(HC) Gray v. Asuncion

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

THOMAS EUGENE GRAY, ) Case No.: 1:21-cv-00595-JLT (HC) )

Petitioner, ) ORDER DENYING MOTION FOR ) APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL v. ) ) (Doc. 7)

DEBBIE ASUNCION, Warden, )

Respondent. ) ) )

On May 3, 2021, Petitioner filed a motion to appoint counsel. (Doc. 7.) There currently exists no absolute right to appointment of counsel in habeas proceedings. See, e.g., Anderson v. Heinze, 258 19 F.2d 479, 481 (9th Cir. 1958); Mitchell v. Wyrick, 727 F.2d 773, 774 (8th Cir. 1984). However, Title U.S.C. § 3006A(a)(2)(B) 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 require the appointment of counsel at the present time. Accordingly, Petitioner’s request for appointment of counsel is DENIED.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: May 4, 2021 _ /s/ Jennifer L. Thurston CHIEF UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE