5	May 6, 2019	MINUTE ORDER by Court Clerk, directing Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors to file a Corporate Disclosure Statement pursuant to FRCvP 7.1 within seven (7) days of this order, if they have not already done so. The parties shall use the form entitled Corporate Disclosure Statement available on the Courts website (please do not refile if already filed on non-court form unless directed to do so). If you have already filed your Corporate Disclosure Statement in this case, you are reminded to file a Supplemental Corporate Disclosure Statement within a reasonable time of any change in the information that the statement requires. (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (sc, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 05/06/2019)	RECAP
6	May 6, 2019	MINUTE ORDER by Court Clerk, : Pursuant to Local Rule 81.2, the removing party(ies) shall file a Status Report on Removed Action within five (5) days of the filing of the notice of removal in the U.S. District Court. The form is available on the Court's website. (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (sc, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 05/06/2019)	RECAP
7	May 8, 2019	FILING FEES Paid in Full by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, State of Oklahoma, Craig Sutter (jln, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 05/08/2019)	RECAP
8	May 9, 2019	STATUS REPORT on Removed Action by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, State of Oklahoma, Craig Sutter (Williford, Jon) (Entered: 05/09/2019)	RECAP
9	May 9, 2019	CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT (identifying: Corporate Parent Oklahoma Indigent Defense System for Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors) by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors (Williford, Jon) (Entered: 05/09/2019)	RECAP
10	May 9, 2019	MOTION to Dismiss And Brief in Support by Curtis DeLapp, John Gerkin, Jared Sigler (With attachments) (Lawson, Stefanie) (Entered: 05/09/2019)	RECAP
11	May 10, 2019	MOTION to Dismiss by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, State of Oklahoma, Craig Sutter (Williford, Jon) (Entered: 05/10/2019)	RECAP
12	May 14, 2019	MINUTE ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell Pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 16(b)(2), the Court finds good cause for delay in issuing a scheduling order in this case. Defendants' have filed Motions to Dismiss which should first be resolved. (Re: 10 MOTION to Dismiss And Brief in Support, 11 MOTION to Dismiss ) (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 05/14/2019)	RECAP
13	May 15, 2019	ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by Steven James Terrill on behalf of All Plaintiffs [Note: Attorney Steven James Terrill added to party Sharonica Carter(pty:pla), Attorney Steven James Terrill added to party Amanda Feenstra(pty:pla), Attorney Steven James Terrill added to party Lonnie Feenstra(pty:pla).] (Terrill, Steven) (Entered: 05/15/2019)	RECAP
14	May 16, 2019	MOTION for Attorney(s) Michael Lacovara to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $50 PHV fee; receipt number 1085-2054485) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (With attachments) (Bryan, John) (Entered: 05/16/2019)	RECAP
15	May 16, 2019	MOTION for Attorney(s) Lilia Vazova to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $50 PHV fee; receipt number 1085-2054488) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (With attachments) (Bryan, John) (Entered: 05/16/2019)	RECAP
16	May 16, 2019	MOTION for Attorney(s) Leah Watson to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $50 PHV fee; receipt number 1085-2054490) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (With attachments) (Bryan, John) (Entered: 05/16/2019)	RECAP
17	May 16, 2019	MOTION for Attorney(s) Myesha Braden to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $50 PHV fee; receipt number 1085-2054491) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (With attachments) (Bryan, John) (Entered: 05/16/2019)	RECAP
18	May 16, 2019	MINUTE ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell granting admission pro hac vice for attorneys Michael Lacovara, Lilia Vazova, Leah Watson, and Myesha Braden ; granting 14 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice; granting 15 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice; granting 16 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice; granting 17 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 05/16/2019)	RECAP
19	May 17, 2019	Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion to Dismiss (Re: 10 MOTION to Dismiss And Brief in Support, 11 MOTION to Dismiss ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (Bryan, John) (Entered: 05/17/2019)	RECAP
