Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_04-cv-05758/USCOURTS-caed-1_04-cv-05758-2/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

DAVID E. WHITFIELD, )

)

Petitioner, )

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v. )

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J. SOLIS, Warden, )

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Respondent. )

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___________________________________ )

CV F 04-5758 REC WMW HC

ORDER DENYING REQUEST 

FOR APPOINTMENT OF

COUNSEL

[Doc. 16]

Petitioner is a prisoner proceeding with a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus pursuant

to 28 U.S.C. Section 2254. 

Petitioner has requested the appointment of counsel. There currently exists no

absolute right to appointment of counsel in habeas proceedings. See e.g., Anderson v.

Heinze, 258 F.2d 479, 481 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 358 U.S. 889 (1958); Mitchell v. Wyrick,

727 F.2d 773 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 823 (1984). However, Title 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), Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases. In the present case,

Case 1:04-cv-05758-WMW Document 17 Filed 02/15/06 Page 1 of 2
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the court does not find that the interests of justice would be served by the appointment of

counsel at the present time. Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that petitioner's

request for appointment of counsel is denied.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: February 15, 2006 /s/ William M. Wunderlich 

bl0dc4 UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:04-cv-05758-WMW Document 17 Filed 02/15/06 Page 2 of 2