Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_07-cv-00621/USCOURTS-caed-2_07-cv-00621-3/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 530
Nature of Suit: Prisoner Petitions - Habeas Corpus
Cause of Action: 28:2254 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus (State)

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

NICHOLAS B. GARCIA,

Petitioner, No. 2:07-cv-00621 ALA HC

vs.

D.K. SISTO, ORDER

Respondent.

 /

Petitioner Nicholas Garcia is proceeding with an application for writ of habeas corpus

under 28 U.S.C. § 2254. On June 22, 2007, petitioner filed a motion for an evidentiary hearing

and the appointment of counsel. 

In deciding a motion for an evidentiary hearing “the judge must review the answer, any

transcripts and records of state-court proceedings, and any materials submitted under Rule 7 to

determine whether an evidentiary hearing is warranted.” Rule 8(a), Fed. R. Governing § 2254

Cases. After review, this court has determined that an evidentiary hearing is not warranted at

this time. 

In regards to petitioner’s motion for the appointment of counsel, there currently exists no

absolute right to appointment of counsel in habeas proceedings. See Nevius v. Sumner, 105 F.3d

453, 460 (9th Cir. 1996). However, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A authorizes the appointment of counsel at

any stage of the case “if the interests of justice so require.” See Rule 8(c), Fed. R. Governing

Case 2:07-cv-00621-ALA Document 20 Filed 03/28/08 Page 1 of 2
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§ 2254 Cases. In the present case, the court does not find that the interests of justice would be

served by the appointment of counsel at the present time. 

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Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Petitioner’s June 22, 2007, motion for an evidentiary hearing is DENIED, without

prejudice; and

2. Petitioner’s June 22, 2007, motion for the appointment of counsel is DENIED.

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DATED: March 27, 2008

/s/ Arthur L. Alarcón 

UNITED STATES CIRCUIT JUDGE

Sitting by Designation

Case 2:07-cv-00621-ALA Document 20 Filed 03/28/08 Page 2 of 2