Opinion
No. CIV S-08-0970 LKK KJM HC.
May 15, 2008
ORDER
Petitioner, a state prisoner proceeding pro se, has filed an application for a writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254, challenging a denial of parole. Petitioner has not, however, filed an in forma pauperis affidavit or paid the required filing fee ($5.00). See 28 U.S.C. §§ 1914(a), 1915(a). Petitioner will be provided the opportunity to either submit the appropriate affidavit in support of a request to proceed in forma pauperis or submit the appropriate filing fee.
In addition, petitioner has requested the appointment of counsel. There currently exists no absolute right to appointment of counsel in habeas proceedings. See Nevius v. Sumner, 105 F.3d 453, 460 (9th Cir. 1996). However, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A authorizes the appointment of counsel at any stage of the case "if the interests of justice so require." See Rule 8(c), Fed.R. Governing § 2254 Cases. In the present case, the court does not find that the interests of justice would be served by the appointment of counsel at the present time.
In accordance with the above, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:
1. Petitioner shall submit, within thirty days from the date of this order, an affidavit in support of his request to proceed in forma pauperis or the appropriate filing fee; petitioner's failure to comply with this order will result in the dismissal of this action;
2. The Clerk of the Court is directed to send petitioner a copy of the in forma pauperis form used by this district; and
3. Petitioner's request for appointment of counsel (Docket No. 1) is denied without prejudice to a renewal of the motion at a later stage of the proceedings. APPLICATION TO PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS BY A PRISONER CASE NUMBER:
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA Petitioner vs. Respondent(s) I, ___________________________________________, declare that I am the petitioner in the above-entitled proceeding; that, in support of my request to proceed without prepayment of fees under 28 U.S.C. § 1915, I declare that I am unable to pay the fees for these proceedings or give security therefor and that I am entitled to the relief sought in the petition.In support of this application, I answer the following questions under penalty of perjury: Have the institution fill out the Certificate portion of this application. and
1. Are you currently incarcerated: Yes No (If "No" DO NOT USE THIS FORM) If "Yes" state the place of your incarceration. ___________________________________ 2. Are you currently employed? Yes No a. If the answer is "Yes" state the amount of your pay. b. If the answer is "No" state the date of your last employment, the amount of your take-home salary or wages and pay period, and the name and address of your last employer. 3. In the past twelve months have you received any money from any of the following sources? a. Business, profession or other self-employment Yes No b. Rent payments, interest or dividends Yes No c. Pensions, annuities or life insurance payments Yes No d. Disability or workers compensation payments Yes No e. Gifts or inheritances Yes No f. Any other sources Yes No If the answer to any of the above is "Yes" describe by that item each source of money and state the amount received what you expect you will continue to receive. Please attach an additional sheet if necessary. 4. Do you have cash or checking or savings accounts? Yes No If "Yes" state the total amount: __________________ 5. Do you own any real estate, stocks, bonds, securities, other financial instruments, automobiles or other valuable property? Yes No If "Yes" describe the property and state its value. ___________________________________________ 6. Do you have any other assets? Yes No If "Yes" list the asset(s) and state the value of each asset listed. 7. List the persons who are dependent on you for support, state your relationship to each person and indicate how much you contribute to their support. I declare under penalty of perjury that the above information is true and correct. __________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ DATE SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT