Court Opinion

ID: 4071465
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-09-30 02:06:50.310916+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:33:23.042723
License: Public Domain

ACCEPTED
                                                                            14-15-00288-cv
                                                           FOURTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS
                                                                        HOUSTON, TEXAS
                                                                     8/13/2015 11:57:06 AM
                                                                     CHRISTOPHER PRINE
                                                                                    CLERK

                  NO. 14-15-00288-CV
                       IN THE
                 COURT OF APPEALS               FILED IN
                                         14th COURT OF APPEALS
                      FOR THE               HOUSTON, TEXAS
            FOURTEENTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS 8/13/2015 11:57:06 AM
                  HOUSTON, TEXAS         CHRISTOPHER A. PRINE
                                                           Clerk

            IN RE ANTONIO SEPEDA, Relator

         Appealed from the 212lh Judicial District Court
                 of Galveston County, Texas
                     Cause No. 14CV0020

          THE STATE OF TEXAS' RESPONSE TO
RELATOR'S ORIGINAL PROCEEDING OF WRIT OF MANDAMUS

                    JACK ROADY
             CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY
                 GALVESTON COUNTY

                   ALLISON LINDBLADE
       ASSISTANT CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY
                   GALVESTON COUNTY
                 STATE BAR NO. 24062850
               600 59TH STREET, SUITE 1001
                   GALVESTON, TX 77551
            (409) 766-2355, FAX (409) 766-2290
             allison.lindblade@co.galveston.tx.us
                                                      TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION                                                                                                                              PAGE

Identity of Parties and Counsel .......................................................................................... ii

Table of Contents ................................................................................................................... 1\1

Index of Authorities ............................................................................................................... IV

Statement of the Case ............................................................................................................ 1

Summary of the Argument...................................................................................................2

SOLE ISSUE............................................................................................................................ 3

                    How is Sepeda entitled to mandamus relief when he can
                    now appeal the final order denying his petition for
                    expunction?

           Argument and Authorities....................................................................................... 3

           Sepeda is not entitled to mandamus relief because he can appeal
           the trial court's order of denial. ...........................................................................3

Conclusion and Prayer.......................................................................................................... 5

Certificate of Service............................................................................................................. 6

Certificate of Compliance....................................................................................................6

                                                                       Ii
              IDENTITY OF PARTIES

Relator                      Antonio Sepeda

Respondents                  Hon. Patricia Grady

                             The State of Texas, Galveston
                             County Criminal District Attorney's
                             Office

                       jil
                                   INDEX OF AUTHORITIES

CASES

Ex parte Sepeda, 14-14-00946-CV, 2015 WL 122744, at *2 (Tex. App.-
 Houston [14th Dist.] Jan. 8, 2015, no pet.) ......................................................... 1

In re Moody Nat. Kirby Houston S, LLC, 412 S.W.3d 570,571 (Tex. App.-
  Houston [1st Dist.] 2013, no pet.) ........................................................................ 4

Lehmann v. Har-Con Corp., 39 S.W.3d 191, 195 (Tex. 2001) ................................ 4

State v. Walker, 679 S.W.2d 484,485 (Tex. 1984) ............................................... 4
Walker v. Packer, 827 S.W.2d 833,839 (Tex. 1992) ........................................ 3, 4

                                                      iv
TO THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS:

      Now comes Jack Roady, Criminal District Attorney for Galveston County,

Texas, and files this response to Relator/Sepeda's petition for writ of mandamus for

the State of Texas.

                         STATEMENT OF THE CASE

      Relator Antonio Sepeda filed Petitioner's Request for Expunction on

January 6, 2014. See Attachment 1. Sepeda's expunction, case number

14CY0020, was set on the trial court's docket for a status conference on April 3,

2014, for a hearing on June 13, 2014, and for a check status on June 16, 2014.

See Attachment 2. Although the trial court took the case under advisement, there

was no ruling. See id.

      On November 25, 2014, Sepeda filed Appellant's Restricted Notice of

Appeal, assigned number 14-14-00946-CY. On January 8, 2015, this Court

issued an opinion dismissing appeal number 14-14-00946-CV for want of

jurisdiction without prejudice. See Ex parte Sepeda, 14-14-00946-CV, 2015 WL
122744, at *2 (Tex. App.-Houston [14th Dist.] Jan. 8, 2015, no pet.) (not

designated for publication). On March 20, 2015, an Order on Mandate for appeal

number 14-14-00946-CV was issued.

