COURT OF APPEALS
SECOND DISTRICT OF TEXAS
FORT WORTH
NO. 2-09-190-CV
IN RE THEODIS DODSON, JR. RELATOR
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ORIGINAL PROCEEDING
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MEMORANDUM OPINION 1
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Relator asks this court to compel the trial court to rule on his motion for
DNA testing and request for counsel to assist with his motion for DNA testing
under chapter 64 of the code of criminal procedure. See Tex. Code Crim. Proc.
Ann. art. 64.01 (Vernon 2006).
Nothing in the record indicates that this motion has been presented to the
trial court. Presentment of the motion to the trial court is a prerequisite to
mandamus relief. See O’Connor v. First Court of Appeals, 837 S.W.2d 94, 97
(Tex. 1992) (“Mandamus will issue when there is a legal duty to perform a
non-discretionary act, a demand for performance, and a refusal.”); In re Chavez,
62 S.W.3d 225, 228 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 2001, orig. proceeding) (“Indeed,
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… See Tex. R. App. P. 47.4.
one can hardly be faulted for doing nothing if he were never aware of the need
to act.”). Accordingly, relator’s petition for writ of mandamus is denied.
PER CURIAM
PANEL: MCCOY, J.; CAYCE, C.J.; and LIVINGSTON, J.
DELIVERED: July 14, 2009
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