20	May 17, 2019	ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; setting/resetting deadline(s)/hearing(s): ( Responses due by 6/7/2019, Replies due by 6/21/2019); granting 19 Motion for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion (Re: 11 MOTION to Dismiss, 10 MOTION to Dismiss And Brief in Support ) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 05/17/2019)	RECAP
21	May 23, 2019	ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell (Amended Order), setting/resetting deadline(s)/hearing(s): ( Responses due by 6/21/2019, Replies due by 7/5/2019) (Re: 11 MOTION to Dismiss, 10 MOTION to Dismiss And Brief in Support, 20 Order,, Setting/Resetting Deadline(s)/Hearing(s),, Ruling on Motion for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion, ) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 05/23/2019)	RECAP
22	June 17, 2019	Unopposed MOTION for Leave to Exceed Page Limitation for combined response brief by five (5) pages. by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (Terrill, Steven) (Entered: 06/17/2019)	RECAP
23	June 17, 2019	ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; granting 22 Motion for Leave to Exceed Page Limitation (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 06/17/2019)	RECAP
24	June 20, 2019	Joint RESPONSE in Opposition to Motion to Dismiss filed by Defendants (Re: 10 MOTION to Dismiss And Brief in Support, 11 MOTION to Dismiss ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra ; (Bryan, John) (Entered: 06/20/2019)	RECAP
25	July 3, 2019	MOTION for Extension of Time to Reply to Motion Response (Re: 11 MOTION to Dismiss ) by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, State of Oklahoma, Craig Sutter (Williford, Jon) (Entered: 07/03/2019)	RECAP
26	July 3, 2019	Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to Reply to Motion Response (Re: 10 MOTION to Dismiss And Brief in Support ) by Curtis DeLapp, John Gerkin, Jared Sigler (Lawson, Stefanie) (Entered: 07/03/2019)	RECAP
27	July 3, 2019	ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; setting/resetting deadline(s)/hearing(s): ( Replies due by 7/19/2019); granting 25 Motion for Extension of Time to Reply to Motion Response (Re: 11 MOTION to Dismiss ) (pll, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 07/03/2019)	RECAP
28	July 3, 2019	ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; setting/resetting deadline(s)/hearing(s): ( Replies due by 7/19/2019); granting 26 Motion for Extension of Time to Reply to Motion Response (Re: 10 MOTION to Dismiss And Brief in Support ) (pll, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 07/03/2019)	RECAP
29	July 19, 2019	REPLY to Response to Motion (Re: 10 MOTION to Dismiss And Brief in Support ) by Curtis DeLapp, John Gerkin, Jared Sigler ; (Lawson, Stefanie) (Entered: 07/19/2019)	RECAP
30	July 19, 2019	REPLY to Response to Motion (Re: 11 MOTION to Dismiss ) by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, Craig Sutter ; (With attachments) (Williford, Jon) (Entered: 07/19/2019)	RECAP
31	July 26, 2019	Opposed MOTION for Hearing Oral Argument Requested (Re: 10 MOTION to Dismiss And Brief in Support, 11 MOTION to Dismiss ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (Bryan, John) (Entered: 07/26/2019)	RECAP
32	July 26, 2019	NOTICE of motion to strike or alternatively, motion to file surreply (Re: 30 Reply to Response to Motion, 29 Reply to Response to Motion ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (Bryan, John) (Entered: 07/26/2019)	RECAP
33	July 29, 2019	MINUTE ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; setting/resetting deadline(s)/hearing(s): ( Motion Hearing set for 10/10/2019 at 09:30 AM before Judge Gregory K Frizzell); granting 31 Motion for Hearing (Re: 11 MOTION to Dismiss, 10 MOTION to Dismiss And Brief in Support ) (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 07/29/2019)	RECAP
34	July 30, 2019	Opposed MOTION to Strike Document(s) (Re: 30 Reply to Response to Motion, 29 Reply to Response to Motion ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (With attachments) (Bryan, John) Modified on 7/30/2019; this is a two-part motion of which only one part was efiled - see 35 for alternatively pled Motion for Leave to File Document(s) (sac-qc, Dpty Clk). (Entered: 07/30/2019)	RECAP
35	July 30, 2019	MOTION for Leave to File consolidated surreply (submitted as part of 34, alternatively) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (sac-qc, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 07/30/2019)	RECAP
	July 30, 2019	NOTICE of Docket Entry Modification; Error: this is a two-part motion of which only one part was efiled; Correction: efiled Motion for Leave to File Document(s) - see 35 (Re: 34 Opposed MOTION to Strike Document(s) or alternatively, request for leave to file combined surreply ) (sac-qc, Dpty Clk)