                                         1
      On April 1, 2015, Sepeda filed a petition for writ of mandamus to compel

the trial court to rule on his expunction petition in case number 14CV0020. On

April 23, 2015, this Court sent an Abatement Order to Sepeda and to the trial

court. On July 21, 2015, this Court sent an Order reinstating the mandamus

proceeding. On July 22, 2015, the State filed an Original Answer and General

Denial to Relator/Sepeda's expunction petition in case number 14CV0020. See

Attachment 3. On August 12, 2015, the trial court signed an order denying

Sepeda's petition for expunction. See Attachment 4.

                     SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT

      Antonio Sepeda petitioned this Court for a writ of mandamus to compel the

trial court to rule on his expunction petition. Since he filed his writ, the trial

court denied Sepeda's petition for expunction in case 14CVOO20. Because Sepeda

has an alternate remedy at law, his writ of mandamus should be denied.

                                        2
                                  SOLE ISSUE

   How is Sepeda entitled to mandamus relief when he can now appeal the
   final order denying his petition for expunction?

                      ARGUMENT AND AUTHORITIES

      Sepeda petitioned this Court for a writ of mandamus to compel the trial

court to rule on his expunction petition. Since he filed his writ, and at the behest

of this Court, the trial court ruled on the expunction petition. Therefore, Sepeda's

writ of mandamus should be denied.

Sepeda is not entitled to mandamus relief because Ile can appeal tile trial

court's order of denial.

      Mandamus relief is available only to correct a clear abuse of discretion

when there is no adequate remedy by appeal. See, e.g., Walker v. Packer, 827

S.W.2d 833,839 (Tex. 1992); see also In re Moody Nat. Kirby Houston S, LLC,

412 S.W.3d 570, 571 (Tex. App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 2013, no pet.).

"Mandamus will not issue where there is 'a clear and adequate remedy at law,

such as a normal appeal.'" Walker, 827 S.W.2d at 840 (quoting State v. Walker,

679 S.W.2d 484,485 (Tex. 1984».

                                         3
      In a final order, the trial court denied Sepeda's petition for expunction in

14CVOO20. See Attachment 4. Sepeda may appeal the trial court's denial of his

petition for expunction. See Lehmann v. Har-Con Corp., 39 S.W.3d 191, 195

(Tex. 2001) (The general rule, with a few mostly statutory exceptions, is that an

appeal may be taken only from a final judgment.). Accordingly, mandamus relief

is not appropriate in this proceeding because Sepeda has an adequate remedy by

appeal. See Walker, 827 S.W.2d at 840. Therefore, this Court should deny his

petition for writ of mandamus. See Moody Nat. Kirby Houston S, LLC, 412
S.W.3d at 571.

                                        4
                      CONCLUSION AND PRAYER

     WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, the State prays that the

mandamus be denied.

                              Respectfully submitted,

                              JACK ROADY
                              CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATIORNEY
                              GALVESTON COUNTY, TEXAS

                                    lsi :Afffson lJnlhfacfe
                              ALLISON LINDBLADE
                              Assistant Criminal District Attorney
                              State Bar Number 24062850
                              600 59th Street, Suite 1001
                              Galveston, Texas 77551
                              Tel (409)766-2452/Fax (409)765-3261
                              allison. Iindblade@Co.galveston.tx.us

                                5
                         CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

      The undersigned Attorney for the State certifies a copy of the foregoing

response was sent via certified mail, return receipt requested or via email, to Hon.

Patricia Grady of the 212th Judicial District Court of Galveston, Texas and to

Antonio Sepeda, Relator/Petitioner, TDCJ#00469585, Coffield Unit, 2661 FM

2054, Tennessee Colony, Texas 75884 on August 13, 2015.

                                              lsi ll({json   fincf6fale
                                        ALLISON LINDBLADE
                                        Assistant Criminal District Attorney
                                        Galveston County, Texas

                      CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

      The undersigned Attorney for the State certifies this brief         IS   computer

generated, and consists of 631 words.

