Opinion
No. 04-19-00593-CR
12-12-2019
Ramon AYALA, Appellant v. The STATE of Texas, Appellee
From the County Court at Law No. 7, Bexar County, Texas
Trial Court No. 567926
Honorable Michael De Leon, Judge Presiding
ORDER
Appellant's brief was originally due to be filed on November 6, 2019. Neither the brief nor a motion for extension of time to file the brief has been filed. This court notified appellant's counsel of the deficiency on November 15, 2019. See TEX. R. APP. P. 38.8(b)(2). We have received no response.
Pursuant to Rule 38.8(b)(2) of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, we abate this case to the trial court and ORDER the trial court to conduct a hearing to answer the following questions:
(1) Does appellant desire to prosecute his appeal?
(2) Is appellant indigent? If appellant is indigent, the trial court shall take such measures as may be necessary to assure the effective assistance of counsel, which may include the appointment of new counsel.
(3) Has appointed or retained counsel abandoned the appeal? Because sanctions may be necessary, the trial court should address this issue even if new counsel is retained or substituted before the date of the hearing.
The trial court may, in its discretion, receive evidence on the first two questions by sworn affidavit from the appellant. The trial court shall, however, order the appellant's counsel to be present at the hearing.
The trial court is further ORDERED to file supplemental clerk's and reporter's records in this court, no later than January 12, 2020, which shall include: (1) a transcription of the hearing and copies of any documentary evidence admitted, (2) written findings of fact and conclusions of law, and (3) recommendations addressing the above enumerated questions. All appellate filing dates are ABATED pending further orders from this court.
/s/_________
Rebeca C. Martinez, Justice
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court on this 12th day of December, 2019.
/s/_________
MICHAEL A. CRUZ,
Clerk of Court