The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court order dismissing a pro se civil action without prejudice. The dismissal occurred because the appellant failed to complete the required in forma pauperis affidavit or pay the full filing fee.
Background
Toccara Yvonne Puller filed a pro se civil action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The district court ordered her to complete and file a non-prisoner in forma pauperis affidavit or pay the full filing fee. She failed to comply with this order, leading to a dismissal without prejudice.
The court’s reasoning
The court reviewed the record and found no reversible error in the district court’s decision. The court cited Attkisson v. Holder for the standard of review. The court noted that the dismissal order was a final decision because the district court dismissed the action without providing leave to amend.
What it means going forward
The ruling confirms that pro se litigants must strictly adhere to in forma pauperis filing requirements to avoid dismissal of their civil actions.
