Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_14-cv-01237/USCOURTS-caed-1_14-cv-01237-5/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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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

BERNARD C. HUGHES,

Petitioner,

v.

WARDEN MARTIN BITER,

Respondent.

CASE NO. 1:14-cv-01237-LJO-SKO HC 

ORDER DENYING PETITIONER’S MOTION 

FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL

(Doc. 33)

Petitioner, proceeding pro se with a petition for writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 

§ 2254, moves for appointment of counsel. Petitioner contends that he is entitled to counsel pursuant to 

18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g), which provides for the establishment of offices of federal public defenders in 

certain judicial districts. Petitioner is incorrect. Section 3006A(g) does not provide for appointment of 

counsel for habeas petitioners. As previously set forth in this Court’s October 23, 2015, order (Doc. 

29), no absolute right to appointment of counsel currently exists in habeas proceedings. See, e.g., 

Anderson v. Heinze, 258 F.2d 479, 481 (9th Cir. 1958); Mitchell v. Wyrick, 727 F.2d 773, 774 (8th Cir. 

1984). 

A court may appoint counsel at any stage of the case only "if the interests of justice so require." 

18 U.S.C. § 3006A(a)(2)(B); Rule 8(c), Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases. Petitioner’s motion (Doc. 

33) offers no reasons why the interests of justice require appointment of counsel in this case. Because 

Petitioner has already competently filed his petition and a reply to Respondent’s response, the interests 

of justice do not now require the appointment of counsel. 

Petitioner's motion for appointment of counsel is hereby DENIED.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: May 9, 2016 /s/ Sheila K. Oberto 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:14-cv-01237-LJO-SKO Document 41 Filed 05/10/16 Page 1 of 1