Virginia Adams v. The State of Texas

Summary

The Tenth Court of Appeals of Texas abated Virginia Adams’s criminal appeal after her appellate attorney filed an Anders brief and Adams requested appointment of new counsel. The court directed the trial court to conduct a hearing within 30 days to determine whether Adams was entitled to new counsel and, if so, to notify the appellate court of the new attorney’s identity.

Holdings

1. In light of Adams's allegations of dissatisfaction with her appellate attorney's representation, the appellate court abated the appeal and required the trial court to determine whether Adams was entitled to appointment of new counsel.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Adams's request for new appellate counsel required the appellate court to abate the appeal for a trial-court determination of whether she was entitled to new counsel.

Disposition

other