                                              lsi ll{lison   fincf6fale
                                        ALLISON LINDBLADE
                                        Assistant Criminal District Attorney
                                        Galveston County, Texas

                                          6
                                                                  APPENDIX

AITACHMENT                                                                                                                NUMBER

Petitioner's Request for Expunction.................................................................................. 1

14CV0020 Case Summary................................................................................................... 2

State's Original Answer & General Denial .....................................................................3

Order of Denial .......................................................................................................................4
  No. 14-1S-00288-CV

ATTACHMENT 1
                                                                                     14-15-OO288-CV
                                                                                     Attachment I Slale's Response

                                                                          '" \0-,-' ~"'l:\\1
                                                                         ZJ ':,.... ) I II u
       Ex Parte Antonio Sepeda                                In the District Court of
                                                  §
                                                          '1 / 1U ~'            .
                                                         ob'~Jtiiicia.!-- 'District
                                                                                          ".-'_      \,

                                                              Galveston County,Tx.
                                                  §

                   Petitioner's request for ExpunCtion pursuant to TeX.o:rle of
                   Crim.Proc.Ann.art.SS.01 (a) (2) (A) (i) (West2010).The statute of
                   Limitations.

       'ID TIlE HC.«ORABLE JUDGE:
       petitioner is seeking to have misdemeanor dismissal fran all agencies that
       may have said records of arrest(s),The misdemeanor in question were dismissed
       by the COunty court at law NO:2 on the following date:2010/04/16.

       1).Request expunction of records on cause NO:032976980101.charge of terrorist-
        ic threat.

                                         STATEMENl' OF ISSUES
       Petitioner was arrested on this charge and later draped by the county court
       at law NO:2,petitioner believes he is entitled to have this expunged fran
       his criminal history. Because it did not result in a conviction •• The matter
       was properly dismissed by the county court at law NO:2.
                                           EN1'ITLED RELIEF
       Petitioner should be granted this expunction request,he has met all the
       requirements of the statute,and petitioner has reason to believe that the
       following agencis,officials,or other pubUc entities of this state have record
       concerning his arrest(5) .By the Texas City Police Department.
       1).Galveston COunty District Attorney's office for itself and following COUnty
       agencies:
       [X) District Clerk
       [X) County Clerk
       [X) Sheriff-IO
       [X) Sheriff-Bond
       [X) DATA SERVICES
       [X) AIS
       Request for expunction

n _I
".

     2).TeX.Depart.of crim.Just.,Ciassificatio and records office
         P.O.Box 99
         Huntsville,Tx.77342
     3).TeX.Depart.of crim.Just.lnternal Affairs Division
        P.O.Box 99
         Hunstville,Tx.77342
     4) .TeX.Board of Pardons and Paroles
        P .O.Box 13401 Capitol sta.
       Austin,Tx.78711
     5).TeX.Depart.of crim.Just.Parole Division
        P.O.Box 13401,capitol sta.
        Austin, Tx, 78711
     6).TeX.Depart.of PUblic Safety-Crime records Division-MSC 0234
         P.O.Box 4143
       Austin,TX.78765
     7).TeXas City,City attorney and Police departJrent.
     8).Justice of the Peace percint 5.Galveston CO.TX.

                                       roICLUSlOO
     Petitioner request this =urt order these officials, agencies, to expunge
     all records pertaining to this arrest and cahrge.It is so Requested.
                                                   Respectfully Sul:mittedi

                                                  ~~<'aIf1tJ$

     Request for expunction                                     Page 2 of 2
JOlIN D.KINARD
DIS'lRIcr CLERK GALVF.S'.lOO CXlUNl'Y

DEX:.30,2013

RE:Petition for expunctioo of Dismissed Charges.
1 ).petition-Deadly coOOuct (Case 00:032976920101
2) .petition assault causes bodily injury family member. (032976950101)
3).Terroristic threat of family. (032976980101)
4).assault causes bodily injury family. (Dated:2009/08/07)
(MISllIH:lIOORS   ~)

