Lancer Wayne Stokes v. The State of Texas

Summary

The Texas Sixth Court of Appeals affirmed Lancer Wayne Stokes’s conviction and twenty-two-year sentence for aggravated sexual assault of a child. Applying Anders v. California, the court independently reviewed the record, found no arguable grounds for appeal, granted appointed counsel’s motion to withdraw, and determined that no substitute counsel would be appointed.

Holdings

1. Counsel's professional evaluation of the record, explaining why no arguable grounds for appeal existed, satisfied the requirements of Anders v. California.
2. After independently reviewing the entire record and determining that the appeal was wholly frivolous and presented no arguable issue or reversible error, the court was required to affirm the trial court's judgment.
3. Because the appeal presented no reversible error, the court granted appointed counsel's motion to withdraw, and no substitute counsel was appointed.

Questions Presented

1. Whether appointed appellate counsel's Anders brief adequately demonstrated that the appeal presented no genuinely arguable issue.
2. Whether the appellate record contained any arguable issue or reversible error requiring reversal of the judgment.
3. Whether counsel should be permitted to withdraw after the court determined that the appeal was wholly frivolous.

Disposition

affirmed