Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_08-cv-01310/USCOURTS-casd-3_08-cv-01310-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 463
Nature of Suit: Habeas Corpus - Alien Detainee
Cause of Action: 28:2241 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus (federal)

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08cv1310

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

CHIU WONG,

Petitioner,

v.

MICHAEL CHERTOFF, et al.,

Respondents.

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Civil No. 08cv1310 L(BLM)

ORDER GRANTING MOTION FOR

APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL [doc.

#3] and TO SHOW CAUSE WHY

THIS PETITION SHOULD NOT BE

GRANTED

Petitioner filed a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2241 and a

motion for appointment of counsel under 18 U.S.C. § 3006A. 

1. Motion for Appointment of Counsel

Petitioner moves for appointment of counsel under 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(a)(2). Under this

statute, the district court may appoint counsel for financially eligible petitioners seeking relief

under 28 U.S.C. § 2241 when the interests of justice so require. The Court considers whether

there is a likelihood of success on the merits and whether the unrepresented petitioner has the

ability to articulate his claims in light of the complexity of the issues presented. Weygandt v.

Look, 718 F.2d 952, 954 (9th Cir. 1983).

Petitioner has paid the $5.00 filing fee but he is unable to obtain counsel with his limited

financial resources. The Court finds that petitioner is financially eligible for a court-appointed

attorney.

Case 3:08-cv-01310-L-BLM Document 8 Filed 11/04/08 Page 1 of 3
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Petitioner, a native of Hong Kong, is an United States lawful permanent resident who is

under a final order of removal. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is currently considering

petitioner’s petition for review and has granted his motion for stay. Petitioner has been in

respondents’ custody since May 17, 2007. He argues his continued detention beyond the

statutory removal period is unlawful in light of Tijani v. Willis, 430 F.3d 1241 (9th Cir. 2005)

and Nadarajah v. Gonzales, 443 F.3d 1069 (9th Cir. 2006). Upon review of the petition and

under Tijani and Nadarajah, the Court finds it is likely Petitioner will prevail on the merits of his

claim based on his prolonged detention.

The Court finds that many of the issues raised in this action regarding indefinite

detainees are novel, complex, and difficult as demonstrated in the conflicting decisions entered

in this district. Thus, Petitioner may not be able to adequately address the intricate legal

arguments that are appropriate to their constitutional and statutory claims. Further, Petitioner

may not be able to obtain discovery without the aid of counsel. Accordingly, having carefully

considered the Petitioner’s motion, the record, and applicable law, the Court concludes that the

interests of justice require appointment of counsel. Based upon Petitioner’s motion and the

declaration of James Fife, an attorney with the Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc., who

indicates he is ready and able to assist the Petitioner, the Court appoints the Federal Defenders of

San Diego, Inc. to represent Petitioner. Petitioner’s motion for appointment of counsel is

GRANTED.

2. Order to Show Cause.

Having received and reviewed Petitioner’s petition for writ of habeas corpus under 28

U.S.C. § 2241, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

Respondents shall file a return to the petition for writ of habeas corpus on or before

December 1, 2008. Respondents shall include copies of all pertinent documents, orders, and 

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transcripts relevant to this motion, and shall also make a recommendation regarding the need for

an evidentiary hearing on the merits of the Petition. Petitioner shall file a traverse on or before

January 5, 2009. The matter will be deemed under submission at that time. 

IT IS SO ORDERED. 

DATED: November 3, 2008

M. James Lorenz

United States District Court Judge

COPY TO: 

HON. BARBARA L. MAJOR

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

ALL PARTIES/COUNSEL

Case 3:08-cv-01310-L-BLM Document 8 Filed 11/04/08 Page 3 of 3