August 11, 2023
Snell Law secured a major victory for its client in the Amarillo Court of Appeals. The appellate court reversed a trial court’s decision in a libel and defamation suit.
The dispute arose from comments involving the firm’s client and his immigration practice to a Venezuelan news outlet. Snell Law’s lead attorney Jason Snell argued the comments were defamatory. The defendant filed a motion to dismiss under the Texas Citizens Participation Act (TCPA), claiming the lawsuit was a retaliatory action aimed at stifling his freedom of speech.
Snell successfully argued before the Court of Appeals that the TCPA motion was untimely, as it was filed more than sixty days after the defendant’s special appearance, and thus did not adhere to the TCPA’s strict deadlines. Additionally, the firm pointed out the defendant’s failure to provide twenty-one days advance notice of the hearing, another crucial TCPA requirement.
The appellate court agreed with the firm’s arguments, ruling the defendant forfeited the protections of the TCPA by missing critical deadlines. Consequently, the appellate court reversed the trial court’s decision and remanded the case for further proceedings.
ABOUT SNELL LAW
Based in Austin, Texas, Snell Law has proudly been providing excellent legal services since 2007. With diverse strengths in many areas of law, the firm’s accomplished team provides strong legal counsel and fierce courtroom representation on a wide range of civil litigation matters, including business and commercial disputes, real estate litigation, construction matters, and class action litigation.