Puckett, who is serving time at the California Health Care Facility under CDCR number G-05549, is set to testify as a 'necessary and material witness on his own behalf' in a trial confirmation hearing scheduled for May 6, 2026. The case appears to be a civil rights lawsuit filed under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against defendants including Baraona and other prison officials, though the specific nature of Puckett's claims is not detailed in the writ.
The court found it necessary to issue the formal writ to ensure Puckett's attendance at the proceedings. As Judge Singer wrote in the order, the inmate's presence is required 'to appear by video conference (via Zoom) before District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on May 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.' The writ commands prison officials to produce Puckett 'along with any necessary legal property' for the hearing.
The order reflects the procedural complexities that arise when incarcerated plaintiffs need to participate in their own civil rights litigation. Judge Singer's writ specifically commands the warden to 'produce the inmate named above... to testify before the United States District Court at the time and place above, until completion of the proceedings, or as ordered by the Court; and thereafter to return the inmate to the above institution.'
The case has been pending since 2021, when Puckett first filed his complaint. The matter is assigned to U.S. District Judge Kirk Sherriff for trial proceedings, while Magistrate Judge Singer is handling certain pre-trial matters including the prisoner transport logistics.
The writ includes standard safeguards requiring prison officials to notify the court of any changes in Puckett's custody status. As the order states, 'The custodian is ordered to notify the Court of any change in custody of this inmate and is ordered to provide the new custodian with a copy of this writ.'
The use of video conference technology for inmate testimony has become more common in federal courts, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. The arrangement allows incarcerated plaintiffs to participate meaningfully in their litigation while maintaining security protocols and reducing transportation costs for prison systems.
A trial confirmation hearing typically occurs shortly before trial to address final procedural matters, witness availability, and scheduling. Puckett's testimony at this hearing will likely be crucial for determining how the case proceeds to trial and what issues will be presented to a jury.