Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_06-cv-02635/USCOURTS-caed-2_06-cv-02635-1/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

JAMES PRAYOR,

Petitioner, No. CIV S-06-2635 FCD DAD P

vs.

ROBERT A. HOREL, et al.,

Respondents. ORDER

 /

On May 18, 2006, petitioner, along with thirty-one other state prisoners, filed an

application for writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254 (No. CIV S-06-1083 MCE

PAN P). All of the prisoners signed the petition, but only one petitioner filed a motion to

proceed in forma pauperis. On November 22, 2006, United States Magistrate Judge Moulds

directed the Clerk of the Court to open separate civil actions for each prisoner, including

petitioner in this action, and granted each prisoner thirty days to file an amended petition and to

either pay the $5.00 filing fee or file an application to proceed in forma pauperis. Petitioner

Prayor has filed an amended petition. Petitioner has also filed an application to proceed in forma

pauperis and a motion to appoint counsel.

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Case 2:06-cv-02635-FCD-DAD Document 9 Filed 08/27/07 Page 1 of 3
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Examination of the in forma pauperis application reveals that petitioner is unable

to afford the costs of suit. Accordingly, the application to proceed in forma pauperis will be

granted. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a).

Petitioner is advised that 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 time. 

Since petitioner may be entitled to relief if the claimed violation of constitutional

rights is proved, respondent will be directed to file a response to petitioner’s amended habeas

petition.

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

1. Petitioner’s application to proceed in forma pauperis is granted; 

2. Petitioner’s August 8, 2007 motion to appoint counsel is denied;

3. Respondents are directed to file a response to petitioner’s February 8, 2007

amended habeas petition within thirty days from the date of this order. See Rule 4, Fed. R.

Governing § 2254 Cases. An answer shall be accompanied by all transcripts and other

documents relevant to the issues presented in the petition. See Rule 5, Fed. R. Governing § 2254

Cases;

4. If the response to the habeas petition is an answer, petitioner’s reply, if any,

shall be filed and served within thirty days after service of the answer;

5. If the response to the habeas petition is a motion, petitioner’s opposition or

statement of non-opposition to the motion shall be filed and served within thirty days after

service of the motion, and respondents’ reply, if any, shall be filed and served within fifteen days

thereafter; and

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6. The Clerk of the Court shall serve a copy of this order together with a copy of

petitioner’s February 8, 2007 amended petition for writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C.

§ 2254 on Michael Patrick Farrell, Senior Assistant Attorney General.

DATED: August 24, 2007.

DAD:9

pray2635.100

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