Opinion
CIVIL NO. 3:CV-09-2479.
January 4, 2011
ORDER
THE BACKGROUND OF THIS ORDER IS AS FOLLOWS:
On December 15, 2009, Samuel Williams initiated this habeas corpus action pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254 challenging his 2002 Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas conviction for Possession with the Intent to Manufacture or Deliver a Controlled Substance, and Criminal Conspiracy. Presently before the Court is Mr. Williams' motion seeking appointment of counsel based on his financial inability to retain private legal representation and his unfamiliarity "with the procedural rules of the federal habeas corpus process." Doc. 16, Mot. for Counsel. For the following reasons the motion will be denied without prejudice.
There is no Sixth Amendment right to appointment of counsel in habeas corpus proceedings. See Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722, 752, 111, S.Ct. 2546, 2566-67, 115 L.Ed.2d 640 (1991); Pennsylvania v. Finley, 481 U.S. 551, 555, 107 S.Ct. 1990, 1993, 95 L.Ed.2d 539 (1989) ("the right to appointed counsel extends to the first appeal of right, and no further." "There is no `automatic' constitutional right to counsel in a federal habeas corpus proceeding." Reese v. Fulcomer, 946 F.2d 247, 263 (3d Cir. 1991), superseded on other grounds by statute, 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d). Appointment of counsel in a habeas proceeding is mandatory only if the district court determines that an evidentiary hearing is required. See Rule 8(c) of the Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases; 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(a)(2)(B). Otherwise, a court may exercise its discretion in appointing counsel to represent a habeas petitioner if it "determines that the interests of justice so require" and that the petitioner is financially unable to obtain adequate representation. 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(a)(2)(B).
The exercise of discretion in this area is guided, however, by certain basic principles. The initial determination to be made by the Court in evaluating the expenditure of the "precious commodity" of volunteer counsel is whether the petitioner's case has some arguable merit in fact and law. Montgomery v. Pinchak, 294 F.3d 492, 499 (3d Cir. 2002). Factors influencing a court's decision on a request for appointment of counsel include the complexity of the factual and legal issues in a case, as well as the petitioner's ability to present these claims. Reese, 946 F.2d at 264-65. Thus, where the issues in a habeas petition are narrow, or straightforward and capable of resolution on the record, or where the petitioner demonstrates a good understanding of the issues and displays the ability to forcefully and coherently present contentions appointment of counsel is unnecessary. Id.
In this case, there appear to be no circumstances that warrant the appointment of counsel at this time. The court's liberal construction of pro se pleadings, e.g., Haines vs. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520-21, 92 S.Ct. 594, 595-96, 30 L.Ed.2d 652 (1972), coupled with petitioner's apparent ability to litigate this action pro se, militate against the appointment of counsel. Moreover, the legal issues are relatively simple and it appears that there will be no need for a hearing. Thus, the court cannot say, at least at this point, that petitioner will suffer prejudice if forced to prosecute this case on his own. Supportive of this conclusion is the limited based of Mr. Williams' motion for appointment of counsel. Additionally, although the Court is unable to say at least at this point that Mr. Williams' claims lack merit, he clearly is not in need of counsel to represent him. He has filed a well pled habeas petition, motion to stay, and an appeal before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals challenging this Court's denial of his motion to stay. His arguments are cogent and contain relevant legal citations. Moreover, at this point all of the documents necessary have been filed by the parties and the matter is currently ripe for the Court's consideration. In the event the Could determines that a hearing is necessary in this action, and that any further proceeding demonstrates the need for the appointment of counsel on Mr. Williams' behalf, the matter may be reconsidered, either sua sponte, or upon a motion properly filed by Petitioner. Accordingly, Mr. Williams' motion will be denied without prejudice.
Date: January 3rd , 2011