in the Matter of M. D., Jr.

TEXAS COURT OF APPEALS, THIRD DISTRICT, AT AUSTIN NO. 03-08-00660-CV In the Matter of M. D., Jr. FROM THE COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO. 1 OF BELL COUNTY NO. 60,460, HONORABLE EDWARD S. JOHNSON, JUDGE PRESIDING MEMORANDUM OPINION M.D. perfected an appeal from a judgment adjudicating him delinquent. The notice of appeal was signed by Mr. Lynn L. Libersky, the attorney who was retained to represent M.D. in the juvenile court. Mr. Libersky has advised the Court that he does not represent M.D. on appeal. Mr. Libersky has also told the Court that M.D. remains a juvenile. We have now received a motion to dismiss the appeal signed by M.D. alone. The appeal is abated and the cause is remanded to the trial court. The court shall conduct a hearing at which M.D. shall be present and represented by Mr. Libersky. The court shall advise M.D. of his right of appeal and, if it is appellant’s wish that the appeal be dismissed, the court shall make a record demonstrating that the waiver of appeal is voluntary and otherwise complies with the family code. See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 51.09 (West 2002). If, after being advised of his rights, M.D. desires to pursue the appeal, the trial court shall enter any orders necessary to secure M.D.’s rights. The reporter’s record of the hearing and copies of any orders shall be tendered for filing in this Court no later than thirty days from the date of this opinion. __________________________________________ Jan P. Patterson, Justice Before Justices Patterson, Waldrop and Henson Abated Filed: November 21, 2008 2