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Stephanie Fernandez v. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

Citation: Not availableDocket: 08-12-00164-CV

Court: Court of Appeals of Texas; July 31, 2012; Texas; State Appellate Court

Original Court Document: View Document

Narrative Opinion Summary

The Court of Appeals for the Eighth District of Texas dismissed the appeal of Stephanie Fernandez against the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services due to failure to prosecute. Appellant did not file her brief by the due date and did not request an extension. On June 14, 2012, the Court Clerk notified the parties about the lack of a filed brief or motion for extension and warned of potential dismissal. No response was received from Appellant. The Court cited its authority to dismiss appeals for want of prosecution under TEX.R.APP.P. 38.8(a)(1), noting that a reasonable explanation for the failure to file was not provided. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed on July 31, 2012, as per TEX.R.APP.P. 38.8(a)(1), 42.3(b), and 42.3(c). Chief Justice Ann Crawford McClure presided over the decision, joined by Justices Rivera and Antcliff.

Legal Issues Addressed

Authority to Dismiss Appeals under TEX.R.APP.P. 42.3(b) and 42.3(c)

Application: The court exercised its authority to dismiss the appeal based on procedural rules, emphasizing the necessity of compliance with appellate procedure and the lack of a reasonable explanation for non-compliance.

Reasoning: The Court cited its authority to dismiss appeals for want of prosecution under TEX.R.APP.P. 38.8(a)(1), noting that a reasonable explanation for the failure to file was not provided.

Dismissal of Appeal for Want of Prosecution under TEX.R.APP.P. 38.8(a)(1)

Application: The court dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's failure to file a brief by the deadline and failure to request an extension, demonstrating the application of procedural rules for appeal dismissal.

Reasoning: The Court of Appeals for the Eighth District of Texas dismissed the appeal of Stephanie Fernandez against the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services due to failure to prosecute.

Notice Requirement for Dismissal of Appeal

Application: The court provided notice to the appellant regarding the failure to file a brief and the potential for dismissal, fulfilling the requirement to notify parties before dismissing an appeal for want of prosecution.

Reasoning: On June 14, 2012, the Court Clerk notified the parties about the lack of a filed brief or motion for extension and warned of potential dismissal.