Opinion
05-24-00066-CR05-24-00067-CR
11-27-2024
DOUGLAS TEJADA-MEJIA, Appellant v. THE STATE OF TEXAS, Appellee
On Appeal from the 354th Judicial District Court Hunt County, Texas Trial Court Cause Nos. 34650CR, 34658CR
ORDER
NANCY KENNEDY JUSTICE
We REINSTATE this appeal.
On November 4, 2024, we abated this appeal for the trial court to hold a hearing and make findings concerning appellant's counsel, Lara Bracamonte Davila, filing appellant's brief, which was originally due July 26, 2024. At the hearing, which was held November 5, 2024, Ms. Bracamonte Davila stated, "I have started this brief and believe that I will have it finished within the next thirty days." She also stated, "I would like to get it done within thirty days." The trial court made a written finding that "Ms. Bracamonte-Davila intends to finish the brief and file it as soon as possible." Although our November 4, 2024, order required the trial court to "find the date counsel expects to file the brief," the trial court did not make that finding.
Based on the trial court's finding that Ms. Bracamonte Davila intends to file the brief "as soon as possible" and Ms. Bracamonte Davila's testimony that she intends to file the brief within thirty days of the hearing, we ORDER Ms. Bracamonte Davila to file appellant's brief on or before DECEMBER 9, 2024. We caution Ms. Bracamonte Davila that if appellant's brief is not filed on or before December 9, 2024, the Court may consider whether to order her removed from representing appellant and order the trial court to appoint new counsel.
We DIRECT the Clerk to send copies of this order to the Honorable Keli Aiken, Judge Presiding, 354th Judicial District Court, and counsel for all parties.