Bridges v. Lafler

Filing 28

ORDER denying 27 Motion to Appoint Counsel. Signed by District Judge Thomas L. Ludington. (SGam)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
NORTHERN DIVISION

ARTHUR BRIDGES,
Petitioner,

Case Number: 1:09-cv-11665
Honorable Thomas L. Ludington

v.
BLAINE LAFLER,
Respondent.
/
ORDER DENYING PETITIONER’S
MOTION FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL
Habeas petitioner Arthur Bridges challenges his convictions for one count of conspiracy to
deliver cocaine, Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.741(2)(a)(iv), and one count of possession with intent to
deliver cocaine, Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.157a. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254, Bridges has filed
a Motion for Appointment of Counsel.
Bridges has not suggested any particular reason for seeking counsel, and he has no absolute
right to be represented on federal habeas corpus review. See Abdur-Rahman v. Michigan Dept. of
Corrections, 65 F.3d 489, 492 (6th Cir. 1995); see also Wright v. West, 505 U.S. 277, 293 (1992)
(citing Pennsylvania v. Finley, 481 U.S. 551, 555 (1987)). “[A]ppointment of counsel in a civil case
is . . . a matter within the discretion of the court. It is a privilege and not a right.” Childs v.
Pellegrin, 822 F.2d 1382, 1384 (6th Cir. 1987) (internal quotation omitted). A habeas petitioner
may obtain representation at any stage of the case “[w]henever the United States magistrate or the
court determines that the interests of justice so require.” 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(a)(2)(B). The Court
determines that the interests of justice do not require appointment of counsel here.

Accordingly, it is ORDERED that Bridges’s Motion for Appointment of Counsel, ECF No.
27, is DENIED.
Dated: December 16, 2013

s/Thomas L. Ludington
THOMAS L. LUDINGTON
United States District Judge

PROOF OF SERVICE
The undersigned certifies that a copy of the foregoing order was served
upon each attorney or party of record herein by electronic means or first
class U.S. mail, and upon Arthur Bridges # 154318, 10274 Boyer Rd,
Carson City, MI 48811 by first class U.S. mail on December 16, 2013.
s/Tracy A. Jacobs
TRACY A. JACOBS

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