Dear Clerk;
Please find for filing with the court the ab:Jve petitions for EKRiGBfl'
'llIERE ARE FOOR(4) separate petitions for each dismissed charges.
Also attached is the Notary Certified     ~      of my InIBte T.rust fuId stataEnt
fer the past 6 s:nt:bs •. Please 1st _   Jmao.r of any rullngs.'l!IaDk youl
!. '   ,. ..: .... ,. f
           . '.
                UIJ1P!If1N' .. ~L/
                   / 7 . I:w, J;' 7:f.:;-      ,. .
                                        /::t!s;-(fS-   .'"
                                                               . "

             {t9?He/~ ~~
               ,           .
                                                    , ",.. '
                                                       r

            ;;'66(    P/11;Z 05         r
             Te f7!?e ~6ee      {'(9/ofJ'/J   Tk·
                                    7 s-8tf'if
  No.   14~15~OO288-CV

ATTACHMENT 2
                                                       111m DISfRICT COURT

                                                      CASE SUMMARY                                                 14-IS-00288-CV
                                                                                                                  Attlchml.'tll2 StllC'S Response
                                                      CASE No. 14-CV-0020
 Suit in Accordance with Article 55.01 Code of Criminal                §                      Location: 212th District Court
 Procedure                                                             §               Judicial OOicer: Grady, Patricia
                                                                       §                       Filed on: 0110612014
                                                                       §          Case Number History:
                                                                       §        Appellale Case Number:   14-14-00946-CV
                                                                       §                                 14-15-00288-CV - Mandamus

                                                          c-\,,,   I'\H)I(\I\ I If"

Related C.ses                                                                              Case Type: Criminal Matters· Expunction
MD-0297698 (Companion Case)
                                                                                                 Case
Statistical Closures                                                                           Sialus: 0811212015 Disposed
0811212015      Final Judgmenl after Non-Jury Trial
                                                                                           Case Flags: Paupers Affidavit Filed
                                                                                                       See Clerks Note Tab

     1)\ II.

                   Current Case Assignment
                   Case Number                        14-CV-0020
                   Court                              2121h Dislnel Court
                   Date Assigned                      1213112014
                   Judicial Officer                   Grady. Patricia

                   Previous Case Assi~nments

                   Case Number                        14-CV-0020
                   Court                              2121h Dislriet Court
                   Dale Assigned                      0112712014
                   Judicial Officer                   Griffin, Bret
                   Reason                             Other

                   CasoNumher                         14-CV-0020
                   Court                              212th District Court
                   Date AssiAlled                     0110612014
                   Judicial Officer                   Criss. Susan
                   Reason                             Other

                                                         1'\lln I'iHm\I\IIO,\

                                                                                                               Lead ""orneys
Applicant              Sepeda, Antonio                                                                                        ProSe
                                                                                                                       4094971628(H)

Respondent             AIS

                       Data Services

                       Galveston County Clerk

                       Galveston County District Attorney's Office                                                  Lindblade. Allison
                                                                                                                               Relained
                                                                                                                     409-766-2364(W)

                       Galveston County District Clerk

                       Galveston County Sheriff Department

                       Justice ofthe Peace Precinct 5

                       Tn.s Board of Pardons & Paroles

                       Texas City Attorney's Office

                                                                   PAGE IOF6                                       Printed on 0&·13.12015 alll :28 AM
                                                 212TII DtSTRtCf COURT

                                              CASE SUMMARY
                            ..                 CASE No. 14-CV-0020
                 Texas City Police Deplrtmt'ni

                 Texas Department Of Criminal Justice

                 Texas Department or Criminal Justice Internal Affairs Division

                 Texas Department of Criminll Justice Parole Division

                 Texas Department Of Public Sorely, for itself and TCIC, NCIC, FBI

Appenlnt         Sepeda, Antonio                                                                                           Pro Se
                                                                                                                   4094971 628(H)

                                            ElI·: "ns,,~   OIWl.l("" urnn-. COl RT

 0110612014   ~ Original Petition - DCA
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
                senllo Director ofGovrn AjJrs

 0110612014   6j Affidavit of Inability to Pay Court Costs
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio

 0110612014   ~Motion
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
                TO PROCEED WITHOUT PREP,' YING FEES OR COSTS WITH PROPOSED ORDER
                WITHIN DOCUMENT

 0110612014   {U Declaration
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
                RELATING TO PREVIOUS CASE FILINGS. SENT TO DIRECTOR OF GOVRN AFFRS

 0110612014   ~ Declaration
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio

