Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_15-cv-01829/USCOURTS-caed-1_15-cv-01829-1/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

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

ESTEBAN HERNANDEZ,

Petitioner,

v.

DHS/ICE and LORETTA LYNCH, Attorney 

General of the United States of America,

Respondents.

CASE NO. 1:15-cv-01829-SKO HC 

ORDER DENYING PETITIONER’S MOTION 

FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL

(Doc. 21)

For the second time in this district, Petitioner, proceeding pro se with a petition for writ of 

habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2241, moves for appointment of counsel. In habeas proceedings, 

no absolute right to appointment of counsel currently exists. See, e.g., Anderson v. Heinze, 258 F.2d 

479, 481 (9th Cir. 1958); Mitchell v. Wyrick, 727 F.2d 773, 774 (8th Cir. 1984). Nonetheless, a court may 

appoint counsel at any stage of the case "if the interests of justice so require." 18 U.S.C. § 

3006A(a)(2)(B); Rule 8(c), Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases.

Petitioner contends that appointment of counsel is required since (1) he lacks the financial means 

to hire counsel; (2) is unable to investigate his claims while incarcerated; (3) his case is unduly complex; 

and (4) he has been unable to find counsel who will represent him without cost. He shares these four 

contentions with nearly all petitioners for writs of habeas corpus. Petitioner has competently filed his 

petition and motion for appointment of counsel, presenting well reasoned arguments supported by 

appropriate legal citations. Accordingly, the Court finds no evidence that the interests of justice require 

the appointment of counsel at this time. 

Petitioner's motion for appointment of counsel is hereby DENIED.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: February 16, 2016 /s/ Sheila K. Oberto 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:15-cv-01829-DAD-SKO Document 25 Filed 02/17/16 Page 1 of 2
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Case 1:15-cv-01829-DAD-SKO Document 25 Filed 02/17/16 Page 2 of 2