Chad Lee Monson v. Renville County Jail and Ned Wohlman, in his individual and official capacity

Summary

The United States District Court for the District of Minnesota denies Chad Lee Monson’s motion for appointment of counsel in his civil action against Renville County Jail and Ned Wohlman. The court grants his motion for an extension of time to respond to the defendants’ motion to dismiss and sets December 15, 2025, as the response deadline, with any reply due January 5, 2026.

Holdings

1. Appointment of counsel is discretionary in a civil case, and Plaintiff's circumstances did not warrant appointment because the case was not factually or legally complex, he could investigate and present his claims, and his lack of legal training or assistance was insufficient by itself.
2. The court granted Plaintiff an extension because he had been awaiting the court's decision on his motion for appointment of counsel.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court should appoint counsel for an indigent civil litigant under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1).
2. Whether good cause supported extending Plaintiff's deadline to respond to Defendants' motion to dismiss.

Disposition

other