Opinion
Case No. 1:11-cr-038
07-21-2014
United States of America, Plaintiff, v. Rodney Goodwin, Defendant.
ORDER FOR APPOINTMENT OF
COUNSEL
Defendant was convicted by a jury of the offense of attempted transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal activity on February 9, 2012, and subsequently sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 121 months. His conviction and sentence were ultimately affirmed by the Eighth Circuit.
Recently, the court was informally advised by the Federal Public Defender's Office of defendant's intent on petitioning the court for habeas corpus relief pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 2255 and need for counsel's assistance.
The Federal Public Defender's office advised it has been working with defendant to prepare a motion for relief pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 2255 but is no longer able to provide him with assistance. No such motion has been filed to date.
There is neither a constitutional nor statutory right to counsel in habeas proceedings. See Morris v. Dormire, 217 F.3d 556, 558-559 (8th Cir. 2000); Blair v. Armontrout, 916 F.2d 1310, 1332 (8th Cir. 1990); see also Boyd v. Groose, 4 F.3d 669, 771 (8th Cir. 1993) ( explaining that a habeas corpus proceeding is a civil proceeding to which the Sixth Amendment right to counsel afforded for criminal proceedings does not apply). The court may nevertheless appoint counsel for a habeas petitioner at any time if it finds that the "the interests of justice so require." See 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(a)(2).
The court in its discretion concludes that defendant financially qualifies for court-appointed counsel and that the appointment of counsel is justified given the unique circumstances that exist in this case. Accordingly, the court shall appoint attorney James Cailao to assist defendant in his efforts to obtain relief pursuant 42 U.S.C. § 2255.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
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Charles S. Miller, Jr., Magistrate Judge
United States District Court