Opinion
C. A. 1:21-3780-RMG-SVH
12-28-2021
Demario Covington, Petitioner, v. Nanette Barnes, FCI Bennettsville Warden, Respondent.
ORDER
SHIVA V. HODGES UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
This matter is before the court on the motion of Demario Covington (“Petitioner”) to (1) supplement his pleadings and (2) to appoint counsel. [ECF No. 9]. Petitioner's motion to supplement pleadings is granted and the Clerk of Court is directed to attach ECF No. 9 to his amended petition.
Petitioner has also requested the court appoint counsel for him. Petitioner has no constitutional right to counsel in federal habeas proceedings. See Pennsylvania v. Finley, 481 U.S. 551, 555-56 (1987) (no constitutional right to counsel beyond first appeal of right); U.S. v. Riley, 21 Fed.Appx. 139, 141-42 (4th Cir. 2001); Hunt v. Nuth, 57 F.3d 1327, 1340 (4th Cir. 1995) (no constitutional right to counsel during federal habeas). The court may, in its discretion, however, appoint counsel for a habeas petitioner when “the interests of justice so require.” 18 U.S.C.A. § 3006A(a)(2) (West Supp. 1993); see also Riley, 21 Fed.Appx. at 142.
The interests of justice require the court to appoint counsel when the district court conducts an evidentiary hearing on the petition. See Hoggard v. Purkett, 29 F.3d 469 (8th Cir. 1994); Rule 8(c), Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases in the United States District Courts. The appointment of counsel is discretionary when no evidentiary hearing is necessary. See Hoggard, 29 F.3d at 471. In exercising its discretion, the court should consider the legal complexity of the case, the factual complexity of the case, and Petitioner's ability to investigate and present his claims, along with any other relevant factors. Id.; see also Battle v. Armontrout, 902 F.2d 701, 702 (8th Cir. 1990). Where the issues involved can be properly resolved on the basis of the record, a district court does not abuse its discretion in denying a request for court-appointed counsel. See Hoggard, 29 F.3d at 471.
The court does not anticipate the need for an evidentiary hearing, as the case will likely be resolved on the basis of the record. If the court elects to hold an evidentiary hearing, Petitioner may renew his motion or the court may appoint counsel sua sponte at that time.
For the foregoing reasons, Petitioner's motion to supplement his pleadings is granted and his motion to appoint counsel is denied.
IT IS SO ORDERED.