36	Aug. 12, 2019	RESPONSE in Opposition to Motion (Re: 34 Opposed MOTION to Strike Document(s) or alternatively, request for leave to file combined surreply ) by Curtis DeLapp, John Gerkin, Jared Sigler ; (Lawson, Stefanie) (Entered: 08/12/2019)	RECAP
37	Aug. 13, 2019	REPLY to Response to Motion (Re: 11 MOTION to Dismiss ) by Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board of Directors, State of Oklahoma, Craig Sutter ; (With attachments) (Williford, Jon) (Entered: 08/13/2019)	RECAP
38	Sept. 6, 2019	MOTION to Withdraw Attorney(s) Myesha Braden by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (Bryan, John) (Entered: 09/06/2019)	RECAP
39	Sept. 6, 2019	MINUTE ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; terminating attorney Myesha Braden ; granting 38 Motion to Withdraw Attorney(s) (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 09/06/2019)	RECAP
40	Sept. 6, 2019	MINUTE ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell Plaintiffs' Motion to Strike those portions of defendants' reply briefs raising new arguments and asserting defendants' version of the facts is granted. Judicial Defendants' argument that Rules 8.1 and 8.8 do not provide a separate or private cause of action is a new argument, as the statement contained in their motion to dismiss pertained to their argument that state judges are exempt from liability pursuant to Section 155 of the OGTCA. The OIDS defendants did not respond to the motion to strike ; accepting in part 34 Motion to Strike Document(s) (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (GKFJ, Judge) (Entered: 09/06/2019)	RECAP
41	Sept. 6, 2019	MINUTE ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell Plaintiffs' Request for Leave to File Surreply is Moot in light of the court's ruling on plaintiffs' motion to strike ; finding as moot 35 Motion for Leave to File Document(s) (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (GKFJ, Judge) (Entered: 09/06/2019)	RECAP
42	Oct. 2, 2019	ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by Richard Neal Mann on behalf of Curtis DeLapp, John Gerkin, Jared Sigler [Note: Attorney Richard Neal Mann added to party Curtis DeLapp(pty:dft), Attorney Richard Neal Mann added to party John Gerkin(pty:dft), Attorney Richard Neal Mann added to party Jared Sigler(pty:dft).] (Mann, Richard) (Entered: 10/02/2019)	RECAP
43	Oct. 8, 2019	MOTION for Attorney(s) Ms. Leah Wong to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $50 PHV fee; receipt number AOKNDC-2119515) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (With attachments) (Bryan, John) (Entered: 10/08/2019)	RECAP
44	Oct. 9, 2019	MINUTE ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell granting admission pro hac vice and ; adding attorney Leah Wong for Sharonica Carter,Leah Wong for Amanda Feenstra,Leah Wong for Lonnie Feenstra ; granting 43 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice (This entry is the Official Order of the Court. No document is attached.) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 10/09/2019)	RECAP
45	Oct. 10, 2019	MINUTES of Proceedings - held before Judge Gregory K Frizzell: Motion Hearing held on 10/10/2019, striking/terminating deadline(s)/Hearing(s), taking motion(s) under advisement (Re: 10 MOTION to Dismiss And Brief in Support, 11 MOTION to Dismiss ) (Court Reporter: Brian Neil) (kjp, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 10/10/2019)	RECAP
46	Oct. 18, 2019	TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings (Unredacted) of Motion Hearing held on 10-10-2019 before Judge Gregory K Frizzell (Court Reporter: Brian Neil) (Pages: 1-89). NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: A party must file a Transcript Redaction Request within 21 calendar days. If a party fails to request redaction, this unredacted transcript may be made electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days. Any party needing a copy of the transcript to review for redaction purposes may view the transcript at the court public terminal at no charge or may purchase a copy from the court reporter. (Re: 45 Minutes of Motion Hearing, Striking/Terminating Deadline(s)/Hearing(s), Taking Motion(s) Under Advisement) (bpn, CrtRptr) Modified on 1/16/2020 to remove transcript access restriction (sac, Dpty Clk). (Entered: 10/18/2019)	RECAP
47	Nov. 13, 2019	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).	RECAP
48	Nov. 14, 2019	OPINION AND ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; granting in part and denying in part 11 Motion to Dismiss (kjp, Dpty Clk)	RECAP
49	Nov. 26, 2019	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)	RECAP
