Opinion
NO. 03-14-00513-CV
11-05-2014
A. H., Appellant v. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Appellee
FROM THE COUNTY COURT AT LAW OF BASTROP COUNTY
NO. 13-15922, HONORABLE BENTON ESKEW, JUDGE PRESIDING
MEMORANDUM OPINION
After a non-jury trial, the county court at law terminated appellant A.H.'s parental rights to a child, Alice. The trial court found that appellant committed several acts and omissions justifying termination of his parental rights. See Tex. Fam. Code § 161.001(1)(B)-(F), (N), (O). The trial court also found that termination of his parental rights was in the child's best interest.
Alice is an alias used to shield the child's identity. See Tex. R. App. P. 9.8.
Appellant's court-appointed appellate counsel has filed a brief in which he discusses the record, the elements of the cause of action, and the standard of review and concludes that appellant has no arguable grounds for appeal and that his appeal is wholly frivolous. See Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 744 (1967); High v. State, 573 S.W.2d 807, 811 (Tex. Crim. App. 1978); see also Taylor v. Texas Dep't of Protective & Regulatory Servs., 160 S.W.3d 641, 646-47 (Tex. App.—Austin 2005, pet. denied) (applying Anders procedure in appeal from termination of parental rights). Appellant's counsel has certified to this Court that he provided appellant with a copy of the brief, along with a notice advising appellant of his right to examine the appellate record and to file a pro se brief. No pro se brief has been filed.
Having thoroughly reviewed the record and counsel's brief, we agree with counsel's assessment that the appeal is frivolous and without merit. We affirm the judgment and grant appellant's counsel's motion to withdraw as counsel.
/s/_________
Jeff Rose, Justice
Before Chief Justice Jones, Justices Rose and Goodwin Affirmed Filed: November 5, 2014