Filed: Dec. 19, 2017
Latest Update: Dec. 19, 2017
Summary: ORDER DENYING SECOND MOTION FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL DOCKET NO. 20 VERONICA L. DUFFY , Magistrate Judge . Petitioner, Adrian Fool Bull has filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2254. Mr. Fool Bull's petition was referred to this magistrate judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 636(b)(1)(A) and (B) and the October 16, 2014, standing order of the Honorable Karen E. Schreier, United States District Judge. Mr. Fool Bull has filed a second motion asking the court to appoi
Summary: ORDER DENYING SECOND MOTION FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL DOCKET NO. 20 VERONICA L. DUFFY , Magistrate Judge . Petitioner, Adrian Fool Bull has filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2254. Mr. Fool Bull's petition was referred to this magistrate judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 636(b)(1)(A) and (B) and the October 16, 2014, standing order of the Honorable Karen E. Schreier, United States District Judge. Mr. Fool Bull has filed a second motion asking the court to appoin..
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ORDER DENYING SECOND MOTION FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL
DOCKET NO. 20
VERONICA L. DUFFY, Magistrate Judge.
Petitioner, Adrian Fool Bull has filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254. Mr. Fool Bull's petition was referred to this magistrate judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A) and (B) and the October 16, 2014, standing order of the Honorable Karen E. Schreier, United States District Judge. Mr. Fool Bull has filed a second motion asking the court to appoint counsel to represent him at the court's expense. See Docket No. 20.
"There is no recognized constitutional right under the Sixth Amendment for the appointment of counsel in habeas corpus cases." Hoggard v. Purkett, 29 F.3d 469, 471 (8th Cir. 1994). Because a habeas action is civil in nature, the Sixth Amendment right to counsel applicable in criminal proceedings does not apply. Id.
The statutory basis for the appointment of counsel in a habeas case is found at 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(a)(2)(B) and Rules 6(a) & 8(c), Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases in United States District Courts, 28 U.S.C. foll. § 2254. Those statutes provide in relevant part:
18 U.S.C. § 3006A(a)(2)(B):
(2) Whenever the United States magistrate judge or the court determines that the interests of justice so require, representation may be provided for any financially eligible person who—
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(B) is seeking relief under section 2241, 2254, or 2255 of title 28
Rule 6(a):
If necessary for effective discovery, the judge must appoint an attorney for a petitioner who qualifies to have counsel appointed under 18 U.S.C. § 3006A.
Rule 8(c):
If an evidentiary hearing is warranted, the judge must appoint an attorney to represent a petitioner who qualifies to have counsel appointed under 18 U.S.C. § 3006A . . . These rules do not limit the appointment of counsel under § 3006A at any stage of the proceeding.
The appointment of counsel in a habeas case is discretionary when no evidentiary hearing is necessary. Hoggard, 29 F.3d at 471 (citations omitted). AIn exercising its discretion, the district court should consider the legal complexity of the case, the factual complexity of the case, and the petitioner's ability to investigate and present his claims, along with any other relevant factors." Id. Most importantly, Awhere the issues involved can be properly resolved on the basis of the state court record, a district court does not abuse its discretion in denying a request for court-appointed counsel."
Here, it is not yet known whether an evidentiary hearing will be warranted in this case or whether Mr. Fool Bull will be allowed to conduct any discovery. Neither party has filed any motions requesting court action in this matter, therefore this matter has remained stagnant. If the parties desire a court ruling a detailed motion seeking specific relief should be filed.
Accordingly, it is hereby
ORDERED that Mr. Fool Bull's motion for the appointment of counsel [Docket No. 20] is denied without prejudice. Counsel will be appointed by the court if an evidentiary hearing is held in this matter or if other grounds for appointment of counsel arise. It is further
ORDERED that the deadline for filing motions in this case is Wednesday, January 10, 2018.
