Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_23-cv-00386/USCOURTS-caed-2_23-cv-00386-3/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

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

DAVID FUENTES, SR.,

Plaintiff,

v.

MULE CREEK STATE PRISON, et al.,

Defendants.

No. 2:23-cv-0386 KJN P

ORDER

Plaintiff is a former state prisoner, proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis. On March 9, 

2023, plaintiff’s complaint was dismissed, and he was granted thirty days in which to file an 

amended complaint. On April 21, 2023, plaintiff was granted thirty days to comply with the 

order. On May 22, 2022, plaintiff filed a motion for extension of time to file an amended 

complaint, along with a motion to appoint counsel. 

Extension of Time

Good cause appearing, plaintiff is granted thirty days in which to file an amended 

complaint that is complete and complies with the March 9, 2023 order. Plaintiff is cautioned that 

failure to timely comply with these court orders will result in a recommendation that this action 

be dismissed.

Motion for Counsel

Plaintiff requests that the court appoint counsel. 

Case 2:23-cv-00386-CSK Document 10 Filed 05/24/23 Page 1 of 4
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District courts lack authority to require counsel to represent indigent prisoners in section 

1983 cases. Mallard v. United States Dist. Court, 490 U.S. 296, 298 (1989). In exceptional 

circumstances, the court may request an attorney to voluntarily represent such a plaintiff. See 28 

U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1). Terrell v. Brewer, 935 F.2d 1015, 1017 (9th Cir. 1991); Wood v. 

Housewright, 900 F.2d 1332, 1335-36 (9th Cir. 1990). When determining whether “exceptional 

circumstances” exist, the court must consider plaintiff’s likelihood of success on the merits as 

well as the ability of the plaintiff to articulate his claims pro se in light of the complexity of the 

legal issues involved. Palmer v. Valdez, 560 F.3d 965, 970 (9th Cir. 2009) (district court did not 

abuse discretion in declining to appoint counsel). The burden of demonstrating exceptional 

circumstances is on the plaintiff. Id. Circumstances common to most prisoners, such as lack of 

legal education and limited law library access, do not establish exceptional circumstances that 

warrant a request for voluntary assistance of counsel. 

Having considered the factors under Palmer, the court finds that plaintiff failed to meet his 

burden of demonstrating exceptional circumstances warranting the appointment of counsel at this 

time.

Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Plaintiff motion for extension of time (ECF No. 9) is granted; 

2. Within thirty days from the date of this order, plaintiff shall complete the Notice of 

Amendment and submit the following documents to the court:

a. The completed Notice of Amendment; and

b. An original of the Amended Complaint.

Plaintiff’s amended complaint shall comply with the March 9, 2023 order, the requirements of the 

Civil Rights Act, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and the Local Rules of Practice. The 

amended complaint must also bear the docket number assigned to this case and must be labeled 

“Amended Complaint.” 

Failure to file an amended complaint in accordance with this order will result in a 

recommendation that this action be dismissed. 

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Case 2:23-cv-00386-CSK Document 10 Filed 05/24/23 Page 2 of 4
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3. Plaintiff’s motion for appointment of counsel (ECF No. 9) is denied without prejudice.

Dated: May 24, 2023

/fuen0386.eot2+

Case 2:23-cv-00386-CSK Document 10 Filed 05/24/23 Page 3 of 4
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

DAVID FUENTES, SR.,

Plaintiff,

v.

MULE CREEK STATE PRISON, et al.,

Defendants.

No. 2:23-cv-0386 KJN P

NOTICE OF AMENDMENT

Plaintiff hereby submits the following document in compliance with the court’s order

filed______________.

_____________ Amended Complaint

DATED: 

________________________________

Plaintiff

Case 2:23-cv-00386-CSK Document 10 Filed 05/24/23 Page 4 of 4