IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS
CAUSE NUMBER 2003-402708 IN THE 137TH DISTRICT COURT
FROM LUBBOCK COUNTY
Per Curiam.
O P I N I O N
This is a post-conviction application for a writ of habeas corpus forwarded to this court in accord with Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.07, § 3, et seq.. In August 2003, Applicant pled guilty to assault, the trial court deferred adjudication of guilt, and placed Applicant on community supervision for six years. In January 2004, the court adjudicated Applicant guilty and sentenced him to confinement for eight years. The court of appeals dismissed Applicant's appeal because of an untimely notice of appeal. Flores v. State, No. 07-04-00065-CR (Tex.App. - Amarillo, delivered April 30, 2004, no pet.).
Applicant contends he was denied his right to appeal because of ineffective assistance of counsel. The trial court has filed findings of fact and conclusions of law recommending Applicant not be granted an out-of-time appeal. We disagree. Counsel was appointed to represent Applicant on the motion to adjudicate and never withdrew from representation of Applicant. Although Applicant initially indicated a desire to hire different counsel, ultimately, he did not and remained in contact with counsel about his appeal. Counsel knew Applicant desired to appeal, but filed a late notice of appeal and failed to request an extension of time under Tex.R.App.P. 26.3. See Ex parte Axel, 757 S.W.2d 369 (Tex. Crim. App. 1988). Accordingly, Applicant was denied his right to appeal.
Habeas corpus relief is granted and Applicant is given an out-of-time appeal from his conviction in cause number 2003-402708 from the 137th District Court of Lubbock County. The proper remedy in a case such as this is to return Applicant to the point at which he can give notice of appeal. For purposes of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, all time limits shall be calculated as if the conviction had been entered on the day that the mandate of this Court issues. We hold that Applicant, should he desire to prosecute an appeal, must take affirmative steps to see that notice of appeal is given within thirty days after the mandate of this Court has issued.
DO NOT PUBLISH
DELIVERED APRIL 6, 2005