in Re Donald Ray McIntosh, Relator ( 2012 )

MEMORANDUM OPINION
No. 04-12-00303-CR
IN RE Donald Ray MCINTOSH, Relator
Original Mandamus Proceeding 1
PER CURIAM
Sitting: Karen Angelini, Justice
Phylis J. Speedlin, Justice
Rebecca Simmons, Justice
Delivered and Filed: June 13, 2012
PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDAMUS DENIED
On May 16, 2011, Relator Donald Ray McIntosh filed a petition for writ of mandamus,
complaining of the trial court’s denial of his constitutional speedy trial, motion for self-
representation, habeas relief for an unreasonable bond, and the trial court judge refusal to recuse
himself upon Relator’s request.
To obtain mandamus relief in a criminal matter, the relator must establish the act sought
to be compelled is ministerial rather than discretionary in nature, and there is no other adequate
remedy at law. Dickens v. Second Court of Appeals, 727 S.W.2d 542, 548 (Tex. Crim. App.
1987). Although a trial court has the discretion to permit hybrid representation, it is not required
to do so. See Scarbrough v. State, 777 S.W.2d 83, 92 (Tex. Crim. App. 1989); Landers v. State,
1
This proceeding arises out of Cause No. 348071; 348072, styled State of Texas v. Donald Ray McIntosh, pending
in the County Court at Law No. 11, Bexar County, Texas, the Honorable Carlo Key presiding.
04-12-00303-CR
550 S.W.2d 272, 280 (Tex. Crim. App. 1977). It is well-established that a defendant in a
criminal matter does not have a right to hybrid representation. Scheanette v. State, 144 S.W.3d
503, 505 n. 2 (Tex. Crim. App. 2004). Accordingly, the act McIntosh seeks to compel is
discretionary, not ministerial, in nature and we, therefore, deny McIntosh relief with regard to his
motion for self-representation. See TEX. R. APP. P. 52.8(a).
With regard to the remaining allegations in McIntosh’s petition, a trial court has no legal
duty to rule on pro se motions or petitions filed with regard to a criminal proceeding in which the
defendant is represented by counsel. See Robinson v. State, 240 S.W.3d 919, 922 (Tex. Crim.
App. 2007). Consequently, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by declining to rule on
McIntosh’s pro se motions. TEX. R. APP. P. 52.8(a).
Accordingly, Relator’s petition for writ of mandamus is denied.
PER CURIAM
DO NOT PUBLISH
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