Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_13-cv-01622/USCOURTS-casd-3_13-cv-01622-0/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)

---

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

ALBERTO ALATORRE, JR,

Petitioner,

CASE NO. 13CV1622-JLS (MDD)

ORDER DENYING MOTION TO

vs. APPOINT COUNSEL

FIGAROA, Warden,

Respondent.

On July 11, 2013, Alberto Alatorre (“Petitioner”) filed a Motion to

Appoint Counsel. (ECF No. 4). In his Motion, Petitioner contends that

the complexity of the case, as well as alleged correspondence with the

state bar not presently before the Court, merits such appointment. Id. 

"Clearly, there is no constitutional right to counsel on habeas." 

Bonin v. Vasquez, 999 F.2d 425, 429 (9th Cir. 1993); Chaney v. Lewis, 801

F.2d 1191, 1196 (9th Cir. 1986). But, "Section 3006A(g) provides that

counsel may be appointed for an impoverished habeas petitioner

whenever ‘the court determines that the interests of justice so require’. .

.." Bashor v. Risley, 730 F.2d 1228, 1234 (9th Cir. 1984), quoting, 18

U.S.C. § 3006A(g). 

“Indigent state prisoners applying for habeas relief are not entitled

to appointed counsel unless the circumstances of a particular case

indicate that appointed counsel is necessary to prevent due process

- 1 - 13CV1622-JLS (MDD)

Case 3:13-cv-01622-JLS-MDD Document 5 Filed 07/17/13 Page 1 of 2
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

violations.” Chaney, 801 F.2d at 1196. "Under Chaney the absence or

ineffectiveness of counsel does not in and of itself constitute a due process

violation. Chaney indicates only that discretion is abused when

appointment of counsel is 'necessary to prevent due process violations'

from occurring." Bonin, 999 F.2d at 429 (Citations omitted). 

Under certain circumstances, a due process violation might occur if

the issues involved are too complex for the habeas petitioner. Bonin, 999

F.2d at 429 ("In some complex cases where the district court abused its

discretion in not appointing counsel under Chaney, a due process

violation may occur on habeas."). The Court "should consider the legal

complexity of the case, the factual complexity of the case, the petitioner’s

ability to investigate and present his claim, and any other relevant

factors.” Abdullah v. Norris, 18 F.3d 571, 573 (8th Cir. 1994).

Here, Petitioner has neither demonstrated that he is unable to

effectively litigate his case, nor that appointment of counsel is necessary

to prevent a violation of due process. Accordingly, Petitioner’s Motion is

DENIED without prejudice.

DATED: July 17, 2013

 

 Hon. Mitchell D. Dembin

 U.S. Magistrate Judge

- 2 - 13CV1622-JLS (MDD)

Case 3:13-cv-01622-JLS-MDD Document 5 Filed 07/17/13 Page 2 of 2