 0110612014   ~ Copy of Notice
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
                SIC MAILED TO PRO SE PLTF

 0110712014   ~ Correspondence from Clerk of Court
                Mailed to Pro Se Party

 0111412014   {U Order (Judicial Officer: Judge, Visiting)
                 Order Granting motion to proceed in Forma Pauperis receivedfrom COllrl on AprilS. 201-1;
                file relurnedJrom court and liD order or notice ofexplmction hearing rec'd by clerk

 0112112014   Ul Correspondence
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
                re: service, copies for service. no addresses for some respondents. elc.• senllo director of
                governmental affairs

 0112112014   c!:U Motion
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
                A10TION TO ATTEND HEARING BY TELEPHONE CALL OR OTHER EFFECTIVE MEANS
                INCLUDES PROPOSED ORDER

 0112112014   {U Receipt Acknowledge
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
                ACKNOWLEDGES STATUS CONFERENCE SETTING

                                                            PAGE20F6                                           Prmled on 08113120105 0111:28 AAI
                                                212T11 DISTRICf COURT

                                             CASE SUMMARY
                                              CASE No. 14-CV-0020

01/2112014   Qj Motion
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
                MOTION AND NOTICE OF MOTION FOR JUDICIAL NOTICE OF FACTS

01/21/2014    ~ Motion to Consolidate
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
                SENT TO 212T1l COURT

01/21/2014   G:l Proposed Order (unsigned)
                ON CONSOLIDATION

04/0312014   Status Conference (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer: Griffin. Bret)

04/08/2014   Qj Notice - From Court of Selling Date (Judicial Officer: Griffin, Bret )
                Notice ofselling mailed to Applicant and Notices issued 10 Respndents with address info listed
                in Petition (2 Respondenls - Applicant/ailed 10 provide address info)

04/08/2014   Qj Correspondence from Court
                COPY OF SETTING NOTICE SENT TO DISTRICT ATTORNEY BY COURT

04/2412014   G:l Motion to Retain
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
                Case on Docket.

04/2412014   Qj Correspondence from Pro Se Party
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
                t0212thCRT.

05/0912014   Qj Correspondence from Clerk of Court
                Notice of Expunction Hearing 10 Respondent

05/09/2014   Qj Receipt Acknowledge
                Party: Respondent Texas Department Of Public Safety, for itself and TCIC, NCIC, FBI
                E-Mail confirmation/rom DPS

05/1212014   Q] Waiver
                Party: Respondent Galveston County District Clerk
                by CIM 0/ Hearing Notice

0511212014   Qj Receipt Acknowledge
                Party: Respondent Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
                E-Mail Confirmation From TDCJ

05/12/2014   G:l Receipt Acknowledge
                Party: Respondent Texas City Police Department
                Email Confirmalionfrom TCPD

05/1212014   G:l Receipt Acknowledge
                Party: Respondent Justice of the Peace Precinct 5
                Email COllflrmationfrom Justice of Peace Pet. 5

0511212014   Qj Receipt Acknowledge

                                                        PAGE 3 OF 6                                          Printed on 0811312015 alll:28 AM
                                               212T11 DISTRICT COURT

                                            CASE SUMMARY
                                             CASE NO. 14-CV-0020
               Party: Respondent TexlIS City Attorney's Omce
               E-Mail ConflrmalionFrom Texas City Attorney's Office

05/1212014   Qj Receipt Acknowledge
               Party: Respondent Data Services
               E-Mail COIifirmationfrom Data Services

05/1312014   Q.1 Waiver
                Party: Respondent Galveston County Clerk
               oj Delivery by CIM - Notice oj Hearing.

