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Anthony Woodard v. State

Citation: Not availableDocket: 04-11-00215-CR

Court: Court of Appeals of Texas; June 8, 2011; Texas; State Appellate Court

Original Court Document: View Document

Narrative Opinion Summary

The court dismissed the appeal of Anthony Woodard against the State of Texas due to a lack of a valid trial court certification affirming his right to appeal. On April 13, 2011, the court indicated that the appeal would be dismissed unless an amended certification was filed within thirty days. Woodard did not submit an amended certification, and the existing record indicated that the trial court's certification stated he had no right of appeal, as it was a plea-bargain case. The punishment imposed did not exceed what was agreed upon in the plea bargain. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed in accordance with Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 25.2(d).

Legal Issues Addressed

Dismissal of Appeal Under Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 25.2(d)

Application: The court applied Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 25.2(d) to dismiss the appeal due to the absence of a valid certification affirming the right to appeal.

Reasoning: Consequently, the appeal was dismissed in accordance with Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 25.2(d).

Plea Bargain Limitation on Right of Appeal

Application: In cases involving plea bargains, if the punishment does not exceed the terms of the bargain, the defendant typically lacks the right to appeal, as reflected in the trial court's certification.

Reasoning: Woodard did not submit an amended certification, and the existing record indicated that the trial court's certification stated he had no right of appeal, as it was a plea-bargain case. The punishment imposed did not exceed what was agreed upon in the plea bargain.

Requirement of Valid Trial Court Certification for Appeal

Application: The case demonstrates the necessity of having a valid trial court certification that affirms the right to appeal. Without such certification, the appeal cannot proceed.

Reasoning: The court dismissed the appeal of Anthony Woodard against the State of Texas due to a lack of a valid trial court certification affirming his right to appeal.

Timing for Filing Amended Certification

Application: The court provided a specific period for filing an amended certification to rectify the lack of a valid trial court certification, which if not complied with, results in dismissal.

Reasoning: On April 13, 2011, the court indicated that the appeal would be dismissed unless an amended certification was filed within thirty days.