X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Per Curiam. Antonio Taylor appeals from the denial of his motion for a new trial, which he filed in the trial court pursuant to a granted motion for an out-of-time appeal. Recent precedent from the Supreme Court, however, precludes us from addressing the merits of this appeal. Following a September 2017 bench trial, the trial court found Taylor guilty of entering an automobile, possession of tools for the commission of a crime, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and sentenced him that month as a recidivist under OCGA § 17-10-7 (a) and (c) to ten years with seven to be served in confinement and the balance to be served on probation. In June 2019, Taylor filed a motion to correct an illegal sentence, or in the alternative, a motion for an out-of-time appeal. The trial court conducted a hearing during which it limited its consideration to Taylor’s illegal sentence argument and denied the motion. Taylor subsequently filed an appeal of the denial order, which this Court dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. See Case No. A20A1865 (decided May 26, 2020). On remand, the trial court granted Taylor’s pending motion for an out-of-time appeal, and Taylor then filed a motion for a new trial. Following an evidentiary hearing, the trial court denied the motion for a new trial on the merits, and this appeal ensued. Recently, the Supreme Court eliminated the out-of-time appeal procedure in trial courts, holding that a trial court is “without jurisdiction to decide [a] motion for out-of-time appeal” on the merits because “there was and is no legal authority for motions for out-of-time appeal in trial courts.” Cook v. State, ___ Ga. ___, ___ (5) (___ SE2d ___) (2022 Ga. LEXIS 65, 2022 WL 779746) (slip op. at 82) (Case No. S21A1270, decided March 15, 2022). Cook also concluded that this holding applies to “all cases that are currently on direct review or otherwise not yet final[,]” id., and directed that “ pending and future motions for out-of-time appeals in trial courts should be dismissed, and trial court orders that have decided such motions on the merits . . . should be vacated if direct review of the case remains pending or if the case is otherwise not final.” Id. at ___ (4) (slip op. at 80-81). In light of Cook, Taylor had no right to file a motion for an out-of-time appeal in the trial court. Rutledge v. State, ___ Ga. ___, ___ (___ SE2d ___) (2022 Ga. LEXIS 64, 2022 WL 779586) (slip op. at 4) (Case No. S21A1036, decided March 15, 2022). Accordingly, the trial court’s order granting Taylor’s motion for an out-of-time appeal is vacated, and this case is remanded for the entry of an order dismissing Taylor’s motion. Additionally, given that Taylor’s motion for an out-of-time appeal was granted in this case, the trial court is directed to vacate any subsequent rulings on filings that the court lacked jurisdiction to decide without the granted out-of-time appeal, such as the May 20, 2021 order denying Taylor’s otherwise untimely motion for a new trial. Judgment vacated and case remanded with direction. Division Per Curiam. All Judges concur.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
June 20, 2024
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
May 15, 2024
Philadelphia, PA

The Legal Intelligencer honors lawyers leaving a mark on the legal community in Pennsylvania and Delaware.


Learn More
May 16, 2024
Dallas, TX

Consulting Magazine recognizes leaders in technology across three categories Leadership, Client Service and Innovation.


Learn More

We are seeking an associate to join our Employee Benefits practice. Candidates should have three to six years of employee benefits experienc...


Apply Now ›

Associate attorney position at NJ Immigration Law firm: Leschak & Associates, LLC, based in Freehold, NJ, is looking for a full time ass...


Apply Now ›

Duane Morris LLP has an immediate opening for a senior level, highly motivated litigation associate to join its dynamic and growing Employme...


Apply Now ›
04/29/2024
The National Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
04/15/2024
Connecticut Law Tribune

MELICK & PORTER, LLP PROMOTES CONNECTICUT PARTNERS HOLLY ROGERS, STEVEN BANKS, and ALEXANDER AHRENS


View Announcement ›
04/11/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›