Court Opinion

ID: 3093005
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-10-16 04:13:03.938179+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:51:10.850317
License: Public Domain

In The
              Court of Appeals
Sixth Appellate District of Texas at Texarkana
        ______________________________

              No. 06-10-00037-CV
        ______________________________

       DANNY WAYNE MARTIN, Appellant

                          V.

       AMANDA JOANN PARRIS, Appellee

   On Appeal from the 102nd Judicial District Court
              Red River County, Texas
              Trial Court No. CV01804

     Before Morriss, C.J., Carter and Moseley, JJ.
       Memorandum Opinion by Justice Carter
                                   MEMORANDUM OPINION

       Danny Wayne Martin appeals from a final protective order entered in favor of his

ex-girlfriend Amanda JoAnn Parris after a finding of family violence. In his pro se appeal, Martin

complains that the trial court erred in ―dismiss[ing]‖ the public defender from representing him in

the underlying civil proceeding. Martin alleges that lack of counsel forced him to violate his Fifth

Amendment rights and that the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution was

violated because he was not ―treated the same as those similarly situated.‖ He also complains that

the evidence was factually insufficient to support the issuance of the protective order, that the trial

judge was biased, and that the trial court committed the following alleged errors: (1) failing to

orally pronounce that family violence was likely to occur in the future; (2) holding Martin in

contempt of court; (3) failing to limit the opposing party‘s questioning; and (4) admitting evidence

where ―there was no proper foundation.‖ We affirm the trial court‘s judgment.

I.     Expiration of the Protective Order Does Not Render this Appeal Moot

       Appellate courts decide only those issues in which a controversy exists. Camarena v. Tex.

Employment Comm’n, 754 S.W.2d 149, 151 (Tex. 1988). The final protective order in this case

expired by its own terms on August 12, 2010. We must first address whether the expiration of the

protective order has rendered this case moot before we examine the merits of Martin‘s claim.

Clements v. Haskovec, 251 S.W.3d 79, 83 (Tex. App.––Corpus Christi 2008, no pet.); State for the

                                                  2
Protection of Cockerham v. Cockerham, 218 S.W.3d 298, 302 (Tex. App.––Texarkana 2007, no

pet.).

         ―The general rule is that a case becomes moot, and thus unreviewable, when it appears that

a party seeks to obtain relief on some alleged controversy when in reality none exists.‖

Schaban-Maurer v. Maurer-Schaban, 238 S.W.3d 815, 822 (Tex. App.––Fort Worth 2007, no

pet.) (citing Williams v. Lara, 52 S.W.3d 171, 184 (Tex. 2001)); Cockerham, 218 S.W.3d at 301.

Texas law does recognize a ―collateral consequences‖ exception to the mootness doctrine. Fed.

Deposit Ins. Corp. v. Nueces County, 886 S.W.2d 766, 767 (Tex. 1994); Cockerham, 218 S.W.3d

at 302. The ―collateral consequences‖ exception is only invoked under ―narrow circumstances

when vacating the underlying judgment cannot cure adverse consequences suffered by‖ the

appellant. Marshall v. Housing Auth. of City of San Antonio, 198 S.W.3d 782, 789 (Tex. 2006).

Such narrow circumstances exist when ―as a result of the judgment‘s entry (1) concrete

disadvantages or disabilities have in fact occurred, are imminently threatened to occur, or are

imposed as a matter of law; and (2) the concrete disadvantages and disabilities will persist even

after the judgment is vacated.‖ Id.; see Gen. Land Office of the State of Tex. v. OXY U.S.A., Inc.,

789 S.W.2d 569, 571 (Tex. 1990) (noting collateral consequences exception is invoked only when

prejudicial events occurred whose effects will continue to stigmatize after dismissal of case as

moot).

