05/16/2023
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA
Case Number: DA 21-0260
DA 21-0260
_________________
STATE OF MONTANA,
Plaintiff and Appellee,
v. ORDER
DANIELLE WOOD,
Defendant and Appellant.
_________________
Appellant Danielle Wood seeks a ten-day extension of time to file her opening brief,
the Appellate Defender’s fourteenth request for an extension since this appeal was filed two
years ago. Counsel acknowledges that the Court’s March 31, 2023 order, granting an
extension until May 22, 2023, provided that no further extensions would be granted.
Counsel represents, however, that due to the complexity of the case, staffing turnovers, and
an anticipated motion for leave to file an overlength brief, she will not be able to meet that
deadline and needs the additional ten days. Appellant represents that the State takes no
position on her motion.
After the clear directive in its previous Order, the Court is reluctant to allow
additional time. It concludes that Appellant has presented sufficient circumstances, however,
to justify the final ten days. In the meantime, counsel should promptly contact opposing
counsel about her motion for overlength brief and present that motion for filing.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the motion for extension of time is GRANTED.
The opening brief shall be filed on or before June 1, 2023. The Court will not grant any
further extensions.
Electronically signed by:
Beth Baker
Justice, Montana Supreme Court
May 16 2023