Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_07-cv-01783/USCOURTS-caed-2_07-cv-01783-3/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

BENJAMIN ADKINS, No. CIV S-07-1783-LKK-CMK-P

Petitioner, 

vs. ORDER

D.K. SISTO, et al.,

Respondents.

 /

Petitioner, a state prisoner proceeding pro se, brings this petition for a writ of

habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254. Pending before the court is petitioner’s motion for

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 § 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. Specifically, while the court acknowledges that the treatment petitioner is

currently undergoing for cancer limits his ability to represent himself, this matter is fully briefed

and, upon review of the record, the court does not find that appointment of counsel will benefit

Case 2:07-cv-01783-LKK -CMK Document 15 Filed 04/24/08 Page 1 of 2
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the court in deciding the issues presented in this case. 

As to the court’s March 26, 2008, order inviting optional supplemental briefing,

that order does not require any further briefing from petitioner. The court will, however, provide

the parties an extension of time to submit optional supplemental briefing. 

Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Petitioner’s motion for appointment of counsel (Doc. 14) is denied; and

2. The time to respond to the court’s March 26, 2008, order is extended to 30

days from the date of this order. 

DATED: April 23, 2008

______________________________________

CRAIG M. KELLISON

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 2:07-cv-01783-LKK -CMK Document 15 Filed 04/24/08 Page 2 of 2