The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals recently dismissed an appeal from Juan E. Verdejo Rivera, an inmate at the Ponce Principal Institution, due to a late filing. This decision affects Verdejo Rivera's attempt to challenge a disciplinary ruling against him and highlights the importance of adhering to legal timelines in correctional settings.

On June 30, 2026, the court ruled in case number TA2026RA00347 that Verdejo Rivera's appeal was not filed within the required timeframe. This ruling is significant as it underscores the strict deadlines that inmates must follow when contesting disciplinary actions taken against them by correctional authorities.

Background

Juan E. Verdejo Rivera, the appellant, was found guilty of violating disciplinary codes by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) on February 19, 2026. He was accused of possessing controlled substances and being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while incarcerated. Following a disciplinary hearing on February 12, 2026, an official examiner ruled against him.

After the ruling, Verdejo Rivera sought to challenge the decision by filing a motion for reconsideration on March 9, 2026. However, he did not receive a response from the DCR within the required 15-day period. On June 8, 2026, he filed an appeal with the Court of Appeals, arguing that the DCR's lack of response constituted an error.

The Ruling

The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Ronda Del Toro and joined by Judges Grana Martínez, Sánchez Báez, and Lotti Rodríguez, ruled that Verdejo Rivera's appeal was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. The court stated, "the present resource is dismissed for lack of jurisdiction as it was presented after the jurisdictional term."

The court explained that the DCR had 15 days to respond to Verdejo Rivera's request for reconsideration. Since the DCR did not act within that period, the request was deemed rejected on March 24, 2026. Verdejo Rivera then had until April 23, 2026, to file his appeal, but he did not do so until June 8, 2026, which was too late.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for inmates and their ability to challenge disciplinary actions. It emphasizes the necessity for inmates to understand and comply with legal deadlines when seeking appeals. Failure to adhere to these timelines can result in the loss of the right to contest decisions made by correctional authorities.

The court's decision reinforces the idea that strict adherence to procedural rules is essential in the judicial system, particularly in cases involving administrative agencies like the DCR. This ruling may serve as a precedent for future cases where inmates seek to appeal disciplinary actions, highlighting the importance of timely filings.

What's Next

Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Verdejo Rivera plans to appeal this decision further or if there are related cases pending. However, the ruling stands as a clear reminder of the importance of timely legal action in correctional settings.