Ex Parte Michael Paul ( 2021 )

Fourth Court of Appeals
San Antonio, Texas
August 6, 2021
No. 04-21-00236-CR
EX PARTE MICHAEL PAUL,
From the 25th Judicial District Court, Guadalupe County, Texas
Trial Court No. 19-1544-CR-A
Honorable William D. Old III, Judge Presiding
ORDER
Appellant has requested the assistance of counsel in his habeas proceeding. Although a
criminal defendant generally has the right to the assistance of counsel, he has no constitutional
right to appointed counsel to pursue habeas relief. Ex parte Graves, 70 S.W.3d 103, 111 (Tex.
Crim. App. 2002) (quoting Pennsylvania v. Finley, 481 U.S. 551, 555 (1987)). The trial court has
the authority to appoint counsel if the trial court determines that “the interests of justice require
representation.” TEX. CODE CRIM . PROC. ANN. art. 1.051(d)(3). But it did not do so in this case.
Appellant’s request is DENIED.
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Patricia O. Alvarez, Justice
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said
court on this 6th day of August, 2021.
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MICHAEL A. CRUZ, Clerk of Court