Fourth Court of Appeals San Antonio, Texas August 6, 2021 No. 04-21-00236-CR EX PARTE MICHAEL PAUL, From the 25th Judicial District Court, Guadalupe County, Texas Trial Court No. 19-1544-CR-A Honorable William D. Old III, Judge Presiding

ORDER Appellant has requested the assistance of counsel in his habeas proceeding. Although a criminal defendant generally has the right to the assistance of counsel, he has no constitutional right to appointed counsel to pursue habeas relief. Ex parte Graves, 70 S.W.3d 103, 111 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002) (quoting Pennsylvania v. Finley, 481 U.S. 551, 555 (1987)). The trial court has the authority to appoint counsel if the trial court determines that “the interests of justice require representation.” TEX. CODE CRIM . PROC. ANN. art. 1.051(d)(3). But it did not do so in this case.

Appellant’s request is DENIED.

_________________________________ Patricia O. Alvarez, Justice

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court on this 6th day of August, 2021.

___________________________________ MICHAEL A. CRUZ, Clerk of Court