CASAS v. STATE (2000)

MEMORANDUM OPINION

Francisco Javier Casas pleaded nolo contendere to sexual assault of a child, and, pursuant to a plea agreement, the court deferred an adjudication of guilt and placed him on community supervision for eight years.   After a contested hearing, the court adjudicated Casas's guilt and sentenced him to ten years' imprisonment.   Casas filed a general notice of appeal.

 An appellant who has pleaded nolo contendere in exchange for deferred adjudication must comply with appellate rule 25.2(b)(3) when he seeks to appeal a subsequent adjudication and sentencing.   See Craddock v. State, 32 S.W.3d 886, 887 (Tex.App.-Waco 2000, no pet. h.);   see also Manuel v. State, 994 S.W.2d 658, 662 (Tex.Crim.App.1999);  Watson v. State, 924 S.W.2d 711, 714-15 (Tex.Crim.App.1996) (both applying former appellate rule 40(b)(1)).   Casas's general notice of appeal does not comply with this rule.

 Because Casas's notice of appeal does not comply with rule 25.2(b)(3), we do not have jurisdiction over this appeal.   See Craddock, 32 S.W.3d at 887;  Okigbo v. State, 960 S.W.2d 923, 925 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 1998, pet. ref'd).   The time for perfecting his appeal has elapsed, so this defect cannot be corrected.   See State v. Riewe, 13 S.W.3d 408, 413-14 (Tex.Crim.App.2000);  Craddock, 32 S.W.3d at 888.   Accordingly, we dismiss this appeal for want of jurisdiction.

Although I remain convinced that Craddock v. State was incorrectly decided, the court correctly applies that decision in this appeal.  Craddock v. State, 32 S.W.3d 886 (Tex.App.-Waco, 2000).   Accordingly, I join the court's opinion and will hereafter do so in similar circumstances.

DAVIS, Chief Justice.

Justice, VANCE concurring.