Opinion ID: 874853
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: As the decision to appoint counsel for indigent post-conviction petitioners is committed to the discretion of the trial court, we decline to order the district court to appoint new counsel on remand.

Text: Eby requests that the Court order that the District Court appoint new competent counsel to represent him. Idaho Code § 19-4904 does authorize the appointment of counsel for indigent post-conviction petitioners. However, the decision to appoint counsel is left to the discretion of the trial court. Charboneau v. State, 140 Idaho 789, 792, 102 P.3d 1108, 1111 (2004). The same is true for the substitution of appointed counsel. I.C. § 19-856 (At any stage, including appeal or other post-conviction proceeding, the court concerned may for good cause assign a substitute attorney.) (emphasis added). As Eby has not argued that the district court has in any way abused its discretion as regards appointment or substitution of counsel, it would be improper for this Court to assume that role. Eby's request is denied.