X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

OPINION Pro se appellant Michael Reeves filed this litigation against appellee Central Houston Nissan asserting claims of deceptive advertising[1] and violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices–Consumer Protection Act (DTPA).[2] After the trial court rendered summary judgment in Central Houston Nissan’s favor, Reeves appealed. On September 21, 2020, after the parties filed briefs and the case was submitted to before filing this litigation, Reeves was found to be a vexatious litigant prohibited from filing new pro se litigation in Texas courts without seeking the permission of the local administrative judge of the court in which he intended to file the litigation.[3] See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. §§ 11.101(a), (e), .102(a)(1), .1035. There is no indication in the record before us that Reeves obtained the required permission to file this litigation, so it appears that this litigation was mistakenly filed by the trial court clerk.[4] As required by Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 11.1035(b), we ordered this appeal stayed. See id. § 11.1035(b). We further informed the parties that we would dismiss the litigation,[5] i.e., dismiss this appeal, vacate the trial court’s judgment, and dismiss the case in the trial court, unless no later than October 1, 2020, Reeves obtained an order from the local administrative judge for the 113th Judicial District Court of Harris County, where this litigation was filed, permitting filing of the litigation.[6] See id. (court to dismiss litigation if vexatious litigant does not obtain order “permitting the filing of the litigation” “not later than the 10th day after the date the [section 11.1035] notice is filed”); see also id. § 11.102(a)(1) (vexatious litigant must seek permission from “the local administrative judge of the type of court in which the vexatious litigant intends to file”).[7] Reeves did not submit evidence that he obtained the required order permitting filing of this litigation. Accordingly, we dismiss this appeal, vacate the trial court’s judgment, and dismiss the case in the trial court. See id. § 11.1035(b). /s/ Charles A. Spain Justice Panel consists of Justices Spain, Hassan, and Poissant.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
April 08, 2025 - April 09, 2025
Chicago, IL

Join General Counsel and Senior Legal Leaders at the Premier Forum Designed For and by General Counsel from Fortune 1000 Companies


Learn More
September 25, 2025
Dallas, TX

The Texas Lawyer honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in Texas.


Learn More
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More

COLE SCHOTZ P.C.MARKETING ASSISTANT- NEW JERSEY OFFICE: Prominent mid-Atlantic law firm with multiple regional office locations seeks a mar...


Apply Now ›

COLE SCHOTZ P.C.Prominent NJ based law firm with multiple regional offices seeks a Trust and Estate Administration Paralegal with 5 plus yea...


Apply Now ›

COLE SCHOTZ P.C.LEGAL PRACTICE ASSISTANT- NEW JERSEY OFFICE: Prominent mid-Atlantic law firm with multiple regional office locations seeks ...


Apply Now ›