                                                 3
         ―Appeals of expired protective orders issued for family violence often fall into this

‗collateral consequences‘ exception because although such orders may ultimately expire, the

stigma attached to them generally does not.‖ Clements, 251 S.W.3d at 84; see Schaban-Maurer,
238 S.W.3d at 822–23; Cockerham, 218 S.W.3d at 303. This stigma is not only a social burden;

there are also ―attendant legal consequences to being the subject of such a protective order.‖

Schaban-Maurer, 238 S.W.3d at 822–23 (noting courts consider a history of domestic violence

when judging child conservatorship) (citing TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 153.004(f) (Vernon 2008)).

For example, the Texas Family Code requires that information in a protective order be entered into

the state-wide law information system ―where it presumably remains for various purposes.‖

Amir-Sharif v. Hawkins, 246 S.W.3d 267, 270 (Tex. App.––Dallas 2007, pet. dism‘d w.o.j.); see

TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 86.0011 (Vernon 2008). In Cockerham, we noted there could be other

possible legal consequences that could occur should the appellant be convicted of other criminal

acts. Cockerham, 218 S.W.3d at 303.1 Thus, we find that the collateral consequences exception

to the mootness doctrine applies in this case. Because the expiration of the protective order does

not render this appeal moot, we may consider the merits of Martin‘s claims. Id. at 303–04.

II.      Sufficient Evidence Supported the Trial Court’s Judgment

         Martin complains the court‘s judgment was ―contrary to the evidence and findings at trial.‖

1
 Further, the August 20, 2008, protective order in this case ordered that Martin‘s license to carry a concealed handgun
be suspended due to the trial court‘s finding of family violence. TEX. GOV‘T CODE ANN. § 411.187(a)(5) (Vernon
Supp. 2010). The normal expiration period for a concealed handgun license is ―the first birthday of the license holder
occurring after the fourth anniversary of the date of issuance,‖ a date which has not passed. TEX. GOV‘T CODE ANN.
§ 411.183 (Vernon Supp. 2010).

                                                          4
       A.      Standard of Review

       Because a protective order provides injunctive relief, we apply the standard of review that

is applied when reviewing injunctions.          In re Epperson, 213 S.W.3d 541, 542 (Tex.

App.––Texarkana 2007, no pet.). Thus, we review the trial court‘s grant of the protective order

against Martin for abuse of discretion. Id. at 543 (citing Operation Rescue-Nat’l v. Planned

Parenthood of Houston & S.E. Tex., Inc., 975 S.W.2d 546, 560 (Tex. 1998)). ―A trial court

abuses its discretion if it acts without reference to any guiding rules and principles or reaches a

decision so arbitrary and unreasonable as to amount to a clear and prejudicial error of law.‖ Id.

(citing Downer v. Aquamarine Operators, Inc., 701 S.W.2d 238, 241–42 (Tex. 1985)).

       B.      Factual Background

       Martin was the father of one of Parris‘ two young children. He was incarcerated prior to

the incidence of alleged family violence that prompted Parris‘ petition for a protective order.

Parris testified at the hearing that Martin wrote threatening letters to her while in prison. Martin

moved to Paris, Texas, after his release.

       Parris testified Martin ―just walked into‖ her house one afternoon ―drinking a Budweiser

beer . . . . And he told me, he said, ‗You‘ve got two choices . . . . You can either pack the kids up

and come with me to Paris for a couple of weekends -- or for a couple of days, or you can die right

here.‘‖ Parris refused to leave with the kids. She testified Martin ―just yanked me up by the neck

and my hair and took me in the kitchen and slammed me up against the kitchen counter and got a

                                                 5
knife.‖ Martin held the knife to Parris‘ throat, but allowed her to attend to her younger daughter

when she started crying. Parris comforted her child while begging Martin to leave. Again,

Martin held the knife to Parris‘ throat. The act was witnessed by Parris‘ eldest daughter. With

both children by her side, Parris ―told him to stop,‖ insisted, ―I‘m not going anywhere with you,‖

and begged Martin to leave.

        At some point when Martin turned to make a telephone call, Parris testified she ―just took

off running out the door, screaming for help. And he came out, running after me, and he yanked

me by the back of my hair and he dragged me back into the house.‖ Martin had noticed that there

were two witnesses outside, and assumed they would call the police. He slapped Parris and

instructed her and the children to hide in the back room of the house. The police arrived shortly

thereafter. Parris testified she ―was wanting to scream for help but he was telling me no, to be

quiet, and I was just holding my kids close to me so that nothing would happen to them.‖ After

the officers left, Martin said he would let Parris live if she did not call the police, but would kill her

if she did.

