Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_06-cv-02238/USCOURTS-caed-2_06-cv-02238-0/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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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM,

Petitioner, No. CIV S-06-2238 FCD DAD P

vs.

CLAUDE D. FINN, et al.,

Respondents. ORDER

 /

Petitioner is a state prisoner proceeding pro se with a petition for writ of habeas

corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254. Petitioner has also requested leave to proceed in forma

pauperis pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915.

A filing fee of $5.00 is required to commence a habeas corpus action in federal

district court. 28 U.S.C. § 1914(a). The court may authorize the commencement of an action

without prepayment of fees by a person who submits an affidavit showing that he is unable to pay

the fees or give security for them. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(1). The in forma pauperis application

filed by petitioner in this case reveals that he had $170.89 in his prison trust account on October

4, 2006, and that his average monthly balance in the preceding six months was $226.32. This

information shows that petitioner is able to pay the $5.00 filing fee. Thus, petitioner has made an

inadequate showing of indigency. See Alexander v. Carson Adult High Sch., 9 F.3d 1448 (9th

Case 2:06-cv-02238-FCD-DAD Document 5 Filed 11/27/06 Page 1 of 2
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Cir. 1993). Petitioner will be granted thirty days to submit the $5.00 filing fee to the Clerk of the

Court. Failure to pay the fee may result in a recommendation that this case be dismissed without

prejudice.

Petitioner’s habeas petition includes a request for appointment of counsel. There

is no absolute right to appointment of counsel in habeas proceedings. See Nevius v. Sumner, 105

F.3d 453, 460 (9th Cir. 1996). Counsel may be appointed at any stage of the case “if the interests

of justice so require.” 18 U.S.C. § 3006A. See also Rule 8(c), Fed. R. Governing § 2254 Cases. 

The court finds that the interests of justice do not require appointment of counsel in this case at

the present time.

Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Petitioner’s October 11, 2006 application to proceed in forma pauperis is

denied;

2. Petitioner shall, within thirty days from the date of this order, submit the $5.00

filing fee; and

3. Petitioner’s request for appointment of counsel is denied.

DATED: November 27, 2006.

DAD:13

cunn2238.101c110

Case 2:06-cv-02238-FCD-DAD Document 5 Filed 11/27/06 Page 2 of 2