In his first issue, Stewart argues that the trial judge should have been disqualified because the judge acted as the prosecutor in one of Stewart's previous convictions, and presided over another previous conviction. He argues that this issue may be raised for the first time on appeal. In his second issue, he asserts that several jurors were biased and should have been disqualified, and a juror favorable to the defense was erroneously excused based on the juror's views concerning factual issues in the case. In issue three, Stewart argues trial counsel was ineffective for failing to suppress evidence obtained without a warrant; failing to prevent the State from mentioning his criminal past during voir dire; failing to disqualify biased jurors; and failing to make more objections at trial. Stewart also appears to challenge the factual sufficiency of the evidence supporting his conviction.
The Court of Criminal Appeals directs that the reviewing court not address the merits of issues raised in Anders briefs or pro so responses. Bledsoe v. State, 178 S.W.3d 824, 826-27 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005). An appellate court may determine either: (1) "that the appeal is wholly frivolous and issue an opinion explaining that it has reviewed the record and finds no reversible error"; or (2) "that arguable grounds for appeal exist and remand the cause to the trial court so that new counsel may be appointed to brief the issues." Id.
We have determined this appeal is wholly frivolous. This Court has independently examined the clerk's record and the reporter's record, and finds no arguable error. See id. Appointment of new counsel is not required. Compare Stafford v. State, 813 S.W.2d 503, 511 (Tex. Crim. App. 1991). Appellant is free to file a petition for discretionary review raising error by this Court in the instant appeal. (2) See Bledsoe, 178 S.W.3d at 827. We affirm the trial court's judgment.
AFFIRMED.
DAVID GAULTNEY
Justice
Submitted on June 19, 2007
Opinion Delivered September 12, 2007
Do Not Publish
Before McKeithen, C.J., Gaultney and Horton, JJ.
1. See Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S. Ct. 1396, 18 L. Ed. 2d 493 (1967); High v. State, 573 S.W.2d 807 (Tex. Crim. App. 1978).
2. However, while an appellant has a right to file a petition for discretionary review with the Court of Criminal Appeals, review is not a matter of right. Bledsoe, 178 S.W.3d at 827 n.6 (citing Tex. R. App. P. 66.2; Tex. Const. art. V, §5(b)).