Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_13-cv-00919/USCOURTS-caed-1_13-cv-00919-34/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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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Plaintiff David Estrada (“Plaintiff”) is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis 

in this civil rights action. Plaintiff filed a motion for appointment of counsel on August 14, 2014. 

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 

DAVID ESTRADA,

 Plaintiff,

v.

TASSEY, et al.,

Defendants.

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Case No.: 1:13cv00919 DLB (PC)

ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFF’S MOTION 

FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL

(Document 97)

Case 1:13-cv-00919-LJO-DLB Document 98 Filed 08/26/14 Page 1 of 2
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must be viewed together. Palmer, 560 F.3d at 970 (citation and quotation marks omitted); Wilborn, 

789 F.2d at 1331. 

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

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: August 25, 2014 /s/ Dennis L. Beck 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:13-cv-00919-LJO-DLB Document 98 Filed 08/26/14 Page 2 of 2