Opinion
No. CIV S-07-1120 LEW KJM P.
February 22, 2008
ORDER
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 addition, petitioner has requested an extension of time to file and serve a traverse. Good cause appearing, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:
1. Petitioner's request for appointment of counsel (docket no. 13) is denied without prejudice to a renewal of the motion at a later stage of the proceedings;
2. Petitioner's request for an extension of time (docket no. 13) is granted; and
3. Petitioner is granted forty-five days from the date of this order in which to file and serve a traverse.