05/13/2014   QJ Waiver
                Party: Respondent Galveston County Sheriff Department
                Waiver ofservice by e lF

0511412014   QJ Green Card Returned/Delivered
                Date: 05114/2014
               Notice a/Delivery Confirmation of Expunction Hearing on TDCJIAD

05119/2014   Qj Green Card Returned/Delivered
                Date: 05115/2014
                Delivery Confirmation of Expunction Hearing Notice on TDCJPD

05119/2014   Qj Green Card Returned/Delivered
               Dale: 05119/2014
               Delivery Confirmation of Expunction Hearing Notice on TBPP

06/13/2014   Expunction Hearing (9:00 AM) (Judicial omcer: Grimn, Bret)
               pro selTDC - no service requested
                Taken Under Advisement

06/19/2014   Check Status (9:00 AM) (Judicial Omcer: Grimn. Bret)

08/1112014   ~ Correspondence
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
               sen/lo court 2 J2th court

11/25/2014   ~ Notice of Appeal - Accelerated
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
               No Order signed on and no hearing held on 6-13· /-1

11/26/2014   ~ Correspondence from Clerk of Court
               to Appellant Notifying o/Appeal Court Assignment

11/26/2014   ~ Appeal- Assignment Letter to the Court of Appeals
               to Nth COllrt of Ilppeals Notifying o/Appeal COllrt Assignment

11/26/2014   ~ Correspondence from Court of Appeal
               E-Mail conjirmalion/rom 141h CRT 0/Appeals o/Notice 0/Assignment.

11/2712014   ~ Correspondence from Court of Appeal
               Re: CLR due Monday. December 29, 20N.

1212612014   lEI Appeal - Clerk Record - File Copy

                                                         PAGE40F6                  Printed on 0811312015 alll:28 AAI
                                                212T11 DISTRICf COURT

                                             CASE SUMMARY
                                              CASE No. 14-CV-0020
               Transmitted to I-Ith CRT ojAppeals.

12/26/2014   ~ Correspondence from Court of Appeal
               Email conflrmalion of TransmiliaI o/eLR.

12/30/2014   ~ Correspondence from Court of Appeal
               Re: CLRfiled - Post Card.

0110812015   ~ Correspondence from Court of Appeal
               No/ice ofOpinion Distribution,

01108/2015   ~ Appeal - Judgment from Court of Appeals
               to 212tll CRT.

01108/2015   ~ Appeal - Opinion
               to 212th CRT.

03/20/2015   ~ Appeal- Bill of Cost from Court of Appeal

03/20/2015   ~ Appeal - Mandate - Dismissing
               Order Dismissing Appeal

0312012015   ~ Correspondence from Court of Appeal
               pos/card re: Mandate

03/23/2015   ~ Order on Mandate (Judicial Officer: Grady, Patricia)
               Dismissing Appeal and Costs 0[SI95.oo are to be paid by Appel/ale, Antonio Sepeda

0410312015   ~ Correspondence from Court of Appeal
               re: Writ ofMandamusfiled

0411612015   fil Correspondence to Coun
               Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio

04/2312015   ~ Appeal - Order of Abatement
               to 212tll CRT.

04/23/2015   ~ Correspondence from Court of Appeal
               No/ice a/Distribution a/Order.

05/07/2015   Ul Correspondence from Pro Se Party
               Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
               Re: MolionJor Ruling.

05/0712015   Ul Request
               Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
               10 Make a Ruling Within a Thirty days: 10 2121h CRT.

0$107/2015   QJ Motion
               Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
               to Request a Ruling .. /0 212t" CRT.

                                                      PAGE50F6                                     Prinled on 08113120/5 alll:28 AM
                                                 212T11 DISTRICf COURT

                                               CASE SUMMARY
                                               CASE No. 14-CV-0020
OS/22/2015   ~ Correspondence from Pro Se Party
                Party: Applicant Sepeda, Antonio

07/2112015   rI!I Correspondence from Court of Appeal
                No/ice a/Order Distribution.   J.I~J5-00288-CV -     Writ of Mandamus

07/21/2015   it!! Appeal· Order
                /4·J5-00288-CV - Writ a[Mandamus; to 2J2th CRT High Priority.

07/2212015   ~ Original Answer
                Original Answer and General Denial

07/22/2015   ~ Proposed Order (unsigned)
                Order of Denial

08/1212015   Court Coordinator's Case Notes
               SIGNED - ORDER OF DENIAL PGIJF

08/1212015   Order Denying Expunction - Final - OCA (Judicial Officer: Grady, Patricia)

08/1212015   ~ Copy of Notice
                Party: Attorney Lindblade, Allison; Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
                Order Denying £Tpunclion.

