In Re Rita Elizabeth Jones, Individually and on Behalf of the Estate of Estela Tibuni Romano, A/K/ Estella Tibuni Romano, Stella Tibuni Romano v. the State of Texas
Court
Court of Appeals of Texas
Decided
June 17, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Importance
44%
Practice Areas
Case Summary
COURT OF APPEALS EIGHTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS EL PASO, TEXAS IN RE § 08-25-00147-CV RITA ELIZABETH JONES, § AN ORIGINAL PROCEEDING INDIVIDUALLY and ON BEHALF OF THE ESTATE OF ESTELA TIBUNI § IN MANDAMUS ROMANO, DECEASED, A/K/ ESTELLA TIBUNI ROMANO, STELLA TIBUNI § ROMANO § Relator. MEMORANDUM OPINION Relator Elizabeth Rita Jones 1 has filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of this original proceeding. See Tex. R. App. P. 42.1(a)(1) (governing voluntary dismissals). The motion is granted, and this original proceeding is dismissed. Further, we deny the request made by the Real Party in Interest for sanctions pursuant to Tex. R. App. P. 52.11. All pending motions are denied as moot. Court costs are assessed against Relator. See Tex. R. App. P. 42.1(d) (court to tax costs against relator absent agreement of the parties). MARIA SALAS MENDOZA, Chief Justice June 17, 2025 Before Salas Mendoza, C.J., Palafox, J., and Rodriguez, C.J. (Ret) Rodriguez, C.J. (Ret.) (Sitting by Assignment) 1 Individually and on behalf of the Estate of Estela Tibuni Romano, Deceased, a/k/ Estella Tibuni Romano, Stella Tibuni Romano.
Case Details
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Status
Decided
Date Decided
June 17, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
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Case Overview
Case Name: In Re Rita Elizabeth Jones, Individually and on Behalf of the Estate of Estela Tibuni Romano, A/K/A Estella Tibuni Romano, Stella Tibuni Romano v. the State of Texas
Citation: Unknown
Court: Court of Appeals of Texas (Federal)
Date: June 17, 2025
Jurisdiction: San Antonio (SA)
This case involves a voluntary dismissal motion filed by Rita Elizabeth Jones on behalf of the estate of Estela Tibuni Romano, deceased. The Court of Appeals of Texas addressed the procedural aspects of the dismissal and the implications of court costs.
Key Legal Issues
- Voluntary Dismissal: The legal framework governing voluntary dismissals under Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 42.1(a)(1).
- Sanctions Request: Examination of the request for sanctions by the Real Party in Interest under Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 52.11.
Court's Decision
The Court granted the motion for voluntary dismissal, resulting in the dismissal of the original proceeding. The request for sanctions was denied, and all pending motions were deemed moot. The court costs were assessed against the Relator, Rita Elizabeth Jones.
Legal Reasoning
The court's decision was based on the application of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure. The court emphasized the authority of a relator to voluntarily dismiss a case, highlighting the procedural rights available to parties in appellate proceedings. The denial of sanctions was grounded in the absence of sufficient grounds to impose such penalties under the applicable rules.
Key Holdings
- The motion for voluntary dismissal was granted, leading to the dismissal of the original proceeding.
- The request for sanctions was denied, indicating that the court found no merit in the Real Party in Interest's claims for penalties.
- Court costs were assessed against the Relator, following the standard procedural rules.
Precedents and Citations
- Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 42.1(a)(1): Governs voluntary dismissals.
- Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 52.11: Addresses sanctions in appellate proceedings.
Practical Implications
This case underscores the importance of understanding procedural rights in appellate courts, particularly regarding voluntary dismissals. Legal practitioners should note the following:
- Strategic Use of Dismissals: Parties may utilize voluntary dismissals strategically to avoid unfavorable rulings or to re-evaluate their legal strategies.
- Sanctions Considerations: The denial of sanctions suggests that courts may require a high threshold for imposing penalties, emphasizing the need for substantial evidence when making such requests.
- Cost Implications: Parties should be aware that court costs can be assessed against them in voluntary dismissals, impacting the financial aspects of litigation.
In conclusion, the case of In Re Rita Elizabeth Jones serves as a significant reference for legal professionals navigating the complexities of appellate procedures in Texas, particularly concerning voluntary dismissals and associated costs.
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Case Details
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Status
Decided
Date Decided
June 17, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
Legal Significance
Case importance metrics
Metadata
Additional information
Quick Actions
Case management tools