Background
Christopher Goldmond sought supervisory review in connection with his application for postconviction relief in the 19th Judicial District Court, Parish of East Baton Rouge.
When Goldmond filed his writ application and supplements, however, the district court had not yet acted on the postconviction application.
The Court’s Holding
The Louisiana First Circuit denied the writ application as premature. Under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure article 930.6(A), a petitioner may invoke the court of appeal’s supervisory jurisdiction if the trial court dismisses the postconviction application or otherwise denies relief.
Because no such ruling had occurred when Goldmond sought review, there was no district-court decision for the appellate court to review. The court stated that Goldmond could seek review without obtaining a return date if the district court later dismisses his application, provided he files by November 24, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- A supervisory writ challenging postconviction proceedings is premature before the trial court rules on the application.
- Article 930.6(A) permits appellate supervisory review after dismissal or denial of postconviction relief.
- Any future writ filing must include the district court’s ruling and only materials helpful to reviewing that ruling.
Why It Matters
The decision underscores that postconviction litigants generally must obtain a trial-court ruling before seeking supervisory review. It also preserves Goldmond’s ability to pursue appellate review after a ruling, while setting a November 24, 2026 filing deadline.