Opinion
C.A. No. 4:07-3118-HMH.
June 19, 2008
OPINION ORDER
This matter is before the court on Zikiteran D. Robinson's ("Robinson") pro se request for state sentencing transcripts, as well as federal investigation, arrest, and pre-sentence investigation reports. Pro se motions are liberally construed and are held to a less stringent standard than those drafted by attorneys. See Gordon v. Leeke, 574 F.2d 1147, 1151 (4th Cir. 1978). This court has construed Robinson's motion as one requesting the production of the above-referenced records at the Government's expense. However, even though the court has applied a less stringent standard of review, Robinson's request cannot be granted. A prisoner who requests free copies of records in his or her criminal case, whether it is a state or federal case, must show a particularized need for such records. Jones v. Superintendent, Virginia State Farm, 460 F.2d 150, 152-53 (4th Cir. 1972); Morin v. United States, 522 F.2d 8, 9 (4th Cir. 1975) (applying Jones to federal prisoner). Robinson has not shown a particularized need for the records requested. Accordingly, Robinson's motion for a copy of the above-referenced records at the Government's expense is denied. Robinson may obtain a copy of the requested records at his own expense, if he so desires.
It is therefore
ORDERED that Robinson's motion for records relating to his arrest, conviction, and sentencing, docket number 35, is denied.