Opinion ID: 6492448
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Before the Termination Order

Text: 2004. Proceedings On September 17, 2004, Petitioner filed pro se, a Motion for Dismissal of Counsel and Continuance of September 20, 2004 Hearing and to Grant Continuance to Submit Witness Letters. In that motion, Petitioner alleged, inter alia, that (1) “[Petitioner has] been seeking new counsel, that [sic] has slowed my ability to bring in all needed witnesses and letters”; (2) “[a]ssigned counsel, [Iopa], has told me repeatedly ... that ‘it is beyond [the] scope of [her] duties as standby counsel’ to help locate, contact, or interview witnesses”; (3) “[a]ffiant has enough money today to secure independent counsel”; (4) “[a]f-fiant compels the court to note that [Iopa], and counsel preceding assigned by the court, have neglected proper counsel or representation”; (5) “[l]aek of [e]ffective counsel has slowed the progress of this case”; (6) “I pray the court will allow modification, and dismissal of this lawyer, so new counsel can work with me more effectively, to continue this matter to September 27, 2004 for a successful hearing”; and (7) “[a] fair conclusion of these hearing[s] is in the best interest of my child.” Without explanation, the court denied Petitioner’s subsequent motion for court-appointed counsel, stating only: “Application denied^] [Iopa] will continue as stand by [sic] counsel until further order[.]” Despite having denied Petitioner’s previous request to dismiss Iopa as counsel for the termination hearing based on Petitioner’s allegations that (1) Iopa was ineffective and (2) Petitioner had the resources to secure her own attorney, the court sua sponte concluded in its March 11, 2005 Termination Order that “Iopa ... is discharged. Based on representations as to changes in her resource status, if [Petitioner] wishes the assistance of court-appointed counsel to pursue further relief or to perfect an appeal, she must tender a new application for court-appointed counsel to the [c]ourt immediately.” Thus, the court unilaterally and sua sponte discharged Iopa without any indication that new counsel had been substituted to take on the ease at the point that Iopa was discharged. As previously noted, on March 29, 2005, Petitioner filed her application for court-appointed counsel, which was granted, appointing Yonemori.