Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_08-cv-00927/USCOURTS-casd-3_08-cv-00927-0/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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08cv927

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

MANUEL GONZALEZ-LEYTON,

Petitioner,

v.

MICHAEL CHERTOFF, SECRETARY

OF THE DEPARTMENT OF

HOMELAND SECURITY, et al., 

Respondents.

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Civil No. 08cv927-L(CAB)

ORDER DENYING WITHOUT

PREJUDICE PETITIONER’S

MOTION FOR APPOINTMENT OF

COUNSEL

On May 23, 2008 Petitioner filed a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus under 28 U.S.C. 

§ 2241. He moves for appointment of counsel pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, indicating that

Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc., who assisted him in the preparation of the Petition and

motion for appointment of counsel, is willing to represent him as his appointed counsel. For the

reasons which follow, Petitioner’s motion is DENIED WITHOUT PREJUDICE.

Section 3006A(2)(b) provides that “[w]henever . . . the court determines that the interests

of justice so require, representation may be provided for any financially eligible person who is

seeking relief under section 2241 . . ..” The Petition indicates that Petitioner is currently

represented by retained counsel on his appeal of the order of removal to the Ninth Circuit Court

of Appeal. The court therefore questions his financial eligibility under section 3006A. To make

Case 3:08-cv-00927-L-CAB Document 3 Filed 05/29/08 Page 1 of 2
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a showing of financial eligibility, Petitioner must file a declaration under 28 U.S.C. § 1915. See

28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1). Although Petitioner has filed a Prison Certificate and Trust Account

Withdrawal Authorization, he has not filed the requisite declaration providing a disclosure

regarding any other income or assets he may possess. Moreover, Petitioner has not filed any

kind of affidavit in support of his motion. Although he signed the motion, he did not sign it

under oath and the motion was prepared by Janet Tung of Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. 

Petitioner has not filed an affidavit stating the factual basis why he meets the requirements of

section 3006A(2)(b), such as, for example, his educational background, proficiency in the

English language, and why the court should appoint counsel for him when he is simultaneously

able to support a retained counsel on appeal.

For the foregoing reasons Petitioner ‘s motion for appointment of counsel is DENIED. If

Petitioner chooses to renew the motion, he must remedy the deficiencies noted herein and

provide sufficient factual basis, supported by his affidavit, showing that he meets all the

requirements of section 3006A(2)(b).

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: May 29, 2008

M. James Lorenz

United States District Court Judge

COPY TO: 

HON. CATHY ANN BENCIVENGO

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

ALL PARTIES/COUNSEL

Case 3:08-cv-00927-L-CAB Document 3 Filed 05/29/08 Page 2 of 2