A Puerto Rico court dismissed an appeal filed by David Ramos Ortiz against Auto Kirei Inc., doing business as Auto Centro Chrysler. The court ruled that Ramos Ortiz's appeal was submitted too late, which means it cannot be heard. This decision impacts how consumers can challenge administrative decisions in Puerto Rico.

The case, titled David Ramos Ortiz v. Auto Kirei Inc., was filed under docket number TA2026RA00409. It highlights the importance of adhering to deadlines in legal proceedings, especially in consumer protection cases.

Background

David Ramos Ortiz, the appellant in this case, sought to challenge a decision made by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO) regarding a complaint he filed against Auto Kirei Inc. The specifics of the complaint were not detailed in the court opinion, but it involved automotive repair services provided by the company.

On June 11, 2026, DACO issued a resolution denying Ramos Ortiz's request for reconsideration of its earlier ruling. Following this, Ramos Ortiz filed a review of the administrative decision on July 17, 2026, which the court later deemed as submitted too late.

The Ruling

The Tribunal de Apelaciones de Puerto Rico, led by Judge Díaz Rivera and supported by Judges Rodríguez Casillas and Rodríguez Flores, ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to hear Ramos Ortiz's appeal because it was filed after the legal deadline. The court stated, "the Recurso de Revisión de Decisión Administrativa se presentó de forma tardía," meaning the review was submitted late.

The court emphasized the importance of jurisdiction in legal matters, stating that if a court does not have jurisdiction, it must dismiss the case without addressing the merits. The judges noted that Ramos Ortiz had until July 13, 2026, to file his appeal, but he submitted it four days late.

Impact

This ruling underscores the necessity for individuals to be vigilant about deadlines in legal processes, especially in administrative appeals. The court's decision serves as a reminder that late filings can result in the loss of the right to appeal, which can significantly affect consumers seeking redress against businesses.

The ruling may also influence future cases involving administrative decisions in Puerto Rico. It reinforces the principle that courts must strictly adhere to procedural rules, which can limit access to justice for those who miss deadlines.

What's Next

As the court dismissed the appeal for lack of jurisdiction, there are no further proceedings in this case. Ramos Ortiz cannot appeal this decision, as the dismissal is final. There are no related cases pending based on the information available in the court filing.