Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_10-cv-00140/USCOURTS-caed-2_10-cv-00140-0/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

CURTIS DeFRANCE,

Petitioner, No. 2:10-cv-0140 JFM (HC)

vs.

ANTHONY HEDGPETH,

Respondent. ORDER

 /

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

habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254, together with a request to proceed in forma

pauperis.

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).

Since petitioner may be entitled to the requested relief if the claimed violation of

constitutional rights is proved, respondent will be directed to file an answer.

Petitioner has also moved for the 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

Case 2:10-cv-00140-GEB-JFM Document 6 Filed 01/27/10 Page 1 of 2
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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. Accordingly, petitioner’s

motion for appointment of counsel will be denied without prejudice. 

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

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

2. Respondent is directed to file an answer within forty-five days from the date of

this order. See Rule 4, Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases. Respondent 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;

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

respondents’ answer is filed;

4. 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 and an Order Re Consent or Request for

Reassignment on Michael Patrick Farrell, Senior Assistant Attorney General; 

5. Petitioner’s January 19, 2010 motion for appointment of counsel is denied

without prejudice.

DATED: January 26, 2010.

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defr0140.100

Case 2:10-cv-00140-GEB-JFM Document 6 Filed 01/27/10 Page 2 of 2