Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_06-cv-00942/USCOURTS-caed-1_06-cv-00942-3/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 535
Nature of Suit: Habeas Corpus - Death Penalty
Cause of Action: 28:2254 Ptn for Writ of H/C - Stay of Execution

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06dp000942.OReApptgCo-Counsel.SanNic.wpd 1

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

RODNEY JESSE SAN NICOLAS, )

)

Petitioner, )

)

vs. )

)

ROBERT L. AYERS, as Acting Warden )

of San Quentin State Prison, )

)

Respondent. )

)

Case No. 1:06-CV-00942-AWI 

DEATH PENALTY CASE

ORDER RE: APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM

COUNSEL

On July 20, 2006, Petitioner Rodney Jesse San Nicolas (“San Nicolas”) commenced this action

pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254 by electronically filing a combined request for appointment of counsel,

for stay of execution, and to proceed in forma pauperis. San Nicolas’s request for appointment of

counsel was granted on July 21, 2006, and the matter was referred to the Selection Board for the Eastern

District of California to recommend counsel to represent him. San Nicolas’s request for a stay of

execution was granted and all court and other proceedings related to the execution of his sentence of

death, including preparation for execution and the setting of an execution date, were stayed temporarily

pending appointment of counsel. Two extensions of the temporary stay of execution pending

appointment of counsel were granted.

On January 16, 2007, the Court received a letter from the Selection Board recommending the

appointment of Wesley A. Van Winkle as co-counsel, but serving alone on an interim basis until another

attorney to serve as co-counsel to Mr. Van Winkle can be located. Because of concerns regarding the

running of the statute of limitations in the event appointment of interim counsel is delayed, the Selection

Board has recommended that Mr. Van Winkle be appointed at once, with the understanding that separate

Case 1:06-cv-00942-KES Document 13 Filed 01/18/07 Page 1 of 2
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06dp000942.OReApptgCo-Counsel.SanNic.wpd 2

counsel will be appointed as soon as availability and qualification issues have been resolved. The

Capital Habeas Unit of the Office of the Federal Defender is assessing whether it may be able to accept

appointment as co-counsel and will advise the Court in 30 days of its availability. A decision in this

regard is tied to federal budgetary restraints.

The Court is familiar with Mr. Van Winkle’s qualifications and abilities from his appointment

as co-counsel in another capital habeas case pending in this Division, Vieira v. Ayers, Case No. 1:05-cv01492-OWW. Mr. Van Winkle is well-qualified. The Court also is aware that Mr. Van Winkle is

continuing counsel for San Nicolas, having prosecuted the direct appeal before the California Supreme

Court and the state post-conviction petition. Accordingly, although his familiarity with the case (and

client) is advantageous as far as swiftness in preparation of the petition and budgetary concerns go, there

is a potential for a conflict of interest should Mr. Van Winkle’s appellate representation be called into

question. Mr. Van Winkle is directed to address the potential conflict issue in a declaration that will be

filed with the Court under seal. The Court will consider Mr. Van Winkle’s declaration testimony and

any other documentary or testimonial evidence relevant to the conflict issue. Should Mr. Van Winkle

and/or the Selection Board choose to do so, the Court will entertain a confidential telephonic conference

on the matter of the potential conflict. In that event, Mr. Van Winkle and/or the Selection Board shall

contact the Court to schedule a telephonic conference hearing. Once the matter of the potential conflict

is resolved, the Court promptly will take action on the recommendation to appoint Mr. Van Winkle as

interim counsel.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: January 18, 2007 

 /s/ Anthony W. Ishii 

Anthony W. Ishii

 United States District Judge

Case 1:06-cv-00942-KES Document 13 Filed 01/18/07 Page 2 of 2