Court Opinion

ID: 9788778
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-31 01:18:11.745663+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:37:16.655467
License: Public Domain

HODGES, J.,
dissenting.
1 1 I agree with the Court's conclusion that sections 696.4 and 2006 of title 12 can be construed in a manner to avoid conflict. I also agree with the Court's definition of excusable neglect. I dissent to its conclusion that the trial court abused its discretion in allowing the late filings.
T2 The trial court's finding of exeusable neglect for the failure to timely file the application to assess attorney fees and costs will be affirmed absent an abuse of discretion. Okla. Stat. tit. 12, § 2006(B) (2001). The factors that this Court should consider are: (1) prejudice to the opposing party, (2) "the length of delay and its potential impact on [the] judicial proceedings," (8) "the reason for the delay, including whether it was within the reasonable control of the movant," and (4) "whether the movant acted in good faith." See Pioneer Investment Services Co. v. Brunswick Associates Ltd. 507 U.S. 380, 895, 118 S.Ct. 1489, 128 L.Ed.2d 74 (1998).
13 Lewis' attorney, a sole practitioner, stated that his computer failed making it impossible for him to retrieve documents within section 696.4's thirty-day time period. Humphries did not show he was prejudiced by the delay. There is no indication that the delay was the result of a lack of good faith or that the twelve-day delay in filing the application to access attorney fees and costs substantially impacted the proceedings. I do not conclude the fact that Lewis' attorney could have borrowed a computer or written the motion by hand is conclusive that the
*339trial court abused its discretion. would affirm the trial court. Thus, I