The following excerpt is from Torres v. Diaz, Case No.: 19-cv-01964-LAB-JLB (S.D. Cal. 2021):
The Sixth Amendment right to counsel does not extend to federal habeas corpus actions filed by state prisoners. McCleskly v. Zant, 499 U.S. 467, 495 (1991). Petitioners do not have an absolute right to counsel for habeas corpus actions. Knaubert v. Goldsmith, 791 F.2d 722, 728 (9th Cir. 1986). Nevertheless, by statute, district courts have discretion to appoint counsel in habeas proceedings for "any person financially unable to obtain adequate representation" when "the interests of justice so require." 18 U.S.C.
Page 2
The above passage should not be considered legal advice. Reliable answers to complex legal questions require comprehensive research memos. To learn more visit www.alexi.com.