Ex Parte Octavian Becciu v. State ( 2020 )

COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIRST DISTRICT OF TEXAS AT HOUSTON ORDER Appellate case name: Ex Parte Octavian Becciu v. The State of Texas Appellate case number: 01-19-00800-CR Trial court case number: 1799007A Trial court: County Criminal Court at Law No. 9 of Harris County On December 20, 2019, appellant, Octavian Becciu, filed an unopposed motion to withdraw and substitute counsel in this abated appeal. The motion is deficient because it does not indicate that the motion was delivered to appellant in person or mailed—both by certified and by first-class mail—to appellant at appellant’s last known address. TEX. R. APP. P. 6.5(b), (d). On January 16, 2020, prior to issuing an order on appellant’s motion to withdraw and substitute counsel, appellant filed an unopposed motion to withdraw appellant’s motion to withdraw and substitute counsel. Appellant’s motion to withdraw his prior motion contains a certificate of conference stating that appellee is not opposed to the motion. See TEX. R. APP. P. 10.3(a)(2). Accordingly, we grant appellant’s motion to withdraw his December 20, 2019 motion to withdraw and substitute counsel. Appellant’s motion to withdraw and substitute counsel is dismissed as moot. On January 21, 2020, prior to issuing an order on appellant’s above-referenced motions, appellant filed a motion to substitute counsel and designate lead counsel. This motion is deficient because it does not indicate that the motion was delivered to appellant in person or mailed—both by certified and by first-class mail—to appellant at appellant’s last known address. TEX. R. APP. P. 6.5(b), (d). Accordingly, we deny appellant’s motion to substitute counsel and designate lead counsel without prejudice to refiling a motion that complies with the Rules. Attorney, Thomas Branton Mayr, remains appellant’s counsel. It is so ORDERED. Judge’s signature: /s/ Evelyn V. Keyes  Acting individually Acting for the Court Date: January 28, 2020 2