X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

MAJORITY OPINION On October 30, 2020, relator Manuel Pena filed a petition for writ of mandamus in this court. See Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. § 22.221; see also Tex. R. App. P. 52. In the petition, relator asks this court to compel the Honorable Abigail Anastasio, presiding judge of the 184th District Court of Harris County, to forward all records in relator’s jury trial to relator for the purpose of preparing an application for writ of habeas corpus. To be entitled to mandamus relief, a relator must show (1) that the relator has no adequate remedy at law for obtaining the relief the relator seeks; and (2) what the relator seeks to compel involves a ministerial act rather than a discretionary act. In re Powell, 516 S.W.3d 488, 494–95 (Tex. Crim. App. 2017) (orig. proceeding). Indigent defendants do not have the right to a free record for collateral attacks on their convictions. In re Bonilla, 424 S.W.3d 528, 532 (Tex. Crim. App. 2014) (orig. proceeding). A trial court has the discretion to deny a request for a free record for use in preparing a post-conviction writ application. In re Alvarez, 582 S.W.3d 553, 555 (Tex. App.Waco 2019, orig. proceeding). Because the trial court has the discretion to deny relator’s request for a free record for use in a potential post-conviction application for writ of habeas corpus, relator has failed to show that his request for relief involves a ministerial act rather than a discretionary action. Moreover, as the party seeking mandamus relief, relator has the burden of providing this court with a sufficient record to establish his right to mandamus relief. In re Gomez, 602 S.W.3d 71, 73 (Tex. App.Houston [14th Dist.] 2020, orig. proceeding); In re Henry, 525 S.W.3d 381, 382 (Tex. App.Houston [14th Dist.] 2017, orig. proceeding). Relator has not met his burden. Relator has not included a sworn or certified copy of the subject order or a sworn or certified copy of every document that is material to relator’s claim for relief and was filed in the proceeding in the trial court. See Tex. R. App. P. 52.3(k)(1)(a); 52.7(1). Relator has not established that he entitled to mandamus relief. Accordingly, we deny relator’s petition for writ of mandamus. /s/ Kevin Jewell Justice Panel consists of Justices Jewell, Bourilot, and Wilson. (Bourliot, J., dissenting). Publish — Tex. R. App. P. 47.2(b).

 
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
September 18, 2024 - September 19, 2024
Dallas, TX

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


Learn More
October 15, 2024
Dallas, TX

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


Learn More
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

Prominent mid-Atlantic law firm with multiple regional office locations seeks a legal practice assistant (LPA) for our Boca Raton, FL. Offic...


Apply Now ›

Florida International University College of Law, South Florida s public law school, invites applicants for a contract position in Legal Skil...


Apply Now ›

LEGAL PRACTICE ASSISTANT- NEW JERSEY OFFICE: Prominent mid-Atlantic law firm with multiple regional office locations seeks a Legal Practice...


Apply Now ›