        As far as the nature of their prior relationship, Parris testified Martin ―would either get

drunk and I would always go find him, try to bring him home. And then when he would get home,

he would either throw me around, call me a stupid b****, or he would slap me. He would pull me

by my hair. He would make me have sex with him when I didn‘t want to.‖

                                                    6
       Martin testified on his own behalf. He claimed that he witnessed Parris molesting his

daughter, went to call the police, and that Parris ―come at me with a knife.‖ He admitted to

previous abuse, but stated he would only slap her after she slapped him first.

       After hearing the evidence, the trial court found

       that the respondent in this matter, Mr. Danny Martin, has in fact engaged in family
       violence on the date in question, as well as prior occasions, and a family
       relationship has existed as provided in the family code that is protected against
       violence. Having found that there have been acts of family violence perpetrated
       against the movant, Amanda Parris, this Court now hereby enters a protective order
       in favor of Ms. Parris against Mr. Martin at whichever time he may be released
       from custody.

       C.      Analysis

       A trial court shall render a protective order ―if the court finds that family violence has

occurred and is likely to occur in the future.‖ TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 81.001 (Vernon 2008).

―Family violence‖ includes ―dating violence,‖ which means:

       an act by an individual that is against another individual with whom that person has
       or has had a dating relationship and that is intended to result in physical harm,
       bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or that is a threat that reasonably places the
       individual in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual
       assault, but does not include defensive measures to protect oneself.

TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. §§ 71.004(3), 71.0021(a) (Vernon 2008).

       Martin and Parris both testified that they previously engaged in a dating relationship.

After Parris‘ testimony, Martin‘s presentation of contrary evidence came in the form of denials of

actions alleged to have been committed by him, coupled with allegations that Parris was molesting

                                                  7
his daughter.2 As finder of fact, the trial court was free to believe Parris‘ testimony and disbelieve

Martin‘s denials. City of Keller v. Wilson, 168 S.W.3d 802, 819 (Tex. 2005). We conclude that

the trial court was within its discretion, based on Parris‘ testimony, to find Martin‘s actions in

slamming Parris into the kitchen counter, slapping her, and dragging her by the hair constituted

actions intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, and/or assault. According to Parris,

Martin also held a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her twice––first, if she did not leave

with him and the children, and second, if she informed the police of his actions. The trial court

could conclude these acts and threats reasonably placed Parris in fear of imminent physical harm,

bodily injury, and/or assault. We find the evidence legally and factually sufficient to support the

trial court‘s finding that family violence occurred.

            Next, we have stated, ―Oftentimes, past is prologue; therefore, past violent conduct can be

competent evidence which is legally and factually sufficient to sustain the award of a protective

order.‖ Epperson, 213 S.W.3d at 544. Parris testified to a history of verbal, physical, and sexual

abuse by Martin during their past relationship, as well as threats received before and after Martin‘s

incarceration.         Martin admitted to slapping Parris during their dating relationship, though

apparently in retaliation. Coupled with the two threats that Martin would kill Parris, it was

reasonable for the trial court to conclude that Martin would likely commit, or would threaten to

commit acts constituting family violence. See id. We find the evidence legally and factually

2
    Martin‘s allegation that Parris molested his child was referred to Child Protective Services.

                                                              8
sufficient to support the trial court‘s discretionary finding that family violence was likely to occur

in the future. Martin‘s first point of error is overruled.

III.   Appealability and Preservation Issues

       A.      Martin Did Not Preserve Complaint of Allegedly Omitted Statutory Findings

       Although the written protective order specified a finding that family violence was likely to

occur in the future, Martin claims that the trial court erred in failing to make ―the requisite finding

at the close of the hearing.‖ See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 85.001(a) (Vernon 2008). Judicial

economy requires that a trial court have the opportunity to correct an error before an appeal

proceeds. In re C.O.S., 988 S.W.2d 760, 765 (Tex. 1999). ―As a prerequisite to presenting a

complaint for appellate review, the record must show that: (1) the complaint was made to the trial

court by a timely request, objection, or motion.‖ TEX. R. APP. P. 33.1. By failing to object or

otherwise raise this issue below, Martin failed to preserve this error for our review. See Melton v.

