RECARDO CLAYTON, PETITIONER,
v.
THE STATE OF FLORIDA, RESPONDENT
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The court held that a pro se litigant's further filings related to a specific criminal case will be refused unless reviewed and signed by a licensed attorney.
Following dismissal of a habeas corpus petition, the court issued an order to show cause why the pro se litigant should not be prohibited from filing …
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On August 5, 2015, this Court issued an Opinion dismissing Recardo Clayton’s petition for writ of habeas corpus. Our Opinion contained an order to show cause why Clayton should not be prohibited from filing with this Court any further pro se appeals, petitions, motions or other proceedings related to his criminal sentencing in circuit court case number 05-8744.
Clayton filed a response to the show cause order on September 15, 2015. Clayton’s response, which sets forth three claims, provides no new information or argument for our consideration.
We must balance Clayton’s pro se right to access to courts with the Court’s need to devote its finite resources to legitimate appeals. State v. Spencer, 751 So.2d 47, 48 (Fla.1999) (“[D]enying a pro se litigant the opportunity to file future petitions is a serious sanction, especially where the litigant is a criminal defendant ... ”). Accordingly, after an order to show cause and an opportunity to answer, a court may prevent further filings. Id.
We conclude that Clayton has not demonstrated good cause to justify further filings of appeals, petitions, motions and other pleadings with this Court. It is hereby ordered that the Clerk of the Third District Court of Appeal shall refuse to accept further pro se filings related to case number 05-8744; provided, however, that filings related to case number 05-8744 may be accepted by the Clerk if such filings have been reviewed and signed by an attorney who is a licensed member of the Florida Bar in good standing.
Any such further and unauthorized pro se filings by Clayton will subject him to sanctions, including the issuance of written findings forwarded to the Florida Department of Corrections for consideration by it for its disciplinary action, pursuant to section 944.279(1) of the Florida Statutes.
Order issued.