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David Mueller ELAM, Appellant, v. STATE of Florida, et al., Appellees.
David Mueller Elam appeals an order of the trial court denying him appointment of counsel and payment of expenses allegedly necessary to prepare for submission of a motion for post-conviction relief.
Neither the due process clause nor the equal protection clause requires appointment of counsel for preparation of motions for post-conviction relief by indigent prisoners. Ross v. Moffitt, 417 U.S. 600, 94 S.Ct. 2437, 41 L.Ed.2d 341 (1974). Also, indigent prisoners, who are not entitled to free records disclosure under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, are not thereby denied any constitutional rights. Roesch v. State, 633 So.2d 1 (Fla.1993). Further, Elam has provided no case law holding that the state must provide counsel and expenses to indigent prisoners not under the sentence of death because it provides the same to indigent prisoners who are under sentence of death.
AFFIRMED.
THOMPSON, Judge.
DAUKSCH and GRIFFIN, JJ., concur.
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Docket No: No. 95-3035.
Decided: March 14, 1997
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida,Fifth District.
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Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
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