Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_07-cv-02278/USCOURTS-caed-2_07-cv-02278-2/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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 The latter is, literally, a request for a form to use to request appointment of counsel. 1

Good cause appearing, the court construes the letter as a request for appointment of counsel. 

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

KENNETH EUGENE STEVENSON,

Petitioner, No. CIV S-07-2278 GEB JFM P

vs.

DERRAL G. ADAMS, et al.,

Respondents. ORDER

 /

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

corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254. On March 19, 2008 petitioner filed a request for an

extension of time to file and serve a response to respondents’ March 10, 2008 motion to dismiss

and a request for appointment of counsel. Good cause appearing, petitioner’s request for 1

extension of time will be granted.

There currently exists no absolute right to appointment of counsel in habeas

proceedings. See Nevius v. Sumner, 105 F.3d 453, 460 (9th Cir. 1996). However, 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), Fed. R. Governing § 2254 Cases. In the present case, the court does

not find that the interests of justice would be served by the appointment of counsel at the present

Case 2:07-cv-02278-GEB -JFM Document 14 Filed 04/01/08 Page 1 of 2
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time. Accordingly, petitioner’s request for appointment of counsel will be denied without

prejudice.

In accordance with the above, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Petitioner’s March 19, 2008 request for an extension of time is granted; 

2. Petitioner is granted sixty days from the date of this order in which to file and

serve an opposition to respondent’s March 10, 2008 motion to dismiss; and

3. Petitioner’s March 19, 2008 request for appointment of counsel is denied

without prejudice to a renewal of the motion at a later stage of the proceedings.

DATED: March 31, 2008.

12/mp

stev2278.110+111

Case 2:07-cv-02278-GEB -JFM Document 14 Filed 04/01/08 Page 2 of 2