Commonwealth v. Alvarez

The defendant, who appears pro se, appeals from *439an order of a single justice of this court denying the defendant’s motion to reinstate his direct appeal, which had been dismissed on the defendant’s motion under Mass.R.A.P. 29(b), as amended, 378 Mass. 943 (1979). We vacate the order and remand this matter to the single justice for the appointment of screening counsel to determine whether and in what forum further efforts should be made to restore the defendant’s appellate rights.

1. Background. On December 11, 2002, after a jury trial, the defendant was convicted of trafficking in cocaine in…