Court Opinion

ID: 9939630
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2024-02-11 08:16:21.602156+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:41:35.468361
License: Public Domain

Appeals dismissed and Memorandum Opinion filed February 6, 2024.

                                     In The

                    Fourteenth Court of Appeals

                              NO. 14-23-00689-CR
                              NO. 14-23-00690-CR

                   IGNACIO LUNA NAVARRO, Appellant
                                        V.

                      THE STATE OF TEXAS, Appellee

                  On Appeal from the 240th District Court
                         Fort Bend County, Texas
         Trial Court Cause Nos. 19-DCR-086329A & 19-DCR-087397

                         MEMORANDUM OPINION

      Appellant pleaded guilty to the offenses of sexual assault of a child and
indecency with a child, and true to a prior conviction in each count. Appellant and
the State agreed that appellant’s punishment would not exceed confinement in
prison for more than fifteen years for each of those offenses. In accordance with
the terms of this plea bargain agreement with the State, the trial court found
appellant guilty, the enhancements true, and assessed punishment for each offense
at confinement for fifteen years, to run concurrently. We dismiss the appeals.

       The trial court signed certifications of the defendant’s right to appeal in
which the court certified that both proceedings were plea bargain cases and the
defendant has no right of appeal, and further that appellant waived his right of
appeal, indicating we have no jurisdiction over the appeals. See Tex. R. App. P.
25.2(a)(2). An agreement that places a cap on punishment is a plea bargain for
purposes of Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 25.2(a)(2). Shankle v. State, 119
S.W.3d 808, 813 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003); Waters v. State, 124 S.W.3d 825, 826–
27 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2003, pet. ref’d) (holding reviewing court
lacked jurisdiction when defendant pleaded guilty with sentencing cap of ten years,
even though trial judge mistakenly certified defendant had right of appeal);
Threadgill v. State, 120 S.W.3d 871, 872 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2003,
no. pet.) (holding statement in record indicating there was no agreed
recommendation did not convert proceeding into an open plea when plea was made
pursuant to agreed sentencing cap).

       Because appellant’s pleas were made pursuant to plea bargains, he can only
appeal matters raised by written pre-trial motions or with the trial court’s
permission. See Tex. R. App. P. 25.2(a)(2). Appellant does not challenge any pre-
trial rulings.

       Accordingly, we dismiss the appeals.

                                  PER CURIAM

Panel consists of Justices Zimmerer, Spain, and Poissant.
Do Not Publish — Tex. R. App. P. 47.2(b).

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