Robert Torres v. State ( 2014 )

The State of TexasAppellee/s
Fourth Court of Appeals
San Antonio, Texas
December 11, 2014
No. 04-14-00782-CR
Robert TORRES,
Appellant
v.
THE STATE OF TEXAS,
Appellee
From the 144th Judicial District Court, Bexar County, Texas
Trial Court No. 2013CR1875
Honorable Lorina I. Rummel, Judge Presiding
ORDER
Pursuant to a plea-bargain agreement, Appellant Robert Torres pled nolo contendere to
aggravated sexual assault of a child and was sentenced to eighteen years of imprisonment and a
fine of $1,000 in accordance with the terms of his plea-bargain agreement. On October 16, 2014,
the trial court signed a certification of defendant’s right to appeal stating that this “is a plea-
bargain case, and the defendant has NO right of appeal.” See TEX. R. APP. P. 25.2(a)(2). After
Torres filed a notice of appeal, the trial court clerk sent copies of the certification and notice of
appeal to this court. See id. 25.2(e). The clerk’s record, which includes the trial court’s Rule
25.2(a)(2) certification, has been filed. See id. 25.2(d).
“In a plea bargain case ... a defendant may appeal only: (A) those matters that were raised
by written motion filed and ruled on before trial, or (B) after getting the trial court’s permission
to appeal.” Id. 25.2(a)(2). The clerk’s record, which contains a written plea bargain, establishes
the punishment assessed by the court does not exceed the punishment recommended by the
prosecutor and agreed to by the defendant. See id. The clerk’s record does not include a written
motion filed and ruled upon before trial; nor does it indicate that the trial court gave its
permission to appeal. See id. The trial court’s certification, therefore, appears to accurately
reflect that this is a plea-bargain case and that Torres does not have a right to appeal. We must
dismiss an appeal “if a certification that shows the defendant has the right of appeal has not been
made part of the record.” Id. 25.2(d).
This appeal will be dismissed pursuant to Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 25.2(d),
unless an amended trial court certification showing that Torres has the right to appeal is made
part of the appellate record by January 12, 2015. See TEX. R. APP. P. 25.2(d), 37.1; Daniels v.
State, 110 S.W.3d 174 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2003, order).
We ORDER all appellate deadlines be suspended until further order of the court.
_________________________________
Karen Angelini, Justice
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said
court on this 11th day of December, 2014.
___________________________________
Keith E. Hottle
Clerk of Court