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This case addresses the due process implications of section 263.405 of the Texas Family Code, which sets shortened post-trial deadlines for appeals in parental rights termination cases. Petitioner Lester Williams, an indigent parent, failed to timely file a statement of appellate points, leading the trial court to deny him an appellate record, deeming his appeal frivolous based solely on the late filing. The Supreme Court of Texas held that denying an indigent parent an appellate record due to a late-filed statement of points, particularly when the parent alleges ineffective assistance of counsel, violates due process. Citing In re J.O.A., the Court reiterated that once appellate review is established, it cannot be unduly restricted. The Court found the private interest in parental rights paramount, the risk of error significant given the circumstances, and the state's interest in expedited finality, while important, did not justify precluding an appeal without assessing its merits. Therefore, the Supreme Court reversed the appellate court's judgment and remanded the case for a complete appellate record to be prepared and the issues considered on their merits.
In Re BG is a workers' compensation case decided in Texas Supreme Court. This case addresses legal issues related to compensation claims, benefits, and court rulings.
It is commonly referenced in legal research involving workers' compensation laws in Texas Supreme Court.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
This case addresses the due process implications of section 263.405 of the Texas Family Code, which sets shortened post-trial deadlines for appeals in parental rights termination cases. Petitioner Lester Williams, an indigent parent, failed to timely file a statement of appellate points, leading the trial court to deny him an appellate record, deeming his appeal frivolous based solely on the late filing. The Supreme Court of Texas held that denying an indigent parent an appellate record due to a late-filed statement of points, particularly when the parent alleges ineffective assistance of counsel, violates due process. Citing In re J.O.A., the Court reiterated that once appellate review is established, it cannot be unduly restricted. The Court found the private interest in parental rights paramount, the risk of error significant given the circumstances, and the state's interest in expedited finality, while important, did not justify precluding an appeal without assessing its merits. Therefore, the Supreme Court reversed the appellate court's judgment and remanded the case for a complete appellate record to be prepared and the issues considered on their merits.
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