DocketNumber: 14-14-00875-CV
Filed Date: 12/29/2014
Status: Precedential
Modified Date: 9/28/2016
ACCEPTED 14-14-00875-CV FOURTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS HOUSTON, TEXAS 12/29/2014 1:30:46 PM CHRISTOPHER PRINE CLERK Cause No. 14-14-00875-CV § FILED IN 14th COURT OF APPEALS IN THE HOUSTON, TEXAS 12/29/2014 1:30:46 PM FOURTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS CHRISTOPHER A. PRINE Clerk At HOUSTON JUDICIAL DISTRICT IN RE WILMA REYNOLDS, Relator From Cause No. 48170 In the 300th District Court of Brazoria County, Texas § RELATOR’S SECOND MOTION TO STAY TO THE HONORABLE JUSTICES OF SAID COURT: Pursuant to TRAP 52.10, Relator asks the Court for a stay of the underlying trial court proceeding. A. Introduction 1. Relator is Wilma Reynolds ("Wilma"); real party in interest is David Reynolds ("David"); and respondent is the Honorable Senior Judge Jeff Walker (the "trial court"). 2. Wilma filed her supplemental petition for writ of mandamus and motion for rehearing on December 19, 2014. 1 3. Wilma’s petition for writ of mandamus, supplemental petition for writ of mandamus, and motion for rehearing are each incorporated herein by reference. 4. Wilma attaches a certificate of compliance certifying that on December 29, 2014, she made a diligent effort to notify real parties in interest by telephone, e-mail, and/or fax this second motion to stay has been or will be filed. TEX. R. APP. P. 52.10(a). 5. The parties have not agreed to this motion. B. Authorities 6. The Court may grant a stay or other temporary relief pending its determination of an original proceeding. TEX. R. APP. P. 52.10(b). 7. This stay of the underlying proceeding is necessary to maintain the status quo of the parties and to preserve the Court’s jurisdiction to consider the merits of the original proceeding. In re Reed,901 S.W.2d 604
, 609 (Tex. App.--San Antonio 1995, orig. proceeding). 2 8. Relator's attorney attaches a verification1 to verify facts that are not included in the original proceeding record and are not known to this Court in its official capacity. TEX. R. APP. P. 10.2 & 52. C. Facts & Argument 9. On October 29, 2014, the trial court signed the following four orders: • “Order Denying Objection to Assigned Judge”; • “Order Denying Motion to Recuse Judge C.G. Dibrell”; • “Order Denying Motion to Recuse Judge Randy Clapp”; and • “Order for Sanctions Under Civil Practice and Remedies Code Sec. 30.016.” (TABS E,F,G,& H). 10. The sanction attorney’s fees awarded by the trial court were due to be paid by Wilma and/or her counsel by November 29, 2014. See Exhibit B attached. 11. To date, Wilma nor her counsel have paid any portion of the attorney’s fees awarded as a sanction. See Exhibit B attached. 12. Opposing counsel and Judge Dibrell have set a hearing for Jan. 8, 2015 for the purpose of securing 1 The Verification is attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference. 3 attorney’s fees purportedly owed. See Exhibit C attached. 13. Wilma seeks in this original proceeding to have this Court review the orders entered by Judge Walker on October 29, 2014 to determine whether the trial court abused its discretion in entering the orders in violation of TEX. GOV’T. CODE § 74.053. 14. Furthermore, if this Court finds that the order denying Wilma’s Motion to Recuse Judge Dibrell is void, then Judge Dibrell should not be permitted to continue with his assignment before the recusal motion is decided by a valid order. See TEX. R. CIV. P. 18a. D. Prayer 15. For the reasons stated in this motion, Wilma asks this Court for a stay of the underlying trial proceeding and suspension of the October 29, 2014 trial court orders to maintain the status quo of the parties and preserve this Court’s jurisdiction to consider the merits of Wilma's motion for rehearing and this original proceeding. Wilma also requests that the stay not be lifted until this Court has had the opportunity to review her 4 motion for rehearing and complete its determination of this petition for writ of mandamus. Relator requests any other such relief that she may be entitled under law or equity. Respectfully submitted, By:/s/ Carl W. Gordon Carl W. Gordon, Esq. Texas Bar No. 24047659 THE GORDON LAW FIRM P.O. Box 301126 Houston, Texas 77230 Tel. (832) 830-8830 Fax. (713) 636-2565 cgordon@carlgordonlaw.com Attorney for Relator, Wilma Reynolds CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE