Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_13-cv-00257/USCOURTS-caed-1_13-cv-00257-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 550
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Civil Rights (U.S. defendant)
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Prisoner Civil Rights

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

JESUS DE LEON,

Plaintiff,

vs.

KATHLEEN ALLISON, et al.,

Defendants. 

________________________________/

1:13-cv-00257-SAB (PC)

ORDER DENYING MOTION FOR

APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL

(ECF No. 2)

Plaintiff Jesus De Leon (“Plaintiff”) is a state prisoner proceeding pro se in a civil rights

action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. On February 22, 2013, Plaintiff filed a motion seeking the

appointment of counsel. (ECF No. 2.)

Plaintiff does not have a constitutional right to the appointment of counsel in this action. 

Palmer v. Valdez, 560 F.3d 965, 970 (9th Cir. 2009); Storseth v. Spellman, 654 F.2d 1349, 1353

(9th Cir. 1981). The Court may request the voluntary assistance of counsel pursuant to 28 U.S.C.

§ 1915(e)(1), but it will do so only if exceptional circumstances exist. Palmer, 560 F.3d at 970;

Wilborn v. Escalderon, 789 F.2d 1328, 1331 (9th Cir. 1986). In making this determination, the

Court must evaluate the likelihood of success on the merits and the ability of Plaintiff to

articulate his claims pro se in light of the complexity of the legal issues involved. Palmer 560

F.3d at 970 (citation and quotation marks omitted); Wilborn, 789 F.2d at 1331. Neither

consideration is dispositive and they must be viewed together. Palmer 560 F.3d at 970 (citation

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and quotation marks omitted); Wilborn 789 F.2d at 1331. 

In the present case, the Court does not find the required exceptional circumstances exist

at this time. Even if it is assumed that Plaintiff is not well versed in the law and that he has made

serious allegations which, if proved, would entitle him to relief, his case is not exceptional. The

Court is faced with similar cases almost daily. Therefore, 

Plaintiff’s request for the appointment of counsel is HEREBY DENIED, without

prejudice.

IT IS SO ORDERED. 

Dated: February 25, 2013 

i1eed4 UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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