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2011 Ohio 6301
Ohio Ct. App.
2011

STATE OF OHIO, EX REL., LAWRENCE CARTER v. JUDGE MICHAEL ASTRAB, ET AL.

No. 97072

Court of Appeals of Ohio, EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT, COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA

December 5, 2011

2011-Ohio-6301

Order No. 449808; Motion Nos. 446296, 446297 and 447691

JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION

JUDGMENT: WRIT DENIED

Writ of Mandamus and/or Procedendo

FOR RELATOR

Lawrence Carter, pro se
Inmate #453-994
Mansfield Correctional Inst.
P. O. Box 788
Mansfield, OH 44901

ATTORNEYS FOR RESPONDENT

William D. Mason
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor

By: James E. Moss
Assistant County Prosecutor
Justice Center, 9th Fl.
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113

MELODY J. STEWART, P.J.:

{¶ 1} Relator, Lawrence Carter, is the defendant in State v. Carter, Cuyahoga Cty. Court of Common Pleas Case Nos. CR-441174, 441175, 441176, 441177, 441178, 441179, 441180 and 441193, which are assigned to respondent judge, a member of respondent court of common pleas. Carter avers that, although the court of common pleas waived all costs, fines and fees, the clerk of the court of common pleas continued to attempt to collect costs. Carter requests that this court issue writs of mandamus and/or procedendo compelling the clerk to cease attempts to collect costs from Carter.

{¶ 2} Respondents have filed a motion for summary judgment. Carter has not opposed the motion. Respondents argue that this action is moot. We agree. Respondent judge has issued journal entries in the underlying cases finding that Carter is indigent and waiving all costs as well as ordering the clerk of courts to remove all costs associated with each case from its records.

{¶ 3} Respondents also correctly observe that Carter’s affidavit in support of this action is not sufficient under Loc.App.R. 45(B)(1)(a), which requires that all complaints in original actions “must be supported by an affidavit from the plaintiff or relator specifying the details of the claim.” Carter avers: “The statements contained in paragraph [sic] 1 through 12 in the Complaint/ Petition for Writs of Mandamus and/or Procedendo are accurate representations of the actual events in the relator’s criminal case[.]” Carter’s Affidavit, ¶2. Carter’s conclusory averment does not specify the details of the claim. Rather, he merely incorporates the complaint by reference. Compare Bandy v. Villanueva, Cuyahoga App. No. 96866, 2011-Ohio-4831 (“Bandy’s ‘Verification’ states, in part, that all the facts in this petition are true and accurate to the best of my personal knowledge and belief.’” Id. ¶4). The failure to comply with Loc.App.R. 45(B)(1)(a) provides an additional basis for denying relief.

{¶ 4} Accordingly, respondents’ motion for summary judgment is granted. Relator to pay costs. The clerk is directed to serve upon the parties notice of this judgment and its date of entry upon the journal. Civ.R. 58(B).

Writ denied.

MELODY J. STEWART, PRESIDING JUDGE

FRANK D. CELEBREZZE, JR., and

SEAN G. GALLAGHER, J.

Case Details

Case Name: State ex rel. Carter v. Astrab
Court Name: Ohio Court of Appeals
Date Published: Dec 5, 2011
Citations: 2011 Ohio 6301; 97072
Docket Number: 97072
Court Abbreviation: Ohio Ct. App.
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