Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-00403/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-00403-0/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

LESLIE SILVA,

Petitioner, No. CIV S-05-0403 DFL KJM P

vs.

STATE OF CALIFORNIA, et al., 

Respondents. ORDER

 /

Petitioner, a state prisoner proceeding pro se, has filed an application for a writ of

habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. § 2254. Petitioner has also filed a request to proceed in forma

pauperis and a request for the appointment of counsel.

Examination of the in forma pauperis affidavit reveals that petitioner is unable to

afford the costs of suit. Accordingly, the request for leave to proceed in forma pauperis is

granted. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a).

There currently is not an 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 § 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. 

Case 2:05-cv-00403-JAM -KJM Document 9 Filed 12/01/05 Page 1 of 2
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Because petitioner may be entitled to the relief requested in his application for

writ of habeas corpus if the claimed violation of constitutional rights is proved, respondents will

be directed to file an answer.

In accordance with the above, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Petitioner's request to proceed in forma pauperis is granted; 

2. Petitioner’s March 1 and 10, 2005 requests for the appointment of counsel are

denied; 

3. Respondents are directed to file an answer within sixty days from the date of

this order. See Rule 4, Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases. Respondents shall include with the

answer any and all transcripts or other documents relevant to the determination of the issues

presented in the application. Rule 5, Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases;

4. Petitioner's traverse, if any, is due on or before thirty days from the date

respondents’ answer is filed; and

5. The Clerk of the Court shall serve a copy of this order together with a copy of

petitioner's application for writ of habeas corpus on Jo Graves, Senior Assistant Attorney

General.

DATED: November 30, 2005.

______________________________________

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

1/kf

silv0403.100 

Case 2:05-cv-00403-JAM -KJM Document 9 Filed 12/01/05 Page 2 of 2