No. 25-7058

Luis Ordonez-Vega v. United States

Lower Court: Fourth Circuit
Docketed: 2026-03-18
Status: Pending
Type: IFP
Response WaivedIFP
Tags: access-to-courts extraordinary-circumstance habeas-corpus indigent-inmate ineffective-assistance recall-of-mandate
Latest Conference: 2026-04-17
Question Presented (from Petition)

1. Whether the fact an indigent inmate was unable to meet his appeal deadline by being prevented from receiving inmate assistance due to the prison he was confined at being on constant lockdown an extraordinary circumstance to recall mandate where he is both ignorant to the law and the nuances of the English language.

2. Whether the court of appeals' denial of said inmate's Motion to Recall Mandate without an opinion in conflict with applicable decisions of the court when there are special circumstances that exist.

Question Presented (AI Summary)

Whether an indigent inmate's inability to meet an appeal deadline due to prison lockdown preventing access to inmate legal assistance constitutes an extraordinary circumstance warranting recall of mandate, particularly where the inmate lacks legal knowledge and English language proficiency, and whether the court of appeals' denial of the motion to recall mandate without opinion conflicts with applicable precedent recognizing special circumstances

Docket Entries

2026-04-02
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 4/17/2026.
2026-03-30
Waiver of United States of right to respond submitted.
2026-03-30
Waiver of right of respondent United States to respond filed.
2026-01-13
Petition for a writ of certiorari and motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis filed. (Response due April 17, 2026)

Attorneys

Luis Ordonez-Vega
Luis Ordonez-Vega — Petitioner
United States
D. John SauerSolicitor General, Respondent