Leah Michal Rauhut v. the City of Killeen and Killeen Animal Services
Court
Court of Appeals of Texas
Decided
June 18, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Importance
44%
Practice Areas
Case Summary
TEXAS COURT OF APPEALS, THIRD DISTRICT, AT AUSTIN NO. 03-25-00303-CV Leah Michal Rauhut, Appellant v. The City of Killeen and Killeen Animal Services, Appellee FROM THE COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO. 1 OF BELL COUNTY NO. 24CCV01470, THE HONORABLE PAUL A. MOTZ, JUDGE PRESIDING MEMORANDUM OPINION Appellant Leah Michal Rauhut filed a motion with this Court challenging the trial court’s “denial of her certificate of indigency.”1 See Tex. R. Civ. P. 145(g)(1); see also Tex. R. App. P. 20.1(b) (providing procedure for establishing inability to pay court costs on appeal). This Court requested a response from Rauhut demonstrating that she timely filed her Rule 145 motion within ten days of a signed order of the trial court or within fifteen days of such order with demonstrated good cause. See Tex. R. Civ. P. 145(g). Rauhut timely filed a response with this Court but has not demonstrated that she timely filed her Rule 145 motion with this Court within ten or fifteen days of a signed order of the trial court requiring her to pay court costs and finding that she is not indigent. Based on the 1 Rauhut’s motion also prayed for leave to file a motion to request the reporter’s record without charge pursuant to Rule 145(g)(3). That rule requires the trial court to provide a reporter’s record of “all trial court proceedings on the declarant’s claim of indigence” without charge. See Tex. R. Civ. P. 145(g)(3). record before us, it does not appear that the trial court has signed an order memorializing any ruling on Rauhut’s affidavit of indigency. Unless and until an order in compliance with Rule 145(f) has been signed, this Court cannot review the merits of the trial court’s purported “denial” of Rauhut’s affidavit of indigency. See id. R. 145(f); Tello v. Office of Att’y Gen., No. 03-22- 00668-CV, 2022 WL 17490997, at *2 (Tex. App.—Austin Dec. 8, 2022, no pet.) (mem. op.). Accordingly, we dismiss this cause for want of jurisdiction. See Tello, 2022 WL 1740997, at *2. _________________________________________ Karin Crump, Justice Before Justices Triana, Theofanis, and Crump Dismissed for Want of Jurisdiction Filed: June 18, 2025 2
Case Details
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Status
Decided
Date Decided
June 18, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
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Case Summary
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Case Overview
Case Name: Leah Michal Rauhut v. the City of Killeen and Killeen Animal Services
Citation: Unknown
Court: Court of Appeals of Texas (federal)
Date: June 18, 2025
Jurisdiction: SA
In the case of Leah Michal Rauhut v. the City of Killeen and Killeen Animal Services, the Texas Court of Appeals addressed the appeal concerning the denial of Rauhut's certificate of indigency. The appeal arose from the County Court at Law No. 1 of Bell County, presided over by Judge Paul A. Motz.
Key Legal Issues
- Indigency Certificate: The primary issue was whether Rauhut could demonstrate her inability to pay court costs on appeal.
- Timeliness of Filing: The Court examined whether Rauhut timely filed her motion under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145.
Court's Decision
The Texas Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal for want of jurisdiction. The Court found that Rauhut failed to demonstrate compliance with the procedural requirements necessary for the Court to review the merits of her indigency claim.
Legal Reasoning
The Court's decision hinged on the following points:
- Rauhut did not provide evidence that she timely filed her Rule 145 motion within the required ten or fifteen days following the trial court's order.
- The Court noted that without a signed order from the trial court regarding Rauhut's affidavit of indigency, it lacked jurisdiction to consider the appeal.
- The Court referenced Tello v. Office of Att’y Gen., emphasizing that an order in compliance with Rule 145(f) must be signed for the Court to have jurisdiction.
Key Holdings
- The appeal was dismissed due to a lack of jurisdiction.
- The Court cannot review the merits of the trial court’s purported denial of the affidavit of indigency without a signed order.
Precedents and Citations
- Tello v. Office of Att’y Gen., No. 03-22-00668-CV, 2022 WL 17490997 (Tex. App.—Austin Dec. 8, 2022, no pet.)
- Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145(g)(1) and 145(f)
- Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 20.1(b)
Practical Implications
This case underscores the importance of adhering to procedural rules when filing for an indigency certificate. Legal practitioners should note the following implications:
- Timeliness is Crucial: Parties must ensure that motions are filed within specified timeframes to avoid dismissal for lack of jurisdiction.
- Signed Orders are Essential: Without a signed order from the trial court, appellate courts may lack the jurisdiction to review cases, particularly in matters concerning indigency.
In summary, the dismissal of Leah Michal Rauhut's appeal highlights the critical nature of procedural compliance in the Texas judicial system, particularly regarding indigency claims. Legal professionals should remain vigilant in ensuring that all procedural requirements are met to maintain the right to appeal.
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Case Details
Legal case information
Status
Decided
Date Decided
June 18, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
Legal Significance
Case importance metrics
Metadata
Additional information
Quick Actions
Case management tools