Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_08-cv-00325/USCOURTS-casd-3_08-cv-00325-0/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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- 1 - 08cv0325-LAB (POR)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

ERIC WILTON BURTON, Civil No. 08cv0325-LAB (POR)

Petitioner,

ORDER GRANTING PETITIONER’S

REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF PAGE

LIMIT FOR TRAVERSE AND

DENYING WITHOUT PREJUDICE

PETITIONER’S REQUEST FOR

APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL

[Document No. 36]

v.

DIRECTOR OF CALIFORNIA

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND

REHABILITATION,

Respondent.

On September 5, 2008, Petitioner, a state prisoner proceeding pro se, filed a motion

requesting an extension of the 10 page limit for his traverse and appointment of counsel to continue

pursuing his petition for a writ of habeas corpus brought pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254. 

According to Local Rule 7.1(h), "[n]o reply memorandum shall exceed ten (10) pages

without leave of the judge."

The Sixth Amendment right to counsel does not extend to federal habeas corpus actions by

state prisoners. McCleskey v. Zant, 499 U.S. 467, 495 (1991); Chaney v. Lewis, 801 F.2d 1191,

1196 (9th Cir. 1986); Knaubert v. Goldsmith, 791 F.2d 722, 728 (9th Cir. 1986). However,

financially eligible habeas petitioners seeking relief pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254 may obtain

representation whenever the court "determines that the interests of justice so require.'" 18 U.S.C. §

3006A(a)(2)(B) (West Supp. 1995); Terrovona v. Kincheloe, 912 F.2d 1176, 1181 (9th Cir. 1990);

Bashor v. Risley, 730 F.2d 1228, 1234 (9th Cir. 1984).

Case 3:08-cv-00325-LAB-POR Document 44 Filed 09/23/08 Page 1 of 3
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- 2 - 08cv0325-LAB (POR)

In the Ninth Circuit, "[i]ndigent state prisoners applying for habeas relief are not entitled to

appointed counsel unless the circumstances of a particular case indicate that appointed counsel is

necessary to prevent due process violations." Chaney, 801 F.2d at 1196; Knaubert, 791 F.2d at

728-29. A due process violation may occur in the absence of counsel if the issues involved are too

complex for the petitioner. In addition, the appointment of counsel may be necessary if the

petitioner has such limited education that he or she is incapable of presenting his or her claims. 

Hawkins v. Bennett, 423 F.2d 948, 950 (8th Cir. 1970).

"The procedures employed by the federal courts are highly protective of a pro se petitioner's

rights. The district court is required to construe a pro se petition more liberally than it would

construe a petition drafted by counsel." Knaubert, 791 F.2d at 729 (citing Haines v. Kerner, 404

U.S. 519, 520 (1972) (holding pro se complaint to less stringent standard) (per curiam)); Bashor, 730

F.2d at 1234. 

Petitioner states an extension of the page limit for his traverse from 10 pages to 30 pages is

necessary to properly present his legal arguments. Petitioner also contends his case is "complex"

and requests appointment of counsel. Petitioner, however, has sufficiently represented himself to

date. From the face of the First Amended Petition, filed pro se, it appears Petitioner has a good

grasp of this case and the legal issues involved. The First Amended Petition in this case was pleaded

sufficiently to warrant this Court's order directing Respondent to file an answer or other responsive

pleading to the First Amended Petition. Accordingly, because further briefing is not required of

Petitioner, his claim that he is at a disadvantage in responding and thus needs counsel is without

merit. At this stage of the proceedings, the Court finds the interests of justice do not require the

appointment of counsel. Based thereon, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

1. Good cause appearing, Petitioner's request for extension of the page limit of his

traverse is GRANTED. Petitioner's traverse shall not exceed 30 pages. Any traverse by Petitioner

(a) shall state whether Petitioner admits or denies each allegation of fact contained in the

answer; (b) shall be limited to facts or arguments responsive to matters raised in the answer;

and (c) shall not raise new grounds for relief that were not asserted in the Petition. Grounds

for relief withheld until the traverse will not be considered. 

Case 3:08-cv-00325-LAB-POR Document 44 Filed 09/23/08 Page 2 of 3
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- 3 - 08cv0325-LAB (POR)

2. Petitioner's request for appointment of counsel is DENIED without prejudice. 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: September 23, 2008

LOUISA S PORTER

United States Magistrate Judge

cc: The Honorable Larry Alan Burns

all parties

Case 3:08-cv-00325-LAB-POR Document 44 Filed 09/23/08 Page 3 of 3