DOTSON v. KNIGHT

Filing 12

Entry Discussing Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus - The petition for a writ of habeas corpus must be denied and the action dismissed. Judgment consistent with this Entry shall now issue. (See Entry.) Copy to petitioner via US Mail. Signed by Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson on 9/20/2012.(RSF)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA
TONY DOTSON,
Petitioner,
vs.
STANLEY KNIGHT,
Respondent.

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2:12-cv-68-JMS-DKL

Entry Discussing Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus
A federal court may issue a writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. '
2254(a) only if it finds the applicant Ais in custody in violation of the Constitution or
laws or treaties of the United States.@ Id. Because habeas petitioner Tony Dotson
has failed to show that this is the case with respect to the disciplinary proceeding
challenged in this case, his petition for a writ of habeas corpus must be denied and
this action dismissed.
Discussion
In a disciplinary proceeding identified as No. ISF 11-12-0065, Dotson was
found guilty of violating prison rules by his unauthorized possession of an electronic
device, i.e., a cell phone. The evidence favorable to the decision of the hearing officer
is that on December 2, 2011, a search of the housing unit to which Dotson was
assigned revealed a cell phone in a tennis shoe on top of a property box belonging to
Dotson. The property box had been tucked under the bed. Contending that the
proceeding was constitutionally infirm, Dotson seeks a writ of habeas corpus.
Indiana state prisoners have a liberty interest in their good-time credits and
therefore are entitled to due process before the state may revoke them. Wolff v.
McDonnell, 418 U.S. 539, 557 (1974); Cochran v. Buss, 381 F.3d 637, 639 (7th Cir.
2004). The right to due process in this setting is important and is well-defined. Due
process requires the issuance of advance written notice of the charges, a limited
opportunity to present evidence to an impartial decision-maker, a written statement

articulating the reasons for the disciplinary action and the evidence justifying it,
and Asome evidence in the record@ to support the finding of guilt. See Superintend.,
Mass. Corr. Inst. v. Hill, 472 U.S. 445, 454 (1985); Wolff v. McDonnell, 418 U.S. 539,
564, 566, 570-71 (1974); Piggie v. Cotton, 344 F.3d 674, 677 (7th Cir. 2003); Webb v.
Anderson, 224 F.3d 649, 652 (7th Cir. 2000).
Using the protections recognized in Wolff and Hill as an analytical template,
Dotson received all the process to which he was entitled. That is, the charge was
clear, adequate notice was given, and the evidence was sufficient. In addition, (1)
Dotson was given the opportunity to appear before the hearing officer and make a
statement concerning the charge, (2) the hearing officer issued a sufficient
statement of his findings, and (3) the hearing officer issued a written reason for the
decision and for the sanctions which were imposed.
Dotson’s claims that he was found guilty based on insufficient evidence and
denied the protections afforded by Wolff are either refuted by the expanded record
or based on assertions which do not entitle him to relief. "The touchstone of due
process is protection of the individual against arbitrary action of the government."
Wolff, 418 U.S. at 558. There was no arbitrary action in any aspect of the charge,
disciplinary proceeding, or sanctions involved in the events identified in this action,
and there was no constitutional infirmity in the proceeding which entitles Dotson to
the relief he seeks. Accordingly, his petition for a writ of habeas corpus must be
denied and the action dismissed. Judgment consistent with this Entry shall now
issue.
IT IS SO ORDERED.

_______________________________

09/20/2012
Date: _________________________
Distribution:
All Electronically Registered Counsel
Tony Dotson
944847
Putnamville Correctional Facility
1946 West U.S. Hwy 40
Greencastle, IN 46135

Hon. Jane Magnus-Stinson, Judge
United States District Court
Southern District of Indiana