08/1212015   Hearing (10:00 AM) (Judicial Officer: Grady, Patricia)
               ORDER OF DENIAL ON PETITIONER'S PETITION FOR EXPUNCTION
                 0810512015        Reset by Court to 0811212015
                Held
                                                       "' 1:"',\ "11;( 1.\I . I , \j."(m,'. \110"

             Applicant Sepeda, Antonio
             Total Charges                                                                                       2.00
             Total Payments and Credits                                                                          0.00
             Balance Due as of 8/13/2015                                                                         2.00

                                                         PAGE60F6                                   Prinled on 0811311015 0111:28 AM
  No. 14-15-00288-CV

ATTACHMENT 3
                                                                                       JOHN D. KINARD· Dislriel Cia
                                                                                             Galveston County. Texc
                                                                                               Envelope No. 618501
                                                                                                      By: Shailja Dh
                                                                                                7123120158:15:46 A

                                                                         14·IS-00288·CV
                                  Cause No. 14-CV-0020                   Attachment 3 State's Response

EX PARTE                                    §          IN THE DISTRICT COURT

                                            §          212th JUDICIAL DISTRICT

ANTONIO SEPEDA                              §          GALVESTON COUNTY, TEXAS

                       ORIGINAL ANSWER & GENERAL DENIAL

TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF SAID COURT:

       COMES NOW, the Galveston County Criminal District Attorney, by and thrnugh the

undersigned Assistant Criminal District Attorney, and files the following Answer and General

Denial in response to Petitioner's Petition for Expunction of Records.

                                      I, General Denial

       The State of Texas denies each and every allegation and demands strict proof thereof.

See Ex parte Jackson, 132 S.W.3d 713, 716 (Tex. App.-DaIJas 2004, no pet.).

                                         II. Case background

       Petitioner requests an expunction of MD297698, the charge of Terroristic Threat of a

Family Member committed on October 11, 2009. See attachment 1 (Original Complaint).

Petitioner's Terroristic Threat of a Family Member, MD297698, was one of the cases that

made the basis of the Magistrate'S Emergency Protective Order signed on October 12, 2009.

See attachment 2 (Magistrate's Emergency Protective Order). Petitioner pled guilty to violating

said protective order and was sentenced to 8 years in the Texas Department of Criminal

Justice, Institutional Division. See attachment 3 (Indictment and Jlldgment in lOCROO38).

       The Petitioner now seeks to expunge from his records the very basis for which he is

incarcerated. Petitioner's request should be denied.
      In. As a prisoner, Petitioner has no absolute right to be present in a civil action
       Although Sepeda filed a Motion to Attend Hearing by Telephone Conference, as a

prisoner, he has no absolute right to be present in a civil action. See In re Z.L.T., 124 S.W.3d
163, 166 (Tex. 2003). In Sepeda's Motion to Attend, Sepeda does not give a required showing

that his presence is necessary. To the contrary, he says, "should the court determine that his

presence is required, petitioner request he be allowed to proceed by telephone conference

call." An inmate's right to access the courts does not entail the right to personally appear for

every proceeding. Ex parte Cephas, 410 S.W.3d 416, 421 (Tex.App.- Houston [14th Dist.}

2013, no pet.) Sepeda failed to make the required showing that his presence was necessary at

any hearing. See Sepeda v. Slale, 14-14-00443·CV, 2015 WL 4366220, at "'5 (Tex. App.-

Houston [14th Dist.} July 16, 2015, no. pet. h.).

lV. Petitioners expunction should be denied because Petitioner hasn't proven he has met
                             all the statutory requirements

       A person's entitlement to expunction arises only after all statutory conditions have been

met. Ex parte S.C., 305 S.W.3d 258, 260 (Tex. App.-Houston [14th Dist.) 2009, no pet.).

Because an expunction proceeding is civil, not criminal, in nature, it is the petitioner's burden

to prove that all of the statutory requirements have been met, and when the petitioner fails to

carry this burden, the expunction must be denied. See id.; see also Harris County Disl.

Attorney's Office v. Hopson, 880 S.W.2d I, 3 (Tex. App.- Houston [14th Dist.) 1994, no

writ). Petitioner has not proven that his case was dismissed for a statutorily approved reason or

that the statute of limitations has expired. Petitioner'S assertions are not evidence.

