Legal Document

441 U.S. 468 99 Supreme Court Reporter 1829 60 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 365 Herbert G. WILKINS, Sr.v.UNITED STATES. Number 78-5885. April 30, 1979. PER CURIAM. 1 The pro se petitioner was convicted in a Federal District on criminal charges, 422 F.Supp. 1371 (E.D.Pa.1977), and the of Appeals for Third Circuit affirmed convictions June 9, 1977, by judgment order. 559 Reporter, 2nd 1210. This petition, filed December 14, 1978, is therefore 17 months out time as conventional petition certiorari under this Court's Rule 22(2). 2 But not certiorari. states that he asked his court-appointed lawyer to file timely September 1977 received an assurance from request had been honored. In July wrote Clerk inquire about case learned no such ever filed. He then several letters lawyer, but were never answered. All these factual allegations are supported petitioner's affidavit affidavits wife minister. 3 now before us presents single question: 4 "What remedy available when attorney failed refused writ defiance written same be done?" 5 answer question found Criminal Justice Act 1964, 18 Code KF62 §§ 3006A(c), 3006A(d)(6), 3006A(g). Solicitor General interprets provisions mean person whose federal conviction has entitled lawyer's help seeking here. Indeed, Courts all Circuits provide their rules or plans adopted pursuant must, if client wishes seek review Court, represent him filing certiorari.* Had presented dilemma way motion appointment counsel assist here, court could have vacated its affirming entered new one, so petitioner, with assistance counsel, Cf. Doherty versus States, 404 28, 92 175, 30 149 (1971); Schreiner 67, 326, 222 (1971). 6 recommended we grant certiorari, vacate judgment, remand appellate can Even though unlike claimants cases, did first apply relief, agree suggestion General. 7 Appeals, General, strong interest ensuring lawyers appointed aid indigents discharge responsibilities fairly. Yet prisoner's story indifference legitimate too familiar. decision directly relief circumstances understandable. Accordingly, leave proceed forma pauperis granted, vacated, remanded further proceedings, including reentry and, appropriate, Court. 8 It ordered. 9 Petitioner having made substantive challenge Mr. REHNQUIST dissents action vacating judgment. 10 Because STEVENS believes forum which should evaluated instance, would court's summarily. 11 POWELL took part case. * Plan provides: "If, after adverse sought, shall prepare other necessary appropriate documents connection therewith." See A Judicial Pursuant § III-6 (effective Sept. 1, 1971). For comparable effect Circuits, see generally Rules, 28 Annotated KF65 U5 (Supp.1978). also Fourth, Seventh, Columbia Circuits.

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