John A. McMichaels v. Barker L. Hancock, Warden of New Hampshire State Prison

This is an appeal from the denial of a writ of habeas corpus in which petitioner seeks to attack a state conviction for burglary. Petitioner’s request for the appointment of counsel makes it appropriate for us to consider whether the appeal presents any question of possible merit. Local Rule 6, formerly Local Rule 5. In the light of the simple record, petitioner’s brief filed in the district court, and the court’s opinion, we are of the view that this is a case where the issues are fully revealed, and may be resolved at this time.

Petitioner raises two questions. The first is the validity of…