Opinion
04-24-00099-CV
08-20-2024
IN THE INTEREST OF K.N.B., a Child,
From the 37th Judicial District Court, Bexar County, Texas Trial Court No. 2013EM502426 James Rausch, Judge Presiding
ORDER
Luz Elena D. Chapa, Justice
Appellant filed his brief on August 15, 2024. The brief does not comply with Rule 38.1 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure because it does not contain (1) a statement of facts with record references or (2) a legal argument with appropriate citation to authorities and the appellate record. See Tex. R. App. P. 38.1. Additionally, the brief does not comply with Rule 9.4 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure because the brief does not include a certificate of compliance stating the number of words in the document. See id. R. 9.4.
We therefore order appellant's brief stricken and order appellant to file an amended brief by September 19, 2024. The amended brief must correct the violations listed above and fully comply with the applicable rules. See, e.g., id. R. 9.4, 38.1. If the amended brief does not comply with this order, we may strike the brief, prohibit appellant from filing another brief, and proceed as if appellant had failed to file a brief. See id. R. 38.9(a); see also id. R. 38.8(a) (authorizing this court to dismiss appeal if appellant fails to timely file brief). Even if we do not strike the brief and prohibit appellant from filing another brief, we may find any issues raised by appellant are waived due to inadequate briefing and overrule those issues. See, e.g., Marin Real Estate Partners v. Vogt, 373 S.W.3d 57, 75 (Tex. App.-San Antonio 2011, no pet.).
We recognize appellant represents himself on appeal, i.e., he is acting pro se. However, we caution appellant that pro se litigants are held to the same standards as licensed attorneys and must comply with all applicable rules of procedure, including the rules governing appellate briefs. Valadez v. Avitia, 238 S.W.3d 843, 845 (Tex. App.-El Paso 2007, no pet.). We will not apply different standards merely because an appeal is brought by a litigant acting without advice of counsel. Id.