Opinion
05-CV-69A(F).
November 7, 2006
ORDER
Petitioner has applied to the court for appointment of counsel (Doc. No. 14). Under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1), the court may appoint counsel to assist indigent litigants. See, e.g., Sears Roebuck Co. v. Charles W. Sears Real Estate, Inc., 865 F.2d 22, 23 (2d Cir. 1988). Moreover, pursuant to Rule 8(c) of the Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases in the United States District Courts, counsel may be appointed at any stage of the proceeding "if the interests of justice so require."
It is clear that prisoners have no constitutional rights to counsel when bringing collateral attacks upon their convictions. Pennsylvania v. Finley, 481 U.S. 551, 555, 107 S.Ct. 1990, 1993, 95 L.Ed.2d 539 (1987); Murray v. Giarratano, 492 U.S. 1, 109 S.Ct. 2765, 106 L.Ed.2d 1 (1989). Habeas petitioners who qualify under the Criminal Justice Act, however, are entitled to counsel if an evidentiary hearing is required, Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases in the United States District Courts, Rule 8(c), as are indigent petitioners who seek to vacate or set aside a sentence of death. 21 U.S.C. § 848(q)(1)(4)(B); McFarland v. Scott, 512 U.S. 849, 114 S.Ct. 2568, 2571, 129 L.Ed.2d 666 (1984).
Appointment of counsel is within the judge's discretion, see In re Martin-Trigona, 737 F.2d 1254, 1260 (2d Cir. 1984). The court has reviewed the facts presented herein in light of the factors required by law. Specifically, there is no showing at this time that an evidentiary hearing is required, nor is Petitioner seeking to vacate or set aside a sentence of death.
In addition, Petitioner has not provided the court with any information which indicates that the interests of justice require the appointment of counsel at this time. The petition is based on the following claims: prosecutorial misconduct and ineffective assistance of counsel. It does not appear at this time that Petitioner needs the assistance of counsel to present these claims, which appear to be claims which can be addressed and reviewed solely by means of the record already before the court. Based on this review, Petitioner's motion for appointment of counsel (Doc. No. 14) is DENIED without prejudice at this time. It is the Petitioner's responsibility to retain an attorney or press forward with this proceeding pro se. 28 U.S.C. § 1654.
SO ORDERED.