Tex. Dep’t of Family & Protective Servs., No. 03-08-00168-CV, 2010 WL 668917, at *2 (Tex.

App.––Austin Feb. 25, 2010, no pet.) (mem. op.).

       Nevertheless, prior to the close of the hearing, the court stated, ―Under the terms of that

protective order he is to stay five hundred feet away from her, and he is not going to have access to

the children who are also a part of this sui[t], as this Court feels that Mr. Martin‘s conduct will

constitute an endangerment to the children as well as Ms. Parris.‖ Were this point of error

                                                  9
preserved, we would construe the court‘s statement as a finding that family violence would likely

occur in the future. This point of error is overruled.

       B.        Contempt Order Is Not Appealable

       Martin‘s brief summarily states that the trial court ―acted without any guiding rules or

principles.‖   Our review of the reporter‘s record citation provided reveals that Martin is

complaining of an order of contempt entered by the trial court.

       During Martin‘s cross-examination, Martin made relevance objections instead of

answering questions asked. The trial court attempted to remedy the situation in the following

manner:

                       THE COURT: Sir, you answer the questions that are propounded
       to you.

                 A     Well, you be honorable.

                       THE COURT: I beg your pardon?

                 A     I‘m asking you to please be honorable.

                       THE COURT: Sir, you‘re in contempt.            Six months in jail.
       That‘s the first thing. Continue.

The court explained:

       Mr. Martin made a comment to the Court which the Court deems to be very
       inappropriate, which to the Court seems to be an attack upon the integrity of the
       Court and the judiciary. This Court is of the opinion that that constituted an act of
       direct contempt. The Court hereby adjudicated him guilty of direct contempt of
       this Court by the responses that have been entered to it or the comments that were

                                                 10
       made by Mr. Martin to the Court. This Court assessed the punishment at six
       months‘ confinement in the Red River County jail.

In his brief, Martin argues ―that his comment was not an attack as much as it was the ‗truth‘, nor

does a citizen need put up with such foulness in its judicial system, nor the trial judge in question.‖

       We broadly interpret Martin‘s brief as an appeal of the order of contempt. ―Decisions in

contempt proceedings cannot be reviewed through a direct appeal.‖                  Hatton v. Griar,

No. 4-09-00630-CV, 2011 WL 175501, at *2 (Tex. App.––Houston [14th Dist.] Jan. 20, 2011, no

pet. h.) (mem. op.); see Ex parte Williams, 690 S.W.2d 243 n.1 (Tex. 1985); Pandozy v. Beaty, 254
S.W.3d 613, 616 (Tex. App.––Texarkana 2008, no pet.).              ―Contempt orders may only be

reviewed through a habeas corpus proceeding or by writ of mandamus.‖                    Hatton, 2011
WL 175501, at *2 (citing Metzger v. Sebek, 892 S.W.2d 20, 55 (Tex. App.––Houston [1st Dist.]

1994, writ denied)). Accordingly, no attempted appeal from the contempt order in this case will

be considered.

       C.        Issue of Bias Was Not Preserved

       Martin complains that the trial judge‘s findings were the result ―of passion, prejudice, and

improper motive‖ and accuses the judge of ―bias and prejudice against‖ Martin and ―deep seated

favortism [sic] towards the State‘s attorney.‖ A complaint that a trial judge was biased must

generally be preserved in the trial court. See TEX. R. APP. P. 33.1(a); Dow Chem. Co. v. Francis,

46 S.W.3d 237, 241 (Tex. 2001). ―Preservation is unnecessary only if the ‗comment cannot be

                                                  11
rendered harmless by proper instruction.‘‖ In re M.E.C., 66 S.W.3d 449, 459 (Tex. App.––Waco

2001, no pet.) (citing Francis, 46 S.W.3d at 241).

