Document ID: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_08-cv-02985/USCOURTS-caed-2_08-cv-02985-2/pdf.json

Parties Involved:
Tom Felker
Respondent
Yong Lor
Petitioner

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

YONG LOR,

Petitioner, No. CIV S-08-2985 DAD P

vs.

TOM FELKER, Warden, 

Respondent. ORDER

 /

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

corpus. James Kor, petitioner’s fellow inmate, has filed a letter on his behalf explaining that he

has been assisting petitioner with this case but believes he will be transferred to a different prison

in the near future. Mr. Kor emphasizes that petitioner does not have an adequate understanding

of the English language, which in his view should enhance petitioner’s eligibility for

appointment of counsel.

The court has construed Mr. Kor’s letter as a request for appointment of counsel. 

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. 

Case 2:08-cv-02985-TLN-DB Document 12 Filed 01/12/09 Page 1 of 2
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Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that petitioner’s January 7, 2009 request

for appointment of counsel (Doc. No. 7) is denied.

 DATED: January 12, 2009.

DAD:9:mp

lor2985.110

Case 2:08-cv-02985-TLN-DB Document 12 Filed 01/12/09 Page 2 of 2