Mahomes v. Quinn et al

Filing 13

ORDER denying 5 Motion for Writ of Mandamus; denying 7 Motion to Appoint Counsel ; granting in part 11 Motion to Amend/Correct and directing plaintiff to file his second amended complaint within 30 days ; and denying 12 Motion to Appoint Counsel. Signed by Judge James M. Moody on 8/15/12. (kpr)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
WESTERN DIVISION
LAWRENCE MAHOMES,
ADC #152147
V.

PLAINTIFF

CASE NO. 4:12CV00387 JMM

RUSTY QUINN, et al.

DEFENDANTS
ORDER

Mr. Mahomes has filed a petition for writ of mandamus, two motions for the
appointment of counsel, and a motion to amend his complaint. (Docket entries #5, #7,
#11, and #12) The petition for writ of mandamus (#5) is DENIED. The motions for the
appointment of counsel (#7 and #11) are DENIED, without prejudice, and the motion to
amend his complaint (#12) is GRANTED, in part.
In his petition for a writ of mandamus, Mr. Mahomes apparently seeks certified
copies of documents that were part of state criminal case. He has not provided a
sufficient basis for the Court to grant this motion.
There is no constitutional or statutory right to appointed counsel in civil cases, and
the claims in this case appear to be straightforward enough for Mr. Mahomes to handle
without the help of a lawyer. Phillips v. Jasper County Jail, 437 F.3d 791, 794 (8th Cir.
2006). However, if the Court later determines that Mr. Mahomes, as well as the Court,
would benefit from the assistance of counsel, the request will be reconsidered. Johnson
v. Williams, 788 F.2d 1319, 1322 (8th Cir. 1986).

Finally, in his motion to amend, Mr. Mahomes requests that the Arkansas State
Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation conduct an investigation into the events giving
rise to this lawsuit. That request is denied. However, Mr. Mahomes may have an
additional thirty days to file a Second Amended Complaint that includes sufficient facts
to support his constitutional claims. His failure to do so could result in the dismissal of
this lawsuit. See Local Rule 5.5.
IT IS SO ORDERED this 15th day of August, 2012.

_______________________________
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

2