'Affluenza' teen's appeal could spark long case

Lawyers for Ethan Couch won a delay in his deportation based on a constitutional appeal in Mexico that could lead to a weeks-long legal process.

Known as an "amparo," or protection, such appeals try to block a government action. In this case, Couch's attorneys are asking a judge to prevent authorities from deporting him or holding him without contact with lawyers, family members or visitors.

Authorities say the 18-year-old Couch, who used "affluenza" as a defense in a deadly drunken driving wreck in Texas, fled to Mexico with his mother after he may have violated his probation.

A federal judge has three days to rule on whether Couch's appeal is well-founded. If the judge rules in Couch's favor, there could be a trial process in Mexico that can last for weeks or even months.

Such appeals are unique in Mexico because they are precautionary. In this case, authorities would be prevented from moving forward with Couch's deportation until the issue of whether deportation would violate his rights is resolved.