Charles Henry Oscar Butler, Jr. v. Contra Costa County Jail, et al.

Background

Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero screened Butler’s complaint on November 12, 2025. The court gave Butler 28 days to file an amended complaint with facts sufficient to state a constitutional claim against all defendants. The order warned that failing to file an amended complaint on time could result in dismissal of some or all of the case. The deadline passed, and Butler did not file an amended complaint.

The case was later reassigned to Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. The opinion states that the reassignment occurred in light of a recent Ninth Circuit decision.

Ruling

The court dismissed the complaint without prejudice under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(b), which allows dismissal when a plaintiff fails to comply with a court order or otherwise fails to prosecute the case. The court relied on factors concerning the need to resolve cases efficiently, manage its docket, and avoid prejudice to the defendants. The Clerk of Court was directed to terminate all pending motions and close the file.

The dismissal was not based on a decision about whether Butler’s constitutional claims were legally valid. The order states that, if Butler is prepared to pursue the claims, he may file a new civil-rights action. It also discusses the limitations period and possible tolling for a section 1983 action in California.