Vasquez v. State

ON ORDER DISMISSING APPEAL

On the Court’s own motion, this appeal is dismissed for the following reasons.

Gerardo Vasquez was found guilty of two counts of incest, two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a familial child, and two counts of lewd and lascivious assault. Vasquez absconded prior to trial and was sentenced in absentia. Vasquez has had no contact with appellate counsel, who has nevertheless proceeded as if an appeal were so desired.

Where a defendant absconds and fails to return before the appellate process begins, the appropriate measure is to dismiss the appeal. See Abed v.…