                    V. There Is No Equitable Power to Extend the Statute

                                                  2
         Expunction is neither a constitutional nor common-law right. but a statutory privilege.

Tex. Dep't of Pub. Safety v. J.H.J., 274 S.W.3d 803. 806 (Tex. App. -Houston [14th Dist.]

2008. no pet.).

         Texas courts have uniformly held that judges have no equitable power to grant

expunctions because the right to an expunction is available only by meeting the requirements of

the statute. E.g., S.C., 305 S.W.3d at 260; Herron v. State, 821 S.W.2d 329, 330 (Tex.

App.-Dallas 1991,     /10   pet.). The trial court has no equitable power to extend the protections

of the expunction statute beyond its stated provisions. S. C., 305 S.W.3d at 260.

         WHEREFORE having answered, the State of Texas prays that upon consideration of

the above answer, the Court DENY any and all relief to Petitioner in the petition before the

Court.

                                               Respectfully submitted,
                                               JACK      ADY
                                               C                DISTRICT ATTORNEY
                                                   A'Jl1lm:GtT'ON COUNT ,TEXAS

                                               Assistant Criminal District Attorney
                                               Galveston County, Texas
                                               State Bar Number: 24062850
                                               600 59TH Street, Suite 1001
                                               Galveston, Texas 77551
                                               409-766-2452
                                               409-765-3261 fax
                                               A1lison.lindblade@co.galveston.tx.us

                                                   3
                              CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

       The undersigned attorney for the State cenifies a copy of the above Answer was mailed

to Petitioner, on   1/ ~v                 ,2015.

       Mr. Antonio Sepeda
       TDCJUOO469585
       Coffield Unit
       2661 FM 2054
       Tennessee, Texas 75884

                                                                     E
                                             Sl       t Criminal District Attorney
                                                  eston County, Texas

                                             4
                      Cause No. 14-CV-0020

EX PARTE                      §       IN THE DISTRICf COURT

                              §       2Uth JUDICIAL DISTRICT

ANTONIO SEPEDA                §       GALVESTON COUNTY, TEXAS

                          Attachment 1
                 Original Complaint MD297698

                                  5
WARRANT: N                      ARRESTING AGENCY:
CODE: 16020006                  TCIC: 1602                                  SPN: 0341058
COUNTY COURT NUMBER: 2                                                 CAUSB NO. 29769B
DBFENDANT: ANTONIO SBPEDA
ADDRESS: 713 8'l'H AVB N, TEXAS CITY, TX          71590
FILING AGENCY: TBlCAS CITY POLICE DEPT.                           DATB PILBD: 10/15/2009
                                                                         LOCATION: JAIL
CHARGE: TERRORISTIC THREAT 01" FAMILY /aOUSBHOLD
COMPLAINANT: AMY CASTRO
BONDSMAN:

                                 ORIGINAL COMPLAINT

IN THE    mu.m   AND BY THB AUTHORITY 01" THB STATE OF TBXAS

BBFORE ME, the undersigned Ass1stant Criminal District Attorney of Galveston
County, Texas, thl.s day personally appeared the unders1gned affiant who under
oath, says that he has good reason to believe and does be11eve that
heretofore on or about the 11th day of October, 2009, and before the making
and £111ng of this Complaint, in the county of Galveston and State of Texas,
ANTONIO SBPBDA, hereinafter styled Defendant,

      DID THBN AND THERE THREATEN TO COMMIT AN OFFENSE INVOLVING VIOLENCE TO
A   PERSON, NAMELY,     TO MURDER,   WITH INTENT TO PLACB AMY CASTRO IN PEAR OF
IMMINENT SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, AND SAID CONDUCT OF THE DEFENDANT CONSTITUTBD
FAMILY VIOLENCE.

AGAINST THE PRACE AND DIGNITY OF THB STATE.

Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 15th day of October, 2009.

                                                            :;I
Affiant                                      As           Criminal

                                     FILING ORIGINAL
                      Cause No. 14-CV-0020

EX PARTE                      §       IN THE DISTRICT COURT

                              §       212tb JUDICIAL DISTRICT

ANTONIO SEPEDA                §       GALVESTON COUNTY, TEXAS

                         Attachment 2
           Magistrate's Emergency Protective Order

                                  6
          ~2/0e/2ele     11: 57       4Bgg435744                       TCPD                                     PAGE Bll0S

                                            NO.     C()5cA /~