IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS
FROM BEXAR COUNTY
OPINION
This is an application for a writ of habeas corpus which was transmitted to this Court by the clerk of the trial court pursuant to the provisions of Article 11.07, V.A.C.C.P. Ex Parte Young, 418 S.W.2d 824 (Tex. Crim. App. 1967). In two counts, Applicant was convicted of sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child by contact in the second-degree. With regard to each count, his sentences were assessed at fifteen years confinement. Although Applicant attempted to appeal his convictions by filing a motion for an out-of -time appeal, the Fourth Court of Appeals denied the motion and dismissed his case for want of jurisdiction. Garza v. State, No. 04-02-00475-CR (Tex. App. -- San Antonio 2003, no pet.).
Applicant contends that he was deprived of his right to appeal because trial counsel failed to have another attorney appointed (or to file a notice of appeal) before he filed a motion to withdraw from Applicant's case. Additionally, Applicant alleges that he was denied his right to appeal because the trial court failed to appoint appellate counsel in a timely manner.
The trial court has found that applicant is entitled to an out-of-time appeal. We agree.
Applicant is entitled to an out-of-time appeal in cause number 2000CR0547 from the 226th Judicial District Court of Bexar County, Texas. Applicant is ordered returned to that point in time at which he may give a written notice of appeal so that he may then, with the aid of counsel, obtain a meaningful appeal. For purposes of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, all time limits shall be calculated as if the sentences had been imposed on the date that the mandate of this Court issues. We hold that should Applicant desire to prosecute an appeal, he must take affirmative steps to see that a written notice of appeal is given within thirty days after the mandate of this Court has issued.
DELIVERED: January 28, 2004
DO NOT PUBLISH