       Martin bears the burden to ―explain how any comments made by the trial judge were

incurable or would excuse‖ the ―failure to preserve error.‖           Francis, 46 S.W.3d at 241.

―[J]udicial remarks during the course of a trial that are critical or disapproving of, or even hostile

to, counsel, the parties, or their cases, ordinarily do not support a bias or partiality challenge.‖

Liteky v. United States, 510 U.S. 540, 555 (1994). ―A judge‘s ordinary efforts at courtroom

administration-even a stern and short-tempered judge‘s ordinary efforts at courtroom

administration-remain immune.‖ Id. at 556.

       In support of this point of error, Martin cites to the order of contempt and the court‘s

decisions overruling his relevance objections to questions involving his place of employment and

address during his cross-examination. Review of the trial judge‘s remarks leads us to conclude

they were aimed at explaining his decision to hold Martin in contempt of court. The judge‘s

comment that ―either the responses or the questions asked were not subject to objection‖ merely

explained the judge‘s decisions to overrule Martin‘s relevance objections. Martin‘s brief does not

adequately explain why the judge‘s efforts at courtroom administration were examples of

―incurable‖ bias or prejudice such that he would be excused from preserving error. We find that

because Martin did not raise this issue with the trial court, it is not preserved for our review.

                                                 12
Watson v. Michael Haskins Photography, Inc., No. 10-05-00010-CV, 2005 WL 3148074, at *3

(Tex. App.––Waco Nov. 23, 2005, no pet.) (mem. op.).

         Had the point been properly preserved, we would find the trial court‘s comments were not

comments on the weight of the evidence, but were procedural explanations that were within the

discretion vested in the trial court during the conduct of a trial. Bott v. Bott, 962 S.W.2d 626, 631

(Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1997, no pet.).

         This point of error is overruled.

         D.       Martin Did Not Seek Counsel

         Martin complains that the trial court committed ―fundamental error or ‗plain error‘‖ when

it ―dismissed‖3 his attorney. The record demonstrates Martin was indigent, that Dan Meehan, a

public defender, was appointed to represent him on criminal charges arising from the incident, and

that Meehan was present to address criminal matters also being heard at the same time as the

hearing on the civil protective order. Prior to the civil hearing, the following exchange occurred:

                        THE COURT:                      . . . . Mr. Meehan, were you here as the public
         defender in these other cases, sir?

                            MR. MEEHAN:                 On Mr. Martin?

                            THE COURT:                  Yes.

                            MR. MEEHAN:                 I assume I am. Yes, sir.

3
 Because there is nothing in the record demonstrating Martin had an attorney-client relationship with any attorney with
regard to the civil protective order, we find that any complaint regarding ―dismiss[al]‖ of his attorney is without merit.

                                                           13
                        THE COURT:            All right, I have notated you as a public
         defender. As far as representation in a protective order, I don‘t think that you are
         obligated as the public defender.

In this case, the trial judge had the power to appoint counsel for Martin. TEX. GOV‘T CODE ANN.

§ 24.016 (Vernon 2004)4 (―A district judge may appoint counsel to attend to the cause of a party

who makes an affidavit that he is too poor to employ counsel . . . .‖). However, the record

demonstrates Martin failed to request appointment of counsel to represent him in this civil matter.5

Had Martin made such a request, we would review the trial court‘s denial for an abuse of

discretion. Hines v. Massey, 79 S.W.3d 269, 272 (Tex. App.––Beaumont 2002, no pet.). 6

Because Martin did not request that counsel be appointed to represent him, he has failed to

preserve this issue for our review. Hull v. Davis, 211 S.W.3d 461, 466 (Tex. App.––Houston

[14th Dist.] 2006, no pet.).7 This point of error is overruled.

