Court Opinion

ID: 8373803
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-10-18 12:08:59.383807+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:46:08.287565
License: Public Domain

Fourth Court of Appeals
                                   San Antonio, Texas
                                        October 17, 2022

                                      No. 04-22-00126-CR

                                       Albino CEDILLO,
                                           Appellant

                                                v.

                                     The STATE of Texas,
                                           Appellee

                 From the 63rd Judicial District Court, Val Verde County, Texas
                                Trial Court No. 2020-0019-CR
                           Honorable Steve Hilbig, Judge Presiding

                                         ORDER
        Appellant’s brief was originally due by July 5, 2022 and was not filed. In lieu of the
brief, appellant filed a motion requesting a thirty-day extension of time. In his motion, counsel,
Mr. Alberto Ramon, explained he had experienced an unexpected death in his immediate family,
significantly impacting his schedule. We granted the extension and ordered appellant to file his
brief by August 4, 2022. On July 26, 2022, appellant filed a second motion requesting a second
thirty-day extension of time. Counsel requested additional time because he was preparing for a
four-day jury trial. We granted the extension, ordered appellant to file his brief by September 6,
2022, and advised counsel further extensions of time would be disfavored absent extraordinary
circumstances. On September 6, 2022, appellant filed a third motion requesting until September
30, 2022 to file his brief. Counsel stated he had been unable to dedicate time to prepare the brief
because of his heavy work schedule, numerous medical appointments, and inability to
concentrate due to the recent family tragedy. We granted the extension, ordered appellant to file
his brief by September 30, 2022, and again, advised counsel no further extensions of time would
be granted absent extraordinary circumstances. On September 28, 2022, appellant filed a fourth
motion requesting a thirty-day extension of time to file his brief. Counsel stated he had been ill
and was working under the influence of medication, making it difficult to concentrate.

        On October 4, 2022, we recognized the extraordinary circumstances impacting counsel
and his ability to prepare the brief. We further advised counsel we required compliance with the
appellate deadlines to ensure the prompt and efficient administration of justice. See TEX. R.
APP. P. 38.6(d). We therefore ordered the appeal abated and remanded this case to the trial court
for the appointment of new appellate counsel.
        On October 11, 2022, counsel filed a motion for reconsideration, informing us he had
been retained as counsel and has a duty to complete and file the brief. A review of the clerk’s
record, however, shows on January 27, 2022, the trial court found appellant was entitled to court-
appointed counsel and appointed Mr. Ramon as his attorney.

       After consideration of the foregoing, we deny appellant’s motion for reconsideration,
withdraw our order dated October 4, 2022, and issue this order in its place. We order this
appeal abated and remand this case to the trial court to conduct a hearing to determine:

       (1) whether appellant desires to prosecute this appeal,

       (2) whether counsel was appointed by the trial court or retained by appellant, and

      (3) whether appellant and counsel have established an attorney-client relationship and
whether appellant desires for counsel to continue representing him.

       The trial court is directed to ensure effective assistance of counsel and the orderly
administration of justice. If the court finds appellant and counsel have not established an
attorney-client relationship; appellant does not desire counsel to continue representing him; or
removal of counsel is necessary to protect the integrity of the judicial process or the fair and
orderly administration of justice, the court may remove counsel and appoint new appellate
counsel.

       The trial court may, in its discretion, receive evidence on these issues by sworn affidavit
from the appellant. The trial court shall, however, order appellant’s counsel to be present at the
hearing.

       We further order the trial court to make written findings of fact and conclusions of law
on these issues. We order the clerk and court reporter to file in this court, no later than
November 16, 2022, (1) a reporter’s record of the hearing, and (2) a supplemental clerk’s record
containing the court’s written findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations
addressing the above issues. See TEX. R. APP. P. 38.8(b)(3).

                                                     _________________________________
                                                     Luz Elena D. Chapa, Justice

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said
court on this 17th day of October, 2022.

                                                     ___________________________________
                                                     Michael A. Cruz,
                                                     Clerk of Court