Jacob Aaron Vera v. The State of Texas

Summary

The Seventh Court of Appeals of Texas abates Jacob Aaron Vera’s appeals because the reporter’s record was overdue and had not been filed. The court remands the causes to the trial court to determine the status of the record, the reasons for delay, the time required for completion, and whether a substitute reporter is necessary.

Holdings

1. When the reporter's record is not timely filed, the appellate court may abate the appeal and remand the cause for proceedings necessary to determine the status of the record, address the reasons for delay, and preserve the parties' appellate rights.
2. On remand, the trial court must determine what tasks remain to complete the reporter's record, why those tasks have not been completed, the reasonably necessary completion time, and whether the reporter can complete the work within that time; if completion, certification, and filing will require more than thirty days, the trial court must arrange for a substitute reporter.

Questions Presented

1. What action should the appellate court take when the reporter's record has not been timely filed and the reporter has not communicated regarding the delay?
2. What findings and corrective measures must the trial court undertake to facilitate completion and filing of the reporter's record?

Disposition

remanded