Opinion
Case No. 3:11cv00324
03-18-2013
JUSTIN HATTEN, Petitioner, v. WARDEN, CHILLICOTHE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, Respondent.
District Judge Timothy S. Black
Chief Magistrate Judge Sharon L. Ovington
ORDER
This case is presently before the Court upon Petitioner Justin Hatten's "Notification of Attorney Discharge" (Doc. #17), Attorney Eric J. Allen's Motion to Withdraw as Counsel of Record (Doc. #18), and the record as a whole.
On February 28, 2013, Petitioner Hatten filed a "notification of attorney discharged" (docketed as a motion to disqualify counsel), stating that he was disappointed with the services provided by his counsel, Eric J. Allen, and would like to proceed pro se with this habeas action. On March 12, 2013, Mr. Allen filed a Motion to Withdraw (Doc. #18), indicating that Petitioner has discharged him as counsel and requesting to withdraw as counsel of record. Id.
Petitioner has clearly conveyed his dissatisfaction with Mr. Allen's services and his desire to proceed pro se with this matter. Mr. Allen has also confirmed his services have been terminated by Petitioner Hatten. Accordingly, Petitioner's Motion to Disqualify Counsel (Doc. #17) and Mr. Allen's Motion to Withdraw (Doc. #18) are well taken.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED THAT:
1. Petitioner Justin Hatten's "Notification of Attorney Discharge" (Doc. #17) is GRANTED;
2. Eric J. Allen's Motion to Withdraw as Counsel of Record (Doc. #18) is GRANTED; and,
3. The Clerk of Court is directed to remove Eric J. Allen as counsel of record, note on the record that Petitioner Justin Hatten is proceeding pro se, and send all future correspondence directly to him at the following address:
Justin Hatten A606-687
Chillicothe Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 5500
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
____________________
Sharon L. Ovington
Chief United States Magistrate Judge