The wheels of justice sometimes turn slowly, and in the case of Charles Wagner versus Lamar University, Lamar University Police Department, and Hector Flores, the appellant has been granted a bit more time to prepare his arguments. The Fifteenth Court of Appeals in Austin, Texas, has approved an unopposed request for an extension, giving Wagner’s legal team until November 10, 2025, to file their brief.
The Request and the Reason
The initial deadline for Wagner’s brief was October 9, 2025. His attorneys, Brandon P. Monk and Larry Watts, filed a motion requesting a 30-day extension. The primary reason cited for the extension was scheduling conflicts. The motion detailed a series of deadlines and events that made it difficult to meet the original deadline.
These scheduling conflicts included:
* Out of Office: September 10, 2025 – September 22, 2025
* Case Hearing: September 23, 2025 – Case No. 9- 24-cv-00221 – Torres v. City of Ivanhoe
* Deposition: September 29, 2025 – Escobedo for Maida v. Hamilton Homebuilers, et al
* Mediation: September 30, 2025 – Case No. 23DCCV1820 Myers v. Lion Elastomers
* Mediation: October 2, 2025 – Cause No. D- 208,503; Martin, et al v. Meza
* Oral Argument: October 8, 2025 – 24-40704 Murphy v. Beaumont ISD – 5th Circuit Court of Appeal in New Orleans (out for travel)
* Oral Argument: October 9, 2025 – 24-40704 Murphy v. Beaumont ISD – 5th Circuit Court of Appeal in New Orleans
These commitments, the motion argued, made it necessary to request additional time to properly prepare the brief. The attorneys emphasized that this was their first request for an extension.
No Opposition from the Other Side
Crucially, the motion stated that Wagner’s counsel had conferred with the opposing counsel for the appellees (Lamar University, Lamar University Police Department, and Hector Flores). The appellees did not object to the extension. This lack of opposition likely played a significant role in the court’s decision to grant the request.
Ensuring a Fair Process
The court’s decision underscores the importance of allowing attorneys sufficient time to prepare their cases. It also highlights the collaborative nature of the legal process, where opposing counsel can agree on extensions to ensure fairness and thoroughness. The court also ensured that the request for extension was not made to delay the case.
What Happens Next?
With the extension granted, Wagner’s attorneys now have until November 10, 2025, to file their brief. This brief will likely outline the arguments and legal reasoning supporting Wagner’s appeal. The appellees will then have an opportunity to respond, and the court will ultimately consider both sides’ arguments before making a ruling. The case continues to move forward, albeit with a slightly adjusted timeline.