50	Nov. 26, 2019	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)	RECAP
51	Dec. 3, 2019	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)	RECAP
52	Dec. 9, 2019	ERRATA/CORRECTION (Re: 50 MOTION to Amend the Complaint ) by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (With attachments) (Bryan, John) (Entered: 12/09/2019)	RECAP
53	Dec. 11, 2019	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)	RECAP
54	Dec. 11, 2019	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)	RECAP
55	Dec. 18, 2019	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)	RECAP
56	Dec. 18, 2019	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)	RECAP
57	Dec. 30, 2019	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)	RECAP
58	Dec. 30, 2019	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)	RECAP
59	Dec. 30, 2019	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)	RECAP
60	Jan. 9, 2020	MOTION to Withdraw Attorney(s) by Curtis DeLapp, John Gerkin, Jared Sigler (Mann, Richard) (Entered: 01/09/2020)	RECAP
61	Jan. 9, 2020	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)	RECAP
62	Jan. 9, 2020	JOINT STATUS REPORT by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (Bryan, John) (Entered: 01/09/2020)	RECAP
63	Jan. 10, 2020	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)	RECAP
64	Jan. 14, 2020	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)	RECAP
65	Jan. 23, 2020	ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; granting in part and denying in part 50 Motion to Amend (lah, Chambers) (Entered: 01/23/2020)	RECAP
66	Jan. 31, 2020	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)	RECAP
67	Feb. 12, 2020	Unopposed MOTION to Withdraw Attorney(s) Leah Watson by Sharonica Carter, Amanda Feenstra, Lonnie Feenstra (Bryan, John) (Entered: 02/12/2020)	RECAP
68	Feb. 12, 2020	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)	RECAP
69	Feb. 13, 2020	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)	RECAP
70	Feb. 13, 2020	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)	RECAP
71	Feb. 14, 2020	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)	RECAP
72	Feb. 19, 2020	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)	RECAP
73	Feb. 26, 2020	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)	RECAP
74	Feb. 28, 2020	ANSWER (Re: 66 Amended Complaint, ) by Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 02/28/2020)	RECAP
75	Feb. 28, 2020	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)	RECAP
76	March 13, 2020	Unopposed MOTION for Protective Order by Jared Sigler, Linda Thomas, Russell Vaclaw (With attachments) (Pederson, Devan) (Entered: 03/13/2020)	RECAP
77	March 16, 2020	PROTECTIVE ORDER by Magistrate Judge Frank H McCarthy ; granting 76 Motion for Protective Order (tjc, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 03/16/2020)	RECAP
78	April 7, 2020	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)	RECAP
79	April 7, 2020	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)	RECAP
80	June 10, 2020	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)	RECAP
81	July 9, 2020	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)	RECAP
82	July 23, 2020	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)	RECAP
83	Aug. 24, 2020	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)	RECAP
84	Aug. 25, 2020	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)	RECAP
	Aug. 25, 2020	***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)
85	Aug. 27, 2020	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)	RECAP
86	Sept. 8, 2020	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)	RECAP
87	Sept. 10, 2020	ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by John Fowler on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Fowler, John) (Entered: 09/10/2020)	RECAP
88	Sept. 14, 2020	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)	RECAP
	Sept. 14, 2020	***Motion(s) Referred to Magistrate Jayne (Re: 88 MOTION to be Excused from the Settlement Conference set on September 28, 2020 ) (sac, Dpty Clk)
89	Sept. 17, 2020	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)	RECAP
90	Sept. 28, 2020	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)	RECAP
91	Oct. 1, 2020	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)	RECAP
92	Oct. 8, 2020	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)	RECAP
	Oct. 8, 2020	***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)
93	Oct. 28, 2020	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)	RECAP
94	Nov. 6, 2020	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)	RECAP

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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

County

Special Judges of the District Court

State