Under Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 52.10(a), I certify that on December 29, 2014, I made a diligent effort to notify all parties to the original proceeding by expedited means of telephone, e-mail and/or fax that a motion to stay had been or will be filed. The parties have not agreed to this motion. By:/s/Carl W. Gordon Carl W. Gordon, Esq. Attorney for Relator, Wilma Reynolds 5 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I certify that true copies of the forgoing instruments were served on each of the following individuals in accordance with the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure on December 29, 2014. Lenette Terry Peggy Bittick TERRY & TERRY P.O. Box 1017 203 E. Cedar Pearland, Texas 77588 Angleton, Texas 77515 Amicus Attorney for David Reynolds Kelly McClendon P.O. Box 3457 Lake Jackson, Texas 77566 Attorney for David Reynolds /s/ Carl W. Gordon Carl W. Gordon, Esq. Attorney for Wilma Reynolds 6 EXHIBIT A No. 14-14-00875-CV IN THE FOURTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS At HOUSTON JUDICIAL DISTRICT IN RE WILMA REYNOLDS, Relator From Cause No. 48170 In the 300th District Court of Brazoria County, Texas STATE OF TEXAS § HARRIS COUNTY § SECOND MOTION TO STAY VERIFICATION Before me, the undersigned notary, on this day personally appeared Carl W. Gordon, the affiant, a person whose identity is known to me. After I administered an oath to affiant, affiant testified: 1. "My , name is Carl W. Gordon. I am over 18 years of age, of sound mind, and capable of making this affidavit. The facts in this affidavit are within my personal knowledge and are true and correct. 2. I am the attorney for relator, Wilma Reynolds. All the facts stated in Relator's Second Motion to Stay are true and correct and within my p``~no~ Carl W. Gordon JJ`` ;J-Cj &-~Jif SIGNEDunderoathbeforemeon _ _~_c/c__£_ ' ~-~-~ BRIDGETTE TERRELL CALLOWAY Notary PlMtic, State of Texas My Commission Expires May 23, 2015 Exhibit A EXHIBIT B No . 48170 WILMA REYNOLDS IN THE 300TH V. DISTRICT COURT OF DAVID REYNOLDS BRAZORIA COUNTY, TX ORDER FOR SANCTIONS UNDER CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE SEC. 30.016 On this 29th day of October, 2014 came on for consideration for C.P.R.C Sec. 30.016 Attorneys' Fees and Expenses Requested By Attorney Lenette Terry representing the Petitioner and Attorney Peggy Bittick, Amicus. Having heard and considered the evidence and arguments presented, it is found that the following Attorney's fees and expenses are reasonable and were necessary in connection with the tertiary recusal motions in this matter: Lenette Terry $5,859.00 Peggy Bitteck $5,525.00 Respondent Wilma Reynolds and her Attorneys Carl Gordon are ordered to pay as sanctions, within 31 days, the above sums to the above named Attorneys. SIGNED this 29th day of October 2014. EXHIBIT C Cwgor GordonREYNOLDS 48, 170 2 messages lorien@brazoria-county.com Tue, Dec 16, 2014 at 1:57 PM To: danielleprado@att.net, PSBittick@aol.com, cwgordon1@gmail.com Cc: cgd3@comcast.net Reynolds has been set for January 8, 2015 @ 10:00 in the JP Courtroom. Please let me know what Motions you would like to set. Thanks you! Lorie Novak Court Coordinator 300th District Court This message has been prepared or disseminated using resources owned by Brazoria County and is subject to the County's policies on the use of County provided technology. E¬mail created or received through the County's computer system by any County employee or official may be considered a public record, subject to public inspection under the laws of the State of Texas. PSBittick@aol.com Tue, Dec 16, 2014 at 2:10 PM To: danielleprado@att.net, cwgordon1@gmail.com Carl- If you'll agree to sign an Agreed Order to Release Funds from Registry and provide dates for Wilma's deposition, I will agree to pass the January 8 hearing. Please advise. Very truly yours, Law Offices of Peggy S. Bittick Peggy S. Bittick P.O. Box 1017 Pearland, Texas 77588 2206 East Broadway Suite A NOTICE' TIJ'IS DOCUMENT CONTAINS SENSITIVI': DATA. NO. 48170 IN THE INTEREST OF § IN THE DISTRICT COURT § § AND § 300TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT § § CHILDREN § BRAZORIACOUNTY,TEXAS MOTION FOR PAYMENT OF SANCTIONS AND FEES FROM REGISTRY OF COURT This Motion for Payment of Sanctions and Fees from Registry of Court is brought by Peggy S. Bittick, court-appointed amicus attorney for the