Gardner v. State of Nebraska

Filing 18

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER that Petitioner's Motion to Appoint Counsel and for Discovery (Filing No. 13 ) is denied without prejudice to reassertion. Ordered by Senior Judge Richard G. Kopf. (Copy mailed to pro se party) (LAC)

Download PDF
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA JUSTIN GARDNER, Petitioner, 8:17CV255 vs. STATE OF NEBRASKA, MEMORANDUM AND ORDER Respondent. This matter is before the court on Petitioner’s request for counsel, discovery, and “scheduling packet.” (Filing No. 13.) Specifically, Petitioner requests that the court issue him a “scheduling packet” and allow him to engage in discovery prior to entering a progression order. “[T]here is neither a constitutional nor statutory right to counsel in habeas proceedings; instead, [appointment] is committed to the discretion of the trial court.” McCall v. Benson, 114 F.3d 754, 756 (8th Cir. 1997). As a general rule, counsel will not be appointed unless the case is unusually complex or the petitioner’s ability to investigate and articulate the claims is unusually impaired or an evidentiary hearing is required. See, e.g., Morris v. Dormire, 217 F.3d 556, 55859 (8th Cir. 2000), cert. denied, 531 U.S. 984 (2000); Hoggard v. Purkett, 29 F.3d 469, 471 (8th Cir. 1994). See also Rule 8(c) of the Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases in the United States District Courts (requiring appointment of counsel if an evidentiary hearing is warranted). The court has carefully reviewed the record and finds there is no need for the appointment of counsel at this time.1 1 Petitioner requests the court to appoint him counsel in his state court criminal cases. The court has no authority to appoint Petitioner counsel in those cases. The next step in Petitioner’s case is for the court to conduct an initial review of his habeas petition. The court will conduct the initial review in its normal course of business. Accordingly, a “scheduling packet” and discovery are premature at this time. Further, any discovery will also be premature prior to the court issuing a progression order that will condense and summarize Petitioner’s claims and set forth the schedule for the parties’ response deadlines. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that: Petitioner’s Motion to Appoint Counsel and for Discovery (Filing No. 13) is denied without prejudice to reassertion. Dated this 18th day of October, 2017. BY THE COURT: s/ Richard G. Kopf Senior United States District Judge 2

Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.


Why Is My Information Online?