FROM CAUSE NO. 99-09-0041-C-CR-A IN THE 97TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF CLAY COUNTY
Per curiam.
This is an application for a writ of habeas corpus which was transmitted to this Court pursuant to the provisions of Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.07. Applicant pleaded guilty to the offense of arson, and punishment was assessed at eight years' confinement. No direct appeal was taken.
Applicant contends that he is being denied due process under this Court's decision in Ex parte Retzlaff, 135 S.W.3d 45 (Tex. Crim. App. 2004). According to Applicant, he has been considered for release to mandatory supervision four times, and each time he has received notice that he has been denied release prior to the date upon which he was notified that his review would take place.
The trial court has not entered findings of fact or conclusions of law. We believe that Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief. Therefore, it is this Court's opinion that additional facts need to be developed and because this Court cannot hear evidence, the trial court is the appropriate forum. The trial court may resolve those issues as set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.07, § 3 (d), in that it may order affidavits, depositions, or interrogatories from TDCJ and the Board of Pardons and Paroles, or it may order a hearing. In the appropriate case the trial court may rely on its personal recollection. If the trial court elects to hold a hearing, the court shall first decide whether Applicant is indigent. If the trial court finds that Applicant is indigent and Applicant desires to be represented by counsel, the trial court will then, pursuant to the provisions of Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04, appoint an attorney to represent him at the hearing.
Following receipt of additional information, the trial court shall make findings of fact as to whether Applicant is eligible for mandatory supervision. If he is eligible, the court shall make findings as to his eligibility date, the dates upon which he was notified he would be reviewed and the dates upon which he was denied release. Along with its findings, the trial court shall include copies of any notices sent to Applicant regarding the mandatory supervision review process. The trial court shall also make any further findings of fact and conclusions of law it deems relevant and appropriate to the disposition of the application for writ of habeas corpus.
Because this Court does not hear evidence, Ex Parte Rodriquez, 334 S.W.2d 294 (Tex. Crim. App. 1960), this application for a post-conviction writ of habeas corpus will be held in abeyance pending the trial court's compliance with this order. Resolution of the issues shall be accomplished by the trial court within ninety days of the date of this order. (1) A supplemental transcript containing all affidavits and interrogatories or the transcription of the court reporter's notes from any hearing or deposition, along with the trial court's supplemental findings of fact and conclusions of law, shall be returned to this Court within one hundred and twenty days of the date of this order. (2)
IT IS SO ORDERED THIS THE 29th DAY OF MARCH, 2006.
EN BANC
DO NOT PUBLISH
1.
In the event any continuances are granted, copies of the order granting the continuance should be provided to this Court.2.
Any extensions of this time period should be obtained from this Court.