children, - · In support, Peggy S. Bittick shows: On October 29, 2014, the Court ordered Respondent Wilma Reynolds and her attorney Carl Gordon to pay the sum of $5,525.00, as sanctions, to Peggy S. Bittick. A copy of the Court's order for sanctions is attached hereto as Exhibit A and fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Neither Respondent nor her attorney has paid any portion of this sum to Peggy S. Bittick. On December 4, 2014, the Court ordered Respondent Wilma Reynolds to pay the sum of $7,544.63, for fees and expenses, to Peggy S. Bittick. A copy of the Court's order for fees and expenses is attached hereto as Exhibit B and fully in.corporated herein by reference for all purposes. Respondent has not paid any portion of this sum to Peggy S. Bittick. Respondent Wilma Reynolds has deposited into the registry of the Court more than enough money to satisfy the sums described hereinabove. Peggy S. Bittick requests the Court issue an order directing the clerk to pay directly to Peggy S..Bittick the sum of $13,069.63 from MOTION JOR PAYMENT OF SANCTIONS AND FEES FROM IIEGISTRY OF COURT Page 1 of2 the registry of the Court. Peggy S. Bittick prays the Court grant this Motion for Payment of Fees and Sanctions from Registry of Court and direct the clerk to pay her the total amount of $13,069.63. Respectfully submitted, i .ck Stat o. 00793346 psbi ick@aol.com Amicus Attorney Certificate of Service I certify that a true copy of the above was served on each attorney of record or party in accordance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure on December Jl;?., 2014 as follows: Carl Gordon, viafacsimile ·ansmis, 'on, 713.636.2565 MOTION I!'OR PAYlVIENT OJ;' SANCTIONS AND FEI';S !'ROM REGISTRY OF CO~IRT Page 2 of2 .;~gc t:1 ot 10 From; Carl Gordon ·-.., .. _ ·. ·, ·. .. ,. '•' . . '·.\'·.. · '· ...... "• ·,,._· .. .. ' . ','"··' '' ..... , ·.,,' . ',. · . ' ·, :. ':. ·~. ', ~ ,, ":.·_-::·' ''····· . '. '•'' ... ·.. ·' '·.· :··.. '·... ..... · '.,' :-·.·· . ,, ·•. ····· '-.., .. ,, . '' ...,-~... >..·' ' : ~ ·. WILM~ '... .. R_EYI\)Q~DS< · , .. ·. •··. '•' .., ···-.·:.··... . .. ·.. ','··· .. '. '., .. ... 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'):'e~r;.. . ·· · · . rf;pi:et>~nting i:11e J?et).ti,oncr arid.Att9mey ,"f? · ·.·.. · $S~I3s9:oo · . . . ·· · : •·· ·.· · .·.· ·~· ·.·•·. . ··... ...l"~.~gi?;\' )'li~te~k $5;525;~0 · · ., ·.... , '' ·.. '·.' ', "•., ...... ··.·. ··.· . ·.·.·: •. ·.· . •· R,l(i>l?Pf!~<::n~. '\Yi)~'l.~. J3;~ynq18:;~ s.pq ne:r::.]\~t9~V.?Y~ C ·;Jl+9.~.b9v~ ~.':l.l:(ls .• t,s.··.It'"(e .~.bqye_fl~TJ;l!· ., ·. ··-:.::·.. ·. ·- '·: ....... _.·,. ··.: :::·. ',":, :·-:·' '·. ·... '.'' ·....···.•.· · · ',, SIGNEpi~,"l~q·thclayofQct.o[)er ~.Ql·4. ·····,'',''"' .,,'·'•,·· ... ·.·.··.':..::·."·.:.,_ '•,"> •.. ·... ,'··.. ··.·- .. :·.:·::., ····' ·.. : .... ·. • < i •.• •· · .· · · · ·.· · · .·.· . . ·. · .• : . · < · . ······ · .•·.·•···... ''· ..,,:.:.·•.· ...., .·,.· • ··.":.. >. .' "•.. . . . . ., '· ' . . . ' .. ' . .... .. _ : ' ··,, .. , ' ·.. , ', ··:·. ·.. '' ' ' ., .., ' '' .... ·.:···.. ·.... · \ .•..... • ." , .... ·... '·. '' . ''•. ' :·· .. ...... .. .. '·. '.: .. , '• .. ·,." >'·.>·:::':·:::. :·: ·. ·. , · '• ' '' ·.. :: ', ..., .· .•.,_·.' ··.,·' . .. :··· .'.'· ' ':,. ....· •. ·.·.·.······•.············ ··•···.. '··.·:.··:·_,._..-.·.:·· •, ", ·."~ ·,',' ' . .... '"·._':·· ' •, :.. '.·.·:., :..- ·,. .· •, ' . ·.,' ' : ···· .. . . ·.·,, .' '.. ., ': ..:-'' ~ :'· '' ·. ...., ... , '' ··. ... · ... , . ·.": .. ·..•·~. ''• . ' ., ' ..''·.·, . : ., .. ' ' '• "'· ',. ' ....... ''·· ·.. , ·.... . . ' . ' . ' ' :·. ... ·~ ·::- ' '.' ·' . .< . :·· .· .· . :::<··.·.... '' •.' . ' ·,·. ·. ' ···'·' ,• '•''·· ' ... . ''·. ,· ·· ... ·. .. . '•, ... . ,, ' • , . ·· ..:·. ' . . '· .... ... ..... ~- '"'" ............._, __... ,,,_............,_,,,, __ _ ............. ..,_. IN THE INTEREST OF § IN THE DISTRICT COURT § § 300TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT § § CHIL.DREN § BRAZORIA COUNTY, TEXAS ORDER FOR DEPOSIT OF ADDITIONAL FEES On December 4, 2014, the Court considered the Motion for Additional Deposit to Secure Fees of Peggy S. Bittick, Amicus Attorney. IT IS ORDERED that Wilma Reynolds, 'l!'••kl:', pay directly to Amicus Attorney, for APPROVED AS TO FORM ONLY: Law Offices of Peggy S. Bittick 2206 East Broadway, Suite A Pearland, Texas 77581 P.O. Box 10!7 Pearland, Texas 77588 Tel: 281 Fax: 2 .485.0 I I