4
 Martin argues that Section 81.007(a) of the Texas Family Code guarantees him right to counsel in this civil matter.
That section does not apply. Section 81.007(a) states, ―The county attorney or the criminal district attorney is the
prosecuting attorney responsible for filing applications under this subtitle unless the district attorney assumes the
responsibility by giving notice of that assumption to the county attorney.‖ TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 81.007(a)
(Vernon 2008).
5
 We distinguish cases cited by Martin which discuss appointment of counsel when faced with termination of parental
rights or adoption issues. Lassiter v. Dep’t of Soc. Servs. of Durham County, N.C., 452 U.S. 18 (1981); Stanley v.
Illinois, 405 U.S. 645 (1972); Armstrong v. Manzo, 380 U.S. 545 (1965); May v. Anderson, 345 U.S. 528 (1953).
6
  We distinguish the case of Striedel v. Striedel, 15 S.W.3d 163 (Tex. App.––Corpus Christi 2000, no pet.). In
Striedel, our sister court found that the trial court should have considered appellant‘s request for counsel in a protective
order proceeding which affected appellant‘s right to see his child. Id. at 167. In Striedel, appellant had preserved the
issue by requesting an attorney to represent him. Id. at 165. Recognizing this fact, our sister court clarified ―we
note, however, that appellant made repeated attempts in the trial court to raise this issue, all to no avail. We do not
mean to express here any belief that the right to counsel cannot be waived.‖ Id. at 166 n.1.
7
  Martin argues that his point of error presents fundamental error that can be addressed for the first time on appeal.
―Fundamental error in a civil case is rare, but occurs when the record shows that the court lacked jurisdiction or when
the error directly and adversely affects the public interest as that interest is declared by the statutes and state

                                                            14
         E.       Martin Failed to Preserve Equal Protection Argument

         Martin summarily alleges that the Equal Protection Clause of the United States

Constitution was violated because he was not ―treated the same as those similarly situated.‖ His

briefing reveals that he is not complaining of any error committed by the trial court with regard to

the Equal Protection Clause. Rather, he cites to Striedel, and urges this Court to: find that the

facts of this case are the same as Striedel, to hold that he was entitled counsel, and conclude that

reversal is necessary because ―Appellant has a right to equal protection of the laws.‖ At a

minimum, ―[a] complaint on appeal must address specific errors‖ committed by the trial court.

Cammack the Cook, L.L.C. v. Eastburn, 296 S.W.3d 884, 889 (Tex. App.––Texarkana 2009, pet.

denied). Because Martin‘s brief does not complain of any act by the trial court, this point of error

is overruled.

         F.       Martin Failed to Preserve Error Regarding Lack of Proper Foundation

         Martin claims that he ―objected to the evidence because there was no proper foundation for

its admission.‖ His record citations demonstrate that while there was no such objection, the

following objections occurred during Parris‘ direct examination:

                  Q        What kind of knife did he get?

                  A        A regular kitchen knife.

constitution.‖ Matter of J.G., 905 S.W.2d 676, 680 n.1 (Tex. App.––Texarkana 1995), writ denied, 916 S.W.2d 949
(Tex. 1995) (per curiam) (citing Pirtle v. Gregory, 629 S.W.2d 919, 920 (Tex. 1982)). The record demonstrates the
trial court had jurisdiction of the matter, Martin does not address how his lack of counsel with respect to Parris‘
protective order adversely affected the public interest, and caselaw establishes this error is one that can be waived.
See Hull, 211 S.W.3d at 466.

                                                         15
                Q      How big was it?

                ....

               Q       Let the record reflect she‘s holding up approximately a six-inch
       blade . . . .

                ....

                     THE COURT: And, Mrs. Collins, the record needs to reflect that
       she is demonstrating approximately a six-inch blade.

                       MR. MARTIN: Objection. I don‘t see any knife here.

                       THE COURT: Overruled, sir.

                       MR. MARTIN: I don‘t see any evidence.

                       THE COURT: Overruled . . . .

                ....

                Q      Has he committed acts of violence against you in the past?

                A      Yes, he has.

                       MR. MARTIN: Objection. No evidence.

                       THE COURT: Overruled.

