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Ronald Thomas v. State

Citation: Not availableDocket: 14-16-00355-CR

Court: Court of Appeals of Texas; November 15, 2017; Texas; State Appellate Court

Original Court Document: View Document

Narrative Opinion Summary

On November 16, 2017, the Fourteenth Court of Appeals issued an order concerning the appeal of Ronald Thomas against the State of Texas (Case No. 14-16-00355-CR), following the affirmation of his conviction on October 17, 2017. Court-appointed counsel did not file a motion for rehearing. Subsequently, on November 1, 2017, Thomas filed a motion to compel his attorney to provide him with the trial record and a motion for an extension to file a pro se motion for rehearing. The court directed the Judge of the 339th District Court to allow Thomas to view the trial record as per local procedures. Additionally, the court ordered the clerk of the 339th District Court to furnish the trial record to Thomas by December 1, 2017, and to certify the delivery date to the appellate court.

Legal Issues Addressed

Court's Duty to Facilitate Access to Records

Application: The appellate court directed the trial court to provide Ronald Thomas with access to his trial record, ensuring compliance with procedural rights and local court rules.

Reasoning: The court directed the Judge of the 339th District Court to allow Thomas to view the trial record as per local procedures.

Right to Access Trial Records

Application: The appellant, Ronald Thomas, sought access to his trial record to prepare for a potential rehearing, demonstrating the application of a defendant's right to review trial documents.

Reasoning: Subsequently, on November 1, 2017, Thomas filed a motion to compel his attorney to provide him with the trial record and a motion for an extension to file a pro se motion for rehearing.

Role of Court Clerks in Record Delivery

Application: The appellate court ordered the court clerk to deliver the trial record to the appellant by a specific date, emphasizing the administrative responsibility in facilitating defendants' access to records.

Reasoning: Additionally, the court ordered the clerk of the 339th District Court to furnish the trial record to Thomas by December 1, 2017, and to certify the delivery date to the appellate court.