Opinion
No. 15-1928
11-23-2015
In re: LAWRENCE VERLINE WILDER, SR., Petitioner.
Lawrence Verline Wilder, Sr., Petitioner Pro Se.
UNPUBLISHED On Petition for Writ of Mandamus. Before NIEMEYER, KING, and HARRIS, Circuit Judges. Petition denied by unpublished per curiam opinion. Lawrence Verline Wilder, Sr., Petitioner Pro Se. Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit. PER CURIAM:
Lawrence Verline Wilder, Sr., petitions for a writ of mandamus seeking an order reversing dismissals of his actions and appeals filed between 1997 and 2015. We conclude that Wilder is not entitled to mandamus relief.
Mandamus relief is a drastic remedy and should be used only in extraordinary circumstances. Kerr v. U.S. Dist. Court, 426 U.S. 394, 402 (1976); United States v. Moussaoui, 333 F.3d 509, 516-17 (4th Cir. 2003). Further, mandamus relief is available only when the petitioner has a clear right to the relief sought, In re First Fed. Sav. & Loan Ass'n, 860 F.2d 135, 138 (4th Cir. 1988), and may not be used as a substitute for appeal. In re Lockheed Martin Corp., 503 F.3d 351, 353 (4th Cir. 2007).
The relief sought by Wilder is not available by way of mandamus. Accordingly, although we grant leave to proceed in forma pauperis, we deny the petition for writ of mandamus and deny Wilder's motion to appoint counsel. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.
PETITION DENIED