During Parris‘ cross-examination, Martin lodged an objection that ―there is no evidence

whatsoever at this hearing, Your honor.‖ The remaining objections dealt with claims of Fifth

Amendment privilege and relevance objections to questions regarding his place of employment

and current and past addresses.

                                               16
            It is well-settled that an objection at trial that does not comport with the complaint raised on

appeal preserves nothing for appellate review. See TEX. R. APP. P. 33.1(a); Ibarra v. State, 11
S.W.3d 189, 197 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999). Whereas his objections to the trial court were

statements that in his opinion, Parris‘ testimony did not constitute evidence, that he was entitled to

assert a Fifth Amendment privilege to questions regarding employment, and that information

about his employment and address were irrelevant, his complaint on appeal deals with ―want of

such foundation.‖8 We conclude that Martin‘s objections at trial do not comport with his point

raised on appeal. Therefore, the point of error was not preserved, and it is overruled.

IV.         Martin’s Fifth Amendment Assertion of Privilege Was Not Made in Good Faith

            It is well established that the Fifth Amendment privilege may be asserted in civil cases

where a party reasonably believes his or her answers will be incriminating. Tex. Dep’t of Public

Safety Officers Ass’n v. Denton, 897 S.W.2d 757, 760 (Tex. 1995); In re Suarez,

No. 14-08-00740-CV, 2008 WL 4310098, at *2 (Tex. App.––Houston [14th Dist.] Aug. 28, 2008,

no pet.). ―The trial court is to determine whether the assertion of the privilege is in good faith and

is justifiable under the totality of the circumstances.‖ In re Commitment of Lowe, 151 S.W.3d
739, 745 (Tex. App.––Beaumont 2004, pet. denied). A court can consider whether the privilege

is being asserted in a bona fide fear of self-incrimination or merely to avoid discovery or to create

delay. Denton, 897 S.W.2d at 763.

            The record contains only one assertion of privilege to the following:
8
    There was no assertion that either Parris or Martin did not have personal knowledge of their testimony.

                                                            17
               Q         Okay, and where did you say you were working, or did you say?

               A         That‘s really nobody‘s business.

               Q         Where you‘re working is nobody‘s business?

               A         Yes, I work; but no, it ain‘t your business.

               Q         Will you instruct the defendant -- or the respondent . . .

               A         I claim the Fifth Amendment.

After the trial court overruled the assertion of privilege, Martin testified he was a self-employed

roofer.   Because we find that a belief that such an answer would be incriminating was

unreasonable and unjustifiable, we conclude Martin was not entitled to refuse to answer the

question based on an assertion of Fifth Amendment privilege.                    Further, under these

circumstances, the trial court could find that the assertion was not made in good faith. This point

of error is overruled.

                                                   18
V.      Trial Court Did Not Abuse Discretion in Admitting Evidence

        We apply an abuse of discretion standard to the question of whether a trial court erred in an

evidentiary ruling. Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp. v. Malone, 972 S.W.2d 35, 43 (Tex. 1998)

(citing City of Brownsville v. Alvarado, 897 S.W.2d 750, 753 (Tex. 1995)). A trial court abuses

its discretion when it rules without regard to any guiding rules or principles. Id. We must

uphold the trial court‘s ruling if there is any legitimate basis for its ruling. Id.

        Martin claims that the trial court ―abused its discretion by failing to stop the prosecutor

from asking irrelevant questions.‖ We interpret Martin‘s argument as suggesting that the trial

court erred in overruling his relevance objections when questioned about his place of employment

and living arrangements. In her petition for a protective order, Parris asked the trial court to order

that Martin be prevented from ―going to or near‖ her residence and/or possible place of

employment. Specifically, Parris requested that Martin be ordered to maintain a distance of 200

feet. Thus, the proximity of Martin‘s residence and place of employment were facts the trial court

could have considered in determining the feasibility of the requirement to maintain a certain

distance from Parris. We find that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in overruling

Martin‘s relevance objections. Martin‘s last point of error is overruled.

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VI.   Conclusion

      We affirm the judgment of the trial court.

                                           Jack Carter
                                           Justice

Date Submitted:      February 17, 2011
Date Decided:        March 4, 2011

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