365 P.3d 779
Wyo.
2016

Steven M. PORVAZNIK, Appellant (Defendant), v. The STATE of Wyoming, Appellee (Plaintiff).

No. S-15-0201.

Supreme Court of Wyoming.

Jan. 6, 2016.

2016 WY 2

779

ORDER AFFIRMING THE DISTRICT COURT‘S JUDGMENT AND SENTENCE.

E. JAMES BURKE, Chief Justice.

[¶ 1] This matter came before the Court upon its own motion following notification that Appellant has not filed a pro se brief within the time allotted by this Court. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Appellant entered an unconditional “no contest” plea to one count of aggravated assault and battery. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-2-502(a)(ii). The district court imposed a sentence of six to nine years. Appellant filed this appeal to challenge the district court‘s February 20, 2015, “Judgment Upon Plea of No Contest” and its June 30, 2015, “Sentence.”

[¶ 2] On November 6, 2015, Appellant‘s court-appointed appellate counsel filed a “Motion to Withdraw as Counsel,” pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 744, 87 S.Ct. 1396, 1400, 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967). On November 9, 2015, this Court entered an “Order Granting Motion for Extension of Time to File Pro Se Brief.” This Court ordered that, on or before December 28, 2015, Appellant “may file with this Court a pro se brief specifying the issues he would like this Court to consider in this appeal.” This Court also provided notice that, after the time for filing a pro se brief expired, this Court would “make its ruling on counsel‘s motion to withdraw and, if appropriate, make a final decision on this appeal.” This Court notes that Appellant has not filed a pro se brief or other pleading in the time allotted.

[¶ 3] Now, following a careful review of the record and the ”Anders brief” submitted by appellate counsel, this Court finds that appellate counsel‘s motion to withdraw should be granted and the district court‘s “Judgment Upon Plea of No Contest” and “Sentence” should be affirmed. It is, therefore,

[¶ 4] ORDERED that the Wyoming Public Defender‘s Office, court-appointed counsel for Appellant, Steven M. Porvaznik, is hereby permitted to withdraw as counsel of record for Appellant; and it is further

[¶ 5] ORDERED that the district court‘s February 20, 2015, “Judgment Upon Plea of No Contest” and its June 30, 2015, “Sentence” be, and the same hereby are, affirmed.

[¶ 6] DATED this 6th day of January, 2016.

BY THE COURT:

/s/ E. JAMES BURKE

Chief Justice