Billy Benavidez v. State ( 2015 )

The State of TexasAppellee/s Fourth Court of Appeals San Antonio, Texas July 22, 2015 No. 04-15-00150-CR Billy BENAVIDEZ, Appellant v. THE STATE OF TEXAS, Appellee From the 229th Judicial District Court, Duval County, Texas Trial Court No. 09-CRD-122 Honorable J. Manuel Banales, Judge Presiding ORDER On July 15, 2015, this Court received Appellant’s brief. The brief violates Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 38 in that it (1) does not include record references in the statement of facts and (2) does not contain a clear and concise argument for the contentions made, with appropriate citations to authorities and to the record. See TEX. R. APP. P. 38.1(g), (i). While substantial compliance with Rule 38 is sufficient, this court may order a party to amend, supplement, or redraw a brief if it flagrantly violates Rule 38. See TEX. R. APP. P. 38.9(a). We conclude that the formal defects described above constitute flagrant violations of Rule 38. Further, the brief violates Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.4(i)(3) in that it does not include a certificate of compliance stating the number of words in the document. See TEX. R. APP. P. 9.4(i)(3). We, therefore, ORDER Appellant to file an amended brief within fifteen days from the date of this order. If the amended brief does not correct the violations, we may strike the brief and prohibit appellant from filing another. See TEX. R. APP. P. 9.4(k), 38.9(a). _________________________________ Karen Angelini, Justice IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court on this 22nd day of July, 2015. ___________________________________ Keith E. Hottle Clerk of Court