Document ID: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_07-cv-01076/USCOURTS-caed-1_07-cv-01076-7/pdf.json

Parties Involved:
Raul Joseph Maldonado
Petitioner
Scribner
Defendant

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

RAUL JOSEPH MALDONADO,

Petitioner,

vs.

SCRIBNER, Warden,

Respondent.

____________________________________/

1:07-cv-1076 OWW DLB (HC) 

 

ORDER DENYING MOTION FOR

APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL AND

DENYING REQUEST FOR

CONTINUANCE

(DOCUMENT #16)

Petitioner has requested the appointment of counsel. Contrary to Petitioner’s assertion,

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

Anderson v. Heinze, 258 F.2d 479, 481 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 358 U.S. 889 (1958); Mitchell v.

Wyrick, 727 F.2d 773 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 823 (1984). However, Title 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), Rules Governing Section 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. Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that petitioner's request for appointment of

counsel is denied.

Petitioner also requests a continuance of the action while he seeks review with the

assistance of counsel. Petitioner’s request shall be denied. On January 30, 2008, the Court

directed Respondent to file a response to the instant petition. (Court Doc. 14.) A motion to

dismiss is due on or before April 2, 2008, in the alternative, an answer is due on or before May

5, 2008. Accordingly, as Respondent has yet to file a responsive pleading, there is currently no

Case 1:07-cv-01076-OWW -DLB Document 17 Filed 03/05/08 Page 1 of 2
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pending deadline for Petitioner. Although Petitioner is not prevented from seeking the

assistance of counsel on his own behalf, the Court will not, at this juncture, grant a continuance

for such purpose. Accordingly, Petitioner’s request for a continuance is DENIED.

IT IS SO ORDERED. 

Dated: March 5, 2008 /s/ Dennis L. Beck 

ah0l4d UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:07-cv-01076-OWW -DLB Document 17 Filed 03/05/08 Page 2 of 2