The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a motion by appointed counsel to withdraw from representing the defendant. The court dismissed the appeal after finding no nonfrivolous issues for appellate review.
Mario Alberto Almanzan-Mata appealed a conviction from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. The Federal Public Defender appointed to represent him moved for leave to withdraw and filed a brief in accordance with Anders v. California and United States v. Flores.
The court’s reasoning
The court reviewed counsel’s brief and the relevant portions of the record. It concurred with counsel’s assessment that the appeal presented no nonfrivolous issue for appellate review.
What it means going forward
The defendant’s appeal is terminated, and appointed counsel is relieved of further duties in the case.
