United States v. Somboon Dangdee

The appellant Dangdee has brought this motion to be allowed to proceed in forma pauperis in appealing his conviction of the use of an altered passport, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1543 . We determine that this case is controlled by 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, The Criminal Justice Act of 1964 [hereinafter the Act], and the Revised Provisions for the Representation on Appeal of Persons Financially Unable to Obtain Representation, as contained in the appendix to the Rules of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (effective March 1, 1972) [hereinafter Revised Provisions], and grant appellant’s motion.

FACTS

Appellant Dangdee, a citizen of Thailand, presented an altered Thai passport to authorities upon entering the United States at the Los Angeles International Airport. Dangdee was represented by appointed counsel in a bench trial in which he was convicted of the illegal use of an altered passport, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1543 .

After the conviction, Dangdee moved for leave to appeal without prepayment of fees and costs, for the preparation of a reporter’s transcript at government expense, and for appointment of counsel on appeal. The written motion was made on a…